Summer weather, summer food - I'm so excited! Backyard BBQs, fresh fruit galore, and ooh those decadent summer desserts like lemon meringue pie? My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
But as much as I love indulging, I know nutrition and hydration greatly impact my overall well-being. Research shows excess sugar intake can affect our psychological health in the long term. Not to mention contributing to issues like diabetes, heart disease, joint pain - you name it.
As tempting as those sugary treats are, I'm challenging myself to make smart summer eating choices that'll keep me feeling energized and my best self. Refined sugars may give a quick burst, but they don't provide any of those crucial nutrients our bodies need.
So here's the plan - who's joining me for a reduced sugar summer?? I'm committing to three simple swaps:
1) Fruit-infused waters instead of sugary sodas and juices. Hello, strawberry basil lemonade minus the sugar bomb!
2) Fresh, seasonal fruits for my snack cravings over-processed stuff. Juicy watermelon and berries are on deck for all the goodness they provide.
3) Homemade frozen treats from fresh fruit purees and yogurt rather than store-bought sugar fests. Mango cream pops, anyone?
The goal is to enjoy all that natural, fiber-packed sweetness while avoiding those added sugars. This will provide us with more energy, stamina, and overall zest without that sluggish sugar crash, which is exactly what is needed to thrive and make the most of these long, gloriously sunny days! Because I'm worth prioritizing my health and well-being. And you know what? So are you!
Are you ready to take the no-added-sugar challenge with me this summer? Let's share our favorite refreshing recipes and inspiration along the way! You can reach me at kelly_holder@brown.edu to swap ideas. Who's in?
Well-being Links:
Negative Effects of Sugar on the Brain
How Does Too Much Sugar Affect Your Body?
Asking for help is an act of service. Don't deny the people who love you the honor of being there to support you. It is the weak leader that compensates by acting strong. It is the strong leader that allows people to see when they are weak. ~ Simon Sinek
The following resources are available to support you. Please use the ones that work best for you, as often as needed!
Resources:
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Peer Support via Student Health Council
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Medical School Embedded Therapist - Laurice Girouard, LICSW
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Counseling via Brown Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
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The opportunity to consult or check in on your wellness - Kelly D. Holder, PhD
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Wellness Website: wellness.biomed.brown.edu
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Resources to locate off-campus counseling:
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Crisis/Immediate Support:
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CAPS On Demand (24/7): 401-863-3276
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Brown Sexual Assault Response Line: 401-863-6000
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Physician Support Line (for medical students, residents & physicians): 1-888-409-0141
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Crisis and Suicide Lifeline: 988
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Crisis Text Line: text ‘HOME’ to 74174
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GLBT Hotline: 888-843-4564
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Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
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Learn about Brown University’s LGBTQ Center - Happy Pride Month!
Brown University first established the LGBTQ Center in 2004, operating out of a room on the third floor of the Stephen Robert '62 Campus Center. Today, the Center resides within Stonewall House, located one block south of College Green, and is a fully accessible Center within the Campus Life Engagement Team. The LGBTQ Center works to create and maintain an open, safe, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, faculty and staff, their families and friends, and the campus community at large. Learn more here.
Stress Reduction GIFT to Warren Alpert Medical School Students
Dr. John Kennedy, cardiologist, and Brown graduate, is the creator of breathewithdrkennedy.com. He has gifted his program to you. Medical students at Warren Alpert Medical School have access to a free lifetime membership to BREATHE by entering the coupon code: MEDSTUDENT
We are extremely grateful for Dr. Kennedy’s generosity to our community. If you use the program, please share your feedback via email: kelly_holder@brown.edu.
VISIT Rhode Island School of Design Museum for Free
Member institutions such as Brown University count the RISD Museum as an extension of their campus, with free year-round admission (college ID required) for their students, faculty, and staff, and support in curriculum planning and study visits. Click here for more information.
Learn More about the Parks and Green Spaces in our Area
Nature Rx @Brown is part of a nationwide initiative among colleges to promote spending time in nature. Our goal is to encourage the Brown community to spend time in nature, as research has shown that nature is therapeutic and can have a positive impact on a person's well-being. Working together with many groups on campus and community partners who have a shared passion for nature, we encourage you to explore the many ways nature can improve your health!
Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life (OCRL) Groups
Visit this link to learn more about the current Groups, Programs, and Projects affiliated with the OCRL which include bereavement groups for students and faculty/staff, gratitude, Thursday Night Interfaith Supper, and the Religious Literacy Project.
Brown University Health Services
You already know that Health Services can meet many of your physical health needs. Did you know that Health Services help to manage a broad range of mental health concerns? Providers routinely treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and others. Please call 863-3953 for an appointment.
Food Cupboard
The Warren Alpert Medical School Food Cupboard is an initiative of the Wellness Office, dedicated to providing ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare snacks and meals to those in need. The Food Cupboard is designed to address various needs within our community, whether related to time constraints or financial challenges. We understand that accessing reasonably priced and convenient food options can be a significant hurdle, and we aim to alleviate this burden for our community members. This new resource was launched on February 1, 2024. We are grateful for a generous donation from the Department of Internal Medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University that will now allow us to restock the Food Cupboard on the first and third Mondays of each month. Location: 222 Richmond, 2nd Floor (Vending Area)
How Can You Utilize This Resource?
Whether you find yourself pressed for time or facing financial constraints, please consider the Food Cupboard as a valuable resource. We welcome individuals to make use of this initiative based on their level of need, as our primary goal is to ensure everyone in our community has access to well-nourishing options.
As you use this resource, we encourage you to take a moment and use the QR code provided to take an anonymous survey. Your feedback will help us improve the Food Cupboard. Additionally, we have compiled a list of resources from other offices and organizations that can further support your nutrition needs. Please find the link here. If you have questions please contact Dr. Holder (kelly_holder@brown.edu).
American Heart Association Heart Walk - June 8th at 9:00 AM
We all have a reason to fight against heart disease and stroke, the #1 and #5 killers. It's time to boldly unite and take action to save lives! You’re invited to join Team Wellness and walk to bring awareness and support the American Heart Association. Please join us this weekend! Follow this link to learn more.
A Litany of Survival
By Audra Lorde
For those of us who live at the shoreline
standing upon the constant edges of decision
crucial and alone
for those of us who cannot indulge
the passing dreams of choice
who love in doorways coming and going
in the hours between dawns
looking inward and outward
at once before and after
seeking a now that can breed
futures
like bread in our children’s mouths
so their dreams will not reflect
the death of ours;
For those of us
who were imprinted with fear
like a faint line in the center of our foreheads
learning to be afraid with our mother’s milk
for by this weapon
this illusion of some safety to be found
the heavy-footed hoped to silence us
For all of us
this instant and this triumph
We were never meant to survive.
And when the sun rises we are afraid
it might not remain
when the sun sets we are afraid
it might not rise in the morning
when our stomachs are full we are afraid
of indigestion
when our stomachs are empty we are afraid
we may never eat again
when we are loved we are afraid
love will vanish
when we are alone we are afraid
love will never return
and when we speak we are afraid
our words will not be heard
nor welcomed
but when we are silent
we are still afraid
So it is better to speak
remembering
we were never meant to survive.