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| Greetings!
Summer is my favorite time of year. I really enjoy the bounty of fresh food available and the chance to reconnect with the glorious outdoors. The long days and warm summer nights are a special part of this time of year. I look forward to sharing flavorful meals made from locally grown organic fruits and veggies with family and friends on the back deck. My husband and I will take long hikes on Mount Tam or at the beach with our dogs. What do you enjoy about summer? I encourage you to put time aside now to truly appreciate the gifts that summer has to offer. Summer will fade into Fall before you know it! |
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WHH News
Coming this Fall
WHH is offering a Women's Healthy Living Series.
This experiential series is for women interested in learning about healthy living in a relaxed, supportive and pleasurable atmosphere. Each session will offer practical information and the tools you need to put what you learned into action.
The 4 part series will cover:
Healthy Eating. During this first session we will enjoy a delicious meal together. You will learn how the ingredients in this easy to prepare soup are not only nutritious but will support the immune system during the cold winter months.
Separating Nutrition Facts from Fiction. Have all the trendy new diets left you confused about what you should eat? Do you find food labels infuriating? You will have a chance to learn about fats, carbs and protein in an accessible and fun environment. To top the evening off we'll have a chocolate and tea tasting!
Caring for You. Experience a variety of relaxation and stress reduction techniques that will improve your health and bring balance into your life.
Herbs & Supplements for Women. We will discuss nutritional supplements that are essential for women's health and how to critically evaluate the quality of the supplements you buy. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see, taste and learn about the most common medicinal herbs used for women's health.
Join a group of women who want to be empowered to live healthier lives. The four sessions will occur the first Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM beginning September 5th. The cost is $120/series or $40/session. RSVP for yourself and a friend now. Space is limited.
Upcoming Talks:
Elephant Pharmacy in San Rafael Wednesday July 11th at 7:30 PM Women's Wellness: Integrative Guided Imagery. Searching for ways to manage stress? Looking for a way to tap in to your inner wisdom or your inner healer? Come and check out this very helpful technique. |
| Save 25% |
If you register for all 4 sessions in the Women's Healthy Living Series you will receive a $40 discount off the price of the series. Sign up now! |
| Offer Expires: August 1st |
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Ask Dr. P
 Struggling with Insomnia?
I see SO many women who struggle with insomnia. The true definition of insomnia is either difficulty getting to sleep and/or an inability to stay asleep. Here are some things you can do to improve your sleep:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine. This is one of the most important factors in maintaining good sleeping habits. Routines may include a relaxing walk in the evening, restorative yoga or meditation/relaxation exercises.
- Try to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time each morning. This includes weekends.
- Get plenty of exercise during the day. Studies have shown that people who are physically active sleep better than those who are sedentary. Don't engage in vigorous exercise too close to bedtime as that can actually make it more difficult to fall asleep.
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine and limit alcohol. Both, even when consumed early in the day, can affect sleep.
- Use your bed only for sleeping and sex. Don't use it to do work or to watch TV.
- Avoid large meals late in the evening. At least 2 hours before bedtime.
- If you can't fall asleep within half an hour of going to bed, get up and read or do something calming until you feel sleepy.
- Avoid watching late night TV.
- Learn and use a relaxation technique regularly. Breathing exercises, meditation and yoga are good examples.
- Make sure the temperature in your bedroom is cool and comfortable.
- Use "white noise" devices to block out surrounding environmental noise.
- Keep the bedroom dark by using blinds or wearing an eye mask if needed.
- Take a hot bath before bedtime. Try a few drops of relaxing oil of lavender in the water.
- Don't obsess about not sleeping. Not surprisingly,studies have shown that individuals who worry about falling asleep have greater trouble dropping off. It may help to remind yourself that while sleeplessness is troublesome, it won't kill you.
It's best to avoid prescription sleep medications if you can. Herbs and supplements such as valerian, hops and melatonin can be very helpful over time. I have a special herbal tea blend that I recommend too. Contact me if you want the recipe.
Need Help with Insomnia?
Call me at 415-457-1451 |
| Kudos for WHH
"I would absolutely recommend Women's Health & Healing. The care I received from Dr. Abercrombie was insightful, thorough and compassionate. She showed amazing patience when I asked tons of questions. She helped me get relief fast. Dr. Abercrombie showed me how I could be an important part of my own healing process."
- Melissa Manchester
Grammy Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter |
| For Providers
Summer Reading
Speaking of sleep, I just finished a great book about sleep called Healing Night: The science and spirit of sleeping, dreaming, and awakening by Rubin Naiman, Ph.D.. He is an integrative sleep therapist and has a very interesting evidence-based perspective on sleep and gives practical strategies to improve the quality of your sleep.
Omnivore's Dilemma
If you enjoy food and care about health, this is the book for you. Michael Pollan takes you on a journey into the natural history of four meals. Are you curious about where your food comes from, what "organic" really means or why locally grown food matters? If so,you will learn a lot from this well written book.
Do you have patients who need nutritional counseling or have issues with insomnia?
Refer them to me for a consultation. | |
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Women's Health & Healing believes that women want to be cared for as unique holistic beings; mind, body and spirit and viewed in the context of their many roles of mother, daughter, lover, friend and member of the community. Join me in empowering women to lead healthier lives- use the link below to forward this newsletter to a friend.
With gratitude, |
Priscilla Abercrombie, RN, NP, PhD
Women's Health & Healing
415-457-1451 |
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