Hydrotherapy-- the application of water for healing benefit-- is a great way to balance your child’s immune system at the start of a cold or flu. One of the best treatments at the very beginning of an infection is the Alternating Foot Bath, which increases levels of white blood cells (the ones that fight infection). Kids love to make a mini-party out of this treatment! It is also effective for adults.

I seem to know quite a lot of people in transition at this time--either having a baby, divorcing their mate, moving, changing jobs.  Sometimes, though, a transition is something that really affects us yet doesn't seem to garner "transition" status. Sometimes a transition is a mate's job change, a new class, new dietary habits, or having the kids home from school for the summer.  Anything that changes your routines, expectations, responsibilities, or your inner world holds within it the requirement of transition.  

This is the time of year when I notice patients really feeling the effects of SAD here in the Northwest.  It's been several months since the sun has visited regularly, and this cumulative effect manifests for many in either SAD syndrome: less motivation and energy, or  perhaps full blown SAD symptoms: increased sleep, depressed mood, and carbohydrate cravings.

The lack of light to fuel our motivation for change can seem like a cruel trick on us in the NW.  Often we take a kind of lackluster feeling for granted this time of year, along with the associated inability to meet our new goals for change.  

There is so much we can do to restore your enthusiasm and motivation this time of the year.  This is the topic of my Light of Day:  Help for Winter Mood Changes talk that I gave at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center in December, and that I will give again this Wednesday January 14th from 7-8:30 pm at Congregation Neveh Shalom.  It is free of charge, and all are welcome!  Please see our "Events" page, under "Clinic,' for details.

One of my favorite ways to cope this time of the year is with the correct dose of an effective lightbox. In the spirit of keeping business local, Scott Reed, who lives in our community, runs Sunlight Solutions and is a good resource for purchasing these helpful devices: http://www.sunlightsolutions.biz/info.html

I find an amusing phenomenon as a doctor: wherever I go, people confess to me--in public-- about the coffee they drink or the food they eat.  "Is that OK?"  they ask, eyes pleading for my consent of their actions.  I always ask, "Is it OK with you?"  The truth is: most people know they have certain habits that aren't the best for their health.  But usually they're not sure exactly why too much caffeine is detrimental, or what effect that daily sugar habit could be having on some of their actual known health conditions or symptoms. 

I believe that our well-being is made up in large part by the effects of our daily actions--the ones we repeat over and over. It's not the random dietary indiscretion or critical thought that wreaks havoc with our ability to be balanced and well, it's the repeated actions that add up to a real,measurable result.  

In my experience, the biggest determinants of healthy choices are education and support.  I don't mean "Eat well and exercise" education.  I mean focused, tailored, specific education about your physiology delivered in a way you can really understand and relate to.  And by support, I don't mean direction; I act as an ally for my patients by providing specific encouragement, carefully timed visits, and practical tips, suggestions, and information.  

Thank you for reading our new blog!  I am Dr. Christie Winkelman, co-owner with  my husband, Dr. Gil Winkelman, of Insights to Health. 

As the cloudy weather sets in, it’s important to remember that we’re entering a vital, health-giving part of the year here in the NW.  Our short days give us a valuable chance to recharge that the long, sun-filled days of summer lack.  Hopefully your Vitamin D stores are up from appropriate sun exposure over the summer (we can test that for you if you’re not sure).  Now is the time to settle in for more introspection, reading, cooking, crafts with the kids, and (yes!) sleeping.  We actually need more sleep to feel rested in the winter than in the summer, because our circadian and hormonal rhythms are different.  If you have them, put your children to bed earlier and get to bed yourself!  Gather those you love and enjoy around you.