Attending a medical seminar of any sort can be sometimes daunting, informative, and intriguing. October’s Tuesday Tips Wellness seminar at Saint Francis’ Center for Integrative Medicine went beyond figures and information.
Simply stated, Integrative M
edicine unites the conventional medicinal care with treatments from complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Scientific research has produced several studies validating the use of Integrative Medicine, showing that certain modalities can relax the mind and body, get you a better night’s sleep, promote healing, and decrease pain.
Through group discussion and one-on-one sit downs, I grasped the concept of Integrative Medicine through massage therapy, yoga, and other viable means of stress management and healthy lifestyles. Led by Dr. Kathleen Mueller, Medical Director of Saint Francis’ Center for Integrative Medicine, masseuse Susan Forrester, yoga instructor Barb Fasulo, and acupuncturist Chris Gaunya, I was provided with in-depth knowledge from professionals whose passion was clearly visible through words and description of their practices. Some take-home points:
- Food IS medicine – what we put into our bodies really affects our health (think of the movie Super Size Me)
- Massage is more than a luxury, it should be a part of your regular health and wellness regimen
- When traveling, consider acupressure as a way to regulate your body’s response to the change. It’s easy to learn the various acupressure points – there’s an app for it!
Below are several links and suggested readings given to us by Dr. Mueller providing more information on Integrative Medicine:
• Dr. Andrew Weil, one of the preeminent voices on Integrative Medicine:
www.DrWeil.com
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
www.NCCAM.gov
• Super Size Me, written and directed by Morgan Spurlock:
www.hulu.com/watch/63283/super-size-me
• Find a board certified acupuncturist:
www.NCCAOM.org
• More information on the Mediterranean Diet from the Mayo Clinic:
www.mayoclinic.com/health/mediterranean-diet/CL00011
Being an attendee at this seminar has given me a whole new prospective on how to live a healthy life. I look forward to attending next month’s seminar and would not hesitate to recommend others to attend!
Thank you to our sponsor, the Travelers Championship, for allowing us to put on these great programs! Tuesday Tips: Street Smart Self Defense will be held on November 15th at Saint Francis. As daylight hours dwindle, learn what to be on the lookout for by touring through parking lots, stairwells, and elevators. Tickets are $30 – program includes seminar, food, drinks, and giveaways. Space is limited – click here to register today!
Special thanks to John Brickley for writing this blog. John is a Saint Francis YP Committee member and a sports anchor and reporter for WFSB and WGME, Channel 13 News.