Wellspring Issue #100 by The Wellspring

MAY 2024 // IYAR 5784 // ISSUE 100

Trust Your Instinct The medical team dismissed it as a routine miscarriage, but I ended up needing chemotherapy

6 Celebration Foods Esti Asher’s ideas to partying with your health in mind

Like the Cycles of the Moon Chany Silber of Lunair is a ray of hope and healing for women on the journey toward fertility

Inner Parenting Your questions answered

Let’s Party! Treat yourself to good food— like Falafel Shooters— that leave you feeling good after

No Excuses This Time A whopping 100 benefits of exercise 100 Years WellLived Shiffy Friedman reflects on the passing of her family’s matriarch

A Hundred Times Over What’s the one meal you never get bored of? Creamy Truffle Mushroom Bulgur Risotto Swap bulgur for rice in this delectable dish

Ask Shani Taub What place— if any at all— should treats have in my healthy diet?

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COPY & RESEARCH

Editor In Chief Shiffy Friedman Deputy Editor Libby Silberman Nutritional Advisory Board Dr. Rachael Schindler Laura Shammah, MS, RDN Tamar Feldman, RDN, CDE Bashy Halberstam, INHC Shaindy Oberlander, INHC Shira Savit, MA, MHC, CHC Esti Asher, MS, RDN, LD Nutrition Contributors Tanya Rosen, MS CAI CPT Shani Taub, CDC

Health Advisory Board Dr. Chayala Englard Chaya Tilla Brachfeld, RN Fitness Advisory Board Syma Kranz, PFC Esther Fried, PFC Child Development Advisory Board Friedy Singer, OTR/L Roizy Guttmann, OTR/L Coordinating Editor Liba Solomon, CNWC Feature Editors Rochel Gordon • Rikki Samson

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The Wellspring Magazine is published monthly by Wellspring Magazine Inc. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part or in any form without prior written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher reserves the right to edit all articles for clarity, space and editorial sensitivities. The Wellspring Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content or kashrus of advertisements in the publication, nor for the content of books that are referred to or excerpted herein. The contents of The Wellspring Magazine, such as text, graphics and other material (content) are intended for educational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding your medical condition.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

CONTENTS

MAY 2024 IYAR 5784 ISSUE 100 Our next issue will appear on Wednesday, June 26th iy"H.

WELL INFORMED 10

Springboard

Spiritual Eating

Torah Wellspring

Health Updates

LIVING WELL

Fitness

Ask the Nutritionist

Community

Cover Feature

Medical Saga

Sample

Cup of Tea

Serial Diary

DIY

WELLBEING

Wellbeing Feature

Tap In

FAREWELL 106 Holistic Mazel Tov to

SEASONED 6

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Faigy Schonfeld

upon the birth of a baby boy.

Torah Wellspring will return next month. Mazel Tov to

Chaya Tziry Retter

upon the birth of a baby boy.

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CENTER OF HEALTH. CENTER OF CARE.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Numbers Don’t Lie…

t’s a refrain you might hear at a diet group, where the instructor gets up and says, “Come on, share those numbers. That’s where your true victory lies!” Whether the reference is to the figures on the scale or measuring tape, those digits certainly do tell a story. But if you’ve come to know Wellspring, you’ll know that’s not where we’re headed with this title. Rather, the numbers we’re referring to are the ones we’ve been counting here, with every issue…and we’ve reached one hundred, baruch Hashem. Shehecheyanu! One hundred rounds of consistently presenting content that aligns with our fervent commitment to bring you, dear readers, only the best. One hundred issues that tell a story of how our community has come so far in recognizing the need for fulfilling venishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem—with the right perspectives in mind, throughout all stages of life. It was never about extreme measures, always about presenting both sides, providing food for thought and encouraging continued exploration. That we’ve come this far is a sure indicator of a niche that’s finally been addressed. As the frum community’s only long-standing health magazine, we’ve been braving the roads not taken. As I wrote in this space many years ago, when we first opened shop, one common question we received was, “But what will you write about every single month? How long can you keep this going for?” Well, we’re here to tell the tale—and numbers don’t lie.

