MIMI's Clinic at Marchionda Imaginative Medicine Institute

03/02/2026

Be Astronomically Mindful

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Western Colorado will be treated to a stunning celestial event - a total lunar eclipse. Lunar eclipses are often called “blood moons" because during totality the Moon glows a deep copper-red as Earth’s shadow fully covers it.

This will be the only total lunar eclipse visible from Colorado in 2026, with the next opportunity not occurring until New Year’s Eve 2028 (how cool will that be!).

Why the Moon Turns Red

During totality, sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere and bends toward the Moon. Shorter blue wavelengths scatter, while longer red wavelengths pass through - casting the Moon in its signature crimson hue. It’s the same phenomenon that creates vivid sunrises and sunsets.



Key Viewing Times (Mountain Standard Time)
According to the University of Colorado Boulder, here’s what to expect:

Partial Eclipse Begins: ~1:44 a.m.

Deepening Partial Phase: ~3:00 a.m.

Totality Begins (Red Phase): ~4:04 a.m.

Maximum Eclipse (Peak Red Glow): ~4:33-5:02 a.m.

Totality Ends: ~5:02 a.m.

Eclipse Concludes: ~6:30-7:30 a.m.
(The Moon will set during the final stages.)

Best Viewing Time: Around 4:33 a.m. MST, when the Moon reaches peak redness.


Viewing Tips for Western Colorado

Western Colorado offers some of the darkest skies in the state - a perfect setting for eclipse watching.

Choose the Right Location
Look for:

A clear, unobstructed view of the western sky

Minimal light pollution

Elevated terrain if possible

Excellent Western Colorado viewing areas:

Grand Junction area mesas

Colorado National Monument

Palisade orchards and open land

High desert viewpoints near Fruita

Equipment
Visible to the naked eye

Binoculars enhance color and shadow detail

A telescope reveals surface features tinted in red

No special eclipse glasses are required - lunar eclipses are safe to watch directly.


Check the Forecast

Cloud cover can obscure the view, so monitor your local weather conditions the evening before. Western Colorado’s typically dry early-March climate may work in our favor - but flexibility helps. Check Weather.com or your favorite weather service for up to date forecasts.


Learn More
For detailed astronomical data and updates, visit:

University of Colorado Boulder - Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences
https://www.colorado.edu/aps/

NASA Eclipse Portal
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/


A Moment Worth Waking Up For
There’s something deeply grounding about standing beneath a quiet Western Colorado sky at 4:30 in the morning, watching the Moon slowly transform. It’s a reminder of how beautifully precise - and breathtaking - our universe can be.

Set your alarm, put something warm on,
grab a hot beverage, and step outside.
The sky will be putting on a spectacular show.

This is NASA's official eclipse Web site. It contains maps and tables for 5,000 years of eclipses and includes information on eclipse photography, observing tips and eye safety.

02/26/2026

The Year of the Fire Horse

Celebrating Chinese New Year - also known as Lunar New Year - honors a beautiful tradition that has been cherished for more than 3,000 years. Rooted in ancient agrarian festivals in China, this holiday marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal, family unity, and hopeful new beginnings. Homes glow with red lanterns, dragon and lion dances fill the streets with energy, red envelopes (hongbao) are shared as blessings of prosperity, and families gather for meaningful reunion dinners to honor ancestors and loved ones.

The Spirit of the Fire Horse

In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse embodies vitality, independence, charisma, and forward movement. When paired with the element of Fire, these qualities become even more dynamic - igniting passion, courage, leadership, and powerful transformation.

The Fire Horse is associated with:

A strong will and determined heart
Entrepreneurial drive
Magnetic presence
The bravery to initiate meaningful change
Fire Horse years often bring momentum and intensity, encouraging both personal breakthroughs and collective shifts.

Meaning & Symbolism

Chinese astrology follows a 12-animal cycle combined with five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water - creating a 60-year cycle. The Fire Horse appears only once every 60 years, making its energy rare and especially potent.

Themes of a Fire Horse year may include:

Accelerated growth and transformation
Movement, travel, and expansion
Bold career decisions and inspired risk-taking
Passionate connections and heightened emotions
With such vibrant energy, balance becomes essential. Pairing enthusiasm with wisdom helps channel momentum into purposeful progress rather than burnout.

