Mind, Money, & Medicine #1

Here’s this week’s Mind, Money & Medicine – where I’ll share my thoughts about resilience, smart investing, and cancer care.

Mind: The Resilience Playbook

A young patient of mine with advanced triple-negative breast cancer told me recently, “I didn’t think I’d be strong enough for this.” She’s going through weekly chemotherapy, and each time I see her, I’m struck by her toughness.

I asked her how she keeps going, and she said, “I set a daily routine. I need something steady when everything else feels out of control.”

Her words reminded me how powerful routines can be in building resilience. Even simple routines, like a morning walk or a few minutes of journaling, give us something solid to lean on. It’s those small, steady steps that help us stay grounded, no matter what we’re facing.

Building a daily routine can be a powerful anchor, especially when life feels unpredictable. Routines don’t have to be complicated – just a few simple activities each day that give you stability and help you feel in control.

Here’s how to build one:

1. Start Small – Choose one or two easy activities, like a morning walk or a gratitude list. Starting small makes it easy to stick with.

2. Make it Meaningful – Pick activities that lift your mood. Exercise, reading, or reflection – whatever helps you feel calm and grounded.

3. Stay Consistent – Try to do your routine at the same time each day. Consistency turns actions into habits, creating a steady rhythm to rely on.

Over time, this routine becomes your base, grounding you through tough times. Like my patient who turns to her routine for strength, a simple daily practice can help build your resilience too.

Money: Investing for Health Professionals

Let’s talk about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). If you’re in healthcare, an HSA can be a powerful investment tool – not just a way to cover medical costs. It’s triple tax-advantaged, which means you don’t pay taxes on the money going in, the growth, or the withdrawals (if used for medical expenses).

Now, what to invest in? A mix of SCHD and REITs is a smart option for many. Here’s why:

• SCHD is an ETF focused on dividend-paying U.S. stocks, offering a solid foundation with moderate growth.

• REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) add some diversification and income potential.

For a balanced approach, consider keeping about 70% in SCHD and 30% in REITs.

Even small monthly contributions can lead to big gains over time. The key is to start now and stay consistent. Let your money grow, so you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Medicine: Debunking Sugar Myths in Cancer Care

Patients often ask, “Does sugar feed my cancer?”

The answer: It’s a myth. Cancer cells need energy, but so do healthy cells. Cutting out sugar entirely can harm your nutrition, especially during treatment.

Focus on a balanced diet with carbs, protein, and fats – essential for strength. One of my patients felt much better after adding carbs back in, finding renewed energy.

The takeaway? Don’t fear food. Listen to your body, and talk to your doctor.

For a deeper look at this topic, watch my YouTube video here.

Quick Mindset Boost

Here’s a thought to take with you this week:

“When you can’t control the wind, adjust your sails.”

We can’t change everything that happens to us. But we can control how we respond.

Enjoyed this week’s Mind, Money, & Medicine?

If you found value here, share it with someone who could benefit – a friend, family member, or colleague. Let’s spread resilience, financial insight, and health knowledge together.

Got questions or topics you’d like to see covered? Just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, keep building your mind, growing your wealth, and taking charge of your health.