The special guest speaker for the day was Dr. Lilian Ney, speaking about Wellness and Stress as it relates to everyday wellbeing, longevity, quality of life, and its disproportionate effects on the poor, racially disadvantaged individuals and families facing hardships.
Dr. Ney, a cardiologist board certified in internal medicine and medical management, is currently President of the Chautauqua County Board of Health, a member of Strong Starts Chautauqua, the Healthy Housing Coalition, and the Physician Leadership Group. She is now “semi-retired” following a many years of private practice, more than 25 years at WCA Hospital, including Vice President of Medical Affairs and Medical Director.
Dr. Ney is also an honorary Rotarian.
Dr. Ney recalled a New York Times article in the 1960 while she was in medical school that reported on children in Nevada playing in “snow” that was actually highly radioactive fallout from nuclear bomb testing in the nearby wilderness. But not until decades later did the government pay for many, terribly stressful diseases that had resulted. At other times people already under physical or emotional stress have been known to die immediately upon receipt of tragic news. In short, public health is an under-recognized priority, especially related to stress.
Unfortunately, life expectancy in the USA has recently decreased due especially emotional illness and mental health issues. Alcohol, environmental pollution, drug abuse, racial and economic oppression, and many similar factors are now known to be both causes and results of such lethal stresses. Covid has now added “long covid” to the list of stressors, affecting as many as 1/3 of all recovered covid cases.
Following many more examples of everyday stressors, Dr. Ney advised listeners that one of the best antidotes to stress can be found in identifying one’s highest and best values and living those values privately, publicly, and unapologetically. As a starting point, Dr. Ney recited words among the best known from the Hippocratic Oath taken by all physicians, and, she said, worthy of application to all, “Above all, do no harm.” Taking that to heart and being true to yourself, she said, will go a long way to a less stressful life.