We Define "Healthcare Athletes"

I was approached today and asked if it was true that I had everyone move into a Yoga Tree Pose during our Safety Huddle.

Well, first let me explain the definitions of "healthcare" and athlete."

"Healthcare": The prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions.

"Athlete": a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

In so many ways we are truly athletes in healthcare or Healthcare Athletes. If you look at the definitions of "healthcare" and "athlete" above, isn't this what we do in healthcare. If we exchange some of the wording, it could read...A person who is trained or skilled in providing direct or indirect treatment and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being. This person requires clinical and technical training, physical strength, compassion, agility and stamina.

Sure, maybe I'm pushing it a bit, but am I that far off? I see the commitment, focus, training, compassion and endurance to go day after day providing care and support to those we serve.

So yes, today, during our Safety Huddle, I noticed our energy level was a little low this morning. The Tree pose helps with energy and balance - just what was needed to start our day. So, with caution, I asked everyone to slowly to move into the Yoga Tree Pose...no one fell so our days without employee injury continue!

As healthcare athletes, we need to stay active, manage our stress levels, eat well, stay disciplined on continuous improvement and stay focused on our own emotional and spiritual needs. Why? So we stay healthy and help others.

We take on a lot so I do think it is a fair assessment to think of ourselves as "Healthcare Athletes"...tennis anyone?