
- 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
- First, do no harm
May 22, 2013
- Coping with life's hard knocks
May 8, 2013
- Be open to solutions and silver linings
April 17, 2013
- Learned optimism
April 3, 2013
- Recognizing that life is unfair
March 20, 2013
Stress blog
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Sept. 20, 2007
Stress: Welcome to our new blog
By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
One day after I was asked to do six things at once, I "Googled" the word "stress." Guess what? 234,000,000, yes, million, citations erupted on my laptop. This is not funny. So, what can we do about a pandemic engulfing each of us?
Welcome to our stress blog community, where I have the privilege to hear from fellow travelers and share some of my experiences in dealing with stress. We learn from each other.
With cell phones, Blackberries, Palms, Treos, email, iPods, Wi Fi, it seems there is no place to hide.
Story: While at a farmer's market last week, I visited with an acquaintance, late 40s, who walked with a limp. "What happened?" I asked. She told me her groin was sore at site of a recent cardiac angiogram, which showed 90 percent blockage of five, yes, five arteries in the heart. Bypass successful. Told to get off the corporate treadmill or she will be dead from stress-induced issues. Her family can hand out all of her professional publications at the wake.
So ... what can we learn from this woman? How do any of us survive the current techno-tsunami? We are all in the same boat and it is called the Titanic.
Here is what I try to do each day:
- Exercise. I am a runner and this for me is one great way to start the day.
- Thoughtful time to meditate, prayerful reflections
- Make a list of what I need to do today for me
So, what do each of you do to achieve "emotional buoyancy" or let's call it resiliency?
Please, share your thoughts and stories.
201 comments posted
January 17, 2013 10:56 p.m.
My husband 88Yrs & oldest daughter -64 passed away 6 months apart, we were married 66yrs --& I have 7 other grown lovely children--they take good care of me -but I still miss the 2 I lost- I still play golf & knit for hospitals--it's going on 2 yrs but I still miss them --I do go to Mayo-& love it Thanks
- Juanita
October 1, 2012 9:19 p.m.
Some years ago, I was introduced to the idea of creating my own bag of comforters. My first comforting thing was to make soup from scratch, the next one I thought of was putting on the music I loved when I was in my youth, another one is to get down beside my bed like a child and ask my Higher Power for help, I sometimes go down and walk along the shore, sometimes I sing out loud all by myself in the car, and, I write down what is going on inside of me...it helps lessen the stress if I just say what it is I am stressing about and how it feels. Sometimes I lift these little weights I have until I feel weary. Sometimes my comfort is to read from books that mean a lot to me....encouraging books. Another comforting thing is to call my best buddy and tell her I am feeling spun.
- Jan
June 7, 2012 6:33 p.m.
Blogging should really take off steam for stressed individuals. Not only because it would preoccupy one with an activity but also because writing results in organized approach to problem solving/ decision making. Through the writing process, some of the stress factors are resolved. Here is the optimal stress arousal curve that shows where one needs to be when it comes to managing daily stress.
- Michael
May 20, 2012 10:00 a.m.
I have been dealing with a lot of stress in my life lately. I have to have surgery on my left knee for a meniscus tear, I have to have a total knee replacement on my right knee, my 11 year old son needs to have eye surgery because he has double vision, I worry that I will lose my job and my health inssurance. Stress at work does not help either, we have had two pay-cuts, and have taken on more responsibilities. Every week in our production meetings we are told we need more work and I am already overwhelmed with what I am already working on. I have high blood pressure and my cholesterol is high due to poor eeating habits. I find that playing very loud music with a major drum beat on my one hour drive home helps relieve some stress. I have also found that by adding weight lifting to my workout routine has helped relieve some stress. I have also found that taking supplements has helped with my stress. I have started taking fiber pills and herbal prooducts. I have started taking two products, Rosavin Plus and S.R.C. I have noticed that I feel less anxious and have more energy. The stress is still in my life, but since starting the supplements, I have felt more at ease with what myself and my family is going through. I have also found that MayoClinic.com always has great information and I have always visited the site when I have any medical issues that the doctor just does not explain well enough. Thank you MayoClinic.com
- Paula
March 5, 2012 7:07 p.m.
