Health Nuts: Mapping a Healthy Career (and Life!)

Coffee Table Book Travels the World

2009-11-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

The other day I had received an email from a fellow colleague involved in the Human Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (HENDPG) exhibiting a book. Taking into consideration my love for photography and humanitarianism, for the first time in a really long time, I judged a book by its cover and fell pretty hard in love with it...and I haven't even bought the book! THAT'S INTENSE.

A coffee table book that documents International Medical Corps 25 years of humanitarian response across 21 countries..."A THOUSAND WORDS: Photos From the Field", written and

edited by Stacey Twilley with a Foreword by CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour. Check out CNN Health's Story Highlight: "From Rwanda to Bosnia: Devastating impact of world's tragedies" talking about the book.

I'm intrigued to not only buy this coffee book but also by the International Medical Corps themselves. Who are they? What do they do? How can I get involved?

Who are they?

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

What do they do?

Mission: To improve the quality of care through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide.

How can I get involved?

There are three different ways I can get involved.

1. Donate (monetary, your car, tributes and memorial gifts, etc.)

2. Volunteer (become an emergency response (doctors/nurses), non-medical, or domestic volunteer)

3. Work with International Medical Corps (Current Job Openings)

Funny how much I was able to get out of a book on my Christmas list that I haven't even gotten yet! I hope Santa reads this post!

Thank you IMC for the photo!

Dream Job Search: Environmental Nutrition Ed.

2009-11-17T16:53:00.000-08:00

In regards to the healthcare field, you really can go anywhere. Earlier this morning I was on the phone with an old preceptor from my dietetic internship (public relations rotation) who provided me with some guidance as to my next step. Her advice for non-traditional job opportunities as a Registered Dietitian (RD)? Network, NETWORK LIKE NEVER BEFORE. Because if you decide to take the non-traditional route, you'll have to take a non-traditional approach down that route. This means, less utilization of job search engines, and more emailing, calling and researching (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, etc.) non-traditional RDs. And so, ladies and gentlemen, Monica continues to email, call and research her non-traditional, dream job.

This week's approach? Environmental Nutrition. Point of inspiration? FRESH, the movie.

Food/Nutrition Writer Sharon Palmer, RD wrote a blog about FRESH which I found refreshing. Refreshing in the sense that she had officially combined two things that intrigued me: environmental nutrition and writing.

My point is...what you want to do with your healthcare career is out there, you just have to make every effort to look for it. And sometimes, it's right under your fingertips (literally).

Happy research and networking! :)

The U.S. Air Force ... Keeping an Open Mind

2009-11-10T18:19:00.000-08:00

I feel like a rebel. I feel like a rebel because I have this itch to go against the norm. I have this inexplicable craving to avoid the 9 to 5's, as unavoidable as it may seem.

Picture this, healthcare opportunities...with the Air Force.

Did I lose you? Let's just say I understand. Let's just say that I've been there. About a year ago I got a call from an Army advisor, and after that first phone call I refused to pick up any other phone call. Not because I wasn't interested, because I probably was, it's just...in a way, I wasn't ready to be interested. I was scared. Scared because I know that my parents wouldn't want me to. Scared because it was an unknown territory that I wasn't sure I wanted to explore.

How did I get into it? A really good friend of mine started looking into it...I mean really looking into it. It's something he's always wanted to do since he was a kid, and he claims he's being hit by all kinds of signs to just do it already. He was able to answer all the questions I've been wondering about, which aided my suppressed curiosity towards a

If you're in the healthcare field, there's a place for you in the Air Force:

Physician Careers

Nursing Careers

Dentistry Careers

Allied Health Careers (Biomedical Sciences)

Health Services Administrator (Medical Services Corp)

As far as paying for school? The Air Force offers a Health Professions Scholarship Program, which provide the following:

tuition
textbooks
small equipment items and supplies required for study
monthly allowance of approximately $1,907 for living expenses

The catch? Be on active duty in the Air Force for 45 days while on scholarship and serve active duty for one year for each year of scholarship (minimum of three years).

The benefits...the benefits had me at...well, "BENEFITS":

Housing allowance (living expenses include utilities and maintenance for on-base housing and a monthly tax-free allowance for out-base residents)
Food allowance (receive a flat rate monthly; can save by shopping at tax-free, on-base department and grocery stores)
Compensation (salaries are competitive with those in the civilian sector, health professionals receive incentive pay & substantial annual bonuses)
Retirement (eligible to retire after 20 years of service with the Air Force = one of the earliest retirements around!)
Insurance (comprehensive medical and dental care provided and low-cost plans for eligible family members; temporarily disabled due to injury/illness? = still receive a salary!)

Last but not least, what will your life be like?

"A City Created Just For You" is what an Air Force base is like which includes restaurants, tax-free shopping, churches, schools, parks, and more
Enjoy 30 days of vacation with pay where you can take advantage of Air Force aircraft (in other words, fly around the world for free!)
On-base facilities (including gyms, golf courses, intramural leagues, swimming pools, etc) to keep you physically fit

The only thing holding me back is the thought of being away from my family and not knowing where I'd be deployed to. This explains why I may not be jumping at signing up for the Air Force, but my mind has definitely opened up to it. And an open mind....totally counts.

Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force Academy

The Attack of H1N1....IN MY HOUSE!

2009-11-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or are more and more people getting the swine flu? First my 10-year-old nephew, then his 8-year-old brother who slept over our house just last weekend, and now both my parents have been hit by the H1N1. And then there was Facebook...my niece had it and now an old colleague who says he got it from another mutual colleague. I'm trying not to freak out. I'm trying really, really, hard actually.

