Mini Medical School 2006
The Health & Healing Center announces its 9th annual Mini Medical School, a free public lecture series. The focus of this year's program is the art and science of healthy aging. You will hear from nationally recognized physicians, scholars and practitioners who share a holistic view of health and life, and who offer unique and practical insights on achieving optimal well-being. This unique community education program is made possible through the generous support of Mrs. Newton H. Neustadter, Jr.
Mini Medical School will be held on Wednesday March 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2006 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in San Francisco. There is no charge for the lectures though pre-registration is required and space is limited. Please call the Health & Healing Center at 415.600-HEAL (4325) to register. Parking is available for a fee at both the JCC and the UCSF Laurel Heights campus. CEUs are available.
MARCH 8
The Daily Practice of Healthy Aging
William B. Stewart, MD
Medical Director, Institute for Health & Healing
The key of aging gracefully is not a last-minute rush to avoid the inevitable. What is required is making the appropriate choices and taking many small, incremental steps each day toward creating and maintaining your health and well-being. This presentation will emphasize the importance of “Wisdom Practices”, self exploration and the connection of our inner, spiritual world to our outer, physical world. It is never too early or too late to start living a healthier life. Download Dr. Stewart's presentation (file size 795K, pdf format).
The New Biology of Aging: The Hype and the Hope
Gordon Lithgow, Ph.D
Associate Professor and Laboratory Director, Buck Institute for Age Research
Scientific research is rapidly advancing our understanding of the aging process – one of the few remaining mysteries in biology. Dr. Lithgow will discuss the relevance of this research to our every day lives. His laboratory explores how genes and hormones affect the length and biological quality of life, as well as the role of antioxidants in aging. This lecture will offer an understanding of how studying the natural aging process can help address diseases and conditions of aging, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and stroke.
Download Dr. Lithgow's presentation (file size 2.7MB, pdf format).
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MARCH 15
The Juicy Crone Archetype: Spiritual and Psychological Ingredients of a Meaningful Life
Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD
Author, Jungian psychiatrist, and Clinical Professor, University of California, San Francisco
The phases of the moon are said to symbolize the three aspects of women's lives. These phases also reflect the developing feminine aspects in men, and the potential spiritual and psychological stages of our lives. In this talk, Dr. Bolen will focus on the third, post-menopausal, “wise woman-crone” phase of life. This time may be the longest in years, and could be the most creative, authentic and significant phase. Come learn how to access and integrate this rich wisdom accessible to men and women alike.
Aging: Last Chance for Wisdom and Light
Robert McDermott, PhD
President Emeritus and Professor, California Institute for Integral Studies
During the aging process we can return to wisdom and “light.” Aging can be the best and last chance for transformation. Dr. McDermott will explain how collecting wisdom throughout our life can transform us, and how this can be accomplished slowly and consciously as we move through our lifespan. In our later years we can cooperate with nature and find grace in letting go of our bodies. Aging encourages amor fati, love of one’s fate, and guides us to the light of the world.
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MARCH 22
The Return of Sophia: Seeking Healing, Wisdom and Beauty
Michael Meade
Author, Storyteller, Scholar of Mythology, and Founder, Mosaic Multicultural Foundation
A name for the presence that unites wisdom, healing and beauty is Sophia, formed of the Greek roots – ‘philo’ and ‘sophe’ or love and knowledge. Healing, wisdom and beauty seek to be embodied as we struggle with illness, ignorance and blindness. Love and knowledge emerge when we become conscious and inspired toward wholeness. Real knowledge blossoms from a genuine life lived in the midst of daily challenges. Come learn with acclaimed author and storyteller Michael Mead how Sophia became the name that represented the highest qualities of the soul, the presence of wisdom and its companionship with healing and beauty.
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MARCH 29
In Search of the Fountain: The Genetics of Human Longevity
Warren Browner, MD, MPH
Vice President Academic Affairs, and Scientific Director, Research Institute, California Pacific Medical Center
Is longevity inherited? This talk will provide an overview of the remarkable increases in life expectancy that have occurred in the past 100 years. We will look at how genes affect aging and longevity, and what scientists have learned from studying long-lived people. A review of the potential ethical issues of living longer will be discussed. Lastly, Dr. Browner will explain why grandmothers appear to be good for longevity.
Nutritional Approaches to Cultivating a Long Life
Sharon Meyer, CNC
Certified Nutrition Consultant, Health & Healing Center
The quest for immortality, or at least an extended life span, is nothing new. Since the beginning of time, myths and legends about magic potions and eternal life have flourished. Currently, there is no magic bullet to halt the aging process, but we can reduce the risk of illness and premature death through optimum nutrition. Sharon will discuss diet and supplements, free radicals and antioxidants, blood sugar regulation and hormones. Bring a pen and paper to capture Sharon’s practical ideas and expert advice.
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