he ultimate show of gratitude is to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, for carrying us thus far. But the thank-you list extends ever further, starting with a special thanks to my family for graciously putting up with all that running a magazine entails— especially on hectic print days, which often coincided with other big events in the calendar. It’s thanks to your help and ease that I was able to juggle all these balls. How appropriate it is that this issue’s cover feature, where we focus specifically on our milestone, features reflections from both our readers and our dedicated contributors—because it is thanks to you all that we’re here to celebrate. It’s been so gratifying to receive feedback from many of you over the years, noting just how instrumental—some-

times even life-saving—Wellspring has been in your lives. Every letter, every message, every voicemail, meant so much! Of course, we couldn’t have done this without the dedicated team at Wellspring, starting with our esteemed content contributors, many of them committed health practitioners, driven by a mission greater than themselves. While they’re too many to name, each one of them enhanced these pages with their words of wisdom, culled from years of experience of being there for their patients, clients, and fellow Yidden with untold caring and heart. In copyeditor Meira Lawrence I’ve found not only an editor who pays exacting attention to detail, but also a wise friend who “gets it.” And spending late nights, often under tense pre-deadline conditions, in the virtual company of our deputy editor, the inimitable Libby Silberman, has made this work such a joy. A special thanks to our chief designer Rivky Schwartz for “pulling this together” month after month after month with exceptional talent, efficiency, and reserves of patience. Thank you to the administrative team at Wellspring for giving me the opportunity to fulfill this special role all these years. May all of you at Wellspring be blessed with continued siyata diShmaya in this important endeavor. It has been a pleasure…which makes saying goodbye that much harder. Yes, because as we celebrate this hundredth issue together, the time has also come for me to take leave of this role. (More about this in my letter to you in the Wellbeing section.) And so, all my thank-yous, including to you, dear readers, are that much more heartfelt. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to utilize my kochos through this venue, for welcoming our monthly culmination of heart, thought, and endless investment into your home, mind, and heart, and for trusting us as your go-to source for all things health and wellness. May you continue to enjoy many, many years of gezunt in every facet, and may we meet soon in Yerushalayim,

n a m d e i r F y f f i h S

WELL- PUT “Our energy goes toward the direction of our thoughts… our hishtadlus is to shift those thoughts toward the positive.”

Health Consultant Chany Silber, Cup of Tea WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SPRINGBOARD

On Edema, Psoriasis, Expectations, and More

Regards from Kerestir Issue #95: Editor’s Note

We’ve just returned from a thoroughly uplifting and very special trip to the kever of Reb Shayele zt”l in Kerestir, and it occurred to me on the plane ride home that I must give credit where credit is due—which means reaching out to you with my words of appreciation. Several months ago, while our family was going through an indescribably challenging time with

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

one of our teenaged sons (we still are…), I read Shiffy Friedman’s letter to the readers regarding her trip to Reb Shayele of Kerestir. Though our family is not chassidish and I’d never yet traveled to a kever of a rebbe, I was so moved by her description of the tzaddik’s ko’ach, so touched by his greatness, that I felt a yearning to be in the shadows of this po’el yeshuos. Now, in honor of his yahrzeit, my husband and I made the trip. And yes, the experience was exactly as Shiffy poignantly described—and more. Walking into the ohel one

is automatically enveloped by an indescribable warmth. That in itself is such a yeshuah for anyone going through a trying time who feels so alone in their struggles. And, of course, we hope and daven that the tzaddik should be a meilitz yosher for us before our loving Father in Shamayim. May all of Klal Yisrael merit their yeshuos and may you at Wellspring be continuously gebentcht. Name Withheld upon Request

