#294: The Power of Nature with Doctor Outdoors, Melissa Sundermann
“My feeling in this Doctor Outdoors of getting people to experience the nature in their planet and take pride in that and be aware and can one single person change climate change? Maybe a little bit, but collectively, if we care enough we can do something about it.” –Dr. Melissa Sundermann
Although Veggie Doctor Radio has ended, you’ll be happy to hear Dr. Yami again as she returns with her new podcast venture, I AM HUMAN. In this inaugural episode, Dr. Yami welcomes “Doctor Outdoors” Melissa Sundermann, DO, to the show to talk about the many amazing benefits humans reap when they are exposed to nature. From the early research on ‘forest bathing’ in Japan, to the benefits of green and blue spaces, to the importance of accepting your body’s changes as you age, Dr. Sundermann shares her enthusiasm and knowledge about being human in today’s world.
Some of the topics covered in today’s episode include:
Dr. Sundermann’s love of nature and backstory
Modeling habits for kids and nature
1980s Japanese research on ‘forest bathing’
Cumulative effects, recommended exposure times
Alternate ways to get nature exposure - green spaces
Blue spaces count too - oceans, lakes, rivers etc.
Average Americans spend 93% of the day indoors
The 54321 exercise when in nature
Endurance training and its impact
The world of marathons
Aging and fitness - acceptance is key
Dr. S wishes people knew…..
Closing thoughts: What does it mean to be human?
Veggie Doctor Radio was nominated again this year for the VegNews Veggie Awards, and we would love your help! Please vote through January 31st at midnight for Veggie Doctor Radio in category 32, Best Vegan Podcast: https://vegnews.com/veggie-awards-2024
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Dr. Melissa Sundermann
Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician
More about my honored guest:
Dr. Melissa Sundermann is a double boarded physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She also has training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Michigan and has completed a Professional Training Program in Mind Body Medicine through the Center for Mind Body Medicine based in Washington, DC. She has been featured in several Lifestyle Medicine articles and podcasts as well as an invited speaker for health/medical national conferences. She strongly believes in fostering a partnership with her patients and helping to guide them towards a healing pathway through self-care utilizing Lifestyle Medicine principles. Her 7 pillars of health include a wholefood plant-slant dietary pattern, daily movement, restorative sleep, avoidance of risky behaviors (such as tobacco, excessive alcohol, drug use), stress management, social connection and daily exposure to nature and fresh air. Dr. Sundermann is also known as “Doctor Outdoors” and Chairs the Nature as Medicine sub-committee for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Dr. Sundermann currently specializes in Lifestyle Medicine at Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort in Lenox, MA. Prior to this role, she practiced medicine with IHA in Ann Arbor, MI where she helped to launch the IHA Lifestyle Medicine Institute and also led the IHA Staywell Committee which focuses on optimizing the health and well-being for 3000 employees of IHA. She does her best to practice what she preaches and enjoys running, biking, hiking, skiing and spending time outdoors and creating adventures with her husband, 2 children and 2 dogs. She is a 10x Boston Marathon finisher, 3x Full Ironman Triathlon finisher and currently training for several upcoming Ultramarathons. She truly believes that age is just a number and is passionate about spreading this word to all of her patients, family and friends.
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
Resources:
Dr. Sundermann IG
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Credits
Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra
Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra
Music: GlowBox Productions, https://glowboxproductions.com
Editing: The Castos Productions team, https://castos.com/productions