Humming and Music Can Impact You in Ways You Would Never Have Thought

Most of us hum or listen to music simply because it feels good. But science shows that these pleasant habits can do more than lift your mood  - they can actually boost levels of nitric oxide (NO) in your system. NO is a natural molecule your body produces that supports heart health, immunity, and relaxation.

First, let me Explain Why Nitric Oxide Is So Important

Nitric oxide is one of the body’s most important signaling molecules. It helps blood vessels relax, it improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and even assists the immune system in fighting off germs. It’s also produced naturally in the lining of your sinuses and blood vessels — and that’s where humming and music comes in.

Let’s Start with how Humming Supercharges Nasal NO

Researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute discovered that humming increases nitric oxide levels in the nasal passages up to 15 times higher than normal breathing. You read that right – 15 times!

When you hum, the sound vibrations and oscillating airflow open tiny sinus pathways, allowing nitric oxide stored in the sinuses to flow into the nasal cavity. This simple act not only increases NO levels but may also help clear the sinuses, enhance airflow, and support your local immune defense.

It turns out that yoga traditions have practiced this for centuries through what’s called Bhramari Pranayama, or “humming bee breath,” which combines gentle nasal breathing and humming to calm the nervous system and open the airways. Modern science now confirms what they figured out centuries ago that this ancient technique naturally boosts NO.

Let’s Now Look at Music and Nitric Oxide and the Heartfelt Connection

Listening to music is another way to increase nitric oxide levels, but it does it though by a different route from humming. What the researchers have found is listening to enjoyable or calming music (New Age Music Anyone?) lowers stress hormones, balances the nervous system, and helps the inner lining of your blood vessels, which is called the endothelium, release more nitric oxide.

Clinical studies in cardiac rehab and stress management programs have found that music therapy improves vascular function and can even help lower blood pressure. Scientists believe nitric oxide plays a major role in those benefits by helping blood vessels dilate and improving circulation.

Here are 2 simple ways to try it out for yourself

You can easily incorporate either or both of these nitric oxide boosting practices into your day:

• Humming practice: Inhale gently through your nose, then hum softly as you exhale for 8–12 seconds. Repeat for 5–10 minutes. Try this several times a day, especially when feeling congested or stressed. You can even do this when you are driving your car!

• Relaxing music: Spend 15–30 minutes listening to calming or uplifting music. Classical, instrumental, new age, or your personal favorites all work if they help you relax and breathe deeply.

So…is it worth taking a few minutes a day to include humming and/or relaxing music into your life. And… if anybody asks, just tell them you’re practicing science-backed self-care techniques to boost your nitric oxide levels, open your sinuses, ease stress, and support better heart and immune health naturally! So…“hummm,” let me think about this?”

Experiencing the Power of Blessings and Prayer

 I recently spoke at the Fellowship of the Inner Light's Sunday Service on Experiencing the Power of Blessings and Prayer and I thought my subscribers would like to see it. This is the link to the video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLpctpCNBDY

If you like what you're seeing, you have my persmission to forward it your your email list or whomever you'd like.

Enjoy,

Jerry V. Teplitz

P.S. There will not be a Blurb next week.

Scams Hurt More Than Your Wallet: The Hidden Health Costs

Since my blurb is on Healthy Alternatives, why would I be writing about scams? That’s because they can harm people in ways that we don’t see!

First of all, you may know someone who’s been scammed—or maybe it’s happened to you (hopefully not). The financial cost can be steep. But what’s often less visible are the emotional, psychological, and physical tolls that follow. New research is showing that fraud and scams don’t just rob people of money—they can rob them of peace of mind, sleep, and in some cases, long-term health.

Plus, there’s a new scam happening. Scammers are now hooking into your hobbies and interests, and after gaining your trust, they ask for money. That’s when the scam begins. This kind of scam can really hurt people’s ability to trust others!

So, What Happens When You’ve Fallen for a Scam?

(By the way, I almost fell for a scam about having my business’s electricity turned off in an hour for nonpayment of a bill. Since I have a bookkeeper, I didn’t know if this was true or not, and I couldn’t contact the bookkeeper. Fortunately for me, my wife called it a scam. When I contacted the power company, they said they were hearing from a number of customers in the same area who had received these calls.)

What Happens to Your Mind After You’ve Been Scammed?