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Quick Question

SPRINGBOARD

Question: I’ve been taking laxatives and supplements for constipation for a very long time, increasing and decreasing amounts and changing from one company to another, all in my desperate efforts to obtain relief. For the past few months, I haven’t been getting any relief at all and the situation is making me quite ill. I’ve also been suffering from bad breath and I feel tired and sluggish, as well as bloated and uncomfortable. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Answer:

Your uncomfortable situation is more common than you think. Constipation has become a number one issue for so many. Since laxatives and supplements haven’t been working for you, you may consider taking a break from them for now. It will be a journey to wean yourself off the supplements at first, but with Hashem’s help it will be well worth it. First, making dietary changes is an important avenue to explore. This includes increasing fiber, bran, fresh fruit and vegetables, and drinking lots of water. Another way to help optimize digestion is by taking care not to drink and eat at the same time. You may want to consider reflexology and/or acupressure. You can even learn how to implement these interventions on your own in order to stimulate the colon and digestive system. Of course, exercise, even as simple as walking and stretching, can go a long way to getting the system moving. Remember to be patient with yourself. Your body may be so used to the medicinal interventions that it simply forgot how to eliminate on its own, so it’s important to wean off slowly. Make sure you consult with your doctor for advice and guidance. Take care, Miriam Schweid, Health Consultant

Preventing Flare-Ups Issue #99: Ask Laura Shammah

This is my opportunity to express my appreciation to you for a fantastic publication, one that I look forward to month after month. When I saw on last month’s cover that the topic of psoriasis and its relationship to diet was being covered in that issue, I couldn’t start reading sooner. You see, like the questioner in the article, I’ve also been suffering from psoriasis for a long time. And, for reasons that can only be attributed to Hashgachah, no one ever mentioned the diet interplay to me. I went from conventional doctor to conventional doctor trying to find a pharmaceutical cure, all to no avail.

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It was only after years of suffering that I finally got a lead to a practitioner of functional medicine through a colleague (who also happened to have been a die-hard conventional medicine fan before then). Since I’ve made changes to my diet, most of which Laura Shammah covered in her excellent response, I feel like I’ve gotten a new lease on life. I’m excited for the readers who may have been living in the dark until they were finally treated to this article last month. You are the messengers of so much hope and healing! Keep up your amazing work. D. Schick Flatbush, Brooklyn

The Beverage That Works Wonders Issue #99: FYI

As a frequent sufferer of peripheral edema (swelling of the hands and feet), specifically during pregnancy, I enjoyed seeing the excellent coverage on the topic. As always, Faigy Schonfeld covered the topic from so many angles, providing tips and suggestions in all areas of lifestyle. I was surprised, though, that one very powerful natural healing intervention wasn’t mentioned in the article—one that has truly worked

wonders for me: lemon and honey water. The combination of the two serves as a powerful diuretic, clearing out the system of accumulated fluids almost instantly. A friend once recommended this beverage to me and since I tried it myself, I’ve had excellent experiences as well. The recipe is simple: just add a squirt or two of honey and lemon to a glass of warm water and enjoy. Milka P. New Square, New York

And so, when I got to the article regarding how other women feel the freedom of Pesach on this Yom Tov and read the varied responses— in which each woman was so courageously vulnerable regarding her unique struggles and how she deals with them—I drew so much comfort from their words. The feeling that “we’re in this together” really gave me a good feeling, a comforting feeling. While I wish that all Yidden around the world know of only simchos, taking note of how driven we all are to bring out the best in every situation we’re in gave me a simchas Yom Tov and a pride in being part of this beautiful nation.

It Gave Me Simchas Yom Tov

T. Menzer

Issue #99: Sample

This past Shabbos Chol Hamoed Pesach found me sitting in my room and relaxing for a few treasured minutes—with my copy of Wellspring. While I was certainly counting my blessings as the mother and grandmother of a large family, I was honestly feeling wiped as well from not only the technical aspects of hosting but more because of the emotional stresses that come along with it.