What This Year Invites

This is a time to:

Take confident steps toward long-held goals
Step into leadership and self-trust
Welcome change with openness
Reignite creativity and passion
Grounding practices—mindfulness, time in nature, intentional planning—can help you harness this fiery momentum with clarity and grace.

Wishing You Prosperity & Vitality

May this New Year bring you renewed energy, courageous action, vibrant health, and joyful forward movement. May the Fire Horse inspire you to move boldly - yet wisely - into your next chapter.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Wishing you a prosperous and abundant New Year!

02/23/2026

Finding Balance While Doing What You Love
Loving what you do is a gift - but even passion can lead to burnout without intention and boundaries.

True balance isn’t something you stumble upon. It’s something you build - by aligning your daily actions with your personal values and protecting your well-being along the way.

Focus on simple, sustainable ways to stay energized while continuing to do what you love.

Actionable Ways to Create Balance

Prioritize Self-Care
Move your body, nourish yourself well, and protect your sleep. Energy is foundational.
Set Firm Boundaries
Define work hours. Protect personal time. Practice saying “no” to overcommitments that drain you.
Schedule Joy
Block time for hobbies and passions just like you would an important meeting — because they are.
Practice Mindfulness
Deep breathing, journaling, or meditation can reset your nervous system and keep stress from accumulating.
Delegate & Simplify
You don’t have to do it all. Share responsibilities. Automate where possible.
Disconnect to Recharge
Create screen-free moments — during meals, before bed, or even one tech-free hour a day.
Reassess Regularly
Pause and ask: Does this align with my values and well-being? If not, it may be time to let it go.
Embrace the Process

Balance is not a rigid schedule - it’s a mindset.

Some weeks will feel smooth. Others won’t. Flexibility and self-compassion matter more than perfection. Surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.



This Saturday, choose one small action that supports your well-being. Small, consistent steps create lasting balance.

Wishing you a grounded, restorative weekend

02/16/2026

Love Yourself First: The Foundation of True Happiness

In a world that often asks us to give more and do more, it’s easy to forget one essential truth: the relationship you have with yourself shapes every part of your life. Sending love to yourself is not selfish - it is the foundation of happiness, resilience, and inner peace.

Loving yourself means acknowledging your worth, celebrating your progress, and offering yourself the same kindness you give to others. Take a moment today to recognize your strength and how far you’ve come. You deserve your own love and appreciation.

Here are a few simple ways to send love to yourself:

Affirm Your Worth
Your words matter. Remind yourself:
“I am enough.”
“I am proud of how far I’ve come.”
“I deserve happiness and peace.”

Practice Self-Care
Self-care can be simple—a favorite meal, a quiet moment, a walk, or anything that brings you joy. Small acts of care remind you that you matter.

Appreciate Your Strength
Acknowledge your resilience and your ability to move forward, even during difficult times.

Be Gentle with Yourself
You don’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to rest and take breaks. You are doing the best you can.

Remember, you are your own best friend and your most important partner in life. Speak to yourself with kindness, honor your journey, and love yourself first.

02/12/2026

February is Heart Health Month

During the month of February Carotid Artery (CIMT) scans are $199 (usually $249 and MIMI members receive their usual discount in addition)

A Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) test is a noninvasive ultrasound scan that measures the thickness of the inner most layers of your carotid arteries. It detects early, asymptomatic plaque buildup to assess cardiovascular risk.



About the CIMT Test:
Purpose: The test evaluates the carotid arteries in the neck to identify early atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), distinguishing between stable (hard) and unstable (soft/rupture-prone) plaque.
Procedure: The provider applies gel to the neck and uses an ultrasound probe to scan the carotid arteries, taking about 15–30 minutes.
Preparation & Risks: No special preparation is required, though wearing loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. There are no known risks as it does not use radiation or contrast dye.
Eligibility: Generally recommended for individuals with intermediate cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Results: Results take 1-3 days and provide a "vascular age" that determines your vascular health needs. Results are reviewed with your provider via telehealth and will be available in your patient portal.


Call or text us today at (970) 628-1624

and take action to support your heart health.

02/12/2026

Supporting Your Metabolic Health Through Physiology, Nutrition, and Targeted Therapies

In recent years, GLP-1 has become one of the most discussed topics in metabolic and weight management medicine. While medications that target GLP-1 pathways have gained attention, functional and integrative medicine frameworks emphasize that GLP-1 is first and foremost a natural hormone system that can be supported through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation.

