Privacy Policy

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Your privacy is important to us. It is Institutes of Health’s policy to respect your privacy and comply with any applicable law and regulation regarding any personal information we may collect about you, including across our website, https://institutesofhealth.org/, and other sites we own and operate.

This policy is effective as of 29 March 2021 and was last updated on 29 March 2021.

Information We Collect

Information we collect includes both information you knowingly and actively provide us when using or participating in any of our services and promotions, and any information automatically sent by your devices in the course of accessing our products and services.

Log Data

When you visit our website, our servers may automatically log the standard data provided by your web browser. It may include your device’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, your browser type and version, the pages you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on each page, other details about your visit, and technical details that occur in conjunction with any errors you may encounter.

Please be aware that while this information may not be personally identifying by itself, it may be possible to combine it with other data to personally identify individual persons.

Personal Information

We may ask for personal information which may include one or more of the following:

  • Name
  • Email
  • Phone/mobile number

Legitimate Reasons for Processing Your Personal Information

We only collect and use your personal information when we have a legitimate reason for doing so. In which instance, we only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to provide our services to you.

Collection and Use of Information

We may collect personal information from you when you do any of the following on our website:

  • Use a mobile device or web browser to access our content
  • Contact us via email, social media, or on any similar technologies
  • When you mention us on social media

We may collect, hold, use, and disclose information for the following purposes, and personal information will not be further processed in a manner that is incompatible with these purposes:

We may collect, hold, use, and disclose information for the following purposes, and personal information will not be further processed in a manner that is incompatible with these purposes:

  • to contact and communicate with you

Please be aware that we may combine information we collect about you with general information or research data we receive from other trusted sources.

Security of Your Personal Information

When we collect and process personal information, and while we retain this information, we will protect it within commercially acceptable means to prevent loss and theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification.

Although we will do our best to protect the personal information you provide to us, we advise that no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and no one can guarantee absolute data security. We will comply with laws applicable to us in respect of any data breach.

You are responsible for selecting any password and its overall security strength, ensuring the security of your own information within the bounds of our services.

How Long We Keep Your Personal Information

We keep your personal information only for as long as we need to. This time period may depend on what we are using your information for, in accordance with this privacy policy. If your personal information is no longer required, we will delete it or make it anonymous by removing all details that identify you.

However, if necessary, we may retain your personal information for our compliance with a legal, accounting, or reporting obligation or for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific, or historical research purposes or statistical purposes.

Children’s Privacy

We do not aim any of our products or services directly at children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information about children under 13.

Disclosure of Personal Information to Third Parties

We may disclose personal information to:

  • a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of our company
  • third party service providers for the purpose of enabling them to provide their services, for example, IT service providers, data storage, hosting and server providers, advertisers, or analytics platforms
  • our employees, contractors, and/or related entities
  • our existing or potential agents or business partners
  • sponsors or promoters of any competition, sweepstakes, or promotion we run
  • courts, tribunals, regulatory authorities, and law enforcement officers, as required by law, in connection with any actual or prospective legal proceedings, or in order to establish, exercise, or defend our legal rights
  • third parties, including agents or sub-contractors, who assist us in providing information, products, services, or direct marketing to you third parties to collect and process data

International Transfers of Personal Information

The personal information we collect is stored and/or processed where we or our partners, affiliates, and third-party providers maintain facilities. Please be aware that the locations to which we store, process, or transfer your personal information may not have the same data protection laws as the country in which you initially provided the information. If we transfer your personal information to third parties in other countries: (i) we will perform those transfers in accordance with the requirements of applicable law; and (ii) we will protect the transferred personal information in accordance with this privacy policy.

Your Rights and Controlling Your Personal Information

You always retain the right to withhold personal information from us, with the understanding that your experience of our website may be affected. We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your rights over your personal information. If you do provide us with personal information you understand that we will collect, hold, use and disclose it in accordance with this privacy policy. You retain the right to request details of any personal information we hold about you.

If we receive personal information about you from a third party, we will protect it as set out in this privacy policy. If you are a third party providing personal information about somebody else, you represent and warrant that you have such person’s consent to provide the personal information to us.

If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time. We will provide you with the ability to unsubscribe from our email-database or opt out of communications. Please be aware we may need to request specific information from you to help us confirm your identity.

