YOGA MONTH
TRANSFORMATIONAL TRAVEL
Spiritual Sites That Inspire Self-Improvement
Tapping Into the Global Health Network LIGHT POLLUTION WHAT IT IS AND HOW WE CAN HELP
SUSTAINABLE TRAVELING PRACTICES
YOGA MONTH
TRANSFORMATIONAL TRAVEL
Spiritual Sites That Inspire Self-Improvement
Tapping Into the Global Health Network LIGHT POLLUTION WHAT IT IS AND HOW WE CAN HELP
SUSTAINABLE TRAVELING PRACTICES
The desire to offer services within the health environment of a holistic chiropractic office is no coincidence as treating the muscular health and spinal health issues for clients coexist quite well together and we are pleased to be able to say that we have been offering that all under one roof for over 20 years!
Treating
n Sports Injuries & Athletic Performance Optimization
n Low Back & Leg Pain
n Cleanse, Purification, & Weight Loss Products
n Korean Specific Technique (KST)
n Nutrition & Supplements
n Joint Pain & Extremity Adjustments
Dr.
Moving!
Call Today (610) 266 – 6111
Restoring wellness through a holistic approach of hormone balancing and nutrition throughout all stages of life.
Female and Male Hormone Imbalance
Menopause
Individualized Bio-Identical Hormones
Insomnia
Adrenal Dysfunction & Fatigue
Decreased Libido in both Men & Women
Thyroid and Endocrine Disorders
Conditions We Treat: Integrated Health Campus 5925 Tilghman St, Suite 90 Allentown, PA 18104 484-294-4199 www.HormoneWellness.net
Weight Gain, Loss of Muscle Mass & Strength
Vitamin & Dietary Deficiencies
Adult & Adolescent Female Acne & Hirsutism Related Hormone Disorders
Polycystic Ovarian Hormone
Preconception Fertility Counseling
Albert
J. Peters, D.O.,
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.
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS
Email articles, news items and ideas to: DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com.
Deadline for editorial: the 15th of the month.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
Email Calendar Events to:
DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com
Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month.
NATIONAL 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 239-206-2000. For franchising opportunities call 239206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com.
14
Environmental
26
28
Publisher Dr. D Rodger (ND)
Editors Dr. D Rodger (ND) Marilyn Wanser
D esign & Production Patrick Floresca
Contributing Writers Sheila Julson
S ales & Marketing Dr. D Rodger (ND)
S ocial Media Marci Molina
P.O. Box 81
Three Bridges, NJ 08887
Phone: 610-421-4443
Fax: 908-806-4046
DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com HealthyLehighValley.com
CEO Kimberly B. Whittle
National Editor Sandra Yeyati
Editor Brooke Goode
Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin
Layout Gabrielle W-Perillo
National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell
Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921
Ph: 239-206-2000
NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com
© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.
Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.
We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
Quite recently I got invited to a network meeting, something that I had not attended since before COVID. I was somewhat reluctant because it was a 90-minute drive there and back, but so glad I made the trip, and this is why I think we all should start attending these network meetings.
No matter what profession you’re in, you’re guaranteed to pick up something when attending a networking event. From making valuable connections, which is a key to success, to finding out what customers think of your product or service.
When attending events within your field, you increase the chances of mingling with your ideal prospects who know your business and brand. You want them to know who you are, what you do, how you work, and your vision. Through networking, you want to educate other professionals on your business and your interests, because you never know who may be interested. Word of mouth is a great way to grow and expand, which is why you want to be talking about what you are doing. Often, like-minded holistic experts also want to educate you on what they are doing, you never know how you can benefit or collaborate.
You’ll always be surprised by how you can help someone or how someone can help you. When you interact with similar people at an event or after an event, you form a relationship. This can often lead to being invited to other prominent networking events or can result in a new introduction to other people who have the potential to be valuable contacts moving forward.
Recognition can be one of the biggest obstacles for any business. Online marketing may not have the desired outcome if you do not spread the word effectively. Networking is a great opportunity to meet potential customers and get an appreciation of your business. Most networking events allow a pitch in front of attendees which is a great opportunity to build recognition around you, your product, and your service.
I hope to see you at the next one, you're invited.
As we begin August, it's essential to remember that our dogs are susceptible to the heat.
To protect your furry friend from the heat, consider the following preventive measures:
• Hydration is Vital: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Soak dry kibble in equal parts water to keep them hydrated. If your dog is a picky eater, add a spoonful of their favorite wet canned dog food.
• Tailor Activities: Smaller dogs and brachycephalic breeds have a higher risk of overheating. Adjust your exercise routine by scheduling walks and playtime during cooler hours, such as early mornings or late evenings.
• Mind the Pavement: Before taking your dog for a walk, check the temperature of any blacktop or pavement they might encounter. Place your palm on the surface for 7 seconds - if it feels uncomfortable, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
• Keep Them Cool: Carry a portable water bottle and bowl combo while you're on the move. Use a spray bottle to cool their paw pads, belly, and armpits.
Heat stroke can manifest in various ways. Look out for excessive drooling, deep red or purple gums, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dazed behavior, weakness, collapse, seizures, elevated heart rate, and agitation. If your dog exhibits any of these signs contact your veterinarian immediately for further guidance.
As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to safeguard our fourlegged companions from the dangers of the heat. By recognizing the signs, taking preventive measures, and reacting promptly, we can ensure our dogs enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer. Remember, their well-being is in our hands, so let's make the right choices to keep them cool, hydrated, and protected.
For more Info: contact Caitlin at Caitlin@CaitlinsAnimals.com, 484619-3554 or visit CaitlinsAnimals.com. See ad on page 34.
An imbalanced heart chakra affects our love life, jobs, health, relationships and how we interact with the world. Including ourselves! Take this quiz to find out where your heart is blocked or balanced. Check off what reflects your current state:
• I feel fully connected to my truest, innermost self.
• I accept & love myself unconditionally.
• I am able to genuinely give love to others, without expectation
• I openly receive love from others and ask for help when needed.
• I feel deep compassion for myself & others, flaws and all.
• I am able to forgive my own mistakes & people who’ve hurt me.
• I am emotionally resilient.
• I often feel joy & a deep sense of gratitude for life.
• My heart embodies my free spirit.
• I feel disconnected, lost & out of touch with my true self.
• I struggle to love myself fully.
• I find it difficult to give love without reserve or expectation.
• I don’t feel deserving of love & hate asking for help.
• I am quick to judge & lack compassion for myself & others.
• I can’t or won’t forgive myself & others (we/they don’t deserve it).
• My emotions easily get out of control.
• I feel depressed, apathetic or numb.
• My heart is broken, or I feel trapped or alone.
Notice which side has more checkmarks. You’ll see both your strong qualities and those that need work.
Life throws constant curve balls, so our chakras are rarely fully balanced, unless we maintain awareness and work through blocks, balancing and nurturing our energy consciously. Like our physical bodies, our energy and emotional bodies need full-time TLC. Meditation and yoga help us get it.
Michelle Lee is an artist, coach, and catalyst for change; a workshop facilitator empowering transformation throughout Northeast PA, the Harrisburg area, Lehigh Valley, and beyond. For details visit www.MichelleLeeArts.com. See ad on page 7.
Not feeling like yourself anymore?
Gaining weight, no matter what you do?
Tired, have brain fog, moody or “hormonal?”
Dr. Lorraine Maita, the Hormone Harmonizer and Detoxifier, can help you have boundless energy, stable moods, a lean body, sharp, clear mind and balance your hormones so you can feel like yourself again and even better.
If you need support in getting your life back, apply for a free clarity call to see if we are the right fit at https://you.feelgoodagaincourses.com/ foundations-program.
The Feel Good Again Institute (formerly HowToLiveYounger.com)
“I want YOU to Feel Good Again”
Bear Creek Organics wants to help you activate your foodscape this Fall. We are offering a discount on our consultation service to help you get started! We also have a Fall Plant sale for our organically managed fruit trees and berry bushes at our nursery in the Poconos!