Just the Right Time Issue #99: Inner Parenting

I’ve been an ardent longtime reader of the Inner Parenting column, but never has an article come to such good use as the one in the Pesach issue, on the right response to a child’s emotional expression. That’s because one of the times a child gets most worked up emotionally is in regard to

his afikomen present. This year, one child was insistent about receiving a drone and another child wanted another gadget we didn’t feel was right for her. When such situations came up in other years, it turned into a practical fight between us, which never ended well. Either we just gave in to the child’s tantrum or the child was left feeling misunderstood and unheard and we the meanie parents. But this year, thanks to this illuminating and thorough article, I was able to summon the strength to truly be the “parent” in the interaction. It built my strength and confidence, and I was able to say, “I understand why you want this, but…” The most beautiful part of this interaction was what was briefly mentioned in the article—noticing that when a child is spoken to and addressed in this way, they turn out to be even happier than the child who’s reluctantly provided with his every whim or the one who “wins over” his parents with begging and other means. It gives the child an unparalleled sense of security, and I thank you for opening my eyes to this secret. This was the true gift I granted my children this Yom Tov. H. Paskesz

Get in touch! Wellspring invites readers to submit letters and comments via regular mail or email to info@wellspringmagazine.com. We reserve the right to edit all submissions and will withhold your name upon request. We will honor requests for anonymity, but we cannot consider letters that arrive without contact information.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SPIRITUAL EATING By Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS

Less is Truly More They wound their way through a circuitous route while exiting Egypt. They crossed a split sea that up until the last second appeared to be a fatal trap.

They ended up in a barren desert eating miraculous mahn, camped before an otherwise nondescript mountain while preparing themselves for the most monumental episode in human history—a national encounter with the Creator of the Universe. Were these a series of chance occurrences leading up to Matan Torah? Hardly. Chazal tell us that Klal Yisrael needed to experience each of these events in order to acquire the necessary attributes for receiving the Torah and being a mamleches kohanim and goy kadosh. The requisite emunah in Hashem and in the prophecy of Moshe was internalized at the sea through a consummate sense of clarity that Hakadosh Baruch Hu is the Creator and Sustainer of the world, and that Moshe is His navi. But what was the missing link and how did eating mahn in the desert enable the Yidden to reach the higher level of emunah Hashem envisioned for them? The Kli Yakar (Shemos 13, 17) tells us that the Yidden needed to be in an uncultivated land in order to acquire the midah of histapkus—the ability to manage with less. A barren desert has little if any distractions—no amusement parks, no newspapers, and surely no internet. We needed to receive the Torah in this environment to understand that Torah is, and should be, the sole focus of our lives. It’s not a piece in a puzzle or part of any larger picture. It is the picture. It’s our guidebook for living so that when we would eventually enter Eretz Yisrael and divide up into our particular roles in life with the varied and harried distractions and responsibilities incumbent upon us, we’d be rooted in Torah and have the proper priority structure

through which to make decisions and lead our lives. With this “training,” we Yidden would also have the ability to counterbalance and overcome our yetzer hara and one of its most vexing demands—the desire for more. Left to our own taavah we would be incapable of exerting proper boundaries and limits. Extremes would be constrained only by a lack of money, time, or legality—not because we would intuitively know to stop for our own benefit. The mahn was an invaluable tool in this lesson. It wasn’t too little. It wasn’t too much. It was just the right amount. And it was immensely enjoyable on a physical level, commensurate with each person’s spiritual focus. Today, even though we aren’t being showered with mahn, we do have easy access to information regarding the proper foods we should eat and the proper amounts. And since this is part and parcel of the natural world Hashem created, it’s clearly His will for us—not to overeat, not to undereat, and not to consume unhealthy foods. With the Torah as the perfect prescription, we can certainly make the right choices from the menu. Left to our own vision and desires, however, we stand a far lesser chance. That’s why the midah of histapkus is so vital. Succinctly put, we can’t have ein sof in ruchniyus unless we have maspik in gashmiyus. We don’t have the ability to grow exponentially in our spirituality unless we have boundaries and limits on our physical desires. It’s when we guard ourselves properly in regard to our physical behaviors that we open ourselves up to experiencing the infinite pleasure available to us on the spiritual plane. That enables us to truly celebrate, with every fiber of our being.

Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS, is the founder and director of Soveya and the author of the best-selling book Enough Is Enough—How the Soveya Solution Is Revolutionizing the Diet and Weight-Loss World, available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles and Judaica Plaza in Lakewood. He has worked with thousands of clients around the world and has maintained a 130-pound weight loss for the last 19 years. For more information about Soveya’s programs call 732-578-8800, email info@soveya.com, or visit www. soveya.com.

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

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TORAH WELLSPRING By Rabbi Ezra Friedman

Reflecting at this Milestone A letter from the heart

Dear Readers, It has been a great honor and zechus for me to have contributed to this space since the magazine’s inception. First and foremost, I’d like to express my gratitude to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for enabling me to be the shaliach for so much learning, growth, and healing as the writer of this column. 16

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At this time, I’d like to reflect on the impact Wellspring has had on so many—including myself—and also to express my great awe and admiration of this publication’s readership, comprised of incredible mevakshim. From the kind of feedback I’ve been zocheh to receive over the years, the conclusion is clear: Choosing to turn to Wellspring, whether for inspiration, insights, guidance, or entertainment, is a reflection of an inner depth. It’s a reflection of a discerning palate that appreciates truly kosher content that nourishes, nurtures, and heals not only the body and nefesh, but most importantly, the neshamah. Chazal dedicated so many chapters and teachings to the Torah’s edict of venishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem. Taking care of our physical selves is no simple matter. It requires consciousness, determination, and guidance—all of which this publication provides with special attention to presenting a

healthy, balanced approach that puts the big picture above all. But perhaps most significantly, and this is what has made Wellspring a go-to publication for Yidden with a discerning eye, true wellbeing is grounded in a healthy relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu, His Torah, and His people. It is through this space that He has given me the unique privilege of exploring the foundations of spiritual wellbeing— the crux of general wellness—with an audience that is so eager to drink in words of Torah. Now that the time has come for my contribution in this space to come to an end, I want to thank each and every one of you for being the mekablim that you are. I’d like to express a special appreciation to those who’ve reached out with feedback over the years. I’ve learned so much from your insightful questions and comments, and most of all from your desire to learn and grow. I’ve heard from readers who wrote that it was here in this space that they learned the concept of surrender as the only way to truly heal their pain, and how their lives have changed as a result. In a world of so much suffering, people often—as a last resort and without knowing better—turn to self-sabotaging behaviors that detach them from their deep emotional world. Hearing that readers have learned here a mehalech to approaching pain that is healing, connective, and most importantly, constructive toward their growth, meant so much to me. I’ve heard from readers who shared that through this column they’ve learned how to look at their child as the whole world that they are—a fully developed nefesh—giving them their time, head, and heart. I’ve heard from readers who’ve learned that the way to grow is not to criticize ourselves but to see our inherent goodness and the goodness in others. They’ve internalized that berating ourselves only brings us downward. It’s been so rewarding to hear from

readers who appreciated the message of how unique each of us is, that we each have a unique purpose in this world, and that our role is to tap into our own potential. I’ve heard from readers who were intrigued by the concept that Hashem created all of us humans as pleasure seekers so that we would seek out the only true pleasure to be found in this world: living a Torah life. As long as we don’t find the pleasure in Torah, we’ll be searching for it endlessly elsewhere. Most of all, it has been most gratifying for me to hear that through this column, Yidden have changed their perspective on Hakadosh Baruch Hu. I’ve heard from readers who’ve found it so healing and powerful to learn just how intense and infinite Hashem’s love is for us, turning on its head a lifelong misconception of Him as a frightening and punitive. Only once we grasp this truth can we even start the journey toward acquiring healing in the nefesh, which goes in tandem with authentic emunah and bitachon and a relationship with Hashem. It’s when we feel enveloped in His love regardless of external circumstances that we can let go and allow ourselves to surrender to His will.