So what exactly am I doing to fight my chances of getting it?

Lysol...everything...including the air.
Hand sanitizers and obsessive-compulsive hand-washing.
Wear a jacket, even when "it's not that cold out."
Stocking up on oranges/tangerines.
Taking my multi-vitamins.
Eating right and hitting the gym.

I mean I know it sounds pretty self-explanatory, but considering my nutrition background and my strong desire to not get sick? Prevention is key for me right now. I'm ALL OVER prevention like a kid in line for free candy.

Last week, before my Mom (the nurse) got the swine flu, she gave us all a chart that distinguished symptoms between the common cold, the flu, and the swine flu. I thought it was very helpful to know the symptoms ahead of time to avoid future freak-outs if/when I do develop a symptom. And so, I Googled it...to share with the world. Find it here.

And because I just heard an advertisement for the City of Chicago on the Swine Flu on the radio, you can find more information here.

In other (ABC Action) news, H1N1 Concerns Spur Orange Juice Boom.

Swine Flu photo courtesy

An Inside Look at NURSING

2009-10-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Dedication: I dedicate this to my older brother, John, who just passed his board exam to become a Registered Nurse!

Nursing. A lot of people I know seem to be headed that direction. I mean, why wouldn't you? Considering the recession, the longer lifespan, and more elderly needing health care assistance...how can you say no? It's stable, pays really well, and the very best part? You can make as much money as you want by working more than the usual 40 hours a week.

I know because I've watched my mom do it all the time. Growing up, I knew that we were short on money when I would rarely ever see her. Including now. On top of working full-time as a Clinical Nurse Manager, she also picked up a part-time job at a nursing home and another one for a a home health care agency. It's non-stop work for her, but she's doing it and she's making the money to make ends meet.

And it's not just the money, there are other reasons why people choose nursing. You get to take care of people who legitimately need your help. You get to make them feel better, to make them smile. And the best part? You get to give reliable advice to your friends and family! It's not just work...it's a way of living.

Still not convinced?: 6 Excuses That Keep People From Nursing

All I'm saying is, if you're totally against nursing for some reason you cannot put a finger on, give it a chance. It just might be what you've been subconsciously dreaming about all your life.

On a lighter note, I found a "Nursing Community for Nurses" that's worth checking out at allnurses.com. A unique, online community for nurses to share their inputs on everything nursing! Including this...

Top Ten Reasons to Become a Nurse:

10. Pays better than McDonald's (though the hours aren't as good.)
9. Fashionable shoes and sexy uniforms.
8. Needles: 'tis better to give than to receive.
7. Confidence in reassuring patients that all bleeding stops ... eventually.
6. Opportunity to expose yourself to rare, exotic, and exciting new diseases.
5. Interesting aromas.
4. Courteous and infallible doctors who always leave clear orders in perfectly clear handwriting.
3. Admit it, it's a lot easier than med school.
2. Celebration of holidays with all your friends ... at work.
1. Comfort in the knowledge that most of your patients survive no matter what you do to them.

Nurses photo courtesy
Male Nurse Action Figure photo courtesy

This is the Part Where I Grow Up: Tests & Job Hunts

2009-10-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

My board exam to become a Registered Dietitian is Friday. This Friday. As in 3 days from now...Friday. It's coming, and I'm ready. I'm ready to take this test and grow up! And for those of you studying for midterms, here are a few tips for mental preparation and text anxiety:

Maintain a positive attitude!
Spend time visualizing success.
Praise yourself.
Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.
While you are taking the exam, if you feel yourself beginning to brew a storm of anxiety, stop what you're doing and mentally draw a blank.

Source: Breeding & Associates Educational Resources

It's all about attitude. You have to want to do this. You have to want to study and feel the need/desire to succeed. It's all but a mind game, right?

In other news, after I take this board exam it's all about the job hunt. I am determined to find a non-traditional position as a dietitian! It will be hard considering the fact that most job search engines have been only focused on positions in a clinical setting. Speaking of which, here are my top three job search engines that I highly recommend (and have been really helpful when searching for jobs in the health care field):

Simply Hired: www.simplyhired.com; The thing I love most about this is that after saving the jobs you are interested in, there is a column on the right next to the saved jobs where you can rate the position however you like. For example, for me, a position with 5 stars means that I really, really, really want the job. There's also some space for notes which I've used for my application process progress.
Indeed: www.indeed.com; My favorite thing about this website is that you can look up the average salary for the jobs you are seeking. This is helpful especially if money is a factor for you, because you can specify it to the location you please.
Experience: www.experience.com; Last but not least, I love Experience because not only does it offer job opportunities, but helps me brainstorm ideas for my non-traditional dream job as a dietitian. I really enjoy watching the videos from interns and/or other professionals.

Signed with hopes, dreams, and a big smile on my face,

Monica

P.S. Good luck with midterms and job hunting!

Study habits photo

Job search comic courtesy

Unaswered Questions? Go "Health Nuts!"

2009-10-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Last week, while studying for my board exam, I found myself at Panera Bread (indulging in their free wifi and coffee refills) talking to a friend of mine who is currently in her last year of pharmacy school.

"I wish I had a friend who was a dermatologist so she can tell me what the best lotion to get is from a local drug store," I said. That's where it started. It started with me, seeking a health professional to give me advice about lotion. But it's not just lotion, it's beyond lotion. I wanted to know the truth behind medications. I wanted to know the best cosmetics to get without spending $100. I wanted to know what I needed to know behind the label. As a Registered Dietitian to be, I'm very familiar with Nutrition Facts...but what about everything else?

