Seven Essential Nutrients for Eye Health

Support your eye health by incorporating these seven essential nutrients into your diet:

Lutein and Zeaxanthin - carotenoid compounds found in the lens and retina of the eyes. These antioxidants protect eyes from free radicals and A diet high in these compounds may protect the eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts. Carotenoid compounds are found in yellow and orange fruits & vegetables, dark green, leafy vegetables and egg yolks.

Vitamin A - helps prevent night blindness, stop the formation of cataracts, and may prevent blindness from macular degeneration. Deficiency can cause dry eyes, corneal ulcers, swollen eyelids and, if not corrected, blindness.

Vitamin C - can help reduce the risk of cataracts. It may also play a role in delaying macular degeneration and preventing and relieving glaucoma.

Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant shown to prevent cataracts and helps prevent macular degeneration.

Bioflavonoids - give certain foods their color and often work as antioxidants. Any food that contains these nutrients also contains vitamin C. Citrus, red and purple fruits are excellent for the eyes.

Omega 3's - These essential fatty acids convert into prostaglandins that regulate intraocular pressure, help the eye drain and may help protect against dry eye syndrome. Connected with eyesight development, deficiencies of essential fatty acids may lead to impaired vision, retinal or macular damage. The best source of Omega 3's is cold water fish such as Salmon.

Essential Minerals - Zinc, Selenium, and Copper are all essential for healthy eyesight. Zinc helps the body absorb vitamin A which is required for normal eye function and adapting to the dark. Zinc has been used for the specific purpose of reducing age related macular degeneration and a deficiency may lead to cataracts. Selenium helps the body to absorb vitamin E to . Copper helps reduce the development of age related macular degeneration.

source: Qi Mail

Holistic Stress Reduction Workshop employing Acupuncture, Yoga and Talk Therapy

Dear all,

I am pleased to announce an upcoming workshop I will be giving twice in May. Over the course of my years in practice, I have seen how much stress plays a role in creating ailments in the body, regardless of what symptoms or conditions patients are coming in with. In recent times, as my own Buddhist practice has deepened, I have become particularly interested in more effectively getting at the root of many of the imbalances that manifest physically, emotionally and mentally. This root, essentially, is stress, and more particularly, how we respond to stressors. I always encourage patients to try to develop practices and mindframes that create empowerment and a clearer, calmer state of mind. This workshop is an opportunity to hone these skills.

This workshop uniquely employs Acupuncture, Yoga and Talk Therapy to

1. Understand the negative effects of stress on the mind-body from 3 holistic perspectives,

2. Create a space that allows for each participant to experience a sustained peaceful, calm state, and

3. Give participants simple, everyday tools to help reduce stress, increase self-care, and create more peace of mind.

It will be a collaborative effort among myself and two other holistic practitioners: Robin Simmonds, Iyengar yoga instructor, and Susan Lambert LCSW, mind-body psychotherapist.

The workshop will take place Saturday, May 15th 1-4pm session but please note due to the high demand, we are also offering it Friday, May 14th from 6-9pm.

Be well,

Sharon

Stressed out? Overwhelmed? Or just want to approach your life with a calmer, clearer mind?

Come and experience the holistic tools of yoga, acupuncture and talk therapy to help you learn to reduce stress.

In this unique 3 hour workshop led by Iyengar yoga instructor, Robin Simmonds, Chinese medicine practitioner, Sharon Yeung L.Ac, and psychotherapist, Susan Lambert LCSW, we will explore ways to reduce and let go of stress through the modalities of yoga, acupuncture and talk therapy.

We will learn to identify stressors, understand the effects of stress on our minds and bodies, and incorporate simple tools to create more balance, improve self-care, and meet our daily lives and responsibilities with more clarity, buoyancy and peace of mind.

This workshop is well suited for those who have always wanted to try one or more of these healing modalities, to deepen their experience in any one of them, or discover the powerful effect of these therapies when brought together in unison.

Open to all, limited to 8 participants. No prior experience in yoga required.

Reserve your space now.

Saturday, May 15th from 1:00-4:00pm or

Friday, May 14th from 6-9pm

80 East 11th St. Suite 310

NY, NY 10003

Phone: 212-229-8318

Email: holistictools@gmail.com

Fee: $60 (payable in check or cash)

*please wear clothing you can move in.