What is FOODSCAPING? Foodscaping is a cool way to say Edible Landscaping. It is bringing food production home, to your home, to your yard. It is landscaping with a variety of food-producing plants that are beautiful, nourishing, and sustainable. It is replacing useless lawns with low-maintenance and productive fruit trees, berry bushes, native plants, medicinal plants, vegetable and herb gardens, rain gardens, and more. Think, a backyard grocery store meets functional and beautiful landscape design.
Remember the VICTORY GARDEN?
Many of us call to mind the backyard garden plots of our grandparents, the Victory Gardens that helped them weather times of war and economic hardship. Many can remember the family apple or cherry tree, the grape arbor, or the backyard chicken flock. “Foodscaping” was a way
$100 off consultations scheduled by October 1st (Discount Code NaturalFall2023)
$20 off nursery purchases over $150 (Discount Code NaturalFall$20)
$100 off nursery purchases over $500 (Discount Code NaturalFall$100)
50% off select heirloom and disease resistant fruit trees (While Supplies Last) Get started: bearcreekorganics.com or call 570-582-0615.
Location: (Please call before arrival) 76 Helmer Ln, White Haven, PA, 18661.
of life - a culture of family and friends coming together to bring the grocery store to the backyard. They canned and stored their surplus, they gave away and bartered to the neighbors, they shared seeds and gardening wisdom. Love for healthy food, gardening, and good work ethic was passed from children to grandchildren.
BEAUTY and FOOD SECURITY! We don’t often think of edible plants and vegetable gardens as ornamental, but they can be. Most of the berry bushes, fruit trees, and medical flowers are as beautiful as they are productive. Peach trees, cherry trees, apples have gorgeous blossoms every Spring. Many native bushes have stunning fall foliage.
Want MORE IDEAS? How about a privacy hedgerow of blueberry bushes, hazelnuts, or elderberries? Or tastefully placed fruit and nut trees in the backyard, and strawberries as ground cover under and around your bushes and fruit trees. You can even add a native Paw Paw patch with their tropical fruit, curb appeal, and deer resistance!
Richie Mitchell at Bear Creek Organics would love to help you get started. Visit bearcreekorganics.com and fill out the Contact Us section or call 570-582-0615 to schedule a consultation or nursery visit. *Nursery visits please call before arrival location 76 Helmer Ln, White Haven, PA, 18661.
“Greeneyed lady, lovely lady, slowly strolling toward the sun…” was the opening line and subject of the iconic Sugarloaf hit from 1970. This iris type is another beautiful example of what our eyes reveal about who we are! Last month we discussed the blue eye (Lymphatic eye) in Iridology, a holistic modality that sees physical and emotional clues in the iris, which can help people seeking help for systemic issues, among other things.
This month, we look at the Mixed/Biliary type in Constitutional Iridology. This iris is what people who have light brown, hazel, or green eyes typically are considered. Hazel/Green Genotype eyes purportedly make up roughly 25% of America’s population. It is a genetic combination of the Brown and Blue iris, containing less melanin than the true Brown eye.
The Mixed/Biliary Eye tends to present challenges with the following:
1. Kidney disturbances
2. Higher food allergies
3. Disease of the biliary tract, vulnerability to viral and bacterial infections of the liver, bowel sluggishness/constipation, tendency to gallstones, kidney stones, and hypoglycemia
4. More susceptible to candidiasis
5. Spastic circulatory issues
6. Difficulty with fat metabolism
This eye type may want to avoid superheated fats and oils and hydrogenated oils such as canola, soy, vegetable oils, and refined sugar/carbohydrates. The Mixed/ Biliary Eye should embrace plenty of raw foods in their diet, and good fats such as cold-pressed coconut, flax, sesame, or olive oils. They can consider periodic cleansing/fasting of the gastrointestinal system. Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Licorice, and Gentian root are system-supportive herbal supplements.
We feature a full line of veterinary preparation with size, dose and flavor appropriate medications for every animal ... including cats, dogs, ferrets, bunnies, reptiles, birds and exotics! We work with your vet!
Thomas E. Silvonek, RPH, FACA Fellow American College of Veterinary Pharmacists Compounding SpecialistMonday – Friday • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3330 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown
P: 610-437-4600 · F: 610-437-1444
www.DorneyvillePharmacy.com
This ad is the property of and may not be reproduced in any other publication without sion of the publisher. Please review the proof carefully. is not responsible for any error marked. This ad will be published as it appears if the proof is not returned to us. If there are any questions this proof please call or email.
Signature:
A great affirmation for a hazel-eyed person is “All life is sweet.”
For more information: Mountain Vista Wellness, 570-956-7840. Annie @mountainvistawellness.com. See ad on page 11.
Date: /
Science proves pure copper kills germs fast.
CopperZaps® are made of pure copper, shaped to reach bad germs where they gather in your nose. The inventor has gone 11 YEARS without a cold. Now many thousands of people use CopperZaps.
Pure copper is scientifically proven to kill germs by touch in seconds, including viruses, bacteria and fungus.
Use a CopperZap against:
Colds, Flu, Covid.
Sinus trouble from germs, Cold sores or fever blisters, Canker sores that get infected, Mold allergy, Warts, Ringworm
Sleep loss due to Congestion
Pink Eye and Styes
Infected sores or skin lesions
That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about germs, but now we do.
Cuts or wounds getting infected
Getting sick after Air Travel
The National Institutes of Health, the EPA and the American Society for Microbiology vouch for the power of copper to kill germs, including antibiotic- resistant ones.
Users say:
“It works! I love it!”
“Is it supposed to work that fast?”
“One of the best presents ever.”
“Sixteen lights and not a sniffle!”
“Cold sores gone!”
“The kids all got sick, but not me.”
“I am shocked! My sinus cleared.”
“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”
Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. Less stress, less medical cost, more time to enjoy life.
Independent scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “The viruses started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said head scientist Dr. Bill Keevil.
The handle is curved and textured for maximum contact with your fingers and hands in case you touch things a sick person touched and pick up their germs. EPA tests show copper works just as well when it is tarnished. Easy to clean. Easy to use. Comes with Directions. Use over and over again. Never wears out. 90-day Money-back Guarantee. Top BBB rating. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each with code NATA37.
See CopperZap.com or call 888-411-6114 toll-free. Live people answer 9-4 Pacific on business days. Statements not evaluated by FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
It is BACK TO SCHOOL time! And if you are a teacher or administrator you know better than anyone that this means not only, do you get to experience the smiling faces of your new students but you also get exposed to all of their GERMS! And if your immune system isn’t functioning at its optimum level…guess what….now you’ve come down with some type of unwanted sickness. Every year our office sees an increase in teachers that come down with illness in the first few weeks of school as a result. The best way to help prevent this unpleasant cycle is to keep your immune system as strong as possible so your body is able to address these unwanted pathogens that are encountered and destroy them before your body succumbs to the accompanying symptoms of the illness.
Unfortunately, our immune systems are on constant overload with toxic chemicals in our environment from plastics, added hormones, pesticides, and chemicals in food, chemically-treated water, and even the air we breathe every day, and this results in accumulated toxicity in the cells of the body which weakens your body’s ability to overcome these pathogens and results in illness and disease. The key to preventing this is to DETOXIFY regularly to keep your body and immune system strong. This helps prevent the cycle of illness that occurs at the start of each school year; adults and children can benefit from detoxifying.
Our office recommends that patients detoxify through Ionic Foot Cleanse Treatments on a regular basis to keep the immune system strong and healthy. During Ionic Foot Cleansing, the client sits in a comfortable chair and immerses their feet in a tub of warm water with Himalayan Sea Salt. A device called an array is inserted into the water which emits a very low electrical current into the water. This current enters the hundreds of pores in the feet and stimulates the body’s organs to release the stored toxins. These toxins are released into the tub of water and over the subsequent 24-48 hours the body continues to release and eliminate these toxins through urine and bowel elimination. Clients regularly report improved sleep, increased energy, a reduction in arthritic and joint pain, lower blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, and an overall feeling of better health when receiving regular treatments. Initially, approximately six to eight treatments are performed during a short duration of time and then clients typically choose to continue on a maintenance basis every three to four weeks thereafter.
Schedule your foot detox appointment by calling Associated Chiropractic & Konnections Massage at 610-266-6111. See ad page 2.
