Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley PA & Far West NJ- May 2023

WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Get Moving

Healing,

The desire to offer services within the health environment of a holistic chiropractic office is no coincidence as treating the muscular health and spinal health issues for clients coexist quite well together and we are pleased to be able to say that we have been offering that all under one roof for over 20 years!

Treating

n Sports Injuries & Athletic Performance Optimization

n Low Back & Leg Pain

n Cleanse, Purification, & Weight Loss Products

n Korean Specific Technique (KST)

n Nutrition & Supplements

n Joint Pain & Extremity Adjustments

Dr.

Moving!

Call Today (610) 266 – 6111

Bridging Traditional with Functional

Restoring wellness through a holistic approach of hormone balancing and nutrition throughout all stages of life.

 Female and Male Hormone Imbalance

 Menopause

 Individualized Bio-Identical Hormones

 Insomnia

 Adrenal Dysfunction & Fatigue

 Decreased Libido in both Men & Women

 Thyroid and Endocrine Disorders

Conditions We Treat: Integrated Health Campus 5925 Tilghman St, Suite 90 Allentown, PA 18104 484-294-4199 www.HormoneWellness.net

 Weight Gain, Loss of Muscle Mass & Strength

 Vitamin & Dietary Deficiencies

 Adult & Adolescent Female Acne & Hirsutism Related Hormone Disorders

 Polycystic Ovarian Hormone

 Preconception Fertility Counseling

Albert

J. Peters, D.O.,

Joseph A. Perelli, D.C. Kathy A. Hatcher, LMT

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN HEALTH WITH AN AT-HOME TEST.

Convenient, confidential and accurate health testing for women and men with online results in a matter of days. Catered with you in mind, our wellness tests include fertility & hormone, thyroid, cancer screening, general wellness, sexual health and more.

Order the right test for you.

We have a wide range of tests to cover your health needs. Order with next day delivery and avoid sitting in a doctor’s o ce or clinic.

Collect your sample.

Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided.

Confidence.

Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 5 days.

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© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Even though it’s something that’s all around us and most of us take it for granted, time is one of the most mysterious forces in the universe. Why does it matter so much?

Every single thing in the universe is affected by time. Whether it’s a tulip, a human, or a star, all things gradually age and eventually decay as time progresses. What are you going to do with the time you’ve been given? The answer to this question really matters because you can’t get wasted time back. People often think of money as their most valuable resource, and while it is important because it allows you to buy the nice things you need and want, you can get money back. Time, however, is intangible and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

There are three stages of time: the past, the present, and the future. We can use the past to learn and we can prepare for the future, but the present is the only space we have to work in. Research shows that being more mindful of what’s going on right now and living in the present benefits both mental and physical health.

Speaking of the past and the future, a person’s perspective of these two times has a big impact on their happiness and peace of mind. Many of us spend a lot of time ruminating on the past or worrying about the future. If we can let go of the past and what can’t be changed and look ahead to the unknown with hope instead of fear, we would feel a lot happier and calmer.

Community is very important for a person’s health and well-being. Maintaining relationships takes a commitment and whether it’s a friendship or romantic partnership, time is a key element. Healthy relationships don’t just develop overnight. How much time people invest is often the main difference between a relationship that’s deep and fulfilling and one that’s shallow.

The old phrase says that “time heals everything,” and while that often feels hollow to people in the middle of a painful experience, they often find that it eventually becomes true. Sometimes the only way to get a new, healthier perspective on a situation is to give it time. Within that time, a person is given the opportunity to think about what’s happened and experience other things. Time serves as both a teacher and a healer, and while a person may not go back to who they were before, time has allowed them to grow. Be conscious of time, your time.

There’s an inspirational saying that everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, so no one can complain about not having time for the things they want to do. However, the reality is that while everyone does technically have 24 hours in a day, the amount of free time they have varies dramatically. While someone with a good job that has normal working hours can spend a fair amount of time practicing a skill, someone who needs to work many more hours to earn the same amount can’t. In that sense, even though they both have 24 hours in a day, time is relative for them.

Have a great month everyone!

Dr. D Rodger ND, MBA

“Time = life; therefore, waste your time and waste your life, or master your time and master your life.”

Better than Crack

Gentle Chiropractic for Modern Healing!

Ibetyou've seen those videos too. A person in some kind of crazy neck harness, a door slamming. Doctors look like they have their patients in a full-body slam. The shock value is what keeps us watching, wondering, can those patients still walk? Just like most healing advice on the internet, we need to ask... For real??

Most ideas of chiropractic are associated with a physical adjustment, a “crack,” as you've seen on TikTok, that can be dramatic. But, there is a gentler, better, more EFFECTIVE way to achieve the results you're looking for! How? By addressing your healing where it begins - The Nervous System!

Your nervous system is the central hub for processing all the information from your body and your world. When it gets overwhelmed, stressed, or feels overloaded, it can 'trip a fuse', just like your house's circuit breaker, and dampen the overwhelming signal that's coming in. This can translate for you as pain, stiffness, trouble moving well, getting sick easily, being short-tempered, feeling depressed or anxious, and many other ways!

In traditional chiropractic, this is addressed by adjustments, which help to realign the nervous system. On the outside, we often hear this as a pop or crack!

Is this effective? It can be.

Is it THE BEST way to heal and repair an overwhelmed nervous system? NO!

In a nervous system that is already overwhelmed and overstimulated, a traditional adjustment can often add to the overwhelm and stress! Often those pops and cracks are produced by force, the very thing that can add stress to the system. Guess what happens when we add more stress to an already stressed-out system? You got it! More symptoms!

At Azure Star Chiropractic, we have a BETTER way!

They're called entrainments, and they consist of a series of gentle spinal contacts. Your body and nervous system are smart, and through entrainments, your body learns to adjust itself and provide optimal healing all on its own. Physical adjustments may happen, but your body will decide!

Our approach allows you to gently unwind the stress and tension that is impeding the proper communication between your body and brain. When this happens, there will be a reduction and resolution of symptoms; you will feel better, move better, and have more energy for LIFE!

Are you ready to gently, easily, and effectively reduce pain, better manage stress, move better, and live WELL? We're ready to help you begin living your best life, right now! Say No to crack, say YES to a healthier brain, body, and nervous system, TODAY!

Give us a call at 484-893-0866 to set up your first appointment and take advantage of a special offer just for our Natural Awakenings readers!

Dr. Indy Ishaya

Red Light Therapy

What is Red Light Therapy? It has been around for decades but has only recently gained popularity for the broad range of conditions that can be helped through this non-invasive, painless treatment. Red Light therapy can be used to heal many medical conditions from chronic pain, arthritis, skin conditions, post-surgical scars, acne, age spots, and much more. Red light therapy is also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment and is similar to how plants and trees utilize sunlight to produce photosynthesis. The body absorbs this RED light down to the cellular level to heal the human body utilizing the appropriate, directional frequencies emitted by the laser lights. Our office has had much success utilizing Red Light to treat sports injuries, chronic knee pain, neuropathy, Raynaud’s Syndrome, arthritis pain, increasing post-surgical healing, promoting collagen growth to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face/body, as well as reducing overall body aches/pains. Best of all, the treatment is painless, relaxing, non-invasive, and only takes 30 minutes.

Red Light therapy can be applied to multiple body regions utilizing various sizes of pads that are either wrapped around the treatment site or applied on top/underneath the desired body regions during which time you are in a private room, draped and laying comfortably while resting or napping. Successive treatments are typically scheduled to achieve the optimum results and all treatment plans can be adapted to your desired goals and your busy schedule.

Call Associated Chiropractic at 610-266-6111 to schedule an appointment and experience the benefits of Red Light therapy for yourself! (We are located two blocks from the Lehigh Valley Mall and are open 6 days/week for your convenience.) Associated Chiropractic/Konnections Massage 656 5th Street, Whitehall PA 18052. See ad on page 2.

The Secret of the Heart Chakra

Let’s start off with the basics.

Translated as a wheel, a chakra is a spinning ball of energy that’s part of our energy system. There are seven main chakras emanating in and around our physical bodies. Located along the energetic highway that aligns with our spine, each has a specific location and qualities, like safety, sensuality, selfconfidence, and so on.

The heart chakra is extra special. Connected to energies of love, compassion, generosity, selflessness, and more. It also gifts us with a lesser-known but truly essential quality. One that shows why a broken heart, can throw so many other things in our lives out of whack.

That secret? It’s the key to uniting all the chakras. Like a bridge between our physically-oriented, material chakras of the lower triangle (root, sacral and solar plexus), and the ethereal, spiritually-oriented upper triangle (throat, third eye, and crown). When the heart bridge is imbalanced or blocked, the other chakras typically fall like dominoes. Spreading from heartbreak and depression to fear and insecurity, lack of emotion and creativity, low self-esteem, not speaking our truth, and total disconnection from intuition and spirit.

