He is one of my favorite patients.Comes in cheerful and has a different hat on each time.I hadn’t seen him in a while.This visit was different though.He was having depressive thoughts and struggling with self-esteem issues that centered around his childhood.We talked about words that were said to him growing...
Me: yes mama“when you grow up be a teacher”“You’re really good at teaching and helping people”Me: oh okay mamaThank you!Her: beaming as she had just dropped some knowledge! There you have it, ladies and gentlemen If you are looking for a doctor who is really good at teaching and helping...
She came to see me WheezingWe fixed itNebulizer treatment Discussed at home remedies for the cough And plans over the next few days to keep on the up and up ..Then she paused“I just wanted to tell you”“Thank you “She continued… (I let her)“I’ve never had a doctor motivate me...
She brought me flowers and some brown rice I’m not kiddingShe had read one of our Facebook postsThe one about brown riceAnd actually tried it She then brought me a bag with flowersI smiled“I’m here because I read your post”“I actually tried brown riceNot as bad as I had imagined”“I...
“I’ll rather do things than watch things” That’s what my 60 something patient said to meWhen we were talking about ways to lose weightI had suggested avoiding tv or scrolling through cell phones while eatingMindful eating was the topic We exchanged stories on the joys and our delight when eating...
I quickly eyed a few tattoos on her arms(I promise I didn’t mean to … it was my subconscious saying what a conundrum)She laughed… “I know I know, tattoos are different”Came in for diabetes management and to establish care..Heard about us from a friend of a friend’s cousin’s uncle’s niece’s...
“I haven’t met any one who particularly craves carrot or celery” I said at one of our follow up visits She was upset at the health coach I had referred her toThey had discussed emotional eating and she was adamant that was not a correct description of her statusI paused...
He gat jokes! I asked him if he had an Apple Watch to track his steps at workYou know…He was “too busy” to exercise so we talked about how to weave it into his work day His response: I don’t do the fruity thing I’m more a Samsung not an...
Panic attacksFeel like near-heart attacksHeart rates highBreathing fastThe doom feelingI’ve seen a few in and and out of the officeShe was having one the first time I met her “I bet the name “Olabintan” was a bit intimidating “… we laughed when the storm was overShe laughedHer: My pulmonologist sent...
We met over blood pressure issues…At the clinic Her: What Nigerian do you know who doesn’t cook with salt? Her: It’s a cultural abomination Still her: I left my last doctor for telling me to cook without salt Me: You sure he didn’t say “less salt”?Her: Less salt, no saltTomah-to...
How's your new year's goals going? Be encouraged…Start… start again! That exercise routine…Even if for 5 minutes …The chances are better when you START ..Eating more fruits …And veggies …Not once a month but once a day Leaving soda and drinking water instead …And stoping that affair the Burger King...
I enjoying seeing my patients Our conversations are inspiring … we learn from each other ..We laugh over life’s challenges … talk adult life… parenting life … Navigating wellness in a world full of butter and sweets…amongst other thingsBut that doctor-patient relationship can be complicatedHow?Well you see…As much as I’d...
I won’t lie…Great lab results get me excited!Vital signs to match… I’m pumpedBut more importantly it’s how good my patients feel..Like Mr. “I don’t like seeing doctors” today He is also Mr “I don’t like eating bird food”For clarity BIRD FOOD are his reference to whole grains, veggies and fruits...
Please brown, red, green and blue sugar are all sugar!Cut down on processed foods ramped with sugar!They come in different names and sizes..Like …Agave sugarMaple syrupBeet sugarBrown rice syrupCorn syrupHigh fructose corn syrupCoconut sugarMolassesFruit juice concentrateGrape sugarTurbinado sugarFruit juiceCane sugar…Just wanted to tell you… it’s sugar!So whatever the name it...
“Mr C in room “Great Grace” has high BP reading”Quynh one of my medical assistants reported***Side note: We name our roomsMe: Hi C how are you?C: Hi Dr O nice to meet you He looked nervous…“ I don’t like seeing doctors” he admitted with an equally nervous chuckle “Each time...
He made my day!Literally.Our last conversation had gone a bit sour!I was concerned about his cholesterol level and his strong family history of early heart attacks.I strongly suggested cholesterol medicines in addition to lifestyle changes of course.He balked at the medications. The idea made him irritated.I asked for his “why”.Potential...
