Critical… From the Mountains
Erik Vaughan
July 1, 2024
Revelations about critical periods and the power of psilocybin-assisted therapy integration
Shinrin-yoku or “forest-bathing” is a form of self-care, free to anyone with time to spend and access to trees. And as simple as it sounds, the fringe benefits are amazing.
But before we consider the health impacts of nature walks, it’s worth noting that just the act of walking itself could help extend your lifespan.
A study published in 2020 tracked the steps of 4,840 adults for about a week, and then tracked deaths amongst the group over the ensuing decade. Researchers found a staggering difference in mortality rates between those who average 2,000 steps per day versus those who averaged 8,000+ steps per day – regardless of walking pace and adjusted for factors like sex, race and underlying health conditions:
On top of this, organizations like ParkRx America are shining a light on evidence of the health benefits of nature walks – and pushing doctors to write simple “nature prescriptions” in order to:
When time is tight, the good news is that a 2010 study found that it took as little as five minutes of “green exercise” per day to boost your mood and reap mental health rewards. So use this as an excuse to get outside and take a hike – and if there are trees nearby, be sure to look out for mushrooms too! All you have to do is look down …
Treat yourself to some shinrin-yoku this week – no prescription needed!
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Ryan is a CPA with broad financial management expertise including a tenure at Ernst & Young. He has a master’s degree in accounting from Notre Dame and has supported everything from small businesses to global organizations. Ryan especially loves being active and outdoors including biking, running and skiing.
Dina has been treating youth and adults with chronic health illnesses – particularly pain and behavioral health conditions – for the past 15 years. Through her private practice and work in various academic medical centers, as well as Doctors Without Borders, Dina provides compassionate care for those wanting to create change and a greater sense of freedom in life.
For the past 25 years, Jana has been a beacon for adults facing the biopsychosocial challenges of cancer, chronic illness and loss in her role as a clinical health psychologist. She is the founder of Shift Healing | Health Psychology, and gratefully calls Golden, Colo., home.
Erik earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and completed his MBA at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. With 25 years of experience in finance and entrepreneurship, Erik’s enthusiasm and analytical eye have helped drive the success of numerous ventures. A Pittsburgh native and long-time Cleveland area resident, Erik holds a deep affection for all things Ohio – except when his beloved Steelers are playing.
For two decades, Stacey has artfully applied her discerning eye to high-level positions in marketing and design. She also founded a successful custom letterpress paper studio called RSVP Paper Company. Stacey earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Ohio University – and while she is the architect of all you see at Epiphany, she would rather die than sit for a public-facing interview.
As the head of government relations, Lauren brings decades of non-profit experience in fundraising, events, legislative action and direct service. She is a graduate of Xavier University with a B.A. in Political Science and is active in her community as a PTA volunteer, tutor and tennis coach.
A mushroom forager for five years, Jessica was drawn to Epiphany’s commitment to produce mushrooms through proven scientific methods and industry advocacy. She supports the company’s mushroom growth and production processes, and is also a volunteer sequence validator for the Ohio Mushroom DNA Lab.
Sarah began her career 25 years ago with Edelman in Chicago and has substantial experience in public relations, corporate and internal communications, content development, events and more. When she’s not on carpool duty, Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, cooking and attempting tennis.
For more than 30 years, Julie has been a pioneer in the Michigan alternative healing and psychedelic community. In addition to her work with Epiphany, Julie has devoted her practice at Blue Sage Health Consulting to helping clients find healing and relief while incorporating alternative practices.
Hope is a seasoned guide in holistic wellness, transformational coaching and spiritual enlightenment. Her previous career in the hospice sector helped patients bridge the gap between the spiritual and material worlds. At Epiphany, Hope is grateful to share her unique skill set, compassion and deep love of the work to meet the needs of each customer.
With close to 40 years of experience, Joni was lured out of retirement to handle accounting and payroll for Epiphany. Joni is an avid reader and gardener, and also loves hiking, pickleball and playing bridge and mahjong.
Zach is a classically trained microbiologist with a B.S. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Michigan State University and M.S. in Bioinformatics from Johns Hopkins University. With extensive experience in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, Zach leads Epiphany’s experimental design and stays focused on the latest scientific research in mycology. When not in the lab, Zach enjoys all things nature especially the Great Lakes.