Most of us know the stock market hates uncertainty. Humans don’t deal with it particularly well either—it can affect both our physical and mental well being. Right now, no question, we are living in uncertain times. Stress, anxiety, and depression are escalating as economic instability and social isolation rises with companies struggling and job losses mounting and no end in sight.

If someone promised a miracle cure to improve your vitality, appearance, hormone balance, immunity, weight, and overall health and longevity, you would probably believe that person was kidding, right? And, place an order immediately? Well, the miracle cure is good quality sleep. It’s free and we do it every day—just some of us are better at it than others. Here lies the conundrum…

Friends visiting from out of state often remark the quality and quantity of the fresh fruits and vegetables we enjoy in California. While buying fresh produce at our year-round farmers markets and always cooking at home (where we know exactly what is in our food) is ideal, we often fall short due to busy schedules and long commutes. Although we aspire to eat healthfully, we’re vulnerable when we buy prepared foods (try to choose fresh foods over processed foods) or dine out in the Bay Area’s fabulous restaurants…

In the March/April issue, I featured “Building Homes That Heal.” This was a popular article, and writing it left me wanting to explore more information. Now, we continue that discussion. Funny, how when we begin a journey as if in synchronicity, the journey leads us to some interesting people and places. And so it was, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Bill and Adriana Hayward of Carmel/Monterey.

Few names in health and wellness have had the staying power of Dr. Dean Ornish. With a litany of accolades too vast to name here and fans including past U.S. presidents, celebrities, and ordinary folks, Ornish pioneered what has become the revolutionary field of lifestyle medicine…