AUGUST 2015
LIVING WELL
SHOPAHOLICS PLANTS THAT CAN NATURALLY REPEL MOSQUITOES TOP 6 CAUSES OF LOW SEX DRIVE HEALTH + HOME + FOOD + WEALTH + STYLE recycle: share this magazine
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This issue of LWM has us holding on to remnants of summer but starts gently moving us towards the fall season which is quickly upon us. Fortunately, for those who reside in the tristate area, it will probably continue to feel like summer well into October. Of course, it is only fortunate if you like it hot. Others will be looking forward to some cooler temperatures sooner than later. One thing is certain is that we have no control over the changing seasons, which categorically is a minor detail in our seemingly already busy and often complicated lives. August is rough… summer vacations are coming to an end, parents are starting to send their children back to school and some parents will be sending a child away to college for the first time, which can be a very difficult. Actually traumatic, as I know from experience. Even sending a child back to college after having done it several times before is still hard. But not to worry, they will soon return home on a weekend or the closest holiday with loads of dirty laundry, never having bothered to locate the closest washer and dryer; which is probably located right in the building they live in. Take it as a friendly reminder that you are still needed. This month’s recipes gives you a bit of a challenge and can be really helpful for with college students, especially if they are living in an apartment minus the college meal plan. Recipes are from the cookbook, Good and Cheap, Eat Well On $4/Day, courtesy of the author Leanne Brown and Workman Publishing, perfect for college students, persons on a fixed income and anyone else trying to save some money at the grocery store, but still able to create delicious meals for less. One of the recipes takes a simple hamburger and adds beans, lentils and/or other healthy Advertising Inquiries: fillers in order to get more burgers out of the ground meat you have chosen. I happen to be a vegetarian and I often joke with my husband telling him that I should actually Brian Strauss -Publisher receive a stipend for the additional money that would be spent at the grocery store, if I Sales@livingwellmagazine.net were included when purchasing dinners (meat), as I am often satisfied with eating the vegetarian side dishes without the addition of an actual main course. I am still waiting for 302-355-0929 that stipend…lol. Once again good stuff in this issue of LWM, so sit back relax and enjoy Brian and Diane Strauss the rest of the summer!
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LIVING.WELL MAGAZINE (ISSN 2325-2448) published monthly by Savendale Media Group, 1519 Old Coach Road Newark, Delaware 19711 Phone:302-355-0929 Fax:302-454-1867 www.livingwellmagazine.net
www.livingwellmagazine.net LIVING.WELL MAGAZINE© is a monthly publication distributed regionally. All articles and advertisements are accepted in good faith. Living Well Magazine assumes no responsibility or liability for any claims, conditions, products, services, errors, and/or opinions expressed through articles and advertisements appearing in this publication. Please check with your primary health care provider before making any changes. Living Well Magazine welcomes your comments and suggestions. No part of LIVING WELL MAGAZINE™ may be reproduced in any form without permission and written consent. Copyright, All rights reserved. 2014 Various Trademarks Used By Permission Of Their Respective Owners
Cover: designed by dcstrauss puppy love™ Calvin, Our 180 pound lap dog.
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August 2015
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Going The Distance By Samantha Facciolo 4
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FYI
Mosquitos Facts Mosquitoes are known from as far back as the Triassic Period – 400 million years ago. There are about 2,700 species of mosquito. There are 176 species in the United States.
Salt marsh mosquitoes can migrate up to 40 miles for a meal. Bigger people are often more attractive to mosquitoes because they are larger targets and they produce more mosquito attractants, namely CO2 and lactic acid.
The average mosquito weighs about 2.5 milligrams.
Active or fidgety people also produce more CO2 and lactic acid.
The average mosquito takes in about 5-millionths of a liter of blood during feeding.
Smelly feet are attractive to certain species of mosquitoes – as is Limburger Cheese.
Mosquitoes find hosts by sight (they observe movement); by detecting infra-red radiation emitted by warm bodies; and by chemical signals (mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and lactic acid, among other chemicals) at distances of 25 to 35 meters.
Dark clothing has been shown to attract some species of mosquitoes more than lighter colored clothing.
Mosquitoes fly an estimated 1 to 1.5 miles per hour.
Movement increased mosquito biting up to 50% in some research tests. A full moon increased mosquito activity 500% in one study. Source:AMCA (American Mosquito Control Association)
Plants That Can Naturally Repel Mosquitoes Basil: has essential oils that can be extracted and used as a spray to repel mosquitoes.
allow you access to a natural mosquito repellent. When the leaves are crushed, they emit a strong lemony smell.
Bee Balm: A beautiful flowering plant that attracts hummingbirds and bees. It is also very effective used as a mosquito repellent, when allowing the fragrant oils to be released when the leaves are crushed.
Lemon Thyme: Thymus vulgaris – repels mosquitoes naturally. Mosquitoes tend to hate their citrus smell. Crush a few parts of this plant and rub on the body to keep these harmful bugs away.
Catmint: Is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Simply, cut off the flowers and boil them to make a spray.
Lemon Verbena: It has an aromatic, fresh lemon scent. The plant’s oils can also be applied to the body to ward off bugs.
Catnip: Is an effective mosquito repellent. One of its main active ingredients, nepetalactone, was found to be 10X stronger than even DEET in a recent study. It is a good non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical sprays.
Eucalyptus: Natural oil from the eucalyptus tree repels insects such as mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks, midges, stable flies and more.
Cedars: Many repellent products contain cedar oil as one of its active ingredients Citronella Grass: Is a plant which, when crushed, releases an oil. This oil can be placed directly on the skin to act as a mosquito repellent, Clove: Natural mosquito repellent plant you can use as a planting around the yard or use the oil from the clove to repel mosquitoes quickly. Garlic: Is a natural way to repel mosquitoes. One way to use it is to cut up garlic and sprinkle it around your outdoor living areas. Lavender: Even though lavender is a smell often enjoyed by humans, lavender repels mosquitoes because mosquitoes dislike the scent lavender gives off. Lemon Balm: Make a quick mosquito repellent, by crushing a handful of leaves and rubbing on your exposed skin. Lemon Grass: Containing citronella, a natural oil that repels mosquitoes. Lemon Scented Geranium: Can be added to your landscape to 6
Mint: Usually grown in gardens to flavor tea. However, mint also repels mosquitoes and you can make your own repellent with mint! Pineapple Weed: The aroma of pineapple. The weed can be dried or used fresh to prepare an interesting tea. Pitcher Plant: It is actually a carnivorous plant that is similar to a Venus Fly Trap. Except this little beauty gobbles up mosquitoes. Simply, plant this in your yard and watch it work. Wormwood: Strong but natural way to ward away mosquitoes. Crush up wormwood leaves and distribute around your outdoor living ways in order to effectively keep these nasty insects away. Rosemary: Can be planted in your garden in order to control mosquito infestation. Sweet Fern: Is a natural herb that has many uses. To fight mosquitoes away you can place some Sweetfern into a fire to keep the little bugs away from the fire and the surrounding area. Tea Tree (Melaleuca ): Works wonders on irritations to bugs or the environment. It is great and natural! But toxic, so be careful. Vanilla Leaf: Used by native tribes as an insect repellant. First crush and apply by rubbing mosquito-repellent plants like vanilla leaf on your skin.
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Is California’s epic drought really the result of much meddling by environmentalists like some conservatives have suggested? While no one questions that California is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in recent history, the jury is still out as to why, at least according to some conservatives like former Hewlett Packard CEO and 2016 Republican Presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina. This past April, Fiorina told talk show host Glenn Beck that California’s drought was a “man-made disaster” caused by “liberal environmentalists” who blocked the construction of appropriate reservoirs and other infrastructure that could have helped prevent the current crisis. The vast majority of the state’s 1,400 dams and reservoirs were built more than four decades ago. According to FoxNews, environmentalists “have since stopped the construction of water storage and delivery systems through legal and political actions” while fighting “to ensure that captured water is released into streams and the ocean—rather than the water delivery system— in order to boost fish populations and dilute the salinity of the delta.” Conservatives are particularly incensed about releasing water from the state’s control to help a small number of fish species already on the brink of extinction anyway. Priority #1 for state wildlife officials has been protection of the endangered delta smelt, a three inch long minnow that feeds on plankton and has a tough time surviving passage through the pumps of California’s existing water diversion system. Since the fish was listed as endangered in 1993, biologists have tried to maintain a friendlier environment for it by withholding fresh river runoff that would otherwise go to homes, businesses and agricultural operations across the state. The state has flushed upwards of 1.4 trillion gallons of freshwater 8
into the ocean since 2008 to protect delta smelt from the water system pumps. But despite these herculean efforts, delta smelt look to be headed for extinction anyway. “In California, fish and frogs and flies are really important,” said Fiorina. “California is a classic case of liberals being willing to sacrifice other people’s lives and livelihoods at the altar of their ideology.” She went on to tell MSNBC that whatever California does to address climate change at this point won’t make a bit of difference: “A single state, or single nation acting alone can make no difference at all, that’s what the scientists say,” she said. “We’re disabling our own economy and not having any impact at all on climate change.” “Droughts are nothing new in California, but right now, 70 percent of California’s rainfall washes out to sea because liberals have prevented the construction of a single new reservoir or a single new water conveyance system over decades, during a period in which California’s population has doubled,” added Carly Fiorina. “This is the classic case of liberals being willing to sacrifice other people’s lives and livelihoods at the altar of their ideology.” Of course, environmentalists counter that blaming them for their efforts to preserve and protect landscapes, hydrological flows and wildlife is nothing more than a smokescreen to divert attention from the real culprits in California’s current drought woes: climate change due to man-made carbon emissions and our profligate water usage habits. CONTACTS: Glenn Beck, www.glennbeck.com; FoxNews, www.foxnews.com. EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss & Roddy Scheer and is a registered trademark of Earth Action Network Inc. View past columns at: www.earthtalk.org. Or e-mail us your question: earthtalk@emagazine.com.
