Sometimes we just need a new perspective, to look at something from a different angle, or change our surroundings for a better outlook. Literally, darker days come in November with colder weather, and for some, the holidays can be difficult. Just by recognizing how we are looking at our lives, we can either find out how silly we are being or reveal the ultimate goal---a path to wellness. Don't sleep on the opportunity!

 

 

As much as we have not wanted to do yet another switch to a new Electronic Health Records (EHR) and billing system, we have found that Kareo has not been a good fit for our clients, our team, nor our clinic. We have not taken this decision lightly simply for the fact that we want to make visits to our clinic easy and focused on what is important--wellness.

 

We are excited to announce that this is exactly what the new system will be! On January 1st of 2022, we will be transitioning into TheraManager with DocuTrac. This is a mental health focused system that will tailor much more to the needs of our team and your wellness.

 

What you need to know:

•As with every new year, you will need to sign a new consent form and other documents in our new system

•There will be a new patient portal that you will need to setup

•All clients will be required to have a credit card on file. This is not a new policy but a friendly reminder. Having a credit card on file:

     •Keeps balances low

     •Allows our independent contractors get paid in a consistent manner

     •Gives more time to our awesome billing and administrative staff to focus in other areas.

 

The patience you can offer us to make yet another transition to a new system will be very appreciated knowing that things will be so much better in the near future.

 

 

When we turn the clocks back in the fall, it seems to change much more than just a reading on the clock. It gets dark by 4:30pm, all of the trees are bare, and the cold weather can bite your face as you walk outside. These changes can profoundly effect our mood, both mentally and chemically. The lack of light can sometimes leave you with low levels of vitamin D and in turn, heighten the production of melatonin. As some of you may know, Melatonin can make us tired and sleepy leaving us with low energy levels while low levels of Vitamin D has been found to be linked to depression.

 

"Studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression. Researchers behind a 2013 meta-analysis noticed that study participants with depression also had low vitamin D levels. The same analysis found that, statistically, people with low vitamin D were at a much greater risk of depression." (Healthline.com - Is a Vitamin D Deficiency Causing Your Depression?)

 

Some may be effected more than others. When a clinical diagnosis of Seasonal Affect Disorder (AKA Winter Depression) has been given, we need to take some steps to service our mood.

 

We thought we could take this opportunity to offer some tips on how to adjust to these changes so you can keep a pep in your step all winter long.

Take the screens off your windows in the winter. Letting in that little extra bit of light can make a difference. We are already lacking a lot of vitamin D that we normally collect from the sun in the summer, so we want to bask in it every chance we can get.

When removing the screens is not enough, bring the light inside! Purchasing a light therapy lamp is a great option. Place it in the area you most commonly hang out in to get the strongest effect.

 

With potentially extreme deficiencies of vitamin D, taking a supplement can also help. Make sure you check with your doctor for suggestions on dosing, brands, etc.

 

Plants not only represent life and health (when cared for), but they also provide oxygen and purity for your home. Here are some special plants to look for and the benefits of having them in your home:

 

 

The Chinese Evergreen can improve air quality by filtering indoor air pollutants and toxins. The oxygen they release can assist in increased productivity and enrich health and well being. They are also known as the lucky plant!

 

 

The Fiddle Leaf Fig cleans the air by removing harmful chemicals. NASA even used this plant in a clean air study! It can also elevate our mood, lower blood pressure, and calm the nervous system.  They are also known to help increase focus and productivity.

 

 

Yet another plant used in NASA's clean air study, the Dragon Tree can purify air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, & and of course, carbon dioxide. These plants bring humidity to the room they occupy and can help sharpen concentration and focus.

 

***Special thanks to Susie Carlson for the plant tips and suggestions.