Happy July!

I am thrilled to share some wonderful news and reflections on the future of our integrative health program. It is with immense honor and gratitude that I announce my appointment as the Tina Trott Professor of Integrative Health. This prestigious professorship, made possible by the generous support of the Trott Family Foundation, marks a significant milestone for our Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University.

The awarding of the Tina Trott Professorship represents more than a title; it is a testament to the dedication and vision of our donors who believe in the transformative power of integrative health. Their generosity provides us with the crucial resources needed to expand our programs, advance our research, and enhance the education of future healthcare professionals.

As we embark on our strategic planning journey, this infusion of funds allows us to dream bigger and aim higher. We are committed to using this support wisely and thoughtfully, ensuring that every initiative we undertake aligns with our mission of providing whole-person healthcare. Our planning process is not just about organization; it is a sacred commitment to shaping our future with intentionality and purpose.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the profound experience inherent in planning. Yet, when approached with reverence and mindfulness, the act of planning becomes a sacred ritual—an opportunity to align our actions with our deepest values and aspirations. At its core, planning is an act of co-creation and stewardship. It involves envisioning the future we desire and charting a course of action to bring that vision into reality while recognizing our responsibility to care for the resources and opportunities entrusted to us.

With the Tina Trott Professorship, we are now empowered to further our commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care. We will be able to develop innovative programs that address the diverse needs of our community, support groundbreaking research, and educate future leaders in integrative health.

We look forward to updating you in the coming months with specific strategies and developments. Together, we will continue to advance the field of integrative health, ensuring that our impact is felt far and wide.

Wishing you mindfulness in all your next-steps,

Melinda Ring, MD

Executive Director, Tina Trott Professor of Integrative Medicine

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 Alumni

Osher Faculty Fellow Alum Awarded $25K Grant for Innovative Integrative Oncology Care Program

The David Plotkin Empowerment Program (DPEP) is an innovative 8-week course designed to support newly diagnosed cancer patients by teaching them integrative medicine tools to enhance their quality of life and survivorship. This program aims to empower patients, helping them cultivate a positive and proactive mindset in their healing journey.

DPEP features four in-person sessions over the course of eight weeks, with cohorts of 10-12 patients completing the program together to foster support and accountability. These sessions will take place in the Brushwood Center, a healing environment nestled in the heart of a beautiful forest preserve in Lake County.

Dr. Jennifer Ron, a 2023 Osher faculty fellow, developed this program as her scholarly project during her fellowship. Inspired by her own journey with a neuroendocrine tumor, Dr. Ron is dedicated to transforming the care of newly diagnosed cancer patients. She actively uses all the tools she teaches in the program. The DPEP is named in honor of her brother, who sadly passed away after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

DPEP has received the largest grant available from the Lake Forest Women's Board. Dr. Ron is collaborating with Dr. Dean Tsarwhas, head of oncology, and they plan to welcome the first cohort of patients from the Northwestern Lake Forest Cancer Center starting October 1, 2024.

We are excited about the potential of this program to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, and we look forward to sharing updates on its progress and impact.

Experts Share How Facial Yoga Can Help You Look Years Younger

Stronger facial muscles can do wonders for sagging, aging fat pads and scientific evidence is proving the effectiveness of facial toning exercises, also known as facial yoga.

During a five-month Northwestern Medicine study, a 30-minute daily or alternate-day facial exercise program improved the facial appearance of middle-aged women, resulting in a younger appearance, with fuller upper and lower cheeks. Evaluators observed almost a three-year decrease in age appearance over the five-month study.

Researchers found that the facial exercise programs sustained over 20 weeks may modestly improve the facial appearance. The exercises appear to enlarge and strengthen the facial muscles, so the face becomes firmer and more toned and shaped like a younger face.

Tips:

• Begin with Clean Skin: Always start your face yoga routine with a clean face to prevent clogging pores and to ensure you are working on a fresh canvas. If desired, you may apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer or facial oil to allow your fingers to glide smoothly over your skin.

• Find a Quiet Space and Relax: Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes for a moment, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. This helps to release tension and prepare your face muscles for exercise.

• Start with basic exercises: Begin with simple and basic face yoga exercises to get accustomed to the movements and build a routine. Perform each exercise for a few repetitions and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.

• Be Consistent and Patient: Dedicate at least 10-15 minutes daily to your face yoga routine. Incorporate it into your morning or evening skincare regimen. Track your progress with photos to stay motivated and observe changes over time.

By following these tips, you can establish a successful face yoga routine that promotes healthier, more youthful skin.

Consumption of 85% dark chocolate improves mood in association with gut microbial changes

Dark chocolate has enormous health benefits. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, procyanidins, theobromines that positively modulate the immune system of human beings. It helps safeguard against cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancers, and brain-related disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.

Dark chocolate is also considered a functional food due to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. In moderation it can be play a role in weight management and the improving lipid profiles.

According to a study from the The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, dark chocolate can now tout mood improvement as an additional benefit. Participants who ate 85% dark chocolate daily maintained better overall mood than those who ate 70% chocolate or no chocolate at all.

Tips:

• Cocoa Content Matters: Opt for dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa to maximize health benefits. Higher cocoa content means more polyphenols, flavonoids, and procyanidins.

• Moderation is Key: While dark chocolate offers numerous health benefits, it's still high in calories and fat. Enjoy a small serving, about 1-2 ounces per day, to reap the benefits without overindulging.

• Incorporate into a Balanced Diet: Use dark chocolate as part of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This will help you maximize the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of dark chocolate while maintaining overall nutritional balance.

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• Leverage its Functional Properties: Take advantage of dark chocolate's anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties by incorporating it into your daily routine. 

By incorporating these tips, you can enjoy the delicious taste of dark chocolate while benefiting from its impressive array of health-promoting properties.

Discover: What is biotin? Symptoms of a deficiency and what it does for the body

Usually we get adequate amounts of biotin from the food that we eat but how do you know if your deficient?

See what Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND, registered dietitian and clinical affiliate of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Washington has to say.

Find out more, here.

Get Curious: What's your sleep type and what does it say about your health?

Researchers have identified five sleep types; the way people move between these types yields insights about both chronic and acute conditions.

Dr. Ashley Mason, practicing sleep clinician and UCSF Osher researcher contributes to this study on sleep patterns and health.

Investigate more, here.

Connect: Osher NU partners with Roots & Wings Charitable Foundation

Metastatic breast cancer poses significant challenges in recovery. Luckily, there is growing recognition of the importance of integrative health therapies in supporting patients' overall well-being.

See how Osher NU's partnership with Roots & Wings is bringing support to those who need it most.

Learn more about it, here.