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August 2015
AGAZIN ™ E
Davids Tea Old Timey Treats A limited edition assortment of iced teas inspired by classic malt shop treats. Banana Split is a rich and creamy rooibos with chocolate, banana and sweet meringue. Black Cherry is a fruity black tea inspired by a classic cherry soda. Orange-cherry Shirley Temple pays homage to the super retro mocktail. Sweet and nostalgic Cotton Candy and Mango Fruit Punch, the ultimate re-fresher. Comes with 3 rock sugar sticks. www.davidstea.com
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Stand Up and PROTECT yourself from the suns harmful rays in style in a Cabana Life's limited edition 50+ UPF rashguard. Comfortable easy to wear styling features a neck accent zipper making it really easy on-and-off. Each rashguard top proudly sports the Stand Up To Cancer logo and is available in men’s, women's and youth sizes. A great way to show your support and to help raise funds for accelerated cancer research. shop.standup2cancer.org
New for Fall � Tadashi Shoji Starling Dress www.tadashishoji.com
Airlighter by Bison Light it the first time! Airlighter is a portable air-driven fire lighter that packs a punch. It jets a 4-inch flame that instantly ignites charcoal and wood, then delivers airflow to quickly spread the flames throughout the pile. “Come on baby light my fire”. thebisoncompany.com
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Tom Ford turns the Apple Watch into a fashion statement. It is surprising to see luxury designer, Tom Ford endorsing the Apple Watch, but at London Collections: Men, in June, the former Gucci creative director showed how the Apple Watch can be transformed from a tech piece into what is recognized as a very traditional time piece. Ford fashioned the Apple Watch into a pocket watch for the modern man, chain and all. Its functionality compared to the original Apple Watch design is questionable, but there is no question when it comes to how it looks.
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ALENTINO!
Enter: Where’s Valentino Contest Find Answers Here
ow! There are thousands of readers who are searching for Valentino. He is hidden somewhere on the pages of each issue. The entries keep pouring in. We hope you have fun looking and will continue your quest to find Valentino. When you find him please email us at: info@livingwellmagazine.net [Please type “Valentino” on the subject line or scan the QR Code below]. — keep searching and entering the “Where’s Valentino!” Contest every month for a chance to be entered to win some great gifts, subscriptions, T-shirts, mugs, cookbooks ,books, videos, etc. Or enter on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ LWMlivingwellmagazine (be sure to inbox us so you aren’t sharing his location with everyone), and be sure to like the page first. Please remember to share our page with your friends!
Below Is The Answer To Last Month’s Where’s Valentino! In the July issue of LWM Valentino was making not only a fashion statment but more importantly he was taking part in promoting The Delaware KIDS Fund 6th annual 5k run and walk for KIDS on Saturday, August 1, 2015, printed on a runners tee shirt on page 19. When and if you find Valentino, send us an email at Info@livingwellmagazine.net ( be sure to put Valentino or Where’s Valentino in the subject line or just scan the QR Code with your smart phone and it will take you directly to an email addressed and ready to go, all you have to do is tell us where he is. Have Fun! AHEEEHAPJDDNJKOMMCOONMLGGKDPBDDIFMLKIILIBPAHEEEHA BNFFFNBPNHMLAHBCEGFKAOAHFHADBPJOBCICACIONPBNFFFNB NHCDMGFPMPENGLFIPCGBDBBADAGNDKIOMKMJKCPMPIJMOKGDL CHOBIFFGCDMEFJNPAAACCBBBCDKCGPMBIKPAFKLNGHEDKCFPD KCNDLOFEHPAGDJHHICJIKEGHKINGCKGEBKLBKHFLBBOFHKHMA DLKIMFFBAOGLJECDFBMPEMENNFILACIIMPNKIEHLMJJJMMMHH BFKLANFMBJEHIEOJBMMEOHANENBEKOMLKLPHHBJNAMFNAJDBL HGLCCFFJJHIHEMOIJCADNKMBNMABKOODHABKOFNKOMEJPABPB BDDMAIFOBCBBKBMFMLOJBANAOJLHHGIGIONFKLPMHPOJGOMMG DEOGDFFOHBFKFGHBFLKNLPIMAFNONDMHKAHHHIBFIFHLDHFPC EFFNNNEHKJHLFBOOHFEOCAAHFHACILHDDCKNKKFMAHFHAOLNJ APBBBPAPIBBENPELBCBGPGAAEBEEDIBOOGPPKDPMCAFBAMMPH HHHHHHHPPHHHPHPPPPHHPPHHPHHPPHHHPHHHHHHPPPPPPHHHH
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Going The Distance
By Samantha Facciolo
“Before I begin, let me say that I am not a running expert. In fact, on my last visit to my friendly neighborhood running store, the sale associate suggested a new way to tie my shoes. Yes, that’s right, this kindergarten teacher, a woman certified in shoe tying and other early childhood skills, relearned how to tie her shoes. Apparently, there are new lacing techniques for the wobbly-ankled out there among us. Not put off by reading about a runner who can’t even dress herself properly? Please, read on.” I took up distance running fairly recently, mostly as a way to challenge myself. I had just moved several hundred miles from home to Boston, and I was stressed by the demands of a new job, being a stranger in a new city, etc. At the same time, I had an energetic Lab and a perfect trail that looped around the Charles River near my house. After one particularly rough day at work, I started to run. Pretty quickly, what had begun as a way for my dog and me to burn extra energy turned into a 5K here and a 10K there. Eventually, I decided to take a giant leap and aim for a marathon. While I haven’t had the illustrious career of some of my fellow runners (27 marathons by his 27th birthday, for one, or 17 consecutive Boston Marathons, for another), I have learned a few tips along the way. For example, while running might make me think I’m entitled to eat whatever I want (running for two hours gives me permission to eat six cupcakes, right?) that’s not actually a wise idea. Also, any run over three miles requires BodyGlide or its cheaper equivalent, Vaseline. However, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is the need for flexibility. As a child, I remember listening to my uncle as we watched the Summer Olympics on TV. “Now there’s a simple sport,” he said, gesturing to the sprinters taking their marks around the oval. “All you need is a pair of shoes and a path ahead of you.” Fast forward fifteen years, and I’m sitting at my very first marathon practice, listening to representatives from the aforementioned running store talk about gear. It turns out that my uncle was a little misguided. Runners need a lot of gear. Browsing the racks after practice, I also realized runners need a lot of cash. According to the experts, winter training gear was going to set me back at least a week’s worth of pay. First lesson learned- flexibility! I did buy 12
a good, well-fitted pair of sneakers, a must for anyone wishing to prevent injuries. Then, I headed to TJ Maxx. Using the guidelines presented at the gear clinic, I picked out a whole season’s worth of running clothes for the price of a pair of pants at the higher end boutique. So what if the zipper on my jacket didn’t quite run down the middle of my chest? And that bright orange color? I’d be visible for miles! Several weeks later, I learned my second lesson in flexibility. I hadn’t come into the season with any hard expectations for time goals. I was just hoping I’d finish before race officials kicked me off the course. Nonetheless, I wasn’t prepared for an injury to threaten my entire season. After hobbling three miles uphill in a New England snowstorm, pain shooting through me whenever I tried to bend my right leg, I signed up for twice weekly visits with a physical therapist. Instead of chatting with a running partner as I watched the miles roll by, finishing practice with a healthy glow of achievement (although how anyone looks cheerful after a sixteen mile run is beyond me) I adjusted my training schedule to accommodate my injury. It still meant a lot of running, but it also meant a regular dose of walking, a plan that kept my symptoms at bay but ensured I was at the back of the pack. After sheepishly apologizing at water stops for always being the last runner, causing the volunteers to wait for me in the frigid cold, their relentless encouragement began to break me down. Leader or caboose, I was still out there every weekend getting in the miles. I might not have been as speedy or graceful as I’d hoped to be, but I was training for a marathon! Slow and steady would have to do. As the weeks passed, I learned other ways to be flexible too. For
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one, my diet. Whereas I loved gummy bears, Swedish Fish and M&M’s, while I was running, my stomach didn’t like them quite so much. The same went for Twizzlers and Gatorade. I ended up fueling my runs with a combination of pretzels and animal crackers. After a run, I could be starving, ready to eat all the pancakes and French toast in sight. Other times, I might not be hungry for days and then would suddenly wake up ravenous. Working with a dietitian helped me adjust my nutrition needs, including my eating schedule and food choices. As a vegetarian, I wasn’t getting nearly enough protein, but I was happy to eat any carb in sight. Cookies, anyone?