It’s the simple thingsThe “thank you” sThe encouraging whispers or gestures that fill the dayThe prayers…The positive thought sent your way …That make a stressful day beautifulAnd worth “dancing” throughSometimes we brush it off… as incidentals on the dayOr half truths that our inner critics disagree or argue with…In the...
Me: Knock knockHer: hi doc Me: “you’re here for your Pap smearyayyyy!!!”Her: yayyy? docMe: doing a dance with a “raise-the roof” to de-stressthe process …“Yup we gonna check to make sure there are NO changesto your cervix that could lead to cervical cancer”Her: I hate theseMe: I know… they are...
I saw him as I was driving to work I quickly recognized him I slowed down and smiledI recognized him by his walk“Hi” I bolted out smilingI grinned hardHe replied “doc this is is the first time I have seen your face in real life”I smiled hard“You have gapped tooth...
Fried chicken Yup…We talk about it a lot …My patients and IWe laugh over It’s deliciousness…And crunchiness..and crispnessWe agree it is We had some the other dayMy team and I …At our thanksgiving party …It. Was. Good.We appreciate it in conversations…And then we talk cholesterol How it is high And...
Him: Doc, I saw the specialist Me: which one?Him: The Kidney doctor Me: What did she say?Him: *staring*Me: what are you looking at? Him: didn’t he send you a note?Me: well not yetHim: oh! He said something about my kidneys.Doc what should I do?What meds should I avoid?Will I need...
Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaasssseeee…Freeze themDice themChop ‘emStrain themJuice ‘emSmoothie themGulp themChomp themJuggle them Smash them Blend them… whatever you do to get them from outside your mouth to inside your mouth in the purest form possible.Fruits and veggies that is Please do!Why?Makes you feel lighterAdds to skin glow Helps you sleep better Increases...
Sometimes we just want to self -soothe..You know… do something to give yourself a hugFor a long day or a difficult week perhaps…To be honest it is part of what makes life enjoyableRight?Food is an easy self-soothe…It doesn’t judge youWelcomes you with arms wide openListens without the talk backHugs your...
Are you a bully?I asked him as part of his routine physical…16 years old with dreams so big it made my heart glad We had gone over hours spent on screen time…We talked about dreams and aspirations…MentorsDistraction recognitionPlan APlan BAnd yesplan C….....Are you a bully?The question was typically preceded by“Are...
I had ice cream the other day … yup Blue bell brandVanillaColdSmall size I put some fresh blue berries in it And some raspberries I sprinkled micro cut chia seeds I got a very small spoonI put on musicAnd I ate itI let my tastebuds enjoy each flavorI even shared...
“How do I deal with bad thoughts?”My son asked me…“You know the thoughts you know are not good and you know …”He said it with trusting eyes unashamed as he sought my response …I admired his honesty!I didn’t ask for more details…He was interested in the how and not in...
Her: I almost left your practice docMe: um, good to see you again ? Her: yeah doc, you asked me to stop drinking Dr Pepper? You remember? And to drink water!!!!Me: ooo.. sounds like something Id sayHer: you hurt my heart Doc Like I can’t do without my Dr PepperMe:...
”Doc do you cry?”I was taken abackUm… yeahHe could see I was surprised at the questionWe were discussing life… burden of responsibility and coping tips“Do you cry? Im just asking cos seems you got it all put together… like you joyful!”Oh mehn..Yes I doI shared my faith in Jesus as...
“I don’t feel like it”Dad had brought him to see me15 years old …Cheerful lad With SO. MUCH. POTENTIALThat was his response to my question regarding his father’s allegations“He won’t do his homework”I had excused dad and asked to speak to him one on one.“I just don’t feel like it”Homework...
“Why are you reading so much?”Homeboy asked me Trying to practice what I preachI’m trying not to eat so much“Oh?”YeahI enjoy readingAlmost as much as I enjoy eatingI’m not hungry but want to treat myselfSo instead of eating I’m reading“Ohhhh”“Nice ““How is it going so far?”Well, It wasn’t easy at...
Mindset shifts…Because the mind naturally talks gibberish …And needs consistent re-direction…Oh the mind chatter is not unique to you…But we got to hush it I was taught this ….It works…I am passing it on …Limiting thoughts …AKA life-blocking, potential-wrenching, growth-stunting, foot-shooting, life-wasting beliefs…Write them down…Then change them to empowering beliefs…Because...
