Angel Medical Center CEO Column for November 2022 November is a Good Time to Reflect on Gratitude and Self-Care for Better Health

November is a Good Time to Reflect on Gratitude and Self-Care for Better Health

It’s hard to believe that it has already been two months since the opening of the new Angel Medical Center; I remain grateful for all who came to help us celebrate. We also have so much more to be thankful for across our community.

November, for me, is all about being grateful, expressing my thanks to the many who help make my life richer — from the incredible AMC staff and caregivers in every department to my family and friends.

It’s also the start of a season where we tend to over-indulge, whether it’s that extra slice of pie, deciding we can forgo sleep to binge that new season of our favorite show, or enjoying more holiday beverages at parties than we usually would.

The interesting thing is when we start thinking about what triggers those decisions, it’s often stress. During this time of year, you may be concerned about finances, whether family members will get along around the Thanksgiving table, or simply be trying to fit too much in during the busy holiday season. These types of situations can make us to slip into relying on poor coping methods that often lead to unhealthy habits.

For example, my weakness is sweet snacks. In the moment, those goodies seem to offer me the perfect antidote to my stress, but ultimately, they adversely impact both my overall health and my waistline. In other words, some of us tend to consume things that aren’t the best for us when our minds are consumed with worries. I try to find alternative ways to cope that are better for me in the long run. Instead of turning to food, drink, shopping, or another not-so-good-for-you vice, consider a healthier choice. You could take a half-hour walk, catch up on the phone with someone you haven’t spoken with in a while, make yourself a soothing cup of tea, or pick up an enjoyable project you’ve been too busy to work on lately — say a puzzle, knitting project, or DIY effort.

These all have the potential to balance out your stress, they’re free, and they help you physically, emotionally, or intellectually. Ironically, the holiday season can be one of the most stressful times of the year, so take a moment to relax and find time to care for you.

To continue on the theme of gratitude for 2022, I’d like to say that I am profoundly grateful for this community. You welcomed my family and me with open arms as we started our lives here and I began to serve AMC — another opportunity I’m thankful for. My wife and son are also great sources of joy and I couldn’t do without their support, day in and day out. I am thankful for the health and wellbeing that those I love are enjoying, and that I’m lucky enough to have too.

I appreciate every day the large and small things that fuel my passion to continue to serve Angel Medical Center and the people of Macon County. These include everything from the warm greetings, conversations, and smiles I get during my daily travels in the hospital from my colleagues, the appreciation that I receive when I speak to our patients and their families, and the community partners that work with us to make our community safer and healthier, from law enforcement to our EMS teams.

There’s no question that taking inventory of the many gifts in my life gives me a more positive outlook and improved mental health, which in turn helps me make better decisions and enjoy improved overall health. As I’ve said many times before, our physical and emotional health are completely intertwined, so tending to both is critical.

Very importantly, I’m thankful to you for so many things — supporting the dedicated healthcare providers here at AMC, our first responders, law enforcement, and all the other community members who make this an incredible place to live. We are all so fortunate that our new facility represents the opposite of what is happening in many other rural communities, where hospital closures have occurred over the last decade at an alarming rate.

Thank you for continuing to rely on Angel Medical Center for your care. Everyone here considers it a privilege to support your good health and healing. I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

Clint Kendall, FACHE, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer/Chief Nursing Officer of Angel Medical Center. He started his career as a nurse, and that perspective still informs his work and passion for the patient experience. Clint holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Nursing, and Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University. Clint has also earned the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) certification, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).