Andrea's Blog

I'm not sure I can ever top last week's blog. Special thanks to my classmates for the inspiration. We're already talking about a follow-up.

Midterms are upon us and we are in the throes of studying. While many of us are pulling all-nighters (and some all-weekenders), I feel like I need to remind everyone how important sleep is. I have been suffering from insomnia--for weeks. I'm not one to spend a whole lot of time sleeping, normally--but ever since my move, I've been sleeping less and less. So, I thought I'd share some of my tips for working on sleep. Here we go (see, I put you to sleep already). 

Clear Your Space

This is the absolute most important tip I could give, and the one I've benefited most from myself. Make sure there's as little in the way as possible. Get rid of the clutter; get rid of the dirty clothes (I know there's no time for laundry--it's midterms!); get rid of anything in your space that isn't conducive to sleep. This includes workout equipment, study materials, etc. Granted, if the only space available is the bedroom, some concessions can be made. Cover it up. It also helps to remove the TV, if at all possible. 

Set the Mood

Make it dark--REALLY dark. I had way too much light coming into my space, so I acquired some light blocking curtains. I still see daylight in the morning, but at least I don't feel like I'm looking at the surface of the sun. Also, making sure the bed is the most comfy place to sleep in the house is key. The only place I was falling asleep, was the couch.

Set Up a Routine

Whatever it is, make a routine for going to bed. Brush the teeth, wash the face, turn on some chill-out music--whatever works to get calmed down. Try not to turn on the TV. Some people like to work out in the evening. I can't work out and sleep within a few hours of each other. If I'm going to go to the gym at night, it has to be before 8pm. Working out helps with energy during the day and also with sleep at night, but it's not a good idea right before bed. 

Food

No snacking within a couple of hours of bed. It's bad for the metabolism and having sugar spikes when it's time to calm down is a no-go. Don't try to sleep within 2-3 hours of eating. 

Other

Last but not least, if sleep is still a real struggle, there are some fantastic herbs that will help with sleeping. Some old standbys are catnip, chamomile, and valerian. Other than the chamomile (be careful those with ragweed allergies), I tend to avoid Catnip and Valerian. I avoid Catnip because I have to fight the cats for it, and Valerian because of the side effects. 

I made a nice herb/tonic with rhodiola (adaptogen for stress), lemon balm (nervine, sedative), and white peony (nervine, calming agent). It knocked me right out. It was just enough sedation and calming for me to have two doses and then it reset my clock, and now I'm sleeping better. I also didn't wake up with the "hangover" that Valerian is apt to give. 

Remember that sleep is extremely important for memory--especially good sleep. We need those four phases of sleep to be able to, not only replenish our bodies, but also our minds. 

So, until next week -- Happy Sleeping (and Studying).

The sun was not shining. It was too wet they say.
So we sat in the classroom during lunch on that day. 

I sat there with Dave, Ricky, and Danielle, too.
And then we said, "We just don't know what to do!" 

It was too soon to study for old ECGs,
too early for Neuro, or WBCs.
We'd already had coffee, and water and lunch.
We all just sat there, our shoulders did hunch.

Then something went "Thwap!" In the corner we looked.
My rainbow umbrella no longer was hooked.

I'd carried it in to avoid my own storm,
to keep me nice and dry, so I would stay warm.
That umbrella it had the most greatest of power,
and because of it, this is what we did for the hour...

The storm we did weather, the damage was done.
So sorry for all that mess has become.
It was not my purpose to cause such turmoil;
I'd rather be wearing a hat made of foil. 

Exam time has started, insanity ensues.
We all are now paying, our most diligent of dues. 

Miss Lauren, and Julia, Annaliese, Antoinette--
we all seek our studying quotas be met.
Alid, Miss Lexxi, Theresa and my Self
are looking to each other for all kinds of help. 

Our Classmates--the greatest, we always take care.
Through storms we will weather, through struggles we bear.
We help one another with notes and with guides.
and sometimes with excuses when one of us hides. 

We'll make it through all of this educational mess.
and help one another prepare for these tests. 

We'll pass all the boards and study real hard,
and in the end we'll come out with a card,
a license, a paper, more knowledge than known,
and after all of this we'll start practices of our very own. 

(Special thanks to those that participated in our educational/recreational efforts, to Jordan for his contribution, and to Dr. Seuss, for being a large part of who I am.) 

Happy studying for midterms everybody,

Andrea

The last week has been a total blur. Time is speeding up and things are going faster. It's one of those times in the tri when I look back and go--it's week what?--and also look forward and groan. Coming up we have the start of exams (first one is this coming Friday), midterms, and signing up/studying for boards. We have until July 2nd to sign up. I received a notification email this last week about it. That reminds me--I need to do something about that.

On the homefront, I'm slowly getting things settled in the house--still unpacking boxes and looking for things, but I've finally got all my books unpacked. I've been looking for one specific book on preparing herbal remedies for a few weeks. I've promised to share it with Dr. Martin. We've talked about hydrosols (which are a bit like essential oils but easier to make). It's a great book and I highly recommend it. The title is The Medicine Maker's Handbook by James Green. He also has an excellent book called The Male Herbal. If you're interested in working with herbs and men's health, it's a must-have.

