Reflections on Health - what does it mean to be healthy?

During my time at camp, I met different people who did various things to be healthy, ranging from eating and drinking to yoga/breathing, to exercise. It was interesting to think about at a camp where the food is geared towards young children (think chicken nuggets, BLTs, grilled cheese, countless cookouts, etc.) with a salad bar and an area for those with food allergies/sensitivities. With this, I reflected on my own journey for achieving a healthier lifestyle and how it is for others.  I also saw many of the topics from some of my favorite college courses (health psychology and behavior modification) were important parts of other individual's lives.

I want to start by talking about my experience/reflection from the beginning of my college career... I ate horribly and of course had issues with the Freshmen 15+.  This was in part due to the fact that I was living on my own for the first time and the school's dining hall was buffet style. Surprisingly, I had the head knowledge of nutrition from my state's high school senior project, in which I focused on nutrition and the body - but failed to apply it to my own life (invincibility - got to love it). I noticed when I was not eating for my body - I had all sorts of issues.  I was having constant digestive issues that led me to visit the doctor/on campus dieticians and trying elimination diets.  For the latter half of my undergraduate career, I started changing the way I ate in various ways.  First off, I had a huge issue with soft drinks - which are loaded with sugar and other chemicals.  I finally found alternatives (I am forever thankful for taking behavior modification at the time) and weaned off of them.  I replaced them with sparkling water/seltzer and Mio. Along the way, I stopped eating fried/greasy foods, less dairy, more probiotics (bacteria is life - literally) and ate less but more often. Not perfect - but better. Since graduating and after working at the camp for two and half months- I want to continue to focus more on eating healthier and more organic as well as consuming less sugar (I kind of should give up my obsession with gummy candy). Camp food has taught me that I do appreciate eating healthy and home-cooked food and has encouraged me to focus on living healthier.

While I was at camp, I talked with M, who is an international gymnastics coach - who has an education in both chemistry and coaching.  We had various conversations about the microbiome, chemistry, and how our environment is impacted by our choices.  One of the interesting things that I noticed about him was that he drank hot water every day - even on the days were humid/hot.  When I asked him about drinking the warm water, he talked about the importance of the temperature of the water and how it affects our digestive system and overall our body thermostat.  He also discussed eating foods that help with the alkaline environment of the gut, something that is quite interesting.  One of the key examples he gave me was how it is better to drink lemon to ease heartburn rather than drink milk.  Which is weird to think about since we think of milk as basic and how it neutralizes the pH of our stomachs. He also talked about what he puts in his body affects the performance of the gymnasts that he coaches in various age groups. Along with him, I met another person who ate gluten free and vegetarian because it helped her feel better physically (and her son (one of the Peanuts campers) - actually ate salad - crazy to think about what promoting healthy foods at home can actually have an impact on child's diet).

Additionally, I learned from the European staff about the ways their diet is different from ours in the US. For example, they have larger breakfasts versus are sugary filled breakfast choices.  They also have smaller portions than we do in America.  It is interesting to think about how good food tastes that we tend to not notice how much we eat, especially when we are out at restaurants where they serve larger portions.

Also along with eating, exercise, listening to our bodies, and how we manage stress is important to our overall health.  This summer, I toned up just by walking around all over camp from early morning (also my cabin was down a hill), running after kids, constantly walking backward to keep an eye on the children that move in slow motion, and involvement in their activities.  It was amazing to feel the difference on the high-movement days versus the rainy day activities where the kids were at one place for extended time to avoid the rain.  With the constant activity, I felt more confident about myself, slept well, and felt good physically.

I learned a lot from one of my cabin mates, T.  T is a dance instructor (who also has a background in chemical engineering) and worked in the office at the camp.  Many of our conversations were centered around health, mindfulness, and life.  One of the things I noticed about her was that she was very aware of what her body needed and seemed really relaxed.  She went to bed early (most nights and some of the cabin teased her about this or if she was up late) and kept a regulated sleep schedule. She also did [dynamic] stretching and yoga most mornings and even ended up giving classes at 7 am in the morning to quite a few different people, myself included.  When she was instructing, she focused on the flow and breathing as one does with yoga and encouraged whoever she was teaching to notice how their body felt with each flow.  She also encouraged me repeatedly to listen to my body, especially when a lack of sleep and stress caught up with me and I fell sick for two weeks. This is something that is a struggle for many of us is that we don't know how to stop and relax or listen to our bodies. Mindfulness is an important thing and reaps many benefits if we do it.