Since Kim Ng opened Kim’s Healing Center in 1996, she’s seen more people turn to holistic modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote balanced wellness and manage their health. Kim and her staff of five massage therapists and practitioners offer deep tissue bodywork such as tui na massage; cupping; reflex therapy; and herbal remedies, using methods from Chinese elders that have been passed down through generations.
Kim, a Pennsylvania State board certified massage therapist, learned Chinese healing arts from her grandfather while growing up in Haitou, a village in China. Under his guidance, she became well versed in acupuncture points, herbal medicine and tui na massage—a style in which the therapist brushes long, firm strokes to help relax muscles and tendons.
After moving from China to the U.S. in 1989, Kim worked as a nurse’s aid in an Easton nursing home while saving money to open Kim’s Healing Center. She opened her first location in 1996 on 16th and Lehigh. Her business grew mostly by word-of-mouth, and she built a solid client base. She moved to her current location on Butler Street in 2008.
“I brought my grandfather’s knowledge here,” says Kim. “From him, I learned bodywork, cupping and moxibustion (a therapy in which dried mugwort is rolled tight and lit near the affected area on the body). He was the only practitioner in our town of 500 people.”
Cupping, a therapy recently popularized by U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps after his purple cupping marks garnered attention during the 2016 Olympic games, uses small glass suction cups applied to the skin on the problem areas. The procedure draws up skin tissue, which increases blood circulation to allow more nutrients to an area. Cupping is commonly used to relieve tense, sore muscles.
Kim also specializes in reflexology, a study of reflex therapy in which the practitioner works one area of the body to affect another area. In foot reflexology, the therapists at Kim’s Healing Center apply gentle pressure to the feet to stimulate and promote blood flow to the organs. While there are many types of reflex therapies— there are 40 micromaps of the body, and different cultures have their own reflex therapy maps—Kim notes that foot reflexology is the most common.
Kim’s Healing Center also offers tui na and acupressure services. They have an infrared sauna to aid in body detoxification. Similar to a steam sauna, an infrared sauna produces heat, but without the bacteria generated by steam. The infrared light penetrates deeper into the muscles and tissues to promote internal detoxification.
Clients at Kim’s Healing Center can join a membership program to get a discount on services. There’s also a retail component for clients to purchase Chinese herbs and tea. Kim uses a combination of different
herbs to augment the efficacy of each other. She also helps treat skin problems. “I do a lot of combination herbs and will individualize herbal remedies to make custom blends for each person,” she explains. Kim often prepares the raw ingredients for customers to take home and steep to drink in tea form. There are also packaged teas available to aid in routine conditions like constipation and sleep issues.
As Kim carries on her grandfather’s healing ways, she uses intuition to help her clients get well, and she truly cares about her clients getting better. As a spiritually motivated practitioner, she will, with a client’s permission, pray to Buddha for them. “My heart is open and I really desire to help. They know that I have love in my heart, and that connection is part of what helps people get well.”
Kim’s Healing Center is located at 1223 Butler St., Easton. For more information, call 610-559-7280 or visit KimsHealing.com.
Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than table sugar.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its use in baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, gelatins and frozen dairy desserts. A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina found that ingesting sucralose may cause the formation of a genotoxic chemical called sucralose-6-acetate. Genotoxicity refers to the breaking up of DNA, resulting in damage that could potentially contribute to health problems. Researchers also found trace amounts of this dangerous chemical in sucralose itself, even before it was consumed and metabolized. The study included eight projects that exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate, which researchers found induces the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and cancer. Exposure to certain concentrations of sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose also appeared to impair the gut lining, and sucralose-6-acetate inhibited certain enzymes, which could interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize medications.
The introduction of 5G mobile phones and infrastructure has given rise to concerns about their safety, as more than 1 million new antennas will be required in the U.S. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection consider only the thermal effects (tissue heating) from electromagnetic frequency (EMF) exposure as potentially harmful.
A group of researchers led by Ariel University, in Israel, evaluated the non-thermal effects of exposure to EMF radiation on biological systems and human populations by reviewing in vitro [outside a living organism] and in vivo [inside a living organism] studies, as well as clinical studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity and the epidemiological evidence for cancer due to the action of mobile-based radiation exposure. Although data derived from these studies was inconsistent, the researchers found supporting evidence that this radiation may contribute to cancer, endocrinological, neurological and other adverse health consequences. The researchers call for a more targeted, interdisciplinary research effort by national governments to ensure public health.
In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers found that children’s physical activity has been greatly reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers looked at data from 22 studies that included 14,216 participants ranging from 3 to 18 years old. The data showed that children’s total daily physical activity decreased by 20 percent (17 minutes), irrespective of pre-pandemic baseline levels, and the reduction was larger for higher-intensity physical activity. This reduction represents almost one-third of the daily dose of moderateto-vigorous physical activity recommended for young children and adolescents.
These effects are largely due to social distancing policies and related school closures, which affected 1.5 billion youth worldwide. Under lockdown, children no longer had access to regular physical activities, recreational facilities or outdoor recess, and online learning increased sedentary screen time, disrupting healthy habits. Physical activity affects not only physical health, but also psychosocial functioning and mental well-being.
The study’s results align with another meta-analysis showing that the pandemic increased the prevalence of youth depression and anxiety symptoms, highlighting the tremendous challenges that public health officials face to revive young people’s interest in physical activity since the pandemic.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been on the rise. The data is based on reviews of developmental evaluations and records from medical and educational service providers.
One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018 and one in 150 children in 2000, when the CDC first began tracking ASD prevalence in this country. Autism was also 3.8 times as prevalent among boys as girls, and for the first time the prevalence was slightly lower among white children compared to other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. However, Black children with ASD remain more likely than white children with ASD to have a co-occurring intellectual disability. The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services. They highlight the importance of accessible and equitable ASD diagnostic treatment and services for children of different backgrounds and call for more research to comprehend the emergence of diagnostic differences across states.
Researchers from Japan and Germany are developing eco-friendly light devices that use a single layer of organic film mixed with light-emitting materials and an electrolyte. These light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEC) are gaining attention due to their simplified structure and because they consume less energy and cost less than the organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) currently on the market.
The research team is using molecules called dendrimers, new organic materials that can extend the life of LECs. The electrolyte in an LEC can be made from inexpensive materials, such as biomass-derived cellulose acetate, a compound used in clothing fibers and eyeglass frames, whereas OLEDs use rare or heavy metals. Researchers are also using graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, as the electrode. While the progress is exciting, the developers of this new lighting technology note that more research is needed before it goes to market in order to make the devices brighter and capable of illuminating in three primary colors.
As temperatures rise due to global warming, scientists are worried about how extreme heat may impact heart health. Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology warns that air temperatures as low as 93° F may lead to a steady increase in heart rate under humid conditions. This increase, referred to as cardiovascular heart strain, can occur even before a person’s internal temperature starts to rise.
The study involved healthy participants engaging in light physical activity inside an environmental chamber. As the chamber got hotter, participants’ heart rates increased and then plateaued. However, when the chamber continued to heat up, heart rates began to rise again and continued to rise even after the experiment. This rapidly increased heart rate indicates cardiovascular strain.
A related study published in Physiological Reports reported that even at rest, heat can affect the heart. Researchers found that at 50 percent humidity, the heart rate of participants at rest was, on average, 64 percent higher at 122° F than at 82° F. These findings are concerning, as extreme heat events are becoming more common around the world and could be lethal for vulnerable and older populations.
EugeneEdge/ShutterStock.comSpace-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of collecting solar energy during a space orbit and beaming it safely to a fixed point on Earth. Recently, the British government sponsored an SBSP competition to award more than $5.5 million in grants to the most promising innovators of this novel technology, which may be the key to producing cost-effective, cleaner, more renewable energy. The goal is an array of spacecraft to collect sunlight and convert it into microwaves before beaming them to a receiver on Earth, where it is converted into electricity.
Because space has no atmosphere, the sunlight is undiluted, which means that a space-based solar panel would be able to generate more energy than a comparable panel on Earth. The other potential benefit to collecting solar power in space is that there are no day-night cycles, cloud cover or seasonal variations to contend with.
