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What we eat, and how we grow it, is critical to maintaining our health as we seek to recover from a global pandemic.

The world is slowly reopeningbut the COVID-19 crisis isnt over, and everyone still has concerns. While in many areas, the number of cases is decreasing, our health will remain in danger until we make a major change and paradigm shift.

That change is closer than you might think. Its in your kitchen, your backyard garden, and at the farmers market you visit every weekend.

The solution is our soil and in our food. What we eat is critical to protecting our health, and our broken food system needs an overhaul.

The coronavirus pandemic has focused the spotlight on the importance of health, immunity, and disease prevention. We watched as our medical systems became inundated with patients, while feeling helpless to support our own health in the face of an invisible threat.

As we return to a new normal, it is imperative that we stay vigilant about maintaining our health. Sales of organic food rose 22 percent in March, 18 percent in April, and 16 percent in May as consumers looked for ways to boost their immune systems. We cannot return to our industrial, chemical food system as the crisis recedesa food system that is harming both people and the planetand expect positive impacts on our personal health. We need resilient agriculture for the future.

What we eat is directly related to how we feel and how we protect our health. So why have we allowed an agricultural system that sprays our food with chemicals, disproportionately harms vulnerable communities, and poisons our environment be the main source of food for our families? Why is our medical system so out of touch with the role that food plays in our physical health, prescribing pharmaceuticals for lifestyle diseases that create even more side effects and problems?

For too long, farmers and doctors have been siloed while pursuing the same goal: keeping people healthy. Remember the grade school adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Its far past time that we bring these individuals, and professions, back together.

The path towards change can be found in Regenerative Healthcare. Regenerative organic food is free of the threat of chemicals like glyphosate, a probable carcinogen. At Rodale Institute, our research has shown not only that organic can feed the world, but that it can feed the worlds families more nutrient dense food, full of natural antioxidants and phytonutrients that can prevent, suspend, and even reverse the most wide-spread of lifestyle diseases.

And yet, the Standard American Diet comprises only 11 percent of its calories from whole plant foods, and more than 50 percent from highly processed products. Today, over 70 percent of global deaths are due to lifestyle-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic immune disorders.

When facing a threat as strong as COVID-19, we need to avail ourselves of every support system we have. Our diet is one of the simplest ways to improve our health and take control over our lives. And yet, nutrition is roundly downplayed in the medical community. In fact, many medical students receive less than 25 hours of training in nutrition during their entire education.

We need to deploy a health care system in which farmers and physicians work together to inform a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health. Regenerative Healthcare is the only path forward.

We must combine what we know about the power of food with our knowledge of nutrition and our bodies, working to prevent disease through an organic, whole-foods, plant-forward diet that begins on farms that work in harmony with nature.

For over 70 years, Rodale Institute has been researching the benefits of regenerative organic agriculture. From the beginning, our mission has been to support healthy soil that grows healthy food, feeding healthy people.

Results from Rodale Institutes Farming Systems Trial, a 40-year side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems, has shown conclusively that organic systems are not only comparable to conventional systems in terms of yields, but can yield up to 40 percent higher in years of inclement weather like drought. Organic systems also use 45 percent less energy, reducing carbon emissions.

We started this research in 1981, long before a world-wide pandemic upended our society. The wholesale benefits of a regenerative organic food system were true then and are even truer now. Consumers clearly understand that organic food is healthier, as organic grocery sales and CSA memberships have skyrocketed since the pandemic took hold.

Adapting the holistic, regenerative model to our nations healthcare systems is a crucial step in improving human health. A shift in our medical system away from pharmaceutical-based disease management towards an integrative system founded on lifestyle medicinesupported by organic, nutrient-dense whole foodscould dramatically alter the trajectory of chronic disease and create a healthier future.

Let us agreewe cannot forget the critical role our food plays in protecting our health. Though the everyday threat of COVID-19 will eventually be a memory, the decisions we make about our food will always affect us. Take the first steps to protect your health now. You wont regret it.

Interested in more solutions? Rodale Institute, with our partners at The Plantrician Project, have released a new scientifically documented white paper that brings together, for the first time, doctors, scientists, and farmers to analyze the ways our food system has failed us, and, more importantly, solutions for a new path. The Power of the Plate: The Case for Regenerative Organic Agriculture in Improving Human Health is available for download at RodaleInstitute.org/poweroftheplate.

Jeff Moyer is the Chief Executive Officer of Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He has worked in regenerative organic farming for over 40 years and is the author of Organic No-Till Farming: Advancing No-Till Agriculture.

https://RodaleInstitute.org

Originally posted here:
As the world reopens, a threat to our health still looms - bctv.org

Give a natural boost to your immunity with this powder made from turmeric, ginger, cumin, fennel and other simple kitchen ingredients.

Spices like turmeric, ginger and cinnamon are known to be immunity boosters

If you catch a cold too easily, are prone to allergies, cough and sneeze to often and easily catch an infection, then your immunity needs to be worked on. In this pandemic, the importance of taking care of your immunity and building a strong one has been more than ever. A healthy immune system not only helps in keeping viral diseases and infections away, it also helps in protecting the body proactively in case you catch an infection or fall ill.

The immune system protects by creating a barrier which stops invaders and antigens from entering the body. If some of these manage to slip away and infect us, then the immune system produces white blood cells and other chemicals that attack and destroy these foreign substances.

Following a healthy lifestyle, being physically active and eating certain foods or natural immunity boosters can help in giving the much-needed boost to immunity.

Also read:Monsoon Diet: This Monsoon, Keep Your Immunity In Check With These Tips From Nutritionist

So here's an immunity boosting powder that you can make at home. Shared by lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho in one of his Instagram stories (that are now saved in highlights), this immunity boosting powder can be made with the help of some simple and basic ingredients like turmeric, ginger and cinnamon.

Turmeric is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting propertiesPhoto Credit: iStock

To prepare this immunity boosting powder, you need organic turmeric powder (7 tbsp), cumin seeds (4 tbsp), coriander seeds (4 tbsp), fennel seeds (7 tbsp), dry ginger powder or saunth (2 tbsp), whole black pepper (2 tbsp), cinnamon powder (1/2 tbsp) and cardamom (3 tbsp).

Keep turmeric powder and dry ginger powder in a separate bowl. Do not roast them.

Lightly roast all the remaining ingredients on low flame. Be careful as the spices should not burn. Roast them till you get a nice aroma. Once roasted, allow them to cool. Now transfer them to a grinder and grind them to get powdery consistency.

Also read:Not Just Immunity, Vitamin C Can Boost Heart Health Too: Here's How

Add turmeric and dried ginger to this powder. Store it in a steel or glass jar.

According to Coutinho, you can have 1/2 tsp of the powder with water, or add it as a seasoning to your food. It can be an alternative to garam masala.

Another way of including this powder in your diet is by adding 1/2 tsp of it to 1 tbsp of heated ghee. Mix it to form a paste and have it every morning.

If you are on medication or have an underlying health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, do check with your doctor before having this powder.

Promoted

(Luke Coutinho, Holistic Lifestyle Coach - Integrative Medicine)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Make This Powder With Turmeric, Dry Ginger, Fennel And Other Kitchen Ingredients To Naturally Boost Your Immunity - NDTV Doctor

Henry Ford Health System is providing even more services to Dearborn area patients, with an expanded emergency room and the creation of its new Center for Integrative Medicine.

We are really proud of our ER expansion, said Mary Finn, Group Practice Director for the Henry Ford Medical Group. It has been modified, so all of our bays are private treatment rooms, which was never the case before.

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She said the only part of the ER that still has curtain separators is the fast track area, for quick turnover patients, such as someone who might need simple stitches or a straightforward need for medicine.

Henry Ford Health System Fairlane has an expanded emergency room, and has a Center for Integrative Medicine, and well as pain management and anxiety care facilities.

The idea is to try to keep the ER from being as congested, so thats a nice feature, Finn said. So, we have the fast track, we have a new trauma area and we have more patient care spaces and treatment bays, so more than double when we are all done.

She said another effort of the expanded ER is to get people out of the waiting room and into a treatment bay as quickly as possible.

Our goal, with our new strategy with more rooms now, and with more treatment bays, we are trying to get everybody back without waiting in the waiting room, Finn said. It has been rare that I have seen anybody in the waiting room for the last couple months.

She said that even with ER volumes being down across the country because of the pandemic, the Fairlane ERs volume is beginning to approach what it was pre-pandemic, and they are still focusing on not having the waiting room fill up with patients.

Finn said many of the doctor offices have moved to the nearby Henry Ford Medical Center on Ford Road in Dearborn.

She said all three of the Internal Medicine offices are now on the third floor of the Ford Road Center.

Its been a great change, because it allowed everybody to be one, as opposed to three separate spaces, Finn said.

She said Behavioral Services have also moved from nearby office space to the third floor of the Ford Road Center as well.

Finn said the second floor of the Ford Road Center has been utilized to expand the Pain Management Program, which is run through the Department of Anesthesia.

They do a very comprehensive evaluation of the cause of pain and the underlying issues, and if they are able to do treatments for the patient, it could be involving any kinds of procedures or blocks or other measures that can be done, she said. They also have a relationship with the acupuncturist, and they have a pain psychologist.

Finn said the Center for Integrative Medicine is also on the second floor of the Ford Road Center, which houses the acupuncturist, chiropractors, functional medicine (which focuses on holistic or alternative medicine), yoga and massage.

With these moves, the relationship between the Pain Management Program and the Center for Integrative Medicine is growing, she said, especially with respect to acupuncture, adding that HFHS is on the leading edge of the changes that are taking place in health care across the country, including integrated medical records, which can keep a patient safer.

We all have important history, allergy information and things that have happened, that a doctor would want to know about, Finn said. And so, the more a doctor and a medical team can easily access that information, the better off you are.

She said tests dont have to be repeated, and there can be a better focus on a patients medical problems, as well as their history, and what has already been tried.

Some of this is very hard for people to be really good historians on, Finn said. No matter how well educated you are, if you arent a member of the medical field, it can really be very challenging to navigate.

She said she is proud of what the HFHS team is accomplishing, especially in the midst of a pandemic.

Youre seeing a greater push to include more Integrative Medicine and more alternative treatments to augment traditional treatments, Finn said. So thats where there is synergy between the Pain Program, the Center for Integrative Medicine and even Internal Medicine. We have a dietician in the program, as well, and they are recognizing that everyone has something to offer.