Scam victims commonly report:

Anxiety, depression, PTSD: In studies of internet scams, people report prolonged anxiety and depression. In some Australian investment scams, even after a year or two, PTSD symptoms persisted. One case study found victims “taking antidepressants or other psychotropic medications” even 1–2 years after the fraud.

o “I felt as though my mind was disintegrating.” - Victim of a bank impersonation scam

o “There is a particular feeling of self-doubt and creeping dread…you run through all the conversations you’ve had …and doubt your memory at every turn.” - Fraud victim describing the aftermath

Shame, guilt, embarrassment: Many feel they “should have known better,” which leads to self-blame. This can deepen isolation and prevent people from reporting or seeking help.

o “She was angry. She’s like, ‘I’ve been so stupid. I should never have done this. I can’t believe I’ve been scammed." -  Support worker recalling a client’s reaction to a romance scam.

Sleep problems and obsessive thinking: Night-time rumination, insomnia, and panic attacks are frequently reported. One UK fraud victim even said they had to double their antidepressant dosage due to the psychological distress.

The Physical Toll

Mental/emotional distress doesn’t stay confined to the mind—it shows up in the body:

A study from RUSH University found that older men who had been financially exploited experienced elevated blood pressure that persisted for years—potentially increasing the risk for stroke or heart disease.

Victims often report physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, appetite changes, and even panic attacks.

Research from Spain found that scam victims reported a lower overall quality of life and poorer general health compared to non-victims.

o “I’ve had my identity stolen … It left me feeling anxious and violated … even when there was no financial loss.” - Victim of identity theft

Who Suffers Most: Risk Factors & Vulnerabilities

Not everyone experiences the same level of injury, and certain factors make some people more vulnerable to deeper impacts:

Older adults: Particularly susceptible to both emotional and physical effects. Studies show that older scam victims report higher blood pressure, social withdrawal, and increased medication use.

People with mental health challenges: Existing depression or anxiety often worsens post-fraud.

Lower-income individuals: Those with fewer resources or support systems often experience deeper financial and emotional impacts.

Prolonged scams or identity theft: The longer a scam goes undetected—or if identity misuse drags on—the worse the emotional fallout tends to be.

o “To think you’re going to get a relationship and you are not is hugely devastating for our client group.” - Support worker discussing romance scam victims.

Why This Matters (Beyond the Obvious)

Scams aren’t just crimes against a bank account—they're assaults on mental and physical well-being:

Public health burden: Increased anxiety, depression, medication use, and even cardiovascular risks suggest a wider societal cost.

Long-term economic impact: Beyond the initial loss, there are costs in productivity, healthcare, therapy, and ongoing stress-related conditions.

Breakdown of trust: Many victims withdraw socially, lose trust in institutions, and avoid online or financial tools—leading to further isolation.

What Helps: Recovery and Support

Research and victim interviews point to several helpful interventions:

Timely emotional support: Mental health care, especially soon after the incident, helps victims recover faster.

Community & peer support: Just knowing you're not alone can reduce shame and isolation.

Quicker compensation & clear communication: Victims who are promptly supported and treated respectfully by institutions experience better health outcomes.

Public awareness: Normalizing the fact that scams can happen to anyone helps reduce stigma and increases reporting.

Conclusion

Being scammed is rarely just a matter of money. The emotional wounds, sleepless nights, and ongoing stress can linger long after the scam has succeeded and the money is gone. As we better understand these hidden costs, it’s time to treat scams not just as financial crimes, but as public health threats. Whether through better prevention, faster compensation, or mental health support, recognizing the full impact of scams can help victims heal, and protect more people from suffering in silence.

This is a crisis in healthcare, and it will only get worse as AI can be used to facilitate the manipulation of people’s emotions.

9-27-25 The Healing Power of Music: Helping People with Brain Damage

Are you ready for a symphony of healing because music is not just a form of art; it’s a powerful therapeutic tool, especially for those recovering from brain damage. Whether caused by a stroke, traumatic injury, or neurodegenerative diseases, brain injuries often lead to cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. Research has shown that music can play a significant role in rehabilitation, helping both children and adults recover lost abilities and improve their quality of life.

How Music Supports Brain Recovery

1. Activation of Multiple Brain Areas

Music stimulates various brain regions responsible for memory, motor control, emotions, and cognition. This widespread activation supports neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to reorganize itself - helping patients regain lost functions.