Among the grant winners were two British schools: Cambridge University, which is developing ultra-lightweight panels that can withstand high radiation levels, and Queen Mary University, which is working on a wireless system to safely beam the energy to Earth. In related research, scientists at the California Institute of Technology were able to successfully transmit power wirelessly in space and to beam detectable power to Earth using an experimental spacecraft.
In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to “the science of everyday living,” and it is one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine. Offering a holistic path for cultivating health and well-being, Ayurveda promotes balance and harmony with the use of natural herbs, plant-based medicines and spices.
Lehigh Valley Edition Reid Boyer, Publisher Box 421 Emmaus, PA 18049
P: (610) 421-4443 • F: (610) 421-4445
lveditor@naturalawakeningsmag.com www.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
According to a recent comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the worldwide Ayurvedic products market size is expected to grow from $12.6 billion in 2023 to $31.8 billion by 2032. MRFR analysts ascribe this impressive growth to increased availability and public awareness of such goods, as well as a deepening distaste for the adverse side effects of conventional medicines and products.
All finished advertisements and requests for changes to existing ads must be received no later than the 12th of each month.
For ad changes, please contact:
Marci Molina
(570)269-0482
moseven00@yahoo.com
Demand for Ayurvedic cosmetic products is also on the rise, according to the same MRFR report. Supporting the idea that outer beauty reflects what is going on inside the body, beauty brands like Kama Ayurveda, RANAVAT and Forest Essentials are expanding into the global sector. Their increasing popularity follows broader trends toward organic and natural medicines and “clean beauty”, as well as increasing awareness about toxic ingredients in some Western products. Ayurvedic components have been used recently to balance Western formulas. For instance, in skincare, sandalwood is added as an antioxidant, and turmeric is combined with topical retinoid medications to reduce irritation.
Initial ad design/layout fee is 25% of the non-discounted rate of ad size. Subsequent ad design/layout changes will be billed at $40 per hour, with a $15 minimum.
Throughout history, humans have embarked on pilgrimages in pursuit of wealth, good fortune, divine intervention, spiritual enlightenment and other blessings. These journeys could be considered the earliest manifestations of one type of adventure travel, while today some of these would be defined as spiritual tourism.
The notion of “spirit” refers to both our conscious and subconscious minds. A spiritual practice, then, is any activity that enables us to step away from the noisy parade of life and explore our emotions, where any concept of the human spirit resides. This spiritual self-care includes any ritual or practice that helps connect us with our most authentic higher self.
Travel can be an amazing way to explore metaphysical interests with new people, sites and scenes, in order to invigorate the senses, stimulate the imagination, refresh the mental framework and invite new ideas and personal insights. Some places qualify for spiritual travel by virtue of their natural beauty, or due to some historical, mythological or religious significance. For a trip that fosters mind-body-spirit selfcare with a generous portion of adventure, check out these sacred sites.
This Northern California treasure is believed to be a powerful spiritual vortex that has long captured the imagination of spiritual seekers. By some accounts, Mount Shasta is reputed to be the Earth’s root chakra, in keeping with the belief that, like the human body, planet Earth possesses chakra energy centers.
This majestic mountain, which is associated with healing, transformation and spiritual awakening, is a stunning backdrop for the many spiritual retreats and workshops offered locally that include meditation, energy healing, yoga, sound therapy and other restorative modalities.
Spiritual guide Andrew Oser, who has led Mount Shasta retreats for decades, says, “I can help you allow Mount Shasta’s transforming energies into the core of your very being, and by utilizing my direction to harness the mountain’s heightened vibration, you will feel it almost magically dissolve all of your fears.”
Surrounded by red rock canyons, whimsical forests and waterfalls, Sedona’s natural beauty inspires spiritual reflection. It is also part of one of the most powerful energy vortexes in the world and a New Age Mecca for those seeking transcendence through energy healing, yoga, sound baths and a host of other spiritual offerings.
From venturing to the bright turquoise waters at Havasu Falls nearby to visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, there are many activities in Sedona for those wishing to connect more deeply to nature and themselves.
Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali is a captivating destination with a serene, spiritual ambiance. Nestled amidst lush greenery and terraced rice fields, the town of Ubud, in the uplands of Bali, enjoys international recognition for its spiritual offerings and welcoming vibe for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery.
Holistic healing options in Bali include energy therapies, sound healing and traditional Balinese massage. Yoga enthusiasts will be delighted with the varied class options, immersive programs and specialized workshops. Along with wellness spas offering rejuvenating treatments that harmonize the body, mind and spirit, Bali offers beautiful meditation areas for quiet contemplation.
Spirituality runs deep in the Peruvian culture, from the ancient temples of the Incas to the living history of shamanism in the Amazon jungle. Machu Picchu has long been a revered site, and historically the
Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, specializes in creating meaningful travel experiences and leading tours to sacred sites. “All pilgrimages are a search for meaning and purpose, which is why I prepare groups on how to travel deliberately, ways to experience it and how to integrate the experiences into daily life so they are not forgotten,” he says.
Cousineau recommends getting off the bus, putting away the video recorder and simply walking into the landscape. “Remind yourself why you traveled to there,” he says. “Take the deepest, most probing question in your life with you. Chronicle your answer for two to five minutes daily. At the site, look for one detail that represents your entire visit that day and take a photo. Use active imagination to open your heart, rather than waiting for something to happen. Don’t compare your travels. When you are comparing where you are with where you’ve been, there’s no meaning—it becomes just one more purposeless tour.”
To share the experience with traveling companions, Cousineau says, “I begin mornings over breakfast with a long conversation that includes any stories about where we’re visiting. We’re reminding ourselves that we’re forming a small community by traveling together and studying the same stories so that we can continue our long conversation over dinner. This is where the meaning starts to form and deepen.”
place for worshipping the sun, the main Inca deity. Seekers can explore Machu Picchu on their own or participate in guided spiritual meditations—either way, it is a beautiful destination for a mind-bodyspirit getaway.
For those seeking a deep mystical experience, Peru Sacred Tours provides a safe haven for spiritual advancement with the individualized attention and guidance of indigenous practitioners, including the herbalist shamans of the rainforest, Q’ero Inca priests of Cuzco or Moche San Pedro shamans of Chiclayo.
Egypt is considered a land of majesty and mystery, attracting treasure hunters, history buffs and adventure seekers, as well as those searching for spiritual transformation. This world-renowned destination has a long history of spirituality, with a colorful tapestry of beliefs and practices. The ancient Egyptians were convinced of the existence of a spiritual plane, while also maintaining deep reverence for the natural world, and these concepts continue to inform contemporary Egyptian culture and spirituality.
In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for spiritual tours in Egypt, particularly for meditation workshops in iconic places like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Mount Sinai and Nile River. One of the more well-known tour guides is Freddy Silva, a leading researcher of ancient civilizations, sacred sites and their interaction with consciousness, as well as the bestselling author of The Divine Blueprint.
Varanasi may be the world’s oldest city, settled more than 4,000 years ago. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, it is
regarded as the spiritual heart of India, with a tradition of Hindu mythology, as well as Buddhism. Religious, humanist and secular visitors frequent the evening aarti ceremony, when sadhus [sages] show their devotion by raising flaming lamps amid the aroma of incense.
If this strikes a chord, renowned author and spiritual teacher Andrew Harvey is offering a 14-day pilgrimage to the artistic, historical and spiritual soul of North India in November. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism, an international organization that inspires people to take up the challenge of our contemporary global crises by becoming effective, practical agents of institutional and systemic change.
Imbued with the rich heritage and history of Zen Buddhism, this enchanting city is an ideal destination for seekers to explore close to 2,000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as the iconic Golden Pavilion, where centuries of devotion and wisdom have been housed. Many of these sites also provide inspiring settings for quiet contemplation, meditation and discussions of The Buddha’s teachings.
The traditional tea ceremony offered at numerous venues around the city is a refreshing, meditative practice that cultivates a sense of tranquility and connection to the present moment. Kyoto is also home to exquisite Japanese gardens that illustrate the profound relationship between nature and spirituality in this gentle culture.
