Go Green and Feel Serene

Fingers crossed, we are soon coming out of the heart of winter and the record temperatures that have kept us indoors. Spring is (hopefully) around the corner and we can look forward to spending more time outdoors and in nature. Medical News Today posted an article on how green areas positively affect our mental health. Follow the link to read about case studies on people who move from cities into rural areas. Although we are missing our usual green leaved trees during the winter season, investing in a potted plant for the apartment may be a healthy new addition to the aesthetics of your home.

                                                                  Image from PICHOST

Reducing Allergies using Holistic Techniques

Post-labor day begins everyone's least favorite time of the year. No, it's not back to school. September brings with it the sneezing and coughing of allergy season due to the increases in airborne pollen. With that, CNN special correspondent Dr. Robert Reinhardt shared that combined with the allergens children are exposed to from returning to school, September has the highest incidents of hospitalization due to allergen-induced asthma attacks. Besides avoiding allergens and taking antihistamines, allergies can be treated through more holistic techniques. Maria of Maria's Farm Country Kitchen  suggests treating the inflammation caused by allergies through a healthy diet and by reducing external stress. The Mother Nature Network blog also suggests changing your external environment to lower susceptibility to allergens. Some of these suggestions include removing shoes before you walk into your house or apartment and showering before bed. Women's Day magazine contributes that acupuncture and homeopathic treatments such as those provided at The Center can help alleviate allergy symptoms. 

For more information and helpful tips from The Center for Integrative Practices, check out our website and facebook page. 

Keep your Body Clean while Playing Outdoors

Happy daylight savings! Sunday may have not been fun if you realized too late that you lost an hour, but the prospect of more daylight should boost your spirits. Having longer days means more time to do your favorite outdoor activities like biking or running through Central Park or picking up a game of basketball after work.  The prospect of being outside more is exciting, but an article posted on FitnessMagazine.com warns that pollution may be problematic for the health of the everyday outdoor player.  But don't fret! The article suggests that exercising outside early in the morning or in the evenings reduces your exposure to air pollution. The article also suggests limiting your exposure to grass sprayed with chemicals and checking the air quality levels in your area. Keep yourself healthy this spring and check back with The Center for Integrative Practices for more information on keeping your body and mind healthy.