While it’s not easy to heal the heartbreak of betrayal, grief, or other loss, it is always possible. Therapy is very helpful, yet a more holistic approach may bring faster results, rekindling and reconnecting all our chakras. Combining meditation, art medicine, journaling, and yoga are some of the transformational tools that take us from heartbroken to fully heart-woken, free, and whole to live and love again.

Michelle Lee is an artist and transformational workshop facilitator practicing throughout Northeast PA, the Harrisburg area, and Lehigh Valley. For details visit www.MichelleLeeArts.com or call 570-443-7777. See ad on page 19.

Kathy Hatcher, LMT

The Paw Paw

A Beautiful Native Tropical Fruit Tree That Can Grow In Your Backyard

by Bear Creek Organics

Pickin’ up pawpaws, put ‘em in your pocket. Pickin’ up pawpaws, put ‘em in your pocket. Pickin’ up pawpaws, put ‘em in your pocket. Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.

When I sang that song as a child, I had no idea what a pawpaw was. I had never seen one in the wild. I’d never seen the fruit for sale in the store. It remained a mystery fruit until I got into edible landscaping.

The Paw paw tree is the only tropical tree to have escaped the tropics! One look at its leaves and growth habit and you’d think somebody plucked it straight out of the Amazon Rainforest. Only this tree is native to our area and has adapted to our temperate climate growing wild in the woods of the eastern United States.

Oh the fruit! The Paw Paw fruit is the largest native fruit that can be found in all of North America. The large green skinned fruit grows in clusters with individual fruit weighing over one pound. When you cut the fruit open a beautiful orange to yellow custard pulp is exposed. Most describe the flavor as banana and mango combined, with after tones of pineapple, strawberry, or vanilla.

According to Michael Judd, author and edible landscaper: Nutritionally speaking, pawpaws are vitamin-packed antioxidant powerhouses—the original super fruit! Pawpaw protein contains all essential amino acids in contents higher than that of apples, bananas, or oranges. Full of vital vitamins

Lanndscappes

and minerals, exceeding peaches, grapes and apples. It is exceptionally high in potassium, calcium, vitamin C, niacin, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium. High in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids.

Wow! That’s impressive.

No spray tree! Some fruit trees can be persnickety here in PA, but not the pawpaw. It is native to the woods in our region and so grows well for the backyard orchardist. Once established, the Paw Paw is a ‘no spray tree’. It’s leaves carry a mild toxin so it basically has no pest or other disease issues unlike most backyard fruit trees. It’s also very deer resistant.

Grow your own! So you want to eat some Paw Paws? Your best bet is to grow them yourself. Just know what genetics you are planting. Wild type trees can have very small fruit filled with seeds whereas some commercial cultivars have huge tasty fruit with less seeds.

Are you ready to give it a try? Contact Richie Mitchell from Bear Creek Organics. He has a wide selection of paw paws ready to plant this fall. He carries healthy Paw Paw seedlings with the best genetics for large and tasty fruit quality. To get some Paw Paw trees visit bearcreekorganics.com and fill out the ‘Contact Us” section at the bottom of the page.

Paw paw fruit.

Inside the paw paw fruit.

Light Therapy for Autoimmune Symptoms

Fatigue is often reported as the most disabling symptom for people with autoimmune disorders, significantly impairing their physical, mental and social quality of life. Autoimmune researchers in Denmark, noting previous studies wherein bright light therapy significantly reduced fatigue related to traumatic brain injury and cancer, devised a study involving multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes With Diet

A Type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis is often regarded as a lifelong sentence and typically treated as such, requiring an increasing number of drugs. However, sustained remission of T2D is now well established.

Box 421 Emmaus, PA 18049 • P: 610-421-4443 • F: 610-421-4445

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The study was conducted as a randomized, sham-controlled trial of 26 people with MS that reported a Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score greater than 36. Participants received either bright light therapy or a dim red light sham intervention for 30 minutes each morning for two weeks. The bright light therapy decreased FSS scores over the course of the study. However, this benefit occurred in the sham control group as well, highlighting the need for more research on the effects of light therapy on fatigue.

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New research has found that exposure to natural environments may reduce the risk of hospitalization for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias and Parkinson’s disease. The cohort study included approximately 62 million Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older that lived in the contiguous United States from 2000 to 2016. Researchers looked at ZIP-Code-level greenness, percentages of park cover and blue space (water) cover, as well as hospitalizations. They found that exposure to greenness, park cover and blue space cover reduced hospitalizations for patients with Parkinson’s. Greenness—but not park or blue space cover—was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization due to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

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Monday – Friday • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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P: 610-437-4600 · F: 610-437-1444

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In a recent primary care-based cohort study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, advice on a lower-carbohydrate diet and weight loss protocols was offered routinely to 9,800 patients with T2D between 2013 and 2021. Overall, remission was achieved in 51 percent of the patients that adopted a low-carb lifestyle, with individuals diagnosed with T2D within the previous year more likely to achieve remission (77 percent) than those that had been diagnosed for longer (20 percent for patients with a T2D duration greater than 15 years). Additionally, about 97 percent of the patients experienced improvements in blood glycemic control. Average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure decreased, and there were also significant financial savings on drugs.

A low-carb diet may give hope to those with T2D as a practical, manageable way to achieve remission, as well as substantial health and financial benefits. Even for those with poorly controlled T2D that may not achieve remission, improvements in diabetic control may be within reach.

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Sulfur Shortage Predicted

Fir Trees Die in Record Numbers

According to a study in The Geographical Journal led by University College London, a shift away from fossil fuels and an increase in agricultural demand will cause the demand for sulfuric acid to increase considerably from 246 to 400 million metric tons by 2040. The result is an annual supply shortfall of between 100 and 320 million metric tons, or between 40 and 130 percent of the current supply.

Sulfur is a byproduct of processing crude oil and natural gas. As the world decarbonizes in response to climate change, there will be a diminished supply of both fossil fuels and sulfur. Sulfuric acid is required for the manufacture of phosphorus fertilizers used in global food production and for the extraction of rare metals from ores crucial to the transition to a green economy, such as cobalt and nickel used in batteries.

Unless action is taken to reduce the need for this chemical, the study authors warn, environmentally damaging mining will be required to fill the shortfall.

According to unpublished research by the U.S. Forest Service reported by Columbia Insight, fir trees in Oregon and Washington died in record-breaking numbers in 2022. Labeled “Firmageddon” by researchers, the event involved more than 1.23 million acres across the two states, with Oregon being hardest hit. In some areas, an estimated 50 percent or more of fir trees died.

Surveys of more than 69 million forest acres (over 100,000 square miles) in Oregon, Washington, and small sections of California and Idaho were conducted using a combination of fixedwing aircraft, helicopters, drones and satellite imagery. Although fir die-offs have been recorded as far back as 1952, when surveys began, Firmageddon dwarfs all previous accounts. The causes are believed to be drought compounded by insects and fungal diseases working together to weaken and kill trees. Extreme heat, including a record-breaking heat dome, is also being investigated as a possible factor. The dead fir trees pose a major fire risk, especially during the next two years while the trees hold onto their dried-out needles.

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Massage Therapist Offers Something for Everyone at Bodyworks Wellness Studio

by Sheila Julson

Donna Porcino is a pioneer in massage therapy throughout the Poconos region. During her journey from a stay-athome mom to a sought-after massage therapist, she picked up many wellness modalities along the way. At Bodyworks Wellness Studio, she offers massage, reiki, salt therapy, crystal healing, and unique couples experiences and group packages.

After moving from New Jersey to the Poconos region of Pennsylvania, Donna, then a stay-at-home mom, eventually wanted to return to work as an executive secretary, but had difficulty finding good-paying work. At age 32, she attended Northampton Health Options Institute in Bath, Pennsylvania. She was enthralled not just by how massage helps people relax, but by how it can improve circulation, lessen muscle stiffness, increase joint flexibility, ease headaches, and more.

“

That’s when I realized I loved what I’m doing,” Donna shares. After graduation in 1996, she approached area salons and found that most of them didn’t have any massage services in place. Donna found she loved educating people she encountered that massage therapy is more than pampering. “It absolutely needs to be part of your wellness program.”

At one time, Donna traveled to five different locations to do massages. “I would pack my table, music, sheets, and supplies, go to those places, set up, and do a massage,” she says. Often, her children were in tow and played while she worked.

One day, she received a call from a Sal Melagrano, an elderly gentleman with health issues who had requested a massage in his home. Donna was hesitant but agreed to help him. After the massage, he offered her unused space in his

home where she could have a permanent workspace, in exchange for one massage per month. “Even though he passed away, I always thank him for the doors that opened for me, leading to many other opportunities in the town of Mountainhome.”