My best friend of 27 years died the week before Thanksgiving. I was numb for 2 weeks, with many sleep problems. Then I really grieved for 2 months, with frequent sadness and an even more pronounced scatter-brain. I believe I'm through it now, although I didn't know much about grief before and even now. I've been reading some things recently, including this website, and they help. I will always talk about Larry and look forward to meeting him again in heaven. I am too lazy to exercise regularly, but need to redouble my efforts. I was and still am very open with brothers and sisters in Christ about Larry's death, with strangers, and even with a therapist at the employee assistance program (the only facet of my grieving that did nothing at all for me.) I have cried for Larry, my doctor thought I might get depression again (I had it for 45 years, until the Holy Spirit cured me 19 months ago), and I went through some of the purported stages that Dr. Kubler-Ross mentioned. I have moved on. A friend is going to do a 12-week grief recovery workshop, but I can't afford the money or time and don't think I need it. I have done the exact opposite of trying to pretend that Larry didn't die or isolate myself. Now, to the exercise regimen...
- Dan
February 29, 2012 3:13 p.m.
I find writing things down helps me. Just reflecting on a daily or regular basis helps me put things into perspective, and a good starting point where I use as a jumping board to keep going and improve.. It seriously helps...
- Jenifer
January 3, 2012 6:57 p.m.
Try a Life Guidance Coach, they can teach you techniques and help mold a plan for success just for you.
- Amanda
September 19, 2011 1:47 p.m.
I'm drowing in stress, My mom and her bf are fighing EVERY NIGHT, so I have to run to the car with the key's! I still come back to check on my mom though, and she yell's get back to the car. But, then we fight too! She tell's me she wishes I would have died in my car wreck, that she had a different daughter, that i'm NOT her daughter even though i am! Also, my granmal HATES me, when i went too foster care she said NO to having me, and my dad left me after my car wrck when i was 4! Plus my bf is in a mental hospial, right by my school, because he tried to kill himself :(.... I wish I could fix everything but i can't!
- No name given
August 23, 2011 12:58 p.m.
I m trying to deal with panic and anxiety attacks and even though logically I know the right things to do, when it comes to applying these steps to reality, at the moment of onset, I just have not been successful in applying these techniques. It has effected my work however, it also has strengthened my marriage. My husband is supportive because he can see how hard I try to get a crip. Hopefully very, very soon!
- betty
July 24, 2011 6:09 p.m.
Billy When I'm stressed I stop what I'm doing and then I pray.I know that God is working in my life and He will not give me any situation that i can't handle.Knowing that He is there for me is a comfort that is very calming and my stress just melts away.
- No name given
March 4, 2011 12:12 p.m.
I came across this blog, looking for help with my grief. My husband died of suicide 1 month ago, after years of acute back pain and Rhuematoid Arthritis. He was the most amazing man I had ever met. We were married 27 years, but the physical pain the last 5, was more than he could physically and mentally take. He'd had 4 back surgeries, and numerous procedures done. He was only 51 years old. I just miss him so much, that I wonder how to even go on. How do others get through this? I have faith in God, and I know he's in heaven and I'll see him again, someday. Still the stress in unbearable and I wonder how to live a life without him in it.
- kim
December 19, 2010 6:25 a.m.
One thing to remember, always pay big attention to your physical condition as it’s always has an impact on your psychological condition also. Good eating habits, sleeping, exercising is really important for you to feel well. Here are some more tips on fighting your stress: http://hubpages.com/hub/15-immaterial-gifts-f
or-yourself - Tom
December 15, 2010 3:35 p.m.
My dad died almost 2 weeks ago he was in his 80's but have not talked to him or my mother in 2yrs, due to my mother said she did not want to talk to me anymore and my brother and his wife were telling lies about my family and my son & his wife also were in on it, so 2 yrs ago I said enough I cant take all the lies and stories about me & my husband due to my son had a baby born with cancer and my sons wife's family condemed us for not being there as we work, not retired as them and self employed, we were called every name you can think of so thats how it started and then 2weeks ago my dad died and no one could call me so I could say good bye to him, he was in a nursing home prior to 2 mo ago from this date,We did go to his funeral I am the only one who sent flowers and his death notice I was not even mention as his daughter, so I put my own death notice in for my dad from his daughter I know my dad loved me cuz those were his last words to me as mine to him due to my mother, brother & his wife - of 2 yrs ago. Andwhen I seen my mother at the funeral I gave her a hug as to my brother also, and I took a 2 roses and gave each one to them from me & my dad to them, and all my brother life's to short where you been REALLY" I have tried to call my mother but when I say mom its me she hangs up the phone and I heard she does no twant anything to do with me, Its just very sad that people get greedy and dont care about the person or life for that matter.
- CC
November 30, 2010 11:19 a.m.
I recently had to do an essay on humor and how it impacts our daily lives as human beings. I found that humor is a great way to help be a relief for stress. It’s a way people can just sit down and take their minds off of whatever is bothering them. Stress is not worth getting the body sick over, so just try and relax and let the body cope with the stress in a calm mind.