If you believe that any information we hold about you is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading, please contact us using the details provided in this privacy policy. We will take reasonable steps to correct any information found to be inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or out of date.

If you believe that we have breached a relevant data protection law and wish to make a complaint, please contact us using the details below and provide us with full details of the alleged breach. We will promptly investigate your complaint and respond to you, in writing, setting out the outcome of our investigation and the steps we will take to deal with your complaint. You also have the right to contact a regulatory body or data protection authority in relation to your complaint.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

Mobile Information and Phone Numbers

We take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your personal information. We want to reassure you that no mobile information or phone numbers you provide will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Text Messaging Data

Your text messaging originator opt-in data and consent are highly confidential. We will not share this information with any third parties under any circumstances. This ensures that any data you provide through text messaging remains secure and private.

Other Categories of Information

While we may collect various other categories of information, please rest assured that the specific exclusions mentioned above regarding mobile information, phone numbers, and text messaging data are upheld. No such data will be shared outside our organization for marketing or promotional use, providing you with peace of mind regarding the privacy and security of your personal information.

Use of Cookies

We use “cookies” to collect information about you and your activity across our site. A cookie is a small piece of data that our website stores on your computer, and accesses each time you visit, so we can understand how you use our site. This helps us serve you content based on preferences you have specified.

Limits of Our Policy

Our website may link to external sites that are not operated by us. Please be aware that we have no control over the content and policies of those sites, and cannot accept responsibility or liability for their respective privacy practices.

Changes to This Policy

At our discretion, we may change our privacy policy to reflect updates to our business processes, current acceptable practices, or legislative or regulatory changes. If we decide to change this privacy policy, we will post the changes here at the same link by which you are accessing this privacy policy.

If required by law, we will get your permission or give you the opportunity to opt in to or opt out of, as applicable, any new uses of your personal information.

Contact Us

For any questions or concerns regarding your privacy, you may contact us using the following details:

Duane Johnson

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References

  1. Mayo Clinic Diet. “Picked at Their Peak: The Benefits of Buying Seasonal Produce.” Mayo Clinic Diet, Mayo Clinic Diet, 23 Nov. 2022, https://diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2022/picked-at-their-peak-the-benefits-of-buying-seasonal-produce/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
  2. Cleveland Clinic Nutrition Blog. “6 Major Health Benefits of Pumpkin.” Cleveland Clinic, 6 June 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/truth-about-the-great-pumpkin-its-good-for-you. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
  3. Mayo Clinic Diet. “10 Great Health Foods.” Mayo Clinic, 28 Mar. 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/10-great-health-foods/art-20546837. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
  4. Cleveland Clinic Nutrition Blog. “6 Health Benefits of Squash.” Cleveland Clinic, 30 Mar. 2023, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-squash. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
  5. Eating Well. “5 Fall Superfoods to Support Your Immune System during Cold and Flu Season.” EatingWell, 2021, https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7918735/fall-superfoods-to-support-your-immune-system/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2024.
  6. Cleveland Clinic Nutrition Blog. “Best Fruits to Eat: A Dietitian’s Picks.” Cleveland Clinic, 10 Nov. 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/fruits-that-deserve-the-buzz-your-dietitians-picks. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

References

  1. Rdn, M. B. (2025, March 18). 6 Anti-Inflammatory foods to stock up on this spring, according to dietitians. EatingWell. 
    https://www.eatingwell.com/anti-inflammatory-foods-to-stock-up-on-this-spring-11696622
  2. Rider, E. (2025, March 11). 10 Spring Foods & How To Use Them. Elizabeth Rider – Modern Healthy Living. 
    https://www.elizabethrider.com/spring-foods/
  3. Chappell, M. M. (2025, March 14). In-Season Produce: your guide to spring vegetables and fruits. Forks Over Knives. 
    https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/spring-season-vegetables-fruits-guide/
  4. Robbins, O. (2025, March 13). Top 10 spring vegetables and fruits for a healthy season. Food Revolution Network. 
    https://foodrevolution.org/blog/spring-vegetables-fruits/
  5. Murfin, K. (2022, March 21). How to choose the best spring vegetables and fruits. MD Anderson Cancer Center. 
    https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/how-to-pick-the-best-spring-produce.h00-159538167.html

Spring Superfoods for Health & Healing

Arugula

Arugula is packed with vitamins A, K, and folate, and it’s a great way to reduce inflammation while hydrating your body. Add it to your salads, bowls, or smoothies for a fresh, peppery kick that supports your health with every bite.

