Laughter Medicine

July 13, 2014 by
laughter yoga woman

Benefits of Laughter Laughter really is the best medicine – physically, mentally, and emotionally. No prescription needed; no unpleasant side effects; it’s non-fattening, legal, and free. Get your daily dose! Laughter is a universal language, connecting and uniting people. Reduces stress, depression, anxiety, and negative thoughts and feelings Increases joyfulness, peace, and wellness Internal jogging – laughing provides a good massage to all internal organs, especially the intestines, improving blood supply, and helping the bowels move properly Strengthens the immune system and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Depression, Exercise, Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Other Integrative Health, Yoga

October Letter from the Editor

October 1, 2012 by
Woman Jogging Outside

Join us this month in honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Depression Screening Day on October 11, 2012.  Did you know that 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer are estimated for 2012?  125.7 per 100,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. (http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Statistics.html) Early detection is critical with any health condition.  Experts recommend monthly breast self exams to check for any abnormalities, including lumps or change in breast tissue or skin.  The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. proposes that in addition to regular … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cancer, Depression

Beat the ”Mommy Blues”

March 20, 2011 by
mom

Having a baby is supposed to be a time of excitement and joy.  However, life has a tendency to surprise us and things do not always end up how we planned.  If you are feeling down, doubting your ability to be a mom, or confused or disappointed about your emotions, here are some tips to keep in consideration: 1. You’re not alone.  Research indicates that anywhere from 30 to 80% of new moms experience “mommy blues” and 10 to 25% experience more severe symptoms, or postpartum depression.  Ask others if mommy hood was a more difficult adjustment than they expected…you may be surprised that even … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Adjustment/Transition, Adult Mental Health, Depression, Healthy Mommy & Baby, Mental Wellness, Women's Health

Vegetarian Food and Mood

February 20, 2011 by
Fresh vegetables falling

We all know we are what we eat…we also feel what we eat.  A recent study in Nutrition Journal found that vegetarians report lower levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.  They reported overall superior mood levels than meat eaters.  Author Dr. Mary noted this can be attributed to vegetarians consuming more omega-3 fats in their vegetables than meat eaters obtain from an occasional fish dinner.  Besides elevated mood, a vegetarian diet is often associated with other physical health benefits including reduced risk of heart attacks, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Depression, Healthy Eating, Mental Wellness