Osher Center for Integrative Health
February 2022
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Finding Connection in a Time of Disconnection
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Of the many malignities the pandemic has shown us, this is one of the hardest to accept: In a time when we want is to be close to the people we care about, proximity is the one thing we can’t readily have. Historically speaking, we have the most advanced methods of real-time communication in existence, from Slack to SnapChat and Zoom to Teams. So why are so many of us feeling more disconnected than ever?
Virtual connection seems to come at the cost of truly connecting to our partners, families and friends and does not account for the myriad emotional and physical needs in our relationships. Thankfully, disconnection does not have to be permanent. We can recommit to our relationships by better understanding our own needs and the needs of others by removing distractions and devoting focus to the person in front of us (virtually or not). Connection can happen, despite physical distance, by fully listening with love and compassion.
True connection, with partners and friends and even our pets, has also been proven to boost immunity. Decades of research links loneliness and isolation with high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, weakened immune systems and a host of other health issues. A supportive phone call or text, an empathetic ear, a surprise gift, an expression of love — these things can bolster the immune system on a molecular level. Whether you are the recipient or the giver, kindness and love is good for your health.
We invite you, as always, to connect with the Osher Center for Integrative Health as a patient, colleague, or supporter. To learn more please visit our website. We look forward to supporting your health.
P.S. On a personal note, I am thrilled to share my TEDxChicago talk with our community! You can view my big idea of how what I call "nutritionology" can help you be your own best, first doctor HERE. Please like, comment and share with others if the message resonates with you!
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Osher Highlight
Food That Loves You Back
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We have an abundance of talent in our IM AWARE Advisory Council that we wanted to share! Here we share Vday gift options of food that loves you back. Send some treats to people you care about...from some people we care about! |
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Four Things Bread: Fabrice Braunrot, council member and retired JPMorgan Vice Chairman, started Four Things Bread - a long fermented sourdough bread company- to address blood sugar and digestive issues for toast lovers. As the name suggests, the bread is made from just four things; Kansas wheat flour (non-GMO, kosher, and glyphosate-free), sea salt, filtered water, and the magic of time/fermentation. Yum doesn't begin to describe it! Buy here and get a 10% discount on your first order by entering Osher10 as the coupon code.
Karen's Homemade Health: The Superfood Bar was personally formulated by Board Certified Integrative Health Coach and IM AWARE council member, Karen Malkin, because she wanted to offer her clients a superior-quality energy bar that is healthy and free of common allergens.The Superfood Bar contains organic cashew butter, almond butter, cherries, pea protein, almonds, flaxseed, cocoa powder, 100% cacao chips, MCT oil, maca, kale, broccoli and spinach. They are certified organic, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and grain-free. Use coupon code OSHER for 30% off any of her products during the month of February. Buy a box for someone you care about (which might be you!) here!
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Moll'sBalls: Molly O'Neil is a certified integrative health and nutrition coach and the founder of mPowering Health in Lake Forest. She is passionate about teaching adults and children the benefits of a healthy, balanced lifestyle and an integrative approach to medicine. A few years back, she created a super healthy grab-and-go snack…Moll's Balls. Made with gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free ingredients and packed with protein, fiber and omega 3’s, they’re perfect for active kids and adults, and come in flavors the whole family will enjoy. Grab a bunch, here!
Chia Leah's Clean Treats: Council member Leah Bostrom, is a certified health coach and group fitness instructor. Leah learned firsthand how adding in more healthy choices can transform one's life. She is passionate about educating others about resources for holistic wellness, thus creating Chia Leah's Clean Eats. Her clean snacks and treats are produced small batch, crafted by hand in a certified kitchen, made with the highest quality ingredients + no refined sugars or preservatives. Every ingredient promotes wellness! Get your snack on, here!
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Research and Education News
Welcome, New Osher Centers!
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We welcome aboard two stellar academic integrative health programs to the Osher Collaborative. The Osher Foundation has generously endowed a total of nine programs internationally to promote integrative clinical and academic endeavors around the globe. |
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University of Wisconsin-Madison:The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Integrative Health is one of the oldest integrative medicine programs in the country, founded by Dr. David Rakel in 2001 and developed under his leadership until 2017. Dr. Rakel has written extensively on integrative care, including serving as editor for the textbook Integrative Medicine. His focus has been on distinguishing salutogenesis from pathogenesis. The UW substantial integrative educational programs have been developed over the past two decades.
