December 2021: Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley & Far West NJ

E R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

HOLIDAY ISSUE

FESTIVE TREATS WITHOUT SUGAR • CELEBRATING THE SOUL OF WINTER THE HEALING POWER OF A SACRED CIRCLE • SIX WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY CHOOSE SAFE TOYS A DOG WILL LOVE • THE BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS December 2021 | Greater Lehigh Valley and Far West NJ Edition | HealthyLehighValley.com

Get Moving

We address injuries (sports, auto, work) as well as regular bodily wear-and-tear in life to keep you doing the things you love.

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Treating patients from newborn to geriatrics. We focus on removing the nerve interference which is always the main cause of your symptoms/ problems and we do this in a natural, safe, effective way.

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!

n Sports Injuries & Athletic Performance

Optimization

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Get Moving! Call Today (610) 266 – 6111

Bridging Traditional with Functional Medicine Restoring wellness through a holistic approach of hormone balancing and nutrition throughout all stages of life. Conditions We Treat: Female and Male Hormone Imbalance  Menopause  Individualized Bio-Identical Hormones  Insomnia  Adrenal Dysfunction & Fatigue 

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Center for Anti-Aging Medicine & Hormone Wellness Integrated Health Campus 250 Cetronia Road, Suite 301 Allentown, PA 18104

484-294-4199 www.HormoneWellness.net 2

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 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., Medical Director

— What to Expect on Your First Visit — A Comprehensive 60-90 minute interactive consultation where you will always see a physician. You will be able to discuss, in a relaxed and unrushed setting, your past medical history as well as all your current symptoms and concerns. Dr. Peters will most likely order some individualized testing and make some initial recommendations in preparation of receiving your test results and ultimately formulating a management plan. All of your questions will be addressed during your consultation.

December 2021

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

16 CIRCLES OF HEALING

The Power of Gathering in Community

19 THOMAS MOORE

on the Art of Soulful Listening

20 GREENING THE HOLIDAYS

How to Celebrate Sustainably

22 THE BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS

Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

24 AMP UP IMMUNITY

Proven Boosters for Good Health

26 THE SWEET DANGER OF SUGAR

Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

29 SEASON OF LIGHT

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 610-421-4443 or email DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

Celebrating the Soul of Winter

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com. Deadline for editorial: the 15th of the month.

Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com. Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month.

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 12 health briefs 13 business profile 14 global briefs 19 wise words 20 green living 22 healthy kids

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

30 TOYLAND FOR POOCHES

24 healing ways 26 conscious eating 29 inspiration 30 natural pet 31 events calendar 32 ongoing events 32 classifieds 33 business directory December 2021

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY AND FAR WEST NJ EDITION Publisher Dr. D Rodger (ND)

Editors Dr. D Rodger (ND) Marilyn Wanser

Design & Production Patrick Floresca

Contributing Writers Sheila Julson Sales & Marketing Dr. D Rodger (ND)

Ad Production Kimberly Cerne

Social Media Marci Molina

CONTACT US P.O. Box 81 Three Bridges, NJ 08887 Phone: 610-421-4443 Fax: 908-806-4046 DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com HealthyLehighValley.com

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Art Director Josh Pope Layout Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2021 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.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

letter from publisher

10 Interesting Christmas Facts to Impress Your Friends and Family

or those of us who are a little out practice when it comes to dinner table conversation or you need to redirect the topic away from controversial fare, these Christmas facts will come to your rescue. You can also use them to spice up your annual Christmas letter, give your social media posts some flare, or study up for holiday-themed trivia night. It's likely not news to anyone that there's a lot more to Christmas than giving and receiving gifts. It’s an age-old celebration with centuries of tradition and deep symbolism behind virtually every aspect of the holiday. From the religious elements you may already enjoy every year to pagan origins and some factoids that are just purely entertaining, even the holly jolliest Christmas fans will learn something from this list. There's a little something that touches on every aspect of the holiday. Take a few moments out from the breakneck pace of the holiday season, grab a Christmas cookie and check this list twice.

Christmas wasn't always on December 25 While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the actual date is lost to history. There's no mention of December 25 in the Bible and many historians say Jesus was really born in the spring. Some historians posit the date was originally chosen because it coincided with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which honored the agricultural god Saturn with celebrating and gift-giving.

Gifts have both Christian and Pagan origins Christians may have grown up learning that we give gifts at Christmas to mimic the presents the Three Wise Men brought the baby Jesus. But like so many other traditions, that also has its roots in Saturnalia. The pagans originally gave offerings to the gods, too.

Evergreens are an ancient tradition The tradition of Christmas trees goes all the way back to ancient Egyptians and Romans, who decorated with evergreens during the winter solstice to signify that spring would return. So, if you deck your halls with a green tree, wreaths or evergreen garland, you're honoring history.

4 5

The Dutch gave us the idea to leave cookies and milk If your kids leave Santa a little snack to keep him sated on your journey, thank the Dutch. On St. Nicholas' feast day on Dec. 6, Dutch children leave him food and drink to be exchanged for gifts overnight. Rudolph was a marketing ploy Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first appeared in 1939 when the Montgomery Ward department store asked one of its copywriters to create a Christmas story for kids that the store could distribute as a promotion. The adorable movie featuring the island of misfit toys and Herbie the elf hit the airwaves (and our hearts) in 1964.

Christmas wreaths are religious symbols The Christmas wreath first originated as a symbol of Christ. The holly represents the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion and the red berries stand for the blood he shed. So, when you see a wreath this holiday, you'll remember the reason for the season.

Silent Night is the most recorded song We all know the same few handfuls of Christmas songs play at stores and on the radio in a loop all season long. But one of them has been adapted more than others. Silent Night ears that title, as the most recorded Christmas song in history. It's had more than 733 different versions copyrighted since 1978.

Celebrating Christmas used to be illegal From 1659–1681, anyone caught making merry in the colonies would face a fine for celebrating. By the Revolutionary War, the day had so little significance that Congress even held their first session on December 25, 1789. Christmas wasn't even proclaimed a federal holiday for almost another century, proving that the Grinch's attitude toward the holiday was alive and well long before he was.

Settlers created the first American eggnog The Jamestown settlers created the first American batch of eggnog, although it likely bore little resemblance to today's comforting tipple. The word nog comes from the word grog; or any drink made with rum. An early nog didn't have the rich, milky base we now ladle out of grandma's cut-crystal punch bowl.

The Rockefeller Christmas tree started small The first Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center probably looked more like Charlie Brown's than the resplendent one today. Construction workers first placed a small, undecorated tree while working there in 1931. Two years later, another tree appeared in its place, this time draped in lights. It just kept getting bigger every year. Today, the majestic tree bears more than 25,000 twinkling lights and sees millions of selfie-takers each season.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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Dr. D Rodger ND, MBA

Directory of Display Advertisers Thank you for being part of our community! Ascend Health...............................................................................11 Associated Chiropractic �� 2 Bear Creek Organics �� 10 Bethlehem Nutrition & Wellness(Kathy Harrington) ��8 Center for Anti-Aging Med & Hormone Wellness ��2 Connecting Mind and Body....................................................................12 Copper Zap.................................................................................................35 Dorneyville Compounding Pharmacy............................................... 29 Dorneyville Pharmacy �� 27 Dr. Rodger ND (Nutrition) �� 3,15 Find That Loving Peace �� 27 Freys Better Foods �� 23 Green Meadows............................................................................ 25 Healing & Wellness Corner . �� ..............13 Healthy Alternatives �� 15 Herbs to Your Success �� 7 Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar �� 31 Hunterdon Integrative Physicians �� 7 Kindred Spirits.............................................................................. 14 Konnections Massage �� 2 KnowWeWell................................................................................ 36 Let’s Get Checked �� 4 Livewell (Chiropractic/Acupuncture)... �� ........23 Marie Ruxton (Massage) �� 14 Maulfair Medical Center ��11 Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp �� 18 Natural Awakenings Singles �� 21 Natural Health Promotion, LLC �� 13 Naturally Yours Organic Shop .............................................................. 29 Nature’s Lab..............................................................................................21 The Lodge at Woodloch..................................................................17 TMS Center (Depression) ............................................................. 3 Turkey Hill..................................................................................... 25 Twin Ponds Integrative Health Center....................... ..........................9

Let them know you found them in Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley!

December 2021

news briefs

TING, FOR A HEALTHIER YOU.

