Nearly each day, I read another professional study or chapter about the relationship between how we live our lives and chronic illness such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and a variety of autoimmune disease. There is clear and consistent scientific evidence that changes in our day to day behavior—small, realistic changes—improve our health, reduce the severity of some disease and, for some, may even reverse a variety of chronic conditions. One of the most persistent findings is that sleep deprivation damages our immune system and leaves us vulnerable to illness. And fortunately, the amount of sleep we give ourselves IS something we can influence. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/311494.php
The benefits are exercise are many, and they are well documented. Point in truth, no medical or psychological intervention has as many benefits with so few unwanted effects. This is particularly true for most types of chronic illness—type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, fibromyalgia, as well as cardio vascular disease. Benefits for living with osteoporosis as well as Parkinson’s are established as well. And exercise can help moderate the symptoms of depression as well, in my experience as a psychologist, my clients with anxiety. Check it out on the NY Times!
In our practice, my colleague Elise Leland, MD specializes in reducing the incidence of chronic illness and the reliance on medication to treat conditions that respond dramatically to behavioral and lifestyle changes. Big pharm is powerfully invested in our use of medication to generate billions of dollars in profit, sometimes providing lifesaving remedies and other times simply minimizing the effects of illness without out addressing the underlying condition. When the latter, we may feel better or our test results may improve, without actually improving our health. Wellness and disease prevention are often without our reach and within our control! In fact, in some instances disease reversal is even possible. When my colleague refers her patients to me for collaborative care, my role is to help people identify relevant and potentially effective changes, to develop a plan and to effectively follow through (even overcoming obstacles and challenges). We see dramatic results! Dramatic improvement. If you recognize yourself here, the following book by Vincent Pedre, MD about digestive tract health and article by Joel Fuhrman, MD about diet and cancer may interest you. In his new book “Happy Gut,” Dr. Vincent Pedre argues that chronic health problems can in some cases be traced to the digestive system and fixed by changing the microbes in our gut. Source: Seeking a ‘Happy Gut’ for Better Health – The New York Times Dr. Joel Fuhrman summarizes what we know about plant sources of food as part or entirety of our food as it relates to cancer. http://longevity.about.com/od/wholiveslongest/fl/Your-Diet-Can-Offer-Protection-Against-Cancer.htm?utm_campaign=atlsocialposting_undefined&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=1455728744110
Many of my clients seek help with health related behavior change because they are suffering and living with chronic or catastrophic illness. Evidence has long existed that cancers and cardiovascular disease as well as chronic conditions such as exceedingly high blood pressure, gastrointestinal inflammatory illnesses—colitis and irritable bowel, and obesity are all significantly effected by diet. Consistent data shows real differences in recovery and long term survival. In some cases, there is data suggesting disease can be reversed. A few of my therapy clients found this helpful so I’m passing it along here. A plant-based diet may prove best following the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, according to a review published in The Permanente Journal. Researchers investigated long-term lifestyle choices and their impact on health risk factors such as heart disease, bone health, and obesity that influence overall survival. Source: Plant-Based Diets Best for Breast Cancer Survival | The Physicians Committee
Nearly each day, I read another professional study...
Professor Aaron Carroll, MD professor at Indiana University...
The benefits are exercise are many, and they are well...
Lee M. Faver, PhD PLLC
303 East 16th Street, Suite 111 (lowest level)
Vancouver, Washington 98663
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Board Certified Clinical Psychologist practicing in Vancouver, WA.
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Change is always possible. So let’s create a life you will cherish.