Donna’s business quickly grew. In the late 1990s, Pocono Mountain towns were booming with summer tourism, which brought Donna even more clients. She later moved to a larger space in Mountainhome. Many of the resorts in the area that wanted to add spas to their properties hired Donna as a consultant and owner/ operator to help them set up and implement massage services.

“It brought me out of my comfort zone and opened amazing doors,” she says. She operated the Spa at Mount Airy Casino Resort for the past 16 years, which offers massage, manicures, pedicures, hair services, facials, body treatments, reiki, steam showers, and sauna. However, she wanted to branch out with a space that focused on wellness. She opened Bodyworks Wellness Studio in 2021.

Unique Couples and Group Experiences

After practicing massage for nearly 30 years and loving everything about her work, Donna learned other wellness modalities, such as aromatherapy, ear candling, cupping, crystal healing, salt therapy, sound healing, and energy work. “I learned how all these modalities help our bodies and keep us balanced. I knew it was time to share it,” she enthuses.

B odyworks’ popular couples experience goes beyond the standard structure of two people in the same room receiving a massage at the same time. “We do something

out-of-the box,” Donna explains. “While I’m massaging one person on the massage table, the other person is set up in salt cave with crystals, candles, a comfortable blanket and an eye pillow. They are relaxing while the other person is getting a massage, and then they switch. It’s very relaxing and spiritual.”

Couples can also purchase an add-on experience of enjoying the salt cave and singing bowls together for 25 minutes prior to the massages.

The Girlfriend’s Journey Package caters to groups of up to nine people. It includes relaxing yoga practice, a salt cave experience with singing bowls, and a massage in the healing salt cave, which is set up with crystals, candles, and music for an amazing spiritual experience.

One need not be an experienced yogi to participate. “People don’t have to know all the poses. Everybody can flow and move for 25 minutes. After yoga, people are often excited to see what’s next,” Donna says.

Donna is hands-on and involved in every step of a client’s wellness journey at Bodyworks—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’m motivated by knowing that even if I’m helping someone for the short amount of time they’re spending with me, I can uplift them in some way,” she concludes. “It’s almost magical, and I love that I get to make a difference in their lives.”

Bodyworks Wellness Studio is located at 95 Crystal St., East Stroudsburg. For more information, call 570-620-7540 or visit BodyworksWellnessStudios.com. See ad on page 26.

Gardening Therapy

HEALING MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT IN THE YARD

by Sheryl DeVore

Gillihan built raised garden beds and planted herbs and vegetables. “I knew I needed to get more involved in something that would bring me a sense of reward and engagement. All of that creative effort really helped to bring me back to life,” he recalls. “In a garden, you’re exercising, but it’s not a repetitive thing like running, so that can make it more fun and seem like less of a task.”

“Digging, walking, carrying and squatting circulate our blood and release dopamine and endorphins in our brains,” says Karen Hugg, author of Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants. “We feel more energetic and happier. Similarly, puttering in the garden or designing an ornamental bed is really about playing, and playing is integral to mental health.”

By merely observing greenery we can find peace and clarity. “A tree’s subdividing branches or the whorled arrangement of leaves are patterns that can calm the nervous system. If you look at plants during even a five-minute break, either indoors or out, you’re practicing a kind of relaxation therapy,” Hugg affirms.

A little bit of earth under our fingernails is good for us. “When you get your hands dirty, there are beneficial microbes in the soil that improve your health and well-being,” says Charlie Hall, professor of horticultural studies and department chair at Texas A&M University, who has researched the physiological, psychological and social benefits of plants.

Gardening outdoors adds color and texture to yards and neighborhoods and, with the right plants, attracts pollinators, whose numbers are declining. It also can improve human health. The exercise, sunshine and fresh air promote mental and physical health, and so does our contact with soil microbes and the harmonious patterns of nature.

“Being in the sunlight is a great way to get vitamin D, which is linked to mood and well-being. We spend so much time inside, where our perspective and thoughts can close around us. Getting outdoors can improve mindfulness and the sense of being in the moment, especially when we leave our phones inside,” says Pennsylvania-based psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, author of Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope and Peace.

In a study of the health and well-being benefits of allotment gardening published in the Journal of Public Health, researchers measured the mood, self-esteem and general health markers of people given plots for gardening versus those that didn’t garden at all. The scientists found that the gardeners displayed significantly better self-esteem and experienced less depression and fatigue. The top three reasons participants gave for enjoying their time tinkering in the soil were: being outdoors and having contact with nature (70 percent); feeling a sense of achievement (50 percent); and having the opportunity for restoration and stress relief (35 percent).

Cultivating our outdoor space also gives us a healthy perspective, helping us to accept our limitations and better understand our place in nature. “It’s easy to see in the garden how many things are outside of our control, such as rain, temperature and pests. We can do our best, but at some point, we need to let go,” Gillihan notes, adding that learning to let go is a lesson we can apply to other aspects of our lives.

When he faced a long-term illness coupled with depression,

According to Hall, horticultural therapy reduces stress and anxiety, enhances memory and attention span and can improve quality of life for those with physical, mental or cognitive challenges. Citing the example of disabled adults helping to run a garden center and greenhouse at the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas, he notes, “Working together in a garden builds a sense of belonging. Even those who are not physically able to participate in those activities benefit. Just being in the garden can dramatically reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.”

Gardening Tips to Improve Human and Planetary Health

n Choose a modest space outdoors or purchase small containers.

n Keep it simple and start small with just a few plants.

n Read books to learn about plant needs by region.

n Talk to nurseries that sell native species.

n Think of the garden as a refuge, a place to smell flowers and watch plants thrive.

n View gardening as a fun exercise.

n Join a community garden to cultivate flowers and vegetables in a social setting.

n Grow houseplants, herbs and lettuces to bring in the outdoors.

n Volunteer at a nonprofit that propagates vegetables for food pantries.

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

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Bringing the Bounce Back

INTEGRATIVE TREATMENTS FOR PETS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES

by Ruth Roberts, DVM

injuries, manage pain and improve mobility that combines various techniques to provide a comprehensive and personalized plan for each pet.

“It is all about educating pet parents and preserving the best quality of life for my patients,” says Dr. Joyce Gerardi, of Synergy Integrative Veterinary Clinic. “Over time, my special interests have grown to include platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived and allogeneic amniotic stem cell therapies, acupuncture, food therapy, cold laser, herbal medicine, tuina massage, ozone and physical rehabilitation services.”

Here is a look at a few such modalities.

LASER THERAPY uses light energy to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain. The procedure involves the application of laser light to the damaged area using a handheld device. The severity of the ailment and the location being treated determines the length and frequency of treatments. The patient will feel a gentle, warm sensation as the laser technician or veterinarian moves the device over the affected area. Pets usually relax and take pleasure in the calming warmth of laser therapy, which is painless.

PHYSICAL THERAPY is an essential component of IPMR. It involves exercises and stretches that help pets regain strength and flexibility in their muscles and joints. A trained physical therapist can customize a plan that targets specific areas of concern such as the hips, knees or spine. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing pets to move around more easily and enjoy their favorite activities.

ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote healing. Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve circulation, all contributing to improved pet mobility.

All pet owners want to see their animals live long, healthy lives filled with activity, but sometimes our furry friends find it difficult to move comfortably due to aging, injuries and other ailments. While vets often suggest surgery for certain debilitating conditions, less invasive treatments might be just as effective with considerably less risk, particularly for animals that cannot tolerate anesthesia.

For example, a 2013 University of Minnesota study focused on large-breed, overweight dogs with torn knee ligaments. Half of the dogs were treated with medical management consisting of weight loss, pain medication and physical therapy, and the other half received surgery to repair the torn ligament, followed by the same medical management. After a year, 75 percent of the dogs treated with surgery and medical management were considered treatment successes, based on leg function, quality of life and gait analysis. Surprisingly, 63.6 percent of the dogs that did not have surgery and received only medical management were also deemed successful cases.

Before considering surgery or other invasive treatments, integrative pet mobility and rehabilitation (IPMR) might be a good way to help a pet regain its vitality without going under the knife. It is a holistic approach to helping pets recover from

CHIROPRACTIC CARE involves manipulating the spine to correct misalignments and improve overall function. This can help pets with hip dysplasia, arthritis or spinal injuries.

MASSAGE involves gentle pressure and strokes to relax muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation. Massage can also help pets with anxiety or stress, which can contribute to muscle tension and pain.

NUTRITION: A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet can help with healing, inflammation reduction and overall health. A qualified veterinarian can recommend a diet plan tailored to each pet’s needs.

Easing a Pet’s Pain While in Treatment

Reducing a pet’s discomfort with full-spectrum cannabinoids or, if needed, prescription pain medications offers better comfort and recovery time. Another option is to reduce a pet’s stress by balancing its adrenal stress hormones.