Raspberries are furry …Yup!......Still good for you!No excuses…Please get to eating!Fun Facts to help you swallow them :They are high in Antioxidant- something that slow aging and prevent diseaseRaspberries can be eaten fresh out of hand ( NO UTENSILS needed)they can be added to yogurt, cereal, or smoothies, or stirred...
She: Why Livingspring?Me: oh, the name?She: Yes, where did you get the name from?Me: We (my husband and I) were inspired from the Holy Bible and the God of the Bible!He is the Livingspring… I continued…I explained God as the ultimate source of true healing and how I as a...
Care, sincerely!Means a warm smile to greet youAn atmosphere of peaceUplifting music to stir up your spirit And care backed by science and God’s love!Come visit!We look forward to serving you in the new year and beyond!Please Share us, like us, follow us! Grateful,Dr. O
It was a follow upShe looked rested “I don’t know what you said to him but thank you”I had seen her husband … apparently …and he had made some major changes…MAJOR she said I couldn’t confirm nor deny her “allegations” … but I noddedMy heart sang Well not out loud...
She came to see meI was impressed she was coming in for a routine checkup21 was sheNo concerns..We discuss sex..The sanctity of itThe sacredness of itThe implications of itWe discuss pregnancy preventionWe discuss all options given her wishesShe asks…She trusts my opinion…“What do I think is best?”I said abstinenceShe laughedI...
I come with a charge!Laugh moreLaugh hardLaugh loud Why?Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.Even in the midst of life’s challenges Sprinkle laughterOne joke, funny gesture, fond memory at a timeIn health and...
We were chatting… you know..Patient and I…Tête-à-tête…I like those …She was telling me how she is working on protecting her “mental space” …Re: anxiety“Ah you mind your surround sounds” I saidWhat do you mean she asked..“Oh those are the voices and influences (and influencers) that you listen to and permit...
Our conversation started out pretty blunt …I had seen him 4 times before so he welcomed it..He was in his 70’sMaintained his youthful swag and still loved hanging out with his lady…I had reviewed his lab results the night before..Exchanged pleasantries and got right to it ..Me: I know your...
Folks!!Guess what?The other day …Yours truly did a quick glance at the kids new school’s menuAnd guess what I saw?BROWN RICEI told my kids and they exclaimed “Mommy oh my goodness…what are we going to eat on that day?”Looks like you’re going to be tasting some brown rice.It was going...
Grief…The pain of a loved one goneA life cut short perhaps before his timeI could only hug herShe found himWe cried and prayedMonths, years later it hurts… still"Everyone else seems to have gone on with life” she laments“I haven’t”We talk continued leaning in to support systems …And asking for what...
Doc!I’m down 8lbs! You were right!It WAS what I was eating.Me: “feeling like a genius but trying not to show it” That’s great (trying to hide the “I told you so” that was eager to peak its head)He: besides I have a new reasonMe: oh that’s right… he’s here!!! He:...
“But I like apple juice”He is diabetic and poorly controlledAverage sugars 300sTingling in feet and handsTired a lot and draggy(His words not mine)“What will I drink then?”Water and then eat appleApple juice kinda sorta “Doc you not nice “Let’s make a dealDrink a cup of water before every mealDon’t drink...
Me: Hi Ms. M, I’m Dr Olabintan nice to meet youMs M: hi Dr O, nice to meet you as wellMe: So I see you’re here to establish careMs M; oh yes I am ….......We discuss last labs, timing of last check upReview medications…Then I askWhy did you come here...
Me: G’Mor…Ms K: “I’m mad at you” (literally first comment she made as I walked into the room)Me: …ning… uh oh, I’m listening what did I do?Ms K: you didn’t call me for my birthday Ms K is almost 90She had moved to Texas to be closer to her family...
Me: have you tried cranberries before?This was my response to DeeDeeShe is a diabetic and only drinks cranberry juiceDeedee: cranberry is high in antioxidants and you said those are good thoughMe: Have you tried cranberries before though?DeeDee: aren’t they real tart….......Me: How much sugar do you think they added to...
You are loved…Of inestimable value …Indisputably precious…No arguments or suggestions to the contrary God says so!End of story.Today and everyday, may we see life through the lens of these truths!Love, Dr. Olabintan
I pet a spider the other day My daughter found it Under a carpet somewhere Webby Webster is his name It was more exciting than screen time so I played alongI found a container for itAnd fed it raisinsI used to be scared of bugsBut knowing the advantage of less screen time without fussing...