More Thoughts About Improving Sleep

Poor sleep has been linked with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Researchers have shown that getting at least eight hours of sleep is needed for good heart health and getting less than eight hours of sleep can put you at a greater risk for developing heart disease.

Acupuncture has shown great success treating a wide array of sleep problems without any of the side effects of prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids. The acupuncture treatments for problems sleeping focus on the root disharmony within the body that is causing the insomnia. Therefore, those who use acupuncture for insomnia achieve not only better sleep, but also an overall improvement of physical and mental health.

Source: Qi Mail™

Sleep and Hormones

Did you know our hormonal balance is affected by light? And hormonal balance is key for a healthy reproductive system and fertility. An important aspect of hormonal health has to do with being connected to night and day. Our bodies respond to a natural contrast in light and dark and we produce hormones accordingly.

A common, yet little known, issue for my patients who live in New York City, is exposure to light at night. Exposure to light while you sleep can set off a chain reaction within the pineal gland that can affect your circadian rhythms (your wake/sleep patterns). The pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone that affects the reproductive system. At night, you want to make sure that your bedroom is as dark as possible when you sleep. This might mean covering your windows with thick light-blocking curtains.

Also, to balance the darkness at night, make sure you have an adequate amount of time outdoors during the day. As the weather is getting warmer, this is easier! You also need to get the proper amount of sleep for your body. Generally, 7 to 10 hours is a good range.

Acupuncture Improves Memory and Learning Capacity

Acupuncture can significantly improve learning and memory capacity that has been impaired by hyperglycemia and cerebral ischemia, according to a new study.

A study published in the journal, Neuroscience Letters, reported on whether electroacupuncture (acupuncture needles stimulated with a mild electrical current) could improve learning and memory in rats whose memory and cognitive functions were impaired by the decreased circulatory effects of diabetes resulting in cerebral ischemia.

In the study, the effects of the acupuncture treatments were measured with a passive avoidance test, an active avoidance test, the Morris water maze and electrophysiology. With all tests, significant improvements were seen in restoring memory and learning capacity.

The researchers remarked that previous investigations have demonstrated that electroacupuncture can improve primary and secondary symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy in diabetic rats. They believe that the positive results of this study warrant further investigation.

--
Source: Neuroscience Letters Volume 443, Issue 3, 10 October 2008, Pages 193-198 doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2003.10.071

Source: Qi Mail

Healthy Brain Habits

Here are some steps you can take to help optimize brain health and sharpen your memory:

Eat More Produce: Studies that focus on food and memory show that the more produce you eat, the better. One 25-year Harvard Medical School study of more than 13,000 women showed that the participants who ate relatively high amounts of vegetables over the years had less age-related decline in memory. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage) and leafy green vegetables had the biggest effect on helping women retain their memory during the course of the study. In another study, the phytochemicals, anthocyanin (found in berries of all colors and cherries) and quercetin (found in onions, kale and apples), actually reversed some of the age-related memory deficits in laboratory animals.

Heart Health: A healthy heart makes for a healthy brain. Because oxygen and nutrients are carried in the blood stream, anything that impedes blood flow will starve those all-important brain cells. Review your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Know your numbers and if they are elevated, take immediate measures to bring them down.

Sleep: When we sleep, the brain has time to recharge. Studies show that 7-8 hours of sleep a night helps to strengthen memory. Acupuncture is effective at treating sleep problems, so please let us know if you are having trouble sleeping.

Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by about half. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps regulate blood sugar levels; both of which improve brain function and memory. Aim for 30 minutes a day.

Challenge Your Brain: Keep your mind active and challenged. Brain function decreases with age. Studies show that cognitive exercise can improve blood flow to the brain. Spend at least 15 minutes each day on a mental exercise such as a crossword puzzle, journaling or learning a new language to slow memory loss.

Source: Qi Mail

A Good Foot Soak to Strengthen Your Kidneys

Many of my patients experience having cold feet, especially at night. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms, this might be a symptom of Kidney deficiency, which can be the root of many conditions. Strengthening the Kidneys is especially important if you experience anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or difficulty conceiving.

Soaking your feet in warm water for 10-20 minutes per day is good for body and mind. It improves circulation throughout your body and especially to your pelvic organs and reproductive system. It is very grounding for our mind and spirit. A good foot soak can help to calm a racing heart or wandering thoughts. And it is, of course, very relaxing!