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atural Awakenings Publishing Corp. (NAPC) is entering into a partnership he public can alth with KnoWEwell, P.B.C., check many tting in and is a founding patron of health aspects at the KnoWEwell collaborahome in an easy and tive. “NAPC and KnoWEwell are perfectly mission aligned,” says highly convenient Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Whittle. “Natural way without going LAUNCHING SOON! using well-researched, practical information about the latest to a doctor’s office. ONE Awakenings’ ONLINE DESTINATION FOR TODAY’S TRUSTED natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and KNOWLEDGE, RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY LetsGetChecked, “WHOLISTIC” sustainable living played a significant role in fueling the wellness based in Dublin, A NEW PARTNERSHIP revolution. We’re grateful to collaborate with them.” Ireland, and New KnoWEwell.com KnoWEwell is a 1% for the Planet company and received the York City, provides ecure A Top 50 Healthcare Company 2019 Top 50 Healthcare Companies award from the International comprehensive, at-home health testing along with complementary Priceless health and well-being benefits for you and your family. Forum on Advancements in Healthcare. Their purpose is to clinical services and connections with a global network of regulated REQUEST ANof INVITE improve the health humanity and the planet. “It’s one centrallaboratories, enabling users to take more active roles in their health m on your computer or smartphone today. ized, private, secure online platform to inspire and empower and decision making. individuals with knowledge, evidenced-based resources and After obtaining a testing kit online or from a selected phara ‘wholistic’ community to address the root causes of chronic macy, customers self-collect a blood, saliva or urine sample with TLVP2019 To get Your DiscOvercome ount illness and maintain optimal diseases and achieve optimal health and well-being,” Whittle a kit-provided lancet and send it to an affiliated lab—all Clinical The KnoWEwell Collaborative with benefits for all in the “wholistic” health and well-being ecosystem. wellness withandour personal, comprehensive, explains. “It’s a collaborative with personal and professional Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved College of benefits for all in the ‘wholistic’ ecosystem: individuals, families, American Pathologists-accredited—using a pre-paid medicine-based label. Most will functional nutrition care providers and organizations.” receive a call from the company’s nursing team with results a few that gets results. NAPC Chief Executive Officer Sharon Bruckman says, “Our days later, which are also posted in their LetsGetChecked account. Natural Awakenings family of 50+ publishers is excited about the Thirty separate kits—grouped in men’s, women’s and sexual new resources and opportunities this partnership brings to our health plus wellness—can check for sexually transmitted diseases; some cancers; thyroid function; vitamin, cholesterol and hormon- community of readers, providers and organizations. We are honored to be playing such a significant role in the launch and future al levels; and more. growth of this incredibly sophisticated platform which will result Since its founding in 2014, the company has performed more in tremendous benefits to members.” Harrington, MS thanKathy 250,000 tests.

For a Healthier You

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Digestive

December 2021

Trading in the Shopping Cart for the Harvest Basket

ost of us live a grocery store dependent life-style. Our ability to feed ourselves and our families is dependent on what we can find at our local grocery stores from the types of foods offered to the quality, quantity, and varieties of foods available. Chafing at these restrictions, some of us have chosen to reclaim some dimension of food production with Edible Landscaping – the idea of growing an abundance of organic fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetables, herbs, flowers, medicine, even livestock in our home and backyard landscape settings. Few of us can be totally self-sufficient in our food production. Who among us produces all our meat, fish, dairy, grain, legumes, fruits, vegetables and herbs? But some of us are beginning to ask what CAN I produce for myself? Perhaps it’s a beautiful cedar raised bed in the yard with a few tomato plants. Or how about fruit trees that not only grace the yard with blossoms in the spring but are laden with fruit in the fall. Or BERRIES. The slightly acidic soil of our region is

Landscaping perfect for blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries, and most fruit and nut trees. The barrier to entry is low if you have the right guidance, knowledge, and mindset. The key to success is knowing which types of fruits and nuts can grow on your land, where they should be planted, and what varieties will best suit your needs and disease pressures. Having the right know-how has many advantages. You can manage your harvest windows, for instance, so you don’t get all of your fruit at one time. By

Ecological, Edible Landscapes

choosing different varieties of strawberries, for example, you can stretch the strawberry harvest from June through September. And I don’t mean the mild-mannered berries we find in our grocery stores, but big, fat, juicy, flavorful berries, harvested at peak ripeness, that you can only find grazing in your own garden. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables you can produce food that is fresher, safer, nutritious, and more delicious than anything available in the grocery store. And it’s FUN, good for your soul, mind, body, and spirit. Bear Creek Organics is here to help. They have sought out the plant varieties that flourish best in our area and have many varieties from which to choose at their Edible Landscaping Nursery. They also provide full spectrum edible landscaping services: consultation, design, installation, maintenance, and education. You may think…We’re heading into WINTER! I’ll think about this later. But why wait. Now is the time to plan for Spring. Just imagine picking the freshest, most perfect berries in your own backyard. Forget the grocery cart; grab your harvest basket. YUM! Contact Richard Mitchell at BearCreekOrganics@gmail.com for water management and food production strategies on your land. 570-582-0615. www. BearCreekOrganics.com, fill out the “Contact Us” section at the bottom. See ad, page 10.

Fruit & Nut Trees, Berry & Nut Bushes, Native Flowers, Food, Medicine, Habitat, Soil & Water

Consultation, Design Installation, Management, Coaching & Education. For Upcoming Garden Classes, Educational Videos, and Edible Landscaping Services Follow Us:

PA’s Leading Edible Landscape Company! Contact Owner, Richie Mitchell

NOFA Organic Land Care Accredited Professional BearCreekOrganics.com ‘Contact Us’ Form 10

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Visit: BearCreekOrganics.com

Holiday Gift Certificates For Sale Purchase A Custom Edible Landscape Gift Certificate for a friend or loved one.

Food, Ecology, Wate Compost, Medicine Including but not limited Edto:ucation.

(Fill out Contact Us section of our website BearCreekOrganics.com to customize your Edible Landscape Gift Certificate)

1. Initial Edible Landscape Consulation 2. Fruit Tree or Nut Tree Packages 3. Berry Patches 4. Raised Vegetable Garden and Herb Gardens 5. Native Bee and Butterfly Gardens

news briefs

Hospice Volunteers Needed Compassionate Volunteers Needed In The Following PA Counties Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Carbon, Monroe, Lehigh, Northampton Companionship, Pet Therapy, Musicians, Reiki Practitioners, Memory Bear Makers, Crafters, Office Volunteers, Remote Volunteer, AscEND of Life Doula Opportunities Available

Shop Early and Locally This Year

1120 Welsh Rd., Suite 220 Gwynedd Corporate Center North Wales, PA 18454 Phone: 215.542.2100

AscendHealth.com

he annual Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., December 11 and 12, at Leesport Farmers’ Market Banquet Hall, with more than 60 vendors of crystals, jewelry, gemstone trees, soaps, bath products, essential oils, clothing, incense, books, salt lamps, artwork, reiki, singing bowls, pet products, readers, massage therapy, animal communicators, food and baked goods for sale and more. A basket raffle auction will benefit the all-volunteer, nonprofit Wellness Center for Pets & Their People, which provides assistance to pet owners in need. Money and pet donations will also be accepted. Julie Barracato and her sister Lisa own Lady Lynora’s Gemstone Treasures. She says, “Tickets will be drawn at 5 p.m., December 12. You do not need to be present to win and we have a few options for picking up your winning baskets.” Admission is free. Location: 312 Gernant’s Church Rd., Leesport. For more information, call Barracato at 570-573-1651, email Julie@ LadyLynora.com or visit LadyLynora.com/holiday-bazaar. Visit LadyLynora.com/benefit-raffle-auction to view raffle items. Free goodie bags to the first 100 patrons each day that mention Natural Awakenings. See ad, page 31.

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December 2021

ana terevich/Pexels.com

A clear link exists between taking antibiotics for six months and developing colorectal cancer in the next five to 10 years, report researchers from Umea University, in Sweden. By comparing the records of 40,000 Swedish cancer patients to 200,000 people without cancer, they found that taking antibiotics for at least six months increased the risk of cancer by 17 percent in the ascending colon, the first part to be reached by food after the small intestine. However, no increased risk was found for cancer in the descending colon. Those taking the most antibiotics had the greatest risk, but even a single course was associated with a small, but statistically significant risk increase. “While in many cases antibiotic therapy is necessary and saves lives, in the event of less serious ailments that can be expected to heal anyway, caution should be exercised,” says Umea University researcher Sophia Harlid, Ph.D.