Keeping the recession in mind and currently being unemployed, I couldn't help but think about everything else I've bought in the past just because it "seemed" like a good product based on the font, colors, and tag lines to certain products. I no longer want to be fooled. I want to be a smart consumer, and I'd like to be well-informed before making any purchases.

And this? This friendly conversation with my study buddy is what led me to come up with the top 3 reasons why to choose the healthcare field.

1. You get to know the truth behind the "truth."
You get to read all about it yourself, including evidence-based research explaining why things are how they are. You get to understand it all, and share the wealth of knowledge thereafter.

2. Jobs are still high in demand, even in this economic crisis.
People will continue to get sick, and will continue to seek medical help. That's just that.

3. Option of non-traditional job opportunities.
You don't have to just work at a hospital or nursing home, you have options too. It's just the matter of networking and thinking outside the box.

For a list of different health care careers with responsibilities and how to get there, read "Who Needs Med School?", an article I wrote for Experience.com not too long ago.

Lotion photo source

Olympics Volunteer, London 2012

2009-10-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

So I had a crazy idea! A light bulb moment at that. Not too long ago, I had blogged about healthcare opportunities that involve traveling. This time around, I'm looking into healthcare opportunities for...wait for it... THE OLYMPICS. It's a bummer that Chicago didn't win for hosting Olympics 2016 (not that I was hoping and praying that we would), because if we did, I would've been ALL over the opportunity to work for it.

What have I found? Well, London 2012 is currently planning their volunteer program in which they will be recruiting 70,000 volunteers to take part in London's Olympic and Paralympic Games. The bad news is, they're only recruiting volunteers from across the UK (although I'd give it a shot anyway). The good news? Well, they recruit volunteers for sport or medical training in which they will provide all the training at the highest standard!

I know what you're thinking...what's in it for us? We're in the US...not the UK. How do we get involved? I say...go for it anyway. Or if you're going to be London for whatever reason when their training program begins, lucky you! If not, wait for the Olympics at Rio de Janeiro, see if they have a volunteer program. But at least we know, it's out there!

Applications will open in 2012. For more information, click here.

Now this is what I call, thinking outside of the box: London 2012 edition!

Olympics photo courtesy

When I grow up, I wanna be a...Personal Trainer?

2009-10-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder what it takes to become a Personal Trainer? I did, today, and a bunch of other days prior to today. I usually think about it when I'm at the gym, watching personal trainers have sessions with their clients. I try to put myself in the client's shoes, who's clearly struggling doing lunges across the exercise room. And then, I put myself in the Personal Trainers shoes and wonder what they're thinking, how they're feeling...how they got there. I wondered what it'd be like to walk in their shoes...

What is the role of a Personal Trainer?

To instruct individual clients on the proper methods of exercising according to their age and fitness abilities.

Personal Trainers should have...

an outgoing personality
endless enthusiasm
patience
charisma
knowledge
teaching and listening skills
flexibility

What do I need to become one?

Personal Trainer Certification or bachelor's degree in exercise physiology (depending on the company)
Extensive experience with various types of exercise equipment
High level of physical fitness ("Your body is your own best advertisement!")

How much can I get paid?

Ranges from $25-500 per hour depending on client base, location and experience

Where do I begin?

To become certified, most organizations only require for you to be at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent and adult CPR Certification (which you can attain through your local community college). There is a whole list of well-known organizations that are NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredited. For example, through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), you can take the exam for $219-279. They offer a home study program and note that you would have to buy study materials and pay for expenses for workshops as well.

For Laughs...

Source: "Job Profile: Personal Trainer" by Experience.com and "How to Be a Personal Trainer"by Paige Waehner, About.com.

Photo courtesy to http://dietersden.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/personal-trainer1.243214116.jpg and http://www.carrieandjonathan.com/workingwednesday/personal%20trainer.gif

See the Dream. Hear the Dream. Speak the Dream.

2009-09-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

How many people out there know what the want when they want it?

Okay, how many of you know they want to work in the health care field?

Now, how many of you know exactly what you want to do in the health care field?

Anyone? You're not alone.

Sure, I know that I would like to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). I am making every effort to become that by studying intensely for this board exam. But what I want to know is...and then what? What am I going to do after that?

Lucky for us, health care isn't limited to just working in an office every single day. The best part about this field is... WE HAVE OPTIONS. For example, as an RD, I am not limited to work at a hospital. I can work as a consultant for an assisted living center, or as the nutrition expertise for a big public relations firm. I can also work at a weight loss camp for a summer and have housing and lodging covered, or work as a cookbook editor for a publishing company. Just because we decided to enter the health care field doesn't limit us from doing all the other things we want to do.

I'm currently job hunting on the side. Problem is, where do I want to start? Where do I want my first job to be? And for whatever reason, I refuse to just work wherever is available, for the sake of getting a job. I want my dream job. I want to work where I want to work. After all, I will be working there everyday, might as well love it.

First step in trying to figure out my niche? Create a "vision board." One of my preceptors during my dietetic internship suggested it.

What You Need:

1 posterboard

markers

1 pair of scissors

magazines, newspapers, articles

1 glue stick

It's quite simple and self-explanatory. Whatever you find that makes your heart skip a beat from excitement, put it on your vision board. It can be anything. You're not limited. And before you know it, it'll hit you like a piano off the 24th floor of a building...YOUR DREAM JOB.

I will be doing this to figure me out. Who's with me?!

Here's a video of an example from youtube.com (she's also from Chicago!). It's a little lengthy but she really breaks it down as to how you can approach creating YOUR VISION BOARD :) in a non-threatening way.