Repost: NYT Article Linking Stress to Infertility

"The truth is that if you are not in harmony with yourself and your culture, you are stressed," said physician-researcher, Dr. Sara L. Berga in a recent NY Times article highlighting the findings of her research linking stress to infertility. This 'truth' is the very foundation from which traditional Chinese medicine is built. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to restore health by creating a balance within ourselves and an equilibrium with the environment we live in.

Dr. Berga's research looks at how chronic stress alters brain signals to the hypothalamus--one of the four organs, including the pituitary, the ovary and the uterus--responsible for the intricate hormonal dance of fertility. "Chronic stress," she says, "whether emotional or physical, taxes the body."

In addition to treating the particular pattern of disharmony that may prevent a woman from becoming pregnant, acupuncture offers deep relaxation to the uterus as well as to the whole body-mind. By relieving stress and calming the spirit, acupuncture allows endocrine activity to proceed smoothly and effortlessly. And this helps balance the hormones necessary for fertility.

Often during an acupuncture session for fertility, points are specifically chosen to stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary-uterus axis. If you've ever had one of these treatments, you may notice a needle place on the top of your head, one between your eyebrows, a needle a few inches below your navel and a needle 3 or more inches lateral to this point. These points stimulate the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the uterus and the ovaries, respectively.

Thus, as the article proposes, getting pregnant naturally may be as simple as, "just relax." To read the New York Times article in full click here.

Women and Foot Pain

Many people, especially women, suffer from foot pain and believe it is normal. Living in a walking city, such as New York, we need to take special care! A recently published study featured in the New York Times, determined that many women make poor shoe choices early in life and suffer with foot pain in later years. The issue is not only confined to the feet, but has also been seen to cause alignment issues in knees, hip, back and even the neck. Unfortunately for the fashionista, high heels not only cause pain, they also cause corns, bunions, hammer toes, shortened calf muscles and ingrown toenails. Ouch!

Improve foot health

• Limit the amount of time you wear high heels. Carry a pair of good quality flats to wear for part of the day, and choose athletic shoes for weekends and downtime.
• Cushion! Take your high heels with thin soles to the shoemaker, and ask for a thin rubber sole cemented to the bottom of the shoe to cushion your foot.
• Pregnancy may cause your feet to grow up to a full size! When shoe shopping, look for thick, supportive soles. Buy shoes that give your toes room to move. Laced, rather than slip on shoes are recommended by podiatrists for the best fit.
• In addition to alignment issues caused by poor shoe choice, I also see a fair bit of orthopedic conditions in the neck, shoulder and hips due to carrying large, heavy handbags on one shoulder.
• Acupuncture can be very effective in treating chronic pain, but prevention is the best medicine. Lighten up the load, limit the high heels and switch to a supportive pair of shoes!

Miso Soup with Scallions

This past week, so many of my patients have come in sick! The temperatures dropped and then rose again - which is prime time for illness. So, I am reposting this great Miso Soup recipe. As soon as you feel run down, make this soup and throw in some extra ginger and scallions.

Miso Soup with Scallions, a very popular dish, is actually an ancient herbal remedy for colds. In 300 AD, Ge Hong, a famous herbalist, wrote about Miso Soup with Scallions in a book called, Bei ji zhou hou fang or Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve.

The soup is intended to be eaten at the onset of a cold when a person is just beginning to feel a headache, stuffy nose and a slight fever. So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, be sure to have your miso!

Miso Soup (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

* 6 cups water
* 3-4 Tablespoons Aka Miso or red soy bean paste (usually sold in the refrigerated section)
* 3-5 green onions stalks, chopped

Directions:

* Dissolve the miso in a little bit of boiling water (about 2 tsp.)
* Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the miso & scallions.
* Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
* Remove from heat top with green onions and serve.

Variations: you can add various other ingredients to make a more substantial soup, such as tofu, seaweed, fresh mushrooms, cooked shrimp, snow pea sprouts, cooked rice noodles, or paper-thin slices of fresh ginger.

Preventing and Treating the Flu with Herbs

There’s a simple herbal formula that people in China are using to prevent the flu. Read about it here. The formula is made up of very common herbs that I often use with my patients in various combinations to help treat different flus and colds I see. If you are interested, you can come in for a session to see if these are appropriate for you.