2. Improvement of Motor Skills

For individuals with brain injuries affecting motor function, rhythm-based music therapy, such as drumming or rhythmic exercises, can improve coordination and movement.

3. Cognitive and Emotional Healing

Music therapy has been shown to enhance memory, attention, and speech. It also promotes emotional well-being by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.

Research Backing Music Therapy

Here are some studies that show the effectiveness of music in rehabilitation:

1. Music Rewires the Brain After Traumatic Brain Injury (2022)

Researchers used brain scans to track changes in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries after 3 months of music therapy. They found that music helped rebuild brain connections - especially in areas linked to decision-making, attention, and movement. Patients also showed better performance in thinking and problem-solving tasks.

2. Music Boosts Prefrontal Brain Function (2020–2021)

In this study, 40 patients with brain injuries received regular music therapy twice a week. After 3 months, brain scans showed growth in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls planning, decision-making, and self-control. These patients also scored better on tests of executive function, like task switching and attention.

3. Even Long After Stroke, Music Can Still Help (2024)

A very recent study tested an “enriched music-supported therapy” program for people who had strokes years earlier. Participants still experienced improvements in movement, thinking, and emotional health, showing that it’s never too late to benefit from music-based rehab.

4. The MsSICCA Technique: A Revolutionary Approach

Developed by researchers in the early 2000s, the MsSICCA (Music-supported Sensory Integration Cognitive and Communicative Activities) technique integrates music with sensory and cognitive exercises to stimulate brain activity and recovery. Developed to aid brain injury rehabilitation, it focuses on:

• Multisensory Stimulation: Combining auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli through activities like playing instruments or listening to specific types of music.

• Cognitive and Communicative Exercises: Using music to support speech recovery and memory tasks.

• Rhythmic Coordination: Helping patients regain motor skills through rhythmic activities.

• Emotional Regulation: Leveraging music’s emotional power to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

These studies affirm that music therapy including the MsSICCA technique can significantly enhance recovery even long after the injury occurred.

This means that there’s hope for those with brain damage. Music supports cognitive, emotional, and physical recovery by engaging the brain in unique ways. As research continues to grow, music proves to be a powerful ally in neurorehabilitation, helping individuals reclaim lost abilities and improve their overall well-being.

So…a one...a two…a three…a four, and away we go!!!

Mitochondria - The Key to Boosting Cellular Energy

Mitochondria are located in each of our cells and are often called the powerhouses of our cells, and for good reason! They are tiny, but mighty, and are responsible for generating the majority of the energy your cells need to function. 

However, like any system in the body, mitochondria can experience wear and tear, especially under stress. And when they start to malfunction, energy production takes a hit, potentially leading to fatigue, aging, and various health issues.

But here’s the good news: research is showing that we can actually help “turn our mitochondria back on,” boosting their function and even creating new, healthier mitochondria. 

So, if you're feeling sluggish or are simply looking to improve your overall vitality here are a number of ways to increase mitochondrial performance and support your cellular health.

1. Exercise: Your Mitochondria’s Best Friend

Let’s start with exercise because it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use. Whether you're running, swimming, cycling, or engaging in a daily walk, aerobic exercise is a game-changer for your mitochondria.

What exercise does is it triggers the production of 2 proteins called PGC-1α and AMPK which are involved in the creation of new mitochondria. Not only does exercise make your existing mitochondria more efficient, but it also helps you produce new ones, keeping your energy levels up and your metabolism humming.

Research suggests that doing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can help increase mitochondrial density and efficiency, even if you're short on time.

2. Nutritional Boosts: Fueling Your Mitochondria from Within

What you eat plays a crucial role in mitochondrial health. Here are some nutritional strategies to help your mitochondria function at their best:

• Ketogenic Diet: By drastically reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats, the ketogenic diet shifts your metabolism to burn ketones for energy instead of glucose. This can boost mitochondrial efficiency, particularly in conditions like neurodegenerative diseases.

• NAD+ Precursors: Let me explain what this means. NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is essential for mitochondrial energy production. As we age, NAD+ levels decrease, leading to sluggish mitochondria. Supplements like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) can help replenish NAD+ and restore mitochondrial function.

• CoQ10: This antioxidant is integral to the electron transport chain in mitochondria, aiding in the production of ATP, which is your cells' energy currency. If you're feeling fatigued or have a history of mitochondrial dysfunction, supplementing with Coenzyme Q10 might be worth experimenting with.