Ruth Roberts is a holistic veterinarian and certified pet health coach with more than 30 years’ experience.

SOLVING STRESS

HOLISTIC TIPS FROM LIFESTYLE DOCTORS

by Linda Sechrist

Medicine is changing as a new class of doctors endeavors to treat the whole person rather than the symptoms of disease, helping their patients achieve optimal health with lifestyle changes, medicine, herbs, supplements and modalities tailored to the individual. No longer reaching for a prescription pad as often, these functional and integrative physicians are spending an average of 45 minutes per office visit. Using their sleuthing skills and innovative skillsets, they ask probing questions about a patient’s current lifestyle and history, pinpoint the root cause of a problem and craft customized solutions.

To help someone manage stress, a functional or integrative

doctor may suggest a daily dose of herbal tea, nightly entries in a gratitude journal, a visualization practice, brisk walks, gardening, art therapy, mindful meditation, a nutrient-rich diet that reduces food allergies, yoga poses and regular sessions of qigong or tai chi. Armed with an extensive list of better-for-you choices than addictive, prescription sleeping pills or tranquilizers, individuals are empowered to improve their health and eliminate stress. Studies suggest that 75 to 90 percent of illnesses are stress related. Getting to the root cause before it escalates into cardiovascular disease, depression or diabetes is what curious and compassionate doctors do.

“Because sleep is a great resolution to almost anything, it’s one

of the first things I consider,” says Carrie Jones, a functional and naturopathic doctor in Portland, Oregon. “Stress can be physiological, caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria and toxins, as well as blood sugar imbalances. Not getting enough sleep, or poor sleep, is stressful to the body, which is on alert all the time.”

According to Jones, finding ways to coax the body into feeling safe can help people relieve stress and get a good night’s sleep. “People rarely realize that basic things such as joy, play, laughter and a community of supportive people have anything to do with feeling safe enough to sleep deeply. It’s why I inquire about those things,” she explains.

Tips for Sounder Slumber

n Turn the thermostat down in the bedroom. A cool temperature combats insomnia.

n Snuggle under a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure signals the autonomic nervous system to go into rest mode.

n Install blackout shades. Light decreases melatonin, the sleep hormone.

n Avoid alcohol before bed, as it can disrupt the sleep cycle.

n Stop using electronics, including social media, television and phones, two hours before getting under the covers. The blue light emitted by screens restrains the production of melatonin.

Connecting and spending quality social time with friends helps to alleviate stress. Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, advises, “Every day, stress causes the stress hormone cortisol to go up and oxytocin, the connecting hormone, to go down, lessening the desire to connect. It’s a double whammy for women in perimenopause and menopause, because hormones are declining, and stress overloads the already overtaxed endocrine system.”

Rebecca Hunton, personalized medicine doctor and founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, in Melbourne, Florida, coaches her patients to modify unhelpful habits. “I’m always looking for that one thing that patients can easily change. Sometimes it’s teaching them the difference between stress resilience and stress avoidance. A stress avoidance activity is spending two hours playing a game on your phone that leaves you beating yourself up and feeling like, ‘Why did I waste all that time?’ If, on the other hand, an activity leaves you feeling energized and wanting to tackle the other things on your to-do list, you just did a stress resilience activity,” says Hunton.

Stress Resilience Activities

n Meditation

n Prayer

n Chanting a mantra

n Expressing creativity, such as cooking or painting

Carol Penn is a dual board-certified physician and movement coach in New Jersey. While observing her 87-year-old father practicing qigong, a form of meditation in motion, she had an

COMING IN THE JUNE ISSUE MEN'S HEALTH

epiphany and saw a powerful life lesson occurring before her eyes. “Moving with strength and grace through his practice so close to the end of his life, it occurred to me that he was role-modeling what it would be like for me to be kind to my future self. I teach my patients from this perspective, visualizing their future selves full of health, vitality, wonder and awe,” says the author of Meditation in a Time of Madness.

Qigong has psychological and physical components, regulating the mind, body movement, breath and posture. “It balances and calms the autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems so that you feel less stress upon completion of the practice. Movements are designed to build longevity on a cellular level,” Penn explains.

According to Lorraine Maita, a boardcertified functional and integrative doctor in New Jersey, “The body sends out hormonal fight-or-flight signals when it’s distressed. In the initial stages, there’s a release of adrenaline, followed by cortisol, keeping your body on high alert. To most people, stress is just worry, and they’re thinking they’re handling it, but stress can be like a viral program running in the background all the time. It’s still there whether you’re reacting to it or not, whether you’re stuffing it under the surface or not. It’s why you go to therapy with mental stress, or why you need someone to talk to for processing it.”

Maita is a proponent of alternative modalities that help people modulate the stress response. “I recommend HeartMath to my patients, which is self-regulation technology based on more than 32 years of scientific research on the psychophysiology of stress, resilience and the interactions between the heart and brain,” says the author of Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.

Jaquel Patterson, a naturopathic physician and medical director of Fairfield Family Health, in Connecticut, might determine if her patient is suffering from chronic stress by testing their saliva for cortisol levels in the morning and evening. Noting that her favorite teas for

sleep and relaxation are chamomile and passionflower, she explains that passionflower is for someone that can’t fall asleep because there’s a radio playing in their head. “For dealing with stress, I like adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, holy basil and L-theanine. The stress response requires a lot of B vitamins, along with magnesium and vitamin C,” she says.

Citing Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning, Patterson recommends starting every day with a set of stress-relieving rituals Elrod calls “Life S.A.V.E.R.S.” She explains, “S is for silence, like meditation. A is for affirmations. V is for visualization, so you can visualize how your day is going to be. E is for exercise. R is for reading, and S is for scribing, writing things in a journal.”

Pointing out the differences between stress and anxiety, Patterson notes that anxiety is a continual rumination of thoughts, second-guessing and overthinking. Anxiety can cause stress, but stress can occur without anxiety. People with high anxiety sometimes have heart palpitations. Some stress is good for us. Without any stressors, Patterson cautions, we are unmotivated, lethargic and lacking in enthusiasm.

Technological Solutions to Quiet the Anxious Mind

n Reflect Orb: This handheld biofeedback device can help an individual self-monitor their body’s physiology and learn to control the involuntary body-mind connection.

n Meditation apps: Insight Timer, Calm and similar apps offer guided meditations, relaxing music videos and meditation instruction for newbies and experienced practitioners.

n YouTube videos: Look for musical compositions with energy frequencies and binaural beats that encourage relaxation, promote positivity and decrease anxiety.

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for almost 20 years.

Carol Penn ON FINDING CALM

IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

by Sandra Yeyati

Dr. Carol Penn, double board-certified in family and obesity medicine, is a movement, meditation and mindset coach who teaches people to prioritize self-care to achieve their best and highest selves. She is certified in mind-body medicine, fitness and personal training, yoga and qigong, and draws inspiration and wisdom from a previous career as a dancer and dance educator with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Penn is the author of Meditation in a Time of Madness: A Guidebook for Talented Tweens, Teens, Their Parents and Guardians Who Need to Thrive.

Why did you write your book?

Because I was heartbroken after speaking to an 8-year-old in Parkland, Florida. I asked him, “Are you looking forward to going back to school?” not realizing his older sibling was one of the teenagers murdered in the Stoneman Douglas school shooting. He responded, “I feel like something bad could happen, and no one will be able to help me—not my parents, not my teachers, not even the president.”

An 8-year-old shouldn’t be afraid to go to school, and if that’s what our society is becoming, then children need resiliency skills, a way to self-soothe, and so do their parents. The book is a response to gun violence, but it also applies to the pandemic and other unprecedented events that cause that kind of internal chaos and disorientation that leads to mood disorders, depression, anxiety and suicidality. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, journaling or something else, mind-body skills can get you back to your center so you can function at a higher level from a place of calm and relaxed awareness, versus out of fear and nervousness.

Why do you define meditation as relaxed awareness?

Many people think that you have to sit in a certain posture and have no thoughts to meditate, but that isn’t true. We have 60,000 thoughts a day, and we don’t pay attention to most of them. Meditation allows you to slow your thoughts so they’re not as overwhelming and don’t interfere as much. When thoughts slow down and there’s space between them, your body also begins to slow down. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins are released in the brain, and you feel their downstream effect, which we call relaxation

What is soft belly breathing?

Many times, you get into this rigid kind of breath where you’re holding your belly in and your shoulders are thrown back. People think they look better if they have a flat, tight belly, and that’s how they’re moving in the world, but they’re not getting the full experience of the breath. Soft belly breathing relaxes the torso, particularly

that area just below your navel. This type of breathing allows the diaphragm to push down and massage everything beneath it, improving digestion and elimination processes and allowing the lungs to fill out from their bases where you pick up all the oxygen and nutrients that need to be carried throughout the body. As you inhale, say the word “soft” to remind yourself to soften and let go of any muscle tension. As you exhale, say “belly” to be reminded not to hold that part of the body in a rigid way.