Artichokes

Artichokes are rich in folic acid, vitamin C, and B vitamins, making them perfect for detoxification and boosting metabolism. Keep it simple—boil them, dip in garlic-infused olive oil, and enjoy the health benefits they bring.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a powerhouse of vitamin K and antioxidants. It nourishes your heart and bones while also helping to prevent cancer. Sauté it with garlic and extra virgin olive oil for a nutrient-dense side dish that embodies the freshness of spring.

Beets

Beets help with circulation, detoxification, and stamina—making them an ideal choice for recovery. Roast them, juice them, or spiralize them to enjoy their earthy sweetness and health benefits in any meal.

Carrots

Carrots are packed with vitamin A and antioxidants, which support healthy skin, hair, and nails. Enjoy them raw, chopped into salads, or spiralized for a healthy pasta alternative—there’s no wrong way to eat them.

Mint

Mint is more than just a refreshing herb. It helps soothe digestion, reduce allergy symptoms, and act as a natural decongestant. Add it to your water or smoothies, or use it as a garnish to enhance your dishes with a burst of freshness.

Peas

Peas are an excellent anti-inflammatory food, full of vitamins, minerals, and protein. They’re perfect for tossing into stir-fries, salads, or soups, or even enjoying as a simple snack.

Strawberries

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants that help balance blood sugar and support your immune system. Fresh, frozen, or drizzled with dark chocolate, they’re the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.

Spring Onions

These vibrant onions are full of polyphenols and flavonoids, which fight oxidative stress and support disease prevention. Use them raw in salads or caramelized as a side dish—either way, they’ll add flavor and health benefits to your meal.

Radishes

Radishes are fantastic detoxifiers, cleansing the stomach and liver while also supporting hydration and skin health. Slice them thin for a refreshing salad, roast them for a savory twist, or add them to your favorite quinoa dish.

By adding these seasonal spring foods to your meals, you’re not just eating—you’re nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and thrive. Eating fresh, local produce is one of the simplest ways to support your health and recovery. Head to your local farmer’s market and experience the true taste of spring—your body will thank you!

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A Full Spectrum of Whole Foods To Boost Your Health This Fall

As the fall season brings cooler weather and holiday celebrations, it’s the perfect time to focus on the wide variety of nutrient-rich whole foods available. Health and prevention thrive on a diverse diet, emphasizing plant-based ingredients, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and legumes. Whether preparing holiday dishes or everyday meals, these foods can be easily integrated into your diet for long-term health benefits.

Seasonal Stars: Elevating Holiday Dishes with Fall’s Freshest Vegetables
  • Pumpkin and Winter Squash: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A, pumpkins and squashes like butternut and acorn are ideal for soups, casseroles, and even desserts. Their nutrients support eye health, immune function, and digestive wellness.
  • Brussels Sprouts: Packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, Brussels sprouts are an excellent side dish during the holidays. Roasted with olive oil and herbs, they provide a delicious, nutrient-dense option that supports immune function and bone health.
  • Sweet Potatoes: These are a holiday favorite, often featured in dishes like sweet potato casserole. For a healthier option, try roasting them hasselback-style with olive oil, sage, garlic and a sprinkling of sea salt. Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium, sweet potatoes contribute to heart health and provide a steady source of energy.
Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes: Essential for a Plant-Based Diet
  • Walnuts and Almonds: These nuts are nutrient powerhouses, offering omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. They’re perfect for adding crunch to salads or baking in holiday cookies​.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: A byproduct of pumpkin use, these seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, making them a great addition to salads, bread, or even roasted on their own​.
  • Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Beans): High in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, legumes are a great plant-based protein option for soups, stews, and side dishes. Including these in holiday meals ensures a filling, nutritious boost​.
Incorporating a Variety of Fruits:
  • Pears and Apples: Pears and apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and a range of vitamins. They’re perfect for desserts or salads, supporting heart health and digestion.
  • Cranberries: A seasonal favorite, cranberries can be used in sauces, baked goods, or salads. They’re rich in antioxidants and known for supporting urinary tract health.