- Dan
November 7, 2010 11:12 p.m.
Live one day at a time. Invite humor. Take care of yourself. Love more.
- Linda
June 19, 2010 12:49 a.m.
I have read parts of this site and I find it very interesting as well. It is good to know that everyone takes their part and shares it to the world.
- Stressless06
June 17, 2010 8:43 a.m.
In dealing with stress, one has to always think that life is more meaningful if we were able to manage it very well. Do not let it destroy you.
- Stressless06
June 14, 2010 12:42 p.m.
There are a lot of nice things that you will learn about the internet. I have once tried and was successful in finding solutions to my problems. Dealing with stress was one of them. Im glad that I belong to this era of cyber space. Lots of ideas could be helpful you wil just have to know how to find them.
- Stress06
June 7, 2010 7:05 a.m.
There could be other types of approaches that has to be considered in battling the serious effects of stress. And not all of those can be sujbect to medications that might harm our physical body. It can be mind over matter approach which can give a great help somehow.
- Stressless06
May 17, 2010 12:18 p.m.
Every suggestion given boils down to putting the onus on the victim to solve their own problem. It's so simplistic. PTSD is not a psychiatric disorder. It's a normal human reaction to overwhelming trauma, and to treat it like some psychiatric disorder stigmatizes the victim. Inaccurately considered a mental illness, PTSD results from harm from without - not an internal psychological weakness or low tolerance for trauma. Others' tolerance levels differ - a person can suffer numerous major losses or assaults and only break under the damage when it comes from betrayal of a close, trusted source. Also, it is commonly presumed that the expression of PTSD is universal - not so. There's a complete spectrum from "going postal" to shutting down. It's commonly assumed that the victim (and the word is chosen purposefully) simply isn't trying hard enough, praying enough, meditating enough, whatever, depending on individual prejudices. It's assumed that those with PTSD are only compliant with therapy using antidepressants; however, most currently prescribed antidepressants make night terrors MORE vivid, and dramatically exacerbate the effects of PTSD. Also, there is little if anything written about treatment of PTSD if the victim is alone and has no network of "close, caring family and/or friends". There's an important reason for this: the actual only effective treatment is hands-on, presence, reliable, ongoing, dedicated compassion. Victims who've been abandoned? They
- Linn = calm waters
April 6, 2010 11:52 p.m.
Great post about stress, frankly when i googled about the keyword "stress" it really is too much topic that's around the internet for some time now. You've got simple. but great tips on how you will deal with stress.
- Stressless06
March 31, 2010 3:57 p.m.
A person with no cholesterol can have heart problems?
- M&m
March 17, 2010 8:52 p.m.
It is amazing how ofter we're asked to multitask when it's been proven to be LESS effective than "single-tasking". This is ironic, but I have found that blogging about my day at work is the best stress relief - and hopefully my post helps someone who may have experienced the same thing. I would sincerely like to share our blog with your readers, if that is okay with you. I think they would find it useful, and I'm happy to write about comments recommended to me as well. www.nostresswork.com - today's topic is about whether or not you can be "friends" with your co-workers -- and all the stress related to that topic. The office can be a stressful place!
- NoStressWork
March 10, 2010 3:38 a.m.
I just came across this blog while looking for information on surviving suicide. I recieved a call this afternoon that the man I was in love with was found dead this morning. I had ended our relationship last week after realizing he had a serious addicition to pain medications, due to chronic pain from a bad hip. He had hip replacement surgery two months ago and was doing so great, but continued to take the same amount of pain pills. The wonderful man I fell in love with became someone I didn't even recognize. He started neglegting his appearance, I would find him passed out on the couch in the middle of the night. I found alcohol bottles in the trash (I don't drink) I tried for two months to get him to seek help. I feel guilty, that ending the relationship pushed him over the edge. He was a wonderrful man with alot of demons, from his alcoholic father to his divorce several yearrs ago. I am grief sticken, angry, and feel guilty all at the same time. I feel like I caused it. I tried so hard to get him to seek professional help. He was only 59 yrs old, had alot of great years ahead of him.
- wendy
January 9, 2010 10:10 a.m.
These days in difficult times leave many people overworked and stressed out. And we can all say we feel that way whether in school or at work. Notice this note that can help us cope with our work effort in our daily life. Found in the bible at Ecclesiastes 4:6 it reads, “Better is a handful of rest than double a handful of work and striving after the wind.” Meaning there are ways of balancing work, family, and relaxation.
- Jay
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201 comments posted