RAK ON: The Power of Tuning Into Connection and Self-Care

Dr. Rak ("rock") here.

How does one navigate not just one but two staggering cancer diagnoses within just six months? This was the reality for Sarah McDonald , who faced her immense challenges head-on while inspiring others with her resilience and determination. I recently had the privilege of hearing Sarah share her incredible journey at the 30th-anniversary celebration of Bay Area Cancer Connections (BACC) – an organization I've written about before and am currently supporting through fundraising efforts (click here to join our effort and make a difference ).

In her impactful talk, Sarah shared poignant insights from her battle with cancer, as detailed in her book, The Cancer Channel (a term she uses to describe the common struggle among cancer patients to tune out constant thoughts about their diagnosis). At 44, Sarah was blindsided by a diagnosis of a rare and relentless form of salivary gland cancer. Just as she was coming to terms with this, she received a second diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer. Her journey through surgeries, treatment, and the emotional labyrinth of cancer care was met with remarkable courage.

Sarah credited her recovery not only to her medical treatments but also to the immense support she received from her community of friends, family, and colleagues. This network was a cornerstone of her resilience, providing emotional sustenance and practical help.

Simultaneously, Sarah took a proactive stance on her health, engaging deeply in self-care practices and seeking out alternative therapies for healing, like acupuncture and energy work. She highlighted how her approach to self-care and community support synergized, providing her the strength to successfully overcome both diagnoses.

Her story resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my wife's recent battle with breast cancer. Our family's foundation was my wife's parents, who moved in with us and offered daily support. Beyond this, countless friends and family provided meals, comfort, and positivity.

Amidst this outpouring of support, my wife was able to focus on her self-care, which was crucial to her healing journey. She found strength in meditation, restorative exercise, and simply allowing time to rest and process. And just as Sarah experienced, we learned that caring for ourselves is not just a solitary act. It’s facilitated by the strength and space provided by our loved ones.

This week, let's RAK Our Week by taking inspiration from Sarah. Let's reflect on those who have lifted us up in times of struggle and also remember to care for ourselves. Together, let's find the strength within and around us.

Roots Reflection ??:

• How often do we pause to acknowledge the depth of support that surrounds us? Reflect on who has been your pillar during tough times, and consider how you've supported others in their moments of need.

Awareness Action ????:

• Spend some time this week creating a list of people who provide support in your life. Next to each name, note how they support you. This can help you see the network of care surrounding you.

Kindness Opportunity ??:

• In line with nurturing our well-being, set aside time for a self-care activity you truly enjoy or have been postponing. Whether reading a book, taking a long bath, going for a walk in nature, or practicing meditation, make it a priority this week. Remember, caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a vital part of maintaining your strength and resilience so that you can show up for others in your life.

RAK ON Live! Dr. Rak’s Weekly Wellness Livestream Every Wednesday at 11 AM PST / 2 PM EST! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode. Dive into the world of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Rak’s weekly livestream, which focuses on Lifestyle Medicine, behavior change, and mindfulness. Whether you're a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, these sessions offer valuable insights to enhance your well-being.

Can't join live? Catch up anytime with our post-stream recordings. Watch Live or Recorded on YouTube

Last week, Dr. Rak guided listeners on how to Create Your Own Happiness List. Reflect on key activities that bring you joy, enhance well-being, and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Take control of your mood and start building a personal toolkit for a happier, healthier life.

The Health Feast Corner ??

If you’ve been enjoying The Health Feast, please do us a favor by subscribing to the podcast on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts , Spotify ) and leaving a review. Your support is much appreciated!

Episode 28: RAK Your POtential: The Weight of Change. In this compelling episode of The Health Feast, we explore the themes of transformation and resilience with our co-host, Po. He shares the pivotal moments from his health journey and recent bariatric surgery, reflecting on the profound impact of his decision. Po discusses his long battle with obesity, the rigorous preparations for surgery, and the essential support systems that have helped him navigate his recovery. We delve into the psychological renewal and lifestyle shifts resulting from his courageous choice, offering insights into his ongoing recovery and the hope it inspires. Join us as we follow Po's transformative journey, drawing lessons on confronting life's challenges with strength and determination. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube

Episode 27: From Hardship to Healing with Dr. Gebre Nida. In this episode, Po and Dr. Rak welcome Dr. Gebre Nida, MD, FACE, DipABLM, whose remarkable journey from the rugged terrains of rural Ethiopia to the forefront of lifestyle medicine in North Carolina epitomizes resilience and transformative care. Born in a village without electricity, Dr. Nida walked hours to school each day, a testament to his commitment to education and betterment. Now a triple board-certified endocrinologist, he integrates lifestyle medicine into his practice, profoundly impacting patients battling chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. In this episode, Dr. Nida shares his personal story and professional insights, demonstrating how deep empathy and dedicated care can revolutionize healthcare. Listen as we explore how overcoming extreme obstacles equipped him to change lives through a unique blend of medicine and compassion. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube

Support Dr. Rak's Spartan team RUCK CANCER. Proceeds go to Bay Area Cancer Connections , an incredible non-profit that helps women with breast and ovarian cancer. A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have donated! As of this writing, we have raised over $5000 to support women navigating this challenging moment in their lives. Learn more and help us reach our fundraising goal here:

Donate to RUCK CANCER

Thanks for walking this path with me. I always look forward to hearing your stories and insights, so feel free to hit reply or join the RAK ON chat and share a bit of your world. Or pass this message along to someone who could use a boost of Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness in their life.

Live Well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak ????

Want to level up your health journey? Join Dr. Rak and the supportive community of RAK Your Life . Join a RYL Tribe, where group support and accountability are key to transformation in these weekly health education groups.

• Our Plant-Based Tribe meets on Monday evenings at 730pm EST/ 430pm PST (only 2 spots left!)
• Our Heart Health Tribe meets Wednesdays at 4 pm EST / 1pm PST (only 4 spots left!).
• Our Mens Peak Tribe will start May 20, 2024. Tentatively scheduled for Mondays at 6pm PST/9pm EST (only 5 spots left!)

You can also work with Dr. Rak individually for 1:1 medical care and get a Lifestyle Medicine doctor on your side to help oversee your care, reverse chronic diseases, and optimize your health and longevity.

Express your interest here and learn more on the RAK Your Life website .