Connecting Mind & Body Are you dealing with health issues? Would you like to reconnect to your inner self? I specialize in spiritual counseling for people who are suffering from chronic illnesses. Reach out for more information! Susan Stangeland, Ordained Interfaith Minister Spiritual Counseling

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sue@connectmindandbody.work 12

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The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day, report researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. For 12 weeks, 105 overweight or obese men and women were fed a meal that for only half of the participants included an avocado. The women that ate avocados experienced a reduction in visceral abdominal fat, as well as a reduced ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat closer to the skin, indicating a redistribution of fat away from the organs. Fat distribution in males did not change. ready made/Pexels.com

Avoid Antibiotics to Lower Colon Cancer Risk

Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat

Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease Staying well hydrated throughout life could reduce the risk of heart failure, according to a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology 2021 Congress. Researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health reported that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Their conclusion was based on the analysis of 26 years’ worth of serum sodium levels in 15,792 middle-age Americans. Higher serum sodium concentration in midlife was associated with heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy 25 years later. Few people meet daily hydration recommendations (54 to 71 ounces for women and 67 to 101 ounces for men). According to the researchers, when people drink less fluid, the concentration of sodium in the blood increases, and the body attempts to conserve water by activating processes known to contribute to the development of heart failure. “The findings indicate that we need to pay attention to the amount of fluid we consume every day and take action if we find that we drink too little,” says study author Natalia Dmitrieva. snapwire/Pexels.com

health briefs

business profile

Functional Medicine Pediatrician

Looking for a different treatment approach for your child with ADHD, anxiety, depression or autism? General pediatrician, Dr. Camasto, offers functional medicine care to patients with chronic childhood conditions, with the goal of “health restoration” instead of “disease management”. Dr. Camasto is passionate about getting to the root cause of health challenges and helping kids become a healthier version of themselves. By combining 20 years of experience as an allopathically trained general pediatrician with new training in functional medicine, she brings a truly integrative perspective to caring for children. Dr. Camasto will ask how and why a child’s illness occurred and consider all potential contributing factors, such as: genetics, weaknesses in biochemical pathways, inflammation, environmental toxic exposures, physical and emotional stress, and lifestyle factors like diet/ nutrition, sleep, and exercise. Her “medical detective” style of practice is a great fit for parents who want personal, in-depth care for their child and prefer alternatives to traditional medication. Dr. Camasto is currently accepting new patients up to the age of 25 years old with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, Fatigue, Constipation, and other GI complaints. Office location: 1320 Hausman Road, Suite 202, Allentown 18104. 610-653-6895. Please see her website for more information. www.PediatricWholeHealth.com

December 2021

Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air

Marine Crisis

Coral Reefs May Soon Be Just a Memory

tom fisk/Pexels.com

Tyler Eddy, a research scientist who co-authored a new study at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, says, “Coral reefs have been in decline worldwide. I think that’s pretty commonly accepted. We didn’t necessarily know the magnitude of how much.” The in-depth analysis reveals half of coral reefs have been lost since the 1950s. Climate change, overfishing and pollution are decimating coral reef cover, biodiversity and fish abundance. In another study, scientists with the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network determined the world lost 14 percent of its coral between 2009 and 2018 alone. Coral reefs provide habitat for fish and protection for coastal communities, and they generate billions of dollars for the fishing and tourism industries. Corals are extremely sensitive to changes in water temperature and acidity. The living polyps rely on zooxanthellae—algae that live in their tissue—to produce food the corals need. When the polyps are stressed by changes in light, water temperature or acidity, they expel the algae in a process called bleaching. There is a brief time frame in which they can replenish the algae, but if corals are stressed for too long, their death is irreversible. “We are running out of time: We can reverse losses, but we have to act now,” says Inger Andersen, head of the United Nations Environment Program.

University of Rhode Island research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters describes a new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air, which found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and a home. We have known about toxic “forever chemicals” in food and drinking water, and it seems they are also ubiquitous in the air. PFAS are a class of approximately 9,000 chemicals used to improve stain, water or heat resistance in products. The public health concern is that they don’t break down in the environment. PFAS accumulate in animals and humans and are linked to health impacts including cancer, birth defects and immune suppression. The scientists think PFAS enter the atmosphere when compounds break off of treated products like coats or carpets and attach to dust. “It’s an underestimated and potentially important source of exposure to PFAS,” says study co-author and Green Science Policy Institute Senior Scientist Tom Bruton. According to the Institute, schools and offices can protect students and employees by replacing carpeting, but that doesn’t prevent PFAS from entering via coats or shoes. Bruton writes, “As long as they continue to be used in products, we’ll all be eating, drinking and breathing PFAS. We need to turn off the tap and stop all unnecessary uses of PFAS as soon as possible.”

Marie Ruxton • LMT,

CN •

Chronic Pain & Movement Therapy Myofascial Release Therapy Mind-Body Makeovers Therapeutic Massage PA #MSG002015 NJ #18KT00415900

628 Chestnut St • Emmaus • 610.965.2500 www.marieruxton.massagetherapy.com

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Holy Smoke!

global briefs

Shine On

Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets pixabey/Pexels.com

A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) describes a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. The 10-year average adjusted costs of generation for a plant over its lifetime are 85 percent for utility-scale solar; 56 percent for onshore wind; 48 percent for offshore wind; and 68 percent for concentrated solar power. IRENA continues to see drops of between 7 percent and 16 percent in these categories this year. According to the same report, the 62 percent of new renewables added last year had lower costs than the cheapest fossil fuels. New renewables are increasingly competitive against existing fossil fuels. In the U.S., 61 percent of current coal capacity already has higher operating costs. Phasing out these coal plants would start saving money almost immediately. IRENA DirectorGeneral Francesco La Camera states that because renewables cost more upfront than keeping old coal rolling, action is needed to make sure emerging economies are not left behind. “We are far beyond the tipping point of coal.”

The Next

Nutrition Course February 20, 2022 - July 19 , 2022

Become a Certified Nutrition Consultant 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. Every student receives a free 90 minute private nutritional consultation with Dr. Rodger (ND) worth $289. Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) Course Instructor

To obtain a detailed information pack visit:

NutritionConsultants.org or Tel: 908-223-8899

A library of material becomes yours following course completion.

December 2021

The Power of Gathering in Community by Linda Sechrist

ad the intellectual achievements of human culture evolved during a revolution based on living systems in the natural world rather than one of rapid industrial growth and resource consumption, we might be experiencing interconnectedness instead of divisiveness during this time of social and ecological crisis. A nature-focused revolution embracing humans as an integral part of the Earth’s natural systems would have instilled a deeper understanding of the wonders of the human body as a living system imbued with inner intelligence, as well as the intelligence of the non-human living world. This perspective, held by Native Americans, would have helped to create sustainable human communities that flourish by connecting, collaborating, cooperating and communicating. With such approaches as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, support groups, prayer circles and dialogue circles exploring conflict solutions, Western minds are just beginning to comprehend how small-community experiences of fellowship and communion can assuage feelings of separation and isolation, and create inner experiences of wholeness and belonging.

Mentoring Each Other

Although not always sharing a common geographical location, 16

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small communities formed around common interests and shared values enable emotional healing. The ManKind Project (MKP), which describes itself as a “men’s community for the 21st century,” has more than 1,000 peer-facilitated groups in 22 countries in which men mentor each other through their life passages. “In our MKP communities, there’s a sense of shared commitment and the shared values of accountability, authenticity, compassion, generosity, integrity, respect, leadership and multicultural awareness, along with a shared vision pointing us in the direction we want to go together,” says Boysen Hodgson, MKP-USA communications director. “While MKP’s mission statement informs our work, in New Warrior Adventure training, each man creates a personal mission statement. Mine is, ‘I transform culture by designing change, building bridges and co-creating space for connection.’” According to Hodgson, when a man shares how he hears his inner voice for the first time along with his story in another man’s story, he becomes aware of his interior capacities and cultivates internal and external listening skills. By sharing personal stories, men experience epiphanies that can result in connections and bonding. Douglas Bonar, a 35-year veteran of mental health counseling and owner of A Center for Wellness, in Pinellas Park, Florida, has been facilitating men’s groups for 22 years. Men and occasionally women that have been court-ordered to undergo counseling with

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Circles of Healing

Bonar for 29 weeks after their incarceration learn the value of growing together in community. “I initiate the uninitiated who’ve never heard about the powerful impacts of respectful, attentive listening without judgement, giving/receiving feedback and support, and learning about successes and failures in the company of community,” says Bonar. “Actively engaging the minds, hearts and energy of people participating in community makes experiencing emotional healing possible. Feeling truly heard and deeply listened to and comprehending life from a multisensory human perception and a sense of oneness can lead to understanding that we are never alone, the universe is alive—conscious, intelligent and compassionate.” More about progress than perfection, Bonar’s unique Roots and Wings Way of Wholeness approach to healing in community tills the soil of an inner world and plants seeds via the introduction of guidelines for creating authentic power, spiritual growth, levels of consciousness, coherence, the realization of one’s true self as more than an enculturated personality, the Noetic experience of oneness, humans as energetic beings, emotions as energy in motion and a coherent energetic field that the HeartMath Institute notes creates synchronization, or entrainment, between the heart and mind, as well as a sense of unity.