Alice Cooper, Peter Frampton, George Thorogood, Don Felder and members of Slipknot, Stone Sour, Bush, Halestorm, Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry and more will take part in Rock For Relief, a virtual benefit for Feeding America at 8 and 11 p.m. Friday, July 3 via rockforrelief.net. Cooper and Joe Satriani will also be conducting interviews with other artists during the event, a collaboration between United Stations Media Networks and Storic Media Podcast Network.

Crunch Fitness, 5601 Mercury Drive, in Dearborn, was cited for being open to patrons June 28, in violation of the governors pandemic closure

A press conference is scheduled for Friday in Dearborn to update an ongoing dispute between the American Moslem Society (AMS) and its neighbor

The Confidence Connection, a recently launched podcast, hosted by Dearborn native Suzanne Sena, provides people with ways to build belief an

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HFHS Fairlane expands ER, creates Center for Integrative Medicine; Pain management to be at the forefront - Dearborn Press and Guide

COVID-19 Isolation Impacts on Couples and Families:Recognizing, Addressing and Resolving Relationship Challenges During Confinement

Human beings are social creatures, and the isolation caused by sheltering in place can impact our mental health. To address these issues and offer some coping tools and resources,OLLI-UA(Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) and the University of Arizona Department of Psychiatry are hosting twoZoom webinars this month. Both are free and will feature a question and answer session. Register using the link below.

The July 24 presentation at 2 p.m. features Banner-University Medicine psychiatry faculty:

Alison R. Coelho, assistant professor: Dr. Coelho's areas of professional interest include trauma-focused psychotherapy, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, neuropsychology and couples' therapy with an emphasis on interracial marriage.

Noshene Ranjbar, assistant professor and director, Integrative Psychiatry Clinic: Dr. Ranjbar's interests include integrative psychiatry, health disparities with a focus on Native American and immigrant mental health, and mind-body medicine.

View post:
Virtual COVID-19 Impacts on Mental Health Part 2: Couples and Families - UANews

The world is slowly reopeningbut the COVID-19 crisis isnt over, and everyone still has concerns. While in many areas, the number of cases is decreasing, our health will remain in danger until we make a major change and paradigm shift.

That change is closer than you might think. Its in your kitchen, your backyard garden, and at the farmers market you visit every weekend.

The solution is our soil and in our food. What we eat is critical to protecting our health, and our broken food system needs an overhaul.

...

The coronavirus pandemic has focused the spotlight on the importance of health, immunity, and disease prevention. We watched as our medical systems became inundated with patients, while feeling helpless to support our own health in the face of an invisible threat.

As we return to a new normal, it is imperative that we stay vigilant about maintaining our health. Sales of organic food rose 22% in March, 18% in April, and 16% in May as consumers looked for ways to boost their immune systems. We cannot return to our industrial, chemical food system as the crisis recedes a food system that is harming both people and the planet and expect positive impacts on our personal health. We need resilient agriculture for the future.

What we eat is directly related to how we feel and how we protect our health. So why have we allowed an agricultural system that sprays our food with chemicals, disproportionately harms vulnerable communities, and poisons our environment be the main source of food for our families? Why is our medical system so out of touch with the role that food plays in our physical health, prescribing pharmaceuticals for lifestyle diseases that create even more side effects and problems?

...

For too long, farmers and doctors have been siloed while pursuing the same goal: keeping people healthy. Remember the grade school adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Its far past time that we bring these individuals, and professions, back together.

The path towards change can be found in Regenerative Healthcare. Regenerative organic food is free of the threat of chemicals like glyphosate, a probable carcinogen. At Rodale Institute, our research has shown not only that organic can feed the world, but that it can feed the worlds families more nutrient dense food, full of natural antioxidants and phytonutrients that can prevent, suspend, and even reverse the most wide-spread of lifestyle diseases.

And yet, the Standard American Diet comprises only 11% of its calories from whole plant foods, and more than 50% from highly processed products. Today, over 70% of global deaths are due to lifestyle-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic immune disorders.

When facing a threat as strong as COVID-19, we need to avail ourselves of every support system we have. Our diet is one of the simplest ways to improve our health and take control over our lives. And yet, nutrition is roundly downplayed in the medical community. In fact, many medical students receive less than 25 hours of training in nutrition during their entire education.

We need to deploy a health care system in which farmers and physicians work together to inform a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health. Regenerative Healthcare is the only path forward.

We must combine what we know about the power of food with our knowledge of nutrition and our bodies, working to prevent disease through an organic, whole-foods, plant-forward diet that begins on farms that work in harmony with nature.

...

For over 70 years, Rodale Institute has been researching the benefits of regenerative organic agriculture. From the beginning, our mission has been to support healthy soil that grows healthy food, feeding healthy people.

Results from Rodale Institutes Farming Systems Trial, a 40-year side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional grain cropping systems, has shown conclusively that organic systems are not only comparable to conventional systems in terms of yields, but can yield up to 40% higher in years of inclement weather like drought. Organic systems also use 45% less energy, reducing carbon emissions.

We started this research in 1981, long before a world-wide pandemic upended our society. The wholesale benefits of a regenerative organic food system were true then and are even truer now. Consumers clearly understand that organic food is healthier, as organic grocery sales and CSA memberships have skyrocketed since the pandemic took hold.

...

Adapting the holistic, regenerative model to our nations healthcare systems is a crucial step in improving human health. A shift in our medical system away from pharmaceutical-based disease management towards an integrative system founded on lifestyle medicine supported by organic, nutrient-dense whole foods could dramatically alter the trajectory of chronic disease and create a healthier future.

Let us agree we cannot forget the critical role our food plays in protecting our health. Though the everyday threat of COVID-19 will eventually be a memory, the decisions we make about our food will always affect us. Take the first steps to protect your health now. You wont regret it.

Interested in more solutions? Rodale Institute, with our partners at The Plantrician Project, have released a new scientifically documented white paper that brings together, for the first time, doctors, scientists, and farmers to analyze the ways our food system has failed us, and, more importantly, solutions for a new path. The Power of the Plate: The Case for Regenerative Organic Agriculture in Improving Human Health is available for download at RodaleInstitute.org/poweroftheplate.

See the original post here:
Commentary: As the world reopens, a threat to our health still looms - Capital Press

Club Industry was not involved in the creation of this content.

If you are currently leading an organization of any size, you face three major challenges:

These are uncertain times. They demand the best that leaders can give. In this free interactive webinar, Dr Mark Tager provides a time-tested, proven system that promotes personal and team resilience in time of uncertainty. Youll discover ideas, skills, and practices that magnify your influence as a leader even in the face of danger and uncertainty.

Youll come away with five critical skills for bringing out the best in yourself and others. Youll learn:

If you are running a small health or aesthetic practice, guiding a team, having responsibility for restructuring your organizationor, if youre just trying to be a better communicator for those you love and care about, this webinar is for you.

Details: Wednesday, July 22, 12 pm Pacific

Register: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/9/v9v1yal

Webinar Promotion Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u5wony6k33l4pzi/LTSC2%20w%20logo%20open%20copy.mp4?dl=0

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Mark J. Tager, MDPhysician Entrepreneur

As a physician entrepreneur Markhas built companies, led high performance teams, and guided people through challenging times. Out of those experiences, Markcreated a system that hes taught to thousands of leaders in businesses large and small. He brings a laser-like focus to his training programs: no fluff, no pontification, just usable skills that are needed now more than ever.

Mark J Tager, MD is Chief Enhancement Officer (CEO) of ChangeWell, Inc., (changewell.com) a San Diego organization that trains and coaches professionals to enhance their presence in person, on camera and online. A veteran of more than 1,000 presentations, Mark shares his skills and passion to empower those who attend his trainings.

As a physician, he is well grounded in lifestyle, regenerative, integrative and aesthetic medicine. Mark began his human resource work in the early 1980s as Director of Health Promotion for Kaiser Permanente NW Region. He founded several companies in the publishing, medical device, and training industries which went on to successful exits.

Among the ten books he has authored or co-authored, three describe learning systems for dealing with stress and change. These include:Leadership in Times of Stress and Change(with Dr. Harry Woodward),Transforming Stress into Power, andWorking Well(with Dr. Marjorie Blanchard). Dr. Tager obtained his medical degree from Duke University and trained in Family Practice at the University of Oregon Health Science Center.

Original post:
Leadership In Times Of Stress And Change: 5 Critical Skills To Bring Out The Best In Yourself And Others - Club Industry

Is working from home a literal pain the neck? Many of us have spent long hours hunched over impromptu workstations on beds, coffee tables and kitchen islands since the onset of the pandemic. With elevated stress levels, fewer opportunities for movement and upended routines, working from home can be a recipe for back and neck pain.

Chiropractors specialize in correcting misalignments of the neck, back and head through careful manipulations of the spine. But since many of us dont have access to a chiropractor in person, here are some tips to help you reduce back and neck pain while working at home.

How can you maintain good posture while working from the kitchen table? Andrew Bang, D.C., lead chiropractor at the Center for Integrative Medicine at The Cleveland Clinic, recommends this checklist to properly position your head, arms and back.

Bang and Barbara Rosinsky, a chiropractor in Wantagh, New York. recommended these seven simple tips to keep you free of back or neck pain between visits.

Belly snoozing is the worst position to sleep in, said Rosinsky. You have to turn your head to the left or right, and that creates neck strain, she says. Instead, either sleep on your back with pillows under your knees or on your side with pillows between your knees. Both positions help maintain the spines natural curvature. In both positions, sleep with a small pillow under your head and pull the pillow down so its also supporting your neck, Rosinsky explained.

Trending stories,celebrity news and all the best of TODAY.

Strong abdominals are key to reducing pain in your back, but if you have back pain, traditional crunches and sit-ups actually make the pain worse, Bang explained. Instead, hold yourself in a yoga plank pose lie on your stomach and then lift your body so youre balancing on your hands and your toes, like a push up. Hold the position as long as you can, increasing the time with each attempt.

Side planks will also firm up your core. From the plank position, rotate your body to the left so you are balancing on your outstretched left arm and on your left foot (either stack your right foot on top of your left or place your right foot down if it's necessary for balance). Reach your right arm upward. Hold it as long as you can and then switch sides.

I have more low back pain patients who sit at desk all day than are manual laborers, said Bang. Our hamstrings get locked up from spending so many hours sitting in a chair, Bang explained. So when we try to stand up from sitting, our hamstrings pull on our pelvis, causing misalignments in the spine and all kinds of pain."