Why do you say that movement is medicine?

Motion is synonymous with life. There’s always something moving, even when we’re asleep. Even gentle movement helps the body release endorphins, which elevate our mood, reduce pain and bring us pleasure. We want to bring that flow and fluidity into our lives so that we can tap into it on purpose. Have you ever noticed the less you move, the harder it is to move? Movement needs to be encouraged throughout the lifespan.

What movements do you recommend?

One starts in a standing position. Notice how the rib cage moves as you soft belly breathe. Soften the knees, drop the chin to the chest and as you inhale, lift the arms and feel yourself float away slightly from the body to create a gentle undulation of the spine. This stimulates the “mu”

receptors that cause our brain to release pain-reducing endorphins.

Another is to shake it off, like when a dog is walking along and all of a sudden their back twitches, they shake and then continue along their merry way. If we’re bothering them, dogs will literally shake it off. They don’t let it anchor in the body, in their muscles and in their nervous system the way that humans do. Some people wake up tired. Their jaw hurts because they were clenching their teeth all night. By shaking off that tension for one to three minutes, you loosen the tight ligaments where we habitually hold tension.

What is “taking your seat on your throne,” and how can it help us?

I came up with that when teaching women how to meditate from a seated position. Women wear so many hats that life can feel weary, so asking them to sit down as if they’re taking a seat upon the throne of their own well-being gives them a way of sitting that’s different than just plopping down and collapsing because they’re exhausted. It shifts the energy and mental picture. You are more than the exhausted mother, executive, wife or caretaker. There’s a regal elegance, calm and quiet strength inside, and we’re going to meet her in our time of meditation.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings

Taking Control of Our Hormones

NUTRITIONAL TIPS TO SUPPORT THE DELICATE BALANCE

by Sheila Julson

Keeping these hormones in proper balance is critical for health, and imbalances can lead to a wide range of effects, including diabetes, thyroid disease, unintended weight fluctuations, skin problems, fatigue, mood swings and infertility. While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

Think of hormones as the body’s messengers, sending signals that affect a host of functions. Produced by the pancreas, thyroid and other endocrine glands and organs, hormones drive our metabolism, impact mood, regulate blood pressure, manage our sleep cycles, influence sexual function and more. Key players are insulin, cortisol, thyroid and growth hormones, adrenaline, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Dr. Ann Lee is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When treating hormonal, thyroid and adrenal imbalances, she says it is important to focus on foods that provide the minerals and vitamins that support those systems. For women of all ages, she recommends blueberries, asparagus, lettuce, celery and papaya. Teens and women in their 20s can also benefit from apples, bananas, mangoes, avocados, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and most lettuce varieties. The nutrients in these vegetables and fruits become even more

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important as women reach 30 and for those dealing with menopause, so Lee recommends more frequent consumption of these fresh, whole foods to support the adrenal and thyroid glands.

According to Lee, it is equally important to avoid foods that interfere with hormonal nutrition. She advises women over 50 to lower their caffeine intake. Dairy products contain naturally occurring hormones that can impede human hormone balance and should be eaten in moderation. “The less external hormonal exposure you have, the easier it is for your own hormones to balance,” Lee explains.

Despite the popularity of intermittent fasting, Lee believes that the trendy eating pattern can deny the body the vitamins and minerals it needs, causing it to produce more adrenalin and cortisol to make up for the loss. “People do intermittent fasting because it might feel good to have more adrenalin, and thus more energy, but it does come at a price—your hormones,” she says.

Most of the foods Lee recommends are low in calories. “In order to curb hunger, you have to eat them regularly, and that goes against intermittent fasting. People that do intermittent fasting often focus on proteins and fats, so they don’t have to eat for a long time, but that can cause adrenal burnout because the body is not getting what it needs,” she explains, noting that avocados and potatoes tend to help people feel full longer.

Jaclyn Downs is a functional nutrigenomics practitioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and author of Enhancing Fertility Through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve ‘Unexplained’ Infertility. She notes that for hormones to be produced by the body, nutritional cofactors or “helper nutrients” are required. “Magnesium, zinc and B vitamins are a few of the spark plugs that move these processes and keep the wheels spinning,” she emphasizes. “Grass-fed beef liver or capsules contain all of these.”

According to Downs, menstrual problems can be an indicator of eventual fertility issues. To support female reproductive hormones, she recommends

KALE AND TEMPEH TACOS

In this yummy, low-carb taco recipe, cabbage leaves substitute for the tortillas and are filled with a mixture of proteinpacked tempeh, veggies and lots of great spices. Compounds in tempeh called isoflavones serve as a natural remedy for menopausal relief.

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

4 oz tempeh, cubed

½ tsp sea salt or more, to taste

½ tsp black pepper or more, to taste

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp paprika

¼ tsp cayenne

¼ cup vegetable broth

2 cups stemmed and chopped fresh kale

4 to 6 large, green cabbage leaves, dipped for 30 seconds into hot water to soften

½ avocado, sliced

1 radish, sliced

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

½ lime, cut into wedges

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and tempeh and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika and cayenne, stir,

then add the broth and kale. Stir again to combine and cook until the broth thickens and reduces by at least one-half. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Spread the cabbage leaves open on a large plate. Spoon the kale mixture into the center of the leaves. Add some of the avocado, radish slices and cilantro, then fold in the sides like a taco.

Serve with lime wedges.

Adapted from MenuPause. Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Anna Cabeca. Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

cabe/Courtesy of Random House

cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. These foods also support liver detoxification pathways due to their high concentrations of vitamins and sulfur. “The liver helps clear used or ‘dirty’ hormones,” she notes.

VANILLA AND FIG SCONES WITH PISTACHIOS

A great dessert or breakfast treat, a scone is a baked good usually made with wheat flour and butter. This recipe calls for almond flour instead to reduce the carbs and increase the nutrition. The pastry has been enjoyed in Scotland since 1513, and its name probably derives from the Dutch word for bread. Figs and pistachios sweeten the scones and give them a bit of crunch.

YIELD: 6 TO 8 SCONES

Downs also recommends pomegranates, which are rich in antioxidants and fight inflammation-producing free radicals. Healthy fats from cold-water, wildcaught fish support pregnant women and growing fetuses. “Folate is often emphasized as a nutrient for pregnant women, but choline is just as important for everybody, regardless of life stage or gender,” Downs notes. Choline is found in egg yolks, sunflower lecithin and shiitake mushrooms. For 50-plus women, Downs prescribes fish or high-quality fish oil, which can benefit brain, liver and hormonal health.

2½ cups almond flour

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp baking soda

⅓ cup coconut oil, melted

¼ cup honey

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup chopped dried figs, plus some for garnish

½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, salt and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, eggs and vanilla. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until thoroughly combined. Fold in the ½ cup of figs and the pistachios.

Place the dough on the baking sheet and shape into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut into squares and then cut the squares diagonally into triangular wedges. Separate the wedges so they are about 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking. Press a few pieces of fig into the top of each wedge.

Bake for 12 to 17 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in a scone comes out clean. Let cool for 30 minutes on the baking sheet, then serve.

Adapted from MenuPause. Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Anna Cabeca. Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Anna Cabeca

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings.

While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

Skin Fitness

DAILY ROUTINES FOR A RADIANT APPEARANCE

by David J. Sautter

for skin health. It also helps reduce the impact of daily stress. Aim for no less than seven hours of shut-eye each night.

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Getting our bodies moving is essential to reduce stress levels and improve skin health by increasing blood flow, nutrient delivery and oxygenation to the skin.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET. “An anti-inflammatory diet full of fruits, veggies and healthy fats like those from seeds and nuts will help to keep skin healthy,” says Jennifer Scheinman, a registered dietitian and nutrition coach. “Foods rich in omega-3 fats like salmon and walnuts are great for skin health since they have natural anti-inflammatory properties, and the fats help to keep skin moisturized.”

PRACTICE STRESS-RELIEVING TECHNIQUES. Engage in activities that help manage stress, such as yoga, meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

Therapies to Enhance the Skin

RED-LIGHT THERAPY

DEVICES use infrared light to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation and promote healing. This reduces wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other signs of aging.

MICROCURRENT FACIAL

TOOLS use low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles, helping to tone, reduce puffiness and promote a youthful appearance.

LASERS DESIGNED FOR HOME USE offer a safe way to treat various skin issues such as wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and pigmentation problems. They can also help even out skin tone by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.