Sharing Sacred Space

Jean Shinoda Bolen, a Jungian psychiatrist, activist and author of Moving Toward the Millionth Circle: Energizing the Global Women’s Movement, encourages everyone to follow a path with soul and take on a personal assignment that contributes to change, while relying on the support of circle communities of like-minded individuals. “Fundamental principles applicable to any group include creating sacred space, listening with compassion and for wisdom, speaking from the heart and personal experience, inviting silence and reflection when needed, taking responsibility for your experience and your impact on the circle, keeping the confidence of the circle and making decisions when needed by consensus,” says Bolen, whose active events include a prayer circle and another with women she has been together with since the 1980s. “The more frequently a circle meets to fully witness one another’s life stories, including all the changes and crises, a growing trust and heart connection occurs and a coherent energy field is created,” says Bolen. At the beginning of her circle gatherings, upon hearing the tone of a Tibetan bowl, she says, everyone immediately drops into coherence; a state of connectedness in which the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

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Cultivating Deep Listening

As the host of New Dimensions, a nationally syndicated radio program that addresses cultural shifts, Justine Willis Toms has deeply explored interconnectedness with some of the greatest minds on the planet, including the Dalai Lama and physicist David Bohm. Referring to her circle communities as “friends of the heart,” she enthuses, “When I am deeply listening to another or speaking authentically aloud in a circle of trust, I get to hear myself in a way that I don’t if I’m only listening to what is in my head.” December 2021

Recalling a tumultuous time in her life, Toms relates a profound healing experience that occurred in a circle community in which she and her husband had been participating since the 1980s. “This particular circle usually gathers for an entire weekend. On one, I arrived in deep distress—so much so that on Friday I began pouring out my fears, anxiety, blame and judgements. I raged through the night and didn’t stop until after breakfast on Saturday, when I felt complete, totally heard, emotionally healed and revived.” From a sense of peace and clarity, Toms knew that healing occurred because of the circle’s capacity for deep listening. “We know and trust the true genius that each of us is, and we know how to not be afraid for each other when life is in a rollercoaster cycle and we’re at the bottom, but don’t want to pull the brake because we’ll never have the momentum to go back up. This is the power of a circle of friends of the heart who love you,” says Toms, who shares a favorite African saying, “‘A friend is someone who knows your song and sings it to you when you have forgotten it. Those who love you are not fooled by the mistakes you’ve made or the dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly, your wholeness when you are broken, your innocence when you’re feeling guilty and your purpose when you are confused.’”

Connecting through Common Emotions

Physician Jennifer Phelps, owner of Phelps MD Integrative Medicine, in Redding, Connecticut, is a trained facilitator of

small groups who has worked in communities traumatized by natural disasters and human-caused catastrophes in her role as a faculty member of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, in Washington, D.C. “Where individuals listen to the grief and loss of others, emotional healing can be quite profound. Sharing stories in community, we learn we’re not alone and isolated, but rather related and connected in our human emotions,” says Phelps, adding that in groups of fewer than six people cohesiveness dissipates, leaving only conversation and cross-talk. The process of human and community development unfolds from within each person, relationship and community. According to Cate Montana, of Kula, Hawaii, author of The E-Word: Ego, Enlightenment & Other Essentials, awakening to the illusion of separation, which can happen in community, sparks healing. “The persona of an individual as only a body and mind is the big sleep,” advises Montana, whose life work has been about waking people up to the truth of their essential spiritual nature and giving them tools for a more fulfilling life. Having experiences of fellowship and communion with likeminded people can make it possible to observe and understand how ego and mind function, and to become aware of crippling social programming which fragments, separates and divides us. Experiencing a sense of wholeness in such an environment allows for healing naturally on many levels. Linda Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of

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wise words

Thomas Moore on the

Art of Soulful Listening by Marlaina Donato

What inspired you to write Soul Therapy?

We need more therapeutic conversations in all areas of life, and my book is for the ordinary person, as well as the professional therapist. We could talk to each other with the intention of befriending and offering useful care. Medicine is in need of an injection of this therapeutic talking and listening to add soul and spirit to an otherwise materialistic approach to the human being.

homas Moore, New York Times bestselling author, Jungian-based psychotherapist, musician and former monk, has been an advocate for conscious living since authoring his first book, Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. Twenty-three books later, Moore breaks ground with his latest release, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations, in which he invites therapists, psychiatrists, spiritual directors, ministers and caregivers to cultivate deeper connection based on soulful listening. His timeless wisdom inspires all of us to live from a state of spirituality and conscious wonder so that we might bridge the chasm between cultural, political and personal differences.

photo by Simone Anne

What is soul therapy in modern times?

The ancient Greeks wrote extensively about the soul. Their word was psyche, so it takes very little effort to see how psychotherapy is about caring for the soul. The ancients felt that the soul’s natural home is in the “underworld”, and soul therapy sees it the same way. We are not interested in causing behavior changes or finding explanations for current problems. These don’t go deep enough. They do not touch the underworld, or deep narratives and memories of a person. For example, if a person complains that he eats too much, then we might go deep and see if the underlying issue is a failure to nourish his life and person. We look for metaphors and layers of meaning. We don’t want change for the sake of change. We don’t necessarily expect a person to feel better or be better adjusted to life. We stay close to the symptom, like eating too much, and hope to see it fulfilled at a deeper level, truly nourishing your life.

What soul work is required of the helper to be able to address the needs of others? The helper in soul therapy has to learn

to observe carefully, and at a deep level, the narrative or story being lived out, often unconsciously, in a client. The arts, mythology, alchemy, dreams—these can all give hints about the deeper story being lived. The soul therapist does not give much advice, if any, and doesn’t try to figure a person out. He or she stays close to the symptoms to see what the pain and confusion are all about. A person gets to know better the desires and fears that motivate him, without judgment or agenda. You try to see where the soul might have been wounded or not cared for.

Why do you think there is a perceived increase in anxiety and depressive disorders?

Our underlying philosophy or way of seeing everything is based on quantified studies, brain and laboratory research and the need to explain and define everything. There is no room for mystery and its language, which is poetic and metaphorical. The soul suffers.

How can we truly listen to others and cultivate authentic presence?

Today we often debate rather than converse. We want to win arguments rather than gain deep insight. You listen well only when you find peace in yourself and give up the need to be always right.

What gives you hope for humanity?

In spite of all our problems today, I am an optimist. Humanity is very slowly evolving into a more humane community of Earth beings. We have a long way to go. I see our young people today, many of them impatient to create a different kind of global culture, one that has the courage and vision to deal with our ecological crisis and create a peaceful political planet. They are not plagued with cynicism or despair. We can’t give up our idealism and surrender to pessimism. The world has always had deep troubles. The challenge should bring out all our creativity and passion for life. Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildFlowerLady.com. December 2021

green living

Greening the Holidays How to Celebrate Sustainably

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by Sandra Yeyati

ith every record-setting storm and catastrophic fire, more people are realizing that we are embroiled in a climate crisis. Consider this holiday season as an opportunity not just to make sustainable choices, but also to take strategic action that positively impacts the planet and inspires friends and family to join the environmental cause. Whether that means modifications to the holiday dinner, ecofriendly decorating tactics or responsible gifting, every environmental choice can be a teaching moment or conversation starter. Together, we can make a difference.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Dinner

Growing fruits and vegetables is generally kinder to the Earth than the industrialized production of meat, which pollutes the environment and mistreats animals. Hosting a vegetarian holiday feast with locally sourced, organic produce is a great way to support regenerative farming systems, slash transportation emissions and introduce guests to new culinary traditions. If meat is a must, opt for sustainably wild-caught salmon or shrimp and pastured, organic turkey or chicken over beef, as cow production leads to significant methane emissions. To conserve energy, use the oven or stove sparingly, opting instead for recipes that employ crockpots, air fryers, pressure cookers, outdoor barbecues or the microwave. For both health and environmental reasons, gently encourage smaller meat portions and fill the plate with scrumptious side dishes. After the party, leftovers can be sent home with guests, turned into next-day lunches and soups or frozen for later use. Compost scraps to keep them out of the landfill. 20

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Responsible Gift Wrapping

Eliminating wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and greeting cards from the holiday equation is a great zero-waste lifestyle choice. Gifts can just as easily be wrapped in fabric, scarves and cloth napkins, or presented inside a reusable shopping bag. Another alternative is to use wrapping materials and greeting cards that are biodegradable, from recycled origins or certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (fsc.org) to ensure they did not contribute to deforestation. Avoid papers with glitter, foil and other decorations that may contain nonbiodegradable, petroleum-based elements. Glitter is usually made from plastic, contributing to the microplastics problem. When recycling, remove tape, bows and ribbons.

