Though my own boys are grown, September still brings to mind the excitement of starting the new school year. It is a hallmark of time passing, and children reaching a new milestone. 

This year marks a milestone for us, too, as we enter our 25th year as Northwestern Medicine's integrative medicine program. Just like a parent, I can reflect back on our infant and toddler years, where we may have made some messes and had a few stumbles, but kept learning and growing.

I'd estimate as a program we're now past our adolescence (thank goodness- those rebellious years can be challenging!) and into young adulthood. Our Osher Center has had many successes, and yet remains ambitious and ready to innovate and explore how we can grow in our service to patients and the medical field.

Later this month we will have an opportunity to meet with the other nine Osher Centers in Seattle to review our wins and our challenges as an organization. We are humbly reminded how fortunate we are to be connected to this larger integrative medicine community through the generosity of the Osher Foundation and our other supporters. Our potential to achieve great things and transform healthcare is distinctly on the horizon as we work together to our common goal. 

We invite you to experience the symbiotic nature of integrative medicine by joining 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.

To Your Well Being,

Melinda Ring, MD, FACP, ABOIM

Executive Director

IG @DrMelindaRing

The Academic Consortium invites all Northwestern faculty to submit a proposal to the Integrative Medicine & Health Symposium, which will be held February 28 - March 2, 2023 in Chicago, IL.

The call is open for submissions that feature innovative ideas, collaborative partnerships, clinical best practices, emerging research, and creative approaches that can be shared with integrative medicine and health peers. 

This is your chance to share your knowledge and expertise with your colleagues, so make sure to submit your proposal idea by the September 23 deadline! Dr. Ring is the Symposium co-chair, so please reach out to her with any questions about the Symposium.

PLUS, take a moment to register for the early bird rates.

Save the dates! Osher will be hosting two in-person symposiums in the fall:

For our academic colleagues:

On Friday, November 11, 2022, our research department will be hosting our biennial Osher Research Day. We will be deep diving into health equity issues and the recent research that has emerged in this field.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Drew Sevel from Vanderbilt, will headline this cutting edge group of speakers. A reception with a poster presentation will be held at the end of the day. Please check our website for updates.  

For our community and patients:

Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 9 am-3:30 pm, we invite you to attend our community education symposium. This year we focus on sharing holistic care options across Northwestern Medicine. Here you will be able to meet Osher-affiliated clinicians to learn about their integrative medicine practices, as well as participate in experiential classes during the day. More information on registration will be coming soon. Please check our website over the next few weeks for updates. 

Are you unknowingly decreasing your magnesium levels?

Magnesium is crucial to function at an optimal level, but approximately 75% of the US population is deficient. Age, diet and habits are the leading cause of the decline. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, "Magnesium levels are decreased by excess alcohol, salt, coffee, prolonged or intense stress, chronic diarrhea, menstruation, diuretics (water pills), antibiotics, PPI's and other drugs, and some intestinal parasites." 

Tip: Try eating foods rich in magnesium such as, spinach, cashews, peanuts, black beans, grass fed dairy and grass fed meat as well as reducing your alcohol, sodium and caffeine intake. 

When it comes to exercise, frequency matters

When it comes to building muscle strength, daily activity may be the most beneficial approach. Investigators engaged three groups of participants comprised of 36 healthy young adults to perform an arm resistance exercises either fewer reps daily vs. many reps in a single day. The group that performed 15 minutes of strength training, five times a week showed the best results.

Tip: When it comes to strength training, consistency wins. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes a day (with two days off) to see the best results. 

Aromatherapy and Emotional Intelligence 

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that essential oils can help to improve emotional intelligence (EI). Aromatherapy strengthens EI by helping to balance emotions. Essential oils can target brain tissue through the nasal-brain pathway and have an effect on the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and limbic system in the brain to improve symptoms of anxiety, depression and improve sleep quality.

Tip: Breathe deep and begin utilizing essential oils into your daily routine. The following 7 oils are EI boosters:

• Lavender-Promotes focus and concentration and eases anxiety and stress.
• Rosemary- Improves memory and cognitive function. 
• Peppermint- Boosts energy levels and mental alertness and helps relieve headaches and migraines.
• Bergamot- Combats fatigue or low moods.
• Lemon- Improves concentration and mental clarity.
• Jasmine- Boosts confidence and self-esteem. 
• Ylang ylang- Calms and relaxes.

Vitamin D and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Research suggests that vitamin D regulates central nervous system functions associated with depression. In addition, studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiencies and depression. The jury is still out on the levels of vitamin D that may be needed to help balance deficiencies, but it is suggested that taking D supplements, in addition to exercise, light therapy and speaking with a therapist, is beneficial to combating seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

Tip: Start early to help better manage SAD or lessen side effects by doing the following:  

• Use a lightbox at the beginning of fall, before you feel SAD symptoms.
• Get outside every day, even if it’s cloudy- daylight can help you feel better.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Exercise.
• Up your Vitamin D3 levels-talk to your doctor about what dose is right for you.
• Find a mental health professional who is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This treatment can be very effective for seasonal affective disorder.

Read: Dr. Melinda Ring talks about the benefits of incorporating culinary medicine into clinical settings in this Integrative Practitoner article.

Read all about the science behind nutrition with cooking, here.

Celebrate: Congratulations to the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University for being one of nine recipients who was awarded a grant to work with organizations addressing the root causes of racial inequities and work toward structural change.

Read about our amazing upcoming work, here.

Watch: Dr. Burnett-Ziegler discusses trauma, financial strain, health and family concerns through the lens of racism and sexism on WGN's People to People. 

Watch, here as she shares her perspective.

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