one who shares the ideas is granted the opportunity and the insights primarily because of those who are waiting to receive. It was thanks to your thirst to grow and to hear that Hashem planted these insights regarding spiritual health in my mind. It was thanks to you that they flowed through my pen and found their way to your heart, mind, and neshamah. So, yes, I’d like to thank you for enabling me to be not only a conduit, but a traveler too on this journey to more deeply understanding the greatness of a Yid, the Ribbono shel Olam, and all that a Torah lifestyle entails. At this opportunity, I’d like to thank my wife, who stood at the helm of this magazine as its editor-in-chief for the past 100 issues, investing hours upon hours every month into putting out this exemplary publication. Being privy to only some of her intensive behind-the-scenes work, I watched in awe how she ensured that every single part of this publication remained in line with her vision of a solid, engaging, Torah-true product, filtering out anything that felt remotely extreme or controversial so as not to cause damage or hurt in any way.

Especially during times when the schedule was intense, the knowledge that the words of Torah Wellspring were being mechazek so many Yidden and that readers were looking out for their monthly dose of spiritual medicine was what propelled me forward.

Her dream was to bring to Klal Yisrael a product that is 100 percent pure and meaningful—and she invested hours upon hours, week after week, month after month, toward that endeavor. Her aim was to provide only the best for you readers, and I’m sure her efforts have been well appreciated.

Often, when the time came for me to prepare the next article, I wasn’t sure which concept to explore that month. And it was especially rewarding in these times when Hashem arranged for me to hear back from a reader that those were just the words they needed in their life at that point.

Now that this avodas hakodesh is coming to a close, I want to wish siyata diShmaya to the incoming team of this important publication. May Wellspring continue to be gebentcht with much siyata diShmaya and be zocheh to serve as a conduit through which Klal Yisrael will enjoy physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

This feedback only further highlighted what we already know from the Tanya and other sefarim: it’s not just the mekabel who draws kochos and insights from the mashpia; the

May you continue to enjoy spiritual health and connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, others, and yourself for many years to come, Ezra Friedman

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

UPDATES By Bayla Brooks

Hide Those Gummies The rising issue of accidental melatonin overdose We’ve all heard about that innocuous bottle used by some people and despised by others. Some parents give their child a dose of melatonin on occasion while others use it on a nightly basis. While giving melatonin to children is a highly debatable topic with many fierce opinions on either side, regardless of the questionable health status of this sleep-aid, a new issue has cropped up: Kids are finding these gummies alluring and helping themselves to a handful. Often, the melatonin tablet is sweet, especially when in gummy form. To a child, there is no clear differentiation between jellybeans and this potentially harmful substance. On April 15, 2024, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, announced updated guidelines for melatonin supplements that aim to improve formulation, labeling, and packaging. The voluntary guidelines will also help tighten standards for melatonin gummies to address growing concerns over accidental ingestion and overdose 18

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

among children after a recent rise in emergency room visits. To reduce the risk of unsupervised access to melatonin gummies by children, the CRN has asked manufacturers to add child-deterrent packaging and include cautionary language on product labeling. The CRN suggestions came after a March 2024 report by the CDC that found a sharp increase in childhood ER visits following accidental melatonin ingestions. The report shows that around 11,000 children visited the emergency room between 2019 and 2022 after ingesting melatonin, with nearly 5,000 cases involving melatonin gummies. More than half of all cases involved very young children aged three to five years old. While the sweet taste of melatonin chewies may make bedtime a smoother process in your home, make sure to keep them far away from your child’s reach. That way, only the parent can dole it out—and only when needed.