Earth-Friendly Holiday Decorations

The most eco-friendly Christmas decoration is a potted, living tree that can be decorated and exhibited indoors during the holidays and planted in the garden afterwards. A mini-rosemary tree is also a fragrant tabletop alternative. Opt for LED string lights, which use a fraction of the energy that traditional lights require. With the help of online instructional videos, families can come together to craft decorations out of biodegradable, recycled and consumable materials, including tree ornaments made of reclaimed wood or soda can tabs; garlands of popcorn, dried fruit slices or cinnamon sticks; wreaths and centerpieces studded with pine cones, herb branches and flowers from the garden; and candles made with essential oils and soy wax. The home will smell festive, fresh and healthful.

Thoughtful, Life-Affirming Gifts

Environmentally responsible holiday shopping takes many forms. Some people pledge to buy nothing during Christmas and instead donate their holiday budgets to families in need. Others set out to buy gifts they know the recipient wants or needs to avoid waste. They shop at local, small businesses and choose durable, repurposed, easily repairable and upcycled items. Thoughtful gifts that affirm a commitment to the planet are electric bicycles and comfortable hiking shoes to encourage slow transportation and healing walks in nature; solarpowered devices and chargers in support of renewable energy; consumable items and foods that won’t clutter the home or landfill; services and experiences that don’t need to be gift wrapped; and donations to environmental charities that are meaningful to the recipient. Consider gifts that encourage loved ones to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs; plant shade trees in their backyards; and nurture flowering plants that support bees, butterflies and other pollinators—green-thumb gifts like herb planters, wildflower seed packets, garden tools, utility gloves and vegetable-growing instruction books.

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Reusable Gifts that Ditch the Plastic

These reusable gifts make it easy and fun for recipients to be kind to the planet year-round by reducing our devastating dependence on single-use, nonbiodegradable plastic that pollutes the environment and harms aquatic wildlife. n Straws made of stainless steel, organic bamboo, silicone, biodegradable paper or glass n Water bottles and insulated containers made of stainless steel or glass n Food bags, wraps and bowl covers made of beeswax, silicone, cotton or canvas n Stainless steel plates and bamboo utensils for sustainable picnicking n Zero-waste shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

†

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

December 2021

healthy kids

The Best Books for Kids Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

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by Sandra Yeyati

elping children learn to read and love books is one of the greatest parental endeavors. Many kids learn their first words after hearing the adults in their lives sing a lullaby or tell them a nursery rhyme. “Building a child’s vocabulary is the key to reading, and rhymes, singing, word games, synonyms, homonyms and rap are great places to start,” says Claudette McLinn, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature and former librarian, teacher, school administrator and children’s bookstore owner. A child’s first reading experience will likely involve a picture book. “What’s powerful about picture books is that the illustrations and text intertwine,” McLinn explains. “You can read them aloud together. As the child looks at the artwork, the adult can ask, ‘What is that?’ And the child can use their imagination while you teach them to observe, articulate and start the reading process.” To encourage childhood reading, it’s helpful to have a variety of books around the house and to set aside reading time every day. “It costs nothing to check out a pile of 25 books at the library, take them home and try them,” says Maeve Knoth, a librarian at Phillips Brooks School, in Menlo Park, California. When buying books, she suggests consulting librarians and booksellers for recommendations, as well as relying on book 22

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awards such as the Newbery or Caldecott medals, and on book lists compiled every year by reputable organizations and committees, notably the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. Choosing books for kids should always start by discovering what their passions or interests are and then finding a good book on that subject, says McLinn, adding that encouraging children to browse the shelves and choose their own books is an empowering exercise that builds selfesteem and a love of reading. Whether it’s dinosaurs, cars or the stars and planets, there’s a kid’s book about it. “Although fiction is important early on because it

increases imagination, nonfiction books help kids learn new information and understand the role of the table of contents, the glossary and index, and informative diagrams,” she says, adding that she prefers award-winning nonfiction books because they’ve been vetted for accuracy. “Kids often gravitate toward books that are a little bit less challenging,” Knoth says. “While I have no objection to those popular books, which are lots of fun, they’re not going to give kids a new way to think about themselves or the world. I want my children to have consequential reading experiences with books that offer new points of view where kids can live in someone else’s heart and mind for a little while. I want them to know what it might be like to live in a different time period or to grow up in China.” According to Knoth, a great children’s book will include an engaging character that has an experience, prompting them to change and grow. “I want it to be well structured and beautifully written, with setting, point of view and all those elements that fit together to create a theme and give you a literary experience,” she explains. She looks for nuanced books that invite kids to use their imagination and find their own way. “The reader might be young, but they’re not dumb. They just haven’t had lots of experiences yet. If a book concludes with one narrow solution to a child’s problem, then I would say it’s not that useful or successful,”

says Knoth, a frequent contributor to The Horn Book, a resource for children’s book reviews and articles. McLinn believes that kids should be exposed to a diversity of authors and illustrators that explore the lives of all cultures. “We live in silos with the people in our group, and we don’t know anything about other groups,” she explains. “When you read about other cultures, you learn that we are more alike than we are different. We may eat different foods, wear different

clothing and have different customs, but you find out that it’s not scary. Kids love to read about heroes that they can identify with and become their friends. Children are into social justice and fairness. As a child, I loved biographies. I wanted to read about great people and what made them great so that maybe I could be great like them.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

Children’s Book Awards

Children’s Book Lists

Newbery Medal: Tinyurl.com/NewberyMedal-Award

Rainbow Book List, presenting LGBTQIA+ viewpoints: glbtrt.ala.org/ rainbowbooks

Caldecott Medal: Tinyurl.com/CaldecottMedal-Award American Indian Youth Literature Awards: Tinyurl.com/American-IndianAward Pura Belpré Award, celebrating Latino culture: Tinyurl.com/Pura-Belpre-Book-Award Coretta Scott King Awards, showcasing African American values: Tinyurl.com/ Coretta-Scott-King-Awards Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature: Tinyurl.com/Asian-PacificAmerican-Award Sydney Taylor Book Award, portraying the Jewish experience: Tinyurl.com/ Sydney-Taylor-Award

Best Books by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature: csmcl.org/best-books-2020 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Booklists, various topics: Tinyurl.com/ ccbcBookList Association for Library Service to Children Book Lists, various genres and topics: Tinyurl.com/alscBookList Notable Children’s Books by the Association for Library Service to Children, identifying the best of the best in children’s books: Tinyurl.com/ alscNotableBooks

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December 2021

healing ways

Amp Up Immunity Proven Boosters for Good Health

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by Ronica O’Hara

s we head into the holidays, a gift that many of us wish for is a strong immune system to protect us not only from serious illness, but also from wintry coughs and sniffles. Robust immunity rests on three pillars, research shows: getting at least seven hours of sleep a night to allow immune functions to reboot; daily exercise to stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off harmful bacteria and viruses; and plant-based foods to supply the antioxidants and phytochemicals needed to reduce inflammation and keep cells humming happily. In addition, we can enhance immunity by adding specific adaptogens and mushroom powders into our daily routine. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. As powders, they can be easily added into drinks or foods, and they can also be taken as tinctures or pills.