Understanding how GLP-1 works allows us to move beyond short-term weight loss toward long-term metabolic health and sustainability.

What Is GLP-1 and Why Does It Matter?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone released in the gut in response to food intake. Its primary roles include:

Supporting healthy blood sugar regulation
Slowing gastric emptying to improve satiety
Reducing appetite and food cravings
Enhancing insulin signaling
Supporting metabolic flexibility
From an integrative medicine perspective, GLP-1 is part of our broader gut–brain–metabolism connection, where digestive health, microbiome balance, and nutrient signaling directly influence weight regulation and energy balance.

When GLP-1 signaling is impaired - often due to diets high in processed foods, microbiome disruption, insulin resistance, or chronic inflammation - folks experience increased hunger, difficulty losing weight, and metabolic dysfunction.

Activation Before Escalation

In functional medicine, the goal is not to replace or override physiology, but to optimize the body’s own signaling systems. There are multiple strategies that naturally enhance GLP-1.

This approach often includes:

Improving gut health and microbial diversity
Increasing fiber intake and nutrient density
Supporting satiety hormones naturally
Stabilizing blood glucose patterns
Key GLP-1 Activators

1. Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome plays a central role in GLP-1 signaling. Certain beneficial bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which stimulate GLP-1 release from intestinal cells.

Clinical observations show that improving the microbiome balance:

Enhances satiety signaling
Reduces sugar cravings
Improves insulin sensitivity
Supports inflammation reduction
A high-quality probiotic, combined with prebiotic fiber and a diverse whole-food diet, helps create an environment where natural GLP-1 production can improve.

2. Fiber: The Foundation of GLP-1 Activation

Dietary fiber is one of the most evidence-supported natural stimulators of GLP-1 release.

Soluble and fermentable fibers:

Slow glucose absorption
Increase fullness after meals
Feed beneficial gut bacteria
Increase short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production that promotes GLP-1 secretion
I usually recommendations 30-40 grams of fiber daily, emphasizing vegetables, legumes, seeds, and low-glycemic whole foods. You can also supplement with a good quality fiber, like Fiber MGP from Orthomolecular. Avoid products with Psyllium as over 90% of the world’s Psyllium is contaminated with heavy metals and/or opportunistic bacteria.

3. Calocurb® (Amarasate® Hop Extract)

Calocurb® is a plant-derived extract that works through activation of bitter taste receptors in the gut. These receptors signal the release of satiety hormones, including GLP-1 and peptide YY (PYY).

Patients may experience:

Reduced portion sizes
Improved satiety between meals
Decreased snacking or late-night hunger
In clinical practice, Calocurb® is used as part of a broader metabolic strategy, particularly for individuals working on appetite regulation.

Integrating GLP-1 Activation into Medical Weight Loss

GLP-1 activation is not viewed as a single intervention but as part of a comprehensive metabolic plan, including:

Protein-forward, fiber-rich nutrition
Resistance and aerobic exercise
Sleep and circadian rhythm optimization
Stress reduction and cortisol balance
Personalized supplementation when indicated
For some patients, GLP-1 medications may play an appropriate role; however, supporting the body’s own signaling pathways helps improve outcomes, maintain muscle mass, and support long-term success.

02/11/2026

Activating Your Own GLP-1


Supporting Your Metabolic Health Through Physiology, Nutrition, and Targeted Therapies

In recent years, GLP-1 has become one of the most discussed topics in metabolic and weight management medicine. While medications that target GLP-1 pathways have gained attention, functional and integrative medicine frameworks emphasize that GLP-1 is first and foremost a natural hormone system that can be supported through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation.

Understanding how GLP-1 works allows us to move beyond short-term weight loss toward long-term metabolic health and sustainability.

What Is GLP-1 and Why Does It Matter?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone released in the gut in response to food intake. Its primary roles include:

Supporting healthy blood sugar regulation
Slowing gastric emptying to improve satiety
Reducing appetite and food cravings
Enhancing insulin signaling
Supporting metabolic flexibility
From an integrative medicine perspective, GLP-1 is part of our broader gut–brain–metabolism connection, where digestive health, microbiome balance, and nutrient signaling directly influence weight regulation and energy balance.

