Eat, Sleep and
Learn...The Pediatric Health Mandala
T
he “Eat, Sleep and Learn Pediatric Health Mandala” is a visual manifestation of thirty- five years of medical experience. It represents an Integrative Medical model that bonds important connections to attain physical and emotional well-being. Many scientific studies confirm that deficits in nutrition and sleep, as well as overuse of digital media, impair the brain’s executive control system. The word “mandala” is derived from the classical Indian lan- guage of Sanskrit. Loosely translated it is defined as a circle that can represent an organizational structure of life. Throughout history mandalas have been used as cross- cultural visual patterns, which appear as Aztec time keeping devices and the Native American Indian medicine wheel. Mandalas have evolved and now function as a hub from which factual information can be taught. Educational mandalas demonstrate the interconnectedness of knowledge. This integrative health mandala is designed within the triquetra,
which forge the central architectural triangle. The three-elliptical shapes converge on the earth, which maps the axis of world knowledge. The concentric rings represent integrative and western medicine. The lines on the perimeter portray the imponderable influences of digital media. The mandala embodies an intercon- nectedness of the physical and sociological impact of this informa- tion. The design has been presented as a workshop to teach parents, educators and medical professionals about the impact of nutrition, sleep hygiene and digital media on the acquisition of knowledge. Our vast access to parenting advice often leads to quandaries about differing paradigms. The mandala offers strategies to integrate knowledge, disperse bewilderment, and effectively attain health.
Nutrition (Triquetra #1) In 1826, the French author, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, “Tell
me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” Our ances- tor’s diets were dictated by food availability. In 2014, our diet is
12 Essential Living Maine ~ November/December 2014
governed by commercial manufacturing. There is a direct correla- tion between dietary intake and the body’s production of chemicals that govern and modulate inflammation. Lack of quality nutrition has lead to a rise in autoimmune diseases (allergies, asthma), neurologic disorders (ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder),
obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, environmental toxicity, anxiety and depression. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of serious disease. We cannot change our genetics but we can change the environ- mental and nutritional markers that impact genetic expression. Optimize nutrition to promote optimal health. Dietary fats play an important role in the inflammatory pro- cess. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the inflammatory state, while Omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammatory mediators. Andrew Weil MD, University of Arizona Department of Integrative Medicine, advocates the “Anti-inflammatory Diet “. The principles include choosing foods that are low on the glycemic index and balancing complex carbohydrates, protein and quality fat at each meal and snack. Backyard Produce and Market provided a simple synopsis:
• Eat less CRAP C= carbonated beverages R= refined sugar products A= artificial sweeteners/ colors P= processed and fast foods
• Eat more FOOD F= fruits and vegetables O= organic lean protein O= omega-3 fatty acids D= drink plenty of water
Many of our foods have low nutritional value because they are
grown in poorly nourished soil and are modified to ensure shelf life. Lack of specific vitamins and minerals have been linked to childhood disorders. While supplements can help children balance nutritional deficits they should never be considered an acceptable substitute for good food.
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