MERIDIAN The
SPRING 2025 | Volume 1 Issue 4
Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare
A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR SHARON KANFOUSH, PHD, C-IAYT
What an exciting time for the Institute! We have selected the presenters for our upcoming conference on Saturday, September 13th! We expanded our number of events, from a single event in each the fall and spring semesters to three this semester. We added a social media presence and plan to continue that effort with a new graduate assistant we will hire this summer. We will choose two new 2025-2026 award recipients for the Institute student scholarship winners this month. We selected a new cohort of terrific faculty research fellows who will be conducting exciting research on myriad topics related to integrative healthcare. We will now occasionally highlight Advisory Council members and their ties to integrative healthcare with an article about them or written by them. Finally, the BIG news… this October will mark the 5-year anniversary of the Institute – and we will be CELEBRATING!
Things are really coming together!
Our dedicated conference planning committee reviewed dozens of proposals, and our sincere thanks go out to committee members
Helen Blouet, Audrey Cross, Nicole Scienza, Colleen Sunderlin, and Pat Swann. With formal selection of the presenters now complete, the conference agenda and schedule, along with titles, descriptions, and names of oral and poster presenters, has been finalized and posted on the conference website for everyone to see. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to everyone who submitted!
Registration Conference registration is open!
Conference Updates
Pre-registration is required for all conference attendees as well as presenters, in-person or virtual.
The registration deadline is Monday, September 1st and all will be handled online on the conference website. Registration is free for Utica University students, staff, and faculty as well as for our invited Keynote Panelists, but pre-registration is still required.
The cost of attendance for Utica University alumni and any virtual attendees is $100.00, and for all others the cost of attendance inperson is $125.00. Checks and all major credit cards are accepted.
Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to help with various conference activities, including moderators for the
speaker panels and other sessions. Students who volunteer will receive an Institute t-shirt and swag bag full of great integrative healthcare goodies, and volunteering will also count toward an exciting new Institute student affiliate program that is currently under development for Utica University students! Please encourage students you may know to volunteer; they can do so online when they register. You can volunteer too!
We are looking forward to a great conference and to welcome you all to the Utica campus in September! Please share information about the conference with others who may be interested.
THE INSTITUTE HAS A FACEBOOK PAGE!
Yes, you can finally find the Institute on Facebook! Follow our page to see event ads, research updates, contact information, and links to all our past events and newsletters.
Student Involvement
Our terrific graduate assistant Simran Rajani set up a social media presence for the Institute on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook (scroll to last page of newsletter for links). Simran graduated in May with her MBA in Business Analytics, but we plan to continue her efforts with a new graduate assistant we will hire for the fall. The job description is listed on the Student Employment Portal and will open closer to the Fall semester.
Class of 2025-2026 Faculty Fellows
We will also be selecting two new student recipients for the Institute’s scholarship this month. These are given annually to full-time students with preference to undergraduates entering their junior or senior year who have high academic promise and a demonstrated interest in integrative healthcare. The scholarship application portal utica.scholarshipuniverse.com houses many of the University’s scholarships. Students had to apply before June 1, 2025.
Following a competitive review, we are so pleased to announce and congratulate our new faculty research fellows! We want to thank our Advisory Council members who volunteered to serve on the review panel. Our fellows and their respective research projects are detailed below, and you will hear more about them at the upcoming conference!
Jing-Mao Ho, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Data Science
“Social Determinants, Epigenetic Clocks, and Mental Health”
About the research:
The United States is experiencing a growing mental health crisis (Bartels and Smyer 2002; Rockett et al. 2021; Schnittker 2024). How can we take an integrative healthcare approach to addressing the crisis? The birth of social epigenetics—the study of effects of social environments on gene expression—brings renewed weight to a question of longstanding interest to social scientists studying the social determinants of health (SDOH): To what extent do social structural factors cause mental illnesses? While SDOH literature finds that a number of social structural factors, including but not limited to, genderbased discrimination, racism, social class/ socioeconomic status (SES), and social networks, are significant predictors of mental health outcomes (Alegría et al. 2018; Muntaner et al. 2013; Silva, Loureiro, and Cardoso 2016), it is also clear that biological and genetic factors play a critical role in the development of mental illnesses (Cloninger 1999; Hyman 2000, 2014). More recently, advancements in social epigenetics have revealed that DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns are significantly associated with developments of mental disorder (Kuzawa and Sweet 2009; Landecker and Panofsky 2013; Peedicayil 2017).
Furthermore, not only does natural science research on the association between DNAm and health focus on the role of epigenetic clocks—a measure of biological age based on DNAm patterns (Harvanek et al. 2023; Jiang and Guo 2020), but research in social epigenetics also examines the relationship between epigenetic clocks and social environmental factors, affecting physical or mental well-beings (Oblak et al. 2021; Pinel, Green, and Svendsen 2023). Building on these intellectual advancements, my project is to better understand associations between social structural determinants, epigenetic clocks, and mental health outcomes, contributing to the development of integrative health care approaches to addressing the mental health crisis in the United States.