As there are many sacred sites in Italy, a guided experience or well-planned itinerary may help facilitate an immersive spiritual journey. This is a labor of love for Phil Cousineau, author of more than 40 books, teacher, editor, independent scholar, documentary filmmaker, travel leader and storyteller. His lifelong fascination with art, literature and history of culture has taken him on journeys around the world.
Author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, Cousineau has stated, “To shine the light of your own natural curiosity into the world of another traveler can reveal wonders—to remember the mysteries you forgot at home. What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul.”
In partnership with Sacred Earth Journeys, Cousineau has prepared a guided tour in November entitled The Sweet Life of Mythic Italy, which will explore sacred locations in Rome, Perugia, Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Verona and Venice. To learn more, visit Tinyurl.com/ SweetLifeTour.
Every year, more than a million people make the spiritual voyage to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England. Archaeologists are still seeking a plausible explanation as to how the stones weighing multiple tons were transported to the site. This ancient masterpiece of prehistoric engineering remains shrouded in mystery to this day.
There is further spiritual charm in myths around the purpose of Stonehenge. People ask, “Was it intended as a funeral monument, an astronomical observatory, a tool to predict the seasons or a sanctuary where the sun was worshipped?” Stonehenge is believed to be an epicenter of Earth energy with as many as 14 ley lines converging on the site—powerful channels of energy associated with places of ancient and primordial significance.
It is plain to see that when we are ready to invest in our spiritual well-being in a fun, mind-expanding way, many mindbody-spirit travel options abound.
Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.
NEXT COURSE STARTS
September 24, 2023
finishes February 18, 2024
Become a Certified Nutrition Consultant
Through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) Doctor of Naturopathy and Clinical Nutritionist Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) prepares students to pass the Certified Nutritional Consultants Exam. Once qualified you are entitled to use the designation CNC after your name and practice as a Nutritionist. Certified Nutritional Consultants (CNC) can work in hospitals, clinics, private practice settings alongside acupuncturists, mental health professionals, physical therapists, doctors and chiropractors, as well as a consultant in schools, businesses, health food stores, spas and health clubs.
Today's economists have determined that the natural health field is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. today. It goes without saying that people are getting more concerned about their personal health and their families health. Just take a look at this picture below and ask yourself, what type of life are you planning for yourself.
The course includes 11 modules and the classes meet on a Sunday morning 9-1 pm. The course fee is $1794 and can be paid over 6 months at $299.
To obtain a detailed information pack visit: NutritionConsultants.org or 908-223-8899
it “is increasingly suspected of affecting human health,” writes scientist Christopher Kyba, lead author of the report.
At Montana’s Medicine Rock State Park, visitors have a rare opportunity to look up at the night sky and see an awe-inspiring display of planets and constellations, as well as the Milky Way, our spiral-shaped galaxy that contains about 100 billion stars, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is a magnificent sight, but those of us that live in or near cities with artificial lights beaming out of buildings and cascading over parking lots and highways may never get the pleasure.
“Because of light pollution, up to 80 percent of people living in North America are unable to see the Milky Way where they live,” says Sabre Moore, executive director of the Carter County Museum, in Ekalaka, Montana. “Medicine Rock State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the Carter County Museum has committed to safeguarding it in perpetuity.”
The park’s sanctuary certification was issued by the nonprofit International Dark-Sky Association, based in Tucson, Arizona, with a grassroots network throughout the world. The organization offers five dark-sky designations based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and relies on the help of community stakeholders, such as Moore, who serves as a volunteer dark-sky preservation advocate. At Medicine Rock, she helps host sky-parties for people to enjoy the celestial show and learn about the negative impacts of light pollution.
The skies around cities are hundreds, if not thousands, of times brighter than they were 200 years ago, according to 2017 research published in Science Advances. In addition to robbing us of the Earth’s nocturnal skyscape, outdoor illumination negatively affects many plants and animals, including humans. Human-made lighting threatens approximately 30 percent of nocturnal vertebrates and 60 percent of nocturnal invertebrates, and
The mechanisms by which these life forms are affected vary. For example, when birds migrate, they fly into buildings that are lit up at night. Scientists estimate that at least 100 million bird deaths in the United States annually are related to light pollution. “Bobcats and bats rely on the cover of darkness for their survival and are also being affected,” says Moore, adding that artificial light interrupts human circadian rhythms, thereby affecting our REM [rapid eye movement] sleep, which is vital for our well-being. The flight patterns of night-active insects are disrupted by outdoor lighting, which partially explains their declining numbers worldwide.
It is possible to reduce these negative impacts, as the Sea Turtle Conservancy has proven. By getting people to modify the positioning and types of lights used in buildings along Florida and Texas beaches, the nonprofit has been able to rescue loggerheads, leatherbacks and green sea turtles from the brink of extinction.
Female turtles have evolved to instinctively lay their eggs on the beach, allowing the hatchlings to emerge at night and head toward the light of the horizon into sea. Humans, however, have interrupted this natural course with artificial light emanating from the windows of high-rise condominiums, garden spotlights and outdoor lamps.
“When hatchlings erupt out of their nests in the middle of the night, the bright horizon today is in the direction of the land. They go the wrong way into roads, parking lots, swimming pools or dunes,
where they are run over by cars or subject to predation,” explains David Godfrey, executive director of the conservancy. Researchers have discovered that lights with longer wavelengths that are amber, orange and red in color do not disturb the turtles, as opposed to outdoor fixtures that emanate shorter-wavelength blue and white light. According to Godfrey, the good news for these sea creatures is, “LED can be programmed to emit the specific wavelength you want.”
The conservancy works with coastal counties, beachfront property owners and others to switch to turtle-friendly lighting, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation often provides grants to pay the retrofitting costs. As a result, Godfrey reports, there has been increased nesting in areas with changed lighting and greater survivorship by the hatchlings.
“We are saving tens of thousands of hatchlings every season, and homeowners are seeing a reduction in their utility bills.
People love it. They’ve found the longer wavelengths are more pleasing to the eyes,” Godfrey asserts. “Since we know that light pollution affects various other forms of wildlife and humans, the managed use of lighting at night is something that everyone should pay attention to.”
n Avoid blue-light fixtures.
n Turn off unnecessary lights in the evening.
n Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors.
n Close curtains and blinds at night to stop indoor lights from beaming to the outdoors.
n Visit Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky, an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. (NaturalHistory. si.edu/exhibits/lights-out).
n Get involved at GlobeAtNight.org, a citizen-scientist group that monitors light pollution.
n Support dark-sky designated areas (Tinyurl.com/DarkSkyPlace).
Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore. wordpress.com.
Photo by David Godfrey After sea turtle-friendly lighting Photo by David Godfrey Before sea turtle-friendly lightingTravel can broaden our perspective of the world and take us on breathtaking adventures. These new experiences, however, often come with unexpected mental and physical challenges, stresses and anxieties. By incorporating yoga into the itinerary, we can cultivate a sense of peace, allowing us to show up as our best selves. From asanas after long hours of sitting to breathing exercises while waiting for a flight, yogic techniques can open the body and mind, letting us enjoy both the journey and destination.
According to Jenny Kaufman, a Chicago-based yoga professional who leads international retreats and manages yogaview, in Wilmette, Illinois, a mindful yoga practice is different from stretching
and is available for anyone, regardless of physical flexibility. “Yoga encompasses well-being, mindfulness, breathing and spiritual awareness. It leads you to pull inward, notice what and where you feel a sensation, and mindfully progress to another asana, or pose. Increased flexibility might be the byproduct of the practice, but that is not the point,” she explains.
“Long layovers, changing time zones and different foods can confuse our internal clocks and wreak havoc on sleep and digestion,” Kaufman says. She recommends some poses to mitigate disruption and bring renewed vigor to body and mind: “To wind down before bed, incorporate cooling postures, such as Seated Forward Bend and Child’s Pose, that
encourage the body to fold in and rest. For a burst of energy, try warming poses and heart openers, such as Cobra, Sphinx and Backbends. If space is limited, stand with fingers interlaced behind the back and gently press the pelvis forward. If digestion is slowed, simple twists and Wind-Relieving Pose can help move things along.”
