As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape of Flagstaff, many residents find themselves facing a common challenge: seasonal depression. This mood disorder, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), typically arises as daylight hours diminish and it can significantly impact mental well-being. Here are some effective strategies to combat this condition and embrace the beauty of fall. 1. Light Therapy One of the most effective treatments for SAD is light therapy. Specialized light … [Read more...] about Seven Tips to Help Combat Seasonal Depression
Depression
Six ‘Universal Truths’ for Being Happier, Living Peacefully in the New Year
Salsa Queen (Maharba) Zapata was in the United States illegally, had no education, didn’t speak English and grew up thinking she had no value. As author Michael Glauser tells her story: “After two divorces and seven children, she was in a complete state of despair and could see no way out of it. Then she met a friend named Jim, an incredible mentor to her, who said, ‘Well, what do you like to do? What are you good at?’ She said, ‘I know food. I know salsas.’ So they started making … [Read more...] about Six ‘Universal Truths’ for Being Happier, Living Peacefully in the New Year
Honoring the Holidays Through Grief
Twinkling lights, festive treats, family gatherings…they say it’s the most wonderful time of the year. No day is easy when we are grieving the loss of a loved one, but the holidays can be especially difficult for some of us. A season that is supposed to be filled with joy can seem overwhelming when we are missing someone special in our lives. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the loss and sense of isolation may be heightened. There are some things we may do to help ourselves and those close … [Read more...] about Honoring the Holidays Through Grief
Acupuncture Restores Post-COVID Fatigue, Loss of Smell and Taste
Many people are aware of the hallmark symptom for COVID: loss of taste and smell. Researchers have found that the temporary loss of smell (anosmia) may be a better indicator of a COVID infection than other symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, cough, digestive upset or shortness of breath. It has been suggested that the olfactory nerve cells can be affected because of the swelling of surrounding nasal mucosa tissues and cells being inflamed by the viral replication process. One study showed … [Read more...] about Acupuncture Restores Post-COVID Fatigue, Loss of Smell and Taste
Optimizing the Aging Thyroid
More than 20 million Americans have thyroid issues. Sixty percent are unaware that they have an issue, because some practitioners don’t run the right tests or are not trained in hormone optimization. The thyroid starts to decline as we age, especially with the hormonal shifts of perimenopause, menopause and andropause. Optimizing thyroid hormones improves metabolism, energy levels and mood. Thyroid hormones are released by the thyroid gland and are responsible for temperature regulation, … [Read more...] about Optimizing the Aging Thyroid
We are Better When We Move
Turns out the Sundance Kid had it right. “I’m better when I move,” he explained, during a job interview to be a payroll guard, when asked if could shoot. And the truth is, so are we. Except now there’s a whole lot of research backing Sundance up, much like Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall Gang when they were robbing trains (which is a physical activity). Banner Health applauds physical activity. In an article published in 2020, the medical non-profit giant and largest employer in Arizona … [Read more...] about We are Better When We Move
