Archive for November, 2008
WINTER DETOX CLASS
The Winter Detox Class scheduled for January 2009 has been canceled.
Please stay tuned for another Detox Class to be offered Spring 2009 and other wellness events!
Vitamin D – Sunshine in a Bottle
As the darkness and chill of winter creep closer, many of us mourn the hours of daylight for reasons other than aesthetic comfort. Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D and with the increased awareness about skin cancer prevention and a lack of outdoor activity, many Americans have lower than healthy levels of this vital nutrient. Among its numerous roles in the body, vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, improves mood, strengthens the immune response and may lower the risk of cancer. Vitamin D supplementation may also reduce mortality rates according to a recent review study. A simple blood test can determine if an individual is vitamin D deficient and guide appropriate supplementation. Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable form of the nutrient and most multi-vitamins do not have an adequate amount to correct deficiencies. Supplementation doses may range from 800 to 2000 IU per day. Food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, eggs, fortified dairy products and fish. Ask Dr. Emily about how vitamin D may best benefit you this winter!
Harvesting Your Health
As the season of holiday festivities draws closer, it is easy to let our attention drift away from personal health and wellness and towards over-indulgence, long to-do lists, and stress over material items. Fall and Winter, by their nature, give us permission to retreat and relax. The shorter days and longer nights encourage rest and stillness both physically and mentally.
Colds, Flus and Sinus Infections take advantage of our frenzied states forcing us to rest one way or another. Practice preventative medicine this cold & flu season by enjoying the holidays differently with a slower pace, shorter lists and more presence for the people you love most. Cutting back on sugar and staying well hydrated will lift additional stress on your body this winter. Also, keep your health a priority by following up regularly with your practitioners and prioritizing time for therapies that balance your response to stress such as massage, cranio-sacral therapy or acupuncture.
The Holistic Detox Series was such a success last month that I will be offering the class again in January 2009 at Seeds in Hampden. Stay tuned for more details regarding dates and costs. This would make a wonderful holiday wellness gift for yourself or someone you love!