But a few simple stretches can counter this effect. While lying on your back, wrap a yoga belt around your foot and pull your leg up, keeping it straight. Feel the stretch along the back of your leg. Then try to stretch your leg across the groin over the left leg to right and vice versa and then out and away from your body towards your hips and. Work yourself up to holding the stretches for 90 seconds.

Take a look at your phone. Notice what you just did? In all likelihood your chin went to your chest and your neck curved into a C-shape. Thats really bad for your neck, said Bang. Theres 12-15 pounds of weight in the human head. The further the head is away from our shoulders looking down at our smartphones, [the more it] strains the muscles. The bones and the discs start to mash together and you get pain. This goes for all handheld electronics, like iPads. To save your neck, prop up your arms so youre looking at your phone straight on. If youre using an e-reader in bed, hold it up on your bent knees instead of down on your lap.

This is going to be a hard one. If you sit at a desk all day, make sure your feet are parallel and planted firmly on the ground, says Rosinsky. If your feet dont reach the ground, use a box or foot rest to prop them up. This will reduce pressure on your lower back. Also remember to raise your computer screen so its at eye level to limit neck strain.

When your grandmother scolded you about slouching, she was doing more than trying to make you look better. She was likely saving you from a backache. Sit up on your sit bones, not back on the sacrum, says Rosinsky, referring to the fleshier part of your tush. Think about the curve in your lower back and try to preserve it as you sit. And whatever youre working on, your keyboard and your computer screen should be square with your body. So dont put your laptop on your lap and hunch over it. Youre much better off putting it on a table.

Too much time spent in any one position sitting or standing can trigger back pain. The more active you are, the more you stretch out your muscles and get your body accustomed to physical activity so you're the less likely to suffer pain, Bang explained. You need to eat well, drink well and move well, he says. If you get too sedentary you will have more pain.

All of these strategies can help you stave off pain, but chiropractors also recommend regular adjustments that can help keep the spine aligned, the nervous system functioning properly and reduce the risk of recurring pain. When the situation allows, seeing your chiropractor on a regular basis, whether youre in pain or not, will help you maintain your balance and your range of motion, Bang said.

A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.

Read more from the original source:
How to avoid back and neck pain while working from home - TODAY

Remember when we could be gather? Now its time to get creative with our health + well being. Photo via The Pizitz Instagram

Were half way through the year and boy has it been a doozy. Between a global pandemic and important social movements its important to take some time for yourselfespecially your mental health. With the advice of local wellness advocacy groups and nonprofits in Birmingham, here are some tips to help improve your mental health.

Disclaimer: This article does not serve as professional medical advice. Seek advice of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health whether it be physical or mental.

As a 20-something gal taking life day by day, theres only so much advice I can give you, so I reached out to the following groups and non-profits for advice. Heres a look at who they are and how they serve the Birmingham community.

Yes, I Have a Therapist is a wellness advocacy group for women of color that promotes healthy wellness practices by providing local and national resources. Their mission is to dismantle harmful mental health stigmas by hosting conversations and creating a safe space for women of color.

Integrative Health Services takes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit. They assist couples, families, teens and individuals who struggle with mental health. The integrative approach means they can work with your primary physician, psychiatrist or other health professionals.

A Friend of Mind is a nonprofit organization that helps youth accept and manage their mental illnesses and eliminate mental health stigmas. They offer creative solutions to challenges by using culturally-tailored and targeted outreach programs, training and advocacy.

In celebration of Minority Mental Health Month, A Friend of Mind will be hosting free yoga classes at Veterans Park. The class is for people of color only and will be socially distant. Here are the deets:

You may recognize Emilie as one of the collaborators for The Fearless Om. As a nutritional wellness coach and yogi, her mission is to help you create a more balanced life. By following a refined approach to everyday lifethrough food, movement, mindfulness and living in accordance with the seasonswe can claim the grounded, rich lives we crave.

For many of us, our social media channels are our source of news. It can be a blessing and a curse. For me personally, its a battle between staying informed and taking some time to step away. Im sure many of yall can relate.

If you find your social media channels giving you more stress rather than serving as a productive outlet, put your phone down! Turn off your notifications, set phone-free zones in your living space and set aside days where you dont even get on social media. Its okay to disconnect every once in a while.

When youre in a funk, pause and honestly ask yourself what do I need right now? Answers may look like, I need to connect with a good friend or I need to move my body or I need a little quiet time. Asking this question pulls you into the present moment and stops the mental loop that happens when were in a funk.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but theres a strong connection between spending time in nature and reducing stress or anxiety.

If you cant make it outside, bring nature indoors. This may seem weird, but I often find myself listening to rain sounds on loop. Why? Its soothing and sometimes songs with lyrics can be distracting.

Birmingham has so many great spots to help you recharge. My favorites are a great hike at Ruffner Mountain, a healing yoga class at Villager Yoga, or a long bike ride through Highland Park!

If youre looking for new spots to enjoy some time in nature, check out this article on 19 hidden trails in Birmingham and how exploring them can boost your mental health.

It always helps to have someone to talk to. Were social creatures, after all. While many of us never thought wed be stuck in social isolation, here we are in 2020 and its actually encouraged to remove ourselves from crowds.

Now its time to get creative when cultivating our sense of community. Find online groups that interest you and make you feel welcome. Join them and dive head-first into the conversation. Its beneficial to have a place where you can share, listen and learn.

For example, by writing this article, I found Yes, I Have a Therapist. As a woman of color, this group covers topics relevant to my well-being. Heres what they had to say:

We believe heavily in persons having a support team, people who you feel are on your side. It does not mean that they will call or text every day, but they will do things to check on you.

No surprise here. Exercise equals endorphins, and those feel-good endorphins send a happy hit to the brain to enhance your sense of well-being.

According to the Mayo Clinic, doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week improves depression and anxiety symptoms.

Getting started is the hard part. At the beginning of quarantine, I found a workout I enjoyed and stuck with it. Set reasonable goals and dont be hard on yourself. Its okay to have a lazy day.

Remember to acknowledge any uncomfortable feelings you may be having. Its okay to struggle. By accepting uncomfortable emotions youre allowing yourself permission to work through them.

Having a hobby is a great way to unwind and serves as an outlet for stress. It always helps having something to look forward to after a days work.

Do something that you love to do. Some people like to go on a drive when theyre in a funk. Some people like to cook, dance, bake. Whatever it is that gives you pleasure when youre not in a funk, do that.

For example, Ive been dabbling in gardening and learning Italian for when its time to pack my bags and move to a vineyard in Italy. I dont know when that time will come, but Ill be ready!

We look at [meditation] as a way of controlling our emotions, feelings and thoughts by simply controlling our breaths. Its a good way to decompress and try to let go of that day.

Not sure where to start? Emilie Maynor suggests writing or thinking of three things youre grateful for and take three deep breaths before starting the day. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer short, guided meditations accessible to anyone.

Heres one of Maynors videos that is great for beginners wanting to learn meditation and/or breathing exercises.

Laughing really is the best medicine. Its free and doesnt require a prescription. While its not a cure-all for anxiety or stress, you cant beat a good ole belly laugh. Amidst a pandemic and advocating for racial equality, we could all benefit from some humor in our lives.

We find things daily to laugh aboutmemes, Tik Tok videos, our favorite comedians. Laughter makes us feel light and joy.

If youre looking for a laugh in Birmingham, check out this article highlighting seven locals and events who will brighten your day.

Related

Link:
Ways to improve your mental health during a pandemic + social movements with the help of Birmingham experts - Bham Now

Dr Shyam Bhat is a pioneer of integrative medicine and holistic psychiatry in India. He is also a published writer and a trustee of the Live Love Laugh Foundation set up by the leading Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone. He spoke to Scroll.in on the psychological aspects of reading in the context of a protracted crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic. Excerpts from the interview:

What kind of impact can a prolonged global health crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic have on peoples minds?The human brain is engineered for survival. In this respect, we are like every mammalian species, our brain always subconsciously scanning the environment for signs of threat. Consider that you are walking down the road, perfectly relaxed, when suddenly a raging dog attacks you. Without a moments hesitation, without even thinking about it, you react. Threat-signalling in the brain creates a state of hypervigilance, a state of acute alertness and sensitivity to other possible threats.

Just above your kidneys are the adrenal glands, which release stress hormones in response to a threat, including adrenaline. Your brain and body are now in survival mode, in what is popularly called the fight or flight response. Your heart beats faster, your muscles tighten, your joints are poised, your pupils dilate, your sweat glands are hyperactive, while inside your body, your organs are responding equally vigorously to the impending attack. Your liver releases glucose and protein into the bloodstream to allow your blood to clot more easily in case you sustain injury. Human beings dominate the planet because of our unique neurology our brain has the ability to think about the future, to predict, forecast, prepare and plan. But this great power is also our greatest burden for not only can we sense imminent threat, we also suffer pain due to a future threat.

This tendency to think of negative outcomes is worsened in times of uncertainty and ambiguity. Without enough information to guide its predictive mechanisms, your brain signals threat, and this is experienced as anxiety and stress. Research shows that the brain actually signals less threat in situations where there is certainty of pain, compared to a situation where there is uncertainty about the outcome. In other words, we are less troubled by the certainty of a bad outcome, compared to not being sure.

Our brains right now cannot see a certain future: what will happen, when will the pandemic end, what does it mean for our lives?

When the threat is continuous, slow-burning and subtle, as it is with this pandemic, these ancient neural systems no longer serve a purpose. Fight and flight are compounded by the freeze response something that an animal resorts to when there is no escape from the threat. This chronic state of alarm is what people call stress, a word so commonly thrown around that it has lost its potency to remind us that it is a debilitating life-sapping condition.

Over time, a person may begin to experience several symptoms of stress, but often remain oblivious to them. Persons who are under stress commonly feel impatient, irritable, prone to anger, body aches and pains, fatigue, insomnia, worrying and overthinking, inability to focus and concentrate and on edge. Internally, the condition affects metabolic functioning, increases blood sugars and the risk for diabetes, elevates blood pressure and the risk for heart disease and weakens the immune system, making us more vulnerable to viral infections. Unchecked, stress can lead to clinical depression and anxiety disorders, amongst other mental illnesses.