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I had to be flexible in listening to myself in other ways too. Continually, our coaches reminded us that our training schedule was a suggestion, not a commandment. If Tuesday was a running day but my muscles really needed some cross-training, or my brain needed a mental break, switching was fine. If a snowstorm canceled a track workout, it would all be okay. It was better to respect what my body needed than be wedded to a schedule, because ultimately, my body, not that printed training calendar, would carry me through my run.
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When running long distances, muscles become accustomed to working in certain ways, but in order to increase overall strength and stability, I needed to do many types of workouts. Enter yoga. I had always considered yoga to be a realm for people who enjoyed incense, chanting and spandex, but through my running, I discovered a whole new side to the activity. Yoga could be a fastpaced, high intensity workout or a slow, deep stretch. I found several classes I enjoyed, and I even found an instructor who specialized in yoga for runners. Somehow, after a long weekend run, she always knew what I needed to feel better on a Sunday afternoon. Whereas in the past, I squirmed at the idea of a yoga class, now I incorporate it into my strength and stretching routine.
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In the end, flexibility was what has twice brought me to the starting line of the Boston Marathon and propelled me down Boylston Street to the finish. To the rare runner out there who wears expensive gear, cruises through seasons injury-free and sucks down Gu with ease, I salute you. To everyone else, I say this- flexibility will take you a long way. Embrace it.
Samantha Facciolo is a second year MFA student in fiction at Emerson College. Before coming to Emerson, Samantha worked as a classroom teacher for six years. When she’s not studying or teaching, she can be found lacing up her sneakers for a run or heading to the barn for a ride. She helps coach Special Olympics basketball and track and has twice run the Boston Marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She currently lives in Boston. www.livingwellmagazine.net
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Q:
There seems to be so many vaccinations that my veterinarian recommends. Does my dog really need so many? The vaccine I’m curious about is the Leptospirosis one. I’ve heard different opinions about this topic. Can you give your opinion? 14
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A:
The vaccine controversy has been going on for years now. You see, the recommendations for what vaccines to give and how frequently to give them, has generally been determined by the manufacturer. Given that, it would be in the interest of the manufacturer to recommend yearly vaccinations to the veterinarians, thereby ensuring that your pets are seen yearly. All pets should have a complete physical examination, with fecal evaluation for parasites and blood and urine analysis, at least once a year, more frequently as your pet gets older. Leptospirosis is an infection caused by a bacterial spirochete. It is a zoonotic disease meaning that it can be transmitted to humans and other animals. It is transmitted through contact with infected urine, frequently infected rodents. Other carriers of Leptospirosis include rats, raccoons, pigs, horses, cattle opossums and dogs. When an infected animal urinates, the urine passes into the soil and often a water source such as a river or stream. If your dog were to drink from a contaminated water source he could get infected. Additional transmission can occur through an abrasion or cut in the skin, as well as, a bite wound or ingestion of infected tissue. This bacteria is strong enough to survive weeks to months in the water or soil. Once it gets into the bloodstream, it multiplies and travels to the kidneys, liver, spleen, eyes and urogenital system where it can cause significant damage. It primarily affects the liver and kidneys, however. It is possible that the spirochetes remain in the kidneys and be shed in the urine for months. The clinical signs of Leptospirosis, in the acute phase, will produce a fever that could be as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, muscle sensitivity and tenderness, along with shivering, seem to be the first indication of a problem. Other signs that could develop as the disease progresses include vomiting (sometimes with blood in it), anorexia (loss of appetite), diarrhea (also may have blood in it), dehydration, abdominal pain (which could be from the liver or muscle soreness), dark or blood-tinged stools, greenish bile in stools and possibly dark bile stained urine. Occasionally, ulcerations develop on mucous membranes. Some dogs become chronically infected and can shed the organism intermittently
come along such as vomiting, liver abnormalities or kidney abnormalities, to name a few. Now, we will get to the most important information about the Leptospirosis vaccine. Your pet can get the combination vaccine which contains one serovar of Leptospirosis and possibly distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus. A serovar is a strain of, for example, Leptospirosis. Presently, vaccines can contain one or four serovars of Leptospirosis. These are Leptospira canicola, Leptospira grippotyphosa, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae and Leptospira Pomona. Now this might sound all well and good right?? You would think that your dog is now protected against Leptospirosis. Well, it is not. You see there are over 230 serovars for Leptospirosis, that means that there are over 230 different types of Leptospirosis and your dog can only get up to 4 serovars in a vaccine. In my opinion, it’s a shot in the dark that your pet will be fully protected. If your dog is exposed to a different strain, they can still get the disease because the vaccine your dog had did NOT include all the other strains (not that you would want that). Many problems have been seen with the Lepto vaccine over the years. First, it has a higher incidence of adverse reactions than other vaccines. These reactions can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lameness, pancreatitis, enlarged lymph nodes, liver failure, kidney failure and even anaphylactic shock. Unfortunately, there are documented cases of death within 48 hours of getting the vaccine as well. According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), 30% of the dogs that receive this vaccine will not respond to the vaccine. Additionally, there are numerous cases where vaccinated dogs actually get the disease. According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, Leptospira vaccines only provide short-term immunity (3-12 months) and their efficacy is less than 70%. The Leptospirosis vaccine, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, is not a core vaccine. As such, risk versus benefit should be discussed with your veterinarian. I would advise finding a holistic veterinarian and discuss this with them as they are very informed about this topic. You can find a holistic veterinarian in your area by going to www.ahvma.org (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association).
Leptospirosis is diagnosed through a blood test. Your veterinarian will know which specific tests are necessary. It is important that hospital staff, owners, and anyone else who comes in contact with a potential positive outcome should protect themselves, possibly by wearing gloves and keeping your hands washed. This disease can be transmitted to humans by contact with infected urine. Treatment consists of hospitalization (most of the time), fluid replacement to take care of dehydration, and an antibiotic (usually for 4 weeks). Attention is given to any other complications that
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Dr. Rose DiLeva is a 1987 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s school of Veterinary Medicine. She practices alternative and conventional veterinary medicine. Dr. DiLeva is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and a certified veterinary chiropractitioner. She can be reached at her Animal Wellness Center in Chadds Ford, Pa. at 610-558-1616 for appointments and telephone consultations. Her web site is www.altpetdoc.com and www.drrosesremedies.com
August 2015
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Are You Smarter Than a Bandage? The Answer Can Save Your Life! By Dr. Scott E. Rosenthal
It’s amazing: You place a bandage over a booboo and after If you cut your hand open, you will likely need a doctor to sew just a few days, the wound is miraculously healed! From a child’s perspective, it may appear that the bandage has magical healing powers. I have witnessed this with my own children. Even a tiny, nearly invisible, red mark would send them running for the first aid kit. (Though, the appeal of sticking cartoon characters all over themselves may have had something to do with it.) The real question you need to ask yourself is: “Where does healing come from, the outside or the inside?” Your body is a marvel! It has 206 bones suspended by 650 muscles. You own a mega-multitasking liver that conducts 500 vital functions. A heart beats about 100,000 times each day while moving 2,000 gallons of blood over 60,000 miles of vessels to reach billions and billions of cells. An extensive immune system, acting as the body’s military, is always on duty to seek and destroy microorganisms and toxins. And 100 billion nerve cells transmit controlling and reporting messages back and forth between your brain and body at the speed of up to 268 mph. The inside is pretty cool! You may be wondering what exactly is meant by “inside” or “outside” healing. Think of your “Inside” healing as those inner processes that are guided by the intelligence of your body. “Outside” healing is reliant on external interventions such as doctors, pills and bandages. 16
it up in order for it to heal. True. But the body naturally does its part, too—conducting the many processes that form a protective scab and create new living tissue. I am not suggesting that outside intervention is not important in removing obstructions to your body’s ability to heal itself. There is a time and place for intervention. What I am suggesting is that too much focus is given to the bandage at the cost of fully recognizing how the body heals and how to support optimum health. Your body has an inner intelligent force driving it to self-heal. This innate/inborn wisdom is light years ahead of scientific understanding and yes, smarter than a bandage! It produces compounds of chemicals at precisely the right time in the right place for the right job. It turns your food into new living cells and energy that sustains your life. On a daily basis, it orchestrates processes that remove cancer cells, bacteria, viruses and toxins from your body. You create LIFE every second of every day! It’s not only pretty cool, but one of the greatest wonders of the universe! By recognizing the wisdom within, you can begin to approach your health in a new way- a way that is central to the chiropractic approach and what I believe makes chiropractic special. Instead of looking for what you need to treat a challenge from the outside (such as using medication to treat a symptom), start looking at what went wrong on the inside that allowed your health to stray and diminish. Remove the imbalance and your body will heal.