Kim Larkin, a New Jersey-based certified yoga teacher, leads international retreats as a way to share heart-opening cultural adventures with other curious beings. “My main practice when travel stress is creeping in is to drop my attention into my breath,”
she says. “Just focusing on one breath cycle at a time will help to settle my attention into my body, begin to quiet my nervous system and bring me to a more grounded place. It can also be helpful to count the breath, as in Sama Vritti Pranayama or “box breathing”. Like a square, box breathing has four evenlength parts to it. Inhale to a count of four or five; hold the inhale for the same count; exhale to four or five; and hold at the bottom of the exhale. Repeating this as needed helps to calm both the mind and body.”
Margi Young, an Oakland, Californiabased yoga instructor and retreat leader, says, “When traveling, it’s natural to want to jump into a busy schedule of exploring new destinations, but starting the day with a few conscious breaths and Sun Salutations can set the foundation for a more grounded experience. This allows you to be your best self and move through your journeys with less anxiety and fresh eyes. Or, get off the traditional yoga script and take a few minutes to put on your favorite tunes and dance to get into your body.”
Young also recommends incorporating yoga throughout the day while traveling to reset from any physical and mental stress. “In an airport, find a secluded place you feel comfortable doing a Downward Dog. Instead of putting your hands on the ground, you could put them on the seat of a chair. This grounding pose lengthens the spine, opens the shoulders and draws your attention inward,” she explains. “On a plane or bus, reaching your arms overhead gives space to condensed organs; ankle circles help increase circulation; and seated Figure Four opens up tight hips,” she advises.
If time allows, Young also suggests finding a yoga studio and popping in for a class. “Taking a yoga class in a new country or city can provide an immediate sense of community and is often a uniting gateway to other connections when navigating new and different surroundings,” she asserts.
Yoga helps to develop patience, an aptitude that Kaufman says can serve us throughout our travels. “Mindfully moving through a practice encourages us to listen and be patient with our bodies, and it provides valuable feedback on where we are and what we need. Instead of jumping into a deep stretch, purpose -
fully encourage the hamstring to open up and notice how that feels. Cultivating that patience for ourselves changes the chemistry in your brain and becomes a microcosm for how you put yourself into the world. You’re able to be more patient with flight attendants, travel partners and everyone else you may encounter,” she shares.
For Larkin, practicing yoga while traveling cultivates inner peace. “The stress of travel can bring out the worst in
us, but we can do our best to stay kind and considerate by keeping in mind the yoga teaching of Ahimsa: non-harming,” she says. “Most things work out, even if you lose your luggage or miss your flight. And most people are good, wanting to help you find your luggage or rebook your flight or commiserate when your vacation didn’t go quite to plan.”
Many Americans have experienced sticker shock upon receiving a medical or dental bill, whether or not they have health insurance. As healthcare costs continue to rise in the United States, patients are grabbing their passports and turning to medical tourism—the act of crossing borders to obtain quality medical care at a lower cost.
“We have a great healthcare system in the United States, but it is priced out of the market for millions of people at the bottom of the economic pyramid,” says Josef Woodman, CEO of Patients Beyond Borders, a medical tourism resource. He estimates that to date, 2.1 to 2.4 million Americans have intentionally crossed borders specifically for medical care. Approximately 65 percent of those people sought complex dental treatments.
The town of Los Algodones, Mexico, located just over the U.S.Mexico border near Baja California, has approximately 300 dental clinics. Known as “Molar City”, the town is a mecca for people looking for more affordable dentistry. U.S. travelers also head to Costa Rica, Turkey and Thailand for elective cosmetic surgery, bariatrics, infertility treatments, orthopedic medicine, cardiology and cancer care, or to obtain low-cost pharmaceuticals.
Add holistic treatments to the list, says David G. Vequist IV, Ph.D., the founder and director of the Center for Medical Tourism Research at the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio. “People are very interested in how Asian countries naturally combine both alternative and traditional medicine. Philosophies like ‘food as medicine’ are commonly used in treatments there,” says the 15-year scholar of medical tourism trends.
According to Vequist, “The best Mexican hospitals are using the same standards that we have in the U.S.” In 2009, for example, when Mexico’s General Health Council set out to create national hospital certification standards in their country, officials followed protocols established by Joint Commission International, an influential U.S.-based nonprofit that has served as a global driver of health care quality improvement and patient safety for the past 20 years.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand that complications may arise during a healthcare procedure regardless of where it is performed. Vequist cautions that the farther a patient travels from home, the more likely they will be exposed to bacteria that is unfamiliar to their body. Also, traveling in a pressurized airplane after complex surgical procedures should be avoided, and seeking medical care outside of a patient’s regular care network may break the continuum of care, leading to miscommunication and errors in the transfer of medical records.
“Although global health care isn’t for everyone, those who try it will find the quality is the same or better than at home, with modern facilities at a fraction of the cost,” says Paul McTaggart, founder of two specialized travel agencies—Medical Departures and Dental Departures—that help patients become informed about the best and most appropriate clinics and doctors around the world
for their medical needs. They also book appointments, forward medical records and make travel arrangements.
McTaggart vets medical providers outside of the U.S. by verifying doctor credentials with local regulatory authorities; measuring web reputations; conducting onsite inspections when possible; posting authentic, patient-verified reviews; removing partners that consistently receive poor reviews; and checking the web for legal and other claims against hospitals or clinics.
Woodman advises that extensive research of foreign hospitals, clinics and providers is crucial for a positive medical-tourism outcome and cautions against making a decision based solely on cost. “There are some bad actors out there that advertise mostly on price to attract U.S. patients. If a clinic advertises that you’ll save 80 or 90 percent off U.S. healthcare prices, be wary—that’s way too high of a discount.”
Other red flags include clinics that are located in strip malls or a lack of verifiable credentials for a provider. “A medical tourist needs to be a little more adaptable and critical of their surroundings,” Woodman says, adding that even if they’ve made the trip, when the circumstances seem off, a patient should never feel pressured to go through with the treatment or procedure.
Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, recommends using healthcare providers that are certified or accredited by international organizations like Global Healthcare Accreditation. “Be careful of trusting any website,” he warns. “Some medical tourism facilitators are middlemen or agencies that receive a commission. Some will refer you to the best provider, but some will refer you to a provider that provides the largest commission, but who isn’t the best.”
Edelheit believes that with proper research and planning, costeffective, quality health care is possible. He reminds travelers to avoid countries where the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory, and he recommends speaking with several patients that have gone through the same procedure to get a firsthand review and manage expectations. He asserts, “The value you receive and being able to immerse yourself in another culture and integrate a vacation is something that most medical tourists treasure and cherish.”
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Jewelry Making with Eli with Eli Shober, includes Crystals – 10am-1pm. You will create your own necklace to take home. $75. Results Wellness Center, Bath, PA. Must Pre-register 484-264-3889. How to Read Tarot Cards with Psychic/Intuitive Jacqueline LeClaire – 12-3pm. This fun and educational workshop will have you leaving understanding your own Readings and ready to offer Tarot Readings to friends, family, and clients! $55 Results Wellness Center, Bath, PA. Pre-register 484-264-3889.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Stress and Anxiety Relief with Effortless Meditation™ – 7-8:15pm. This meditation technique is recommended by physicians as a key to selfcare. Gain relief from—insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, OCD, and more. FREE Introduction, Twin Ponds Holistic Health Center, West LV—Breinigsville, Pre-register 610-670-6700.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Stress Relief and Brain Health with Effortless Meditation™ – 12 noon-1:15pm. This meditation technique is recommended by physicians as a key to self-care. Gain relief from insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, OCD, and more. FREE Introduction, LIVE ONLINE ZOOM Conference, Pre-register 610-670-6700.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Reiki Usui Level 1 Training & Certification –10am-4pm. ( Day 1 of 2-day training) How to do hands-on-treatment on self and others, animals and plants. Includes manual. $315 for both days. Results Wellness Center, Bath, PA. Pre-register 484-264-3889.
