Happy New Year!  I hope your 2019 got off to a great start!  Mine did.  Except that while I was doing CPR during a procedure, the doctor decided he wanted an RAO view.  I caught the c-arm in the leg.  OUCH!  But it wasn’t that bad…and I guess I deserved it.  I’ve done that to a couple of doctors over the last 30 or so years.  But anyway, other than that, 2019 has been absolutely great!

But it’s time for resolutions.  Lose weight, exercise more, take less call…  Here’s one.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

You know, I’ve done this job for a long time.  It’s a very physical job, as we all know.  It takes its toll on the back and knees and all the rest.  And I’ve played pretty hard for a long time.  Including beginning to ride horses at age 30.  You don’t bounce back as easily at 30 as you did at 10!  So I learned the value of Chiropractic several years ago.  And I learned the value of massages.  Most people think of massage as a luxury.  But for those of us who have endured this long, massage is a lifesaver. My massage this morning was a 1½ hour session.  I like this length because the therapist has time to work each section of my body.  I came away feeling more relaxed and ready to face the week.

But it’s not just the physical therapy, it’s the idea that I deserve to be taken care of.  Not only do I get a massage once a month (at least!), I also get a manicure and pedicure twice a month.  OK…we can’t wear fingernail polish, etc., but a it’s more than polishing your nails. It’s the warm bath for your feet, and the leg massage during the pedicure.  And seeing your red toes peeking up at you really says, “THE DAY IS OVER!”  It’s having someone else take care of your hands…those hands that are abused every day with washing, scrubbing, gloves, and all the other things we do each day.

And it’s not just for women.  Guys, you won’t lose your man-card because you got a manicure and pedicure.  In fact, your significant other might be happy you did.  And there is such a thing as a couples massage.  Maybe for Valentine’s day…

So this year, take care of you!  You spend your time taking care of other people, take 5 – 6 hours each month to take care of yourself.  YOU DESERVE IT!