Modern medicine as art. March 25, 2009

I like to read the Health sections of several newspapers in the morning to see what’s out there.  I generally try to discuss naturopathic medicine on this blog each week, but today I want to share with you one of the most creative, fascinating uses of modern medicine I’ve ever seen.  It’s not even primarily about health, but about pursuing our passion in life and quenching that innate curiosity we are all born with.

I have watched this curiosity bloom in my own daughter each day.  It’s natural to want to know about the world around us.  It’s when we stop asking questions and become complacent that we start to deteriorate mentally, physically, and emotionally.  So it is about well-being.

I challenge you this week to find what stokes that child-like inquisitiveness in you.  Pursue it a bit, and see if you don’t discover something amazing.  Like this guy, Satre Stuelke, an artist turned med student.

Staying healthy on a budget. March 4, 2009

For some time now, I’ve been wanting to address how Naturopathic medicine is the way to go in these times of economic hardship.  The type of medicine I practice relies on the healing power of nature and the wisdom of the  body’s innate ability to heal itself.

We have to get back to the basics of eating simply, living simply, enjoying time outside, and loving what we do.  This, my friends, is how we improve quality of life even when times are tough.  This is naturopathic medicine.

I came across an article today in the NY times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/health/03brod.html?_r=1&ref=health

It gives a number a solid recommendations on how to alter your grocery shopping list to save money, but eat healthy.  It’s so important that we don’t let this economy prevent us from achieving our health goals.  Otherwise, we end up paying the price later as a result of having made the unhealthy choices.

I challenge each of you to make one change this week in the following areas:

1. save money at the grocery store by choosing a healthy meal

2. save money by finding something fun to do IN NATURE (it’s free!) rather than spending money on going out

3. Get back in touch with someone you want to spend time with, or find time to do something you love to do.

I’ll post what I did this week to rise to the challenge, and I welcome you to comment here as well.  Let yourself be an inspiration to others!