You can support long-term health and wellness by incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and legumes into your holiday meals and daily diet. Whether you’re roasting Brussels sprouts, baking sweet potatoes, or adding walnuts and cranberries to a festive dish, these foods will enhance your seasonal recipes and provide essential nutrients for a balanced, heart-healthy diet. This fall, celebrate the season by nourishing your body with nature’s most wholesome ingredients and enjoy the benefits they bring all year.

View References

References

  1. Bakmann, L., Norup, A., & Forchhammer, B. H. (2019). Hit in the Heart of Life: How Meeting Like-Minded Peers May Contribute to Psychosocial Recovery of Adolescents and Young Adults With Acquired Brain Injury. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 521. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00521
  2. Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191
  3. Bruns, D., & Disorbio, J. M. (2009). Assessment of Biopsychosocial Risk Factors for Medical Treatment: A Collaborative Approach. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 16(2), 127–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-009-9148-9
  4. Charuvastra, A., & Cloitre, M. (2008). Social Bonds and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Annual Review of Psychology, 59(1), 301–328. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.58.110405.085650
  5. Duenas, M., Ojeda, B., Salazar, A., Mico, J. A., & Failde, I. (2016). A review of chronic pain impact on patients, their social environment and the health care system. Journal of Pain Research, Volume 9, 457–467. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S105892
  6. Engel, G. L. (1977). The Need for a New Medical Model: A Challenge for Biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.847460
  7. Fisher, H. M., Stalls, J., Winger, J. G., Miller, S. N., Plumb Vilardaga, J. C., Majestic, C., Kelleher, S. A., & Somers, T. J. (2023). Role of self-efficacy for pain management and pain catastrophizing in the relationship between pain severity and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer and pain. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 41(1), 87–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2022.2046676
  8. Gable, S. L., & Bedrov, A. (2022). Social isolation and social support in good times and bad times. Current Opinion in Psychology, 44, 89–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.08.027
  9. Haslam, C., Jetten, J., Cruwys, T., Dingle, G. A., & Haslam, S. A. (2018). The New Psychology of Health: Unlocking the Social Cure (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315648569
  10. Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8
  11. Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
  12. Kersey, J., McCue, M., & Skidmore, E. (2020). Domains and dimensions of community participation following traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 34(6), 708–712. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2020.1757153
  13. McCauley, S. R., Boake, C., Levin, H. S., Contant, C. F., & Song, J. X. (2001). Postconcussional Disorder Following Mild to Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: Anxiety, Depression, and Social Support as Risk Factors and Comorbidities. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 23(6), 792–808. https://doi.org/10.1076/jcen.23.6.792.1016
  14. Necaise, A., & Amon, M. J. (2024). Peer Support for Chronic Pain in Online Health Communities: Quantitative Study on the Dynamics of Social Interactions in a Chronic Pain Forum. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e45858. https://doi.org/10.2196/45858
  15. Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. US Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK595227/
  16. Otero-Ketterer, E., Peñacoba-Puente, C., Ferreira Pinheiro-Araujo, C., Valera-Calero, J. A., & Ortega-Santiago, R. (2022). Biopsychosocial Factors for Chronicity in Individuals with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: An Umbrella Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16), 10145. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610145
  17. Shankar, R. (2023). Loneliness, Social Isolation, and its Effects on Physical and Mental Health. Missouri Medicine, 120(2), 106–108.
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References