Is there an established link between reading and mental illness? Does a regular reading habit help lessen mental health issues like anxiety and depression?Reading is one of those everyday activities that we take for granted, but if you pause to consider what is happening when you read words on a page, you will realise that this simple act is actually very complex, even magical. When you read, you look at shapes on a page, variations of a small number of letters, and it evokes in your mind visions and thoughts, transporting you to a different world. Unlike visual entertainment like TV, reading requires engagement and work by the consumers brain. It is a complex act, with several brain regions working together to create a world inside the head that can be as, if not more, rich in emotional texture than lived experiences.

With the visual cortex receiving the images, the temporal lobes translating them into verbal information, the frontal cortex interpreting and predicting the unfolding narrative, the memory centres of the brain evoking autobiographical memory, the autonomic nervous system altering itself in response to the emotions being evoked, reading is a virtual reality experience that no technology has yet replicated.

Reading is a workout for the brain. And just as physical exercise decreases the risk of diabetes and heart disease, regular reading decreases the risk of conditions such as dementia, and improves memory, concentration, and mood. This is especially relevant in these times of Covid.

In one research study, people who read long fiction (not short fiction) had better tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty, and an improved ability to think creatively. In an uncertain time like this, reading can help cope with the stress and also help think of creative solutions to life challenges. Reading also helps deal with isolation, by making the reader feel connected with other worlds.

The practice of prescribing books for mental health is probably as old as books themselves. In many ancient wisdom traditions, stories were used to impart deep insights about the world. Zen stories, Sufi Stories, the Panchatantra tales, fables from all over the world were powerful vehicles for the dissemination of morals, life lessons, and wisdom, and, centuries later, books continue to be relevant.

Although books by themselves cannot treat clinical depression, they help as catalysts in therapy, improving the insights one can derive from the therapeutic process.

Has reading ever been formally incorporated in your therapy? If so, how?In what is called bibliotherapy, a therapist prescribes books selected for a number of reasons: narratives of people who have suffered similarly, novels that help a person understand the subtle contexts of their problem, and self-help books that might explore topics that have come up in therapy and so on.

The prescription is highly individual and variable, more an art than a science. The therapist has to have read widely and must understand the clients inner world in order to recommend the right book. Following the reading, the therapist will gauge the clients reactions to the book which will help reveal the themes of their underlying psychological conflict. Some questions I would ask include: What was your reaction to the theme of the novel? What did you like or not like about the protagonist? Which characters did you identify with and why?

Do you think the pandemic has made people start reading again? That is, has it become a choice that has often won over say Netflix or Amazon Prime?It depends on the emotional state and temperament of the person. Those struggling with anxiety and stress will find it difficult to read, because anxiety interferes with the brains ability to focus and concentrate. The desire to distract themselves from stress will impel such people to consume media passively, by watching a show or scrolling absently through social media.

Just like sugar is easier to digest than whole grains, although it is unhealthier, visual and social media is easier to digest for the brain than most books. Unfortunately, this sugar candy for the brain makes it even harder to focus, creating a vicious cycle that results in people turning away from books and spending more time with a screen.

What kinds of books do you see people turning to during and after the pandemic and why?Pop science, books on catastrophes, and fiction of various kinds.

Long-form work full of complex ideas will be avoided by many people during the pandemic. However, there will be significant exceptions to this: for instance, a work of nonfiction that offers relevant information about an issue that people are facing today will find resonance, such as accounts of previous pandemics, narratives of challenging times such as wars and economic uncertainty. Popular science books exploring virology, the immune system or infections, and books about dealing with the emotional reactions to uncertainty and stress would also appeal to readers.

Readers may also turn to fiction for respite from the incessant stress of Covid, or to process the fears and anxieties evoked by the pandemic. Themes that resonate particularly with the reader during this time include dealing with isolation and loneliness, global catastrophes, and fantasy fiction with a completely different, self-contained universe into which the reader can escape.

Others may seek a thrilling or fearful narrative to help them process their own fears. From a psychological perspective, movies and books that are scary or thrilling offer a safe space which people can work through and let go of fears, sort of like a ride on a roller-coaster which is scary but at the same time exhilarating.

A subgenre that will likely appeal to readers is post-apocalyptic fiction: stories set in worlds affected by major global catastrophe. These stories recreate, in a heightened fashion, the atmosphere of our times: the feeling that the world has changed irrevocably and that something surreal is happening, but they also serve as a reminder of the ability of humans to rebound, adapt and thrive in difficult situations.

What role does the visual appeal of a book, be it cover design or colour schemes, play in times like these? Do you think readers are likely to pay greater attention to it? People tend to judge a book by its cover, and not just in these times. Research shows that the more emotional we are, the more impulsive we become. Covid-induced stress will result in people wanting to make quicker decisions, and therefore the impact of the cover and title may be more relevant than in other times.

How is the impact of reading different from that of the screen experience?The theorist Marshall McLuhan famously said, The medium is the message. What he meant was, whenever a new medium is devised, it is not the content that shapes the mind, but the medium itself. To consume something on a screen through images and sound is not the same as consuming it through the written word.

Watching a show on a screen is a much more passive experience compared with reading, which requires personal engagement. While reading, the brain transforms the words on the paper into imagery, which engage senses like vision, touch, and sound, cognitive abilities like logical thinking, memory, and interpretation, as well as what we call the theory of mind, which is the ability to understand other peoples thoughts and feelings

The visual medium does this without the brain having to do any of the heavy lifting, so the experience is far more passive.

Do you feel that more people are taking to writing rather than reading in order to overcome their anxieties?Writing can improve ones mental health, particularly a form of writing called expressive writing where one writes whatever is on ones mind without inhibiting or censoring oneself, so that ones true feelings and emotions are put out there rather than suppressed within. Research shows that this form of writing reduces stress and even improves some markers of physical health, such as blood pressure and the immune system.

The pandemic with its consequent lockdowns and social isolation is creating a situation that might make people feel very lonely, but its also an opportunity for them to introspect and embark on creative projects. During the 1665 plague, Isaac Newton famously retreated to his family home for a year and emerged with his world-changing insights on gravity.

So there is historical precedent we can use all our alone time for creative endeavours such as writing. Of course, the amount of time that a person can get depends on their life situation. It is a privilege that many will be denied due to economic hardship and stress.

Has there been a shift in your own reading habits owing to the pandemic? What have you been reading during the lockdown?My reading habits havent changed significantly. I continue to read both fiction and non-fiction. However, one book I read, clearly influenced by the pandemic, was a historical account of the world during the Spanish Flu, Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World.

Can books on mental health and wellness have the same efficacy as consulting a mental health professional? For many life issues, a well-written and insightful book can have a powerful impact. The right words at the right time can create epiphanies that have the capacity to transform a person. Books can help people better understand themselves and others, and develop insights on how to handle difficult feelings and relationships. However, for people suffering from clinical issues, a book cannot replace a mental health professional.

What is your honest opinion of books on mental health and well-being written, edited and published locally? Do you have any suggestions for editors acquiring in this genre?I am happy to see the number and quality of the books in this space in India. I would recommend that editors seek narratives of people who have personally experienced mental turmoil, along with writing that blends insights from western therapy and psychology/psychiatry with ancient Indian writing, including literature from yoga psychology and Vedanta.

This series of articles on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on publishing is curated by Kanishka Gupta.

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Reading helps cope with stress and provides creative solutions in the uncertain times of Covid-19 - Scroll.in

AUSTIN, Texas, July 6, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --OnlineMedEd, a digital healthcare learning platform, today announced a $5M financing round, raised from more than 20 physicians, founders, and partners of some of the largest physician-owned firms in the United States. The funds will be used to support the expansion of their platform beyond medical school to provide high-quality educational content for the over 60 million healthcare professionals across the globe in specialties ranging from nursing to physician assistants to MD's and DO's.

Today, OnlineMedEd is the clinical learning platform of choice for a broad spectrum of healthcare learners. Over 86% of medical students in the United States are currently using OnlineMedEd to gain the knowledge needed not just to excel in Board exams, but also in clinical practice. In addition to being used by individual med students, OnlineMedEd's suite of products are institutionally used by over 50 universities nationally, and many more around the world.

"Our purpose is to change how medical education is delivered to bring up the quality and performance of the entire healthcare industry," said Jamie Fitch, CEO of OnlineMedEd. "This investment round, raised from highly qualified physicians, further validates the broad demand for OnlineMedEd in the healthcare profession. We're excited to leverage our investors' clinical expertise, professional networks, and business resources as we grow into new markets beyond medical school."

The funding comes at a time when OnlineMedEd is leveraging its education, technology and clinical expertise to support health care professionals beyond medical school in the fight against COVID-19. The company recently launched a Crash Course in Medicine, a suite of 48 free online video lessons aimed at helping redeployed medical professionals get up-to-speed on the medical knowledge they need to confidently provide care in today's environment.

OnlineMedEd has seen an acceleration of adoption since this launch. Prior to the pandemic, they had over 200,000 monthly active users; today, they have over 350,000 monthly active users. In April 2020, the company recorded 27 million minutes of watched video, a more than 100% increase over their healthy baseline of 13 million minutes / month.

"The innovation and reach of OnlineMedEd's comprehensive medical curriculum is exceeded only by the goodwill of their educational mission," says Glenn C. Robinson, M.D., past President of Austin Gastroenterology, P.A. and one of the investors in OnlineMedEd. "The ease and accessibility of its integrative learning tools will be embraced by students and educators alike as a welcomed and timely addition to the traditional learning experience. As an investor, I envision OnlineMedEd's complete solution as merely the DNA base pairs to replicate for the future of all professional education."

In addition to Crash Course, OnlineMedEd provides key learning modules including:

OnlineMedEd was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Austin, TX. The digital learning platform is currently used in 191 countries.

To learn more about OnlineMedEd, please visit: https://onlinemeded.org.

About OnlineMedEd

OnlineMedEd is a digital healthcare learning platform whose mission is to change how medical education is approached, delivered and learned by healthcare students and institutions alike.

Used in 191 countries and by more than 86% of clinical medical students domestically, the OnlineMedEd learning platform combines technology, education, and data-driven insights to create a comprehensive and personalized experience for its learners, making learning faster, easier, and more reliable. All material is peer-reviewed and developed by physician educators with one goal in mind - making students into better providers.

For more information, visit http://www.onlinemeded.org.

SOURCE OnlineMedEd

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OnlineMedEd Raises $5M From Physician Networks Across the Nation - Benzinga

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to shine a light on the Black experience in America, one Wesleyan student is doing his part to foster better understanding for students of color in STEM fields.

