Monday, November 14, 2011

Video Clip: Click to Watch

Ever wondered why holidays feel so good?

Vicki Rackner MD, former surgeon and caregiving expert, says that many of the festive traditions create the neuro-chemical changes that bring out the best of the brain; they hit the brain's sweet spot.

She is available to be a guest on TV and radio shows throughout the holiday season to offer tips to help caregivers make the holiday magic happen--even for loved ones with chronic pain.

Here are a few quick ideas.

Connect Caring human connections enhance the brain's release of feel-good substances.  People living with chronic pain tend to become isolated. Reach out and invite them to join you. Or go visit them.

If you avoid people in pain-either physical or emotional-- because you're uncertain about what to say, you're not alone. Dr. Rackner's Connection Prescription guides the way. ( See attached video)

Give While it's aways fun to get presents, the act of giving--not receiving--releases the holiday magic brain chemistry. Witnessing an act of kindness will do the same thing.

Many people who receive care find diminishing chances to give. You can create giving opportunities for them. Ask them to give you the gift of their stories. Help them give to others in a way that uses their gifts. If your mom loves to knit, buy her some yarn so she can knit scarves for the homeless. Help your dad find a military pen pal. Look for stories of giving to share with your family.

Play. Have fun. Laugh. All of these activities distract the brain away from pain. Get up and move; exercise increases brain levels of BDNF--described as "Miracle Grow for the brain."

According to Rackner, "No matter what the holidays have been like in the past, you can find joy this year.  Help others find joy, and notice how your own joy multiplies."

About Dr. Vicki Rackner, Pain Stompers Founder

Dr. Vicki Rackner is a former surgeon, author and speaker who has improved the lives of tens of thousands of patients, family caregivers and health care professionals. A decade ago she left the operating room and clinical faculty appointment at the University of Washington School of Medicine to serve as a nationally recognized expert in the doctor-patient-caregiver relationship.

About Pain Stompers

Pain Stompers is a web-based resource offering information and services to immediately improve the quality of life for families living with chronic pain. Online learning, lectures, workshops, coaching and the new Pain Stompers Pearls video program help friends and family caring for loved ones in pain:

• Wake in the morning saying, "I can do this."
• Go about their days saying, "I know what to do."
• Go to bed at night saying, "I did a good (enough) job today."

Families find strength and hope to manage life with chronic medical conditions such as: MS, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cancer Pain, Migraines and Headaches, Neuropathic Pain, Facial Pain, Low Back Pain, Interstitial Cystitis and many more.

Vicki Rackner MD FACS

Caregiving Expert, Author and Speaker

Mercer Island, WA

425-451-3777