My library has grown a bit over the last couple of years. I've acquired books that the school library was getting rid of, along with a few purchased on a whim (never a good idea) and I'm thinking it's time to do some culling. Perhaps one of life's lessons I've learned is to only keep in your life what you use/love. Books definitely fall into this category. There's still SO much to learn/know, not just about medicinals, but everything else. One can never know too much (although I've figured out when it comes to test questions, this is debatable). I'm still looking for resources on Ayurvedic and Native American medicine, as well as all of my other interests.

The boys' last day of school is Wednesday. They're thrilled to be done and trying to plan their whole summer with video games and hanging out with friends. Instead, they'll be visiting family members around the country for the majority of the summer. I'm thankful that they're older and able to run things at home while I'm at school, but I'm sure there will be ferrying about to random events over the remaining 10 weeks. It just so happens that our next break is right when they go back, so no family vacation for us, unfortunately. They enjoy the time to decompress, just like I do, when there's time off. It's officially summer.

I'm already planning for next weekend to be a quiet one spent studying and working around the house. It's time to make more progress on the garden and to get unpacked once and for all. It's hard to imagine it's been almost a month since I've moved in. I still catch myself driving towards my old place--old habits die hard. I've not figured out a solid routine yet. I've been dreaming of the garden and which medicinals and foods to grow.

Saturday night, I had the great joy of hearing, and seeing, George Clinton at Ferg's in downtown St Pete. I didn't take any pictures - the crowd was a wee bit rowdy. But it was a great show. I always expect small, live venues to be awful, but it was amazing. He's still just as talented as he was "back in the day." So, in closing for this week, here's a bit of George Clinton for everybody. Brace yourselves--this is just a wee bit funky.

Have a great week!

Here we are. Summer is upon us. Memorial Day is over and we're headlong into the throes of the tri and Florida summer. I'm sure it didn't get below 85º during the day here this weekend. More than a few times I thought to myself, "Man, this is going to be a hot and miserable summer." And yet, I always make it through (hydration is key!). 

Friday night was the Tri Mixer! We had a great turnout at Ten Pin bowling. Strikes and spares were made, gutter balls were thrown, and a good time was had by all. It's always great to see students from other tris--especially now that my tri is in the Annex all the time. I miss many of the students that we used to have classes with/around. It's also great to see those tris ahead of us that are now in clinic, including those that are just about to graduate. It was just good to see everybody! Drew organized a fantastic event. I wonder what next tri's mixer will be like.

On Saturday, I participated in the March against Monsanto through downtown St. Pete. The controversial topic of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) has been near and dear to my heart since I was in high school, and I felt strongly about voicing my opinion. About 500 people--young, young at heart, and everywhere in between--descended on downtown St. Pete on Saturday afternoon to express their concerns about the growing threat of genetically modified organisms in our food supply.

Several different organizations participated--Seeds of Change, Good Earth Market, We Are Change, and several others. People had great signs, and while rather vocal, the march was peaceful and with the support of onlookers and drivers-by. My good friend, Jacqlyn participated in the March in Sarasota, where they had a bit fewer people, but their presence was just as strong.

For more information about GMOs:

• GMO Awareness
• Non-GMO Project
• NaturalNews.com - GMO

Have a great week, everybody!

I can't believe we're already going on the 3rd week of school! How did that happen? This week not only marks Week 3 of school, but also the Tri Mixer. Friday night, members from all (I hope) tris will convene for a wee bit of team building. It never fails that I meet someone I didn't know from another class. It should be an interesting time. (Don't worry; I'll take pictures--but not incriminating ones.)

An egret at the Coffee Pot Bayou.

I'm still REALLY enjoying botanical medicine. It's encouraging me to review everything I've learned before. In fact, I'm reviewing old books and notes right now (as I'm writing this for all of you). I'm always amazed at what we can do with what comes naturally. Of course with each bit of reading that I do, the list for my medicinal herb garden grows. I should have a nice start here in a few weeks. Even with the Florida sun and heat I hope to put in some seed soon. My father was kind enough to contribute some mullein (lamb's ear). I planted it today, in fact. If you're not familiar with mullein, there are two parts of the plant that are commonly used: the flowers and the leaves. I like the leaves because they're VERY fuzzy and good for topical treatments (and also fun to pet). The flowers are used for respiratory tract issues. Don't try this at home without consulting some references first. Plants are medicine too!

A manatee at the Coffee Pot Bayou.

I'm happy to report that I'll be the student research assistant for Dr. Mabel Chang! I met with her last week about some of the projects she has going. One, in particular, I'm extremely excited about. She's collected a lot of information about scope of practice throughout the U.S. and provinces. I was thrilled when I found out! I've been starting to research where to practice myself--looking at scope, rights, and contemplating all the implications. I can't wait to get my hands on the data.

I wonder what will come next. Always an adventure...

The Coffee Pot Bayou.