UPDATES

Speed Up the Process Blinking is about more than moistening the eye Have you ever had some dust—or even a bug—caught in your eye? The experience can leave you feeling extremely uncomfortable until you engage in a good stream of blinks. After that, you feel the liquid drain out of your eye, and new, fresh lubrication comes in. Ah, the inherent goodness of the simple act of blinking! Blinking takes up a surprising amount of our waking time. Humans, on average, spend a remarkable 3–8 percent of their awake time with their eyelids closed. Most folks think of blinking as the eyes’ version of windshield wipers, clearing the eye of debris and maybe lubricating it, too. But blinking is much more than eye clean-up, researchers report. Interestingly, blinking is directly related to mind processing and functionality. It helps the brain process what it’s seeing. This concept brings up the image of an intellectual professor, blinking rapidly as he speaks. When the IQ levels are exceptionally strong, they often come along with a hard and fast blinking habit. But this may be seem counterintuitive: wouldn’t it make sense to not blink, so the eyes receive an uninterrupted stream of information? Investigating further, a team led by Michele Rucci, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester, tracked the eye movements of people looking at

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

different types of stimuli. They combined that data with computer modeling and found that blinking enhances a person’s ability to track “big, gradually changing patterns” in a visual field, according to a university news release. The simple act of closing the eyelid for a nanosecond over the eye offers the person a greater ability to take in more information in a sharper, more effective way. Blinking does so by altering light patterns as they strike and stimulate the eye’s retina. It creates a different kind of “visual signaling” than would occur if eyes simply remained open at all times, the researchers explained. So, contrary to common assumption, blinks improve rather than disrupt visual processing, amply compensating for the loss in stimulus exposure. Similarly, when people smell or touch something, body movements that happen during these encounters help the brain understand the space around them. According to Rucci, blinking is another form of movement that helps create the “big picture” of what is being seen. Think of blinking as a recharge moment for the brain to process and regroup for more effective information input. So yes, it’s so more than a dust clean-up. Feeling confused or overwhelmed by an onslaught of information? Try being liberal with your blinks and feel that processing power pick up speed.

UPDATES

Part

17 in a series

Demystified

Myth: Applying Butter to a Burn Eases the Pain From potato peels to honey with saran wrap, the options for burn care abound. It would do us well to research each technique to determine its efficacy. So how about butter? Would that work well to cure the burning skin and ease the pain? Or is it one fat myth? According to the Dermatology Clinic at UAMS, it is very important to immediately cool the skin after receiving a burn. This helps stop the damage from the burning process. Thus, applying butter or other greasy ointments to a burn may actually exacerbate the burn, since grease slows the release of heat from the skin. This causes more damage from the retained heat. Unfortunately, the butter-for-a-burn remedy has become widely accepted because the greasy substance is believed to be cool and soothing, when, in fact, the opposite is true. The best way to release heat from the skin is with cool water. Ice and ice water are too harsh and may further aggravate already damaged skin. Cool water helps to gently remove heat from the area. Keep the affected area in a cool cup of water or with a cool washcloth placed on it for at least 20 minutes. Do not apply substances that can retain the heat and aggravate the skin.

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WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

FITNESS

REASONS TO EXERCISE By Chaya Tziry Retter, RDN, BS, CPT

In honor of this milestone issue, here are 100 reasons for you to start exercising today. You may find that you don’t need an extra motivator during this post–Yom Tov period, but if you do, check this list out and you’re sure to be convinced. If you’ve already implemented an exercise routine into your lifestyle, you’ll enjoy reviewing this list—practically a summary of the many articles we’ve featured until now—and reminding yourself of the many benefits you’re reaping from this important outlet. Of course, the main reason to take care of our body is because of the responsibility we were given by Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Each of us has been bestowed one body to maintain from birth onward, and our job is to do the hishtadlus to keep and maintain our health in the best way possible. This is not a list of guarantees for any outcome, but a list of comprehensive potential benefits based on the myriad health effects of being physically active on a regular basis. The benefits are listed in no particular order, we recommend reading them along with a prayer for a strong dose of siyata diShmaya!