  1. Angheluta AM, Lee BK. Art therapy for chronic pain: applications and future directions. Can J Couns Psychother [Internet]. 2011;45(2):112–131.
  2.  Shella TA. Art therapy improves mood, and reduces pain and anxiety when offered at bedside during acute hospital treatment. Arts Psychother. 2018;57: 59–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2017.10.003.
  3.  Shim M, Johnson RB, Gasson S, Goodill S, Jermyn R, Bradt J. A model of dance/movement therapy for resilience-building in people living with chronic pain. Eur J Integr Med. 2017;9:27–40. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.01.011.
  4. Larsen D, Stege R, Kind R, Egeli N. The hope collage activity: an arts-based group intervention for people with chronic pain. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling. 2018;461-16. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03069885.2018.1453046
  5. Walker, M. S., Stamper, A. M., Nathan, D. E., & Riedy, G. (2018). Art therapy and underlying fMRI brain patterns in military TBI: A case series. International Journal of Art Therapy, 23(4), 180–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2018.1473453
  6. Kapitan, L. (2014). Introduction to the Neurobiology of Art Therapy: Evidence Based, Complex, and Influential. Art Therapy, 31(2), 50–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2014.911027
  7. O’Neill, A., & Moss, H. (2015). A Community Art Therapy Group for Adults With Chronic Pain. Art Therapy, 32(4), 158–167. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2015.1091642
  8. Hass-Cohen, N., Bokoch, R., Goodman, K., & McAnuff, J. (2022). Art Therapy Drawing Protocols for Chronic Pain: Qualitative Findings From a Mixed-Method Pilot Study. Art Therapy, 39(4), 182–193. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2022.2085491

Embrace the Rainbow For More Phytonutrients!

Summer presents a prime opportunity for embracing healthier eating habits, especially beneficial for those managing chronic pain. This season offers an abundance of vibrant fruits and vegetables rich in phytonutrients—natural compounds known for their antioxidant properties, which support overall health and help reduce inflammation. Let’s embark on a delicious journey towards better health and function!

“Eating the rainbow” entails consuming a diverse array of colorful produce, each color group offering unique health benefits:

  • Red Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in lycopene, a carotenoid known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects (Smith et al., 2019).
    • Examples: Strawberries, tomatoes, cherries, red bell peppers.
  • Orange and Yellow Fruits and Vegetables: A source of beta-cryptoxanthin, a precursor to Vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant that also supports cell-cell communication (Burri BJ., Adams & White, 2020).
    • Examples: Carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, mangoes.
  • Green Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in sulforaphane, isothiocyanates, and indoles, compounds that aid in reducing inflammation (Brown & Green, 2017).
    • Examples: Spinach, kale, broccoli, avocados.
  • Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables: Contains protective flavonoids called anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation and promote healthy cellular metabolism (Jones et al., 2016).
    • Examples: Blueberries, blackberries, grapes, plums.
  • White and Brown Fruits and Vegetables: Contain allicin, an organosulfur compound known for its protective anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage pain (Miller & Smith, 2018).
    • Examples: Onions, garlic, mushrooms.

Fun and Flavorful Self-Management

Eating an abundance of colorful fruits and vegetables supports sustainable pain management and enhances the microbiome to improve gut-brain health and function. The compounds contained in these foods are known for their protective anti-inflammatory properties and support innate antioxidant defenses, which are crucial for health and sustained function (Smith et al., 2019; Adams & White, 2020; Brown & Green, 2017; Jones et al., 2016). Research demonstrates a strong connection between gut health and brain function, suggesting that a diet rich in these phytonutrients improves cognitive function and mood regulation (Miller & Smith, 2018). These foods promote physical well-being and a healthy gut-brain axis, enhancing overall health and vitality.

The abundant availability of these foods during summer invites experimentation to improve nutrient intake that can help manage chronic pain while enjoying delicious meals. Incorporate them into various recipes and meal combinations to maximize health benefits and flavor.

Try Chef Denise’s Watermelon Ceviche

References
  1. Adams, L., & White, J. (2020). Beta-cryptoxanthin and inflammation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(3), 517S-523S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/78.3.517S
  2. Burri BJ, La Frano MR, Zhu C. Absorption, metabolism, and functions of β-cryptoxanthin. Nutr Rev. 2016 Feb;74(2):69-82. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuv064. Epub 2016 Jan 7. PMID: 26747887; PMCID: PMC4892306.
  3. Brown, A., & Green, B. (2017). Sulforaphane and chronic inflammation. Cancer Prevention Research, 3(2), 170–178. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-17-0105
  4. Jones, R., et al. (2016). Anthocyanins and chronic pain. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 326, 120-128. doi:10.1155/2016/326
  5. Miller, C., & Smith, D. (2018). Allicin and inflammation. Journal of Functional Foods, 12(3), 45–52. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2018.02.003
  6. Smith, E., et al. (2019). Lycopene and inflammation. Journal of Nutrition, 135(6), 143–148. doi:10.1093/jn/135.6.143