While many of us work out to tone our muscles, we may be neglecting the largest organ in the body: our skin. Every day, it is exposed to a variety of irritants, including ultraviolet rays, air pollution, extreme weather and highly processed foods. Stress can also cause skin irritations and conditions. To serve its important functions and look healthy, our skin needs a fitness regimen. With a few daily routines, lifestyle modifications and coping strategies, a radiant appearance is within reach.

Skin Conditions

Exacerbated by Stress

ACNE: When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the production of pore-clogging oils, which can lead to the

formation of acne. Stress also triggers inflammation, which can worsen existing acne.

PREMATURE AGING: Stress can accelerate the aging process by reducing the skin’s elasticity and causing wrinkles and fine lines. It triggers the production of free radicals, precipitating damage to collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm and supple. When they are damaged, the skin becomes saggy.

CHRONIC

CONDITIONS:

Stress can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, which are characterized by inflammation, dryness and itching.

Lifestyle Tips to Improve Skin Health

GET ENOUGH SLEEP. A good night’s sleep is essential

APPLY SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR THE PERSON’S SKIN TYPE.

According to Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Clean Skin From Within and Natural Beauty Reset, “The most important care tip is to find skin care with mild acidity [4.5 to 5.4 pH] and natural actives [plant-based extracts] that support the skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome means less chance for breakouts, blemishes and premature aging.”

According to Dr. Anne Marie Fine, author of Cracking the Beauty Code, “Air pollution has been demonstrated to prematurely age the skin and cause age spots. This is why you want to make sure to consume antioxidants and use antioxidant-containing, clean skin-care products.”

GUA SHA is an ancient Chinese technique that involves gently scraping the surface of the skin with a special tool to increase blood flow, promote healing and reduce puffiness and inflammation.

OXYGEN TREATMENTS infused into pores using a special device can help nourish skin cells, decrease inflammation, reduce wrinkles and improve overall complexion.

FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points to stimulate energy flow, which may improve circulation, reduce tension and promote smoother skin.

FACIAL MASSAGE reduces wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. It promotes circulation, drainage and toning.

David J. Sautter is a certified personal trainer specializing in fitness nutrition and sports conditioning, as well as a professional fitness writer. Learn more at WriteFit.com.

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and Your Thyroid

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and Its Relation to Stress

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN, FACOG Stress and Libido

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code

Kela Smith, PhD, DNM Stress and Fertility

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health and Homeopathy

The Divine Messiness of Motherhood

by Marlaina Donato

The pitter-patter of little feet is one of life’s most beautiful blessings, but motherhood has always been a challenging role. In today’s world, the calling is more complicated than ever, and the average Mama Bear has a lot on her many plates. Despite support systems, juggling it all is often an obstacle course moms navigate behind closed doors.

It’s okay to not be okay. Society tends to impose unnecessary guilt upon mothers for voicing what most parents feel at one time or another. Feelings are human, and so too is being overwhelmed. Selfcare enables us to nurture others, and it begins by being gentle with ourselves as we weave a tapestry of work, soccer games, homework and bedtime baths. Even when the threads are haphazard and tangled, it is healing to surrender to the realization that sometimes we cannot do it all, and it is not a sign of failure. Showing only the good days on social media or going on autopilot can add pressure, instead of peace.

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one,” says author Jill Churchill. Being a good mother begins by being good to ourselves, and it doesn’t require a miracle to make it happen. A few minor routine adjustments can renew sanity and energy:

n Take one minute to run comfortably hot water over your hands and relax into the stream. Hot water helps the body release dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing joyful feelings, lessening pain and lifting anxiety.

n Instead of scrolling through social media, take 10 or 15 minutes to do nothing. Lie down on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. Surrender completely to letting go; begin by relaxing facial muscles and work your way down to your toes.

n Play a favorite song and dance with your kids.

n Avoid overscheduling and “shoulds”.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Beaunitta V W/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock.com

Nutrition Course

NEXT COURSE STARTS

September 24, 2023

finishes February 18, 2024

Become a Certified Nutrition Consultant

Through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) Doctor of Naturopathy and Clinical Nutritionist

Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) prepares students to pass the Certified Nutritional Consultants Exam. Once qualified you are entitled to use the designation CNC after your name and practice as a Nutritionist. Certified Nutritional Consultants (CNC) can work in hospitals, clinics, private practice settings alongside acupuncturists, mental health professionals, physical therapists, doctors and chiropractors, as well as a consultant in schools, businesses, health food stores, spas and health clubs.

Today's economists have determined that the natural health field is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. today. It goes without saying that people are getting more concerned about their personal health and their families health. Just take a look at this picture below and ask yourself, what type of life are you planning for yourself.

The course includes 11 modules and the classes meet on a Sunday morning 9-1 pm. The course fee is $1794 and can be paid over 6 months at $299.

To obtain a detailed information pack visit: NutritionConsultants.org or 908-223-8899

calendar of events

PLANS CHANGE

Please call ahead to confirm date and times

FRIDAY MAY 5

Paint & Be a Dreamcatcher – 5:30-9:30pm. A 1st Friday paint & sip! Free your creative spirit & paint an intuitive dreamcatcher all about you & your life. BYOB, no experience needed. Banana Factory Arts Center, Bethlehem. Pre-register www.MichelleLeeArts.com/painting-workshops

SATURDAY, MAY 6

Holy Fire Reiki Course – 9:30am-3:30pm. Developed by William Lee Rand. 2-day Certification class, you will be Ignited to the Holy Fire energy. Must have Reiki Master Certification. $475( for both days) Results Wellness Center, Bath Pre-register 484-264-3889.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Holy Fire Reiki Course – 9:30am -3:30pm. Developed by William Lee Rand. 2-day Certification class, you will be Ignited to the Holy Fire energy. Must have Reiki Master Certification. $475 Results Wellness Center, Bath Pre-register 484-264-3889.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Improve Heart & Brain Health with Effortless Meditation™ – 7-8:15pm. Greg Schweitzer. This meditation technique is recommended by physicians as a key to self-care. Gain relief from - insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and more. FREE Introduction, Twin Ponds Holistic Health Center, Breinigsville, Preregister 610.670.6700.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Hypnotherapy Training Level 1 – 9:30am-5pm. Certification with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. 2-day training $315 (for both days) Results Wellness Center, Bath Preregister 484-264-3889.

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Hypnotherapy Training Level 1 – 9:30am-5pm. Certification with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. 2-day training $315 Results Wellness Center, Bath Pre-register 484264-3889

THURSDAY, MAY 18

Anxiety and Stress Relief with Effortless Meditation™ – 7-8:15pm. Greg Schweitzer. This meditation technique is recommended by physicians as a key to self-care. Gain relief from - insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and more. FREE Introduction, LIVE ONLINE Video Conference, Pre-register 610.670.670

TUESDAY, MAY 23

Anxiety and Stress Relief with Effortless Meditation™ – 12:00-1:15pm. Greg Schweitzer. This meditation technique is recommended by physicians

as a key to self-care. Gain relief from - insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and more. FREE Introduction, LIVE ONLINE Video Conference, Pre-register 610.670.670

SATURDAY, MAY, 27

Learn to Read Tarot – 9:30am - 11:30pm. Online or in person. Receive a Certificate of completion. You will leave with all the tools to give Readings! $55 Results Wellness Center, Bath Pre-register 484-264-3889.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – 12:30am2:30pm. Learn techniques to heal the effects of trauma and much more! Comes with a Certificate of Completion for $55 online or in person. Results Wellness Center, Bath Pre-register 484-264-3889. Past Life Regression – 3-5pm. Past life regression is a technique that uses hypnosis to recover memories of a past life (incarnation) and is typically used as a spiritual experience. $55 Results Wellness Center, Bath Pre-register 484-264-3889.

ongoing events

daily

Narcotics Anonymous – If you think you have a drug problem, and are tired of being sick and tired, there is a better way. Call 24-hour helpline 610439-1998. We are here to help. You are not alone.

sunday

Sunday Services – Metaphysical and nondenominational. Rev. Lloyd Moll, PastorUnique Sunday services 10:30am. All welcome! St. John’s Church of Faith, 607 Washington St Allentown. 610-776-7211.

C o-Dependent Anonymous – CoDA is a 12-Step Fellowship of men and women with a common purpose to recover from codependence. The only requirement for membership in CoDA is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. 7pm, Unity Church, 26 N. 3rd St., Emmaus. Call 610-737.-354 or visit Coda.org.

Yoga to Soothe the Soul – Gentle yoga to restore balance and release stress. Cost: donations $5$15 suggested. Every Sunday at 6pm starting on February 7, 2021. Contact Info: www. rebeccarosereiki.com. Call: 484-280-4963.

wednesday

LV Lyme Support Group – First Wednesday of every month except July. Zoom calls only. Contact Heidi Healey at 973-610-0531 if interested. Speakers, Doctors, brochures and books. PA is #1 in reported cases, so we help educate the public. We also post in Lehigh Valley Lyme Support Group on Facebook and Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network on Facebook.