On July 2, Fitzroy Pablo Wickham 21 participated in a panel discussion on Black Lives Matter and Neuroscience: Why This Moment Matters. The event, hosted by the Society for Neuroscience and moderated by Trinity College President Joanne Berger-Sweeney, provided a forum to discuss hurdles faced by Black students and faculty in STEM and ways to enhance recruitment, mentoring, and retention in STEM fields.

Wickham, a neuroscience and theater double major, is the Class of 2021 president and a College of Integrative Sciences summer research student. A native of Jamaica, Wickham prefaced his comments by acknowledging that as a West Indian Black his experience does not necessarily reflect the full breadth of experiences had by African American students in science. But for his part, Wickham hopes that in sharing his perspective as a neuroscience undergraduate, he can help move the conversation forward in terms of how we can make the field more inclusive and equitable and in particular to voice some of the challenges Black students encounter when navigating STEM.

Although the panel was convened to discuss issues faced by Black students and faculty in the field of neuroscience, the topics addressed stretched beyond scientific disciplines, touching on issues that affect people of color in all aspects of academia, including lack of representation, the misperception that rewards are dispensed based on race rather than merit, and questions of tokenism. Over the course of the hourlong panel, participants talked about their own experiences, the obstacles they themselves had faced in their varied career paths, and the individuals who had helped to mentor them and advocate for them along the way.

Nii Addy, associate professor of psychiatry at Yales School of Medicine, encouraged participants to look outside their individual departments for mentorship and support when there are few available options in their own field and said that he, himself, makes mentoring others and connecting individuals with potential mentors a priority.

Marguerite Matthews, a health program specialist in the Office of Programs to Enhance Neuroscience Workforce Diversity at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), works on diversity initiatives and programs that provide research training and career development opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. She emphasized the need for academia to work in tandem with government programs to make sure underrepresented students and faculty are getting the necessary support to create an equitable situation with their peers, citing the importance of seeing diversity as something that is not an add-on. It is not an extra, not a bonus, not something special that you are doing. It is something that should be considered through every single process.

Fitzroy Pablo Wickham 21 is a neuroscience and theater double major, president of the Class of 2021, and a College of Integrative Sciences summer intern.

When asked about signs of progress and change, Wickham noted Wesleyans public support of the Black Lives Matter movement and encouraged the University to continue moving forward by supporting Black businesses and by setting a new standard for action among peer institutions.

Although the panel didnt necessarily have solutions for every issue brought up during the discussion and Q&A, Wickham did find the overall discussion itself to be a powerful first step.

This conversation is so important to so many people. I was overwhelmed by the number of registrants for the webinarboth in America and internationally, he said. The BLM movement has the undivided attention of the world right now and people are listening. These discussions are needed! The many questions posed by the attendees were very thought-provoking and show that we need more opportunities like this to hash out the matter and figure out how we will move forward, because one hour is not enough.

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Wickham '21 Speaks on the Black Student Experience in STEM - Wesleyan Connection

Now my oncologists insist on doing a minor surgery to sample tissue from the tumor bed and previously effected lymph nodes. If the tissue confirms a pathological complete response, as everyone expects, Ill have a 90% plus chance of survival for the next 5-10 years. If they find any leftover cancer cells that will embed and begin to grow, well continue treatment.

I can feel those of you with CRPS grimacing. Yes, of course, I want to avoid surgery at all cost, but this is my life, and the hardest decision Ive ever had to make.

My track record with CRPS and surgery stinks to high hell. As a young woman, I was given an unnecessary LEEP procedure for cervical dysplasia, which Ive since learned usually fixes itself. As a result of that minor surgery and cauterization, my CRPS spread, and subsequently I was unable to have a baby which is one of the great tragedies of my life.

When I was 40, I was diagnosed for the first time with breast cancer and told that without surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I had just a few months to live. I was terrified, but didnt trust western medicine anymore.

After researching my diagnosis, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and learning that these calcifications in the milk duct almost never become invasive, I chose to watch and wait. Even when my mom broke down, crying and begging, Please, Cynthia, I just want them to take the cancer out of you! -- I didnt budge for fear of a CRPS blow up. The calcifications never grew and to this day I warn women about the over care of DCIS.

About a decade ago, a physical therapist wanted to try to straighten my CRPS-contracted right arm. The therapy seemed far too risky, and I only relented when she promised to work exclusively on my head, neck and back. But she cheated and yanked, breaking my right arm. I was at a level ten pain again. It took a year to get an x-ray and correct diagnosis because I was labeled a catastrophizing patient.

The orthopedic surgeon told me that without elbow surgery Id never use my right arm again. In the end, I didnt trust the medical professionals who broke my arm to fix it. Instead, I got into my beloved YMCA swimming pool, did mirror therapy and strengthening exercises in the surrounding area and my arm slowly regained near-full function.

Fortunately, Ive forever had the gut instinct to pass on multiple recommendations for spinal cord stimulators and intra-thecal pumps, knowing the surgeries would do far more harm than good.

So here I am again, having to decide on surgery or not. But this time the stakes are much higher.

With the exception of one surgeon I know who understands CRPS because hes triggered it with breast surgeries, every western doctor is consistent. Theyre horrified by the prospect of me not doing the standard of care surgery to confirm or rule out a complete response. When the surgeon heard my plight, he responded with, Cynthia, this surgery could very well destroy your life. Damn right.

In my research to glean wisdom for this impossible decision, Ive come upon two recent, small studies. They support the protocol of post-chemo, minimally-invasive biopsy or watch and wait as an effective substitute for surgery to confirm a complete response. This may be the future for treating triple-negative cancer. But in 2020, taking this unproven route would leave me with the terrible anxiety of not knowing. Worse yet, I could suffer a quick recurrence.

What fire do I play with this go around? Do I potentially reignite my CRPS or my cancer embers? All I can do is go with my gut and heart, and call in the good karma chips from the universe Im certainly owed.

Can anyone thread the CRPS-cancer needle? I guess Im going to find out.

Cynthia Toussaint is the founder and spokesperson at For Grace, a non-profit dedicated to bettering the lives of women in pain. She has had Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)and 15 co-morbidities for nearly four decades. Cynthia is the author of Battle for Grace: A Memoir of Pain, Redemption and Impossible Love.

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Playing With Fire: Should I Have Cancer Surgery? - Pain News Network

Patanjali Ayurvedas claimed cure for COVID-19 has been criticised for making unsubstantiated claims of efficacy. However, can ayurveda, or alternative medicine in general, be evaluated in the same way as modern medicine? Jacob Koshy discusses the question with Dr. S.P. Kalantri and Dr. Bhavana Prasher. Edited excerpts:

Dr. Prasher, could you begin by explaining what really is the process of testing a new investigational drug in ayurveda? Does it follow the phased system of clinical trials as in modern medicine?

Bhavana Prasher: There are two aspects to the use of ayurvedic drugs for clinical use. Some are those described in classical text and listed in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of India. These have formulations that prescribe use in certain [conditions]. These are classical medicines that have been used for several hundreds of years in our country as well as in many parts of the world. If these drugs are to be used for a new condition, as we are seeing in the case of COVID-19, and there is some textual evidence to suggest that they could be useful, then they can straight away progress to human trials. We dont need studies on toxicity or pre-clinical aspects as these are already well-understood. However, if the drug is an entirely new formula, for a new set of conditions, then it has to follow the same path of toxicity, pre-clinical efficacy and subsequent clinical trials.

In a typical drug trial, an investigational drug is tested on various groups. Theres phase one, phase two... all the way up to multicentre phase three, etc. Then, it is medical statistics that decides whether the drug is actually safe and measurably improves outcomes. You also have to separate out the placebo effect. Do those same standards also apply to ayurveda?

Bhavana Prasher: For evaluating safety and efficacy, there is no difference in testing standards. But when it comes to trial design, what is an effective placebo for COVID-19? Right now, I dont think theres any medicine, or standard of care, that we can reliably compare a new drug with. However, as far as the trial design is concerned, what is more important is the outcome measures that you decide. In the context of disease management, it is not the case that one drug would work for the entire population and a single one would be useful for that patients lifetime. Drugs are evaluated based on what specific endpoint is expected. There is a very clear-cut flowchart or diagram given by the CCRS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences) guidelines. They say that the drug must not ignore the parameters on which it is judged by modern medicine.

Dr. Kalantri, In the case of COVID-19, several drugs are being re-purposed by pharmaceutical companies. Many times, drugs are hyped as potential antivirals, and they edge through the appraisal process by the expected outcomes being changed. We saw that in the case of remdesivir. So, dont you think that in some sense, you know, the pharmaceutical drugs, have it slightly easier, and a higher burden of proof is applied on alternative medicine?

S.P. Kalantri: Well, a science is a science is a science. I have great respect for ayurveda and its basic philosophy gels well with the Eastern approach of health and disease, in sharp contrast to the Western approach. But my point is that any drug or any intervention must figure out if the drug is safe and effective. For that, you need to follow certain rules. By merely drawing from experience in the past, quoting literature for which the drug might have worked in the past, does it mean that this drug will be as simple, as effective for a new disease? Ebola would be a great example. We thought that certain drugs worked well in Ebola and then we tried to extrapolate the results of those drugs to COVID-19, but they did not work. So often, what works in petri dishes might not work so far as actually human beings are concerned. My point is that no matter what branch you are practising, whether it is modern medicine or alternative medicine, comprising unani, siddha or homeopathy, there are certain scientific principles that absolutely must be followed. These scientific principles are basically aimed at making sure that you are minimising the bias as much as you can.

In the pharmaceutical world, normally what happens is, results of a trial are peer-reviewed and published in a journal. Independent experts can then evaluate the drugs benefits or non-efficacy. How often does that happen in alternative medicine? Are negative results reported?

Bhavana Prasher: There is a problem in that ayurvedic research publications dont appear as frequently in high-impact journals. However, I think that in general there is a paucity of negative outcomes being published and is not really a problem of ayurveda alone. Ayurvedic knowledge does not just come from experience but also relies on extensive documentation.

There are several universities and research counsellors who keep doing clinical trials that appear in ayurveda journals and thesis reports of research students. There is definitely the case that this reporting needs to be upgraded and the quality of journals improved.

Also read | Ayush Ministry lens on Baba Ramdevs COVID-19 cure

It is now well-understood that when disease reaches a certain level, you need technological interventions like, in the case of COVID-19, ventilators and pulse oximeters. However, ayurveda and other branches of alternative medicine mostly rely on natural concoctions. So, how do you integrate devices that are known to be life-saving into an ayurvedic framework?