With all this being said, we all have different ideas of what defines being healthy. Whether it is physical health, mental health, or both - we have what works for us.  I hope to explore more of these topics and utilize it in my own life as I am in the next stage of my life.

Gap Year Adventures: Post Camp

It's crazy to think about how this time last year I was getting ready for my last two semesters of college. This past year was a whirlwind but I have noticed changes in myself, especially in the last couple of months working at a camp where I literally knew nobody. I am also learning to let go and to be myself - even if people don't agree with my decisions or who I am.

For now, I am job searching for work that will allow for me to save money to be able to attend graduate school. However for the next few months - I have to work around driving classes/lessons three days a week.  It is a boring process, especially from being on-the-go at camp for two months and having busy semesters.  Graduate school might be the right decision to keep my mind stimulated and to further my passion for biology/environmental science (Especially with my recent conversations about tick/mosquito borne diseases, urges to look for mosquito larvae, and interest in learning about new things via NPR or random real life shows)

On the bright side, the internship that I had as an undergrad with pollutiondetectives.org has led into being asked how much I wanted for hourly pay... so I am officially a freelance writer/editor! For now, I am figuring out the linguistics of pay and taxes - but it is pretty cool to think that I am able to fulfill my childhood dream of being a writer. 

Top three things I learned at Camp

1. Expect the unexpected (not quite sure how to phrase that - but it works).  This summer was filled with bear warnings, unwanted mice in the cabin, flying cockroaches, cicadas molting, and plenty of rainy, cold summer days... Aside from the unexpected things of nature - kids can always surprise you... both good and bad (including crying, falling down, walking in slo-mo, random naps, snot, crazy voices, trying new foods (especially when the child is a picky eater - score for clif bars, apples, and egg rolls), and always persisting on how they need ice pops)
2. How to problem solve - I had to hand wash my clothes after the spin cycle conked out on the washer several times. Along with the practical side of life - you need to problem solve with kids - this summer there was many victories: including diverting a tantrum, tactics on how to get a kid to eat new food, positive reinforcement, and getting them to activities on time (even when they act like they haven't slept in years)
3. How to laugh at situations.  Camp was draining and things didn't always go according to plan - but it was easy to find humor in things.  This was more of a personal experience - but humor always helped make situations lighter and more bearable. However, that is my general approach to life. 

Adventures at Kenmont/Kenwood Camp - summer 17

"Throw me in the deep end and I can swim a lot further than I [ever] thought" - Billie Whiles

So in May, I found out about Kenmont/Kenwood while searching (on Indeed) for jobs in Connecticut, where I was relocating after graduation.  I saw other summer camps, but after going on Kenmont/Kenwood's website - I felt like it truly was the place for me [to work] - and was excited to have received the email and a successful Skype interview.

On June 8th, I arrived in the afternoon and instead of settling in - I chose to go on the staff night out. At the time, it was only the water-front and ropes staff that were spending a couple of weeks training (and in cold temperatures nonetheless) and I was beyond myself with nerves.  I was intrigued to meet different people from various places in Europe, South Africa, and Austraila. They never visited Walmart before (and of course - I think of the people of Walmart on FB) and they were surprised by the portions and food that were offered at an Italian restaurant on Main Street.  This was the first of many night off adventures.  The first week I watched staff kids and boy - I was not prepared for being with them the whole day and being with that age group. Also, during this week I moved in a staff cabin with 8 other girls, plus those who came in for short periods of time,  Additionally, I got to help with Preview Day and got the opportunity to meet the "Peanuts" I would be working with the rest of the summer.

