An author and cardiologist with decades of experience, John M. Kennedy, MD, is the medical director at Kindred Health Systems in Los Angeles, California. John M. Kennedy, MD is also the founder of Encardia Wellness, an app-based service that helps businesses effectively manage workplace stress among their employees.Mindfulness-based techniques like observational breathing and meditation aren’t just a passing fad in stress management. Research suggests that these practices have demonstrable positive effects on stress levels and other areas of a person’s life. Some of the benefits of mindfulness are a greater ability to empathize with others as well as an improved capacity for self-compassion.Research trials have shown that mindfulness techniques are on par with other relaxation methods in terms of reducing stress. In addition to facilitating the growth of empathy and compassion, mindfulness techniques can also help people develop strong comping mechanisms. This will allow them to better handle stressful situations as they arise and/or manage chronic mental health conditions they may be experiencing.
A board certified cardiologist, John M. Kennedy, MD, splits his time between leading the interdisciplinary team at Kindred Health Systems as medical director and overseeing Encardia Wellness as chief medical officer and founder. Outside of work, John M. Kennedy, MD, enjoys an active lifestyle and regularly rides his bike along the beaches of Los Angeles.One of the basic ways to stay safe when riding a bike is by using hand signals to let drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know where you plan on going. These hand signals are used to denote where you intend to turn and whether you are slowing or stopping.To signal that you are making a left turn, extend your left arm straight out to the side. When your arm is extended, use your index finger or all your fingers to point left. Then, before you move, look to the left to ensure there are no vehicles or pedestrians present or approaching. As long as everything is clear, you can safely proceed with either your lane change or left turn.Meanwhile, a right turn is signified by extending your left arm out and bending it up at a 90-degree angle at the elbow. Your hand should be pointing upwards with the palm facing in front of you. Alternatively, you can also extend you right arm fully to the right and point with all your fingers or with your index finger. As with a left turn or lane change, make sure you check whether it’s clear to your right before moving.The signal you need for slowing is similar to that used for a left hand turn. For this, extend your left arm out to the side, bend it at the elbow, and point the forearm down toward the ground. Then, open your hand to display your palm to the people behind you.