Here is the text of the article:

Chinese Herbs Prove Effective In The Cure Of Inlfuenza A (H1N1)

By Vincent Low

BEIJING, July 23 (Bernama)-- Chinese herbs have proved effective in the cure of Influenza A(H1N1) in Ditan Hospital, Beijing where 88 out of 117 patients treated for the disease only on the herbs fully recovered and were discharged.

"From our clinical tests and observation, the traditional method of treatment left no after effects and it is safe, more over the recovery period was shorter and the cost relatively lower as compared to Tamiflu treatment," said Wang Yuguang, spokesman of Ditan Hospital at a special briefing for the media at Ditan Hospital Wednesday afternoon.

He said the advantage of using herbs on these patients was that the doctors could prescribe different combination of herbs according to the individual's health condition.

"Treatment cost per patient using Tamiflu is about RMB56 a day whereas using traditional herbs it cost only around RMB12."

Ditan Hospital first started using traditional medicine in combination with Tamiflu on H1N1 patient from May 15 to June 15, and when the method proved effective, started treating many patients solely on Chinese herbs.

"We have even tested using the method on high risk patients since July 1, and the results proved favourable." said Wang.

However, Wang did not reveal the herbs used to cure the patients.

Ditan Hospital is one of the two hospitals specially designated for H1N1 patients in Beijing since the pandemic started from May in China.

Built in 1946, Ditan Hospital is the highest grade hospital for infectious diseases and comes under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, Beijing Municipal Health Bureau and the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The hospital had excelled in 2003 and 2004 in the fight against SARS.

Meanwhile, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has introduced an Influenza A(H1N1) prevention herbal medicine pack.

The Deputy Director of the hospital, Jin Wei, told a press conference earlier that the herbal pack contained seven little packs of four types of herbs in combination, which were said to be effective in the prevention of H1N1.

"Just dip a small pack of herbs in a teapot of hot water and drink it like tea, or used it as mouthwash, and it helps to prevent people for being infected," said Jin.

She said the pack could even cure mild cases of H1N1. However if patients do not recover after taking the herbs for seven days, they are advised to go to the hospital for further treatment.

The combination of the herbs is as follows: Lonicera Japonica Thund-3 grammes, Isatis Indigodica- 3 gms, Mentha Haplocalyx Brip.-3 gms and Glycyrrhiza Glabra-3 gms. These herbs are available in Chinese herbal medicine shops.

H1N1 Virus: How to Protect Yourself from Swine Flu and Alternatives to the Vaccination

Autumn is here and, with it, cold and flu season. A lot of patients are asking me about the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to treating colds and flu, especially with the concern this year about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus.

Q: What are your thoughts about the flu shot and H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine?

A: While I can’t make a specific recommendation as to whether you should or should not get the vaccine, please do read up on the safety of the vaccine. The CDC offers answers to FAQs regarding the vaccine here. In my own research I have come across a clinical trial that is currently being conducted, but not scheduled to be completed until April 2010.

A CBS piece summarizes some of the concerns parents have regarding the vaccination here. Parents are particularly hesitant about the safety of such a newly introduced vaccine and the possible inclusion of chemical additives like Themerosol.

If you do choose to get a flu shot this season, acupuncture treatments can help prepare your body for the vaccine and help with any side effects.

Here are some things for you to consider in your decision:

The flu shot and H1N1 vaccine introduce pathogens to your body, essentially to give the body a preview of the bacteria, virus, or toxin it may be exposed to. This allows the body to learn how to defend itself in advance. If the body is ever invaded by that particular pathogen after the vaccine has done its work, your immune system is ready. Some people may experience illness or other side effects from the vaccine itself.

TCM treatments, given before and after a vaccination, strengthen the body to prepare for the pathogens before you receive vaccine and also “release heat” from the body after the vaccine is administered. (Similar treatments are available for infants and young children who are vaccinated against other illnesses.)

Q: How can Acupuncture and Chinese medicine help me avoid or treat colds and flu this season?

A: In TCM, we focus on strengthening the body to increase immunity (how well your body is able to fight off illness). With regular acupuncture treatments, you can strengthen your immune system and decrease your incidences of cold and flu in the coming months. The best time to start treatments to prevent the cold and flu is the season before (early Autumn), which is now!