Modulating Immunity with Adaptogens

Used for millennia in China and India, adaptogens are plants 24

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that keep the body in balance by helping it adapt to stress. They interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex system of glands, hormones and receptors that helps manage homeostasis, stress responses and energy metabolism. “Adaptogens are a great way to boost immunity, especially if you are constantly sick and run down due to feeling stressed,” says Heather Hanks, a Plymouth, Michigan, nutritionist with USA Rx. Adaptogens typically take two or three weeks to become effective; follow package directions for proper dosage. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), an herb called locoweed in the U.S., boosts immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity and enhancing the function of macrophages, the “immune sentinels” that reside in tissues. A recent review suggests that long-term use of astragalus might help prevent colds, and taking it for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing. It has also been shown to improve recovery after illness, disease or prolonged stress and to help post-chemotherapy patients regain health. Polish researchers

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found that rowing team athletes given 500 milligrams of astragalus root extract each day for six weeks had immune systems that recovered faster after strenuous exercise. Panax Ginseng, a perennial plant from East Asia, keeps the immune system in balance by regulating its components, including macrophages, dendritic cells and both T and B cells. It improves resistance to illness and microbial attacks, helps counter stress, controls inflammation, improves cognitive functions and has been found effective in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, insulin resistance and hypertension.

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Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as holy basil, “enhances the immune response, protects the body against bacterial and viral infection and promotes clear and comfortable breathing,” says Ameya Duprey, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner in Nevada City, California. Studies show that it also helps prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

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Used medicinally since at least 3,000 BCE, certain mushrooms have been found to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, liverprotective and anticancer properties. They are usually not cooked, but rather taken as a powder that can be added to foods like smoothies, cereals and stir-fries. Reishi mushrooms increase the activity ad is the of killer cells and lower This inflammation in property of Natural Awakenings and may not be reproduced in any other publication w sion of the publisher. Please review the proof carefully. Natural Awakenings is not responsible for an white cells, warding off infections. “They marked. This ad will be published as it appears if the proof is not returned to us. If there are any que are used by cancer patients, as they support this proof please call or email. a healthy immune system, have antioxidant properties and may prevent or treat infecSignature: Date: tions,” says Linda Strause, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of human nutrition at University of California San Diego, whose husband with brain cancer was encouraged to take the mushrooms as a supplement. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensi) is harvested from the larvae of caterpillars in December 2021

conscious eating

The Sweet Danger of Sugar ways to enjoy healthier holiday fare by Christy Ratliff

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hocolate Santas, decorated cookies and other sweet confections are ingrained in our holiday traditions, yet sugary food does little to actually make us feel merry and bright in the long run. A high-sugar diet increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, inflammation, weight gain and weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It can also contribute to tooth decay and acne. “Most high-sugar foods are ‘treats’ and are not intended to be high in nutrition or consumed instead of healthier foods,” says Shelley Maniscalco, registered dietitian and CEO of the consulting firm Nutrition on Demand, in Arlington, Virginia. “When we have too many foods that are what we call calorie-dense versus nutrient-dense, we run the risk of displacing healthier foods, and, therefore, under-consuming key nutrients.” This can impact mental health and impair the body’s ability to manage stress. “When we eat nutritious foods, and our gut is healthy, we obtain necessary nutrients to create neurotransmitters, which are key to optimal mental health,” explains Maggie Roney, a licensed counselor and certified functional medicine provider in Wylie, Texas. “There’s mood-stabilizing serotonin, which is a precursor for melatonin, needed for sleep; dopamine, involved in pleasure, focus and motivation; and GABA, which provides a calming effect that can help with stress and anxiety. All of these require amino acids, zinc, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, copper and B vitamins.” In moderation, sugar is not necessarily detrimental to our health and well-being, but differentiating between naturally occurring sugar and added sugar is key to finding a middle ground. “New changes in the food label allow consumers to more easily identify sources of sugar in foods,” Maniscalco says. “Many healthy foods naturally contain sugars, such as fructose in fruits and lactose in dairy products. These natural sugars don’t need to be avoided. When checking the label, look for amounts of added sugars and choose the options that have less.” Foods and beverages with added sugars are now required to list the number of grams and percent daily value for added sugars on the nutrition facts label. For example, a container of yogurt with fruit on the bottom might list total sugars at 15 grams (g), including 7 g of added sugar, which means 8 g of naturally occurring sugars.

Hidden sugars are often found where we least expect them. –Ricardo Díaz In a society long obsessed with counting calories, we may assume we’re making smart choices with low-fat, non-fat, reduced calorie or light versions of grocery items. But, the amount of added sugar is actually higher in low calorie versions of a wide variety of foods because sugar is used to compensate for the loss of flavor from fat. “Sugar tastes good and balances out other flavors, so many foods that we wouldn’t consider sweet have added sugars,” says Colleen Tewksbury, Ph.D., bariatric program manager and senior research investigator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Common products include pasta sauce, cereal and salad dressing. Reading food labels looking specifically for added sugars is key to finding these foods.” “Hidden sugars are often found where we least expect them,” adds Ricardo Díaz, chef and registered dietitian nutritionist at the New York-based nonprofit Wellness in the Schools, which works to improve nutrition in school lunches. “Many savory or salty foods tend to have added sugars, such as tortilla chips, popcorn, jerky and frozen prepared foods. Check your labels and compare between products on the supermarket shelves to find the healthiest pick for you and your loved ones.” “Often, we think of eating in ‘all or nothing’ terms. When we cut out foods we enjoy, it often backfires and we end up overeating them in the end when our willpower runs out,” Maniscaclo says. “I would really encourage mindfulness in eating so that individuals can enjoy treats in moderation and feel satisfied by them so that there’s less need to over consume. Also, being physically active year-round is a great habit to get into and can create more space in the diet for treats.” As we implement these small but significant low-sugar strategies, we’ll be rewarded with better physical and emotional health all year long. That’s something to celebrate. Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

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December 2021

Low- or No-Sugar Holiday Treats Baklava Cookie Cups 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour 1 tsp orange zest ½ tsp ground cardamom ¼ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature ¾ cup honey 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

photo provided by allrecipes.com

filling and syrup:

½ cup pistachios, chopped ½ cup honey 3 Tbsp water 2 tsp orange juice 4 green cardamom pods, crushed 1 cinnamon stick

Heat oven to 350° F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, orange zest, cardamom and salt. In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and honey for about 1-2 minutes. (The mix will look a little curdled at this point and that’s fine; scrape down the sides.) Beat in the eggs, then the vanilla. Mix in the flour in

two parts. Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough into the prepared muffin tin and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven; let sit for about 3-4 minutes before using a dowel to carefully press down in the center of each cookie to make a well. Let the cookies cool for about 15 minutes in the tin before removing to a cooling rack to cool completely. In a small saucepan over medium heat, prepare the syrup by combining the honey, water, orange juice, cardamom pods and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer and remove from the heat. Drizzle a small amount in the bottom of each cookie cup and then fill with the chopped pistachios. Drizzle more syrup on top of the filled cookie cups. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week. Courtesy of the National Honey Board. For more information, visit Honey.com.

Baked Apples

Preheat oven to 375° F. Wash apples. Using an apple corer, remove cores and leave ½ inch of the bottom of each apple. (If using a paring knife, just cut the center core out fully.) Make the hole ¾-inch wide, and remove the seeds using a spoon. Place the cored apples in an 8-inch-by 8-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle lemon juice over apples to prevent browning. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, chopped nuts and raisins or another dried fruit. Stuff each apple with the filling mixture. Top with a dot of butter (about ½ to ¾ tsp per apple). Add boiling water to baking pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes until tender, but not mushy. Remove baked apples from the 28

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oven, and baste apples several times with the juice from the pan. (Apples can be baked in a muffin tin. Place muffin liners into the muffin tins, and place cored apples inside.) Chef ’s Note: Personalize the baked apples with seasonal fillings and spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom or pumpkin pie spice. For a twist, try a savory, fresh herb like rosemary or thyme. Courtesy of Wellness in the Schools. For more information, visit WellnessInThe Schools.org. roman samokhin/AdobeStock.com

photo provided by allrecipes.com

4 large Granny Smith baking apples Juice of one lemon (about ¼ cup) 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ cup chopped pecans or another nut of choice ¼ cup raisins or another dried fruit of choice 1 tsp butter ¾ cup boiling water

inspiration

with song, raising our voices to any capacity can be an offering, an invitation to hope and beauty. Singing multicultural songs with the kids, writing a spontaneous prayer or sharing seasonal or funny stories naturally boosts the immune system and helps to fight off the winter blues. Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention: ruby fruits baked with brown sugar, rosy desert mornings and snowy sapphire twilights. Pointing out December constellations over a beach or lacing up our boots for a brisk walk helps us to unplug from the world’s problems. Sprinkling heart-healthy spices in our morning coffee opens a gloomy day on a lovely note. Winter can feel long, so go ahead and treat your senses; buy a few yards of red velvet to sleep on or pick up that novel you’ve been planning to read. Live and give a little more deeply. Feed the birds and feed your soul.