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August 2015
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Take headaches for example. If you have a tension headache or migraine, you have to ask yourself what is causing your pain. Is it due to an insufficient amount of pain drugs in your diet (outside) or from an imbalance caused by abnormal spinal function in the upper neck (inside)? From my experience, 80 percent of headaches originate from upper neck issues. In chiropractic, we would correct the spinal condition bringing balance back to your body. This allows the pain to naturally dissipate. We would also look at coaching you on ergonomics in regard to your computer time.
to function optimally. You came out of the box this way. It’s your birth right! Sickness primarily occurs when there is interference to the body’s innate ability to heal itself. By focusing on the inside and removing obstructions found in your DREAM, you can return to optimum levels of health and remain there. Failing to do so can cause continued suffering and allow your health to decline further over time. Worst of all, it may prove that you are NOT smarter than a bandage.
Many examples can be made from high blood pressure and cholesterol to menstrual pain and depression. In order to ask the right questions about what might be causing your inside imbalances, think of the word “DREAM.”
Dr. Scott E. Rosenthal is a second-generation Doctor of Chiropractic and a past president of the Delaware Chiropractic Society. His undergraduate degree is in Nutrition and he is a Certified Yoga Teacher. In his Wilmington practice, he offers the cutting-edge Koren Specific Technique (KST) as well as other contemporary and traditional approaches. KST comfortably integrates gentle adjustments of the spine, cranial bones, TMJ, arms and legs (including the wrists and feet). Dr. Rosenthal specializes in pain relief, auto or work injury recovery and natural ways to boost whole body wellness. To contact Dr. Rosenthal please visit rosenthalchiropractic.com or 302-999-0633.
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When Nothing Makes Sense We sat in silence. There was nothing to say. My client, whom I’ll call Darla, had just finished telling me about some unwanted circumstances she found herself in. Not just one upsetting event, but a seeming avalanche of problems with conflicting and unpleasant options for solving them. She was confused. How did she end up here? Where had she made a wrong turn? What did she need to shift? Darla is an earnest , enthusiastic and highly effective explorer of energy and consciousness. She’s gained a keen understanding of the power of intention and how to harness it. She’s acknowledged and dissolved more than a few crusty beliefs that have limited her. She’s honed her ability to recognize and act on her true inner guidance. She knows the difference between letting go and being in denial. She’s intuitive, focused and highly self-aware. She’s created and experienced wondrous things she once only dreamed of. She’s been on a roll, growing and expanding and claiming her power to create a life she adores.
By Suzanne Eder
She’s tempted to analyze every step and nuance of the creative process. Did she have subterranean counter-intentions of which she was unaware? Might she still be holding onto an insidious belief in her unworthiness? Did she fail to recognize and act on a key piece of inner guidance? Is she too attached to a particular outcome? Has she unwittingly allowed her vibration to drop into the “unwanted things” frequency? Is she blaming and complaining rather than appreciating and celebrating? Is she losing her focus on what she wants? Should she be meditating more? The questions are seemingly endless, as are the possible “reasons” for being where she is. Yet we both know that she can’t analyze her way to profound insight. That’s why we’re sitting in silence. Even now, as I recount this experience, I do so from a stance of inner silence. Part of me – like the part of Darla who wants to figure things out – wants to offer you a shining new insight about what’s going on that will make you smile in recognition: “Yes, that’s it! That’s what’s going on. I’ve been there myself and this is just the reminder I need of how to navigate through these times.”
Yet here she is, this newly minted master of manifestation, sitting amidst chaos and confusion and, frankly, more than a few situations that are the polar opposite of what she actually wants. Instead of continuing to move forward with ease, she feels paralyzed and uncertain and afraid. Things are not going well.
That part of me could make a convincing case for any or all of the possible explanations Darla considered being true. She could also make a convincing case for a different truth, one that recognizes that the very act of asking those questions is, itself, getting in the way of Darla’s happiness because it arises from a deep-seated fear of being wrong, and living in fear is not what Darla wants.
What happened?
The part of me who wants to illuminate a particular point of view — continued on next page
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for you might also suggest that rather than thinking in terms of right and wrong, we better serve ourselves by thinking in terms of life-affirming or life-denying - and that there is great value and comfort in having the awareness to discern one from the other. Even when we’re in a life-denying place, that doesn’t make us “wrong;” it’s simply a reminder that we need to pause, breathe and find new ways of affirming life. Back to the silence. The few moments I spent writing the last two paragraphs have created inner static rather than inner peace. That’s what happens when we try to figure out with our minds what can only be gleaned from an ever-deepening connection with Divine Mind. No matter how far we’ve come and how much we now understand – no matter how valid and true our current level of insight may be, and how useful it’s been in getting us where we are right now – it may no longer be valid for where we’re going.
giving ourselves time and space to be in the not-knowing. For suspending all judgment about where we think we should be. For being willing to consider that what we thought we wanted may no longer be a reflection of who we are becoming. Times when we don’t know how to move forward are sacred times. I’m not talking about times when we feel merely frustrated or stuck. I’m talking about times when everything we thought we knew about how life “works” seems like nothing more than a set of flimsy rules someone made up for a child’s game. (Which, perhaps, they are.) These are times for slowing down, being kind to ourselves and taking only the step in front of us to take. These are times for silence.
Sometimes, when things aren’t going the way we want them to go, we can step back and see a bigger picture. If we’re honest with ourselves, we recognize what we need to let go of, what we need to do differently or what we need to express, and we do it. But there are times when things aren’t going the way we want them to go, and a bigger picture is not emerging. Nothing makes sense. The practices and principles and prayers we’ve used in the past have seemingly lost their power. We don’t know what to do.
*
Which is a helpful thing, because those are the times for doing nothing. For accepting that we simply do not know. For
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To charge the Pax 2 all you need to do is attach the included dock to your USB port, then connect the Pax 2 simply by placing it atop a compatible magnet located on both the Pax 2 and the dock. The PAX 2 is the only vaporizer that I have used that deserves to be in the same pocket as my iPhone. Note: Pax 2 is also a good option for people who have one of the appropriate medical needs and qualify for medical marijuana in states where medical marijuana has become legalized. www.paxvapor.com/pax-2
ATH-PG1 Premium Gaming Headset by Audio-Technica One of the biggest parts of the video game experience comes from the sound. In games like Bloodborne, sound can be one of the biggest tools that you have when you are venturing into new territories within the game. The sound designs created for the monsters, creatures and other things that want to destroy everything you hold dear creates an amazing and terrifying connection to its beautiful and tragic world. You have everything that you need to have an allnight gaming session, your TV, your giant speakers, and your means of destruction, be it a keyboard and mouse or your favorite controller. You’re in the zone ready to survive another day in this place that is more frightening than your worst nightmare and then you realize that you have roommates, and they have work in the morning.
