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I was born with a name etched in divine ink. My aura remembers the echoing drumbeat of my ancestors. My skin carries the sun of Ayiti. I am not a question, I am the answer. I am not a copy, I am the original manuscript.
As we approach the Autumn Solstice, it is essential to recognize the physiological and behavioral shifts that occur during seasonal changeovers.
My professional Medical and Mental Health outlines some key health considerations, neurological, hormonal, and preventive measures that should be addressed to maintain optimal wellness overall.
Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Regulation
Various states observing Daylight Saving Time will experience a shift in circadian rhythm due to the time change. This can impact on sleep quality, mood stability, and cognitive function. Patients who are under a Physician or Nurse Practitioner's care should be advised to:
Gradually adjust sleep schedules prior to the time change.
Increase morning light exposure to stabilize melatonin production.
Limit screen time before bed to reduce disruption of sleep cycles.
Neurotransmitter Function and Mental Health
Be advised the brain’s chemical messengers are serotonin, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine, those play critical roles in mood regulation, motivation, and movement. Seasonal changes can influence their levels, leading to symptoms such as lethargy, irritability, decreased social engagement, practice meditation, deep breathing exercises.
Serotonin: Affects mood, appetite, and sleep. please take into consideration, sunlight exposure is a natural modulator.
Norepinephrine: Influences alertness and stress response.
Dopamine: Regulates motivation and motor function.
Preventive Screenings and Health Maintenance
Autumn is an ideal time to reinforce routine screenings and health checks:
Women: Monthly breast self-exams; annual Pap smear. For patients with a history of dysplasia or abnormal results, consider have you physician or Nurse Practitioner order a CA-125 blood test to assess ovarian cancer risk.
Men: Annual Prostate Exam and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test and a colorectal screening.
Smoking cessation should be strongly encouraged, including reduction in vaping, I know it may be a difficult feat, however, there are other options, such as skin patches, chewing gum, if you can accept the fact from a holistic standpoint, some people do resort to a holistic care, which, may or may not include hypnosis to ease their sacred temple into its conversion.
Biochemical Balance and Nutritional Monitoring
The human body is composed primarily of six elements: oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, calcium, and phosphorus. Five additional elements, sulfur, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, must remain balanced for proper cellular function.
Recommend a CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) or BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel) to assess electrolyte levels and organ function.
Review lab results with your Physician or Nurse Practitioner and discuss lifestyle modifications or medication if abnormalities are present.
Mobility, Sunlight, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As daylight hours decrease during the fall and winter months, some individuals may experience what us psychologists/psychiatrists refer to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a clinically recognized mood disorder triggered by reduced sunlight exposure. SAD is characterized by symptoms such as persistent low mood, fatigue, social withdrawal, changes in sleep patterns, and decreased interest in daily activities.
My clinical recommendations, I strongly encourage anyone who suffers from this disorder to engage in outdoor activity during daylight hours to support natural serotonin production and regulate circadian rhythm. Alternative methods may also include, Light therapy (10,000 lux exposure in the morning) may be considered for individuals showing signs of SAD. Early identification and intervention are key to preventing progression into major depressive episodes.
Cultural and Spiritual Considerations
While my health advisory is grounded in the elements of clinical science, it is important to respect other cultural beliefs that influence health behaviors. In my French Haitian Creole culture, our identity and purpose are deeply rooted in ancestral legacy, and for me holistic care.
Health education should be delivered with cultural sensitivity and respect for spiritual evolution.
Enjoy your weekend, have universal faith to believe, and above all, please smile.
K. Director of Nursing, APRN
Ayiti is the original name of the land now known as Haiti, given by the Taíno people, who were the indigenous inhabitants of the island before European colonization. In the Taíno language, Ayiti means “land of high mountains” or “mountainous country”
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