Health Nutty for...Michelle the Health Coach

2009-09-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this blog entry for those of you who are interested in the health care field but are not sure which direction to choose...or for those of you who are already in the field and in search for "something different". Choosing a career is always very difficult, especially when you're not really sure what you want to do. If you enjoy talking to people, have a positive attitude and are passionate about making this world a better place by strategically approaching one health care problem at a time...becoming a Health Coach just might be the thing for you!

Health Nutty Profile

Name: Michelle O.

Age: 28 years old

Occupation: Health Coach

What exactly do you do?

"I speak to people across the country looking to find some help with health related goals like increasing exercise, eating well, quitting smoking."

What type of educational background do you need for this job?

"Educational background can vary from Bachelor in Nutritition, Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Health Education, Nursing."

What is your favorite part of your day?
"My favorite part of the day is anytime I get off the phones and "it" clicks for people. When they realize that eating right or exercising can help them live longer, be stronger, avoid disease...you get off the calls and can't help but smile because it doesn't necessarily have to do with any one thing you said during the call, it's the sum of their life experiences combined with the nudging and information you give them a little at a time and then they come to the conclusion that they actually have the choice whether they quit smoking or lose weight or run that triathlon and that they control whether it happens or not...what we do is only hold them accountable for dreaming their dreams and helping them see it through."

What is the most challenging part of your day?
"The most challenging part of the day can be one where you just feel off your game...when you wonder if you inspired or allowed someone to believe in themselves enough to dare to step out on the ledge. Sometimes we talk to people that feel like "they have to" participate in our program. It's exciting when they allow themselves to look beyond their 4 call obligation....it's also frustrating when they don't. We're not supposed to be so caught up...it's supposed to be all on them whatever they choose to do but it's hard not wanting to help them see their potential."

Word of Advice?
"Overall, as a word of advice in any profession you seek out...look for ways to stand out and become involved. Be vocal about how you'd like to share what you can bring to the table because no one else may know how amazing you are at something until they know. Putting yourself out there to do things that go above and beyond can be fulfilling and allow others to respect that you care more than what your job description reads."

A special thank you goes out to Michelle O., my fellow NIU Nutrition & Dietetics alumni, for participating!

Interested in an occupation you'd like me to do a "Healthy Nutty for..." entry on? Or do you have other questions regarding this health coach job you would like me to ask Michelle? Leave a comment!

Health Coach photo courtesy

Health Nuts' Quote of the Week:

"Don't be afraid to give up the good and go for the great." -Kenny Rogers

Obama's Health Care Reform: Pros & Cons, Student-Friendly ed.

2009-09-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be honest with you. I don't know enough about Obama's health care plan to have an opinion about it, but I do have the curiosity to find out. Below are videos I found describing the pros and cons of Obama's Health Care Reform in a way that I could understand:

The Plan: Why We Need Government-Run Universal Socialized Health Insurance

The Rebuttal: Why We Don't Need Socialized Medicine

(Breathes) Now, you would think by the end of watching the above videos, I would have an opinion regarding the matter, but I honestly don't. Mostly because, I think it's a lot to think about, a lot to take in, and I need to continue researching, reading and learn more about it before I can develop an opinion. But I will say that for now, just for now, considering my background as a Registered Dietitian to-be, I would have to lean towards working on improving the current health care plan. I say this because I support the prevention aspect of it. I believe that now that we are dealing with health care problems, we can put efforts into preventing them from happening in the first place. But like I said, I am still in the process of figuring out what I want for our country, for myself. Stay tuned!

To see how Obama's Health Reform will affect you and/or to support it by writing to your members of Congress, click here.

What's your take? I can really use some input!

Obama photo courtesy

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Health Nuts' Tip of the Week:

Five Practical Paths in Healthcare by Hannah Waight

Psychologists
Registered Nurses
Medical/Health Researchers
Physicians & Surgeons
Management

Health Nuts' Quote of the Week:
"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not." -Mark Twain

Post-Greece Mentality. THIS...IS...MONICA!!!

2009-08-31T03:10:00.001-07:00

"I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free." -Nikos Kazantzakis (Cretan writer, novelist)

That quote has been all up in my head since I ran into it. I ran into it in a small store in Athens, Greece, less than 36 hours ago. It was a black t-shirt, Greek words in white font, being sold for 7 EURO. I bought a medium, even if it meant that I wouldn't be eating dinner on our last night in Greece, I took the shirt because of the quote. Because of what Mr. Kazantzakis said.

Greece was amazing...nay, phenomenal. I have no words about how beautiful and exciting it was and how the entire trip felt like a dream. I was there for 10 days, but felt like months. I did it all.

I got lost in the city of Athens.
I climbed the Acropolis and slipped on its marble steps.
I ate rabbit stew in Santorini.
I sailed, swam, jet-skied and tubed the Aegean Sea.
I went wine-tasting at the oldest winery in Santorini.
I sun-bathed topless in Mykonos.
I traveled by foot, on boat, via plane, by donkey, in a taxi, on a bus, in a train...
I ate pork/lamb souvlaki as often as I could.
I ordered calamari and fries while dining off the coast of Thissaria.
I watched the sunset in the village of Oia.

There's so much more to say. So much more happened. The things I saw are left inexplicable. It's like that quote, that Marco Polo said on his deathbed, "I have not told half of what I saw."

And now, I'm back. Back in America, back in my world, back in the life I left. The question is, how am I going to live it? I know what I have to do. I also know what I want to do and what I need to do. It's all about finding the balance, right?