Season of Light Celebrating the Soul of Winter by Marlaina Donato

kharchenkoirina/AdobeStock.com

nevitably, the wheel of the year turns with the nuances of the seasons hardly noticed in the blur of our busy days. “Next year,” we say, when we realize that we’ve run Box 421 Emmaus,Marlaina PA 18049 • P: 610-421-4443 F: 610-421-4445 Donato is an author and a• composer of ambient holiday LVEditor@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com • www.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com out of time to try that music. Connect at WildflowerLady.com. holiday recipe, connect Ad Proof for Natural Awakenings with friends or revel in a Revels Around the World: winter sunset. Collecting To: P: 610-421-4443 small joys takes us out of n The celebration of Soyal by Hopi people of northEmail: F: the 610-421-4445 survival mode and into ern Arizona centers on purification, dancing and inviting wide-awakePlease living. Pausthe favor the Kachinas, or protective nature spirits. sign your proof and of complete the following information: ing to sip from winter’s (Ad is shown at actual size. See second page for larger ads.) n The ancient Persian festival Yalda celebrates family steaming cup of comfort can be the perfect way to begin a new time and the triumph of the sun, with people staying chapter that prompts us to come back to the center. Ad is approved: contact correct awake to information see the sunriseand andspelling eat foodsissuch as pomegranIn the ancient world, fire festivals marked holy days celebratates and nuts. Ad is approved with changes indicated ing the sun’s promise of return and supplied felicity in a time of n The Chinese festival of Dongindicated Zhi, or the “arrival of winhardship. Today, something inside our ancestral memories makes Ad is not approved – make changes ter”, is an ancient celebration of labor and the closing year. us crave celebration as we wrap the year’s end in shiny ribbon,

Adethereal Proof #1 Aprilcandles. 2011 Issue lights and-scented Singing, chanting or caroling

this time of year—“old-fashioned” pastimes—were ancient elements of winter’s revels that invited benevolent energy and chased away bad luck. While most of us no longer grace our neighbors

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n The Ukrainian celebration of Malanka, or Orthodox New Year, is a type of Mardi Gras involving masks, costumes and singing from house to house.

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natural pet

Toyland for Pooches Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love by Karen Shaw Becker

error to determine what type their dog prefers—and which are safest—from a mind-blowing selection of tugs, balls, discs, chews, puzzles, squeaky or stuffed toys and more. Because many pet stores welcome dogs, some pet parents even bring their four-legged family members along and allow them to sniff out their favorites. It’s important to select a dog’s toys carefully, because not every option is a good choice. For example, some dogs, especially large breeds, tend to rip soft toys apart within seconds to taste-test the stuffing. There are also dogs that can swallow small soft toys whole. A pup’s temperament, size and age all play a role in determining which toys are safe, and there are also

considerations based on the toy itself, such as materials used, size, shape and more.

Potentially Toxic Toys

Pet toys are not regulated, so they can be made with virtually any material. Plastic toys, in particular, can be dangerous, because many contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA). Old or weathered toys such as those left outside leach higher concentrations of harmful chemicals. While BPA-free toys are available, the toxin may have been replaced with similar—or even more toxic—chemicals, including bisphenol-S (BPS), so “BPAfree” unfortunately isn’t a reliable indicator of toy safety. Other adulterants found in dog toys include heavy metals like lead and formaldehyde. When looking for new

Arno/AdobeStock.com

ost healthy dogs retain their love of play throughout their lives. Because canine family members can be loosely compared to perpetual human toddlers, it makes sense that they enjoy playtime no matter their age. Most dogs are also fascinated, at least temporarily, with toys made just for them. Some love to chase a ball or Frisbee and others like a good game of tug or stuffed toys. Most dogs seem to enjoy playthings that squeak when they bite them, possibly because the noise brings to mind the sound of captured prey, or perhaps because pet parents give their dogs extra attention when they “get their squeak on”. Most dogs in the U.S. have lots of toys, and many pet parents practice trial-and-

Lehigh Valley Edition

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toys, choose those made in the U.S. out of 100 percent natural rubber, organic cotton or other eco-friendly and contaminantfree materials. Try the sniff test. If a toy being considered smells strongly of chemicals, put it back. Testing shows that some tennis balls made for pets contain more contaminants than those made for sports. The best toys for pets are usually handmade by individuals or very small companies and can be found at local farmers’ markets or sold regionally in small, independent pet stores. There’s no plethora of companies that produce 100 percent organic toys, but some great, allnatural toys can be found online.

What Dogs Seem to Prefer

Researchers have discovered that regardless of the type of toy, once a dog is completely familiar with the sight, sound, smell and feel of it, boredom can set in. In addition, we may want to avoid “indestructible” toys the dog can’t make a dent in, because they enjoy toys they can pull apart and destroy, or those that are edible. Offering a dog easily destroyed toys isn’t ideal, either, as they may accidently or intentionally ingest some of the non-edible pieces. A good alternative is recreational bones (large, raw chunks of beef and bison femur bones), which are quite enjoyable to most dogs, even though they’re not technically toys. Lick mats that hold a soft food treat are also a great environmental enrichment choice for dogs that tend to destroy toys quickly. Treat-release puzzle toys, toys meant to be chewed and those that make noise or are edible (like a nontoxic dental bone) can also be good options, while toys that are hard, unyielding and silent will probably not be a big hit. Don’t underestimate our human ability to stimulate a dog’s interests. A session of playtime—playing fetch, tug-of-war or hide-and-seek—will be far more stimulating to the pup than any toy could be. Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

calendar of events

save the date REIKI CERTIFICATION CLASSES – Mountain Top

PLANS CHANGE Please call ahead to confirm date and times

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar – 10am5pm. Enjoy vendors of crystals, jewelry, gemstone trees, soaps and bath products, artwork, clothing, pet products, singing bowls and more, along with reiki and reflexology practitioners, tarot, and readers, plus a benefit raffle and auction. Free admission. Leesport Farmers Market Banquet Hall, Contact Anthony V. Wojnar PO D.D.Box RMT,6274 Life Lancaster, PA 17607 P: 717-399-3187 312 Gernants Church Rd, •Leesport. 570-573-1651. F: 717 Holistic Center LLC. Member:NALancaster.com IARP, 570LadyLynora.com/Holiday-Bazaar. or NABerks.com • Publisher@NALancas 706-6680. ReikiCenterOnl,ine@yahoo.com. LifeHolisticReiki.com. See calendar page? Reiki 1, Usui/Tibetan Style Certification Jan 23, 2021 9:30am-5:30 pm. Highlights: History of Reiki, Japanese Reiki Techniques, Reiki 1, Initiation, Hands on practice , includes 179 page manual, Register by 1/9/22

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Ad Proof for Natural Awakenings

Restful Sleep, Stress Relief, and Effortless Meditation™ with Greg Schweitzer. This meditation To: 4 SATURDAY, DECEMBER technique is recommended by physiciansP: as a key Email: F: high for self-care. Gain relief from - insomnia, Healthy Holidays (Holistic Health Series) at blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain Green Earth Marketplace fog and more. 6:30 – 8:00 pm, FREE, Online Video sign your proof and complete the following inform 10am-2pm. Do you want to learn Please how to stay Conference, Pre-register 610.670.6700 (Ad is that shown at actual size. See second page for larger healthy during the holidays? This is a free event will include samples of healthy food, gift bags with MONDAY, DECEMBER 29 sample products, a lecture from Acupuncturist and Restfulcontact Sleep, Stress Relief, and Effortless Medi- is cor Herbalist Lisa Baas (10:30am, 11:30am,Ad 12:30pm), is approved: information and spelling tation™ with Greg Schweitzer. This meditation mini yoga and breathing sessions with Lauren Tice is approved with changes indicated technique is recommended by physicians as a key from Living Room Yoga (12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, Ad for self-care. Gain relief from - insomnia, high 1:30pm), and mini chair massages. Spaces are Ad isblood notpressure, approved – make changes depression, anxiety, fatigue,indicated brain limited and pre-registration is required. Reserve fog and more. 6:30 – 8:00 pm, FREE, Online Video your spot and book early by stopping in at Green Conference, Pre-register 610.670.6700 Earth Marketplace 1328 Chestnut Street Emmaus, PA 18049 or email us at GEMemmaus@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 Restful Sleep, Stress Relief, and Effortless Meditation™ with Greg Schweitzer. This meditation technique is recommended by physicians as a key for self-care. Gain relief from - insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog and more. 7:00 – 8:15 pm, FREE, Twin Ponds Center, West LV, Pre-register 610.670.6700

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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, Pastor - Unique Sunday services 10:30am. All welcome! St. John’s Church of Faith, 607 Washington St Allentown. 610-776-7211. Quiet the Mind Group Meditation – New to meditation? Learn techniques to help quiet your mind and relax your body. Immerse yourself in a sound bath as June plays her crystal singing bowls. Time: 10:45-11:30am. Cost: $10. Kindred Spirits Books & Gifts, 66 W. Water Street, Hellertown. Walk-ins welcome! Call (610) 838-5463 for more information.

