July Newsletter
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This issue of the Home Dialyzors United newsletter includes is focusing on National Minority Mental Health Month. It is also National Chronic Disease Awareness Month
Focus on Our Friends
We are so fortunate to have a powerful blog from HDU's Advisory Board member, Patrick Gee, who wrote an emotional plea for improved access to mental health care, especially for communities of color and underserved populations.
We are grateful to Patrick for sharing his personal and challenging journey with us in
Where is the Humanity in Our Suffering, Pt. 1
Where is the Humanity in Our Suffering, Pt. 2
He also shared with us some valuable resources in 10 Mental Health Care Tips.
Noteworthy News
Mind Over Matter
Our colleagues at Dialysis Patient Citizens wrote a blog on Mind Over Matter – How Mindfulness Can Help Improve Both Mental and Physical Health which we think you will enjoy. More great tips on how to achieve optimal health when dealing with chronic illness such as kidney disease.
NIH also posted a blog on "Mindfulness for Your Health: The Benefits of Living Moment by Moment". Becoming more mindful requires practice. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Take some deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1 second and then exhale through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often.
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Enjoy a stroll. As you walk, pay attention to your breath and the sights and sounds around you. If thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present.
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Practice mindful eating. Be aware of taste, textures, and flavors in each bite. Listen to when your body is hungry and full.
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Do a body scan. Bring your attention to how each part of your body is feeling. This can help you connect with your body.
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Find mindfulness resources including online programs and teacher-guided practices.
Kidney Quotables
An excerpt from a conversation with Dr. Richard Davidson, an NIH-funded expert on mindfulness at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"Mindfulness is, in part, about identifying our true north; our sense of direction in life. And, most importantly, aligning more and more of our everyday behavior with a sense of purpose."
A Final Thought
HDU continues to work relentlessly to inform, inspire and advocate for n extraordinary quality of life for the home dialysis community. Toward that end, there are some exciting positive changes coming soon.
Check us out on Facebook and Twitter and don't forget to go to the HDU website for the latest news.