"Find yourself, your vision, and your path,

Don't just think of reading, writing, and math.

The educational journey is a winding course,

But YOU, dear one, are a beautiful force."-Anonymous

As the season shifts and students return to the classroom, we’re reminded of the incredible energy that comes with learning and new beginnings. At the Osher Center for Integrative Health, we’re thrilled to welcome both fresh faces and seasoned professionals eager to deepen their knowledge and clinical practice in integrative medicine.

This month, we are especially excited to introduce our new podcast, Next Level Health. Through this platform, we aim to bring our community closer to the forefront of integrative health by engaging in meaningful conversations with leading experts in the field. It’s an opportunity for all of us—whether you’re a practitioner or simply passionate about health—to explore evidence-based strategies for well-being.

For those of you looking to further your clinical practice, our 1-year faculty fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest integrative approaches. This program is designed to equip physicians and advanced practice providers with the skills needed to make a lasting impact on patient care.

Finally, it was heartening to see the enthusiasm at the Feinberg School of Medicine’s recent student fair, where the new Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine Student Interest Group drew significant interest. This group, along with our educational offerings, continues to foster a vibrant community of future leaders in health and wellness. It’s also incredibly heartening to hear from our former trainees—when we receive messages like the one shared below by our former summer intern, we are reminded that the work we do is truly making a difference in shaping the future of integrative health.

As we embark on this new academic year, let’s embrace the spirit of learning and growth that defines our work at the Osher Center. I look forward to what we will achieve together in the months ahead.

Wishing you a September full of new learnings,

Melinda Ring, MD

Director, Osher Center

Tina Trott Professor of Integrative Health at Northwestern University

www.drmelindaring.com

We invite you to share in the opportunity for well-being by joining the Osher Center as a patient, colleague, or supporter. To learn more please visit our website.

Focus on Education

Osher Faculty Fellowship Available

The Osher Collaborative offers specialized advanced training in integrative health with an appointment at an institution with an Osher Center. The goal of the Faculty Fellowship is to develop highly skilled leaders and clinicians in integrative health. The interdepartmental Faculty Fellowship expands integrative health expertise, fostering an accessible and comprehensive network of integrative care, education, and scholarship.

This year-long, advanced training program provides a unique opportunity to learn about the pillars of integrative health and how to incorporate them into your clinical practice. The curriculum covers a breadth of topics including mind-body medicine, nutrition, natural products, manual medicine, and integrative approaches to different diseases, specialties, and whole systems of medicine. Most fellows complete this remote fellowship while continuing their clinical duties.

Applications are now open for the 2025-26 season. Please visit here to learn more about applying!

Cognitive Therapy App Improves Anxiety in Young Adults, Study Suggests

According to researchers, anxiety disorders have been on the rise among young adults aged 18 to 25.

To help combat that, Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian have released encouraging results from a study examining the effectiveness of a self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app called Maya in reducing anxiety symptoms in young adults. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found that the app significantly lowered anxiety levels in participants, with outcomes similar to those seen in studies involving anxiety medications.

The researchers emphasized that while Maya shows great promise, it is not meant to replace professional mental health care but to serve as an accessible tool that provides immediate support.

Tips for improving anxiety:

• Practice Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath by taking slow, deep inhales and exhales. This can help calm your nervous system, reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, and bring your mind to the present moment.

• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity, even a short walk, can release endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, helping to reduce anxiety levels and improve your mood.

• Limit Caffeine and Sugar: High intake of caffeine and sugar can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Try reducing or eliminating these from your diet, especially during high-stress periods.

• Establish A Relaxation Routine: Create a daily routine that includes relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation. These practices can help reduce overall stress and prevent anxiety from building up.

• Talk To Someone You Trust: Sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or therapist can provide relief and perspective. Sometimes, just talking through your worries can significantly reduce anxiety.

Ensure you're taking care of your basic needs—getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity. A healthy body supports a calm mind.

Estimated Exposure to 6 Potentially Hepatotoxic Botanicals in US Adults

According to a study published in JAMA, 4.7% of US adults reported exposure to at least one of six potentially hepatotoxic botanicals in the previous 30 days. Those botanicals are turmeric, green tea, ashwagandha, garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh. 

The study analyzed data from 9,685 adults who were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between January 2017 and March 2020. The study found that turmeric was the most commonly used botanical, followed by green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh. 

The study's findings suggest that it's important to monitor patients' history of herbal and dietary supplement use, given the growing popularity of these products and their frequent use without a health care provider's recommendation. 

Tips on using supplements safely:

• Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any supplement, consult with your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

• Follow the Recommended Dosage: Always adhere to the recommended dosage on the supplement label or as advised by your healthcare provider. Taking more than suggested can lead to adverse effects.

• Choose Quality Products: Select supplements from reputable brands that have been third-party tested for quality and purity. Look for certifications such as USP, NSF, or GMP on the label.

• Keep Track of What You're Taking: Maintain a list of all supplements and medications you’re taking, and share this with your healthcare provider during check-ups to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

• Avoid Mixing Supplements and Medication: Some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Ensure there are no potential interactions by discussing your supplement regimen with your doctor.

Supplements can be safe when used correctly, but there are several factors to consider. It's important to approach them with caution, be informed, and seek professional advice to avoid potential risks.

Discover: How a low-sugar diet impacts aging, according to experts

Dorothy Chiu, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UCSF, contributes her thoughts on how you can stay healthy no matter your age in this Healthline article reminding us that age is more than just a number.

Read all about it, here.

Challenge: Are Any Childhood Medical Myths Actually True?

Health advice given to children often straddles the line between reality and superstition. Anand Dhruva, MD, at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UCSF, provides expert insight into distinguishing fact from fiction in this UCSF Magazine article.

Find out more, here.

Feel: The Loneliness Epidemic: Escaping Post-pandemic Social Isolation

Our world has undergone significant changes, and despite connection through social networks, feelings of loneliness persist. Barbara Walker, PhD, Clinical Director of the Parks for Wellness program at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC, offers her insights on this growing phenomenon.

Connect, here.