MIND + BODY

BELLA MIND & BODY

THE ULTIMATE HEALTHY HOME ∙ THE HEALING POWER OF COLLECTIVE HOPE HARMONIZING HOME RITUALS ∙ RISE OF GREEN THUMBS ∙ DR. B. AVIVA PREMINGER

The Ultimate Healthy H ome

By Jennifer Walsh

Over the past few months, we have each experienced life in our home in a completely new way. Our safe spot has become not only a place to reside, it’s also become our office, school, gym, and restaurant.

Simple additions to a home, specifically incorporating natural elements into our living spaces, can make a positive impact on the entire family. More and more indoor spaces are utilizing this approach— referred to as biophilic design.

We can all breathe a little deeper knowing it’s possible to infuse health and wellness throughout our homes. These products can help…

Bearaby is a naturally cool, biodegradable weighted blanket made of plant-based ingredients, and is ideal for hot sleepers. When an evenly dispersed weight is placed on the body, natural hormones are released that calm you down, help you feel relaxed, and let you drift into dreamland more easily. They come in different weights beginning at 15 lbs. Prices start at $249, Bearaby.com

The scent of candles has the ability to transport you to another place, and the soft flickering of candlelight creates a relaxing atmosphere that can add a sense of warmth to your home. Lighting a few well-placed candles can add effect and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. DEHV candles are rooted in sustainability, hand-poured in concrete vessels, with showcase thoughtful touches like 100% non-GMO soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks that keep your home free of chemicals. The packaging is plastic-free and biodegradable, so it’s good for the environment, too. Prices start at $34, DEHVCandleCo.com

There is one thing we often take for granted—the quality of the air within our homes. What we have come to find out over the past few years is that our indoor air is often worse for us than the air outside.

Thankfully, Intellipure, an air purification system, can help keep our indoor air as clean as possible while removing bacteria and pollution particles that can cause us to get sick. We can now literally take a deep breath of fresh, clean air the minute we walk in the door. Prices start at $500, Intellipure.com

Over the past few years, and even more so the past few months, we have heard experts extolling the praises of plants. They don’t need to overtake a space or be in every room; even just one or two plants in a home can help boost morale, supercharge the immune system, and even clean the air. The team behind Plantogram wanted to make sure they gave people options for adorning their homes with beautiful, unique plants— over 200 different types—no matter what size space their space. Prices start at$40, Plantogram.com

Did you know that even the carpet in your home can add warmth and dimension to a space, as well as boost its comfort level? The simple addition of a great carpet can warm a room instantly no matter the size of the space. Even better are ones that utilize eco-friendly fabrics, and feature colors found in nature, such as West Elm’s Flame Rug. Prices start at $600, WestElm.com

Saatva creates the ultimate in coziness and comfort for your bedroom by offering organic 300-count Fair Trade sheets and bedding. Long organic cotton fibers are woven to create soft, sumptuous, durable sheets that are free of toxic chemicals or irritating dyes. You’ll love sleeping soundly knowing these are soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic, with a 300-thread count that is optimal for cool sleep.

Twin sheet set: $125, Saatva.com

THE HEALING POWER OF COLLECTIVE HOPE DIFFUSING COLLECTIVE TRAUMA THROUGH HOPE AND UNITY

The coronavirus pandemic and now the massive civil rights protests spurned by the unjust death of George Floyd, have left most of us feeling off-kilter, angry and frightened. We are living in what feels like the “The Twilight Zone,” a horror movie that is constantly running in the background of our minds. Humankind is not a stranger to traumatic events like natural disasters, but traumas that are systemic and pervasive have the potential to cause a deeper level of hopelessness and alienation both individually and as a collective whole.

Many studies have shown that resilience in the face of adversity has aided survivors of traumatic events to grow and heal. Resilience is understood as the innate human capacity to rebound from traumatic experiences. Dispersing the experience of the tragedy as a collective experience adds an extra layer of healing. “We’re all in this together” allows us to feel supported, connected, and diffuses the intensity.

