by admin | Oct 1, 2024 | health |
I hope you had a wonderful summer. Fall is upon us. It is a transition time when infections increase. People tend to get sick with the change of seasons, especially summer to fall, fall to winter, and winter to spring. And now research has shown that climate change with its exposures from heat, air pollution, wildfires, and toxins etc. is disrupting our immune systems, and actually affecting our physical mucosal membranes.(8) It’s a good time to evaluate our lifestyle habits to enhance our resilience and immunity to prevent infection. Knowing why we get sick can help us manage our health and behaviors optimally. Here are Factors That Impact Our Immunity: 1. Seasonal Allergies–can cause inflammation in the nasal mucosa, weakening the immune response. 2. Genes and Immune Function–some genes increase inflammation in winter months, increasing infection risk. (3) 3. Cooler temperatures–decrease immune function and viruses such as Coronaviruses and the common cold thrive in less humid and cooler temps. (2) (4) 4. Age–Getting older can cause decrease immune response–“Immunosenescence.” (9) 5. Environmental Factors: changes in barometric pressure can affect the nasal passages. 6. Smoking and Alcohol consumption— weaken immune function. 7. Day length–Shorter days as in the winter time can actually improve immunity however, other factors during winter can override this to increase illness risk. 8. Chronic Stress from life and cold weather–increase cortisol, one of the stress hormones that can impair the immune system. (5) 9. Sleep–Poor quality sleep leads to decreased immune function. (7) 10. Microbiome–an imbalanced intestinal and nasal microbiome impairs the immune response. (6) We must build resilience and improve immune function to decrease the...
by admin | Aug 5, 2024 | health |
I hope you are enjoying your summer. I can’t believe that August is upon us. This issue of the Newsletter is about Microplastics. These very small plastic particles less than 5mm in size (1), have been found in our bodies including blood, urine, gastrointestinal tracts, hearts, lungs, and placentas, and have been shown to negatively impact our health. They are in the the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water (even unbottled!) we drink, the cosmetics we use, as well as in our oceans, land, and wildlife. The World Wildlife Fund says that we ingest about 5 GRAMS of microplastics per week—the equivalent of eating a plastic credit card! (2) However, this has been challenged recently. (3) New research shows that we are consuming even smaller plastic particles called “Nanoplastics” that can affect our bodies. One study found that are about 250,000 nanoparticles in one liter of bottled water! (4) Microplastics are made of chemicals you may have heard of such as pthalates, Bisphenyl A (BPA), and PFAS. They can be absorbed, ingested, or inhaled into the human body through the skin, gastrointestinal system, or lungs.(5) The ramifications of exposure to microplastics is large. They are disrupting our metabolism, fertility, cardiovascular function, endocrine function, and our microbiome, and may increase cancer especially of the gastrointestinal tract. (6) Sources of Microplastics: In addition to baby bottles, coffee cups, water bottles, microwave popcorn bags, and even non-latex condoms, there have been SEVEN GROUPS of microplastics found in our marine environment.(7) They are: Synthetic textiles Vehicle tire Road markings Personal care products and cosmetics Plastic pellets Marine coatings City...
by admin | Jun 14, 2024 | health |
Dear Test, I hope you are enjoying the beginning of summer. This month’s Newsletter is about an important health issue that can be fatal if not recognized and treated promptly—Heat Related Illness (HRI). I developed acute heat exhaustion a few weeks ago, while attending my college reunion outside in hot weather. I quickly developed the symptoms of heat exhaustion—thirst, muscle cramps, and nausea. I had worn a hat, drank a liter of water, and even ate a bag of salted potato chips to ensure I had some salt. But that was not enough. The symptoms came on suddenly within minutes. I was taken by ambulance to the local ER and treated with IV fluids, antinausea medication, and electrolytes. Heat related Illness is on the rise because of Climate Change. There are more heat waves of longer duration and intensity, which increase our risk of heat exposure. (1,2) Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion Heat Exhaustion: “Heat exhaustion is characterized by an elevated core body temperature up to 104°F (40°C), along with heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, tachycardia, muscle cramps, and fatigue.”(3) Heat Stroke: “Heat stroke is defined as a core body temperature greater than 104°F (40°C) accompanied by hot, dry skin and central nervous system dysfunction such as delirium, seizures, or coma.” (3) Who is at Risk for Heat Related Illness? Basically everybody, but especially people over 60, young children, athletes and adolescents ( because they are outdoors more during the hotter months), people who work outside, people with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, lung conditions, and skin conditions. (1,5,6) Other Risk Factors for Heat Related Illness: (5,6) • No Acclimatization • Medications • Dehydration • Alcohol...
by admin | May 3, 2024 | health |
Ready to Up Your Game in Health and Well-being? Want to Improve your Resilience and have better Stress Management? If yes, then please see below! I am about to launch a state-of-the-art, fun and easy online course, Don’t Mess with Stress™. This course is for people who really want to up their game and transform their health and their lives. But first I need your help. I want to make sure I address the issues that are important to you in 4 key areas: Diet, Stress Management, Exercise, and Sleep. For this, I ask that you answer these 4 Survey Questions with regard to these areas. Thank you for answering these questions. And have a wonderful weekend! Dr. Jill —————————————— Past Newsletters: Please feel free to read my past Newsletters on my blog Dr. Jill Baron Newsletters and Blog which has helpful tips for you to feel good and optimize your health. Feel Free to Forward to a Friend: If a friend has forwarded you this email, I invite you to receive my Newsletter by clicking on the link Dr. Jill Newsletter Sign Up. After filling out the form, you will receive a Stress Management Guide gift in your inbox! Please click on the book image to purchase on Amazon! Disclaimer: Please note that the content on this Newsletter does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a physician before making any medical, nutritional, or lifestyle changes recommended in this...
by admin | Apr 6, 2024 | health |
I hope you are having a nice early spring. Recently, I went to the New York Botanical Gardens and saw the Orchid Show as well as beautiful daffodils and greenery. I even hugged a tree! It was so wonderful to be in nature. I encourage you to experience nature and smell the roses for your health and well-being. Please refer to an earlier Newsletter about Forest Bathing to learn about the therapeutic benefits of being in nature. Speaking of nature and well-being, this month’s Newsletter is about NUTS and their beneficial health effects. Nuts have various salutary benefits, except in people who have allergies or food intolerance to them. Please refer to this excellent reference to learn about nut allergy. It is a common belief that eating nuts causes weight gain. However the research “indicates that higher nut consumption does NOT cause greater weight gain; rather, nuts may be beneficial for weight control and prevention of long-term weight gain. “ (2, 3) Nuts, which are composed of protein, fiber, and fat, increase our ability to feel full and are “rich sources of energy.”(4) For this reason, they are a good choice for a snack instead of chips, baked goods, or other sweets.(3) Eating nuts with a healthy carb such as a fruit instead of eating a fruit alone can also slow down the rise of insulin from the pancreas, a good thing. Types of Nuts: Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts are called tree nuts because they grow on trees. Peanuts (which are really legumes and not true nuts), almonds, and pistachios, have the highest...