Bhavana Prasher: They are absolutely integrated into the ayurvedic framework. I would recommend you to visit any of the modern ayurvedic institutes where the examination of the patient with respect to all these objective methods is very much adopted. There is no allergy to modern technological devices being integrated in the clinical protocols of ayurveda. Nevertheless, ayurveda also retains the methodology of assessment of disease in ayurvedic style, which is not only about focusing on the virus, but also looks at the baseline health parameters like diet and sleep. These are the immediate indicators of whether treatment is working.

Also read | Patanjali to sell Coronil as 'immunity booster,' not 'cure for COVID-19'

Dr. Kalantri, is there a way in which these two systems of medicines can be integrated? Or are they two different schools that cannot really exist under one roof but can only run parallel paths?

S.P. Kalantri: I guess an integrated approach would be a win-win situation for both disciplines because modern medicine approaches treatment from a left-brain perspective it is more rational, more analytic, more structured. Ayurveda has a holistic, more intuitive approach. It takes into consideration the person as a whole. So, while modern medicine is obsessed with a cell, or an organ, or a disease, which is a part of a body, ayurveda considers the person as a whole and believes that the whole is more important than some of the parts that it is composed of. I completely agree with this. But when we are integrating them, we should not forget the principles of science and ethics.

The way the Patanjali trial was publicised, the results were shared with the media without getting published. The most meaningful outcome we are looking at from a drug is that it should be able to save lives. A strength of modern medicine is that it looks very strongly at these endpoints (saving lives and recovery). We need to look at the large trials conducted in the last two months, the solidarity trial and the recovery trial. Both not only produced some positive results, but [the researchers] also had the humility and transparency to say that hydroxychloroquine does not work, remdesivir does not reduce mortality, the dual combination of antiviral drugs does not work.

Editorial | Science vs nonsense: On Patanjalis COVID-19 claim

Dr. Prasher, would you agree that the benefits of Patanjalis drug were hyped? And didnt it do more harm to ayurveda in the process?

Bhavana Prasher: In the case of this particular trial, I would agree that their claims were disproportionate to what was clinically proved. However, I would disagree with Dr. Kalantri in that if we are indeed looking purely at how many lives are saved, I do not know if, anywhere, ayurvedic medicine has even had a chance of [being tested] in ICUs. So, the Patanjali trial was only restricted to mild and moderate cases; all asymptomatic cases were only mildly positive, so as an endpoint, they could only test viral clearance.

There arent tests allowed anywhere where ayurveda can be tested in severe or critically ill situations which could improve outcomes. A confidence has to be built in the modern medical world as well as in society that these things can be tested in those conditions as well.

Also read | FIR against Baba Ramdev, others on COVID-19 cure claim

Ayurveda is said to be a highly personalised system of medicine. So, by definition, can treatments so customised to an individual be sold to a general population? Modern medicine, on the other hand, recommends a drug for anyone who presents a certain set of conditions.

Bhavana Prasher: Personalisation refers to the disease type or the stage of severity. If, for a given presentation, a certain drug has been useful and tested, then it can be given to others. But the clinical indication has to be very clear. However the one-drug-fits-all notion in modern medicine is itself getting challenged everyday.

Both ayurveda and modern medicine are systems of medicine. However, their products are frequently in the hands of commercial pharmaceutical companies, who deploy similar means to sell more and extol benefits over harm. So, does that undermine medicine in both systems?

S.P. Kalantri: I completely agree. In the case of a drug called Favipiravir, that has now been approved, the company charges 13,000 for a 14-day therapy for a drug that only addresses fever and cough. Most people in our country can never afford such a drug. We must, at this time, de-link this nexus between pharmaceutical companies and medicine.

Bhavana Prasher: In the desperation for a panacea, drugs that are given over the counter compromise with the principles of treatment in Ayurveda too. This does create a lot of problems and sometimes can bring more harm than benefit.

Dr. Bhavana Prasher is an ayurveda doctor and senior scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology; Dr. S.P. Kalantri is a Professor at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha

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Can alternative medicine be subject to modern rigour? - The Hindu

As society cautiously returns to normal, Deepak Chopra says we should reconsider the following risks: airborne (what we breathe), surface borne (what we touch) and behavioral borne (how we gather and how we care for our immune systems). (Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Something in the Water)

The lockdown that occurred in the face of COVID-19 brings to light something almost everyone overlooked in the past. We are now an indoor species. This was already true before the lockdown. Outdoor work has declined radically since the Industrial Revolution. In the West today we spend on average over 90 percent of our lives inside, whether in our homes, offices, schools, hotels or restaurants.

This development is contrary to most of human history, which was spent primarily outdoors. Unknown to most people, the boxes we now occupy have a profound impact on our health and well-being. Our physical and social environments conceivably have as much impact on our health as factors more widely recognized, such as genetics, lifestyle and behavior patterns. Indoors the elements of air and water quality, lighting, temperature and acoustics can all have a direct impact on such diverse things as respiration, sleep, immunity and cardiovascular health.

While the notion of wellness real estate first emerged several years ago, COVID-19 has brought about a sudden awareness: What surrounds us matters. What we touch matters. It makes a difference how we gather indoors and share the same air. In a word, real estate is, and will remain, the largest carrier of a pathogen load such as the coronavirus or the next pathogen we face in the future.

The risks are primarily threefold: airborne (what we breathe), surface borne (what we touch) and behavioral borne (how we gather and how we care for our immune systems).

As society cautiously returns to normal, we should reconsider all three of these risks. Programs such as the WELL Health-Safety Rating from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), which is evidence-based and third-party verified, focuses on strategies to protect people in a post-COVID environment. Drawing on insights from nearly 600 public health experts, virologists, government officials, academics, business leaders, architects, designers, building scientists and real estate professionals, the rating provides a reliable means to measure how effectively all building types can be maintained for the health of the people inside them.

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The rating program is relevant for all building types restaurants, schools, retail stores, offices, theatres and is a review of policies and protocols that building operators put in place regarding cleaning and maintenance requirements, emergency response readiness, social distancing, and other factors that explicitly address the risk of pathogen transmission. The WELL Building Standard expands further into design interventions such as improved air filtration and ventilation to reduce the concentration of airborne viruses, pollutants and allergens, and circadian lighting to help balance 24 hour sleep-wake cycles.

Strategies to consider based on this research include:

Enhanced cleaning products and protocols: Maintaining thorough cleaning protocols on high-touch surfaces can help reduce the chance of infection.

Improved air quality: Opening windows to increase ventilation within a space or implementing air filtration technologies can help reduce the concentration of airborne viruses, along with other pollutants and allergens.

Elements of comfort: Working from home may lead to decreased physical activity and increased strain on our bodies. Active furnishings can help discourage prolonged sitting and sedentary behaviors.

Mental health support: Connecting with nature through plants, light and access to views can help improve mood and mitigate stress. This is particular important since stress is known to weaken the immune system.

Circadian lighting design: Poor sleep quality can play a role in weakening the bodys immune function. Lighting that mimics the patterns of the sun can help promote a restful nights sleep.

These strategies are an important step in responding to todays public health challenge, but also to building a healthier future overall. One of the positive outcomes that has come to light over the past few months is a collective understanding that every facet of the indoor environment plays a role in our health outcomes. This is the next phase in promoting a holistic approach to well-being.

Paul Scialla contributed to this story.

DEEPAK CHOPRA MD, FACP, founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. Chopra is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego and serves as a senior scientist with Gallup Organization. He is the author of over 89 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. His 90th book, Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential, unlocks the secrets to moving beyond our present limitations to access a field of infinite possibilities. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century.

Paul Scialla is the Founder/CEO of Delos and Founder of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), which administers the WELL Building Standard globally to improve human health and wellbeing through the built environment. After 18 years on Wall Street, including 10 at Goldman Sachs as a Partner, Pauls interest in sustainability and altruistic capitalism led him to found Delos, which is merging the worlds largest asset class real estate with the worlds fastest growing industry wellness. Paul graduated from New York University with a degree in finance, and he currently resides in New York City. http://www.wellcertified.com

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The surprising connection between well-being and living indoors - Yahoo Entertainment

While this is a contentious issue across the country, many people suffering from health issues are singing the praises of medicinal cannabis.

Northern Rivers general practitioner Dr Jamie Rickcord will deliver insights into his personal experience prescribing medicinal cannabis to local residents managing chronic health conditions.

The webinar will seek to provide further information on the biological effects of taking medicinal cannabis, demystify the distinction between THC and CBD, explain how medicinal cannabis is produced and how it should be applied, as well as offer some patient case studies.

Local registered healthcare professionals are invited to attend the presentation and interact via the Q&A function.

Dr Rickcord has practiced medicine since graduating from Imperial College, London in 2006 and for the last eight years he has worked as a GP in the Northern Rivers, at ANANDA clinics in Byron Bay.

He has seen the positive effect first-hand of medicinal cannabis and is pleased with the results in his patients.

Dr Rickcord is an advocate of educating other health professionals about integrative plant medicine and is also accepting medicinal cannabis referrals for a number of conditions that have been approved for treatment by Australias Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The webinar will also feature Barb Fullerton, the national education manager of Little Green Pharma, Australias first producer and grower of medicinal cannabis.

Dr Rickcords webinarPrescribing medicinal cannabis in the Northern Rivers regionwill be held online from 6pm onTuesday, 7 July.

To register go tohttps://bit.ly/3fEjp4Nor contact Little Green Pharma.

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week or maybe more we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

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Prescribing medicinal cannabis in the Northern Rivers Echonetdaily - Echonetdaily

On May 22, Google announced a company holiday for all its employees. Why? So that they could all switch off from work for a day. Work from home burnout is a real thing and a matter of concern, for employees and employers alike. Being constantly wired and connected, working without time boundaries, feeling isolated, not being able to interact with colleagues or go for tea or coffee breaks with them, can all lead to anxiety. There is no avenue to even blow off steam post work anymore.

According to a recent survey done by Monster, more than 50 per cent of the respondents working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic are feeling burnt out. During the pre-Covid days, work-from-home (WFH) was considered to be a cool and progressive way of working. Now it has become a norm. This change in work culture had to be done overnight with a lack of preparedness, no control or choice in it. There is no doubt that WFH comes with perks like zero commute time, flexible work schedule and more bonding time with the family. However, says ontological coach and author Geeta Ramakrishnan, As the novelty of this new reality is wearing off, it is resulting in increased mental health issues, such as high anxiety, apathy, physical and mental fatigue, and a range of depression-related concerns.