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July 2015
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In August, the ceiling fan in our bedroom developed a clicking noise which has become very bothersome to the point that I can’t sleep. It’s kind of like the ticking on the old alarm clocks or wind up watches that keeps you awake. I haven’t had a chance to investigate why the ceiling fan is clicking and taking the fan apart is not a fun task that I look forward to doing. Dyson came to the rescue, sending us the new Dyson Cool™ fan. I have always been curious about how well this fan works because it has no blades. But to my amazement, The DysonCool™ moves the air as well as the ceiling fan and it is incredibly quiet.. The fan oscillates, has ten speeds and can be controlled by a remote that also has a sleep timer. The DysonCool™ is much safer for all of our cats and dogs because it has no blades that create that choppy air flow and it is gorgeous. It would look great in the Living Room as well. The Dyson products are an example of smart engineering, design and quality. When you first take the fan out of the box, you can tell that it is well-made and will work for many years to come. I might just leave the broken ceiling fan alone and stay cool using the new DysonCool™ But don’t tell my wife. LIVING
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For more information: www.nutone.com/HomeAutomation www.livingwellmagazine.net
August 2015
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SHOPAHOLICS By Karen Jessee
A friend recently wrote me that a buddy contacted her to help clean out a closet and organize some clothes. Her second sentence was complete disbelief that I did this for a living and that anyone could ever have the compassion and patience to be a professional organizer. She had been greeted by a closet the size of a bedroom with shelves and racks overflowing with shoes and clothes. Another room had numerous plastic containers, along with boxes, suitcases and garment bags filled with more. And then, there was the walk- in closet, the bureaus, and, of course, the floor. My friend’s first impulse was to turn and run. I believe she gave it her best shot and then mentioned my name. For those who have followed my years of writing about clutter, shopping, hoarding and downsizing, you know my style: no shame, no blame. I choose my words carefully because what I know is that all that shopping and all that excess are manifestations of something else; everything from a traumatic loss to feeling unloved or unaccepted. People who are addicted to the power and seduction of their credit cards are seeking to fill emotional voids. 22
However, not everyone who writes on these issues walks gently; some march and bang drums. But these writers also carry mighty credentials, statistics, and bespeak a truth that needs to be heard. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, more than 1 in 20 Americans have a shopping habit that jeopardizes their homes, finances, relationships or careers. Michael Hurd, a psychotherapist and author, stated clearly in his June 17th article in Delaware Beaches that excessive spending and buying for the sake of impressing, for the sake of belonging to the “in” crowd, came from a lack of self-respect. He referred to those shoppers who felt they couldn’t get through life unless they had overspent on cars, clothing labels or watches in order to constantly project the right image and feel like a member of the elite. He wrote that once you start living your life and shopping in order to maintain a persona, you are living your life for others and dismissing your own values. “This isn’t to say you shouldn’t enjoy the fruits of your labors and buy for your own or your loved ones’ sake or maybe a charity or a cause you value,” he writes. www.livingwellmagazine.net
August 2015
This is to say that if you’re spiraling into debt, spending money you don’t really have, because of your need to impress others with things you don’t really need, you’re headed down a slippery slope. For these shoppers, life is a constant show and tell, a perpetual need to have the latest in pricey brag and swag. This is very different from the compulsive shopper who cannot establish boundaries and buys too much of everything and anything. Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News Money, wrote in the May 16, 2012 issue that there were some tell-tale signs that you suffered from a shopping addiction: You lie about or cover up your most recent purchases, either hiding them in closets or claiming you already owned the items. You lie about where you are going if you’re going shopping, and you shop alone so no one will know. You think of shopping as a hobby. Shopping not only makes you feel better about yourself, but the effect of the purchase is a “high” a literal drug rush. Your shopping habits are now putting you — continued on next page
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in debt, affecting your home and relationships, but you don’t want to talk about it and get angry when others try to help. You don’t know where your money is going and don’t remember having made the purchase. “Much of America’s growing number of shopping addicts is a result of Western civilization,” says April Lane Benson, author of I Shop, Therefore I Am: Compulsive Buying and the Search for Self. “Consumption fuels our economy. Materialism is rampant. We think that if you can’t buy happiness, you just don’t know where to shop,” she says. “Some onlookers admire compulsive shoppers’ ability to spend a lot of money, which can encourage them even more. A lot of times, it’s a smiled-upon addiction.” You know, when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping… wink. If you think that a major part of the problem is the internet and television where shopping is available around the clock, some would disagree. Donald Black, a psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa who studies impulse-control disorder writes that compulsive shoppers enjoy the sensory experiences of shopping; they like the sounds, the smells, and the feel of different textures. Shoppers are not afforded that sensory stimulation from home.
her homes. After she had slaked her thirst for finery, she would become horrified by what she had done, yet the cycle never failed to repeat itself.” In the 1860s, Mary Todd Lincoln was $25,000 in debt, a formidable figure then; a formidable figure now. It translates into over $700,000 in today’s money. In the 1880s when she returned from exile in France to her sister’s home in Springfield, she brought with her more than 40 trunks that weighed over 8,000 pounds. We’ve all engaged in the occasional retail therapy; it’s easy, fun and rewarding. We’ve all delighted in a new purchase. But for many, shopping to excess, for whatever reason, is an addiction just like doing drugs, drinking, eating, smoking or gambling and it should be treated as such. This is the information age; there are numerous sites, videos and articles on line that can begin to help those who need to see themselves in a different light. You can hear the stories of others and what they did to slowly turn their lives around. Do a little research. Gather your patience and your compassion, and instead of taking your friend or family member to the store, take them to the screen and guide them to a new life. It’s the kindest thing you can do.
And finally, if you think this excessiveness is a recent phenomenon, we need only look at Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln, the most lied about woman in history and a victim of malicious gossip and bad press. Always worried about her place in society, having lost her husband to murder and three sons to illness, she suffered from anxieties and maladies that would unravel any woman.
Karen Jessee is a professional organizer and founder of Simply Organized. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and the Philadelphia Chapter of Professional Organizers. She encourages people to simplify their lives and works with those who need to downsize and get organized. Karen helps clients make the decisions and create the systems that are best for them. She also teaches the strategies to help clients gain greater clarity, control, productivity and peace. Karen is a public speaker on these topics. Visit her website at: www.nowsimplyorganized.com
Author Catherine Clinton, in her book, Mrs. Lincoln, A Life writes that, “for most of her adult life, [Mary] suffered a disorder that might be characterized as financial bulimia. She felt compelled to hoard and spend in cycles of indulgence and regret. No matter what her real financial situation was, she continued to toss aside reason and judgment and to decorate and bejewel herself and
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Treating Digestive Complaints with Acupuncture
Digestive irregularity and discomfort is a very common complaint. Irritable bowel syndrome affects millions of people each year. Constipation, diarrhea, and alternating constipation and diarrhea can be frustrating and sometimes embarrassing conditions for a person. Laxative use can help constipation for a short period, but with prolonged use can actually have the opposite effect. Laxatives have side effects like diarrhea, bloating, and gas. With extended use, constipation can occur because the intestine is unable to contract. Anti-diarrheal medications can also cause constipation if not used properly. Excessive use of medications for acid reflux may also contribute to constipation.
Digestion and Chinese Medicine Chinese medicine looks at the whole system to determine the cause of digestive upset. Constipation can be due to excessive heat, Qi stagnation, lack of movement of the energy of the body, or insufficiency of Qi and fluids in the body. Diarrhea can be from dietary irregularities, emotions, or an illness that decreases the absorptive functions of the digestive viscera. The liver is the organ that manages stress in Chinese medicine and the spleen is the organ that integrates the nutrients from food for use in the body. When these two organs are not communicating properly, constipation and diarrhea can alternate. An acupuncturist will ask questions about the entire body to determine the cause of digestive upsets and may even feel the pulse and look at the tongue to determine proper treatment. — continued on next page 24
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August 2015
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Constipation and Acupuncture: Constipation with dry and bound stools, a feeling of warmth, and a red complexion would be due to heat. Other symptoms may include abdominal bloating, bad breath, and nausea. Acupuncture may be used to decrease the heat of the body and to moisten and move the stool. If there is belching, pain along the ribs and stomach, and frequent sighing, this is due to improper movement of Qi. With a lot of stress, the liver tightens and has difficulty moving Qi and cannot keep up with the body’s needs. Acupuncture can be used to move the energy of the body to improve movement of the bowels.
Diarrhea and Acupuncture: Chinese medicine looks at the many different causes of diarrhea. For example, diarrhea with abdominal pain and rumbling intestines is usually due to food stagnation. Food stagnation can occur from dietary irregularities such as overeating and improper movement of food in the digestive system. The liver can also play a part in diarrhea where the tightening, as mentioned above, can overcome the digestive system. In this case, stress usually causes diarrhea. Acupuncture would be used to improve food movement and soothe the liver to improve digestion.
is weakened and is unable to properly transmit the nourishing substances from the food. The liver, overcome by stress, can overact on the weakened spleen causing diarrhea. It can also have difficulty providing Qi to the proper areas resulting in constipation. An acupuncturist will harmonize these organs to improve bowel function.
Treat the Cause: An acupuncturist may also examine your diet to give specific suggestions on how to decrease digestive upsets. Drinking plenty of water, balancing warm and cold foods, and consuming plenty of fiber are among general suggestions for digestive health. Acupuncture is effective at treating digestive complaints and needles are generally placed in the abdomen, arms, and legs to ensure proper stool movement. Schedule an appointment for acupuncture today to improve bowel movements and start digesting better!
Dr. Kelly Brown is a chiropractor and acupuncturist with Pure Wellness. She received both a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Masters in Acupuncture from New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. Dr. Brown is a life-long resident of DE and is glad to be back in the area serving the community. You can contact her at the office 302.365.5470 or through the website www.purewellchiro.
Bowel Fluctuations: Alternating constipation and diarrhea is commonly found with a person under a lot of stress and/or an inability to express emotions. There is abdominal pain, sighing, pain in the ribs, and even cold hands and feet. In this case the spleen www.livingwellmagazine.net
August 2015
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The Answer... Why Don’t I Have It?