Study for the board exam to become a Registered Dietitan and take it by October.
Perfect my resume, all _ _ versions of them and write a cover letter to go with them.
Find a job that suits me perfectly. No excuses.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am back and better than ever!!! You'll see...

N. Kazantzakis photo courtesy
Acropolis photo courtesy

Opa! Internship's Ova!

2009-08-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

Moving back home is always a challenge. Especially after I have lived on my own for the majority of the year. Especially if you have to go through your past, to make room for who you are now. It's always a challenge because sometimes, you purposely let go of bits and pieces of yourself, in order to grow. I've grown, undeniably, while I was in Michigan. But why, oh why, do I feel like I'm moving right back into my past?

I'm going to make some changes. I'm going to learn how to put my foot down. While living in Saginaw, MI, I rarely ever went out. Due to the lack of funds, lack of social life in a small town where nobody really knew my name besides the other interns who moved there. I learned a lot about myself this way. I've discovered more and more ways to entertain myself, without the company of others. I've learned how to be alone, even when I didn't want to be. I survived. I breathed in and out oh so very deeply. I grew up.

And now? Now, I need to grow some more. I can't keep running back into my mother's nest and hope that she will solve all my problems. I need to take the board exam to become a Registered Dietitian. I need to aggressively research for the jobs of my dreams. I need to dream big, aim high, and not look back. At least for now...just for now. Until I get back on track.

But for now? At least for the rest of the month, I, Monica, will leave the country. To remind myself that there is a world that exists outside of the one we live in. To experience culture shock when I get there, and reverse culture shock when I return. To live another life, to see a different world, to eat their food and immerse myself in their culture. To take pictures, to make memories, to be in good company. I need this for myself, my sanity, to fulfill my ongoing desire for adventure.

Village of Oios on the island of Santorini, Greece

Destination: Greece (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini)
Number of Days: 10
Number of Days Before Departure: 3?!

Photo courtesy http://www.theodora.com/wfb/photos/greece/greece3.jpg

Out with the Old. In with the New.

2009-08-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

I spent the entire day today unpacking and doing loads and loads of laundry. I can honestly say that this whole moving back home thing? Is quite overwhelming...emotionally, mentally and physically. But I'm here, and I'm staying here, so what's the use of complaining?

My plans? I have none. Other than to unpack my life back into my old life. I'm trying to let go of a lot of things that I need to let go of. Like old t-shirts I don't wear, my broken record player, articles of clothing that have holes in them. It's really hard especially after I've become so attached to them. It's funny how even after I've graduated from this dietetic internship, the one thing I've been working towards accomplishing since I graduated undergrad in '07, I feel as though my life is "insane." I mass-texted a handful of my friends last night "What do you do when your life is insane?" and got the following responses:

"Just chill."
"I sleep. And I eat. And don't shower. I hibernate and hope that things pass me by."
"Take a break."
"Go on a getaway just by myself."
"Go do comfort things. Taco Bell. Shopping. Watch a movie in my pjs. Look through old photo albums."
"Listen to music."
"Hug it out."
"Go on vacation."

Moral of this story? All of the above.

Pit Stop: SANITY

2009-08-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Today I write about something different. Something unexpected. Something that's not being discussed in the news, nor being reviewed in journal articles.

Two days. I graduate in two days. TWO DAYS. I am seriously freaking out. I know it's hard to tell, given the fact that you obviously can't hear me nor see me. But I am, I REALLY AM.

What's keeping me sane? Honestly? Distractions. Lots of them. Even if I don't know what I'm going to do career-wise after graduation, I refuse to stress out over it. Distractions consisting of traveling, and spending time with the people I love.

Traverse City, Michigan

First stop? Traverse City. Traverse City because I've been wanting to go there since I've been here. Traverse City because it's all I hear about. It's all people talk about. Because it's wine country. Traverse City because it's the perfect place to take my family.

I don't think you have any idea how freaked out I am. I have a headache, for no reason. I can't sleep, for no reason. I've lost my appetite, for no reason. I am saying "no reason", when clearly there is a reason.

I'm scared because I don't know what happens after this. I'm scared because I know, deep down, that the time has come...to grow up. I'm scared because I'm excited, and because I know deep down that I'm really not scared...but more so, exploding with excitement. I'm scared because of the unknown, the once "unreachable"...because from here on out, I, Monica, pave my own path. I'm scared because I accomplished something, even when the whole world was against me way in the beginning of this journey towards becoming a Registered Dietitian.

Where are you? How are you? What are YOU doing to survive?

Traverse City photo courtesy http://www.traversecity4sale.com/files/225671/p2610.jpg

Gloss Before Grazing

2009-07-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

Everyday, I get emails from Skinny and the City (SATC). Yesterday's email was written by Chloe, SATC's fashion & beauty expert, showcasing a new lip gloss called "Huge Lips, Skinny Hips." Now, I'm a huge fan of lip gloss. Just last weekend I was all over Sephora in search for my next new best friend (since I'm almost all out of my current lip gloss). I almost bought one that changed colors depending on my mood, but had to put it down because of the ridiculously long line.

This lip gloss, really caught my attention though. "Huge Lips, Skinny Hips" actually has a nautral appetite suppressant called Hoodia (similar to glucose) that fools your brain into thinking you're full. It would be great for me for work when I have those random cravings for "office snacks" every hour or two. The thing with this product, however, is that Hoodia is not FDA approved which makes me question Hoodia's efficacy. But for whatever reason, it's still something I want to try. Even if it'll cost me $20.