Then there was orientation week - - - more of the staff came: general counselors, division leaders, head specialists, so on.  As a Peanut counselor (and nonbunking staff) I started my job during this week.  This was the week - I decided to challenge myself and go out on a limb and sing at a talent show IN FRONT OF 250 - 300 people.  I never thought it would happen, but I did it.  Hallejuah by Pentatonix will always have my heart at the camp. I also was introduced to the three kiddos: K, H, and T.  This was the week I finally got the idea of what camp was about - the community of the kids and staff.  I could feel it when the girl campers/staff would come together, stand on chairs, and sing "Jump, Shake your booty on the chair," among various other songs and chants.

We did not have the three of them together until the end of June, but getting to know these kids was awesome.  As Peanuts counselors we took them to various activities, played with them, and of course, all the other work that comes with this age group (so, snot, throw-up, crying, etc.). They were mini-campers so to speak.  Along with learning the ropes of the kids, there were issues that had to be sorted out and various changes that were challenging at times, but the kids made my day repeatedly. The first session with the kids, there was a lot of UNO games (K was a very sly kiddo), swings, drawing, soccer, and frisbee. K and H looked like they could easily be in the movie, "Little Rascals" and were so adorable together.  T looked up to both of these boys and pursued the same activities and play as these guys.  I will never forget all the laughing, playing, and love the three of them had for each other.  This was the session where the camp had "large chipmunk" codes - where we had to make sure the kids were inside when there were bears roaming around camp. And being from NC, I never thought there would be bear warnings - but then again Kent is very rural/wooded.

Second session was a bit of whirlwind. In the beginning of the session, I was essentially the only counselor (with help) for a couple of days - and it was by far the most challenging time.  But I was able to prove to myself I could do it.  Then a few days into the session a new co-counselor comes in - and I was beyond grateful for the help - during the point where I was completely exhausted.  Especially when I spent all day (his first full day) in the cabin with a 101 F fever --- from that point on proceeded to develop an awful sinus infection and laryngitis - later with my asthma completely flared up. It was interesting second session - there were more activities and adventures.  We literally stopped by the health center a lot to get T ice-pops (so much we had to spell it out).  Also, at every activity - T and H found ways to play hide and seek (in theatre, yoga, rock-n-roll) and even hiding in the craziest of places.  AND all of the staff and girls fell in love with these guys! They won matching baseball t-shirts at the awards ceremony because the baseball coach loved them so much (and he came across stern - but they won his heart).

Along with the work - I met amazing people.  I got the chance to visit a pretty huge mall, visit Danbury, New Milford, and Kent, travel to various state parks (Thank you so much M), and mingle with people I would never normally do things with.  I also learned to problem solve, how to work hard when everything is going left rather than right, how to laugh at the craziest of situations, and most of all, unconditional love of kids.

On to new adventures that my gap year holds!

New Adventures ... Starting Tomorrow.

It is crazy to think that graduation was almost a month ago... along with being out of North Carolina for almost three weeks. Also - I am finally a resident of CT!  Things are different in New England/North East.  There is so much more here in the radius of five miles compared to CG/Salisbury - including parks (recreation is huge here), ease of getting around as a pedestrian, ballpark, more restaurants, different church denominations, etc. The other interesting part about living in Bristol is that there are historical buildings and a lot of history behind the town.  It may not seem that way to those who live here but I grew up in smallish towns/cities my whole life. 

Tomorrow I leave for Kent to begin my position at Kentwood.  This summer should be interesting with a variety of people from around the United States and the world working in various venues of the camp.  I am looking forward to meeting the campers that I will be working with.  I also plan on exploring the local state parks and trails there (especially since I won't necessarily have money to go into NYC or do much).  Here is to an adventurous summer! 

New Beginnings and Uncertainity

Today marks my first whole week in CT and two weeks as a graduate... It is weird to think that I am not going to school in August (at least for one year) and I don't have ready access to the ones I have felt the most comfortable with for many years (including my friends, professors/mentors, church family). Also - there is a restlessness and bored feeling that comes from being recently graduated and living in another place.  I can take the time to explore other educational avenues, find a career that will lend itself to my dream career, and make all new friends and meet the love of my life (well, maybe - once I get past the gawky, awkward stage).  There is also an element of homesickness to going on - whether I will openly admit or not is a whole different story.

