December Newsletter Highlights
The holiday season can be a marathon of get-togethers, travel, long to-do lists, and 24/7 Mariah Carey. It's a time of exhilaration, excitement, and good cheer, but it can also be a period of heightened stress. With the winter solstice approaching on December 21, we'll be down to a paltry 7 hours and 34 minutes of daylight. Dr. Ali DeMatteo, ICM's new resident, is here to help! Before you dust off your light therapy lamps, brew a warm beverage, and settle in for winter in Seattle, read on for her helpful tips, supplement recommendations, and even a tasty mocktail recipe to help with seasonal stress and mood challenges.
We're excited to launch the newest service offered at ICM--Emsella! Emsella is a revolutionary, FDA-approved and research-backed solution for incontinence and pelvic floor health.
- December Blog Post: "How To Combat the Winter Blues"
- "What's In My Supplement Drawer?" Mood Edition
- Recipe of the Month: Sleepy Time Mocktail
- NEW! Emsella
- ICM Travel Kit
- Meet ICM's New Resident: Dr. Ali DeMatteo
How to Combat the Winter Blues
By Dr. Ali DeMatteo
The holiday season is a time of joy but can also bring stress from packed schedules, financial pressures, and family obligations. On top of this, the days are shorter and darker, and seasonal affective disorder can really set in. Below are a few tips on how to preserve your sanity, boost mood, and manage stress to keep you feeling your best this holiday season. Remember, taking care of yourself helps you fully enjoy the season!
- Set Boundaries: Give yourself permission to say no to overcommitments.
- Prioritize Movement: Taking a 15-minute walk after enjoying your family’s favorite holiday recipes and sweet treats will help manage blood glucose levels and keep you feeling your best. Daily exercise will also boost endorphins, improve your mood, and increase energy levels.
- Natural Light and Vitamin D: Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels and getting natural, bright outdoor light each morning will help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and maintain circadian rhythm to ensure you get a restful night’s sleep each night.
- Practice Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness regularly has been shown to increase positive emotions and overall well-being, fostering a calmer and more balanced outlook on life. It also promotes relaxation and enhances emotional regulation, leading to greater resilience in challenging situations.
Meet ICM's NEW Resident: Dr. Ali DeMatteo!
Dr. Ali DeMatteo is our first year resident at ICM. She is dedicated to empowering patients through personalized care. With clinical interests in women’s health, hormone balance, gut health, and autoimmune disorders, she combines her passion for natural medicine with evidence-based practices. Dr. DeMatteo earned her BS in Biology from Washington State University and completed her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Her holistic approach focuses targeting the patient’s foundations of health and uncovering the root cause of illness to promote lasting wellness. She is committed to helping patients achieve vibrant health through natural solutions and compassionate guidance.