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SIMPLE WAYS TO LIFT YOUR MOOD
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Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith. We are a body of individuals who have made a simple promise: We also recognize the inherent worth and dignity of each person, and we celebrate the gifts of all humanity—to reason, to create, to appreciate beauty, and to cherish both ourselves and one another.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Charlotte County is a place where we know that we are not alone. It is a place where folks with a variety of beliefs walk together in community, celebrating the simple truth that we are stronger and better together.
We are a Welcoming Congregation, a designation from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This means that, for over 15 years, we have worked hard to make sure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are full members of the faith community. We are also a Green Sanctuary, a designation from the UUA, which recognizes our commitment to environmental justice in both values and action. We live out this commitment through spiritual connection, education, sustainable living and social justice.
We invite you to bring your whole self—your full identity, questioning mind and expansive heart—to our 10:30 worship services on Sunday mornings.
Location: 1532 Forrest Nelson Rd., Port Charlotte. For more information, call 941627-4303 or visit UUFCC.org.
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SIMPLE WAYS
TO LIFT YOUR MOOD
by Dr. Fred Harvey
Mood states are affected by nutrition, sleep quality, exercise, relationships and connection to nature. Eight percent of adults and 16 to 20 percent of teens will suffer from mood disorders at some point in their lives. Many of us have experienced increasing levels of stress in numerous areas of our lives these past several years, so it’s no wonder that we’ve been susceptible to mood swings or fluctuations—serious ones, at that.
Depressive or anxious moods are often interconnected. Feeling sad or anxious about an event—such as losing a loved one or anticipating a job interview—is normal. Stress from anxiety or depression might disturb sleep, interrupt exercise routines, create nutritional deficiencies or excesses, and upset relationships.
The upcoming holiday season can create even more stress, and the decrease in daylight hours this time of year can cause a seasonal affective disorder. When these circumstances occur, we can experience metabolic imbalances that change our emotions or darken our thoughts. Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness can result from a mood disorder. Trouble focusing, irritability, weight and appetite loss, and lack of pleasure in favorite activities can also be subtle signs of a mood disorder.
Medical causes of mood changes can include Lyme disease, mold exposure and vitamin deficiencies. It’s important to diagnosis the root cause to determine the right course of treatment, but in the meantime, here are some of my professional strategies for a mood lift.
Omega-3: Omega-3 deficiencies can cause a depressive mood or poor concentration. I have seen many patients resolve these issues by taking fish oil supplements daily. Choose a high-quality omega-3 oil like OmegAvail Hi-Po by Designs for Health.
Vitamin B: Deficiencies in Vitamin B, especially folate B9 and cobalamin B12, are associated with feelings of persistent sadness. Therefore, I advise taking B Activ by Xymogen, which many find effective in lifting their moods.
Walking: Studies have shown that walking for 30 minutes a day can reverse a depressive mood state. I enjoy walking around my neighborhood, and I will often use that time to meditate, which brings me to my next recommendation.
Meditation: A daily meditation practice can help to change your mood from negative to positive by teaching you how to mindfully tune into the present moment.
Disconnect: The news is one of the significant stressors to promote anxious or negative thoughts. One of the first pieces of advice I share with patients to detoxify their minds or alleviate depression is to turn off the news. You’ll have more fun and experience more
If you suffer from persistent mood issues despite using pharmaceuticals to treat the overt symptoms, there could be a metabolic cause at the root. Your functional medicine doctor can use advanced lab tests to assess nutrition, toxins, infections and autoimmune causes of mood disorders. We perform those tests at Functional Medicine Florida, and have helped thousands of Floridians find the root cause of their health concerns.
Experience the life-altering difference of functional medicine by calling Dr. Harvey’s office, Functional Medicine Florida (formerly known as The Harvey Center), at 941-929-9355. To purchase the supplements mentioned in this article, visit www.healthystepsstore.com. Dr. Fred Harvey is the Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida. He is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine and Holistic-Integrative Medicine, specializing in chronic illness recovery, prevention and defiant aging. For more information, visit FunctionalMedicineFlorida.com.
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