• Polyphenols: Resveratrol, which is found in red wine and grapes, is one of the most well-known polyphenols that can promote mitochondrial health. It activates a pathway called SIRT1 that plays a key role in mitochondrial function.

3. Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting: Resetting Your Mitochondria

Both caloric restriction and intermittent fasting (IF) have been shown to activate pathways that encourage mitochondrial rejuvenation. These approaches trigger cellular stress responses that can help improve mitochondrial function by promoting the removal of damaged mitochondria through a process called autophagy and then the creation of new ones.

What happens when you fast your body enters a state of energy scarcity, signaling your cells to become more efficient and repair themselves. During fasting or caloric restriction, the body activates two proteins called AMPK and SIRT1. These proteins not only boost mitochondrial function but also promote healthy aging.

What if you don’t want to fast. Good news, even a slight reduction in calorie intake can stimulate these beneficial pathways without causing major disruptions to your daily routine.

4. Supplements for Mitochondrial Health

There are also several supplements that can directly target mitochondrial function. While a balanced diet is always the first priority, some of these compounds may offer extra support:

• MitoQ: It’s a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant that helps protect your mitochondria from oxidative damage. This supplement may be particularly useful for aging individuals or those with mitochondrial diseases.

• Pterostilbene (nope, I don’t know how to pronounce it): It’s similar to resveratrol. Pterostilbene is thought to promote mitochondrial health and function by activating key pathways involved in energy production.

• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): Its’s known for its antioxidant properties, ALA helps support mitochondrial health by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing ATP production.

5. Cold Exposure: Stimulating Mitochondria with the Chill Factor

Cold exposure, whether through ice baths or cold showers, may sound intense, but it's actually a powerful way to kick-start mitochondrial health. Exposure to cold activates the production of brown adipose tissue (brown fat) which is around your belly and is also rich in mitochondria and plays a role in energy metabolism.

Cold exposure also stimulates heat shock proteins (HSPs – I didn’t know they existed). HSPs help repair damaged proteins and promote mitochondrial resilience.

6. Heat Exposure: Sauna for Mitochondrial Health

On the flip side, heat therapy—like using a sauna—can also provide mitochondrial benefits. Heat stress activates HSPs, which are involved in protein repair and cellular resilience, including mitochondrial repair.

If you can add sauna sessions into your routine it can help boost mitochondrial function by improving the overall cellular environment, reducing oxidative stress, and encouraging efficient energy production.

7. Manage Stress and Get Quality Sleep

Chronic stress and poor sleep can wreak havoc on your mitochondrial health, so it’s important to prioritize stress management and rest.

• Chronic stress leads to higher levels of oxidative damage in cells, which can reduce mitochondrial efficiency over time. Practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help mitigate the impact of stress on your mitochondria.

• Sleep is when your body repairs itself, including your mitochondria. Lack of sleep can impair mitochondrial function, so getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is essential for optimal cellular health.

So…Energize Your Mitochondria and Surprise…You’ll Energize Your Life

Keep in mind that you don’t have to do all of these things. Just start with one area and then expand into another and see how you feel when your mitochondria start to kick in!

Can Nature Help Heal Pain? Good Question and the Science Says Yes, But…

In our tech-heavy, fast-paced lives, the idea that nature could reduce pain might sound a bit like wishful thinking. But science is beginning to validate what many instinctively feel: time in nature can actually help relieve pain — both physically and emotionally.

Nature and Pain Relief: What the Research Says

A recent Discover Magazine article summarized a study by Austrian researchers showing that viewing natural landscapes (even virtually) led to measurable reductions in pain sensitivity. The study went beyond simple self-reports and tracked physiological responses — offering harder evidence that nature might ease pain at a biological level.

There are other studies looking at Forest Bathing that back this up:

• Forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) is what it sounds like. You go into a forest for a period of time. It’s been shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and ease chronic pain symptoms.

• People with chronic pain conditions report feeling less pain and anxiety after these nature therapy sessions.

• Even using virtual nature (VR or imagery) can reduce discomfort, especially in hospital or clinical settings.

Here’s the But Part…

Not all the data is glowing. Some studies show inconsistent effects — especially on physical measures like blood pressure or long-term pain outcomes. The quality of research varies, and benefits often fade quickly once people return to everyday environments.

