Dr. Bob Graybill ND

12/23/2021

I am out of the office with my family awaiting Santa and Snow from today and Friday and will be back Monday. As we celebrate the cross cultural magic of light in the darkness, I hope you all have peace, warmth, and hope. Tina the Christmas Unicorn agrees.

12/06/2021

I have to reschedule patients today and thought someone may giggle at the story. This is also a good reminder that the only difference sometimes between an effect and side effect is intention.

To preserve my hair and vanity, I decided to start Minoxidil (Rogaine) topically.

Minoxidil was originally developed as a medication to open up your blood vessels and decrease blood pressure. Hair growth was a side effect. Now it’s available topically to encourage that side effect.

That said, rarely the topical can cause drops in blood pressure, so I’m home and dizzy, unable to sit up for long periods all because of trying to fend off aging.

I should be back up on my feet tomorrow no problem. I think I might invest in a wig someday or just wear the faux fur blanket camouflaging Rosie.

11/25/2021

A reminder that giving thanks needs to be more than thank you. Gratitude means reflecting on the past, both dark and beautiful and what has gotten us to where we are. Gratitude is taking stock of the present, and appreciating our capacity while not erasing the struggle. Gratitude should shape what we do next. I mark and am gracious for the people on this land before me. I will take time to discuss the day of mourning and true history that has led to now. I am gracious for the patients that share their stories with me. Where can this gratitude lead in the next year? How have the last few years changed that perspective? Wherever you are, may the harvest be delicious and the day peaceful. Thank you.

11/23/2021

I found this in the kiddo’s journal for school. She’s right, we were excited. I cried in the pharmacy when her first shot was finished. I think she’s also super excited at the prospect of having sleep overs. Vaccines are safe and reliable at greatly lowering risk of severe disease as well helping us move into a long term maintenance phase of dealing with COVID 19.

Note: also love that Cheshire Cat Grin.

10/30/2021

I got my Covid Booster after my last patients today. The boosters are an important piece of continuing our collective healing. Keep safe everyone and Enjoy the brisk sun and mildly spooky delights of the season.

10/22/2021

The Oregon Coast makes The Goonies finding Pirate Treasure and a Ghost Ship believable. Celebrating my 16th wedding anniversary on the haunting Oregon Coast.

Given the rapidly approaching rain we brought a suitcase of board games. Board games are great for your health and brain. Game or play based health intervention is a growing technique in helping people make lasting behavior change. This idea is something I hope to implement more in my practice because fun is important.

On another note, about to try out a new game called Cascadia recommended by The Portland Game Store.

It looks fantastic. Flatout Games@theportlandgamestore

10/19/2021

Remember, exercise is moving your body in a way you enjoy! (And eat Fiber) (and safely stand on the table?). Just a friendly reminder that movement is critical for heart health but also your mental health and pain management. Feel free to call me out for not moving enough next time you’re in the office, because I fully admit to my imperfection on this topic. Putting extra movement into a packed and stressful day isn’t easy and we all need support and suggestions!

10/16/2021

It’s Pumpkin Season! Remember that the winter squash that make a fine decorative tableaux also are full of nutrition and with a decent knife are pretty easy to cook! There’s even evidence of your pumpkin seeds lowering blood sugar.

10/16/2021

Fuse beads and Pandemic have been hand and hand at our home throughout the pandemic. It’s meditative for the adults and great for kids’ fine motor skill. Also making art and creating things is amazing for your mental and physical health. Presented here is a drawing my daughter is meticulously recreating.

10/11/2021

The Autumn Colors are beautiful but should also encourage reflection. Today is indigenous People’s Day. As a white, cis-gendered man and Physician, it is my responsibility to recognize that the seeds of privilege came at the expense of Native peoples. Medical and social research shows the continued impact of this past on many Native communities’ health and well-being.

It is not my responsibility to be taught but to learn; it is not my responsibility to be passive but to engage; it is not my responsibility to be right but to be open to new perspectives. It is my responsibility to stand and support my patients.

I keep trying to add more words but the words aren’t mine to say.

10/11/2021

Today is Indiginous People’s Day. As a white, cis-gendered man and Physician, it is my responsibility to recognize that the seeds of privilege came at the expense of Native peoples. Medical and social research shows the continued impact of this past on many Native communities’ health and well-being.

It is not my responsibility to be taught but to learn; it is not my responsibility to be passive but to engage; it is not my responsibility to be right but to be open to new perspectives. It is my responsibility to stand and support my patients.

I keep trying to add more words but the words aren’t mine to say.

A growing movement recasts Oct. 11 as a day to appreciate the diversity and history of Indigenous communities. That visibility, say Native Americans, can help us see what else needs to change.