Let’s face it — being as healthy as possible is a daily choice. Some days we eat all the right food and exercise, and sometimes we give ourselves a break. And, even when we do all the right things for our bodies, we still have a chance of getting sick or being diagnosed with a disease. That’s why we’re especially grateful for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists — healers that continuously touch our lives.

• Nurses alleviate immediate pain — emotionally and physically. Their special touch lifts our spirits and offers hope when we need it most.
• Physicians assess our long-term health. They run tests and prescribe medications that will make us feel better.
• Pharmacists are knowledgeable consultants. When we need to fill our prescriptions or know more information about medications, we can simply ask them for advice.

When we take a little more time to reflect, we realize that everyone in the healthcare system plays a role in healing patients. It may be the smile from your physician’s office receptionist or the medical assistant’s sweet demeanor that really made a difference in your day. Healthcare workers are here to help alleviate pain and suffering, and a simple “thank you” to them can make a huge difference in their lives.

Do you have a story about how someone in healthcare has touched your life? Post a comment below to share your thoughts.