When GLP-1 signaling is impaired - often due to diets high in processed foods, microbiome disruption, insulin resistance, or chronic inflammation - folks experience increased hunger, difficulty losing weight, and metabolic dysfunction.

Activation Before Escalation

In functional medicine, the goal is not to replace or override physiology, but to optimize the body’s own signaling systems. There are multiple strategies that naturally enhance GLP-1.

This approach often includes:

Improving gut health and microbial diversity
Increasing fiber intake and nutrient density
Supporting satiety hormones naturally
Stabilizing blood glucose patterns
Key GLP-1 Activators

1. Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome plays a central role in GLP-1 signaling. Certain beneficial bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which stimulate GLP-1 release from intestinal cells.

Clinical observations show that improving the microbiome balance:

Enhances satiety signaling
Reduces sugar cravings
Improves insulin sensitivity
Supports inflammation reduction
A high-quality probiotic, combined with prebiotic fiber and a diverse whole-food diet, helps create an environment where natural GLP-1 production can improve.

2. Fiber: The Foundation of GLP-1 Activation

Dietary fiber is one of the most evidence-supported natural stimulators of GLP-1 release.

Soluble and fermentable fibers:

Slow glucose absorption
Increase fullness after meals
Feed beneficial gut bacteria
Increase short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production that promotes GLP-1 secretion
I usually recommendations 30-40 grams of fiber daily, emphasizing vegetables, legumes, seeds, and low-glycemic whole foods. You can also supplement with a good quality fiber, like Fiber MGP from Orthomolecular. Avoid products with Psyllium as over 90% of the world’s Psyllium is contaminated with heavy metals and/or opportunistic bacteria.

3. Calocurb® (Amarasate® Hop Extract)

Calocurb® is a plant-derived extract that works through activation of bitter taste receptors in the gut. These receptors signal the release of satiety hormones, including GLP-1 and peptide YY (PYY).

Patients may experience:

Reduced portion sizes
Improved satiety between meals
Decreased snacking or late-night hunger
In clinical practice, Calocurb® is used as part of a broader metabolic strategy, particularly for individuals working on appetite regulation.

Integrating GLP-1 Activation into Medical Weight Loss

GLP-1 activation is not viewed as a single intervention but as part of a comprehensive metabolic plan, including:

Protein-forward, fiber-rich nutrition
Resistance and aerobic exercise
Sleep and circadian rhythm optimization
Stress reduction and cortisol balance
Personalized supplementation when indicated
For some patients, GLP-1 medications may play an appropriate role; however, supporting the body’s own signaling pathways helps improve outcomes, maintain muscle mass, and support long-term success.

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02/10/2026

Mindful walking is a heart healthy* meditative practice that involves focusing on the physical sensations of each step and the surrounding environment. Mindful walking improves mental health, reduces stress, and boosts physical well-being by anchoring attention to the present moment.



Key Aspects of Mindful Walking

Body Awareness: Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the lifting of your legs, and the swinging of your arms.Sensory
Engagement: Note the sounds around you, the feeling of the wind, and the sights and smells in the air.
Breathing: Coordinate your breath with your steps, perhaps counting steps while inhaling and exhaling.
Pace: Walk slower than usual to allow time for awareness.
Duration: Aim for 5-10 minutes, though any amount of time is beneficial.


How to Take a Mindful Walk

Prepare: Stand still for a moment, take deep breaths, and notice how your body feels (e.g., tension, temperature).
Begin Walking: Walk at a slower-than-normal pace, focusing on your heel-to-toe sensations.
Engage Your Senses: Actively notice your surroundings (e.g., colors, shapes, sounds, smells).
Manage Wandering Thoughts: If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath and steps.


Benefits of Mindful Walking

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Lowers cortisol levels and helps manage stress.
Improves Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, attention, and reduces repetitive thought patterns.
Boosts Physical Health: Supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves sleep quality.
Enhances Mood: Increases feelings of happiness and overall well-being.


*Shown to improve adult cardiometabolic status, reference: Psychiatry Int. 2025, 6(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint6040122

02/09/2026

It may feel like spring lately, but the winter season is still here!



Winter Wellness & Self Care

Supporting Energy, Immunity, Mood, and Resilience During the Winter Months

Winter naturally shifts our physiology. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and reduced sunlight can influence sleep patterns, mood, immune function, and metabolic health. From a functional medicine perspective, winter self care focuses on supporting the body’s natural rhythms while strengthening foundational systems - nutrition, movement, sleep, stress resilience, and connection.