Understanding the problem

Before Covid, WFH was a privilege extended by employers as a special benefit to retain certain employees. Now, things have changed. With work for home, one doesnt have well-defined boundaries between work and life, so mixing the two can become very easy, says Luke Coutinho, holistic lifestyle coach, integrative medicine.

Dr Prerna Kohli, clinical psychologist, corroborates this. She says, Previously there was a clear distinction between the workplace and home. Employees dressed in their corporate uniforms, packed their lunches, and left for work, leaving their home problems at home, and returned home at the end of the day, leaving work at work. Today, this line has been blurred. People start working in their nightwear or casual clothes and hurriedly grab lunch while working. In the fear of being laid-off, employees are working longer hours and harder during WFH and its resulting in work-life imbalance.

If this burnout is not managed, it can lead to loss of manpower hours and the workforce suffering from lifestyle diseases.

Signs of the problem

Simply put, burnout is the state of feeling depleted in terms of energyphysical and mental. So, does it have telltale signs? Quite a fewirritability, lack of patience, low tolerance level, emotional breakdowns, backaches, neck pain, lethargy, mind fog, carpel tunnel syndrome, insomnia, demotivation and reduced productivity. Take the example of Abhishek Gupta (name changed on request), an investment banker who lives alone in his penthouse in Mumbai. A workaholic and type-A personality, he has always been a go-getter and a team player at work. After the lockdown was announced on March 24, he too, like so many others, began his WFH. But, for a month now he has been feeling demotivated, stressed and irritable. On the request of his senior, he did a video consultation with his company doctor and was diagnosed with symptoms of clinical depression, as a result of work pressure and no time off. Coutinho says, WFH at times can be so bad that it could transcend into our emotional self and disturb our capacity to handle stress, which, at a time like this, is at its lowest. The lack of social contact and being confined to a small space can be intimidating. Added to the already existing string of stress is the fear and uncertainty about ones future. Will I lose my job? Will I get COVID? Will I have enough money to sustain myself?

Most often, when one has to deal with changes in lifestyle and work without giving the mind a chance to recalibrate, one tends to automatically go in survival modefight or flight. The brain is on an all-time high stress alert with your analytical and problem-solving skills at an all-time low. WFH in a pandemic is a perfect example. The high stress mode of operating becomes your new normal and this auto alert process saps your physical and mental energy causing what we now call a WFH burnout, says Ramakrishnan. Apart from getting tired fast, one gets bored and restless easily. A degree of apathy creeps in. One feels disinterested and sad for no reason and is unable to distinguish the border between work and no-work. This inability to cope can lead to frustration and irritable behaviour. You procrastinate more and your focused attention span decreases. Your hunger and need to eat either reduces or increases drastically. You manage to get some sleep but still feel sleep deprived, she adds.

Addressing the problem

Time management and self-discipline are key. Its important to have a routine similar to what you followed before the lockdown. Maintain a consistent sleep cycle, ensure adequate physical exercise, and take some time out for yourself to do the things you enjoy. Pick up a hobby such as art, music or reading, and use this opportunity to upskill. Take it one day at a time and set short-term targets to feel a sense of accomplishment, suggests Dr Samir Parikh, director and head of department of mental health and behavioural sciences, Fortis Healthcare.

Its a good idea to dress in your work attire as well, work out of a dedicated space like a desk and chair and avoid working in bed. Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue. Try to achieve a regular sleep cycle and exercise at home, practice yoga and meditation.There are various tools and techniques, like Pomodoro [a technique in which a 5-minute break is recommended after every 25 minutes of work], to help you schedule breaks in between work and use it well, says Coutinho. Use these breaks to stretch, get some fresh air, wash your face to freshen up, do eye exercises, lie down for two minutes and close your eyes. But, most importantly, value your Sundays. There is no pride in working seven days a week.

WFH may be something we have to adapt to with no choice in the matter, or it could be a temporary, but accepting it as the only way right now will help bring positivity to it. Ramakrishnan says, Defining clear boundaries is important. It could be small acts of discipline like avoiding the temptation to read office emails or taking work calls or attending webinars outside of work hours; or prioritising your work by labeling them as urgent or not-urgent.

Employers also need to play an active role in ensuring that the mental health of their employees does not suffer. They should not expect them to be available 24x7 and be productive all the time. Dr Kohli, who recently counselled a young software developer, says, He was missing the structure of working in the office and was also anxious about his parents in Lucknow. His chief complaint was that for the last few days he hadnt written a single line of code. I believe the employers must engage mental health counsellors for their staff dealing with this situation.

Going forward, the work culture will include lots of WFH as companies implement a once or twice a week only work from the office set up. In order to avoid burnout, balance your personal and professional life, and stay productive, set office hours and work only during that time.

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As local epidemiological trends have improved, and in consultation with experts and authorities, District Center for Integrative Medicine is excited to welcome patients back to the offices.

(Spin Digit Editorial):- Washington, D.C, Jun 17, 2020 (Issuewire.com)The District Center for Integrative Medicine (DCIM) mission has always prioritized the health and safety of our patients and staff. It is one of the few things the current situation has not changed. DCIM has designed a careful re-start strategy for in-person appointments based on that constant mission and after in-depth consultations with local and national experts and authorities, as well as a careful assessment of epidemiological trends and other data.

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People might be addressing an autoimmune condition like Hashimotos Hypothyroidism that has not responded well to typical managed care, have digestive complaints that require a highly-individualized approach, or maybe they arent sure whats wrong. Whatever health issue people are dealing with, our comprehensive approach is key to putting individuals on track to a better self.

DCIM is following all governmental guidelines and taking preventative measures to keep patients and staff safe. Listed below are some of the precautions that DCIM will be taking upon restarting in-person integrative and functional medicine appointments.

We are so excited to be able to see our patients and I am eager to work with patients in person once again, said Dr. Anjali Dsouza. In the meantime, Im still available via telemedicine for any patient that prefers it, and am excited to support their healing in any way that may be.

DCIM approaches healthcare differently. By freeing itself of the traditionally managed care constraints, including the 15-minute industry average patient appointments, DCIM sees the patient holistically. Practitioners at DCIM use the initial 90-minute appointment, for example, to understand the patients entire medical history, as well as her familys. DCIM offers advanced diagnostic testing to uncover persistent-but-often-overlooked conditions. The doctors at DCIM delve into environmental and lifestyle issues and develop individually tailored, detailed health plans. The resulting deep dive is a highly personalized analysis of the patients health.

In addition to their traditional, western medical training, the doctors at DCIM are also trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine. These disciplines treat the whole person rather than a specific disease. Because of their holistic approach, these disciplines prioritize the physician-patient relationship.

Interested in becoming a patient? Please request an appointment at https://dcimedicine.com/request-an-initial-appointment/

More about District Center for Integrative Medicine

The District Center for Integrative Medicine (DCIM), founded and directed by Dr. Anjali Dsouza, heals patients through a deeply individualized and holistic approach to health. We treat individuals with chronic complaints and conditions that persist despite the conventional managed-care model, as well as those looking to achieve the highest level of wellness. By prioritizing the patient-physician relationship, we take the time and resources to understand every aspect of your medical history, as well as nutritional and environmental factors that affect your well-being. Our role is to acknowledge your bodys innate capacity to heal and to cultivate it.

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District Center for Integrative Medicine Center Announces Restarting of In-Person Appointments - Spin Digit

Jun 22, 2020 1:00 PM ET

iCrowd Newswire Jun 22, 2020

Laurel, Md. Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) has entered a new educational partnership with the Maryland Naturopathic Doctors Association (MNDA). MUIH and MNDA share the joint goal of promoting the use of holistic and natural approaches to promote well-being for our clients. This partnership expands MUIHs role in supporting the health and wellness of Marylands residents through naturopathic medicine.

MUIHs Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) program is proud to welcome MNDA as a new partner to spotlight the field of integrative health through mission-driven collaborations. Through our evidence-based, continuing education opportunities, PCE aims to support naturopathic doctors in their professional development goals, empowering them to add to their knowledge and credentials to further support their clients and patients health and wellbeing with a whole-person approach, said Beth Romanski, director of professional and continuing education at MUIH.

In its continued effort to provide educational resources to our members, the MNDA is happy to announce a new partnership with MUIH. We will now offer MUIH PCE courses at discounts to our members so that they may continue to advance and update their knowledge in the areas of nutrition, botanical medicine, stress resilience, and general well-being, said Dr. Cristine Ehly, ND, Past President, Maryland Naturopathic Doctors Association.

Naturopathic doctors have been licensed in Maryland since 2016. MUIH is pleased to count naturopathic doctors among its faculty and to offer naturopathic medicine services in its Natural Care Center, which is open to the public. For more information about MUIH Professional and Continuing Education offerings, visit http://www.muih.edu/ce.

About Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH)

Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) is a leading academic institution focused on the study and practice of integrative health and wellness and one of the few universities in the U.S. dedicated solely to such practices. Deeply rooted in a holistic philosophy, its model for integrative health and wellness is grounded in whole-person, relationship-centered, evidence-informed care.

Since 1974, MUIH has been a values-driven community educating practitioners and professionals to become future health and wellness leaders through transformative programs grounded in traditional wisdom and contemporary science. MUIH has more than 20 progressive graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, offered on-campus and online. For more information visit http://www.muih.edu.

About Maryland Naturopathic Doctors Association (MNDA)

The Maryland Naturopathic Doctors Association (MNDA) is the professional organization of Naturopathic Doctors and the voice of Naturopathic medicine in Maryland. The MNDA is a leader in 21st-century healthcare and believes that the ability to heal resides in all of us and that conventional medicine and complementary care do not exist in opposition. The MNDA is committed to creating a greater state of health in Maryland, working with the state government to promote access to high-quality Naturopathic healthcare for all Marylanders. It is also an advocate for naturopathic doctors; offering continuing education, professional development opportunities, and professional community and support.

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Kionne S. Johnson Communications Manager [emailprotected]

Keywords:Health, Wellness, Naturopathic Medicine, Doctors, Maryland, Medicine

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Maryland University of Integrative Health Announces Educational Partnership with the Maryland Naturopathic Doctors Association - Reported Times

Press release from the Office of Congressman John Garamendi:

June 19, 2020

WASHINGTON, DCToday, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) secured key provisions to rebuild California's transportation infrastructure, increase resilience to the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the "Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act," a 5-year, nearly $500 billion investment in our nation's infrastructure and key component of the "Moving Forward" infrastructure plan unveiled by Congressional Democrats earlier this year. The bill now heads to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass with strong Democratic support in early July.

