Depending on where we are at, as it relates to the continuing opening of our communities, we may be experiencing confusion, frustration and a sense of general paralysis as to what are the best ways to navigate this new territory and care for ourselves and loved ones. As we live the second year of the pandemic, foundational to assessing our strategies for self-care is to think of this time as re-emphasizing the need to staying healthy and preparing our mind-body-spirit for future challenges.
For Dr. Andrew Weil, MD, Harvard University Medical School graduate, Founder and Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at The University of Arizona, work is directed at incorporating various systems into the art of self-care.
A summary statement that encapsulates Weil’s belief is,"As a practitioner and teacher of integrative medicine for the last thirty years, it has been my personal mission to drive research, education, and clinical practice to advance a philosophy of health that addresses mind, body and spirit. I believe that integrative medicine is the future of medicine and health care."
Proper nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction are also emphasized by Weil. In particular, he is a proponent of diets that are rich in organic fruits, organic vegetables, and fish.
Inflammation is something that plagues many people and is found in many disease states. Dr. Weil has researched and published an Anti-inflammatory Diet. Upon close examination we find that it mirrors much of the dietary patterns of the Blue Zones. This indicates that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish , beans and whole grains can do much to quiet the inflammation in the body which in turn can quiet the mind and spirit. Sometimes the remedies to our various health care concerns are right in front of us and we may need to re-direct our focus.
The second year of this pandemic will have its own challenges and, at the same time, offers us the opportunity to enhance our practices of self-care. The tendency can be to look for something new to embrace when the answer may be found in the old.
Key Takeaways
The re-opening of our communities offers new excitement and challenges.
Inflation to the economy is like inflammation to the body.
Inflammation needs to be quieted.
It’s important to pay attention to the research and the anomalies.
Best Practices
K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Sam.
Visit Allrecipes.com for new cooking ideas.
Do it right. Now.
Things to Limit
Processed foods.
Thinking that it is all over.
Comparing yourself to others.
Quote of the Week
“You know what they call alternative medicine that’s been proven to work? – Medicine.”
~ Tim Minchin
As with other losses and major changes, the second year of the event offers its’ own set of challenges and opportunities. Keeping the care of our mind-body-spirit focused on our purpose of living, offers us many horizons for success and fulfillment.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Check our Welcome Greeting on YouTube
The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
We have developed "The ZONE", because that is exactly where you want to be during this pandemic. A place of focused attention to doing exactly what needs to be done to get you to where you need to be. The purpose of The Zone is to provide a nationally distributed weekly mental-health and nutrition tip-sheet during times of change.
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