In a few weeks, I start working at Kenwood/Kentmont Camp as a "Peanuts" counselor (working with those who aren't old enough to go to camp overnight for weeks but can go to camp activities).  This camp is huge with over 800 individuals, including counselors from all over the US and other countries.  Hopefully, this will help me branch out and meet new people.

Also, I have looked more in depth into graduate programs, including UConn, CCSU, and SCSU.  I am hoping to get into the program at CCSU, which from what I understand has a master program in biology that is tailored to the field of biology the individual is interested in as well as being able to choose the mentor for the thesis. There is also a professor there that specializes in entomology - which is pretty exciting   Although I may not prefer to be in a lab micro-pipetting for hours, I still want to research (mainly ecological/vector borne illnesses or psychology (I would probably be better suited for psychology)) in my niche (biology humor).

Let's see what the next few months hold!!!

Let's Talk About Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness... What does this mean to you? Do you know anyone, including family, that deals with a mental illness? What about accessibility to treatments for these mental illnesses?

I recently graduated from college... and during my last two years of college - I struggled with OCD. Many of my obsessions are covert (hidden) and the compulsions are hidden well. As mentioned in my blog last May, I have dealt with this since elementary school and have been on medication for it for an extended period of time in my teens and early 20's.  However, I got off the medication for it when I was almost 22 years old.  OCD affects more than my own personal life, it also affected academics and made my college career feel like a rollercoaster at times.  I never really noticed any problems academically other than I was distracted during testing.  But a couple of years ago, I started bombing tests - however, it was only certain classes - the ones I wanted to do well in.  During my fall semester of senior year, problems were arising - including the time I spent 3 hours on a test - and I was so stressed out that I didn't do well on it at all (and had to drop the class ultimately).  Towards the end of the semester I confided in my neuroscience professor that I was obsessing that I was failing her class (I knew it was irrational - but it was a big step for me) and had calculated and recalculated my grade to quell the incessant thoughts - and it was a matter of reassuring me that I was close to a B in her class.  In addition to the testing and numerical obsessions, I have also had obsessions/compulsions related to body image (repeatedly trying on clothes because I thought I wouldn't be able to wear them again and checking my teeth). 

This past semester was huge with me confiding in several professors and even family (previously it had only been mentioned to a counselor and a couple of friends) about the impact of obsessions/compulsions on academics and I have been able to gain insight on how to work on that for graduate school. Also having the awareness has allowed me to be able to control the intensity of the intrusive thoughts and compulsions before they become distressing.  Lastly, the support I had from friends, family, and professors was great - they encouraged me, listened to me explain my thought loops that were distressing, and genuinely loved me. I also learned I was a lot stronger than I thought when it came to living my life and succeeding. 

I also recently learned from another perspective that OCD symptoms are ways of coping (as with other disorders) with things (i.e. stimming in autism, hyperactivity with ADHD, etc.).  I also learned from Dr. W (the last few years since Behavior Modification) that it is important to not always label these disorders - but rather focus on the person and even the reasons behind the symptoms (antecedent - behavior - consequence (ABC)).  These disorders are legitimate, but helping the person should be more important - through helping them to manage stress (which can ultimately lead to increased symptoms), social support (THIS IS SOOOO IMPORTANT), and medical/psychological interventions (medications, hospitalizations, therapies).  In our society, mental illnesses have been seen as a burden or as "bad" but they really aren't and shouldn't be labeled as such. 

In addition to the struggle I have with OCD, I also learned about other people's battle with various disorders ...  I have met many people who are functioning well despite their battles with depression.  One of them hasn't been able to receive the appropriate help but has a good support system, yet she is doing well in her classes and plans to go for the BSN program that was recently started.  I met another person who also has OCD and Tourettes - it was an awesome moment when he told me and was surprised to know I knew what Tourettes was.  He is doing well academically aside from the two disorders... these are only a few of the experiences that I have learned about... This has helped me with coping with these obsessions and compulsions. 

There are many disorders that are classified as mental illnesses including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder (I and II), schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder, addiction, and personality disorders (and probably others I am failing to mention). These disorders can be very mild (allowing for a fully functional life) to severe (where the individual needs constant supports).  With the right treatments and appropriate healthcare a person can be a successful individual and member of society.