Patrisse Cullors, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter (BLM), highlights this concept when she collaboratively wrote the mission statement of BLM: “[To] provide hope and inspiration for collective action to build collective power to achieve collective transformation.”

This essay is not meant to ignore the strife we are enduring but to shine a light on lessons that can be learned and the power to collectively drive change.

Hope is defined as the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. Valarie Braithwaite, a theorist on collective hope, contends that collective hope is a “shared desire for a better society articulated through a broad set of agreed-upon goals and principles and elaborated throughs social inclusive dialogue.”

Seeing hope as a collective and boundless well can increase our courage to act and create social change despite the darkness and uncertainty. It can lift us up instead of dragging us down. Unfortunately, some are taking this opportunity to instead divide, focusing on the powerful above the weak, on who has a right to survive and who does not. Paradoxically, we have also seen the beauty of displays of love, epic acts of citizenship, and heroism. There is abundance of gratitude for “essential” and health care workers. Charity, donations, and volunteerism are at all-time highs. We have seen positive changes in our environment through a reduction of harmful emissions, and our wildlife have seen renewal.

We now have time to learn something new, connect with friends, enhance family time, remove clutter, and more importantly, stand up for change—all signs of our resilience individually and as a collective group.

Michelle Obama said, “You may not always have a comfortable life. And you will not always be able to solve all the world’s problems all at once. But don’t ever underestimate the impact you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.”

Disaster preparation, sweeping changes in our food supply, healthcare, and power differentials have all been lacking. It has become apparent that we need to recognize our role in this troubling environment and work together through advocacy and change.

What can you do to contribute and tap into this collective hope? Get on social media and start a conversation, advocate, learn and grow. Meditate and pray within a community. Join groups that share like-minded ideas that help you feel connected. Rest and take care of yourself and also others. Make eye contact despite your mask. Volunteer and donate within your means. Contact your government to advocate for change. Sign petitions. Protest, and vote! Spend quality time with your family, friends within the confines of what feels safe and is permitted.

Ultimately it’s important to reflect on the things that bind us together instead of focusing on what drives us apart. We are all grieving a world that we once knew, and/or praying for a new peaceful and just world. We can choose to tap into collective hope and participate in the profound opportunity to unite for a better world through agency and service and work toward healing the trauma.

Spring and summer have always been synonymous with gardening, but something very different happened this year. When the lockdown began to take The Rise of GREEN THUMBS “We decided to give the garden a nautical theme given our coordinates,” Leslie explains. While the family’s stay in suburbia was temporary, it was also inspiring. “We may hold across the country in mid-March, many By Jennifer Walsh put together a window herb garden when we people were a bit fearful about how they were return to the city. Fresh basil and rosemary are going to get their food, and concerns around a food shortage began to grow. perfect garnishes for a delicious Italian meal!” Thankfully, the food shortage never took place, but some people dove right into No matter the size or location of your space, it may be time to get your hands their indoor and outdoor gardens to see what they could grow for themselves. dirty—and make new memories along the way. Consider some of our Sales at W. Atlee Burpee & Co, a Pennsylvania-based seed company blossomed. “Our daughter, Ruby, was studying plants in school, favorite tools and then see how your own garden grows… According to reports, they sold more seed in March of 2020 than any other time For those who have some space outdoors or a good size sill to during their 144-year history. grow your own, Garrett Wade offers the ultimate Grab and Go Set. It houses all of the key gardening tools one will need Indeed, people from all over the country began sharing their brand new sprouts in an easy-to-store tote that is super durable. and newfound love for gardening across social media. This wave of planting $85.95, GarrettWade.com was reminiscent of what were once called Victory Gardens planted across the CrateJoy’s My Garden Box is an inspiring subscription box country after WWII. for family-friendly planting projects. Each month they create a unique plant-themed box that contains everything you need Gardening is a great way to reconnect to where your food truly comes from and to build relaxing, rewarding, and enriching garden projects, how long it takes for a vegetable or food item to grow. Leslie Woodruff, an events including a variety of live indoor and outdoor plants. With and media executive from New York City, truly transformed the visually illustrated instructions, simple garden care tips, and experience into a lesson. properly portioned ingredients, assembly is fun and easy! Prices begin at $35.50/month, CrateJoy.com and the teacher mailed the entire class seeds for the For those who have limited space indoors but still want to try to kids to a start a garden,” Leslie explains. When the grow their own, vertical gardens have become a very popular family received an offer to quarantine at a friend’s alternative. The self-watering, self-fertilizing hydroponic home in Southampton, Leslie says it felt like they had Farmstand from Lettuce Grow makes it possible to grow won the lottery! “After looking around the property 200+ varieties of veggies, fruits, and herbs. on arrival, we found a stack of plastic pots in the shed Prices begin at $42/month for 24+ plants, LettuceGrow.com and got to work creating a container garden.” Microgreens and micro herbs are the seedling versions of leafy greens, vegetables, and herbs that are a few days older than The ability for a child or teen to watch seedlings grow day to sprouts. Hamama offers nine different types of microgreens, day or week to week—even from a small windowsill or backyard such as broccoli microgreens and energizing kale that you area—is a gift they will always cherish. It’s also an opportunity for memories to can grow yourself. Opt for the Starter Kit, which includes a bloom. Leslie says she and Ruby went shell-hunting at a nearby pond preserve reusable grow tray, easy growing instructions, and 3 Seed Quilts. and spent a fun afternoon decorating and decoupaging the potted containers. $49, Hamama.com

