08/03/2025
🌿 Our Time for Reflection – August 1, 2025 Summary
This week’s gathering began with a moment of connection and celebration. We honored the birthdays of historical figures who shaped literature, science, and society:
• Claudius (10 BC), Roman Emperor known for expanding the empire and improving its infrastructure.
• Francis Scott Key (1779), author of the U.S. national anthem.
• Herman Melville (1819), whose literary legacy includes Moby-Dick, a profound exploration of obsession and nature.
• W. D. Hamilton (1936), evolutionary biologist whose work on kin selection transformed our understanding of altruism and genetics.
📚 Literature Review & Continuing Education
This week’s readings centered around the intersection of inflammation, mental health, and ageing, offering compelling insights into how modern lifestyles and environments shape our biology:
1. "Affective disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions: analysis of 1.5 million participants in Our Future Health" – BMJ Mental Health, 2025
This large-scale study reveals a strong correlation between mood disorders and chronic inflammation, suggesting that systemic inflammation may be a shared pathway in both physical and mental health conditions.
2. "Ageing is linked to inflammation — but only in the industrialized world" – Nature, 2025
A striking finding: populations in industrialized nations show higher levels of age-related inflammation, possibly due to environmental stressors, diet, and reduced microbial diversity. This challenges the assumption that ageing and inflammation are universally linked.
3. "How the Immune System Holds the Key to Ageing" – Nature, May 2024
This article explores how immune system regulation influences longevity. It emphasizes the role of chronic low-grade inflammation ("inflammaging") and how lifestyle interventions may modulate immune responses to promote healthier ageing.
Together, these readings underscore the importance of holistic approaches to managing inflammation—not just for autoimmune conditions, but also for mental health and ageing. They invite us to consider how diet, environment, and emotional wellbeing are deeply interconnected.
Next week’s reading will shift focus to Atopic Dermatitis, as published in The Lancet (2025), continuing our exploration of inflammatory conditions and their systemic effects.
________________________________________A brief reminder was shared to stay engaged with upcoming educational sessions and to continue sharing insights with colleagues and patients. These discussions are a valuable resource for deepening our understanding and improving care.
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🌱 Closing Thoughts
This week’s reflection encouraged us to look beyond symptoms and diagnoses, and instead consider the whole person—their environment, emotions, and immune system. As we continue to learn, let’s keep asking: How can we reduce inflammation not just in the body, but in our lives?________________________________________
Please feel free to share this summary with others who may benefit, and invite patients or colleagues to join our next session. The more we learn together, the stronger our healing community becomes.