Soul Abstract Painting – 12:30- 4pm. Remove blocks, express your highest self & create an 18” x 24” abstract painting using intuitive energy, playful tools & sacred geometry. No experience is needed; materials are included. Must preregister, $75: www. MichelleLeeArts.com/Painting-workshops.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Reiki Usui Level 1 Training & Certification –10am-4pm. (Day 2 of 2-day training). How to do hands-on treatments on self and others, animals and plants. Includes manual. $315. Results Wellness Center, Bath, PA. Pre-register 484-264-3889.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Stress Relief and Heart Health with Effortless Meditation™ – 7-8:15pm. This meditation technique is recommended by physicians as a key to self-care. Gain relief from insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, OCD, and more. FREE Introduction, LIVE ONLINE ZOOM Conference, Pre-register 610-670-6700.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Become a Certified Hypnotherapist, Level 1 of 7, (Day 1 of 2-day training) with Master Trainer Jacqueline LeClaire with International Association of Counselors and Therapists. Includes manual. $315. Results Wellness Center, Bath, PA. Pre-register 484-264-3889.
Priceless lifetime, life-changing whole health bene ts for less than the cost of a smoothie a week!
Please call ahead to confirm date and times
daily
Free Your Heart-Chakra Challenge (24/7) A FREE online course to get out of your head & into your heart with 3 simple tools. In 2 hours or less learn meditation, journaling & art play expressing left/right brain energies. Enroll now: MichelleLeeArtsStudio. com/p/Free-Your-Heart- Chakra-Challenge. 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 610-439-1998. 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.
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 610-704-6963 or visit Coda.org.
Yoga to Soothe the Soul – 6pm. Gentle yoga to restore balance and release stress. Cost: donations $5-$15 suggested. 484-280-4963. Contact Info: www.RebeccaRoseReiki.com.
wednesday
LV Lyme Support Group – First Wednesday of every month except July. Zoom calls only. Contact Heidi Healey at 973-610-0531 if interested. Speakers, Doctors, brochures and books. PA is #1 in reported cases, so we help educate the public. We also post in Lehigh Valley Lyme Support Group on Facebook and Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network on Facebook.
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.
EASTMAN ACUPUNCTURE
LAURA EASTMAN, M.AC., L.AC.
1617 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18102
484-425-2865
www.eastman-acupuncture.com
Eastman Acupuncture provides high quality, individualized acupuncture treatments to the Lehigh Valley community. We see patients for a wide range of symptoms such as pain, headaches, neuropathy, digestive issues, incontinence, anxiety and much more. We use a variety of techniques including Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, Master Tung points and electroacupuncture.
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 8.
MARIE RUXTON
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Marie Ruxton CMT, CN
628 Chestnut St., Emmaus, PA 18049
610-965-2500
Marie is a certified massage therapist trained since 1997 in Advanced Myofascial Release Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki, Ear Candling, Homeopathy and Holistic Nutrition. Offers comprehensive custom bodywork for those wanting to overcome chronic pain and movement problems. Sessions range from a (2 hour) Head to Toe meltdown massage to “Just Neck and Head” massage for those needing stress relief. Gift certificates available See ad, page 19.
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
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 8.
BETHLEHEM NUTRITION & WELLNESS CENTER
Kathy Harrington, MS Functional Medical Nutritionist
3400 Bath Pike, Ste. 101 Bethlehem
610-419-3909
www.BethlehemNutrition.com
Bethlehem Nutrition & Wellness Center, we give you the tools to bring you and your family into a state of optimal health. Using the most advanced nutritional testing available, we look for the underlying cause of your health problems. Once the underlying cause is addressed not only do symptoms go away, but your overall health can also be greatly improved. See ad page 26.
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.
TMS CENTER
Dr. Paul Gross 401 N. 17th St., Suite 304 Allentown, PA 610-820-0700
www.Tmslv.com
Thousands in the Lehigh Valley struggle with depression every day, but thanks to the TMS Center of the Lehigh Valley, they are not alone in their fight. We are the region’s first transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment facility and one of the most experienced centers on the east coast, having performed over ten thousand TMS treatments. See ads, pages 3.
EQUINE ALLIANCE FOR TRANSFORMATION AND HEALING, LLC
Robin Michael Macungie, PA 484-207-6457
EquineAlliances.com
Info@EquineAlliances.com
We facilitate learning and healing with the partnership of horses through experiences that cultivate personal growth and selfdiscovery. We foster peace and hope while empowering individuals/groups to rely upon resilience and confidence when faced with challenges. Sessions include Horses, Equine Specialists and Licensed Counselor or Coach/Educator. Activities are ground-based. Experience with horses is not needed.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES AND CAFE SANTOSHA
Dianne & Lloyd Burg
7150 Hamilton Blvd
Trexlertown, PA
610-366-9866
www.HealthyAlt.com
Dianne and Lloyd Burg opened Healthy Alternatives in 1994 to help people live a healthy lifestyle. As a registered nurse, Dianne saw a lot of hospital patients who weren’t getting better with traditional treatment. She started studying natural remedies to help them heal. Dietary changes and homeopathy seemed promising, but no one offered these solutions. The Burgs wanted to change that, so they decided to open Healthy Alternatives. See ad page 25.
NICOS C. ELIAS
FUNERAL HOME, INC
Nicos C. Elias, Supervisor
Allentown, PA
610-433-2200
Nicos@EliasFuneralHome.com
EliasFuneralHome.com
Mr. Elias offers several different green and eco-friendly funeral plans using biodegradable caskets, preservation without chemicals. A natural, back to the earth approach. Biodegradable urns for those choosing cremation.
GREEN MEADOWS AT FOUNTAIN HILL CEMETERY
1121 Graham Street, Fountain Hill, PA 18015
610-868-4840
GreenMeadowPA.org
The only green cemetery in the Lehigh Valley. A cemetery of wildflowers and grasses native to Pennsylvania. Return to the natural cycle of life to nourish the soil, green the meadow and live on. Nondenominational. Non-profit. Speakers available to visit organizations. See ad, page 17.
CAROL BROZZETTI, CHT.
info@yourempoweredmindhypnotherapy.com
VM: 570.585.LOVE (5683)
Cell:570.840.7785
Join me on a journey into the natural healing properties of your mind, body and spirit. Whether it is the achievement of a personal improvement or the urgent need to find a healthy more fulfilling life path, the therapeutic use of hypnosis, imagery and mindfulness is the most powerful resource to achieve your goals.
STREAM HYPNOSIS, LLC
35 E. Elizabeth Ave. Ste 21 B Bethlehem, PA 570-617-5325
vperweiss@streamhypnosis.com www.streamhypnosis.com
Achieve your personal best in sports, sales public speaking and more. Whether you need to eliminate chronic pain, achieve your ideal body weight, reduce stress, or kick the smoking habit hypnosis is a useful tool that can help you move forward. Individual and group sessions, remote and in person sessions. Board Certified Hypnotist with NGH.
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.
LANDSCAPING
BEAR CREEK ORGANICS
570-582-0615
BearCreekOrganics@gmail.com
BearCreekOrganics.com
NATURAL AWAKENINGS
DR. DEKA RODGER ND, MBA
Owner/Publisher
610-421-4443
DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com
DrRodgerND@gmail.com
www.HealthyLehighValley.com
www.DrRodgerND.com
www.NutritionConsultans.org
www.Ultimatelongevity.com/DrRodgerND
www.DrRodgerND.B3Sciences.com
Due to his extensive background in business and marketing and built his own practice through the Natural Awakenings magazine he can take businesses to the next level. Also, with a strong background in keeping fit and understanding all aspects of exercising, he promotes B3 Science, an advanced method of achieving better fitness results in 1/2 the time. He also teaches a Nutrition Certification Course over a 6-month period, students completing this course and passing all exams can put the designation CNC after their name. See ad pages 3, 23, & back page.
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.
EVIDENTIAL MEDIUM GAIL
Serving the Greater Lehigh Valley
www.MediumGail.com
FOOD & SUPPLEMENT STORE
CBD AMERICAN SHAMAN
7727 Glenlivet Dr West, Ste D Fogelsville PA 18051
484-656-7771
cbdfogelsville.com
Including high-quality CBD into your daily routine can change your health for the better. Our certified consultants will show you why we were voted Best CBD Store by Readers’ Choice in 2021.