University of Cincinnati: University of Cincinnati’s Center for Integrative Health and Wellness, under founding director Sian Cotton, Ph.D., is well known for its advances in mind-body medicine, mindfulness and nutritional literacy. It has established a Teaching Kitchen at the 230-acre organic Turner Farm, serving medical students and healthcare providers along with school children and the general public. It has an engaged Community Advisory Council with business leaders, organizational leaders, and influential community members, that has supported two professorship endowments for the program.
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News You Can Use
Selected Integrative Medicine Research Developments
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Periodontal disease appears to be linked with an increased risk of developing chronic illnesses, according to a new study. The results showed that patients with a recorded history of periodontal disease at the start of the observation were 37% more likely to be at risk in developing a mental illness, 33% more likely to develop an autoimmune disease, 18% more likely to have cardiovascular disease, and 26% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
Tip: Regular dental visits twice a year are a must for your dental health as well as warding off chronic illnesses. Schedule your exams for 2022!
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The Global Burden of Disease forecasted that dementia cases will go up from an estimated 57 million cases in 2019 to 153 million cases in 2050. The study analyzed 204 countries and projected the impact of four risk factors including obesity, smoking, low education, and high blood sugar on future rates of dementia.
Tip: Addressing dietary and blood sugar issues coupled with exercise and quitting smoking are key factors in the prevention of dementia. Schedule a visit with our integrative team to tackle weight, blood sugar and smoking issues.
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The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise incorporating more fruits and vegetables into U.S. residents’ diets as part of healthy dietary patterns. A healthy diet supports healthy immune function and helps to prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers; having some of these conditions can predispose persons to more severe illness and death from COVID-19.
Tip: Adults should consume 1.5–2 cup-equivalents of fruits and 2–3 cup-equivalents of vegetables daily, so aim to achieve that goal for better health.
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A new study published by Frontiers in Nutrition found when pregnant rats were given sweeteners, their offspring had changes in their gut microbial communities and were more likely to have higher body fat percentages than pups of rat mothers who did not consume sweeteners. These results do support similar studies which have shown a link between consumption of sweeteners during pregnancy and higher infant body mass index.
Tip: While pregnant, avoid artificial and mass produced sweeteners as well as monitoring the amount of natural sugar you ingest.
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Osher in the News
Recent Media Highlights
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Read: Feeling our pain can bring lasting relief, because it changes how the nervous system relates to the pain. Read about it and the work of our UCSF Osher colleagues here.
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Connect: Dr. Anna Shannahan spoke with Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen about the importance of integrative medicine on the podcast, Millennial Health. Tune in here.
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Listen: Dr. Melinda Ring, joins Integrative Practitioner associate editor, Avery St. Onge, to discuss the importance of culinary medicine. Take a listen here.
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Watch: Dr. Melinda Ring gave a TEDx talk on the importance of plant-based nutritionology and being your own best, first, doctor. Watch it here.
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Undergraduate Internship in Integrative Health at Northwestern |
Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University internships are available during the summer for motivated undergraduate students. This program provides students with an opportunity to explore the field of integrative health, through networking opportunities with professionals working in a variety of integrative health settings and personalized mentorship with a Northwestern faculty member conducting integrative health research.
Click here for more info.
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Wellbeing Events and Monthly Recipe
See How You Can Take Part!
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Education Opportunities
Join Dr. Melinda Ring and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Andrew Weil, in New York City at the IHS, February 17-19, 2022! Learn more about the upcoming session and register with this custom code, SAVE4IHS, to SAVE 15% on a Standard Conference Pass, here.
The International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health will take place at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona May 23-26, 2022. Osher researcher Dr. David Victorson is the program co-chair. We anticipate many superb presentations by faculty from across the Osher Collaborative. Registration now open.
Northwestern Medicine offers a wide range of classes, events and support groups throughout the year - in your local community and online - to help you live a healthier, happier and more informed life.
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Food As Medicine
Good for you V Day Sweets? You betcha! If you have a sweet tooth, fresh fruit confections or keto/low-carb sweets can be a healthy way to satisfy cravings while also staying on plan. Our dessert suggestions below provide an opportunity to indulge with your sweetheart while working towards your health goals.
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Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University | Website
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