As the holiday season unfolds, it invites us to immerse in its festive mood and cherished traditions, reminding us of the value of joy, connection, and kindness. This period is a time for both celebration and reflection, encouraging us to appreciate and share the warmth that surrounds us. The spirit of the holidays highlights the importance of generosity and togetherness, principles that resonate with our community's core values.

This season also teaches us that gratitude and giving extend far beyond physical gifts. Acts of kindness, spending quality time with others, and expressing appreciation are powerful forms of giving that can have lasting impacts. Similarly, gratitude isn't just a feeling but a practice. It's about recognizing and cherishing the small joys and blessings in our lives, whether it's a kind word, a helpful gesture, or the beauty of nature around us. These practices, integral to the holiday spirit, significantly enhance our mental well-being and social connections.

Moreover, shared experiences, such as meals and gatherings, encourage us to approach nourishment and social interactions with mindfulness, contributing to our physical health. By integrating the essence of the holiday season into our daily lives—embracing gratitude, fostering meaningful connections, and prioritizing holistic self-care—we create a sustainable foundation for overall well-being. This approach leads to a more fulfilling and harmonious life, not just during the holidays but throughout the year.

We invite you to share in the joy of your health by joining the Osher Center as a patient, colleague, or supporter. To learn more please visit our website.

Wishing you a very magical holiday season,

Melinda Ring, MD

Executive Director

www.drmelindaring.com

The NU Osher Center, in partnership with the Osher Collaborative, is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024-5 Faculty Fellowship. This program offers specialized advanced training for faculty interested in integrative medicine; MDs, DOs, NPs, and PACs with a faculty appointment at any of the academic programs that has an Osher Center - including Northwestern Medicine- are eligible to apply.

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

The yearlong program includes the following components:

• Weekly synchronous learning sessions on Wednesdays from 12-3 CST via Zoom.
• Self-directed integrative health curriculum, crafted by faculty from the Osher Collaborative.
• Monthly mentored case presentations and discussions of patient treatment plans.
• A mentored scholarly project, which can be in clinical, educational, or research dimensions.
• Optional personal health coaching.
• Upon successful completion, fellows are eligible to sit for the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM) exam.

The Osher Collaborative’s broad scope of clinician expertise and diverse patient populations offer a unique breadth and depth of learning opportunities. In addition, the resources and faculty of the Northwestern Osher research and education programs enhance educational activities, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for fellows.

Tuition is expected to be ~$12,000

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying, please contact Nico Henderson at the Osher Collaborative (Nicole.Henderson@ucsf.edu).

Spotlight on the Holidays:

Osher Team's Favorite Things

Looking for holiday gifts that are mindful and magical? Whether you're seeking the perfect present for a loved one or exploring unique ideas to elevate your festivities, our Osher team has you covered!

Discover a curated collection of thoughtful suggestions and innovative gift ideas that cater to every taste and occasion. Embrace the joy of giving and exploring this holiday season by checking out our guide—it's your key to unlocking the inner-warmth of thoughtful gifting and unforgettable celebrations!

Click on the image for a pdf of our guide.

*Disclaimer: Osher NU is not affiliated with any of these businesses and does not profit off these recommendations.

Sleepless Youngsters: The Alarming Increase in Melatonin Use Among Children

New research published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in melatonin use among children for sleep aid. The study found that around one in five school-aged children and preteens now take melatonin, and its use is also prevalent in preschoolers. The numbers in this 2023 survey were a substantial rise from the 1.3% reported in 2017-2018.

The duration of use varied by age, with preschoolers typically using melatonin for a median of one year, while that if older kids ranged from 18-21 month. The dosages also increased with age: preschoolers typically took between 0.25 and 2 mg, and preteens' doses reached up to 10 mg.

The researchers emphasize the need for more scientific evidence to confirm the safety of long-term melatonin use in children and suggest that the widespread use of melatonin indicates underlying sleep issues that need to be addressed.

Tips: Addressing insomnia in children and the cautious use of melatonin involves a multi-faceted approach. Here are some brief health tips; remember, each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another: Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine: Regular bedtime and wake-up times help set a child's internal clock. Create a Restful Environment: Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Limit Screen Time: Avoid electronics at least an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure. Encourage Physical Activity: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality but avoid it close to bedtime. Mind the Diet: Avoid heavy, sugary, or caffeinated foods. Melatonin with Caution: Consult a pediatrician before using melatonin and be aware of proper dosages. Address Stress and Anxiety: Talk to children about their concerns and seek professional help if necessary. Consult Healthcare Professionals: If sleep issues persist, consider seeking advice from a sleep specialist or pediatrician.

Being A Vegetarian May Be Partly in Your Genes

A new study, with lead author Dr. Nabeel R. Yaseen from Northwestern, has found that a person’s genetic makeup plays a role in determining whether they can stick to a strict vegetarian diet.

To determine whether genetics contribute to one’s ability to adhere to a vegetarian diet, the scientists compared UK Biobank genetic data from 5,324 strict vegetarians (consuming no fish, poultry or red meat) to 329,455 controls.

The study identified three genes that are significantly associated with vegetarianism, and another 31 genes that are potentially associated. Several of these genes, including two of the top three (NPC1 and RMC1), are involved in lipid (fat) metabolism and/or brain function, the study found. The speculation is there may be lipid component(s) present in meat that some people need, and perhaps people whose genetics favor vegetarianism are able to synthesize these components endogenously. 

Tips: It's too early for nutrigenomic testing to answer whether you should include meat or go without. Instead: listen to your body! Try reducing your meat intake and see how you feel. Decreasing meat intake can have various benefits for both personal health and the environment. Here are some tips to help reduce meat consumption: Explore Plant-Based Proteins: Experiment with plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), quinoa, and nuts. These alternatives can be tasty and versatile. Swap Meat in Recipes: Substitute meat with plant-based alternatives in your favorite recipes. For example, use mushrooms or lentils in place of ground meat in pasta sauces or tacos. Start Small: Begin with small changes and gradually increase plant-based meals over time. Be Adventurous: Experiment with global cuisines that traditionally focus on plant-based dishes, such as Mediterranean, Indian, or Thai cuisine, for inspiration. Plan Ahead: Having ingredients on hand can make it easier to cook meatless meals.

Be Educated: We invite you to learn about or revisit our recent longevity symposium through the Osher Collaborative website. Access to the full day of talks will be available to the public until February 2024.

Watch it all, here.

Be Curious: Acupuncture has become more mainstream as pain therapy. Brenda Loew, teaching associate at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at University of Washington sheds some light on the increasing use, and how acupuncture can benefit us all.

Peak your interest, here.

Be Informed: Dr. Ashley Mason, Integrative Clinical Psychologist, UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health, shares information on the significant impact of women in clinical studies of health-tracking wearables.

Find out more, here.