Cicily Talerico, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy; Trista Richardson, Professor of Practice in Occupational Therapy; Jae Sung Park, Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Exercise & Wellness Studies
“Empowering College Students to Engage in Health and Wellness to Improve Wellbeing and Quality of Life”
About the research:
This research project aims to improve the health and wellness, well-being, and quality of life of college students. Using the Eight Dimensions of Wellness Model, college students will be empowered to create wellness-related behaviors
From top to bottom: Jing-Mao Ho, Cicily Talerico, and Trista Richardson
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into their daily habits and routines and assume personal responsibility to be proactive in preserving their health. The researchers are hopeful that the students will continue using this model across their lifespan as well as incorporate this model into their future careers as physical education, and wellness and adventure educators.
Walaa Sayed Mohammad, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
“Assessing the Integration of Holistic Healthcare Resources on University Websites”
About the research:
This project aims to assess the accessibility, inclusivity, and quality of integrative healthcare resources provided through university websites. By systematically evaluating how well these digital platforms disseminate holistic health content—such as mindfulness programs, physical activity resources, and mental well-being
initiatives—the study will identify gaps, best practices, and opportunities for improvement.
A rubric-based evaluation framework will be developed to analyze website content, accessibility compliance, and inclusivity, integrating insights from digital health, physical therapy, and library sciences. The project will also leverage collaboration with IITS specialists and librarians to refine the methodology and ensure robust, evidence-based recommendations. The ultimate goal is to enhance the role of university websites as credible sources of integrative healthcare by providing practical, data-driven recommendations that promote health equity and accessibility. Findings will be disseminated through a best practices guide, workshops, and academic presentations, fostering awareness and engagement within the academic community.
INSTITUTE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER SPOLIGHT: CHRISTINE SOTMARY
Christine Sotmary, MS, LAc, CPC has been an Institute Advisory Council Member since October 2024 and is an educator, acupuncturist, and Caregiver advocate. As CEO of Anodunos LLC, she developed the Anodunos Method Pain Navigator and Provider Training Programs. She and colleague Monica Demir, PhD, co-authored the article below.
The Crucial Role of Nutrition in Chronic Pain Management: A Vital Component for Effective Care
Chronic pain management requires a multifaceted approach, often blending medical, physical, and psychological therapies. However, one essential aspect that is sometimes overlooked in a plan of care is nutrition. Focusing on nutrition as a core part of chronic pain management can improve outcomes, enhance patients’ quality of life, and support other treatments. Here’s why nutrition should be vital to any chronic pain care plan.
1. Nutritional Influence on Inflammation
One of the leading contributors to chronic pain is inflammation, and diet plays a significant role in modulating it. For instance, foods high in sugar, saturated fats, and processed ingredients can promote
inflammation, while foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber can reduce it. Integrating a nutritional focus within chronic pain care helps to regulate inflammation, potentially easing pain and supporting long-term wellness. By considering nutrition, clinicians can support an anti-inflammatory environment in the body, which benefits overall pain management.
2. Energy Stability and Resilience
Chronic pain often accompanies fatigue and energy fluctuations, making daily activities and therapeutic exercises more challenging. Nutrition is essential for maintaining stable energy levels throughout the day. Consistent energy enables individuals to engage more actively in their lives, building resilience in the face of pain. With stable energy, patients are more likely to participate fully in rehabilitation or other aspects of their treatment plan, which is critical for improved outcomes.
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From top to bottom: Jae Sung Park and Walaa Sayed Mohammad
3. Gut Health and Pain Perception
Research into the gut-brain connection has revealed that the gut’s health can impact pain perception. The gut microbiome—trillions of bacteria in our digestive tract—affects the nervous system and can heighten or alleviate pain. This link suggests that dietary habits that support gut health may influence how patients experience and manage pain. Focusing on nutrition in chronic pain management aligns with a holistic understanding of the body, acknowledging that pain is affected by a complex web of bodily functions, including digestion and microbiome health.
4. Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies
Specific vitamins and minerals are essential in muscle, nerve, and immune function, all relevant to chronic pain. Deficiencies in micronutrients can increase pain sensitivity or even exacerbate symptoms. Including nutrition as part of the care plan ensures that such shortcomings are addressed, supports the patient’s physical health, and reduces possible contributors to pain. This proactive approach improves the body’s ability to function optimally, supporting overall resilience against chronic pain.
5. Weight Management and Physical Comfort
Excess weight can strain joints and muscles, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition can relieve some of this physical stress, potentially reducing pain in weight-bearing areas. When nutrition is considered, it enables patients to support a weight that minimizes unnecessary stress on the body, creating conditions that make pain more manageable and enhancing mobility.
The Importance of Including Nutrition in Chronic Pain Plans: Including nutrition as a core component of chronic pain management is essential because it:
• Addresses Root Contributors: Proper nutrition goes beyond treating symptoms; it can help address some root causes of chronic pain, such as inflammation and energy imbalances.