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, pages 10.
A medium blends natural ability with training to connect to your loved ones in spirit. My goal is to bring you comfort and evidence that your loved one is well on the other side through bits of evidence shared memories, and small talk. 20-30M Reading, $40. MediumGail.com
Bear Creek Organics is hiring! We are looking for skilled landscapers who are passionate about Ecological Edible Landscaping. Permaculture Design Certificate preferred. Email resume and cover letter to: Richie@bearcreekorganics.com
Calling Holistic Presenters – Facilitate your workshop or retreat at our Upper Bucks center, with peaceful country setting, meditation gardens, and woods. GreenShireArts.org. Email info@ GreenShireArts.org or call 215-538-0976.
Hip Replacement Surgery: Did you or someone you know have a successful hip replacement surgery? Your experiences can help me make an important decision. Please call 610-252-8039.
Holistic Chiropractor, Naturopath or Natural Functional Medicine Practitioner Needed – Join our comprehensive solution Wellness Center in Stroudsburg. Access to over 2000 clients in a professional, dedicated facility. Call Vicki at 570977-1900 to discuss.
Crystal Tones Singing Bowls – Classic & Alchemy for meditation & vibrational healing. Also offering personal vibration testing. Contact Anthony at Life Holistic Center, 570-706-6680 or LifeHolistic@hotmail.com. See more at LifeHolistiReiki.com.
Interactive Dementia and Alzheimer Game – An interactive and fun family game that will bring a twinkle to the eye and smile on the face. Call 484860-5894. HighRollDice.com.
Two Green Burial Plots for Sale – At Green Meadows Burial Ground in Fountain Hill, PA. $1,800 total.Call 610-698-4921.
Spiritually guided card readings offered in person, or via phone, parties also welcome. Channeled messages are for your highest good. Let my gifts guide you! Reasonable rates. Cheryl 908-268-8029. Readings with intuitive counselor, Reiki also available. Free 10-minute initial session. Evelyn peptel62@gmail.com. 551-804-7571.
Free Phone Reading for Lightworkers. Your Higher-Self reveals the blocks that are slowing you from growing your practice/business. Email Enaid to learn more. enaid-rensporp@protonmail.com
Kula Heart Yoga & Wellness, LLC contracts self motivated and ethical bodyworkers and yoga instructors to serve Bath and the Lehigh Valley. If you are interested in growing your business, making your own hours and being a part of a Wellness Center that is filled with compassion, professionalism, and FUN! Submit your interest to info@kulaheartyogaandwellness.com.
NATURAL HEALTH PROMOTION LLC
Tina Stashko, PhD MIfHI
Emmaus, PA 18049
610-965-8132
NaturalHealthPromotion.net
Specializing in preventative healthcare, digestion and nutrient absorption, and thyroid and adrenal health. Modalities such as iridology, sclerology and biochemical balancing enable the development of your unique program for optimum health. These programs are easy to follow and incorporate into your daily life. Reach your full health potential! See ad, page 23.
CAITLIN’S ANIMALS
Caitlin Bird
Lehigh Parkway, Allentown PA
484-619-3554
Caitlin@CaitlinsAnimals.com
CaitlinsAnimals.com
The only independent Service Dog specialist in the Lehigh Valley. Our services include basic manners, group, and in-home training, day training, Therapy, and Service Dog coaching. Our philosophy is “first, do no harm” focusing on a holistic approach to dog ownership to strengthen bonds and connection.
Attention Health Care Professionals! Twin Ponds Health Center, a highly diverse holistic health center, offers a unique lease opportunity. Schedule a tour of the site. 610-899-2499.
Peaceful Country Setting – Building includes 4 gathering rooms, kitchen, and covered porch. Wooded paths, meditation gardens. Perfect for workshops, weddings, retreats. Quakertown. Call 215-538-0976.
LIGHT THE PATH PHYSICAL THERAPY
Kyle S. Kasman, PT, DPT
484-781-5341
Kyle@lightthepathphysicaltherapy.com
Lightthepathphysicaltherapy.com
Kyle started his mobile practice to offer high-quality care where every patient feels heard. His services include one-on-one inhome appointments to provide convenient treatment that fits your busy schedule. Evidencebased techniques and task-specific activities are incorporated into each patient’s plan of care that are relevant to their goals.
Reiki Practitioner & Spiritual Mentor
Quakertown, PA
loveandhealingenergies@gmail.com
267-446-5556
Reiki promotes healing, balance, calming and enlightenment. Positive changes through gentle technique. Our animals benefit from Reiki as well. Reiki is a practice of spiritual connection and regained enlightenment. Along with Reiki, Spiritual Mentoring will bring further Harmony and enlightenment as Jamie listens and support you. “Time for enlightenment”
Vanessa Sabatine
64 South Main St., Nazareth, PA 18064 610-365-8996
www.HerbsToYourSuccess.com
Herbs to Your Success is a health & wellness spa located in Nazareth, offering multiple holistic spa experiences and herbal remedies. We also offer a wide selection of essential oils, teas, skincare, makeup and more! We provide high quality spa services to our customers and our friendly and courteous staff guarantees exceptional customer service. See ad page 15.
Convenient, confidential and accurate health testing for women and men with online results in a matter of days. Catered with you in mind, our wellness tests include fertility & hormone, thyroid, cancer screening, general wellness, sexual health and more.
Order the right test for you.
We have a wide range of tests to cover your health needs. Order with next day delivery and avoid sitting in a doctor’s o ce or clinic.
Collect your sample.
Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided.
Confidence.
Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 5 days.
September 24, 2023
finishes
18,
Through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) Doctor of Naturopathy and Clinical Nutritionist Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) prepares students to pass the Certified Nutritional Consultants Exam. Once qualified you are entitled to use the designation CNC after your name and practice as a Nutritionist. Certified Nutritional Consultants (CNC) can work in hospitals, clinics, private practice settings alongside acupuncturists, mental health professionals, physical therapists, doctors and chiropractors, as well as a consultant in schools, businesses, health food stores, spas and health clubs.
Next Course starts Sep 2022 - Feb 2023 dates TBD
“If the doctors of today do not become the nutritionists of tomorrow, then the nutritionists of today will become the doctors of tomorrow”. (Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research)
Today's economists have determined that the natural health field is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. today. It goes without saying that people are getting more concerned about their personal health and their families health. Just take a look at this picture below and ask yourself, what type of life are you planning for yourself.
in 6 Months and put the letters CNC after your name. This recognized qualification is obtained through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants, AANC.
The course includes 12 modules, and classes meet twice a month on Sundays 9 am - 1pm . All modules are taught by Dr. Derek Rodger (ND). Course fee is $1794 and can be paid over 6 monthly installments at $299 per month.
Natalie, who flew in from Chicago every 2 weeks to do the CNC program has passed her Certified Nutritional Consultant and can now proudly put the letters CNC after her name: I met Dr. Rodger (ND) before I took his Nutrition Course and it was his knowledge and experience that drew me to choose his class over others. I am so very glad I did as, I'm positive I wouldn't have learnt what I did with other teachers. I'm not sure I would have had such an inspirational teacher with highly motivational lectures.
Every student receives a free 90 minute private nutritional consultation with Dr. Rodger (ND) 89.
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) Course InstructorTo obtain a detailed information pack visit: NutritionConsultants.org or Tel: 908-223-8899
Alessandra, already had her nutritional degree, before she came on the course. I'm so proud of myself for finishing this the course and the exam. It was a great experience and I truly learned a lot. There are so many opportunities out there for me in my career to help others. I'll be attending the Natural Gourmet Institute which has a strong focus on a plant based diet. I look forward to helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle as a CNC and chef!
The course includes 11 modules and the classes meet on a Sunday morning 9-1 pm. The course fee is $1794 and can be paid over 6 months at $299.
If you would like to attend this educational course, which will clearly change your life from a nutritional perspective. More detailed information is sent out to students who are interested, sign up by going to: www.NutritionalConsultants.org
A library of material becomes yours following course completion.