The Crystal Cove Square Meditation Pillow from Brentwood Home

t has been a stressful time in our country, so it’s no wonder many of us are eager to create calming rituals for ourselves at home. But with all that we’ve been juggling in our daily lives, and the landscape of how we are moving forward continuing to change week to week, it can get I HARMONIZING HOME RITUALS collection of scrubs that will engage your senses and make you feel a million miles away from your very own bathroom. $4.95 - $25, LushUSA.com There’s something very special about putting on a comfy, cozy robe that eases you right into a a bit hectic. heavenly headspace of relaxation. Wrap yourself By Jennifer Walsh up in goodness with Farm to Home’s Organic While the world seems to be a bit uncertain, Terry Cloth Robe. Take comfort knowing you it’s nice to carve out simple things to do for yourself to lift your spirits and can look good, feel good, and do good in the world as these are certified to bring a sense of calm. Having a daily ritual that makes you feel good or brings the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the highestyou joy or peace—even if for a few simple moments—can bring you much level environmental criteria along the organic textiles supply “ahhhhhhhhhh.” chain (it requires compliance with social criteria as well). Here are some of our favorite tools to help you create a peaceful, healing ritual of relaxation from home. Setting up a little spot in your house to meditate, pray, or do Beauty Everywhere has a beautiful box called I Am Cove Square Meditation Pillow (pictured above) Love Kit, which includes a gorgeous 30-day journal for from Brentwood Home is not only beautiful, comfortable, sharing your morning musings and evening reflections. It’s and a good size, but it’s good for you too. It’s made with nona great way to take a few minutes every day to sit and just toxic, sustainable materials like a liner crafted from organic cotton and a write freely. The box also includes essential oil, a bracelet, buckwheat hull fill. And, with reinforced handles, its durability is unmatched. and small cards to share with loved ones. The kit is all about $99, BrentwoodHome.com manifesting love, whether you are looking to call in your soul $42, PackageFreeShop.com yoga is a nice way to bring Zen to any space. The Crystal mate, bring more love in your existing relationship, or build up your It’s very easy for us to just fall into bed after a long day of holding your confidence. household together, working, and keeping the kids occupied. $49.95, BeautyEverywhere.com But when we get set to do our evening routine to brush our teeth and prep our skin for the night, don’t forget your body. LUSH has long been a go-to beauty brand for creating the Treat yourself well by spritzing on the beautiful Rahua ultimate bath experience. Their beautiful Bath Bombs are Body Oil. This delicate mist is powerful, fast-absorbing, often multi-colored and offer a multisensory experience. lightweight, and deeply hydrating. Its restorative formula The sound of the fizzing and effervescente scents quickly boasts Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids, antioxidants, flow throughout the bathroom, and watching the bombs carotenoids, and vitamins C and E, which work to repair, heal, explode in a symphony of color is the ultimate satisfaction. and moisturize dry skin. No bathtub? No problem! Lush also features a beautiful $57, Rahua.com

s a result of the pandemic, many businesses were either put on pause or had to find alternative ways to operate during what were—and still are—very trying times. A We’re also spreading out appointments so there are fewer people in the office, and we no longer keep people in the waiting room. Previously, I would sit down with patients in my consultation room but now they go straight to an exam room.

Almost immediately, elective surgeries came to a halt, I used to be all nicely dressed up in the office, but I don’t do that anymore. and doctors were tasked with finding alternative ways to communicate Everyone is in scrubs, I wear a disposable jacket, and my staff and patients with patients. Fortunately, through the use of telemedicine, doctors were must all wear masks. able to stay in touch via virtual visits and still serve patients to the best of their abilities. For some doctors, seeing patients virtually was a new way of working, but you have experience with this type of communication. Do you think this For Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, one of Manhattan’s top plastic surgeons, method will be around to stay? consults, post-op, and follow-up visits were all conducted virtually, I have used telemedicine when seeing patients who are from out of state, unless a patient needed to be seen in person. And while elective surgeries were put on hold, Dr. Preminger was still available for those patients who needed a plastic surgeon. “We never fully shut down,” says Dr. Preminger. “I was still available for emergency care. People were home, cooking things they hadn’t been cooking, fixing things around their home, kids were cooped up, running around, and falling, and I Back to Business or with international patients who are planning to fly in and see me, so I have experience using telemedicine. Being able to connect with patients in this way definitely makes you realize you can do it, but my personal preference is still an in-person consultation. Particularly with what I do, there is something to be said for being able to perform a physical exam in a follow-up to make sure everything feels OK. went in for a lot of those cases.” As a doctor, it was very important to Dr. Preminger to be available for AFTER Which procedures would you say have been most requested since returning to the office? I would say there has been a her patients because not only did they need her, it kept them out of the hospital where they could have potentially been exposed to the COVID-19 tremendous rush on injectables. Patients usually come in every three to six months, and no one was able to come in for a while. People were virus. looking at themselves on Zoom screens and weren’t happy with the way When doctors like Dr. Preminger they looked post-COVID-19. were cleared to resume working By Alexandra Anastasio at full capacity, they were faced Now that elective surgeries have with embracing a “new normal.” resumed and many people haven’t Dramatic changes have been put into place. For patients anxious to get fully gone back to work and are still working remotely, it’s a good time to their beauty regimen back on track, there are going to be significant have something done without having to take a lot of time off. And with changes. injectables, if a person bruises, they can just shut their screen off on Zoom.

BELLA sat down with Dr. Preminger to talk about how she and her staff are moving forward post-pandemic.

What are some of the new rules and precautions patients must be aware of when it comes to treatments post-COVID-19? first, and then when they come in, we screen everyone with a temperature check at the door. Also, before we go ahead with surgery, we do our own coronavirus testing, and the patient must quarantine from then until the time of surgery.

I used to be fine if patients brought a friend with them to a consultation, but now, unless it’s a child or a post-op patient that needs assistance, we really discourage anyone else coming in. You truly love what you do; how was that first “official” day back? I was so happy the first day back. My whole staff was applauding after the first case I did; everyone was thrilled. I missed it so much, although you sort of

We are pre-screening all patients with a list of questions on the phone get used to not going to work, and at one point thought to myself, maybe I won’t miss it, but as soon as I was back in the OR, I was like, this is awesome!

One of the nice things about your office is that you have an operating room on site. Can you share your thoughts on that benefit? While I think hospitals are very safe, there are some patients who are still afraid, so having an OR in my office is nice for those who are nervous being in a hospital right now. The office is a bit more of a controlled environment, and it gives patients a sense of calm that, for many, is still not easy to find. Along with the practical precautions we’re taking, it's also important to make patients comfortable and safe to relieve any anxiety they may feel!