• Enhances Overall Treatment Effectiveness: Supporting the body with nutrition can amplify the effectiveness of other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications. For example, a well-nourished body can better respond to physical therapy, and certain nutrients can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of medications. By providing a foundation of well-being, nutrition can make these treatments more potent, leading to better pain management outcomes.
• Empowers Patients: Understanding the role of nutrition in pain management gives patients a sense of control and empowerment over their health. This knowledge can positively impact their adherence to the care plan, as they are more likely to follow a plan they understand and believe in, fostering a sense of confidence in their ability to manage their health.
• Fosters a Holistic Approach: By addressing physical, mental, and nutritional health, a care plan becomes truly holistic. This comprehensive approach enhances the quality of life and supports sustainable pain management, making healthcare professionals feel more considerate and comprehensive in their treatment.
Incorporating nutrition into chronic pain management is more than a supplementary measure; it’s a powerful, proactive approach. This approach addresses the body’s needs, supports effective treatment, and strengthens patients’ abilities to manage their pain. A balanced, nutrition-focused approach offers patients and providers a path toward achieving better health outcomes, such as reduced pain levels, improved mobility, and enhanced overall well-being, leading to a higher quality of life.
Follow ANODUNOS Integrated Pain Management Advocates for additional articles on holistic, integrated care, chronic pain patient advocacy, and whole-person health.
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The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare would like to congratulate one of our Advisory Council Members, Kenneth Visalli Jr. DO, MPH on his recent Healthcare Excellence Award!
Forest Bathing
An ancient practice in Japanese culture is having a modern resurgence, with its significant benefits now supported by numerous scientific studies. Shinrin-yoku, called forest bathing in English, is experiencing and connecting with nature through all the senses. Research shows that walking in a forest reduces blood pressure and pulse rates. It reduces sympathetic nervous system activity and increases parasympathetic activity, thus decreasing cortisol levels and anxiety. It also positively affects the brain’s amygdala, which helps one better handle life’s many stressors that inevitably arise. Forest bathing helps reset our circadian rhythm, thereby also aiding in sleep quality. These benefits extend to children as well as adults! There is added research supporting that other natural environments have a similar effect. So, when possible, consider turning off the screens and walking out the door into some beautiful natural surroundings for a healing dose of Mother Nature!
In Utica, we are fortunate to have a number of locations for forest bathing experiences within the city and surrounding suburbs. The city boasts the 385-acre Roscoe Conkling Park featuring 1.8-miles of paved and gravel hilly and windy trails called “the switchbacks” and the 62-acre F.T. Proctor Park with over 4 miles of paved and gravel paths both designed by the Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects, famous for also designing Manhattan’s Central Park. In nearby suburb New Hartford lies the Sherrill Brook Park with an easy 1.7 paved loop trail as well as steeper unpaved trails through wooded areas. The 7.5acre wooded Root Glen at Hamilton College in Clinton has a nearly one mile natural footpath winding past one of the largest Norway spruce trees in the United States and a renowned and diverse planted peony collection.
Easy day trips can access a large number of additional options. Pixley Falls State Park in Boonville boasts a nature trail meandering through steep, wooded hills and a mountain stream with a wonderful 50-foot waterfall. Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville near Syracuse includes 10 miles of natural trails encircling two glacial lakes surrounded by upland old-growth forest. Russell Park, located in Ilion, is a 2.7 mile moderately challenging loop and the Deerfield Wilderness Loop is a 1.2 mile easy walk. Owen D Young Nature Trail, in Fort Plain, is a 1.4 mile out and back trail with waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and the ruins of a historic sawmill.
Overnight trips afford access to even more opportunities. North of Utica is the six million acre Adirondack Park, dubbed a top forest bathing destination by National Geographic magazine for its countless peaks and natural
trails. South of Utica is the Catskill Mountains and Catskill Forest Preserve with dense woodlands, several cascading waterfalls, and a number of trails. West of Utica you can experience New York’s only named national forest, the Finger Lakes National Forest, with diverse landscapes, woodlands, gorges, and open meadows. Mohonk Preserve has over 8,000 acres of forests, streams, cliffs, and wellmaintained trails, and Letchworth State Park, described by some as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, provides hiking amid stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush forests.
Our Associate Director Nicole Scienza likes to use an app called ALLTrails, where she and her family look for natural and handmade walking paths anywhere in the country by location. The app will show how far away a trail is, how long it is, whether it is a loop or “out and back” style, what the parking situation is like, how challenging it is, and what beautiful bonuses can be observed (water features, rare or expansive vegetation, historic structures, etc.). It has an interactive comment section so others can post and upload pictures if they visit, making it helpful to see what the conditions are like and how recently it’s been explored.
With its many significant benefits, give forest bathing a try in one of these great example New York locations or make new discoveries at a location near you!
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