Just Breathe

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love…”  — Marcus Aurelius Did you know that slowing our breathing helps our bodies to calm? Breathing is vital to our nervous system. Doing breathing exercises a few minutes a day […]

Practicing Gratitude

You have probably been hearing more lately about the practice of gratitude. It seems this is something we seldom consider. So, what is all this fuss about the practice of gratitude? People who practice gratitude have a sense of overall improved well-being, a more positive affect, are found to be more optimistic, have improved resilience, […]

Self-Care: How to Prioritize and Reinvigorate Yourself

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” -Etty Hillesum This past year has been a season of reviewing my life, learning about the importance of self-care and making it a priority as I implemented various aspects of Lifestyle Medicine’s Six Pillars of Wellness.  Too […]

Summer Fun in the Sun: How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Summer is an exciting time of year, with many people enjoying outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, water skiing, and golfing. Exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to the development of skin cancer and permanent damage of the skin’s collagen and elastic fibers. When your skin is damaged by the sun’s rays, it makes […]

Lifestyle Medicine – A Journey to Wellness

From the desk of Dr. Belinda Castor In December 2020, I stepped away from traditional fee-for-service primary care after 30 years of practicing medicine. I decided to hit the pause button and allow myself to take time to reflect on where I was in life and my general well-being. During this time, I learned quite […]