“Your skin looks much better, what have you been doing?” asked my hairdresser. I have scalp psoriasis that ebbs and flows with my lifestyle choices. At this most recent visit I told her, “Behaving myself!” When I’ve been exercising, engaging in relaxation activities such as massage and yoga, and maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet, my psoriasis goes into remission.

“Functional medicine practitioners use the acronym STAIN to categorize five triggers that activate inflammation and psoriasis: stress, trauma or toxins, antigens or adverse food reactions, inflammation or infections and nutrition,” explains Lorraine Maita, MD in More than Skin Deep: Healing the Heartbreak of Psoriasis [page 26]. I have experienced the impact of extreme stress on my condition. My mother passed and both of my children left the nest within a 2-week span. The emotional stress combined with the logistics of end-of-life details, and the coordination of two moves, took its toll on my system and sent my psoriasis to fiery new heights.

Foods recommended for an anti-inflammatory diet also support brain health. “Foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta carotene and selenium have been shown to slow age-related memory loss. Think berries, grapes (which contain resveratrol, a memory-enhancing compound), beets, broccoli, almonds, avocados, carrots, eggs, salmon, onions and dark, leafy greens,” says Sheryl Kraft in Brain Power Boosters: Tips to Preserve Memory at Any Age [page 18]. When I incorporate those items, typically in a lunchtime salad, I definitely notice the difference in how I feel.

We have packed this issue with advice to start the New Year with healthy choices. For tips to build sustainable eating habits, Kati Forholt, MSN, APRN, shares her  Eat the Rainbow 4-Week Challenge [page 22]. Learn why it is never too late to start a positive activity in Cooling the Fire Within: Healthy Eating Tips to Ease Chronic Inflammation [page 20]. Discover how crowded teeth can impact dental/facial development in children in Health in a Smile: A Holistic Solution to Impaired Mouth Syndrome in Children [page 28]. Then in this month’s Online Exclusives at my-NA.com, find the Hidden Dangers in Pet Food: The Scary Truth About Toxic Ingredients and The Perils of Plastic Clothing: Embracing Slow Fashion and Sustainable Fabrics. As we embark on a new year, it is a great time to incorporate a new healthy habit. I hope 2023 brings you peace, health, happiness and many blessings.

Happy New Year!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher