Walking Off the Winter Blues

According to an Italian Proverb,"Where the sun does not go, the doctor does."
Considering the number of parks and beautiful open spaces we have in our community,we spend much of our day driving  and our leisure time in front of glowing screens of artificial light.The best thing you could do for yourself is to get moving outdoors. It is not only good for you physically, but for your mind and mood as well.

Norman E. Rosenthal, MD Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School's research shows six percent of people in the United States--mostly from more northern climates--are affected by SAD (seasonal affective disorder), while 14 percent suffer a lesser form,The Winter Blues.

SAD appears during late fall and early winter.The symptoms are depression, anxiety, loss of energy, oversleeping, craving carbohydrates and weight gain. Harvard Medical School has shown that an hour's walk in winter sunlight was as effective as 2 1/2 hours under 'lights'[as treatment] for SAD.

 According to the Mayo Clinic, "excercise releases feel-good brain chemicals (neurotransmitters and endorphins) that may ease depression, reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression and increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects."

 New to walking or jogging? Try our high school tracks: all have great easy-to-walk on surfaces and are safe. There is a dirt track in back of St. Anthony's Church in Rocky Point that is comfortable, safe and serene, great for an after mass stroll.

Heard those commercials telling us to "Come to the forest"? Find great outdoor activities and lists of forest's in our area at www.discovertheforest.org.  For instance, Cathedral Pines County Park on Yaphank/Middle Island Road has giant pine-lined paths that smell like Christmas all year long. 

There is the 5,600 acres of New York State DEC land, the Natural Resource Management Area, Rocky Point Pine Barrens that the Sierra Club boasts as having "a relaxing circuit that explores the pine barren and oak woodland habitats. Special Attractions: spring wildflowers; wildlife sightings of deer, songbird, woodpecker, box turtle. Access by permit only; for free permit and map, request in person or in writing from the DEC."

The stretches of beach along the north shore of the Long Island Sound are expansive and beautiful with the dunes southward and views of the Connecticut shoreline across the water. Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, free to all Brookhaven residents, has a tree and beach plum lined path with water views, that offers shelter from winter winds--and great bird watching opportunities.  Bundle up and take a walk for stunning sunrises and sunsets along our rocky beaches.

If a bit of solace and spirituality are what you are looking for, let the winter's light bathe your pineal gland (sometimes referred to as the "third eye"),  which makes the serotonin deriviative melatonin, a hormone that affects sleep and seasonal functions. Take a meditative walk on the Labyrinth at The Little Portion Friary, 48 Old Post Rd., in Mount Sinai, open daylight hours with no charge. Once a month the brothers hold a torchlight walk around the full moon, following a potluck dinner at 7 p.m.

I am not the only one in my family that needs a good walk in winter, Trooper, my three-legged German Shepherd Rescue needs to stay on the lean side, being a large dog with only three limbs and an appetite for biscuits. He loves long sojourns into the woods on the trails between the end of North Shore Library parking lot and the Army Reserve.

After walking with your dog, towel his legs and belly to remove any snow or ice; wipe paws to remove any salt or de-icing products (some are toxic) that could dry out the pads or be licked off.

As Brookhaven residents we are lucky to have our own "Dog Park," as dogs are banned from all town parks and beaches. The Canine Preserve,opposite Artist Lake on Middle Country Road( towards the back of the old K-Mart), has athree acre enclosure for large breeds and a 3/4 acre fenced area for small dogs.  "Pooch Passes" can be obtained from the Brookhaven Town Clerk's Office . Fee: $25 for the first dog, additional dogs $5. Dogs must be licensed, have collars, proof of a rabies vaccination, and owners must poop scoop.

Whether alone, with family and friends or with your beloved canine companion, enjoy the benefits of a simple walk outdoors.