Love, often described as an intricate tapestry of emotions, goes far beyond a mere feeling; it is a profound force that shapes the very essence of our existence. At its core, love encompasses compassion, understanding, and a genuine connection with others. It ranges from the warmth shared between family members to the deep bonds forged in friendships and the romantic intimacy between partners. Love is a uniquely balanced dance of vulnerability and acceptance, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in our lives. It transcends boundaries, offering solace during challenging times and magnifying joys in moments of triumph. In its purest form, love becomes a guiding light, steering us towards acts of kindness, empathy, and selflessness.

Remarkably, the impact of love extends beyond the emotional realm to influence our physical well-being. The intricate connection between love and health forms a vital dimension of our overall well-being. Scientific studies consistently highlight the health benefits associated with experiencing love and maintaining strong social connections. Engaging in loving relationships, be it with family, friends, or a romantic partner, has been linked to lower stress levels, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced emotional resilience.

Love acts as a powerful antidote to the detrimental effects of chronic stress, fostering a sense of security and support. Positive emotional experiences, such as those found in loving relationships, contribute to the release of hormones like oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," which plays a role in reducing stress and promoting a sense of bonding. Furthermore, individuals who feel loved and supported are often more likely to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, contributing to long-term well-being.

Let's embrace love in its various forms, whether through nurturing relationships or self-love, so it can become a cornerstone for cultivating a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Wishes for love and health to all!

Melinda Ring, MD

Executive Director

www.drmelindaring.com

We invite you to share in a bit of self-love by joining the Osher Center as a patient, colleague, or supporter. To learn more please visit our website.

Osher Virtual Grand Rounds

If you missed our last Grand Rounds:

Integrative Palliative Care

Speaker: Delia Chiaramonte, MD, MS

Synopsis of the Presentation: Medications and procedures are powerful, yet sometimes they aren't enough. Despite expert palliative care, some patients suffer with unresolved pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and more. The integrative approach to palliative care expands the treatment toolbox to include effective evidence-supported complementary treatment approaches that will help help relieve the patients' suffering.

Watch it here.

Our next Osher Grand Rounds: 4/11/24 with Dr. Shakira Sanchez-Collins. Stay tuned for more information!

Reproductive Health Conditions Linked to Increased Heart Disease Risk in Women

Two preliminary studies presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 suggest that reproductive health conditions in women, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and dysmenorrhea (painful cycles), are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The first study, focusing on adolescent girls found that those with PCOS had a 30% higher risk of high blood pressure compared to those without the condition. The second study, involving women under 50, revealed that those with painful menstrual periods were twice as likely to have an increased risk of ischemic heart disease, including angina and heart attacks, compared to other women.

Researchers emphasize the need for further investigations to understand how these reproductive conditions may impact long-term cardiovascular disease risk in women.

Tips: 1) Have Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your gynecologist, who can assess your reproductive health. 2) Blood Pressure Monitoring: Keep an eye on your blood pressure, especially if you have a history of irregular menstrual periods or painful menstrual cramps. 3) Lifestyle Modifications: Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by incorporating regular physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet. Simple changes like taking brisk walks can contribute to overall cardiovascular well-being. 4) Awareness of Menstrual Health: Be mindful of your menstrual health and discuss any concerns or irregularities with your healthcare provider. 5) Stress Management: Explore stress-reducing techniques. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can positively impact both your mental well-being and cardiovascular health. 6) Understanding Cardiovascular Risk: Educate yourself about the cardiovascular risks associated with reproductive conditions. Awareness empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and take proactive steps towards disease prevention. 7) Maintain a Healthy Weight: For women with conditions like PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. 8) Personalized Risk Assessment: Recognize that women's cardiovascular health needs a tailored approach. Discuss risk factors, including reproductive health, with your healthcare provider to create a personalized prevention plan. 9) Early Intervention: If diagnosed with conditions like PCOS or dysmenorrhea, work closely with your healthcare team to manage and treat these conditions early on.

New Information Helps Explain Long COVID’s Influence on the Brain

A new study is investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying Long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Researchers have found that Long COVID is associated with reduced levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in various physiological functions. The study proposes a comprehensive mechanism linking viral infection, inflammation, hypercoagulability, and autonomic dysfunction to serotonin reduction.

Three mechanisms contribute to serotonin decrease: diminished absorption of the serotonin precursor tryptophan, platelet hyperactivation affecting serotonin storage, and increased serotonin turnover. The peripheral serotonin deficiency impairs vagus nerve activity, leading to hippocampal dysfunction and memory loss. The findings provide a potential explanation for neurocognitive symptoms in Long COVID and offer insights for therapeutic interventions targeting serotonin pathways.

Tips: 1)  Prioritize Mental Health: Recognize the link between serotonin reduction and neurocognitive symptoms in Long COVID. Consider incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness and meditation to support mental well-being. 2) Incorporate a Balanced Diet: Consume foods rich in tryptophan-a precursor to serotonin, complex carbs, healthy fats and protein. Examples include turkey, chicken, eggs, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. Include whole grains, legumes, and fruits in your diet. These foods can aid in the absorption of tryptophan and promote serotonin production. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, may support serotonin function. 3) Increase Sunlight Exposure: Spend time outdoors to get natural sunlight, which can enhance serotonin production. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of sunlight per day. 4) Get Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise is linked to increased serotonin levels. Aim for activities like walking, jogging, or yoga. 5) Get Adequate Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to support serotonin synthesis. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. 6) Increase Social Connections: Foster positive social connections and spend time with loved ones. Social interactions can positively influence mood and serotonin production. 7) Promote Gut Health: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir help the gut-brain connection, which influences serotonin levels.

It's crucial to maintain a balanced and varied approach. If you have concerns about Long COVID, consult a healthcare professional for advice and guidance.

Learn: Is sea moss gel a good replacement for vegan gelatin? It's gotten a lot of buzz recently, but is this "miracle" food really all it's cracked up to be?

Dr. Melinda Ring shares her thoughts and suggestions on what you need to know about this magic moss.

Savor the info, here.

Discover: Do you feel more depressed and anxious when you’re ill? There is a scientific reason for that.

Our Osher cousin at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Karolinska Institutet, explains why that happens and how you can minimize the effects.

Learn how you can cope, here.

Celebrate: Congratulations to our Osher researchers who concluded that acupuncture demonstrated a potential 58% reduction in the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation.

Their AcuHeart project is bringing the importance of acupuncture to the forefront of medicine.

Dive in, here.