In the spirit of 3 John 1:2 “I wish you well even as your soul is well!” As an advanced practice nurse, I look for signs of wellness in each client to help them be the best they can be. Some signs are subtle, some are dramatic. 

Check for increased energy, feeling happy, self-confident about what you say, feel, do or think. Physical: clean, shiny scalp, skin and hair; clear, white, smooth teeth with pink, painless gums and tongue. Elimination: void clear/yellow, odorless urine three to eight times per day; have soft brown bowel movements one to three times per day; pink nailbeds and palms/feet. Muscles: proper muscle tone and strength and move easily without pain or help. You have the appropriate height and weight for your age, sex, bone structure and family heritage. You continue growing physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, financially and spiritually. You are on time and prepared for class, work and appointments with a smile on your face. Vital signs: resting body temperature of 97 to 99 F°; resting adult heart rate (pulse) between 60 to 90 and between 80 to100 for a child; respiration (12 to 20 breaths per minute). Sample of healthy adult vital signs: BP 120/80 sitting; 116/76 standing; respirations-12 regular; heart rate-70 regular.

Remember what happened before achieving these positive metrics: slept eight to 10 hours uninterrupted; ate one handful size of each food group three times a day (two hours before bedtime); drank at least one-half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day; brushed (electric toothbrush) teeth and gums after each of your three daily meals and flossed daily; exercised 30 to 60 minutes in fresh air; stayed inside one hour before and one hour after sunrise and sunset to avoid allergies; and took a warm (not hot) 15- to 20-minute Epsom salt bath before bedtime and a two- to three-minute shower upon rising with hair washing at least once weekly. Socially: talk 30 minutes each day with someone you love and trust and who loves and trusts you; follow the Ten Commandments in the Holy Bible, dedicate 30 minutes daily to quiet time to praise/thank the Lord for your family, friends and your blessings.

Nurse Betty Marlin is an Advanced Practice Nurse, certified Adult/Child Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and owner of Primary Health-Care of Charlotte, located at 508 Beatties Ford Rd., in Charlotte. To schedule an appointment, register for the May 30-June 1 Spiritual Women’s Retreat or donate to the nonprofit Diabetic Heart Kitchen, call 704-347-1172. Also visit GetWellnessCare.com.