Have you heard of Vitamin N? Aww, sure you have, we have known about how wonderful this “vitamin” is for decades. “Vitamin N” is now being prescribed to treat all kinds of conditions from anxiety and insomnia to high blood pressure and diabetes.

What is this miracle vitamin? Nature! A growing body of research is proving what our mothers knew all along. That is, getting outside is good for you. Researcher M. C. Hunter asked volunteers to connect with nature for 10 minutes three times a week. She then tested their saliva for the stress hormone Cortisol. The results proved that 20 minutes of “Vitamin N” causes a reduction of Cortisol resulting in lower stress levels. So, whether you are enjoying nature from your front window or taking a vigorous walk outdoors- the healing power of nature can reduce depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure, increase your focus, cultivate your concentration, and improve your quality of sleep. We can all agree that when you are outdoors you are more likely to move your body. And moving more has many health benefits (lowering our blood sugar levels, reducing body weight, strengthening our bones and muscles etc.). Healthy by Nature is a program originating in British Columbia that actually prescribes that patients get outdoors and connect with nature as part of their chronic condition treatment plan.

Here are few tips to get you started:

• Open your window and “people watch”.
• Grab a book and sit “under the oak tree” out front.
• Visit with a friend on the patio.
• Help your friend or family with some gardening.
• “Take a walk on the wild side”… go to the zoo or nature park.

We have several wonderful Wellness happenings here at San Camillo. We have started a mat based Yoga class on Mondays (11:15am). Julie our instructor comes to us with many years of experience. Soon we will be offering Senior Sneakers chair Yoga on Friday afternoons with Jenny (5/21 @ 3:00). Soon Enerchi and Meditation will be offered 2 times a week. Due to popular demand, we have added another ½ day of Toe Nail Trimmers clinic. This will continue to be by appointment through the Wellness Office. Anyone up for a chair massage? We are taking reservations for 15-minute chair massages through the Wellness Office. We are negotiating with a CMT to bring this to San Camillo. This will be available for residents, family members and interested staff.

Mark your calendars

• May 10, 17, and 24: Mat Based Yoga 11:15 am
• May 10, 17, and 24: Silver Sneakers Ener-Chi & Meditation (We have added more chairs.)
• May 18: Hearing Aid Tune Up: 9-11:00 am several appointments available
• May 21, 28: Silver Sneakers Chair Yoga 2:30 pm
• June 1: Toe Nail Trimmers - By appointment scheduling for July 20th and August 3 & 17.

Appointments fill quickly so call ahead.

Please Call the Revitalize Wellness office to register 414.259.4681.