“Meditate in 2011” —Dr. Oz

Celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz encouraged people to add "practice meditation" to their New Year's resolution list at a recent benefit gala for The David Lynch Foundation.

Dr. Oz, a guest speaker at the "Change Begins Within" benefit gala, gave a presentation on the benefits of meditation. Oz spoke about the impact of stress on the heart, and how transcendental meditation can reduce risk factors associated with heart disease.

Dr. Oz cited a study published in the Journal of Human Stress, which found that transcendental meditation can lower one's cholesterol level. According to Dr. Oz, other risk factors such as insulin levels and hypertension can also be reduced through this form of meditation. 

The David Lynch Foundation was established in 2005 by its namesake, David Lynch, the popular surrealist filmmaker of cult classics such as Mulholland Drive, The Elephant Man, Eraserhead, and Blue Velvet. According to the foundation's website, it was established to "fund the implementation of scientifically proven stress-reducing modalities including Transcendental Meditation, for at-risk population."

Lynch has recently appeared in the news with actor Russell Brand to promote Operation Warrior Wellness, which raises awareness about the benefits of transcendental meditation for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Click here for more on Dr. Oz's address from the Huffington Post, or watch highlights from the gala on the David Lynch Foundation website