Now on an Registered-Dietitian-to-be standpoint, I'm still also considering eating nutritious snacks between meals to keep my metabolism going and not about to starve myself if I'm truly hungry just because of this lip gloss. It's give or take really.

What's your take on things they're coming up with these days?

Gloss photo courtesy to http://gallery.mailchimp.com/804e76a0eaef38119562d27ed/images/fb_purplelab.jpg

To Sue, Or Not to Salt? - THAT is the Question

2009-07-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

I like Denny's. I really do. I have nothing against Denny's. In fact, if there was one near my house, I would probably go there as often as I go to IHOP. But even with IHOP, I don't go there very often either.

I also have a family history of hypertension. Irrelevant? No.

Just yesterday, a consumer activist group sued Denny's Corp saying that their menus should disclose the "dangerously high" sodium levels in its meals. The recommended amount of sodium intake for most Americans is no more than 1,500 milligrams daily according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, not 5,000 milligrams which some of Denny's meals contain.

But at the same time, if you have hypertension, isn't that your responsibility to find out what foods you should and should not eat? I looked to see if Denny's offers nutrition information for their menu items, and they do. They have six pages worth. If you're watching how much sodium you take in, shouldn't you already know which foods are high in salt? Shouldn't you already know that food that you eat outside of the house will probably more salt? Am I out of line to say that it is every American's responsibility to take care of themselves? Or is it just because we are demanding more?

I know what you're thinking. If McDonald's can put all the nutrition facts on every single one of their products, why can't Denny's? Well, for one, Denny's doesn't serve their food "to go". It is a dine-in restaurant. Now if you ask for nutrition information and they don't have any in their building? Well, that's a whole different story.

What's your take on this matter? And what can Denny's do to fix this problem?

Photo courtesy http://mealticket.blogs.citypaper.net/blogs/mu/files/2009/02/dennys.jpg

Milking Your Parents' Insurance

2009-07-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

The National Academy for State Health Policy reports that 30% of those aged 19-29 are not insured. For those of you who are more visual, that's 3 out of 10 of your friends who would have to pay hundreds of dollars if they were to accidentally dislocate their shoulder during a basketball game or rockclimbing or whatever floats your boat (knock on wood x 3)... just for x-rays. Three out of your ten friends who probably shouldn't go skydiving with you anytime soon. That's not cool, not cool at all. I'm 24, and as of August 2009, I, too will also be uninsured and have no intentions of getting a job until October (and no, it's not because I'm lazy, I have to study for the board exam to become a Registered Dietitian!). Health insurance that I had paid $700 for 8 months and feel like I didn't even use (which is probably a good thing so why am I complaining) will be gone. For those two months, I should probably stay in. Probably skip skydiving and hang-gliding and whatever else my friends had in store to do. This age range is the fastest growing segment of the population to be uninsured. That's us. This is our problem. What are we going to do about it?

Luckily for us, 34 states have now passed laws requiring insurers to allow children to stay on their parents' health insurance plan well into their twenties or even age 30 in certain circumstances. I'd like to find out if this applies to me, who was "kicked out" of my parents' health insurance at the age of 22. That was my cut-off. That was my transition into adulthood. This is good news. Although, keep in mind that there are some limitations. For example, you can't be married and have children of your own and still be under your parents' insurance, regardless of your age.

So, with that said and done, this still won't solve increasing health care costs, nor will it stop kids from getting sick. Just the other week I had read that "1 in 4 adults in Illinois are obese". That, too, applies to me. Obesity increases our risks of many serious diseases including diabetes, heart problems, sleep disorders, cancer, and much more. In this case, prevention really is key, and I'm ready to do something about it.

Photo courtesy http://waysideyarc.org/images/home%20page%20group.jpg

Sleep. It Does A Body Good.

2009-07-11T08:21:00.001-07:00

Sleep by Salvador Dali
Photo courtesy http://en.easyart.com/art-prints/Salvador-Dali/Sleep-5668.html

I just slept for 13 hours. 13 HOURS. Usually I'd feel guilty by the time I woke up. For not being productive. Usually I'd feel guilty for not going out to see my friends on a Friday night, some who I haven't seen for almost a year now. This morning, I did not. This morning I felt great! Why should I feel guilty for sleeping after working 45 hours and commuting 2 hours a day? I shouldn't. Period.

See, here's the thing. You caught my last post about being scared of the idea of coming back "home". And now that I am home, it's kind of cool to have a better idea of what I want to do with my life. I remembered my old life. How I'd stress out over the fact that there was more than one event going on in one night. How I'd feel obligated to go to everything I was ever invited to. Now? Not so much. Not after living in Saginaw, Michigan for half a year. I'm able to prioritize more. I'm able to draw lines, for myself, for my own sanity. I'm not obligated nor being forced to do anything. So why stress about something that shouldn't be stressed about?

This is why I slept. This is why I could care less what the whole world was up to on my first Friday night here. This is why I "ditched out" on my friends just to get in 13 hours of sleep. I'm tired! I've been tired! And I'm surprised it took me so long to figure out that one should sleep when he or she is tired. Duh, Mon. DUH!

I woke up this morning feeling totally refreshed. I ate a breakfast for champions: 1 over-easy egg, 2 oz spam, 3/4 cup white rice, (because I'm Filipino and Filipinos eat rice for every meal) 1 pancake and a glass of OJ. And then I looked up why sleeping is good for you. Because I had to defend my case just in case anyone bothered to argue with me for sleeping too much. Not that anyone would...but I did it anyway. :)

They call it, The Dream Diet: Losing Weight While You Sleep.
"Until doctors do know more, most experts agree that if you are dieting, logging in a few extra hours of sleep a week is not a bad idea, particularly if you get six hours of sleep or less a night. You may just discover that you aren't as hungry, or that you have lessened your craving for sugary, calorie-dense foods."

