by admin | Aug 18, 2025 | health |
I hope you have been enjoying your summer. I can’t believe that it will be over in a few weeks. I was inspired to write today’s Newsletter by an experience I had today. This morning, I traveled out of the City. When I arrived at my destination, I was immediately struck by the delicious clean air coupled with the sight of the beautiful blue Hudson river. I felt my body and mind slow down. I instantly became more present. What a contrast from the hub-bub and intensity of my daily life. This Newsletter is devoted to encourage us to “take a break” and get in tune with our bodies as we transition to Fall. I have written about the health benefits of the Japanese discipline of Forest Bathing, called Shinrin-Yoku. Shinrin-Yoku stimulates the parasympathetic (peaceful) part of our Nervous System and it encourages us to step away from the ‘technostress” (1) of our everyday lives. Shinrin-Yoku Benefits: (1) 1. Increased Natural Killer cell numbers and activity, “suggesting a preventive effect on cancers.” 2. “Reduces blood pressure and heart rate showing preventive effect on hypertension and heart diseases.” 3. “Reduce stress hormones, such as urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline and salivary/serum cortisol contributing to stress management.” 4. “Increases the activity of parasympathetic nerves and reduces the activity of sympathetic nerves to stabilize the balance of autonomic nervous system.” 5. “Improve(s) sleep” 6. Increased DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate). 7. “Reduces the scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion, and increases the score for vigor, showing preventive effects on depression.” 8. “Shinrin-yoku in city parks also has benefits on human health.” 10. “Shinrin-yoku may have preventive effect on COVID-19 by boosting immune function and by reducing mental stress.” —————...
by admin | Jul 21, 2025 | health |
I hope you are staying cool in the summer heat. A few weeks ago, I co-moderated a wonderful webinar, “Clinical Insights Into Psychedelics, Counterfeit Medications, and Integrative Supplements”, with an expert panel of colleagues. Please see the link to the webinar below. I encourage you to watch it and learn about these topics that can impact our health. Watch the Webinar: Clinical Insights Into Psychedelics, Counterfeit Medications, and Integrative Supplements Have a wonderful rest of the day! To Your Health, 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! A Great Gift for Health! 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 | Jul 1, 2025 | health |
I hope you are staying cool in this hot weather, at least in New York City. On June 19th, 2025, I presented a lecture to the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Miami on the topic: “Building Resilience during Challenging Times.” It was well received for which I am grateful. The recording is now available for you to watch. I hope you find it informative and helpful. Please click on the link below to watch it. “Building Resilience During Challenging Times” To Your Health, 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! A Great Gift for Health! 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 | Jun 17, 2025 | health |
Climate change is causing global warming, and we are at risk for its effects on our health. We must be prepared when we are outside to prevent heat related illness. Heat exposure can also affect the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and cause inflammation and gastrointestinal symptoms (1). Please refer to my earlier Newsletter for important tips to prevent Heat Related Illness: Dr. Baron’s Tips to Prevent Heat Related Illness. Here are 5 More Strategies to Beat the Heat: 💧Hydration: Add a pinch of sea salt and a splash of lemon or coconut water to boost electrolytes naturally—especially if you’re sweating more than usual (2). 🥗 Eat Cooling Foods: Cucumber, watermelon, mint, and leafy greens help cool the body and support detox pathways. (3) 🌞 Protect Your Cells from Oxidative Stress with antioxidant foods such as with organic berries and watermelon, and Sockeye salmon, which is rich in astaxanthin, which supports mitochondrial function (3, 4, 5, 6, 7). 🌬️ Time Your Physical Activity: Exercise early or late in the day when it’s cooler. 🧠 Calm your nervous system with breathwork, hydration, and being in a cool comfortable environment after exposure. Stay well and stay cool, Dr. Jill Please Note: 🌿10% off supplements through my online store: 👉 Dr. Baron’s Online Store *Remember to always discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider before starting them. 📚 References 1. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/heat-exposure-may-increase-inflammation-and-impair-the-immune-system 2. Kuberski T, Roberts A, Linehan B, Bryden RN, Teburae M. Coconut water as a rehydration fluid. N Z Med J. 1979 Aug 8;90(641):98-100. PMID:290921. 3. Manivannan A, Lee ES, Han K, Lee HE, Kim DS. Versatile Nutraceutical Potentials of Watermelon-A Modest Fruit Loaded with Pharmaceutically Valuable Phytochemicals. Molecules. 2020 Nov 11;25(22):5258. 4. Blueberries in focus: Exploring the phytochemical potentials and therapeutic applications. Journal of Agriculture and...
by admin | Jun 6, 2025 | health |
I recently returned from my college reunion. Overall, it was a wonderful experience–filled with nourishing connections, interesting lectures, a talent show, and a moving memorial service for classmates who have died. My usual routine of daily meditation, a reasonable bedtime, and getting to the gym was disrupted by late nights, multiple interpersonal conversations, and as well as some self-comparison to others’ lives and fortunes. I did garner a lot of steps from walking around the campus and moving on the dance floor. I arrived home feeling both exhilarated as well as contemplative about my life, and the lives of my classmates. It was an emotionally and physically intense experience. A few days later, I came down with a cold. This Newsletter is about what we can do before, during, and after our next Reunion to have a smoother and healthier recovery. 🌀 Preparing for & Recovering from a High School or College Reunion Reflect • Reconnect • Renew Whether it’s been 10, 20, or 40 years or more, Reunions can stir up a swirl of emotions—from joy and nostalgia to comparison and self-doubt. Here’s how to prepare for and recover from your Reunion with clarity, compassion, confidence, and good health. 🌱 Before & During the Reunion: ✔ Go with an Open Mind: Be curious—not competitive. We’re not there to impress, but to reconnect and reflect. ✔ Manage Expectations: Reunions can be awkward, heartwarming, or beautiful—sometimes all at once. ✔ Don’t “Fake It”: Trying to prove yourself can heighten anxiety. Just be you—your growth speaks volumes. 🧠 After the Reunion: Process & Heal 1. Reflect & Release Old Narratives Ask yourself: What did I learn? What felt true? What...
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | health |
Today is National Walking Day! It is the first Wednesday in April every year. Walking is considered “a powerful anti-aging intervention.” (1) It has been shown to increase stress resilience and DNA repair as well as decrease oxidative stress and inflammation and cause mitochondrial rejuvenation. (1) These mechanisms help us age vitally and help to increase our healthspan. (2) What are the Benefits of Walking? (1) 1. Reduces Heart Disease Risk 2. Reduces Hypertension Risk 3. Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk 4. Reduces Risk of Cancer 5. Improves Sleep 6. Reduces pain and improves function in muscles, bones, and joints 7. Improves mental health 8. Improves Resilience How to Get Started Walking: 1. Start slow if you have been sedentary. It is always recommended to consult your health provider before starting an exercise program. 3. Check out these Mayo Clinic Guidelines about Walking.(4) 4. You can meet the American Heart Association Guidelines for aerobic activity by doing brisk walking for at least 30 minutes, 5 times per week.(5) 5. Aim for 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day (1), although Dr. Lee of Harvard (3), says at least 7000 to 8000 steps is enough. Remember that all steps count, including doing housework and daily activities. For a complete exercise program it is helpful to add strength and resistance training and flexibility exercises. Why not use today, National Walking Day, to take steps to get more active. To Your Health, Dr. Jill References: 1. Ungvari Z, Fazekas-Pongor V, Csiszar A, Kunutsor SK. The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms. Geroscience. 2023 Dec;45(6):3211-3239. 2. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-lifespan-vs-healthspan/...