By Joe White
One of the great gifts of doing what I do for over 16 years is that I am consistently giving impromptu coaching sessions when I am out and about. People will stop me and ask me all sorts of questions. I love meeting people who have been impacted by the work that we do at Get Life Coaching or have that desire to grow. The one question I get most often is the WHY question. Why don’t I have ________? What is the blank? It is anything you desire that you do not have already. It ranges from the man or woman of your dreams, to financial freedom, happiness, love, the business growth you want. I have heard it all. When I get a asked the WHY question, it is very shortly into the conversation that I can truly discover what is the real reason for why they are not getting what they want. After working with over 20,000 people I’ve gotten pretty good at being able to laser focus, but rarely is it the opportunity at that moment to have that depth of conversation with the individual. Imagine someone expecting a short easy answer and I go into it as a deep intervention. Not a pretty sight nor is it really fair. I usually give them some insight and suggest a book they should read that would help them. Although that serves them in the moment, I wanted to go deeper with you because the answer is simple, powerful and you must be ready for the truth. The truth will set you free… only if you know you are trapped!
me all the reasons why they accept or tolerate. Regardless of the story YOU still accept it. Why? Because that is your standard. To change anything you must change your standard. Whatever you have in your life is in direct proportion to the standards that you hold. How do you change? You must consistently raise your standards and live how your creator or universe intended for you to live and that is free of self doubt, self sabotage, and the need to control. This means two key points, the first is that raising your standards is an ongoing activity. It is human nature if we are in enough pain, we will raise our standards to change and get out of pain. Eventually this new standard will begin to feel familiar and we will get comfortable and be trapped again; unless we raise our standards. We must do this over and over. Second, we must become willing to consistently embrace being uncomfortable. Most people will choose comfort over growth and fulfillment. We must flip that and value growth and fulfillment over comfort. Live more in what we call our iState. That Intuitive State of abundance and alignment. Remember it is human nature to settle, but it is the nature of our souls to grow. Live Free!!
The simplest and maybe the most painful truth is that you are where you are because your standards are too low. Standards are what you accept and don’t accept. So in other words you have exactly what you are willing to accept or tolerate in your life. The first response I get my from clients after sharing this is a story. They go into story mode and feel compelled to share with 26
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Joe White is the President and founder of Get Life Coaching. Get Life Coaching is the leader in personal and professional development since 1999. Joe recently earned the most Prestigious Award : 2012 Entrepreneur of the year. Joe can be contacted at: 302-832-3424, or email him at: doitnow@getlifecoaching.com or check out: facebook.com/getlifecoaching Follow Joe on @getlifecoaching August 2015
By Alisa Rose
eat well: a well balanced diet, should consist of
foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat.
active: engaged in action; characterized by energetic work, participation, etc.; busy: an active life. involving physical effort and action : active sports.
Being active makes a person healthy and strong. It is not just for people who have a weight problem, but for those interested in living the most healthful and fulfilling life.
Get active: • Being overweight. The only way to lose those extra pounds is to reduce your calorie intake and exercise.
never worked out before be sure to work in your exercise gradually and you may want to consult with your primary care physician before starting a new workout regime, especially if you are on certain medications and or have any pre-exciting conditions that might preclude you from some activities. It is also advisable to workout regularly with a reasonable diet. It starts by evaluating your lifestyle and health before any program can be made. Consult with a dietitian or a health professional to help plan a good diet program that works for you. A well balanced diet, should consist of foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat. The food that you consume should be rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. A lot of carbs come from oats, rice, potatoes and cereals, but the best carbs come from vegetables and fruits which contain phytonutrients, enzymes and micro nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet. Choose healthy fats. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are known as the “good fats” because they are good for your heart, your cholesterol, and your overall health. Examples of healthy fats:
Avocados
Fatty Fish
Flaxseeds
Peanut Butter
Soymilk
• It is a great way to improve your physical health.
Olive Oil
Walnuts
• Studies have shown that it makes a person feel happier and increases self esteem helping to prevent depression and anxiety.
Nuts
• Being underweight. The only way to add weight is to add more calories to your diet and exercise. • Just for fun.
• An active lifestyle could mean a longer healthier life. There is a lot you can do such as jog or walk every morning, play basketball or other interactive sport with friends. If you want a regimented workout to build muscle and achieve a leaner look, you might think about signing up at a local gym. An effective exercise plan should include both cardiovascular and weight training exercises. This helps burn calories and increases the muscle to fat ratio. This combination workout will help increase your metabolism and help you to lose weight. If you have www.livingwellmagazine.net
Alisa Rose is Founder and President of Art Fitness. Art Fitness is commitment to providing a personalized atmosphere that eliminates intimidation and promotes success. Art Fitness is dedicated to improving the movement of one’s body and restoring quality of life through proper exercise, correct form and good nutrition. The Art Fitness team can be reached at: 302.477.0123, or info@ ArtFitnessTraining.com Stay up to date with all things fitness: Facebook. com/ArtFitnessLLC Follow Art Fitness on Twitter: @BdyIsaWrKoF_ART August 2015
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Recipes From: “More than a cook book of recipes, this is a book of ideas.” �Leanne Brown The recipes in, GOOD AND CHEAP EAT WELL ON $4/ DAY were developed to fit the budgets of people living on US federally funded programs, (which ends up being approximately $4 per person per day), but the recipes are not just inexpensive, they are delicious, nutritious and a practical solution for retirees, students and anyone trying to reduce their weekly food bill at the grocery store.
Leanne Brown lives in New York City with her husband, Dan Lazin. Leanne takes advantage of all NYC has to offer, running, bicycling, walking a traveling by subway, grabbing a pastry from a street vendor along the way. She has been fascinated with cooking and baking upon having the realization of how comparable, they are to magic.
You won’t just find delightful inexpensive recipes. You’ll find tips for eating and shopping. Buying in bulk, building a pantry, thinking seasonally, supermarket strategies, groceries you won’t regret buying, turning leftovers into something appealing and most of all getting creative. Copies are available at a discounted price for non-profits. Email: goodandcheap@workman.com for more information.
Copyright © 2015 by Leanne Brown Photographs copyright © by Leanne Brown and Dan Lazin Workman Publishing Company Inc.
Mexican Street Corn
1 Turn your oven’s broiler to high.
This recipe takes fresh, sweet summer corn—already amazing—and adds salt, tang, and spice to the experience. If you have an outdoor grill, prepare the corn that way, but for those without, a broiler is a great shortcut! Use any chile powder you like, such as ground ancho powder or cayenne pepper. serves 4 as a side
2 Peel off the corn husks and clean off all the silk. Leave the green ends attached for a convenient handhold.
4 ears corn 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 1/2 cup grated cotija, queso blanco, feta, Romano, or Parmesan cheese dusting of chile powder 1 lime, sliced into wedges 28
3 Place the corn on a baking sheet and stick them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Rotate and repeat until they’re brown and toasty all the way around—no more than 10 minutes total. 4 Working quickly, spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise over each ear of corn, lightly coating every kernel. Next, sprinkle the cheese over the corn. It should stick fairly easily to the mayonnaise, but you’ll probably get a little messy. 5 Sprinkle chile powder on top, but not too heavily, or it’ll be gritty. 6 Last, squeeze lime juice all over the corn, and serve hot!
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August 2015
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
additions
When my friend Michael challenged me to create a recipe that used dark chocolate, I got a little worried: Dark chocolate is expensive! But then I remembered that cocoa powder is deeply, darkly chocolaty, without the expense. I thought of the chocolate zucchini cake my mother made when I was growing up and knew I had something.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
This is a great breakfast treat that uses staples you should generally have on hand, such as flour, oats, and yogurt. The yogurt and zucchini make these muffins super moist and yummy, but still a reasonably nutritious (if slightly sugary) choice for breakfast. Make them in midsummer, during the height of zucchini season, when larger zucchini are really cheap. Big zucchini are generally a bit woodier, but they’re great for baking. makes 24 small muffins butter or vegetable oil, for the muffin tin 2 cups grated zucchini (start with 1 large or 2 small zucchinis) 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2 Grease 24 muffin cups with butter, or, if you have paper liners on hand, line the muffin cups. 3 Cut off the round end of the zucchini (which is a little tough), keeping the stem to use as a handhold. Shred the zucchini with a box grater into a large bowl, stopping before you get to the stem. 4 Dump the flour, oats, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and chocolate chips, if using, into a medium bowl. 5 Mix the eggs and yogurt with the grated zucchini. Add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. 6 With a spoon, dollop the batter into the muffin tins until each cup is about three-quarters full. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. 7 Pull the muffins out and poke them in the middle with a toothpick or knife. If it comes out wet, bake the muffins for 5 more minutes. If it comes out clean, they’re done.
