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HEALTHWednesday 23 December
Blue-Grey (SAD) daylight because the light is remaining physically active Invest in full spectrum light-
perceived to have the color during the fall and winter bulbs. Try acupuncture; stay
By: Dr Carlos Viana and brightness of daylight. months. Try winter outdoor active physically, mentally
Daylight is a form of energy activities such as skating, and emotionally with sup-
We are blessed to live in depression, most sufferers that travels in various wave- skiing. Jogging, walking portive friends, family and
show signs of a weakened lengths. Daylight, because the dog or playing outside professionals. Of course, a
the land of endless sun- immune system during the it includes all wavelengths with the kids can still be winter getaway to a warm,
winter and are more vulner- that are visible to the hu- enjoyed in winter, but the sunny place could help
shine. There’s nothing able to infections and other man eye, is considered full right clothing and warming you turn your grey skies to
illnesses, while in spring and spectrum. up is essential. Make sure a brighter shade of blue. If
“SAD” about being able to autumn they may have ex- When SAD leads to depres- you start earlier to catch you’re visiting our island and
treme mood changes and sion, it can be treated with the shorter daylight hours would like more information,
go barefoot and enjoy blue short periods of hypomania standard antidepressant for safety and enjoyment. call us for an appointment.
(overactivity). For some drugs, or if these are inef- If you can’t take the cold, GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH:
skies every day. This time of people, SAD produces fective, natural relief may switch to indoor stretches Gift Certificates and Organ-
symptoms severe enough be found in 5HTP (hydroxy- and exercises such as work- ic Products available at Vi-
year though, we do have to cause considerable stress tryptophan), the precursor ing out at a gym, yoga, or ana Center
and disrupt their lives. SAD to serotonin, which plays an try salsa lessons. These are CARLOS VIANA, Ph. D. is
rain and life on our tiny is- symptoms usually disappear important role in regulating excellent ways to maintain an Oriental Medical Doctor
automatically in spring or mood, sleep, sexuality, ap- a healthy mind and body. (O.M.D.) having studied in
land can seem, tiny. Phyllis’ when affected individuals petite, and vomiting. The Getting enough quality rest Shanghai, China; a Board
travel to sunnier climates. benefits of 5HTP, which, un- and staying connected with Cert. Clinical Nutritionist
antidote to “tiny” is to va- A diagnosis of SAD can be like other antidepressants, friends and family or getting (C.C.N.), a fellow member of
made after three or more affects only the brain, are professional help is impor- the Board Certified Associa-
cation in the big city. New consecutive winters of very similar to those of L- tant for emotional support. tion of Addiction Profession-
symptoms, which include tryptophan, such as aiding As a clinical nutritionist, I can als (C.Ad.), the Chairperson
York City, especially during the following: sleep, alleviating age-re- never say enough about of the Latin American Com-
• Desire to oversleep lated depression, and mini- eating healthy and staying mittee of the International
the holidays energizes her. and difficulty staying awake mizing effects of alcohol hydrated. In the cold you Academy of Oral Medicine
• Disturbed sleep withdrawal. But 5HTP must may not sweat and there- and Toxicology (IAOMT), a
But after a week of nothing • Feelings of fatigue not be taken with other fore not realize you are de- Rejuvenating Cell Therapist
and inability to handle daily serotonin-enhancing drugs, hydrated. However many and specializes in Anti-Ag-
but grey skies, Phyllis begins routine such as L-tryptophan or Pro- indoor heating systems are ing Medicine, has a weekly
• Craving carbohy- zac, without the guidance drying, get a home humidi- radio program, writes and
to feel what our friends up drates and sweets of a physician since this may fier if necessary. Including lectures extensively. For in-
• Feelings of misery, cause severe side effects, immune supporting supple- formation: VIANA NATURAL
north call the winter blue’s guilt, apathy or loss of feel- including mania, anxiety, ments like vitamin C, Zinc, HEALING CENTER NV, Kibai-
ings and dermatitis. Cats claw, Reishi, Shiitake ma 7, Aruba, TEL: 585-1270
or Seasonal Affective Dis- • Irritability In addition, depression and Maitake Mushrooms FAX: 585-4789, Web Sight:
• Reduced self-es- caused by SAD can be can make a difference. www.vianaheal.com
order (SAD). Luckily, even teem treated with acupuncture. Add B complex to your pro- GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH
• Desire to avoid so- Traditional Chinese medi- gram, to support strength THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! *Gift
with the rain, it is warm and cial contact cine, believes that heat, and energy and 5HTP for Certificates & Health Prod-
• Tension and inability cold, wind, dampness, dry- “blue” feelings. ucts Available * Dr. Viana’s
our sun does shine bright be- to tolerate stress ness, and summer heat are Get the Point. Don’t spend BOOK: Prescriptions from
• Decreased interest six external climatic forces another winter being SAD. Paradise, Introduction to
tween showers and locals in sex and physical contact that can invade the hu- With a little effort, you can Biocompatible Medicine
If relocating to a sunnier lo- man organism and create adjust your lifestyle to the – Available at local Book-
and tourists run for some cation is not possible, SAD disharmony in body, mind, seasons. Plan and shop stores, Hotel Gift shops and
can be treated in several and spirit. Acupuncture ahead for healthy meals. Boticas. Signed copies at Vi-
beach time even in winter. ways. First, individuals can can help people who suffer Stock up on immune system ana Healing Center, EBook
buy lightbulbs labeled, “full- from SAD achieve a more and mood supporting sup- Holiday Special at www.
However, for those of you spectrum”. Full-spectrum balanced state. plements. Schedule time amazon.com, check for
bulbs are similar to natural The effects of SAD can be and find new ways to exer- Events at: facebook.com/
who have had too much prevented or minimized by cise, with a friend if possible. vianahealingcenterq
cold, snow or rain it can
cause more than a passing
moment of “sad” feelings.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD) is a type of depression
that often occurs in winter
throughout the Northern
and Southern Hemispheres
due to lack of light and sun-
shine. It is rare in people liv-
ing near the equator, where
daylight hours are long. In
individuals affected by this
disorder, the symptoms
usually recur each winter,
starting between Septem-
ber and November and
continuing until March or
April; and although SAD
may begin at any age, the
typical age of onset is be-
tween eighteen and thirty.
In addition to symptoms of
