Osher Center for Integrative Health
June 2022
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The Warmth of the Season and of a Father's Love |
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Hooray, June! Finally we are in the midst of warmer temperatures, outdoor dining and long, lazy, beach days. June is also the special month where we celebrate our fathers, caregivers and paternal influences and the warmth they bring to our lives.
For most people, life's major satisfactions revolve around meaningful relationships with others. As literature shows, the quality of personal relationships, especially relationships with parents and children, is a major predictor of functioning and development for both children and adults. Expressions of love and nurturing from a father-figure to child—such as cuddling, comforting, praising, and playing—support healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development in children.
So how do we say thank you to the dads that show up for us and have helped shape who we are? Below are some of our favorite ways to express gratitude to our fathers:
- Ask them about their childhood: invest in their history and stories.
- Thank them for their guidance. Share some of the lessons learned.
- Use food as a love language. Try your hand at making their favorite meal.
- Spend some time outdoors together, walking, camping, gardening or just sitting.
We invite you to bask in the warmth of the season 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.
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Osher Highlight
NU Osher Professorship Endowment
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Osher has launched a very important "next step" in the stability and future of integrative medicine at Northwestern University. We believe greatly that this endowment ensures the sustainability and reputation of the programs we support and opens the door to the next generation of leaders in the field.
If you or someone you know is interested in contributing to the Osher Professorship Endowment, please contact Associate Dean Terri Dillon at terri-dillon@northwestern.edu to discuss how to give. We thank you in advance!
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Research and Education News
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Osher Graduates: Where are they now? |
We wanted to take a few moments to acknowledge the accomplishments of some of our Osher Fellow Graduates. This month we are featuring Dr. Ann Vertovec!
Dr. Vertovec is an emergency medicine doctor in Lake Forest, specializing in emergency medicine and general practice. Recently, she gave a Grand Rounds presentation on Integrative Medicine at Lake Forest to all of the medical staff.
We are so proud of you...way to go Dr. Vertovec!
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Welcome Osher Research Post Doctoral Fellow: Jacquelyn Stephens, PhD
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Jacquelyn Stephens is the new postdoctoral researcher for the Osher Center for Integrative Health and the Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. She received her PhD in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University in 2022. She investigates how stress and emotions get under the skin to predict health and well-being over time, as well as how our close relationships can help improve or hinder our well-being. She is also interested in interventions that promote mindfulness and positive emotions in a variety of populations. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and trying all of the cold brew in Chicago. |
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News You Can Use
Selected Integrative Medicine Research Developments
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New research has found that cranberries may help to improve memory and brain function while lowering “bad cholesterol." While aging is associated with cognitive decline, the study points to how dietary components such as polyphenol-rich fruits may protect against age-related neurodegeneration. Consuming cranberries significantly improved the memory of everyday events (visual episodic memory), neural functioning, and delivery of blood to the brain (brain perfusion).
Tip: Add cranberries to your diet by tossing some in a salad, juicing them or adding cranberry puree to smoothies, hot drinks, sauces and desserts.
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New research has revealed that ambient temperatures, rising due to climate change, will negatively impact sleep globally. Results showed that on very warm nights, sleep declines by 14 minutes compared with nights with the lowest temperature-attributed sleep loss. In addition, nighttime minimum temperatures greater than 77 degrees Fahrenheit increased the probability of getting less than seven hours of sleep by 3.5%.
Tip: Follow these tips for optimal sleep: 1) Avoid caffeine 6+ hours before bed 2) Cool your room to 60-65 degrees 3) Use blue blockers during the evening 4) Avoid intense exercise before bed 5) Use your bed for sleep and sex only
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A new study found that drinking a small amount of whey protein before meals helped stabilize the blood sugar of type 2 diabetics. The study shows that the whey protein works in two ways; by slowing down how quickly food passes through the digestive system and by stimulating release of hormones that prevent blood sugar spikes.
Tip: If you are trying to manage your blood sugar, consult your doctor and see if including shots of whey protein before a meal will help stabilize your levels.
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Drexel University analyzed how nature relatedness, or feeling connected with the natural world, impacts people’s dietary diversity as well as vegetable and fruit intake. The study results showed that those who reported a greater connection to nature had more variety in their diet and consumed more fruit and vegetables than those who reported weak connections with nature.
Tip: Spend 20 minutes a day in your favorite spot outdoors. If you can start the day off with a morning walk in the woods or a quiet moment by the lake, it will jumpstart your day by decreasing anxiety and increasing your appetite for healthier options.
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Osher in the News
Recent Media Highlights
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Read: Dr. Anna Shannahan weighs in on "How Day Drinking Affects Your Body Differently" in this Huffington Post article. Read all about it, here.
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Discover: Dr. Melinda Ring explains how art therapy can help treat depression, anxiety, trauma, and other conditions in this article on resurrecting the artist within. Read here.
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IM4US 12 Annual Conference October 6-8, 2022.
With a commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Integrative Medicine for the Underserved (IM4US) focuses on advancing integrative health care that is available, affordable and accessible to the underserved. This year IM4US will host their 12th annual conference from October 6-8, 2022. It will be virtual and will focus on decolonizing medicine. Please click here for more details.
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Wellbeing Events and Monthly Recipe
See How You Can Take Part!
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Education Opportunities
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
Tis the season when cherries and berries are abundant and inexpensive, making it a perfect time to indulge in their sweet nutrition. This delicious recipe is also anti-inflammatory has a good amount of fiber and vitamin C, and can be eaten daily! In addition, the sprinkling of cardamom and cinnamon are excellent way to support gut health.
Get this delicious, plummy recipe here.
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Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University | Website
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