1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking soda
8 Let the muffins cool in their tins for 20 to 30 minutes, then eat warm!
1 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 cup plain yogurt
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August 2015
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— continued from recipes
Half-Veggie Burgers When a reader named Quinn suggested a recipe that used both lentils and meat, I started thinking about how veggie burgers and beef burgers each have their own strengths. Why not combine the two ideas to create a burger with meaty flavor but the lean protein and low cost of lentils? And so I offer you the half-veggie burger. May it rest a little lighter in your belly. You can use almost any vegetable to make these burger patties, except for lettuce and other greens, or super-watery vegetables like tomato or cucumber. Make sure the vegetables are either small to begin with (like corn or peas) or finely chopped so that they cook evenly. I went for a bell pepper this time. Vegetables like potato, squash, or eggplant, which are inedible raw, should be fully cooked before you add them to the patty. serves 8 3 cups cooked lentils or beans 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper or other vegetable 1 pound ground beef or other ground meat salt and pepper, to taste 8 buns
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2 Mix the lentils, bell pepper, and ground beef with your hands in a large bowl. If you’re grilling, add an egg to keep the patties from crumbling. Season with salt and pepper and form into 8 patties. 3 Place a large skillet over mediumhigh heat (or fire up the grill, if you have one), and add the patties. Sear them until they’re dark brown on one side, about 5 minutes, then flip ’em and do the same on the other side. If you want cheeseburgers, lay cheese on the patties after flipping them once. 4 Serve on toasted buns with your favorite condiments and fresh vegetables. Burgers are a great place to be adventurous!
1 egg (optional)
30
1 Roughly mash the lentils with the back of a large spoon.
August 2015
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It seems whenever I sleep anywhere else but my bed, I wake with no back pain. Even if I sleep on the couch I am OK. When I sleep in my bed, even my new mattress, I wake up stiff, in pain. The other day, I remembered my parents favorite punishment was to send me to my bed for long periods of time. Could it be that their is some memory entanglement or some such making my back hurt. I am baffled. I am a grown up with kids of my own, can I be haunted by my childhood?
A:
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Built-in sharpeners that automatically sharpen each knife every time you use one. The utility knives are labeled to help you choose the right knife for the job.
Wa
Much of chronic pain has memories intermingled and intertwined into it. When pain occurs the reactive mind takes over. Areas of the brain that are normally dormant, resting, become ignited. Called to battle it protects you. Senses become heightened so the mind can be alerted when anything resembles this compromising situation. Every sound smell, spoken word, sight, taste is all recorded, like taking a three dimensional holographic video. This reaction is automatic, intense, detailed and recorded and stored in the body. Not only will those smells, sounds, tastes, sights trigger a completely unintended response causing you to relive the incident, it may make you react as though you are being injured all over again. In fact, this recording can be debilitating. Injuries can haunt you unknowingly throughout your life. There are several ways to deal with this. Accessing the fascia where these memories are stored and unwinding the body is like hitting a rewind button, allows for release of this trapped energy. A dialoging process is important to take the emotional charge from your reactive mind. There is also a treatment technique called Profound Healing Journey which allows for intense, deep dialogue and role playing to reestablish a new way of being after releasing trauma. What ever way you can allow those triggers to be released from your fascial memory and psyche, release is absolutely necessary. The mere act of going to bed, some aspect may be triggering this memory creating tension and compression while you sleep leaving you waken with punishment energy and pain in your back. These types of pains must be dealt with on a physical or structural way and also in an energetic or emotional way. With unwinding both can occur simultaneously. Treating the fascia using this technique allows for far reaching absolutely life changing results.
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31
Top 6 Causes of Low Sex Drive
By Dr. Dianna Palimere
One of the more frequently reported sexual issues concerning both men and women today is that of having a low sex drive, or low libido. There have been numerous studies on the topic and the statistics are quite varied ranging from approximately 30-50% of females reporting low sexual desire and 25-40% of males reporting low sexual desire. In addition, researchers like Michele Weiner-Davis, have found that “20% of married couples report low-sex or no-sex marriages.” Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to this problem (for those who are unhappy with their level of sexual desire). There are many things that could negatively affect one’s sex drive, including medical, physical, mental, and emotional issues. Adequate hormone production is necessary for a healthy sex drive, in both men and women, and a hormone imbalance could be caused by any number of reasons. Despite there being numerous possibilities, I’ve narrowed it down here to the most common causes for having a low sex drive. Sleep Low levels of testosterone in both men and women have been reported to cause issues with sexual desire. Sleep deprivation directly affects hormone production, including the production of Testosterone. Whether it’s due to shift work, insomnia, or recently having a baby; inadequate sleep at night leads to less sexual desire. Anna North from Buzzfeed.com noted a 2011 study which found that getting “less than five hours of sleep at night was associated with a significant drop in men’s testosterone levels.” Researchers at the Insomnia and Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the Stanford University Sleep Medicine Center, claim the sleepdeprived men and women in their studies report a decreased 32
interest in sex. While low testosterone may only be one possible cause for low sexual desire, lack of sleep also causes mental and physical fatigue; which is also likely to decrease interest in sexual activity. In addition, several recent studies have found that sleep apnea can cause erectile dysfunction in men, and a loss of sexual libido in women. It is of note that with treatment for sleep apnes (e.g. CPAP machines, surgery, weight loss, etc.) people have reported a marked decrease in symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Nutrition In the LWM June 2012 issue, I covered this topic exclusively with my “Feed Your Desire for a Healthier Sex Life” article. A few of the libido killers included in that article were: cigarettes, trans fats, sugary foods, some starchy foods, and excessive alcohol. Focusing specifically on low sexual desire, the worst foods for your body are those high in sodium (salt), high saturated fat, and sugar. Eating foods high in sodium, especially if you are not drinking enough water, can cause dehydration, headaches, and vaginal dryness; all of which contribute to low libido. Foods containing high saturated fats can clog arteries, reducing blood flow to the body’s organs, including sex organs. Inadequate blood flow to the sex organs can cause decreased sensation in both men and women, erectile dysfunction in men, and difficulty with orgasm in women.
Finally, we have sugar…the arch nemesis of human sexual libido! I can’t stress enough the overall negative impact that a diet high in sugar has on the body and subsequently the human sexual response system. Many studies have shown that sugar intake — continued on next page www.livingwellmagazine.net August 2015
— continued from previous page
reduces the body’s production of Testosterone. According to a 2013 study in Clinical Endocrinology (Caronia, L.M., et. al) “Glucose (sugar) ingestion induces a significant decrease in total and free Testosterone levels in men.” While there is less research involving females, more some studies have focused on female sexuality and high blood sugar. The findings suggest that high blood sugar levels in women have been linked to difficulty with vaginal lubrication. According to Ann Albright, President of the American Diabetes Association, “The lubrication issues not only can impact sensation, they also can make sex very uncomfortable, even painful.” In a 1986 study on women with diabetes, nearly half reported having a sexual problem; 32% reported problems with vaginal lubrication; and 89% reported that their problems started after their diabetes diagnosis. It should be no surprise that as we see growing numbers of men and women in our country struggling with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol; we’re seeing a similar trend of men and women reporting difficulty with low sex desire and problems with sexual functioning. Exercise Lack of regular exercise is problematic for a number of obvious reasons. Obesity and/or being significantly overweight can lead to diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—all of which could contribute physiologic causes for low sexual libido. Not only does regular exercise increase blood flow to all of the bodies vital organs, it also helps us keep our hormones balanced, improves body image, and with proper stretching—improves flexibility (always a bonus in the bedroom). Exercise also aids in reducing body fat and increasing our overall health. A healthier body promotes a healthier sex drive. It’s that simple.
your prescribing physician. They may be able to change your prescription or decrease your dose of medication, depending on your health and overall symptoms. Talk to your doctor about what options might be best for you. Psychological Causes If someone has been having difficulty with low sexual desire, the first thing I recommend is that they see their medical doctor to rule out any possible medical condition. Along with a physical exam, the doctor generally includes sending the patient for bloodwork, to see if there is an imbalance in their sex hormones. For males, this includes a blood test for Total and Free Testosterone. For females, the blood test should include: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estradiol, Progesterone, Free Testosterone, and DHEA-S. Testosterone levels are highest in the morning and blood tests should be done after a period of fasting. Once all medical issues have been ruled out, it is fairly safe to say that the problem is either relational (we’ll get to that) or psychological. Below is a brief list of psychological causes for low sexual desire: Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder Poor body image Body dysmorphic disorder Low self-esteem History of sexual trauma, including childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and/or rape History of negative or un-pleasurable sexual experiences
Medications
Chronic stress
There are numerous medications that may cause difficulty with sexual responding and sexual functioning. If you’re taking a medication, talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any negative side effects, including: erectile dysfunction, low sexual desire, inability to orgasm, vaginal dryness, or loss of genital sensitivity. Below is a very brief list of medications known to cause sexual side effects:
Of all of the aforementioned issues, chronic stress in daily living may be the most common. This includes stress at home and at work—being overworked, being a “workaholic,” hating your job and/or your boss. Moreover, one may be suffering from high levels of stress due to financial concerns, grief & loss, and major life changes. Stress increases the body’s production of the hormone cortisol. Increased levels of cortisol prevent your body from producing sufficient amounts of Testosterone (which as you now know is an essential hormone for our sexual libido). To combat this, one has to learn daily self-care for stress management, such as: proper nutrition; adequate sleep; exercise; relaxation techniques; setting and maintaining healthy boundaries personally and professionally; and creating a healthy support system, which may include a therapist or counselor.
