A WHIFF OF WELLNESS A simple scent can do more than brighten a room. Fragrances can lift your mood, ease tension, and even help you sleep better. For older adults managing chronic pain, sleepless nights, or everyday stressors, aromatherapy offers a gentle, natural boost that works alongside your regular wellness plan. massage with a diluted oil before bed, allowing the scent to settle in both through your skin and the air around you. Fragrant Paths to Clarity, Comfort, and Calm
While aromatherapy won’t cure pain, inhaling or gently massaging essential oils can encourage the release of feel-good hormones, easing your discomfort. Studies show inhaled oils may provide mild relief for chronic pain, making them a soothing addition to your wellness toolkit. Starting Safely • Always dilute: Combine 6–10 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as coconut or grapeseed oil, to prevent skin irritation. • Never ingest oils: Concentrated oils can be toxic if swallowed. • Check with your doctor. Especially if you take medications or have skin sensitivities. Aromatherapy can be a simple and delightful addition to your daily wellness routine. With a little experimentation, the right scents can lift your mood, ease tension, and add a touch of joy to everyday moments. A few mindful breaths could be all it takes to feel more centered, alert, and at peace.
Signaling in the Brain When a scent reaches your nose, it sends a quick message to the brain’s emotional and memory centers, also known as the limbic system. That direct pathway helps explain why a single whiff can lift your spirits, calm an anxious moment, or trigger a comforting memory. Bright citrus scents can perk you up, while lavender often calms a restless mind. Sharpening Your Mind Some research has linked regular, gentle exposure to certain aromas with improvements in attention and memory, especially when people make it part of their nightly routine. While results aren’t guaranteed for everyone, many older adults report feeling mentally sharper or more at ease after using familiar, pleasant scents in their homes. Finding Relief Through Fragrance For those having trouble sleeping, lavender has been linked to deeper, more restful sleep. For maximum effect, try a simple
Eyelids in Expert Hands PAM’S ROAD TO RENEWED SIGHT
“I had droopy eyelids all my life. When I was a teenager and young adult, my dad told me I should have them taken care of one day. I went years without addressing them, as I wasn’t thinking cosmetically. However, my eyelids eventually became a physical problem when they began affecting my sight. Last year, a visit with my eye doctor revealed that I had essentially lost all of my superior peripheral vision due to my droopy eyelids, so I followed a recommendation to see Dr. Scott. “From the first visit, Dr. Scott was amazing. He explained everything step-by-step and showed me before-and-after photos of what I could expect my eyes to look like after surgery. He didn’t talk like a doctor; he spoke like somebody I could easily understand. My husband, who accompanied me to the initial consultation, felt the same way.
“Dr. Scott was also funny. He said, ‘Wow, you have a lot of extra real estate up there, don’t you?’ “The surgery was performed shortly before the holidays. Now, my eyelids are wonderful, and my peripheral vision is much better. Dr. Scott gave me a prescription for pain medication, but I never filled it. My eyelids never hurt that badly during my recovery, so I didn’t need to take anything except Tylenol. “About a week after Dr. Scott removed my stitches, the incision reopened slightly, possibly as a result of my rheumatoid arthritis or perhaps (as Dr. Scott suggested) just my being a slow healer. When I returned to his office to have him fix the issue, he was kind, gentle, and reassuring. Nicole was there with him, and she held my hand as he stitched me up in the office. When the same problem occurred with the other eye
the following day, Dr. Scott took me right in and stitched up the area. He made me feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. “During my last follow-up with him on Dec. 22, he told me I had ‘graduated.’ Although I’m sad I won’t be seeing him again soon, I’m grateful for the experience of working with him. Every single person at Eye Plastic Associates is kind, funny, helpful, and thoughtful … just the best! “I’ve already sung Dr. Scott’s praises to people I know who have droopy eyelids. I just can’t toot his horn enough!” –Pam Waters
2 EyePlasticMD.com
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