- With Mayo Clinic oncologist
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Edward Creagan, M.D.
"The magic of the electronic village is transforming health information. The mouse and keyboard have extended the stethoscope to the 500 million people now online." — Dr. Edward Creagan
The power of the medium inspires Dr. Edward Creagan as he searches for ways to share Mayo Clinic's vast resources with the general public.
Dr. Creagan, a Newark, N.J., native, is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hospice medicine and palliative care. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1973 and in 1999 was president of the staff of Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Creagan, a professor of medical oncology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, was honored in 1995 with the John and Roma Rouse Professor of Humanism in Medicine Award and in 1992 with the Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award, Mayo's highest recognition. He has been recognized with the American Cancer Society Professorship of Clinical Oncology.
He describes his areas of special interest as "wellness as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-financial model" and fitness, mind-body connection, aging and burnout.
Dr. Creagan has been an associate medical editor with Mayo Clinic's health information websites and has edited publications and CD-ROMs and reviewed articles.
"We the team of (the website) provide reliable, easy-to-understand health and wellness information so that each of us can have productive, meaningful lives," he says.
Latest entries
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May 22, 2013
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May 8, 2013
- Be open to solutions and silver linings
April 17, 2013
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April 3, 2013
- Recognizing that life is unfair
March 20, 2013
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Stress blog
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March 12, 2010
Stress: Don't suffer alone, seek support
By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
As I reflect on the powerful stories people have shared with me, I see a recurrent and powerful theme. Humans are creatures of the herd. We gathered as small clans around fires in the days of the caveman. We hunted game in small groups. The individual who was isolated became prey for some hungry beast. Being part of a group meant survival.
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If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.
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This is one of the reasons programs such as Al-Anon are so powerful. As Barbara A. commented, "I was no longer alone." By sharing our suffering we become empowered to take care of ourselves and not let our lives be held hostage by those who are chemically dependent.
Having lived with alcoholism, I know too well the turmoil and the frustrations of this dreadful disease. I'm often reminded of the comfort of the Serenity Prayer in these circumstances: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Simple words. Not easy to live by, but at least they provide a compass to guide us.
Yes, we survive in the herd, and we need to reach out to each other. This is no less true for those struggling with post-traumatic stress syndrome. You can't go it alone. You need professional guidance to find your way.
How else can we help each other deal with some of the unfairness life throws at us?
6 comments posted
August 10, 2010 4:00 p.m.
It is so difficult for me to access any help, as we live in a very rural area. I am caregiver for my husband , who is now in end-stage COPD. His care comes from a VA hospital that is 100 miles away also. I feel a great need to talk with others who are or have experienced what my daily life has become. The computer helps some. Our children mean well, but live 250 miles away and visit when possible. I am interested in classes, such as tai chi or yoga, but they are too distant. I try not to leave for very long, as he is becoming quite feeble now. Any advice would be appreciated! My stress level was at high; heart Dr. recently had me have a heart cath done because of frequent light chest pains; it was normal, thank God.
- Doris
April 12, 2010 7:27 p.m.
Until a few years ago I'd never heard the word/idea of Interdependence. The family I grew up in stressed being Independent which meant going it alone. I had no idea it was ok to ask for help or suggestions from others, and this made for a very hard life for me. Then, through the miracle of 12 step groups, I learned that accepting a helping hand and guidance from others wasn't a weakness, but a strength and an enormous comfort. Today, I live an Interdependent life, both accepting and giving, passing it on. Where isolation used to be the sad and lonely road I traveled, I now feel a tremendous peace knowing I'm not alone in this journey, and that I really am 'one of the herd', instead of standing outside and looking in.
- Chel
March 18, 2010 12:29 a.m.
Stress is a function of the brain where it cannot manage all the demands placed on it. It is common issue with busy people in todays world. Meditation is the Key- Find time for yourself for 30 minutes first thing in the morning. Nothing great- just learn to focus on your breathing... and take it from there cheeers
- Steve
March 17, 2010 8:45 p.m.
How true! Sometimes people ask me why I continue to go to a counselor after twenty three years of counseling. The implication is "Aren't you fixed yet?" At the age of sixty-six, life keeps having a way of popping up with challenges. So I'm no longer facing the issues faced twenty three years ago, but I am dealing with other challenges. I personally avail myself to a buffet of helping services from Church twelve step groups, to professional music groups, to private counseling, and to close friendships. Whenever I have one problem, I have five or six solutions. That kind of diminishes the problem. Love to all, Barbara A
- Barbara a
March 13, 2010 9:10 a.m.
As Rick Warren states it, "We were formed for fellowship". Community helps us to share the load when it comes to stress, and realize that we are not the only ones going through a given situation.
- Barb
March 12, 2010 11:38 a.m.
Make a deliberate attempt to count your blessings. Make a list. I asked 16 7th. grade students to name one blessing in their lives and was amazed at their answers.
- carol
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