Linda Ciotola

Neurobiology Validates the Power of Psychodrama

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By Karen Carnabucci, MSS, LCSW, TEP

In the past two decades researchers have discovered a tremendous amount of information about the human brain. As we learn these startling new details, we are forced to discard old assumptions about how the brain works.
We now know about the delicate nature of the developing brain from the very beginning of life. Certain experiences – a stressed mother, a community trauma, a family crisis – appear to inhibit the circuitry of brain development even before the child’s birth.
Yet the brain is not “fixed” to any specific configuration for life. For instance, we now understand that the brain is “plastic,” continuing to constantly change, alter and adapt as it responds to new life experiences.
“In the past two decades researchers have discovered a tremendous amount of information about the human brain.”
Linda Ciotola

How Sitting Causes Back Pain

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You’re Not Alone

According to a study published in 2013 by the Mayo Clinic, back pain is the third most common cause of doctor visits in the United States. And according to American Family Physician, only 25 to 30% of people seek treatment for their back pain. So if you’re experiencing back pain, you’re not alone. Many back pain sufferers struggle with what’s causing their back pain, not realizing the 8 or more hours they spend sitting could be the main culprit.

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Linda Ciotola

Wholistic View of Pain Management

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While pain management often focuses primarily on easing physical pain, there are other aspects of pain management that need to be addressed as well. Chronic physical pain creates a vicious cycle of stress responses and increased inflammation- worsening physical pain and the perception of it. In addition, physical pain – and sometimes the pharmaceuticals used to treat it – can contribute to alterations in mood as well as disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns.

Loss of ability to maintain usual activities can impact job performance and relationships and impair self-esteem and such self-care practices as physical activity , hobbies, healthy food preparation and general self-sufficiency and well-being. Depression resulting from chronic pain can lead to a feeling of loss of one’s faith and absence of comfort from spiritual resources.

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Linda Ciotola

Diverse Dietary Needs

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As an ACE Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Health Coach, I am frequently asked questions about my “diet philosophy”. What I do, personally, and what I may recommend to any individual diet may differ. Here’s why ~

We all come in different “packages” – i.e. ancestry, genetic make-up, cultural traditions; some of us have dietary restrictions due to food allergies and /or sensitivities; others may have to be careful about the interaction between certain foods and medications, and so on.

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Linda Ciotola

Food for Thought

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There is increasing evidence that the US Dietary Guidelines are under question by a growing number of scientists, doctors and nutritionists. Dr. Mark Hyman, formerly of Canyon Ranch, now at the Cleveland Clinic, found through his personal experience with mercury toxicity what happens to the brain under a toxic load from poison. In addition, his recovery journey unveiled how a number of brain disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, Parkinson’s, MS and other what he calls “broken brain” disorders are associated with insufficient fat in the diet. Parallel to this, other research has been uncovered showing that a high sugar, high refined carbohydrate diet not only contributes to diabesity but is “poison” to the brain.

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Linda Ciotola

The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen

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Eating Clean

Each year the Environmental Working Group, an environmental organization based in the United States, publishes a list they call the “Dirty Dozen”. These are the fruits and vegetables that when conventionally grown using chemical pesticides and fertilizers carry the highest residues. If organically grown isn’t an option for you, simply avoid these fruits and vegetables altogether. The list is updated each year, but here is the most recent list (2024).

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