Greater Lehigh Valley business directory

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE

EASTMAN ACUPUNCTURE

LAURA EASTMAN, M.AC., L.AC.

1617 Hamilton Street

Allentown, PA 18102

484-425-2865

www.eastman-acupuncture.com

Eastman Acupuncture provides quality acupuncture treatments to the Lehigh Valley. We use distal treatments drawn from Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, Master Tung points and Electro Acupuncture Medicine. Treatments are offered in a community/ open setting.

LIVEWELL INTEGRATED HEALTH

LLC

Dr. Robert W. Livingston III, DC, L.Ac. Dr. Jennifer K. Bollinger, DC, L.Ac. 8026 Hamilton Blvd. • Trexlertown, PA 18087

610-395-5509

LiveWellIntegratedHealth.com

LiveWell Integrated Health offers traditional Chinese acupuncture, chiropractic, body work, and nutritional and lifestyle coaching. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice...choose to LiveWell. See ad, page 7.

BODYWORK

MARIE RUXTON

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Marie Ruxton CMT, CN

628 Chestnut St., Emmaus, PA 18049

610-965-2500

Marie is a certified massage therapist trained since 1997 in Advanced Myofascial Release Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki, Ear Candling, Homeopathy and Holistic Nutrition. Offers comprehensive custom bodywork for those wanting to overcome chronic pain and movement problems. Sessions range from a (2 hour) Head to Toe meltdown massage to “Just Neck and Head” massage for those needing stress relief. Gift certificates available See ad, page 12.

CHIROPRACTOR

ASSOCIATED CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Joseph A. Perelli

656 5th St. Whitehall, PA 18052

610-266-6111

AssociatedChiropractic.com

Dr. Perelli has served the Lehigh Valley for 31 years delivering natural, hands-on chiropractic care for neck, mid-back, low back and extremity conditions. He specializes in sports, auto and work comp injuries with various holistic treatments to get you back to your pre-injury status quickly. See ad, page 2.

AZURE STAR CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Indy Ishaya

info@azurestarchiropractic.com 484-893-0866

AzureStarChiropractic.com

Azure Star Chiropractic exists to serve the greater Lehigh Valley and its residents. Combining cutting-edge gentle chiropractic care, with up-to-date, practical nutrition advice, functional mobility and movement, guided breathwork, meditation, and so much more, Azure Star offers the tools you need to make lasting changes in your body and your life!” See ad, page 19.

CHIROPRACTOR

LIVEWELL INTEGRATED HEALTH LLC

Dr. Robert W. Livingston III, DC, L.Ac. Dr. Jennifer K. Bollinger, DC, L.Ac. 8026 Hamilton Blvd. • Trexlertown, PA 18087 610-395-5509

LiveWellIntegratedHealth.com

LiveWell Integrated Health offers traditional Chinese acupuncture, chiropractic, body work, and nutritional and lifestyle coaching. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice...choose to LiveWell. See ad, page 7.

CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST

BETHLEHEM NUTRITION & WELLNESS CENTER

Kathy Harrington, MS

Functional Medical Nutritionist

3400 Bath Pike, Ste. 101 Bethlehem 610-419-3909

www.BethlehemNutrition.com

Bethlehem Nutrition & Wellness Center, we give you the tools to bring you and your family into a state of optimal health. Using the most advanced nutritional testing available, we look for the underlying cause of your health problems. Once the underlying cause is addressed not only do symptoms go away, but your overall health can also be greatly improved. See ad page 9.

COUNSELING - HOLISTIC SMART SOLUTIONS AND CREATIVE HOLISTIC THERAPY

Rev. Lyn S. Felix, MSW, LCSW, CHT, RM 3037 S. Pike Ave. #105, Allentown, PA 18103 610-282-0709

CreativeHolisticTherapy.com

A holistic, highly intuitive counselor, coach and vibrational chakra rebalancing practitioner who supports you in getting unstuck and moving forward. Using mindfulness, hypnotherapy, EFT, Reiki, tuning forks, breathwork, and more, Rev. Lyn guides you step by step from chaos to calm and confidence. Insurances & Private Pay. Free Phone Consultation.

DEPRESSION

TMS CENTER

Dr. Paul Gross

401 N. 17th St., Suite 304

Allentown, PA 610-820-0700

www.Tmslv.com

Thousands in the Lehigh Valley struggle with depression every day, but thanks to the TMS Center of the Lehigh Valley, they are not alone in their fight. We are the region’s first transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment facility and one of the most experienced centers on the east coast, having performed over ten thousand TMS treatments. See ads, pages 3.

FOOD & NUTRITION

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES AND CAFE SANTOSHA

Dianne & Lloyd Burg

7150 Hamilton Blvd

Trexlertown, PA

610-366-9866

www.HealthyAlt.com

Dianne and Lloyd Burg opened Healthy Alternatives in 1994 to help people live a healthy lifestyle. As a registered nurse, Dianne saw a lot of hospital patients who weren’t getting better with traditional treatment. She started studying natural remedies to help them heal. Dietary changes and homeopathy seemed promising, but no one offered these solutions. The Burgs wanted to change that, so they decided to open Healthy Alternatives. See ad page 24.

FUNERAL SERVICES

NICOS C. ELIAS

FUNERAL HOME, INC

Nicos C. Elias, Supervisor

Allentown, PA

610-433-2200

Nicos@EliasFuneralHome.com

EliasFuneralHome.com

Mr. Elias offers several different green and eco-friendly funeral plans using biodegradable caskets, preservation without chemicals. A natural, back to the earth approach. Biodegradable urns for those choosing cremation.

GREEN CEMETERY

GREEN MEADOWS AT FOUNTAIN HILL CEMETERY

1121 Graham Street, Fountain Hill, PA 18015

610-868-4840

GreenMeadowPA.org

The only green cemetery in the Lehigh Valley. A cemetery of wildflowers and grasses native to Pennsylvania. Return to the natural cycle of life to nourish the soil, green the meadow and live on. Nondenominational. Non-profit. Speakers available to visit organizations. See ad, page 21.

HEALTH

FOOD & SUPPLEMENT STORE

CBD AMERICAN SHAMAN

7727 Glenlivet Dr West, Ste D Fogelsville PA 18051 484-656-7771

cbdfogelsville.com

Including high-quality CBD into your daily routine can change your health for the better. Our certified consultants will show you why we were voted Best CBD Store by Readers’ Choice in 2021.

HOLISTIC HEALTH & NUTRITION

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES

Yolanda Regina Battaglia, BS, CHN, MBEC Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner Holistichealth58@gmail.com 570-903-8700

www.healthprofs.com/profile/942822

As a certified holistic nutritionist and eating psychology coach, Yolanda gets to the root of your ailment. She has had huge success in helping people to avoid/reduce/ eliminate medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and T2 diabetes with a natural approach. In addition, research has shown that healthier nutrition helps with some behaviors of autism.

HYPNOSIS & HYPNOSIS TRAINING

PAST LIFE MATTERS HYPNOTHERAPY

plmhypnosis.com

Judy Lynch 610-554-8633

pastlifematters@aol.com

As a certified hypnotherapist that has used hypnotherapy to quit smoking, reduce stress, help control pain, and increase focus, I can attest to the power of the mind to achieve desired results! Hypnosis is easy and safe and allows us to tap into the power of our inner selves, easily and naturally.

STREAM HYPNOSIS, LLC

35 E. Elizabeth Ave. Ste 21 B

Bethlehem, PA 570-617-5325

vperweiss@streamhypnosis.com

www.streamhypnosis.com

Achieve your personal best in sports, sales public speaking and more. Whether you need to eliminate chronic pain, achieve your ideal body weight, reduce stress, or kick the smoking habit hypnosis is a useful tool that can help you move forward. Individual and group sessions, remote and in person sessions. Board Certified Hypnotist with NGH.

TINA PINEIRO LIFE SOLUTIONS

(844) HYP-TINA

scrantonhypnosis.com

TINA PINEIRO LIFE SOLUTIONS provides Mindset Coaching & Hypnosis sessions. Peckville and Honesdale locations. I use hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, EFT, Reiki and more to empower you to let go of limiting beliefs, heal and move forward.

RESULTS WELLNESS CENTER, LLC

Jacqueline LeClaire

6120 W. Main Blvd., Bath, PA 18014 484-264-3889

JacquelineLeClaire.com

Become a Certified Hypnotherapist / Become a Certified Reiki Practitioner, Usui Master. Jacqueline LeClaire is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master Trainer with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists and Reiki Master for over two decades. She is the owner of Results Wellness Center, LLC.

classifieds

OPPORTUNITIES

Bear Creek Organics is hiring! We are looking for skilled landscapers who are passionate about Ecological Edible Landscaping. Permaculture Design Certificate preferred. Email resume and cover letter to: Richie@bearcreekorganics.com

Calling Holistic Presenters – Facilitate your workshop or retreat at our Upper Bucks center, with peaceful country setting, meditation gardens, and woods. GreenShireArts.org. Email info@ GreenShireArts.org or call 215-538-0976.