Moral of the story? Sleep. It does a body good.

Spam & eggs photo courtesy http://www.dakinesbbq.com/images/spam_and_eggs.jpg

Sick to My Stomach?...I Think Not

2009-07-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

For a long time coming now, I didn't know what to do with my life. I know, I know. I'm over-exaggerating. I know that what I choose to do after this internship does not necessarily mean I have to do it for the rest of my life, but I also want to make sure I make the right decision, even if it's just for the time being. I understand that things will change. They constantly change every 1.2 seconds in my little world. And it's scary. But it's inevitable. I am fully aware of all that.

But here's the thing. I need to choose a path. I've been going down this road, and the part where it splits can be seen from a distance. It's coming up. It's the next step. And you know what? I'm at that point in my life where I do have to choose. Will it be the smooth, paved path? Or the bumpy road with no boundaries?

It's been really stressing me out. This time of my life. I don't want to screw it all up, especially when I've come this far.

OPTION #1 - Smooth, paved path: To get a job as a Clinical Dietitian in a hospital and/or acute care setting.

OPTION # 2 - Bumpy, boundary-less path: To get a job as a Registered Dietitian working for a public relations agency.

I've been advised to go down the smooth, paved path. Because it's safe. Because it's the next step. Because it's what you did to become successful. And don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm against working as a Clinical Dietitian, I actually genuinely enjoyed my clinical rotation. I know, for a fact, that it's something that will grow on me, that I will eventually learn to love. The thing is, there's something stopping me. That gut feeling that makes you nauseous because you know, deep down, that it's not really the path you want to go down on. I don't want to feel nauseous for the rest of my life. I'm choosing not to.

Sick to my stomach? ... I think not.

Tip of the Week: 18 Ways to Impress a New Employer

Photo courtesy http://www.all4humor.com/images/files/Bumpy%20Road.jpg

WANTED: Equilibrium

2009-06-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

mental health n. (the psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioral adjustment)

Mental health. Balance. We all want it. Especially in a mindful world of endless thoughts and decision-making. Especially now. I'm coming to a turning point of this internship, of my life. In 6 days I return to Chicago. SIX DAYS. And it's not so much the thought of this 8-month dietetic internship coming to an end, moreso, the mere thought of coming home. HOME. It's like making that transition as a post-grad to a job seeker all over again. Scary, nervewrecking, completely unknown and pee-in-your-pants excitement (for the lack of a more accurate explanation).

You know it's weird. Ever since I moved to Michigan, ever since I started this internship, it was like the beginning of a second life that no one really knows about. No one I already knew was able to witness it like they were able to witness it back HOME. Luckily, there were eight other interns in the same boat as me, five of them happen to be from outside of Michigan as well. Because of this, I was able to develop an inexplicable bond with each one of them. We learned from each other. We confided to each other when we didn't really feel like anyone else back HOME would understand. And it's funny, because I found HOME in them. So the thought of going back HOME after finding HOME here...it's a lot to take in. Six days between now and then just isn't enough time..

There's this quote...from one of my favorite movies of all time: GARDEN STATE, said by Andrew Largeman:

"You'll see one day when you move out it just sort of happens one day and it's gone. You feel like you can never get it back. It's like you feel homesick for a place that doesn't even exist. Maybe it's like this rite of passage, you know. You won't ever have this feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself, you know, for your kids, for the family you start, it's like a cycle or something. I don't know, but I miss the idea of it, you know. Maybe that's all family really is. A group of people that miss the same imaginary place."

Because I love it so much, I got the trailer just for you:

Q: So what do I do in this state of mental mayhem?

A: Monica's Top 10 Self-Care Tips to Reduce Stress (Source: CMU Counseling Services)

Recognize the problem
Gain control where you can
Spend quiet time alone each day
Take new risks
Reduce or eliminate caffeine consumption
Keep a journal
Make a "To Do" list and cross items off when completed
Sing out loud
Have realistic expectations
Don't over-schedule yourself

First stop: road trip to Canada, 4th of July weekend.

Photo courtesy: http://danburgar.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/garden-state-dvd.jpg

Bittersweet

2009-06-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

It's like running into your "ex" at the wrong place, at the wrong time; or seeing old classmates from college, nay, high school, shopping at the local mall; tastes like dark chocolate, smells like burning wood. Bittersweet. It's like that. It feels like that. Coming back to a familiar place with heart-felt feelings. It's a great feeling. Inexplicable, really.

This is what I feel like coming back to the health care channel of Experience, Inc. better known as Health Nuts. It's been over a year since we last...well, since I last talked...no, typed. But it feels good to be back! Kate has done an amazing job and is an exceptional blogger, and I will try my very best to fill her shoes.

Meet Mon: Quick Bio

Location: Saginaw, Michigan
Occupation: Dietetic Intern and grad student at Central Michigan University
Goal: To become a Registered Dietitian
Current Internship Specialty: Diabetes, Oncology and Cardiac Rehab
What You Should Know: I live, breathe, and eat (pa dum chh) nutrition.

Pictured: CMU Dietetic Interns, Class of August 2009 pictured with Marty Yadrick, 2008-2009 American Dietetic Association President at the 2009 Michigan Dietetic Association Conference.

This summer I will be continuing my internship with a Renal rotation at a dialysis center in Flint, Michigan followed by a Marketing/Public Relations rotation for Weber Shandwick in Chicago, Illinois.