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1. Improves immune system function

40. Manages arthritis

74. Reduces triglyceride levels

2. Reduces risk of heart disease

41. Can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes

75. Helps us relax and unwind

42. Improves glycogen storage

77. Helps body use calories efficiently

3. Reduces risk of developing high blood pressure 4. Helps manage stress

43. Regulates hormones

5. Burns excess calories

44. Can lessen medical bills!

6. Improves athleticism

45. Reduces inflammation

7. Improves sleep quality

46. Releases toxins

8. Increases levels of HDL (good cholesterol)

47. Alleviates cycle cramps

9. Improves digestion

48. Helps curb unhealthy cravings

10. Increases muscle strength

49. Improves bone density, preventing osteoporosis

11. Boosts creativity

50. Strengthen pelvic floor

12. Boosts energy levels

51. Builds confidence

13. Improves posture 14. Increases flexibility

52. Helps to prevent multiple chronic diseases

15. Increases muscle mass

53. Reduces anxiety and depression

16. Boosts mood

54. Helps prevent gallstones

17. Relieves constipation

55. Reduces bloating due to better digestion

18. Helps control blood sugar 19. Improves mental cognition 20. Improves glucose tolerance 21. Boosts metabolism 22. Improves balance 23. Improves coordination 24. Increases heart rate so blood circulates efficiently around the body 25. Reduces LDL (bad cholesterol levels) 26. Strengthens lungs 27. Provides more oxygen to body and brain 28. Helps alleviate varicose veins 29. Helps maintain cartilage in joints 30. Improves skin health 31. Releases positive hormones 32. Decreases worry and tension 33. Improves self-esteem

56. Reduces severity of asthma 57. Increases awareness of the wonderful body Hashem gave us 58. Can alleviate back pain 59. Enables us to enjoy slightly more liberty in food indulgences 60. Helps the body support a pregnancy 61. Helps in postpartum recovery 62. Helps conditions like PCOS in multiple ways 63. Builds core muscles 64. Builds endurance 65. Can be done at any age and stage 66. Reduces risk of falls and injuries 67. Reduces fatigue 68. Reduces risk of obesity

34. Increases self-control

69. Promotes healthy growth and development (kids and teens)

35. Provides a healthy outlet for energy

70. Provides a sense of accomplishment

36. Provides a chance to connect with friends

71. Increases capacity to lift heavy items

37. Can relieve tension headaches 38. Helps maintain weight loss

72. Enables us to become a good example to others

39. Improves physical appearance

73. Tones muscles

76. Improves glycogen storage 78. Enhances nutrient absorption 79. Provides pleasure and fun! 80. Helps control unhealthy behaviors 81. Can reduce health insurance premiums! 82. Increases agility and mobility 83. Helps maintain independence in advanced age 84. Enables us to burn more calories during sleep/rest 85. Helps recovery from injury or illness 86. Builds confidence 87. Increases longevity 88. Provides time to be mindful 89. Tones arms, legs, and core 90. One of the many ways to fulfill the mitzvah of “Venishmartem” 91. Improves muscle contractions, most importantly, of the heart 92. Stimulates growth of nerve cells in memory center of the brain 93. Burns excess fat tissue 94. Enhances connection with others by being more present and focused 95. Provides a natural high 96. Aids in pain relief/resistance 97. Can be entirely free of cost 98. There are no time constraints or restrictions 99. Helps increase productivity due to alertness 100. Inspires gratitude to Hashem for the ability to be active

Chaya Tziry Retter is a Monsey-based Registered Dietitian, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, and group fitness instructor. She is passionate about helping others lead healthier lives in a way that suits their needs. She can be reached at 845-540-4487.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784