June has a special place in my heart. It's when the sun shines brighter, the markets overflow with farm-fresh food, and everyone seems to carry a lighter, more joyous energy. Upcoming events like Father's Day and Juneteenth only underscore the value we place on joy and security.

In the realm of health, protection is no minor term. It's about fortifying safety, upholding dignity, and nurturing wellness. This is how we shield ourselves and others from harm and how we enhance happiness and health—mental, emotional, and physical. It's the kind of nurturing energy we see in fathers and caregivers, an energy that is also essential in supporting our marginalized communities.

Let's take a moment to honor all the fathers and caregivers providing protection and care to their families. Let's also recognize the individuals and communities striving towards racial healing, and working tirelessly to uphold justice and equity in our communities. Health, after all, is not just about our bodies, but about the wellness of our societies, too.

We invite you to share in the joy 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

Executive Director

www.drmelindaring.com

Osher Undergraduate Summer Interns

The following 3 students have been chosen for this year's program:

• David Ai, Recent graduate from Rice University (Neuroscience major; starting medical school in the fall)
• Jenna Beebe, Rising senior at Wheaton College (Psychology and Public Health major)
• Melissa Espinosa, Rising junior at DePaul University (Health Sciences major)

Who's Who at Osher

Dr. Victoria Brander

Exercise Significantly Improves Post-Stroke Outcomes, Study Finds

New research from Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that physical activity sustained at light intensity for more than 4 hours per week during the subacute phase of stroke was associated with a good outcome at 6 months.

Increased physical activity has been associated with enhanced neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. This study supported the benefits of movement during the early stages of recovery from stroke. It also found that men were more likely than women to sustain a higher amount of exercise, suggesting women should be educated about the important benefits of post-stroke exercise.



Tip: Since physical activity reprograms both the brain and the body favorably after a stroke, if you or a loved one are in recovery after a stroke, talk with your neurology and rehabilitation team about what is the right program and how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) Goals to stay on track.

Plant-Based Diet Reduces Risk of Major Chronic Diseases

Researchers have found further evidence that greater adherence to a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of chronic illnesses and cardiovascular disease, regardless of genetic predisposition or risk factors. 

This latest study adds to the growing body of research demonstrating the myriad health benefits of a plant-based diet. One of the reasons this dietary pattern is so health-promoting is that it emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods in place of animal foods and processed foods of plant origin (eg, refined grains, sugary drinks, snacks and desserts) 

Tip: Following a plant-based diet doesn't mean you have to go totally meat-free. In this study diets ranged from vegan, to vegetarian, to flexitarian. Small changes produce big results, so eat minimally processed and locally grown when you can, and aim to make your plate at least half-plant at every meal.

Connect: Summer is traditionally well-known for gatherings and with Covid restrictions being almost non-existent, this year's get togethers are on the rise. Osher's very own Dr. Helene Moore, shares her opinion on social drinking and it's connection benefits.



Drink in the info, here.

Question: Every year, the wellness world hawks “cleanses”, often liquid diets that mainly consist of vegetable and fruit juices. So do detox diets really work or are they doing more harm than good? Dr. Ring offers her expertise in this NY Times affiliated article.



Learn all about it, here.

Discover: Do energy drinks do more harm than good? Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND, registered dietitian and clinical affiliate of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Washington lets us know how troubling these boosting beverages are and offers alternatives instead.



Read about it, here.