"We must modernize California's transportation network and address the climate crisis with infrastructure that is smarter, safer, made to last and reduces greenhouse gas emissions," said Congressman Garamendi. "The key provisions I secured in this 5-year highway bill will make our roads, bridges, and public transit more resilient to climate change and better meet our state's future transportation needs. California is the fifth largest economy in the world, and it's time that our public infrastructure looked the part. Rebuilding our nation's aging infrastructure with American workers and materials remains a top priority for me in Congress."

"California has a long and successful track record performing federal responsibilities for environmental decisions and approvals under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Through 'NEPA Assignment,' California has been able to cut the regulatory burden on thousands of transportation projects, saving months and even years in approving environmental documents. Congressman Garamendi's efforts will help us deliver transportation projects more efficiently, save the taxpayers money and speed our economic recovery from COVID-19," said Secretary David S. Kim, California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).

The INVEST in America Act safeguards our environment and prepares our critical infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change by:

Congressman Garamendi, a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, secured the following key provisions in this Highway Bill (H.R.2):

This press release was produced by the Office of Congressman John Garamendi. The views expressed here are the author's own.

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Garamendi Secures Major Wins For California And The Environment In Infrastructure Bill - Patch.com

David Rosen, MD, a critical care pulmonologist based in Bergen County, NJ, arrived home from a 3-day stint in the ICU. As usual, he changed his clothes in the garage, put them in a plastic laundry bag, and, clad only in underwear, he headed straight for the guest room shower.

Earlier that day, Rose had seen five patients very sick with COVID-19, in a hospital with only four ventilators. He was devastated by the agonizing situation that had ensued. How could he force a smile and pretend everything was okay when he greeted his young children? On the other hand, he didn't want to burden or frighten them.

Rosen's 6-year-old daughter could tell something was wrong. Rosen carefully explained that Daddy was sad because there were a lot of sick people in the hospital and he couldn't help all of them.

"There's a constant balancing act between being there for patients, acknowledging my own feelings about their suffering and the horrors I've been seeing, and being there for my own family and their day-to-day emotional needs," Rosen said.

While this balancing act is part and parcel of being a physician, it has been especially wrenching during the pandemic, when the needs of family seem to be pitted against the calling to be a doctor.

Fear of infecting children has motivated some to stay in hotels, send their children to live with grandparents, self-quarantine in a separate area of the house, or avoid physical contact with the children, according to Sara "Sally" Goza, MD, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

"These are hard, anguishing choices, which contribute to stress and burnout," she said, emphasizing that it is a very personal decision, based on individual and family considerations, and no single solution will fit everyone.

Rosen said that staying at a hotel was not an option for him because he has a newborn baby, a 3-year-old, and a 6-year-old. "It would have been an unfair expectation for my wife to shoulder all those parenting duties without any help from me."

He added, "Of course, I'm always concerned about potential contagion and I take every precaution through rigorous decontamination procedures, but I remind myself that it's right for our family for me to be as present as possible at this time."

Ilana Friedman, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist, starts her workday well before she leaves for the Bronx, New York-based hospital where she is the associate director of a residency program.

"I've been setting the kids up for school in the mornings, making sure they have the food they need for the day, that they're organized and ready to begin their online classes, and that their schoolwork is done," she said.

"They also text me during the day if something comes up, and I check in with them to make sure they're on task with their work," reported Friedman, whose children are 10, 11, and 13 years old.

"When I'm at work, I'm thinking about the kids at home; but when I'm at home, I think about my patients, so I never feel fully present in either place," she said.

Even when you're home, you may not have emotional or physical energy to be present for children, according to Katherine Gold, MD, MSW, associate professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

At the end of an intensive period in the labor/delivery unit, "I can't do anything but crawl into bed, so sometimes my kids fall behind on homework and chores because I'm the person in the family who tends to make sure these things happen," Gold recounted.

Conducting telemedicine visits from home often with young children underfoot has its own challenges. Although some practices are reinstating in-person patient visits, reopening amid COVID-19 often necessitates at least a partial work-from-home schedule.

"There's no question that it's disruptive to care for small children while trying to take care of patients," said Damon Korb, MD, a developmental pediatrician based in Los Gatos, California. How to navigate this depends largely on the age of your children.

It may not be realistic to have much telemedicine time when you're the caregiver to infants or toddlers; but for preschoolers, Korb recommended "stations in different parts of the room, such as specific areas for mushy stuff, balls, books, blocks, dress-up, and eating" and "rotating the child from station to station."

He also suggested "parallel play if possible, bring your computer next to them so they can be involved with their 'work' while you're involved with yours." For the sake of patient privacy, he suggested using a headset so the patient's words remain confidential.

Although child-related interruptions during a telehealth visit may be distracting, "it might be comforting for patients to recognize that their doctors also have challenges with children at home and that we're not doing everything perfectly which they may be experiencing in their own lives," Gold said.

By the time a child is 4 or 5 years old, you can set a timer and say that when the bell rings, you'll play with them for a few minutes or reward them for their cooperation, suggested Korb, who is the director of the Center for Developing Minds and the author of Raising an Organized Child.

Maiysha Clairborne MD, an integrative medicine physician who coaches other physicians in business and entrepreneurship, said her 5-year-old son has been home from school since the end of March. His preschool held classes 3 to 4 hours per day, and "that's been a big help in keeping him occupied and up with his schoolwork." She has organized for him to be "autonomous in class" while she conducts virtual sessions and coaches colleagues.

"I check up on him between patients and clients and have lunch with him as often as I can, make sure he has virtual play dates and activities such as arts and crafts, and I try to go on walks with him around the neighborhood," reported Clairborne, who is the founder of Stress Free Mom MDand the Next Level Physicians Entrepreneur's Institute.

When your children are in front of the screen, make sure they're doing so safely, Gold cautioned, noting that there has been an increase in online sexual predators since the beginning of the pandemic. "Regularly talk to your children, including teenagers, in an age-appropriate way, tell them not trust strangers online, and monitor their activities."

Gold suggested asking an older sibling, relative, or friend toengage with the youth on social media andbe the "eyes and ears"to ensure safety online.

Summer is usually associated with camp, sports, travel, and hanging out with friends. But how many of these activities can take place this year?

Some activities will be available, according to the CDC. For example, camps are allowed to open, with specific guidelines and protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Experts recommend doing your "due diligence" to find out which group activities, if any, might be appropriate for your child, taking into account your own needs as well as those of your children.

But many physicians may prefer to keep children at home rather than risk sending them into group settings.

Korb encourages parents with children of all ages to maintain a daily structure. "Get up, get dressed, don't lounge around in pajamas all day, exercise each day, and do something social and creative."

He suggested making sure that kids have "outlets," like going for walks or hikes with the family, virtual play dates, or get-togethers with friends while keeping social distancing in mind or trying a new experience, such as guitar, cooking, gardening, or learning sign language.

Talking to children about social distancing and sanitizing requirements is especially critical as they begin getting together with friends in person.

"Even very young children can understand that 'germs' cause sickness and if you get too close to other people or touch things that they touch, you can catch the sickness," AAP's Goza said.

She recounted the story of a 5-year-old patient who proudly went to the sink in her office and began washing her hands "to make sure the germs don't get to us."

Rosen's 6-year-old daughter understands the importance of not getting close to people outside the family, and even his 3-year-old understands not to touch something lying on the ground.

"It empowers kids to know that they can help themselves and others stay healthy and safe," Goza said.

Even with the most creative alternative summer plans, children of all ages are facing disappointments about missed activities, missed milestones, and uncertainty about the future.

Korb's daughter, a high school senior, missed out on her prom, graduation, and visiting the colleges she had been accepted to. She still has not made a decision about college and does not know if colleges will even be open in the fall.

"This situation is difficult for all children, but especially for adolescents, whose identity is based on the friends they hang out with and what they do with them, and many are grieving the loss of their normal lives," Korb noted.

"When people are grieving, they have to grieve," he continued. "As physicians and parents, our job is to listen, not tell them what to do, not belittle what they're saying, but support them while they find their way through the situation."

Delaney Ruston, MD, documentary filmmaker of Screenagers and Screenagers Next Chapter, which focus on solutions for healthy screen use and adolescent stress, anxiety, and depression in the digital age, agreed. "Validation is the number one skill parents should master because teens want to be understood as much as they want anything."

"Most adolescents don't have a long-term perspective on what's going on in life, so it's important to provide reassurance and place things in perspective after validating their concerns and distress," Korb advised.

Taking a "big picture" view is also helpful. "I remember my high school and college graduations, but neither have played a huge role in my life in the long run, which I have shared with my daughter," Korb said. "I'm proud that she has handled the disappointment wonderfully."

It's unknown whether schools will fully or partially reopen, and physicians may still face challenges in helping children with homework in the fall.

Korb suggested that home schooling might be different from what it was during the beginning of the pandemic. "The need for online school caught most schools off-guard, but schools will be more prepared for online teaching this time around."

He suggested turning to teachers for additional help if you're unable to provide your child with sufficient support. Additionally, "there is an entire network of online tutors popping up in response to the pandemic," he said.

Asking family friends and relatives, such as grandparents, to pitch in with helping your child with schoolwork can also go a long way toward relieving the burden that has fallen primarily on parents and it might also make schoolwork more enjoyable for the children.

Like Friedman, Michigan family medicine professor Gold feels "pulled in all directions," but has concluded that she needs to adjust her expectations.

"It's simply not feasible to be a parent, educator, emotional support system, disciplinarian, entertainer, and therapist all at once, especially during a pandemic," Gold pointed out.

"As physicians, we have high expectations of ourselves. But the most important message I can share is that none of us can possibly be as good a parent as we would like right now, so we need to recognize we're doing the best we can and give ourselves permission to fall flat sometimes," stated Gold, whose younger children are teenagers.

"At the beginning [of the pandemic] I think my kids felt they were missing out because I wasn't home while their friends' parents were," New York ophthalmologist Friedman said. "But since then, they've become proud of me. I overheard one of them say to a friend, 'My mom's a healthcare hero.' "

She added, "It's not that I feel like some kind of 'hero,' but it was validating to know that my children understand what I'm doing and why, and this helps somewhat to alleviate my guilt at being away from them so much."

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MD Parents: Trying to Keep the Kids Busy and Safe During COVID-19 - Medscape