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR COMMUNITY. LET US HELP YOUR BUSINESS WEATHER THESE TIMES OF CRISIS – CONTACT US TODAY TO ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE:

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Lehigh Valley Edition

Co-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 Sacred Symposiums – Potluck Dinner & Discussion Group – We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month to share food and ideas about inspirational, metaphysical, or spiritual topics. Please bring a covered dish to share. Time: 7:00-9:00pm. Visit Facebook group or call (610) 838-5463 for more info. Sacred Space, 45 W. Water St., Hellertown. 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.

thursday Aromatherapy Thursdays – Join D.I.Y. Studios & make your own handmade aromatherapy jewelry and diffusers. Discounted Essential Oils will be available to attendees at Kindred Spirits. Registration cost includes all supplies. Time: 1:304p. Visit Sacred Space Facebook page or call 570575-8270 for project & pricing information. Sacred Space, 45 W. Water Street, Hellertown.

HealthyLehighValley.com

classifieds APPEALS Big Brothers Big Sisters – Needs volunteers for children living in Phillipsburg. Please call today to learn how you can help a child grow up. 908689-0436 or Info@BBBShsw.org.

COURSES Firearms Training – For current or potential gun owners, Rifle, Pistol or Shotgun. Guns and ammo are provided. NRA Certified Instructor with 50 years of experience, teaching men, women and children. Federal and State laws explained. Clear and complete training for safety and accuracy. Cost $120.00. Call: 610-554-4581 – Email_ BobBajor@gunskills.com – web: www.Gunskills.com

OPPORTUNITIES 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 570-977-1900 to discuss. Massage School of Business in Allentown is seeking an experienced part-time massage instructor for our program. Flexible schedule, great pay. Contact Joseph 484-223-4655. JosephLavine@mccann.edu.

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 484-860-5894. 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.

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. 610-395-3355. 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.

Greater Lehigh Valley business directory

COUNSELING - HOLISTIC

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 BALANCED ACUPUNCTURE

Heather Shoup, L.Ac. 2299 Brodhead Rd., Suite A Bethlehem, PA 18020 610-393-7589 BalancedAcupuncture.net

A patient centered wellness community, where treatment is individually tailored. Heather promotes health and wellness by creating balance in the body. Acupuncture specializing in anxiety, depression, digestive, and cancer support.

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 23.

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.

LIVEWELL INTEGRATED HEALTH LLC

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 14.

Place your business listing here

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.

FUNERAL SERVICES NICOS C. ELIAS FUNERAL HOME, INC

Nicos C. Elias, Supervisor Allentown, PA 610-433-2200 Nicos@EliasFuneralHome.com EliasFuneralHome.com

BODYWORK MARIE RUXTON THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

SMART SOLUTIONS AND CREATIVE HOLISTIC THERAPY

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.

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December 2021

GREEN CEMETERY

LANDSCAPING

GREEN MEADOWS AT FOUNTAIN HILL CEMETERY

BEAR CREEK ORGANICS

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 25.

HEALTH FOOD & SUPPLEMENT STORE GREEN EARTH MARKETPLACE (GEM)

1328 Chestnut street Suite 110 Emmaus, PA 18049 GEMgreenearth.com GEMemmaus@gmail.com 610-965-5767

HYPNOSIS & HYPNOSIS TRAINING 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.

LIFE COACH ONE OF A KIND PERSONAL COACHING

June Rose is the right solution…for YOU! She knows life isn’t always a bed of roses and we all need some help from time to time. June uses her super powers—Compassion, Organization, Positivity, Empowerment —to help cut through the rough patches that life throws at you. Call or email her today for a free consultation and get the helping hand you need. See ad, page 14.

MASSAGE KONNECTIONS MASSAGE

Kathy Hatcher, LMT 656 5th St., Whitehall, PA 18052 610-266-6111 KonnectionsMassage.com 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.

NATURAL FAMILY MEDICINE

35 E. Elizabeth Ave. Ste 21 B Bethlehem, PA 570-617-5325 vperweiss@streamhypnosis.com www.streamhypnosis.com Achieve your personal goals. Eliminate chronic pain, weight management, stress reduction, kick the smoking habit is all possible. Hypnosis can help you move forward. Individual and group sessions, remote and in person sessions.

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 13.

REFLEXOLOGY A TOUCH OF LIGHT ENERGETIC HEALING & REFLEXOLOGY

4589 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport PA 484-239-6634 atouchoflight.net

Holistic alternatives caring for all levels of the body to restore energetic balance and relaxation. Offering gentle services to promote stress reduction and pain relief, while assisting the body’s natural ability to heal. Reflexology, along with customized treatments, Reiki/Energy Healing, Raindrop Therapy, Classes, Parties and more.

REDTAIL ENERGETICS

Karen E Adamo, EEM-AP Eden Method Advanced Practitioner Phillipsburg, NJ 908-752-0097 (phone or text) Karen@RedTailEnergetics.com RedTailEnergetics.com Experience more joy, peace, calm, health and vitality with the Eden Method, which corrects imbalances in nine different energy systems, and Sound Meditation with authentic bronze Himalayan Singing Bowls and gongs. Remote healing sessions are available.

REIKI LIFE HOLISTIC CENTER, LLC

MAULFAIR MEDICAL CENTER

Mountain Top, PA Rev., Dr. Anthony V. Wojnar D.D.,RMT Jane Niemiec RN,BSN, RMT Text or Call: 570-706-6680 reikicenteronline@yahoo.com LifeHolisticReiki.com

Dr. Maulfair is an Osteopathic Physician bringing four decades of knowledge and experience in alternative, complementary medicine to his patient care. Help for all conditions and all ages. Offering Chelation Therapy, Hubbard Method Sauna detoxification, and many other treatment programs. Bringing the best of both worlds to their patients. See ad, page 11.

Our main focus is Reiki, a Spiritual practice which promotes physical, emotional and spiritual healing. We offer Certification in Reiki 1 thru Reiki Master/Teacher Usui/Tibetan Style. Reiki, Reiki/Shiatsu, Biofield Tuning Forks and Singing Bowl sessions. Dr Anthony received a Master Teacher attunement on Kurama Mtn. Japan the birthplace of Reiki. CEU’s for Reiki 1 for LMT’s. Member IARP. See calendars, page 31.

Conrad Maulfair, D.O. 5925 Tilghman Street, Suite 90 Allentown, PA 18104 • 610-682-2104 DrMaulfair.com • PurelyYouDetox.com

STREAM HYPNOSIS, LLC

Lehigh Valley Edition

We create organic and ecological edible landscapes. With mother nature as our teacher, and extensive knowledge 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, page 10.

June Rose, Personal Coach 45 W. Water Street, Hellertown, PA 18055 610-838-5463 OneOfAKindCoaching.com

We have a passion for wellness and the earth! Our mission is to offer products that are mindfully sourced,And you can feel good about buying. We look for quality ingredients and choose products that are locally sourced and eco-friendly whenever possible. GEM carries vitamins/supplements, organic and vegan foods, Herbs, hemp/CBD, essential oils, household and personal care items.

570-582-0615 BearCreekOrganics@gmail.com BearCreekOrganics.com

NATUROPATH NATURAL HEALTH PROMOTION LLC

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Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said. By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast. September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.” “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched. Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished. Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses. Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA24. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?” Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives. Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever. The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL December 2021 35

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

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December 2021: Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley & Far West NJ

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