What are your health goals for 2023?We started asking that since before 2022 ends..In the clinic..To start prepping for the new yearWhy not get a head start?She: “Um get better BP?”Not what you think you want me to hearFor real … what 3 goals do you have for your new...
Hi there! We were live... discussing ways to thrive even with autoimmune diseases! Here's the link.https://fb.watch/7HIfgcx1WS/ We discuss how to reduce risk of having them... how to improve quality of life even with them and when to seek advise of a specialist. Enjoy and please share with those who could...
What’s your secret?You know … that daily routine that looks so simple but you know keeps you strong and better equipped to handle the day’s challenges…Like a morning dance routine …A meditative prayer ..Or perhaps a morning run
Fear is crippling! Literally! …I am somewhat Averse to dogs. Started when I was young. The fear of what dogs are thinking. You know .. like ..if my limbs look delicious to them. I don’t remember why I thought that way. The fear was further seared in at age 15....
“ I don’t like seeing doctors” he admitted with a chuckle “Each time I see them something’s wrong” He had come in … Mid 40s and needing a laceration repair to his left arm after a workplace injury! I don’t blame you, I replied. I don’t like seeing them TOO...
Hi !!! May I kindly re-introduce myself! My name is Dr. Tolulope Olabintan. I am a family physician and the founder of Livingspring Family Medical Center -a private practice born August 2020 in Mansfield, Texas. I help people (young and old) live long and well because I believe the...
Happy Day to you! My latest reflections. He is one of my favorite patients.
Hi!How are your conversations with your mind? I tell mine to shut up sometimes.It likes to act like a baby- not wanting to take on new tasks. I tell it to hush and inform it on the reality. That I can do hard things.That obstacles won’t break me.That I am...
Prevention is almost always better than finding a cure! I can’t OVER-emphasize the need to make your wellness screens part of your life/routine! The big 3… I see over and over again … are tied to heart attacks and strokes. I’m seeing them in younger folks too....
Practicing joy! Sounds froo-froo perhaps? Too hippy or not realistic you conclude? I used to think so too. But Actually, it’s not. Truth is joyfulness is a way to boost your spirit. It protects your heart! It boosts your immune system! It helps you live longer! It helps reduce...
When last did you laugh? I mean really Laugh. "What is there to laugh about?" you ask.Truth is in life there are things you have to look for rather than expect to fall in your lap. Laughter is one of them. There will always be reasons to frown but being...
The mask... colored, surgical, plain, rumpled, see through or doubled, the mask has been a big reminder of covid-19 and it’s implications. It has also served as a defense mechanism and a form of protection. It has also served to unmask certain things in my world of medicine......
I was reflecting and re-appreciating my Mother’s Day gifts - especially the written ones. This one is titled “Mommy you can eat anything” I was reflecting and re-appreciating my Mother’s Day gifts - especially the written ones. I took a glance at one my daughter has written and her teacher...
Lol! Sorry... I laugh as I recant this story! So the cousins were hanging out. 3 of them- my kids included. I called “aunty” to ask how they were doing. Then I asked what they had for lunch. She paused. I was like “hello.. you there?” She...
When last did you go for an annual check up? When last did you go see your primary care doctor outside of being sick? Or needing a refill on your medication? Say you have anew car... nice, right? How often would you take it for a check up? I bet...
I call this one -The power of focus!!! Soooo... I like to play the game checkers aka Draft! I was taught by my dad and schooled by my older brother. Hubby has further sharpened my skills and I am no novice. My son and I seat to play...
I was having a heart to heart with my 6 year old daughter. During the conversation -centering around her new school wear- she asked “mommy can you do something to make me beautiful-er?” My heart sank a little! Then, recognizing this as a teaching opportunity I said -amongst other things...
Water! Yes water! Did you know that water is not just good for you but actually helps you burn fat?Not instantly of course, but over time and with at least 12-16oz of water daily you start to see the difference.Well how long you ask? In 6-8weeks you’ll start to see...
Wow! You made it! 2021 is here!! Through the hurdles of 2020 ... we made it. I’m so happy to share this new year with you. So what are your resolutions? What are things you've made up your mind to do? Have you mapped out strategies on how to make...