Align with Natural Light and Circadian Rhythm

Light exposure is one of the most powerful regulators of hormones and energy. Morning sunlight helps synchronize circadian rhythm, supporting healthy cortisol patterns, better sleep, and improved mood.

Protect Sleep as a Foundation of Health

Winter often disrupts normal sleep timing. Prioritize sleep as essential for immune regulation, hormone balance, and cognitive function. Aim for 7 - 9 hours nightly, maintain consistent sleep and wake times, and reduce evening screen exposure to support melatonin production.

Move Daily to Support Mood and Metabolism

Physical activity improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports neurotransmitter balance. Even brief periods of movement can counteract winter fatigue. Gentle strength training, yoga, or indoor workouts help maintain muscle mass and insulin sensitivity. Outdoor walks provide both movement, connection to nature, and beneficial light exposure.

Nourish with Seasonal, Nutrient-Dense Foods

Winter nutrition should emphasize warm, grounding meals that stabilize blood sugar and support immune health. Soups, stews, bone broths, roasted root vegetables, and healthy fats provide sustained energy and nourishment. Because vitamin D production declines during winter months, supplementation is commonly recommended based on individual lab values.

Support Hydration and Skin Barrier Health

Cold air and indoor heating increase fluid loss and skin dryness. Adequate hydration supports detoxification, circulation, and energy levels. Using thicker moisturizers after bathing helps protect the skin barrier, which plays an important role in immune defense.

Reduce Stress Through Intentional Rest

Winter is an ideal time to embrace slower rhythms. The Scandinavian concept of hygge reflects the functional medicine principle of nervous system balance - creating warm, comfortable, and calm environments reduce chronic stress and support recovery.

Maintain Social Connection

Isolation can increase during colder months, contributing to low mood and reduced motivation. Regular social interaction supports emotional health and immune resilience. Simple gatherings, shared meals, or regular check-ins can make a meaningful difference.

Takeaway:

Winter wellness and self care is less about pushing through the season and more about working with it. By supporting circadian rhythm, nourishing the body with warming foods, prioritizing restorative sleep, and maintaining connection, winter can become a season of repair, resilience, and renewal rather than depletion.

02/04/2026

Heart Health Through a Functional Medicine Lens
Addressing root causes, restoring balance, and supporting long-term cardiovascular vitality

In functional medicine, heart health is not just about managing numbers—it’s about understanding why imbalance develops. Cardiovascular disease is influenced by nutrition, inflammation, insulin resistance, stress, sleep, gut health, and lifestyle patterns. Addressing these drivers can significantly reduce risk and support lifelong heart resilience.¹


Food as Cardiovascular Medicine

A whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet is important. Emphasize:

Fiber-rich plants (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains) to support lipid balance, blood sugar regulation, and gut health

Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado) to reduce oxidative stress

Reduced sodium, sugar, and ultra-processed foods to calm inflammatory and cardiometabolic pathways

This approach supports cholesterol balance, blood pressure regulation, and endothelial function.² ³



Movement as Metabolic Therapy
Regular physical activity improves mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, and vascular tone. Aim for:

150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity (walking, cycling, swimming) - if you are currently not exercising this much start slow and work up to it!

Resistance training to support glucose control, muscle mass, and longevity

Consistent movement lowers systemic inflammation and supports autonomic balance.⁴



Targeted Nutritional & Botanical Support
When personalized and monitored, targeted supplements may support cardiovascular pathways:

Omega-3 fatty acids to modulate inflammation and triglycerides⁵

Dietary fiber to support cholesterol metabolism and the gut–heart axis⁶

Garlic for blood pressure and lipid support⁷

Hawthorn to support cardiac muscle function and circulation⁷

Hibiscus tea for gentle blood pressure support⁶

Supplement strategies should always be individualized, especially for patients on antihypertensive or antiplatelet medications.



