by admin | Apr 21, 2020 | Newsletter |
I hope you are staying safe and healthy during this very challenging and surreal time. It is not easy hearing about the swelling number of cases of and deaths from Coronavirus. It can be frightening and difficult to process. That said, I thought I would send out some thoughts and information, as well as some lighter fare to brighten your day. To start, here is a funny message I received from a friend: “A person was in CVS and saw a man whose cart was so full to the brim with hand sanitizers, baby wipes, and soaps. Everything that people need! The person told him how selfish he was and gave him the low down on the elderly, moms and people who need these types of things. The person also told the man he should be ashamed of himself. He then asked the person, “Are you done? Because I really need to get back to restocking the shelves now.” And a sweet takeoff on the Simon and Garfunkle song, “Homeward Bound” to make you smile. For Health Education about Coronavirus, I direct you to two videos that I found helpful: * A poignant and informative video from Dr. David Price, who is on the frontlines at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. * A helpful video from a fellow Family Physician on how to clean your food from the supermarket or takeout. Can be applied to food delivery. “Silver Linings” from the Coronavirus Pandemic: First—We in the medical community are on a steep learning curve. We are learning much about this virus. It is possible that new treatments and preventive measures...
by admin | Mar 26, 2020 | Newsletter |
I know we are going through a challenging and surreal time during this Coronavirus pandemic. I have been reflecting on how best to empower myself and you to stay strong, healthy and keep a positive attitude. Reading and listening to the news, albeit important, also brings me down, both mind and body. The key is to stay abreast of the news, yet, prevent our immune systems from weakening from the stress, fear, and negativity. Here are some tips to help us weather the storm of this serious crisis. Of course, I cannot promise that any of these tips will prevent you from getting sick, but I believe they can strengthen your resilience and enhance your immune system. The Basics: Remain Calm. Stress and worry weaken your immune defenses. Avoid contact with the virus–I know this is challenging, since you don’t know who is infected or a carrier. Do your best to avoid crowded areas. Get enough Sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Go to bed before midnight, and ideally earlier, as the stress hormone cortisol goes up after midnight. Wash your hands often for at least 20 sec (sing Happy Birthday twice) –with soap and water, or if not, with hand sanitizer containing greater than 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face with unwashed hands. For additional tips on Coronavirus prevention, please go to this CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html Tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine: 1. Drink boiled hot water and add honey. Honey adds moisture to your lungs, according to Dr. Nan Lu, a Traditional Chinese Medicine expert and colleague. You can also add fresh ginger slices...
by admin | Feb 16, 2020 | health |
Have you ever felt not good about yourself, or depressed, especially after comparing yourself to others on Facebook? 😉 I have. And it’s very easy to go down that negative rabbit hole. Yesterday, I woke up feeling that way. Then I realized, that if I changed how I looked at things, to a more positive outlook, I might feel better. And I did. I got up, looked outside my window, did yoga and meditated, ate breakfast, and got on with my day, peppering my thoughts with optimism and hope. I also added gratitude to the mix, being grateful that I am alive and well. I have lost several friends in the last year, and I am savoring the sanctity of life. Recently, I have been reading about one’s “Mindset.” The term Mindset has been popularized by Stanford researcher, Carol Dweck, PhD,who initially focused on Fixed vs. Growth mindsets with regards to intelligence in children.² Ellen Langer, PhD the Harvard psychologist, has written about Mindlessness, Mindfulness, and Aging as a Mindset. In a landmark study, Dr. Langer used a “counterclockwise psychological intervention” to see if people’s mindsets could positively affect their health. In this fascinating study in 1979, she took 70-80 year old men to a one week retreat living as if it were 20 years earlier with movies and props, etc. as if it were 1959. The men were told to “act as if it was this earlier time,” when they felt vital, and the results were amazing, according to Dr. Langer. Photos taken of the men after the retreat showed that they looked younger, and...
by admin | Jan 21, 2020 | health |
A dear and wise woman friend, Fiamma, encouraged me to welcome and acknowledge my fears and feelings, and then disengage and be in and enjoy the present moment as that is all we have. In addition, reading compelling research showing the health benefits of giving, enabled me to turn my attention to helping others. According to Stephen G. Post, Phd, in the 2014 Biennial Scientific Report on Health, Happiness, Longevity, and Helping Others, “The key solution to the problem of unhappiness in 2014 remains the same – contribute to the lives of others and as a by-product or side-effect, you are very likely to experience happiness, health, and live a bit longer.” When I changed my focus from one of despair, frustration, and fear to contributing to others, I felt better. How can we feel better and build resilience during these challenging times this holiday season especially when we may eat and drink too much, and not get enough exercise or sleep? A. Try and follow the Don’t Mess with Stress!ᵀᴹ core principles: D—Diet—to help buffer the holiday eating, add an extra green or other non-startchy vegetable each day. Drink more water to prevent dehydration in these drier winter months. M–Meditate and reflect W–Walk, Exercise, Move S–Sleep—aim for at least 7 to 8 hours per night and bedtime before midnight. Becoming more mindful and aware of our thoughts and our actions may help us eat one less sweet or have one less drink. And if you overdo it, accept it, enjoy it, don’t punish yourself, and tell yourself you will do better next time. B. Think Contribution, Kindness, Gratitude...
by admin | Dec 15, 2019 | health |
Laughter affects both the mind and the body. It loosens you up and picks up your mood. Physiologically, laughter: Increases blood flow and circulation Decreases stress hormones Improves immunity Increase endorphins and neurotransmitters, Serotonin and Dopamine. Enhances mental functioning Psychologically, laughter: Reduces stress, anxiety, and tension, and counteracts symptoms of depression Elevates mood, self-esteem, hope, energy, and vigor Enhances memory and creative thinking Improves interpersonal relationships Increases friendliness and helpfulness Promotes psychological well-being Is Contagious! I love to laugh! Reading a funny passage, or seeing a comedian, or hearing a joke, can make me laugh out loud. And reliving these funny moments is good for the body. Even faking or inducing laughter, can produce therapeutic effects. If you have trouble laughing on your own, try a Laughter Club in person or online or Laughter Yoga. Check this out and start laughing now! It may tickle yourself funny! Here is an excellent resource to help you laugh! Help Guide And here are two quotes to inspire you to laugh and have more fun during these trying times: And from Lisa Wessan, my dear friend, colleague, and Therapeutic Laughter Expert— “Laughing at the insanity of life is very worthwhile. Strong people laugh early, laugh often and laugh deeply.” Lisa Wessan, LICSW, CLYL, RM Have a great month! To Your Health, Dr....