Acupuncture treatments and herbs can also alleviate symptoms if you do catch a cold or flu. Chances are the treatments you’ve gotten will help your body better fight the illness - it will be more mild and you will get over it more quickly. If you tend to be susceptible to getting multiple colds and flus in the winter, schedule an appointment for acupuncture and herbs today!

Other tips for avoiding and treating colds and flu:

• In Chinese Medicine, we try to avoid "catching a cold or wind." As the air is becoming more crisp and cool, even when the sun is out, wear a scarf to protect your neck from being cold, keep your torso and feet warm and don’t go outdoors with wet hair.

• At the first sign of a cold or flu, rest and get extra sleep. Listen to your body's need for rest and try not to "push through" your illness. Especially this season, stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others.

• Drink warm teas, broths, and eat nutritious whole foods. Eat less processed sugar. If you have phlegm/mucus, avoid dairy products (especially unfermented dairy and citrus). Honey soothes sore throats and helps with coughs.

• Mild exercise is okay; intense exercise will only deplete your immune system further.

• Double dose your probiotics. A healthy gut can help your body fight off a nasty pathogen.

• A simple formula of four Chinese herbs has been shown to be beneficial at warding of swine flu. Come in for an appointment to see if these are appropriate for you.

Late Summer: The Fifth Season

Late Summer is the fifth season in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While it is a short season, it is, in many ways, the most important, as it represents the transition from the expansive yang energy of spring and summer to the quieter yin energy of fall and winter. This is the point at which all seasons converge. As Paul Pitchford writes in Healing with Whole Foods, Late Summer represents “the instant where the pendulum reverses its swing.”

The late summer season is associated with Earth, the mother of the elements. There is an emphasis put on nurturing, nourishing, and most of all, grounding. The earth represents a balance of yang and yin, an even energy flow.

This is a time of stability, where we have the opportunity to slow down, look around, and appreciate the feeling of abundance and contentment. The feeling of “home” is especially important.

This season is the point of clarity between Summer and Fall, when we can stop and look around us and figure out what we need to do to prepare for winter.

In our lives, we see this reflected socially. This is the late harvest time when the earth offers up a wealth of nutritious food, which we gather to enjoy and also preserve for the coming cold months when fresh food is not as plentiful.

This is also when children get ready to head back to school at the beginning of September.

Grounding and centering during this period are key. We must protect the immune system for autumn by preparing our bodies and minds.

The Spleen: More Important Than Many Realize

I get many patients who come in for digestive issues and are often surprised to hear that an imbalance involving their spleen is the cause. In Western medicine, the spleen, a so-called "B-List abdominal organ" is rarely discussed. However, a recent study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical center shows that the spleen plays a bigger role than suspected.

The spleen serves a reservoir for immune cells called monocytes—consider them little cellular repair workers—which it will release into the bloodstream in the event of a serious trauma to the body to help stop the crisis. This finding came as a huge surprise to researchers, who had previously assumed that the origin of these cells was more likely bone marrow.

This just goes to show that we should never underestimate the value of any part of our body—they are all part of a very important whole, and what goes on in one place, however small or insignificant it may seem, can have a huge impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health.

To read more about the spleen, read this article that ran this past Tuesday in the New York Times Science section, called "Finally, the Spleen Gets Some Respect."

Microbes 'R' Us

On July 21st in the New York Times blog, The Wild Side, Olivia Judson wrote about the huge amount of bacteria present in our bodies (about 10 bacterial cells for every human cell) and the ways in which certain ones proliferate depending on the foods we eat.

The "gut bacteria," as she calls them, are particularly important. Located in the digestive tract, they play a key role in the digestive process and immune function. They also make the small molecules needed for our enzymes to work properly and alter which genes get turned on and off in our intestinal walls. Having a wide variety is key to a healthy body.

What we eat has a huge effect on these gut bacteria. A diet rich in sugars and fats reduces their diversity, causing a shift towards bacteria that are most efficient at extracting energy. However, eating more plant foods can help you shift back. Ingesting foods rich in probiotic bacteria can also be beneficial. Try miso soup or foods like yogurt and kefir.

I often see that an overuse of antibiotics also really disrupts the gut because it wipes out these important bacteria. Often, natural treatments such as acupuncture and herbs can alleviate symptoms and boost immunity better than an antibiotic. If you absolutely have to take antibiotics, though, it's a good idea to also take a multi-strain probiotic to help protect the balance.

