by admin | Sep 25, 2025 | health |
I hope you are having a lovely fall. On August 14, 2025, new blood pressure prevention and management guidelines were released in a joint statement by leading medical groups, including the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and others. There were some interesting findings. Below is a summary of these guidelines from the AHA website, which I hope that you find helpful. If you are interested in the full report, click on the aforementioned link or please see reference 2, below. “Top 10 Things to Know About the New AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline”(1) “1. There is stronger proof now that high blood pressure is linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. If you have high blood pressure, lowering it now may help protect your brain health in the future. 2. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke and a number of heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib). 3. During or after pregnancy, you can develop high blood pressure, including a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. Checking blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy helps you and your health care team stay on top of your health. Talk to your health care professional about treatment options. 4. Know your numbers: Normal blood pressure is when: Systolic pressure (top number) is less than 120 and Diastolic pressure (bottom number) is less than 80 If your blood pressure is higher, talk to your health care professional about how to lower it. If your systolic is higher than 180 and/or your diastolic is higher than 120,...
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...
