As we begin to emerge from colder temps and darker, longer days, we are all reminded of the patience it requires to allow time and season to finish their dance. As Lao Tzu famously said, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

This seemingly painstaking transition from winter to spring also helps me reflect on the impatience we often have with our own journeys of health and wellness. As the Aesop fable of the tale of the tortoise and the hare reminds us, if given the choice between fast and ultimately unsuccessful or slow, steady and victorious (especially in the face of adversity) the latter is the wiser choice.

Much like the tortoise, integrative medicine is a slow and steady process. It's easy to get frustrated or sidetracked and want the quick fix. However, healing doesn't happen overnight. The daily commitment to our long term health through small, achievable steps, guarantees a higher rate of success and fulfillment in our comprehensive holistic health goals.

We invite you to commit to the journey 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

Who's Who at Osher:

Kalinda Marshall, MPH, BSN, RN

Phthalates in Plastics May Increase Diabetes Risk in Women

A new study found that phthalates in plastics may contribute to diabetes risk in women. The study included 1,308 women from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) over six years to see if phthalates were linked to incident diabetes in the population. They found that close to five percent of the women, especially white women, developed diabetes.

The study also found that women exposed to high levels of some phthalates had a 30-63 percent higher chance of developing diabetes compared to women with less exposure to them.

Tip: Since phthalate exposure is associated with diabetes, reduced fertility and other endocrine disorders, it's important to avoid items and food that may contain them. To do this avoid vinyl, perfumed shampoo and lotion, fast food and do not use plastic containers in microwaves.

Sleep Irregularity May Increase Risk of Heart Disease, Study Finds

According to an article published in the Journal of the Americans Heart Association, those with chronically disrupted sleep patterns might have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. 2,032 older, racially and ethnically diverse adults participated in a study where sleep duration and regularity were monitored for seven days. In addition, they each underwent assessments of coronary artery calcium, carotid plaque presence, and ankle-brachial index. Results showed that participants with greater irregularity in their sleep duration were more likely to have pre-clinical markers of heart disease.



Tip: Good sleep habits have long term health benefits. To set those habits, try the following: Be consistent in your sleep schedule; Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature; Remove electronic devices and use blue-light blockers in the evening; Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime; Get exercise during the day.

Read: Eating more plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, could help reduce the progression of prostate cancer and significantly decrease its chance of returning. Fellow Osher member, UCSF researcher Vivan Liu, shares her expertise.

Read about it, here.

Discover: Are saunas actually good for you? Dr. Ring says this hot trend may not be for everyone! There are definite benefits for stress relief, but precautions need to be taken. Read all about her thoughts in her most recent NY Times article.

Get the hot take, here.

Connect: Black People Breathe, a beautifully-illustrated guide to a set of 33 mindfulness and breathwork practices, help readers develop skills for coping with stress, anxiety, and trauma related to racism. Our very own Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler is highlighted.

Get inspired, here.