Lifestyle as a Therapeutic Intervention
Functional cardiology prioritizes daily habits that regulate core physiologic systems:

Healthy weight and body composition to reduce cardiometabolic strain¹⁰

Smoking cessation to lower oxidative stress and vascular injury

Moderate alcohol intake, if any (≤1 drink/day for women, ≤2 for men)¹⁰

Consistent, restorative sleep (7–8 hours/night) to support blood pressure, glucose balance, and circadian rhythm¹¹


Stress, the Nervous System & the Heart

Chronic stress activates the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and sympathetic nervous system, increasing cardiovascular risk. Daily practices such as meditation, breathwork, yoga, and time in nature (15–30 minutes/day) help restore parasympathetic tone and cardiovascular resilience.¹²



References
Asian Heart Institute. Natural Ways to Improve Your Heart Health. https://www.asianheartinstitute.org

Mayo Clinic. Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/heart-healthy-diet

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Heart-Healthy Living. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/

Holistic Heart Centers. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Heart Health. https://holisticheartcenters.com/2024/12/20/the-natural-heart-doctor-holistic-approaches-for-cardiovascular-health/

UC Davis Health. Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Consumers - Fiber https://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/outreach/nutr-health-info-sheets/consumer-fiber

Cardiac Care Associates.Lifestyle Changes for a Stronger Heart: A Comprehensive Guide. https://www.cardiaccarepc.com/content-hub/lifestyle-changes-for-a-stronger-heart-a-comprehensive-guide

Bastyr University.Heart Healthy Hibiscus Soothes a Bitter Heart. https://bastyr.edu/about/news/heart -healthy-hibiscus-soothes-bitter-heart

Mayo Clinic. Strategies to prevent heart disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Moderate alcohol intake has positive effects on heart health, but too much causes other serious health concerns https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/moderate-alcohol-intake-has-positive-effects-on-heart-health-but-too-much-causes-other-serious-health-concerns/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Sleep and Your Heart Health. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/sleep-and-heart-health.html

Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona.Use Resilience to Get through Stressful Times, Protect Your Heart https://heart.arizona.edu/news/2021/use-resilience-get-through-stressful-times-protect-your-heart

02/02/2026

Finding your center is a holistic practice - aligning mind, spirit, and body to cultivate calm, stability, and purpose amid life’s noise.



How to find your center - Start small. Stay consistent. Be gentle.



Mind: Cultivating Calm & Focus
• Meditation & Mindfulness: Just 10 minutes a day—guided or breath-focused—can quiet mental chatter.
• Journaling: Write to process emotions and reconnect with what matters most.
• Intentions: Begin each morning with a grounding phrase or purpose for the day.



Spirit: Connecting with Inner Purpose
• Connect with Nature: Walk outdoors, watch a sunrise, or place your feet directly on the earth.
• Self-Care Habits: Gentle, self-compassionate touch or quiet moments of presence.
• Gratitude & Service: Appreciate what you have - and share it withh others when you can. This is the idea of paying it forward.



Body: Grounding Your Body
• Conscious Breathing: Slow, deep inhales and longer exhales to release tension.
• Movement Practices: Yoga, Tai Chi, or mindful walking to link breath and body.
• Attend Your Center: Engage the core and sense stability at your "hara". Hara is a Japanese term referring to the lower abdomen - specifically the area about two to three finger-widths below the navel thst acts as the physical, energetic, and spiritual center of a person
• Nourishment: Choose seasonal local foods and calming herbal teas.



When mind, body, and spirit align,

grounding becomes less about effort -

and more about returning home to yourself.

01/29/2026

February is Heart Health Month

During the month of February Carotid Artery (CIMT) scans are $199 (usually $249 and MIMI members receive their usual discount in addition)

A Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) test is a noninvasive ultrasound scan that measures the thickness of the inner most layers of your carotid arteries. It detects early, asymptomatic plaque buildup to assess cardiovascular risk.



About the CIMT Test:
Purpose: The test evaluates the carotid arteries in the neck to identify early atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), distinguishing between stable (hard) and unstable (soft/rupture-prone) plaque.
Procedure: The provider applies gel to the neck and uses an ultrasound probe to scan the carotid arteries, taking about 15–30 minutes.
Preparation & Risks: No special preparation is required, though wearing loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. There are no known risks as it does not use radiation or contrast dye.
Eligibility: Generally recommended for individuals with intermediate cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Results: Results take 1-3 days and provide a "vascular age" that determines your vascular health needs. Results are reviewed with your provider via telehealth and will be available in your patient portal.


Call or text us today at (970) 628-1624

and take action to support your heart health.

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