Busting Myths Around the COVID-19 Vaccine

Behind the White Coat:

Dr. Yuhning “Linda” Hu

Dr. Linda Hu has dedicated her life to the medical field. Prior to becoming an electrophysiologist, she volunteered in emergency departments, various clinics, and as an EMT. Her drive comes from the opportunity to utilize new technology to improve the quality of life of her patients.

Dr. Hu’s exposure to electrophysiology began when she shadowed an electrophysiologist in high school. This exposure guided Dr. Hu to choose a career in electrophysiology as she learned that she enjoyed the pathophysiology of arrhythmias.

Dr. Hu envisions a promising future for electrophysiology. She hopes for continued advancements in technology that will treat atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. She also envisions growth in the treatment and management of atrial fibrillation.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hu has seen the struggles patients face with the healthcare system. Witnessing these struggles has impacted how Dr. Hu chooses to practice medicine. “For me, the most impactful interactions that constantly affect my approach to healthcare have been with patients who are not able to have some of the same access to resources as others in healthcare. The personal, societal aspects that we are not able to control in healthcare are the hardest and most impactful for me,” says Dr. Hu.

As a woman in the field of electrophysiology, Dr. Hu empowers women and men to pursue their passions. “My hope is that anyone who is passionate about electrophysiology pursues their passion and gains more exposure to the field just as they would with any other pursuits in life,” she says.

How Food Affects Your MOOD

Can Food Help Put You In a Good Mood?

How can what we choose to eat or drink put us in a good mood or even bad mood?

According to Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, staying healthy is easy to do when you are happy; a happy life is a healthy life. On the other hand, healthy eating helps a person stay in a good and happy mood. Understanding the relationship between food and our mood and how they affect one another can help steer us towards healthy diet choices.

UNHEALTHY FOOD AND DEPRESSION

According to the American Heart Association, research shows that eating food saturated with sugars and fats raises the possibility of stress and frustration. On the other hand, when we feel depressed and frustrated, we resort to eating more sugars and unhealthy foods. People become addicted to eating unhealthy foods because they depend on it for their happiness.

GOOD FOODS FOR GOOD MOODS

There has been research done that has shown that these three food groups can positively impact your mood:

Dark Chocolate: Besides being a good and delicious treat, dark chocolate plays a great role in improving our mood and reducing depression, according to the American Heart Association. It contains a high level of serotonin and precursors to serotonin that play a big role in improving happiness and well-being. Eating dark chocolate has many advantages, but it also raises the question of how much to eat and what the limit is, before it cancels the positive effects. According to the study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, there’s no recommended dose of dark chocolate, but the study participants ate 43 grams of dark chocolate per day. Omega-3: Nuts, fatty fish, olive oil, fruits and vegetables are examples of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These foods can reduce marks of inflammation and also can prevent depression and anxiety. According to Harvard Health, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids keep our bodies healthy physically and mentally.

Plant-Based Whole Foods: Plant-based whole foods are centered on seeds, whole grains, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. According to the Food Revolution Network, plant-based whole foods can provide mood stability and healthy brain function. This is because these foods contain essential vitamins and minerals, that our body needs.