Desert Health News September-October 2024

There is a saying that you have three faces. The first face is the face you show to the world. The second is the face you show to your close friends and family. The third face is the face you do not show and is the most authentic reflection of who you are. Not everyonemight agree with that statement, but for some, the greatest fear is that if you show the world your true self, the world won’t even notice you. But remember that no one brings the same imagination, creativity and spirit to the world in the same way as you do. Being authentic allows your unique magic and potential to come alive. We wear many masks to suit our roles in life. Wearing amask is sometimes necessary, such as professional settings or dealing with a difficult person. Masks help navigate an uncomfortable situation, but knowing when to remove it is the challenge. We live in a world that often makes us feel we should be something we’re not. Our friends may appear to have a perfect life online, but we often can’t see their authentic selves. Reasons for donning masks may include fears of insecurity, power or anger, and fears the world will discover who we really are. Unfortunately, we sometimes forget what is truly important in this complicated world. Masks have existed since ancient times, and throughout the years, artists and writers have used mask-making to evoke power, mystery and communication. Making a mask is one way to consider using creativity to explore the many faces we wear, including the ones we keep concealed and the ones we reveal to others. We can create a mask using paints, collages and embellishments to spark imagination and exploration. The art- making process allows for storytelling, play and self-discovery. What could happen if you let go of the mask? When we’re constantly playing roles, we rarely stop to question why we need to wear them. But removing the mask can be a truly liberating experience. You might find relief in being authentic; a freedom you never knew was possible. The Brazilian poet and author Deborah Leipziger writes about the masks we choose to wear, “If I must wear a mask, let it be a mask of flowers. Violets and magnolias, pansies. Buds of all kinds, wrapped around my ears, covering my lips. Let me smile in the iris, a flower, the first syllable.” I suggest you let Leipziger’s poem spark your imagination. The world is eagerly awaiting the real you. Take a moment to reflect on the masks you wear. This act of self- reflection is a powerful tool for rediscovering yourself. Judy Nemer Sklar is an expressive arts facilitator, artist, writer and owner of Creative Life Workshops for Health and Wellness. She can be reached at (760) 902.5467 or judy@judynemersklar.com . www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2024 Natural Options The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 11 www.Acqpoint.com Get relief from pain and stress now! Acupuncture • Electro Acupuncture • Chiropractic K-Laser • Cupping • Chinese Herbs • Cold Laser For appointments, book online at AcQpoint.com r call 760.345.2200 77682 Country Club Drive, Ste. G • Palm Desert Diane Sheppard, PhD, LAc ACUPUNCTURE CHINESE HERBS Madeline Flores, LMT, HHP MASSAGE THERAPY CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY CUPPING Robert “Buzz” Edelburg, DC CHIROPRACTOR Enhance personal wellness through creative explorations using art methods and materials, creative writing, painting, memoir, storytelling, music, meditation and mindfulness. Professional Artist • Writer Expressive Arts Facilitator 760 902-5467 C reative LifeWorkshops Judy Nemer Sklar Join us! For scheduled workshops , visit creativelifeworkshops . com Presented by Exploring your creative side can unveil self-discovery and clarity. What Are You Masking? By Judy Nemer Sklar Understanding the phrase, "Our gut is our second brain," empowers us to take control of our health. The food we eat directly influences our gut health, which in turn affects our brain function. Thus, a healthy gut leads to a healthy mind, while an unhealthy gut can contribute to mental and cognitive disorders. We know that a diet high in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation in the gut creating inflammatory cytokines which then move to the brain and disrupt normal brain function. This is why you might feel foggy, irritable or generally “off” the next day after a night of indulging in pizza and beer. The extra calories are not the only problem; it's the inflammation in your gut affecting your brain. Research now demonstrates the role our diets play in the development of severe conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's.¢ High sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which are closely linked to cognitive decline.° This is why Alzheimer's is now referred to as type 3 diabetes. The pancreas, which regulates blood sugar, can fail due to a poor diet, leading to elevated glucose levels and, eventually, to brain dysfunction.± When the pancreas fails, it can no longer regulate blood sugar levels effectively, leading to high glucose levels that can damage brain cells and contribute to cognitive decline. Another critical aspect of gut health is the balance of our microbiome, the trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system. These microorganisms are crucial in digesting food, absorbing nutrients and maintaining immune function. An imbalanced microbiome, often caused by poor dietary choices, can lead to a leaky gut, where toxins and bacteria escape into the bloodstream. This not only triggers inflammation but also can directly impact brain health, contributing to mood disorders and potentially other mental health issues.² I've personally experienced the powerful connection between gut health and overall well-being. As a stage 4 cancer patient, I went through treatment that took a severe toll on my body, especially my gut. After years of struggling with digestive issues, I discovered the profound impact that diet has on my health. Nourishing my gut with the right foods dramatically improved my digestive health, mental clarity and mood, and I am a ten year cancer survivor. The connection between our gut and brain is complex, but essential, and a strong reminder of the need for a holistic approach to health. By understanding and respecting this connection, we can make better food choices that support our gut health and enhance our mental well-being. Remember, you only have one body and onemind. Treat themwell, and they will serve you well in return. Bryan Paul Blackwell, co-owner of Barefoot Balance Holistic Health Coaching, is a certified health coach specializing in integrative nutrition and digestive health. He can be reached at (760) 895.8233. Visit www.barefootbalance.com . References: 1) 4ayer, ,. A., 2night, R., 4aamanian, :. 2., Cryan, 1. -., ;illisch, 2. 2014). .ut 4icrobes and the Brain: 7aradigm :hift in 5euroscience. 1ournal of 5euroscience, 34 46), 1 4 0-1 4 6; 2) /argrave, R., /olmes, C. 2016). Role of +iet in Alaheimer s +isease: 4echanisms and Clinical Application. 5eurobiology of +isease, 84, 1 -163; 3) Craft, :. 2012). ;he Role of 4etabolic +isorders in Alaheimer»s +isease and =ascular +ementia: ;wo Roads Converged. 5euron, 4), 606-612; 4) de la 4onte, :. 4., >ands, 1. R. 2008). Alaheimer s +isease 0s ;ype 3 +iabetes·,vidence Reviewed. 1ournal of +iabetes :cience and ;echnology, 2; , 1101-1113; ) +inan, ;. .., Cryan, 1. -. 201 ). .ut 0nstincts: 4icrobiota as a 2ey Regulator of Brain +evelopment, Ageing and 5eurodegeneration. ;he 1ournal of 7hysiology, 2), 48 - 03 Nourishing Our Minds through Food A look at the gut-brain connection By Bryan Paul Blackwell, CHHC