To read more about how traditional Chinese medicine can help fight illness, visit Five Seasons Healing online.

Acupuncture at Wal-Mart

After the implementation in February 2008 of in-store health clinics in Atlanta, Little Rock and Dallas under “The Clinic at Wal-Mart” brand, Wal-Mart has set its sights on the holistic health market with the opening of Wal-Mart Community Acupuncture clinics in several of its major urban centers across America.

Said Wal-Mart Senior Vice President and president, health and wellness Dr. John Agwaunobi, “Chinese medicine and pharmacology are a great treasure house and efforts should be made to increase both access and affordability, which seem to go hand in hand.”

Many acupuncturists have been eager to participate. Some plans for the project include immediate availability of acupuncture to "massive and unreachable markets of patients, free education for acupuncture students, jobs for failed private practice acupuncturists and the creation of new, guaranteed jobs for Wal-Mart trained acupuncturists."

While the phrase "Wal-Mart trained acupuncturist" doesn't exactly make me want to trek to the nearest of the 3800 Wal-Mart stores to try it out for myself, it is encouraging to see such a mainstream company embracing alternative medicine.

Read more about it here and feel free to visit the Five Seasons Healing website for more information about alternative medicine and local practitioners in the New York area.

Natural Sunscreen

Happy Memorial Day! You know what that means—Summer is right around the corner. Hope you have a wonderful long weekend planned. I can’t wait to spend time outside in the sun!

While the best way to stay safe and prevent sunburn is to cover and hang out in the shade, sunscreen helps reduce burns and damage from the UV rays.

If you’re worried about the chemicals and other harsh ingredients contained in most sunscreens why not try a natural, gentler sunscreen? Though I don’t currently carry any at Five Seasons Healing, there are quite a few on the market from companies such as Aubrey Organics, Badger Balm, California Baby, and Dermalogica.

Enjoy a happy and healthy holiday!

Acupuncture on NPR

This morning, a story about acupuncture for chronic back pain appeared on NPR. The piece details one woman's first-time experience with acupuncture and examines a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, which found that a seven-week course of acupuncture helped many patients ease the pain of chronic lower back pain.

One interesting finding was that when points are stimulated on the body's surface it produces the same results as inserting needles. The reason this happens is that both methods are based on the same chinese medicine meridian system and simply stimulating the points on the channel can illicit a therapeutic response. In fact, in certain types of acupuncture, namely Japanese acupuncture, which is also practiced at Five Seasons Healing, the technique is to either shallowly insert needles or only placed them on the surface of the skin.

You can listen to the story or read the text on NPR's website.

Take a Walk in the Park to Clear the Mind

We’ve all heard that a walk around the block can help clear the mind and lower stress, but several studies show that a walk in the park actually does a lot more for you than a stroll through an urban area.

In a study at the University of Michigan, researchers performed two experiments to test how interactions with both nature and urban environments affect certain mental processes.

First, a group of volunteers completed a task designed to challenge memory and attention. Then they took a walk in either a park or in downtown Ann Arbor. After the walk, volunteers returned to the lab and were retested on the task.

Not surprisingly, performance on the memory and attention task greatly improved following the walk in the park, but did not improve for volunteers who walked around downtown.

In the second experiment, volunteers who simply viewed nature photos after completing the task did much better on the retest than volunteers who looked at photographs of urban environments.

Another study conducted at the University of Illinois even shows that children with ADHD demonstrate greater attention after a 20-minute walk in a park than after a similar walk in a downtown area or residential neighborhood. Researchers are now looking more deeply into the way “green” time can reduce ADHD symptoms.

While ideally, we would all be able to take a stroll amidst the greenery, even hanging pictures of flowers, trees and other calming nature scenes around your office or home can be beneficial. Either way, it’s good to get a little fresh air and move around every few hours.

Taking a mental health break is always important!

Open House at the Open Center!

On Tuesday, May 16, the Open Center is having an open house from 6-10 pm!

Stop by for an evening of free lectures and refreshments where you can meet faculty, sample programs, ask questions and browse the bookstore. Some workshop topics include "Introduction to Reiki," "Introduction to Reflexology," and "Bollywood Dancing."

Fifteen-minute Mini-Wellness sessions are also available all night for $15.

The Open Center is located 83 Spring Street in New York, but will be moving to 22 East 30th Street on June 1. Visit their website for more details.

Be well!

Sharon