Holistic Chiropractor, Naturopath or Natural Functional Medicine Practitioner Needed – Join our comprehensive solution Wellness Center in Stroudsburg. Access to over 2000 clients in a professional, dedicated facility. Call Vicki at 570977-1900 to discuss.

PRODUCTS

Crystal Tones Singing Bowls – Classic & Alchemy for meditation & vibrational healing. Also offering personal vibration testing. Contact Anthony at Life Holistic Center, 570-706-6680 or LifeHolistic@hotmail.com. See more at LifeHolistiReiki.com.

Interactive Dementia and Alzheimer Game – An interactive and fun family game that will bring a twinkle to the eye and smile on the face. Call 484860-5894. HighRollDice.com.

Two Green Burial Plots for Sale – At Green Meadows Burial Ground in Fountain Hill, PA. $1,800 total.Call 610-698-4921.

SERVICES

Spiritually guided card readings offered in person, or via phone, parties also welcome. Channeled messages are for your highest good. Let my gifts guide you! Reasonable rates. Cheryl 908-268-8029. Readings with intuitive counselor, Reiki also available. Free 10-minute initial session. Evelyn peptel62@gmail.com. 551-804-7571.

Free Phone Reading for Lightworkers. Your Higher-Self reveals the blocks that are slowing you from growing your practice/business. Email Enaid to learn more. enaid-rensporp@protonmail.com

Kula Heart Yoga & Wellness, LLC contracts self motivated and ethical bodyworkers and yoga instructors to serve Bath and the Lehigh Valley. If you are interested in growing your business, making your own hours and being a part of a Wellness Center that is filled with compassion, professionalism, and FUN! Submit your interest to info@kulaheartyogaandwellness.com.

SPACE TO RENT

Attention Health Care Professionals! Twin Ponds Health Center, a highly diverse holistic health center, offers a unique lease opportunity. Schedule a tour of the site. 610-899-2499.

Peaceful Country Setting – Building includes 4 gathering rooms, kitchen, and covered porch. Wooded paths, meditation gardens. Perfect for workshops, weddings, retreats. Quakertown. Call 215-538-0976.

INTEGRATIVE PHYSICIANS

HUNTERDON INTEGRATIVE PHYSICIANS

Dr. Scott P R Berk, MD, AAFP, AIHM 33 Rupell Rd Hampton, NJ 08827

908-238-0077

HipmdOffice@gmail.com

www.HunterdonIntegrativePhysicians.com

MASSAGE

KONNECTIONS MASSAGE

Kathy Hatcher, LMT

656 5th St., Whitehall, PA 18052

610-266-6111

KonnectionsMassage.com

Hunterdon Integrative Physicians (HIP) presents an alternative to the average Primary Care office. You will find a modern medical practice in every sense of the word. We strive to offer our patients an array of diagnostic options, treatment choices, and scheduling flexibility. If you are looking for a common-sense approach to your health needs, look no further than HIP. See ad page 11.

LANDSCAPING

BEAR CREEK ORGANICS

570-582-0615

BearCreekOrganics@gmail.com

BearCreekOrganics.com

We create organic and ecological edible land scapes. With mother nature as our teacher, and extensive knowl edge of edible plants,. We develop beautiful food production systems that support your needs and the needs of the natural wildlife. No matter the size of your budget we will help you create an edible landscape that is right for you. See ad, pages 10.

MARKETING

NATURAL AWAKENINGS

DR. DEKA RODGER ND, MBA Owner/Publisher

610-421-4443

DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com

DrRodgerND@gmail.com

www.HealthyLehighValley.com www.DrRodgerND.com

www.NutritionConsultans.org

DrRodgerND.B3Sciences.com

Due to his extensive background in business and marketing and built his own practice through the Natural Awakenings magazine he can take businesses to the next level. Also, with a strong background in keeping fit and understanding all aspects of exercising, he promotes B3 Science, an advanced method of achieving better fitness results in 1/2 the time. He also teaches a Nutrition Certification Course over a 6-month period, students completing this course and passing all exams can put the designation CNC after their name. See ad pages 3, 31, & back page.

Kathy has been administering deep tissue, therapeutic, medical, pregnancy and aromatherapy massage since 1996. Her NEWEST services are Ionic Foot Cleanse Detoxification as well as Red-light therapy for non-surgical weight loss and chronic pain management. Insurance billing for massage available. See ad, page 2.

NATUROPATH

NATURAL HEALTH PROMOTION LLC

Tina Stashko, PhD MIfHI

Emmaus, PA 18049

610-965-8132

NaturalHealthPromotion.net

Specializing in preventative healthcare, digestion and nutrient absorption, and thyroid and adrenal health. Modalities such as iridology, sclerology and biochemical balancing enable the development of your unique program for optimum health. These programs are easy to follow and incorporate into your daily life. Reach your full health potential! See ad, page 8.

PET TRAINING

CAITLIN’S ANIMALS

Caitlin Bird Lehigh Parkway, Allentown PA 484-619-3554

Caitlin@CaitlinsAnimals.com

CaitlinsAnimals.com

The only independent Service Dog specialist in the Lehigh Valley. Our services include basic manners, group, and in-home training, day training, Therapy, and Service Dog coaching. Our philosophy is “first, do no harm” focusing on a holistic approach to dog ownership to strengthen bonds and connection.

WELLNESS SPAPOTHECARY

HERBS TO YOUR SUCCESS

Vanessa Sabatine

64 South Main St. Nazareth, PA 18064

610-365-8996

www.HerbsToYourSuccess.com

Herbs to Your Success is a health & wellness spa located in Nazareth, offering multiple holistic spa experiences and herbal remedies. We also offer a wide selection of essential oils, teas, skincare, makeup and more! We provide high quality spa services to our customers and our friendly and courteous staff guarantees exceptional customer service. See ad page 7.

Nutrition Course

NEXT COURSE STARTS

September 24, 2023

finishes

18,

The Next Nutrition Course

Through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) Doctor of Naturopathy and Clinical Nutritionist Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) prepares students to pass the Certified Nutritional Consultants Exam. Once qualified you are entitled to use the designation CNC after your name and practice as a Nutritionist. Certified Nutritional Consultants (CNC) can work in hospitals, clinics, private practice settings alongside acupuncturists, mental health professionals, physical therapists, doctors and chiropractors, as well as a consultant in schools, businesses, health food stores, spas and health clubs.

Next Course starts Sep 2022 - Feb 2023 dates TBD

“If the doctors of today do not become the nutritionists of tomorrow, then the nutritionists of today will become the doctors of tomorrow”. (Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research)

Become a Certified Nutrition Consultant

Today's economists have determined that the natural health field is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. today. It goes without saying that people are getting more concerned about their personal health and their families health. Just take a look at this picture below and ask yourself, what type of life are you planning for yourself.

in 6 Months and put the letters CNC after your name. This recognized qualification is obtained through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants, AANC.

The course includes 12 modules, and classes meet twice a month on Sundays 9 am - 1pm . All modules are taught by Dr. Derek Rodger (ND). Course fee is $1794 and can be paid over 6 monthly installments at $299 per month.

Natalie, who flew in from Chicago every 2 weeks to do the CNC program has passed her Certified Nutritional Consultant and can now proudly put the letters CNC after her name: I met Dr. Rodger (ND) before I took his Nutrition Course and it was his knowledge and experience that drew me to choose his class over others. I am so very glad I did as, I'm positive I wouldn't have learnt what I did with other teachers.  I'm not sure I would have had such an inspirational teacher with highly motivational lectures.

Every student receives a free 90 minute private nutritional consultation with Dr. Rodger (ND) 89.

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) Course Instructor

To obtain a detailed information pack visit: NutritionConsultants.org or Tel: 908-223-8899

Alessandra, already had her nutritional degree, before she came on the course. I'm so proud of myself for finishing this the course and the exam. It was a great experience and I truly learned a lot. There are so many opportunities out there for me in my career to help others. I'll be attending the Natural Gourmet Institute which has a strong focus on a plant based diet. I look forward to helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle as a CNC and chef!

The course includes 11 modules and the classes meet on a Sunday morning 9-1 pm. The course fee is $1794 and can be paid over 6 months at $299.

A library of material becomes yours following course completion.

If you would like to attend this educational course, which will clearly change your life from a nutritional perspective. More detailed information is sent out to students who are interested, sign up by going to: www.NutritionalConsultants.org

A library of material becomes yours following course completion.