I'm a big fan of learning everything I can about the health field and diving into endless opportunities. So pack your things, and hold on. It's going to be a bumpy (and health nutty) ride! PREPARE YOURSELVES!

Photo by: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/images/1080932686742.jpg

Summer, 9-to-5 style

2009-06-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend's coworkers have been making fun of him lately because, all of a sudden, Mr. Not-A-Morning-Person began showing up promptly at 9 a.m.

I don't know how he answered their questions about why, but I can only hope he said it was because he'll be driving his wonderful, brilliant, time-conscious girlfriend to her internship on the other side of downtown St. Paul every morning for the summer.

At least I know his explanation had the word "internship" in it because a coworker asked, "Oh, is it Kate's first internship?"

The Boyfriend probably laughed out loud. "No," he said. "I think it's, like, her tenth."

I am an eternal intern. That's all there is to it. I suppose I could have a real job. I have had real jobs (sort of). I've at least been offered real jobs. And really, I hope to have one sometime around the fall of 2010. But you couldn't tell that from the past few years. I've interned everywhere from my hometown weekly to the big-city newspaper, from nonprofits focused on everything from reproductive health to immigration policy, and from the morning TV news to a certain magazine many men treat as their Bible (no, it has nothing to do with bunnies).

So I think I'm reaching expert intern status, and I thought I'd share some tips for all of you doing internships this summer. You're probably just getting started or just ending your honeymoon phase, so I hope these come in handy!

1) Make the 9-to-5-ing bearable. I have major, major problems sitting at the same desk staring at the same computer all day--and, at a week into my fulltime government internship, I'm remembering how brutal it is. My absolute lifesavers are:

Making my desk homey! Yep, bring in those dog pictures, favorite pens, cactus.
Giving myself breaks. Sure, IT might be watching me take the occasional web trip to CNN, the New York Times...OK, OK...Facebook, Twitter, E!...but I allow myself those mini-breaks before and after I hammer out something major, or at critical losing-focus points.
SNACKS. Seriously. Snack drawer is a must-have.
Little strolls around the office. I will honestly get up and get my four copies of something from the printer separately just to walk around.
Taking full advantage of lunch. I admit sometimes I fail at this, but I always find that leaving my desk--and preferably my building--for lunch gives me a nice break and, usually, the will to go on for the afternoon (until that awful 3 p.m. coma).

2) Make sure it's mutually beneficial. Unless your boss is either a) not very smart or b) not very nice, he or she knows that you're both supposed to be getting something out of this internship. I know goal-setting can be dorky, but I had to do it to receive school credit, and I actually think it can be extremely helpful. It forces you to have The Talk with your supervisor and gives you a contract of sorts to pull out and point at when things aren't going as planned. I try to reassess periodically and think, am I learning stuff? Am I developing skills? Am I being helpful?

3) Be proactive. Really. I swear the biggest complaint I've heard from friends who have interned--and from myself--is that they don't have enough to do. And trust me, it happens. Often intern projects are the things on an organization's wish list, the things their regular staff don't have time to do, so they're not necessarily anyone's priority but yours. That slows things down. But as uncomfortable as it might be the first time, take that opportunity to ask for more work or suggest a different project that interests you. Not only does it look good to get the ball rolling yourself, but you won't have hurry up and X out time-killing Facebook everytime someone walks past your cubicle. Working when you're supposed to be working is best for everyone.

Are you doing an internship this summer? Have you done one before? Spill your tips and tricks in the comments.

Goodbye, Health Nuts (and health nuts)!

2009-06-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

They might be trying, but Experience.com just can’t get rid of me.

I started as a nonprofit blogger in my last semester of college. (See my first-ever post.)

Then I took a little trip over to the green blogs and hung around Green Your Future for a few months. (One of my faves.)

I’ve been blogging here at Health Nuts since last fall and have shared my experiences, both personal and professional, in the health arena (and, yes, I admit, some non-health-related stuff, too). You’ve watched me go from running my first 10K to my first half marathon and from just starting grad school to finishing off my first year in one piece.

Now I’m moving again, this time to 3Gen – a blog that chronicles life in the working world from the perspectives of gen X-, Y- and Z-ers. Or W-, X- and Y-ers? V, W, X? Actually, there might only be two of us? Well, I’m not sure, but I do know that over there you’ll get the scoop on real-world work and life stuff through eyes of various ages…and eyeglass prescriptions (sorry, Ken).

I’ve loved Health Nuts and will definitely carry my health nutty ways over to whatever blogs I end up on the future, but it was time to admit it: I’m getting old. Not tennis-balls-on-the-bottom-of-my-walker or I-can’t-find-my-glasses-because-I’m-not-wearing-my-glasses old (yet), but can’t-quite-stay-out-as-late-or-drink-as-many-margaritas-as-I-used-to old.

And I think it’s time to own it. To admit that while I’m still a student, I’m a professional student, not an undergrad who can still pull off rolling out of bed and out the door in one fell swoop. To admit that I’m a working woman (in the form of a professional intern, but a working woman nonetheless). And to admit that – gulp – I’ve been out of college long enough to have some experience, thoughts and dare I say wisdom that I hope will help students and young professionals alike, in the health realm but also across other fields.

So please, head over to 3Gen and check us out. You know you can’t miss my stories of overhearing older coworkers on the phone desperately asking each other about Facebook, my motivation or lack thereof in training for my first marathon, and my *&#$@# frustration with the $#*&@(!# economy’s )*$#(@!# timing in tanking. (Check out my first post on emailing digital aliens here.)

It’ll be good. I promise.