In the 1960s and early 1970s, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy showed great promise for treating a variety of conditions. After a long moratorium, medical interest in psychedelics is experiencing a dramatic resurgence. Recent studies show the ability of psilocybin to alleviate depression and anxiety in those with terminal illness, and MDMA to help with post-traumatic stress … [Read more...]
The Journey of Running a Marathon
Well, I did it again—a marathon—The Full Monte in Huntsville, Utah—Saturday, September 21, 2019. My weight training at the local VASA gym for a year and a half provided me confidence as I planned to run another 26.2 miles with six months to train. Since my first marathon-training plan consisted of running daily and one successful long-distance test run, I knew … [Read more...]
Ancient Medicinal Mushrooms in a Modern Age
Today, you can find mushrooms in nearly every health store and supplement aisle. But 2,000 years ago, these mushrooms reigned supreme as powerful sources of physical and spiritual strength that only grew on sacred mountains. You could say they were “magic” mushrooms (though without the psilocybin). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healers named the mushrooms lingzhi, which … [Read more...]
Psychedelics as Therapeutics
Psychedelic medicine is here, and as a psychiatrist, I think it’s long overdue. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, with over a million lives lost in the world each year to suicide. This is especially tragic, because depression is treatable, even if the individual can’t see a way out at the time. About 1 in every 8 Americans takes an antidepressant medication every … [Read more...]
Five Pillars of Optimal Health
Coronavirus has captured all of the international, national and local headlines like nothing we have witnessed in our lifetimes. It’s clear that this virus will wreak havoc, especially on those with weak immune systems and underlying medical conditions. There are plenty of “preppers” in the sense of people who have stockpiled food and supplies for cases of emergency, but … [Read more...]
Farmers Feeding Utah: Utah Farm Bureau launches program to support farmers and feed those in-need
With the novel coronavirus disrupting food supply chains and skyrocketing unemployment, it has not been an easy few months for Utah’s farmers and ranchers, nor for residents who are already struggling with food insecurity. The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF), an independent, non-governmental organization of farm and ranch members, took note. On May 7, UFBF launched the … [Read more...]
Working Out At Home During COVID
With the Utah economy reopening, many Utahns still fear entering gymnasiums. The fear is not unfounded, as the National Institute of Health’s studies reveal that harmful bacteria thrive on common gym surfaces such as treadmills, yoga mats, and weight machines. COVID-19 has been no exception. During quarantine, avid trainers and body builders found themselves without a … [Read more...]
How One Utah Gym is Handling Reopening During the COVID-19 Crisis
Masks, temperature checks, and strict sanitizing procedures are the new normal as gyms and fitness facilities reopen across Utah after the coronavirus shutdown. Rob Dunfield, owner of Holladay Health & Fitness, says about his reopening, “It has been great. Eighty percent have come back and want to get right back into it.” When Dunfield was forced to close the doors of … [Read more...]
Forest Bathing and Wellness with The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy
The term, “forest bathing”, was coined in Japan in the 1980s. Forest bathing or “Shinrin-yoku” is the act of immersing yourself in the woods for the sake of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Most practices involve a mindful practice and a 2 to 3-hour immersion that builds our relationship with the natural world. Recent studies have shown that forest immersion helps … [Read more...]
An Unforgiving Sport: Olympic Speed Skating Hopefuls Train at Kearns Ice Oval
Young athletes come from across the US to devote nearly all of their time to train at the Kearns Olympic Oval. This facility was built for the 2002 Olympics, and is home to the US Speed Skating Team. Corinne “Corie” Stoddard and Ryan Pivirotto are two young Olympic hopefuls who are currently on the team. Arriving at the oval at 7:30 am Monday through Saturday, these athletes … [Read more...]