Plus, not everyone has access to safe green spaces, and people with allergies, limited mobility, or PTSD may find natural environments triggering rather than healing.

So…How to Get the Benefits of Nature for Pain Relief

It’s simple since nature is a low-risk and a free option to support healing for most people. Here's how to start:

• Take a short walk in a park or green space — even 15 minutes can help.

• Use nature sounds or videos if you’re indoors or mobility limited.

• Engage your senses: smell the air, listen to birds, feel the breeze.

• Try mindfulness or light stretching while outdoors.

Final Thoughts

So…whether it’s better to walk in nature or not (a variation from Shakespear)? Nature won’t replace medication or therapy, but it’s a powerful supplement — one that’s accessible, affordable, and backed by growing evidence. Whether you’re managing chronic pain or just trying to lower daily stress, a little green energy (and not from dollar bills) might go a long way to heal you.

The Growing Concern About Light Pollution. It’s Impacts on Health and What You Can Do About It

Light pollution is simply the excessive or misdirected artificial light that disrupts the natural night environment. It also is a problem that tends to get overlooked. However, with over 80% of the world’s population living under light-polluted skies, I think it’s time to address its impact on health and the environment.

What is Light Pollution, anyway?

Light pollution can actually be from a number of sources. Let me give you some examples.

• Skyglow – This is brightening of the night sky that’s happened over cities. You might be lucky if you can even see a few stars. Most people living in cities have never seen in real life the Milky Way Galaxy.

• Glare:-  This is when you are under intense light that even causes discomfort.

• Light Trespass – An example of this is when the light from streetlights or advertising signs spills into the spaces in your home, such as, a bedroom.

• Clutter: This occurs in cities with lots of bright billboards, illuminated signs, streetlamps, and floodlights all shining at once, the result can be a blinding, disorienting glow. The problem with this is as cities grow, this issue worsens. 

According to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), over 99% of people in developed countries are affected by light pollution.

Health Impacts of Light Pollution – 

Light pollution is not a passive event that you don’t have to be concerned about. It can also have health effects such as:

1. Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Exposure to artificial light at night suppresses melatonin, a hormone that is essential for sleep. A Current Biology (2017) study found that disrupted sleep can lead to long-term health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

2. Increased Chronic Disease Risk: Studies, such as one in Environmental Health Perspectives (2013), have linked artificial light at night to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer, due to this disruption of melatonin production.

3. Mental Health Issues: A study in The Lancet (2020) found that prolonged exposure to light pollution contributes to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. This study really  demonstrates how poor sleep can harm a person’s mental well-being.

4. Wildlife Disruption: Light pollution doesn’t only affect humans. It also disrupts nocturnal animals, including birds and sea turtles by affecting migration and nesting. 

What Can Be Done?

You’re not helpless or hopeless when it comes to making a lighting difference in your environment. Here are a number of things you can start doing.

Better Lighting Design: This would have to be up to companies and governments to require changes, such as installing downward facing which shields lights so that unnecessary light spill is reduced. These groups both may respond to citizen pressure.

Several cities have already made strides in this direction. For example, the city of Los Angeles recently replaced over 100,000 streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights that are shielded and emit warmer tones, helping to reduce both energy consumption and light pollution. Pretty good…2 outcomes for the price of one!

1. Raising Awareness: Public education about light pollution can encourage individuals and cities to adopt practices that minimize light use.

2. Creating Dark Sky Areas: These protected spaces reduce artificial lighting to preserve natural darkness, benefiting both humans and wildlife. The International Dark-Sky Association has designated over 100 dark sky places. These places have become tourist destinations as this lets people see the real night sky!

3. Technology Solutions: Smart lighting systems that adjust to human activity and natural light can reduce nighttime energy consumption and light pollution. As an example, motion-sensing lights in public spaces and residential areas can ensure that lights are only on when needed.

4. Personal Adjustments: On an individual level, using blackout curtains, reducing screen time, taking melatonin (3 to 5 mgs) about an hour before bedtime, and opting for dim lighting at night can help you maintain a healthy sleep cycle.

Conclusion

Light pollution is more than just an eyesore; As you can see (or maybe I should use the word tell?), it can have serious health and environmental impacts. By improving lighting design, raising awareness, and making small lifestyle changes, we can all contribute to minimizing its harmful effects. 

So…you know what you can say…Turn the Damn light off!