Antidepressants Antipsychotics Antianxiety medications, including benzodiazepines Diuretics and high blood pressure medications High cholesterol medications (statins and fibrates) Cardiovascular medications Thyroid medications Muscle relaxants H2 Blockers Anticonvulsants Medications to treat prostate cancer Do not stop taking a medication without consulting with
Relationship Issues When couples come to see me for therapy because one of the partners is struggling with low sexual desire, the first thing we do is address the possibility of one or more of the aforementioned
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August 2015
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five causes. However, even in cases where it may be a lack of sleep, poor diet, exercise, medication, or mental health issue— that person may be able to resolve that issue, and there is still a problem with their sexual desire. Conversely, I may have a couple where one of the partners struggles with low sexual desire and they do not have any issues in any of the other aforementioned areas. In both scenarios, it ultimately leaves us with only one likely cause: their relationship. Let me begin by saying that I believe low sexual desire or low libido is a “problem” only if the person experiencing it feels that it is a problem. In some cases, there is simply a difference in each partner’s libido level—one being high and the other’s being moderate or low. For these couples, I help the person with the naturally lower libido find comfortable ways to meet the needs of the person with the higher libido; through other means of sexual interaction, not including sexual intercourse. For couples that are struggling with a partner having low sexual desire, and who is unhappy and would like it to improve, we begin to address the possibility that there are some relationship issues which may be affecting their desire for their partner. The most widespread problem for many of the couples I treat in these circumstances is poor communication. This may be an inability to communicate one’s sexual thoughts and feelings. Or it may be that there are unresolved conflicts, resentments, criticisms or complaints that are not being communicated properly and/or worked through effectively. If your partner is feeling resentful toward you or is feeling unappreciated in the relationship, it will almost inevitably show up in the bedroom. It can be very difficult (if not impossible) to feel sexual desire for someone, when you are struggling with negative feelings towards them from unresolved relationship issues. In these cases, much of the work in the beginning of therapy is learning communication skills to work through the resentments and unresolved conflicts. Other relationship problems that tend to lead to a lack of sexual desire are: feeling disconnected from the other due to lack of quality time spent together; feeling unappreciated; and/or feeling that there is not enough regular daily (non-sexual) affection. In addition, there are
more complicated issues, such as: feeling regularly disrespected or degraded; broken trust; and infidelity. If the problem is likely due to one of the latter issues, I highly suggest seeking out the help of a psychosexual therapist. A final note… It’s important that we as individuals decide if we’re happy with our own level of sexual desire. This cannot be determined by what we think we should be feeling based on perceived societal norms. Of course, sexual libido waxes and wanes in all relationships over time, and that should also be considered. However, if you’re happy having sex once per week, or once per month or once per year, and feel that your needs are being met, and you’re happy in your relationship with yourself or with a partner—there is no need to label yourself as “dysfunctional.” If you’ve consulted with a doctor to be sure your hormone levels are within normal limits, you’re healthy both physically and mentally, and you feel you have a happy, healthy relationship; perhaps it’s time for you and your partner to explore more creative means to meet their higher level of sexual libido. For additional help navigating this choice, I recommend reading: When Your Sex Drives Don’t Match: Discover Your Libido Types to Create a Mutually Satisfying Sex Life; or Perfectly Normal: Living and Loving with Low Libido, both written by Sandra Pertot. Sexual Health and Healing with Dianna Palimere, PhD, LCSW Dr. Dianna Palimere is a Psychosexual Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been in the field of mental health for the past 14 years, dedicating the past seven years to specializing in clinical sexuality. She holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Masters degree in Social Work, a Masters degree in Human Sexuality Education, and a PhD in Clinical Human Sexuality. Utilizing a holistic approach to therapy, she incorporates a variety of clinical interventions in her work with individuals, couples, and families. She is devoted to helping people achieve sexual health and healing through her work as a psychotherapist in her private practice in Pike Creek, DE; as well as in her work with local nonprofit organizations. To learn more about her or to schedule an appointment, visit her website: www.SexTherapyInDelaware.com or email her directly at: dr.palimere@ sextherapyindelaware.com Join us on Facebook, keywords: Sex Therapy in Delaware.
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Growing Love By Karen Verna Carlson, N.D., Ph.D. (Hon.)
“Who knows that in the depth of the ravine of the mountain of my hidden hearta firefly of my love is aflame.” � Abutsu-Ni circa 1100 A.D.
Recent natural catastrophes, human atrocities and personal losses have clouded my worldview that life is predominantly good. I’m feeling a heavier emphasis on Dickens’ “…worst of times” and M. Scott Peck’s “Life is difficult” (The Road Less Traveled, Simon & Schuster, NY, 1978)—so much so that healing measures are called for. I’m sinking into sadness and despair, feeling them, being with them appropriately. Allowing those feelings is a good thing. Meanwhile, I lighten up by growing a little more awareness of the love side of life’s equation, “…the best of times….” These are healing measures. Fireflies Die, Love Survives Fireflies/lightening bugs diminish now that their mating season has ended. My despair too darkens, but a Japanese woman’s words nearly a thousand years ago reminds me love light always glows in my heart. I’ve read them in Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening (Conari Press, 2000), a daily reader of poetry, reflections and 36
practices that helps direct my focus most mornings. Nepo, a cancer survivor, muses “…that the most important things begin so far inside we can hardly hear them ourselves at first. Or that we keep the most important things so tucked away that they barely have a chance to grow.” Recognizing the love within and growing that love is my mission at this moment. Love Is Irrepressible On the page opposite Abutsu-Ni’s poem is a testimony that love is ultimately irrepressible. That encourages my missionary zeal and guarantees more light. “If somebody were to cut me into a thousand pieces, every piece of me would say that it loves…” declares Chris Lubbe, a black South African who grew up under apartheid. Lubbe told Nepo “that he was taught by his ancestors not to stay bitter or vengeful, for hate eats up the heart, and with a damaged heart life is not possible.” Love, says Nepo “is irrepressible. Just as a vine or shrub—no matter how often it is cut back—will keep growing to the light, the human heart—no matter how often it is cut—can reassert its impulse to love.” Feel the Feelings Growing love, like growing a garden starts with the basics. Nutrition, hydration, security, shelter, sunlight activity and
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August 2015
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nightly rest are resources critical to any experience or expression of love. With those needs fulfilled, I seek to populate my life with loving people and events. A simple concept, but not easy to do amidst this culture of speed, crowds and pressure. What activity opens you to feelings of love? Love awakens and glows within me when I extricate vines cluttering a rhododendron or dogwood. (Vines are as irrepressible as love!) Wrestling, cutting and yanking those invasives is sweaty work that fills me with love. Creating a greeting card out of bits and pieces recycled from my living always envelops me with feelings strongly loving. This is strictly a feeling focus. Suspend mental expectations, judgements and rationales. Settle for no less a magnitude than #7 on a 10-scale of love. What makes you feel that good about yourself and about life? Do more of those. Gathering a handful of wild berries in my backyard and nuzzling them into my mouth is an opportunity that lasts for only a couple weeks. I missed last year’s wineberry and blackberry seasons and felt that loss in my love revenues. This year I enjoyed breakfasting on eight or ten handfuls numerous mornings. I’ve also got six big freezer bags for winter. I can thaw out a fresh supply of love anytime I need some. Seek Instant Gratification Seek to find new #7 activities that are instantly gratifying. Temporarily reduce practice ‘delaying gratification to build character.’ Fan the spark of love to achieve instant ignition. Does knitting make your heart soar? Grab two chopsticks and a ball of twine and knit away until you get other supplies. We have whatever we need to bring forth the love within us. Aim for #7 Who refreshes you? Who in your life do you really love spending time with? Maybe that person lives far far away. Establish a regular phonefest with him or her. Once a week can refuel those love feelings. Maybe it’s an animal that heightens your feelings of love to a level #7 or higher. Indulge. Don’t forget places. Not just places that distract you from misery, but places that really really light you up with love. A #7 love investment pays dividends in health for your body, your family and your world. Your love garden is distinctly unique because of who and what #7’s grow your love.
understood or measured or limited within the framework of words….no one has ever, to my knowledge, arrived at a truly satisfactory definition of love.” Direct Experience Love is knowable only as direct experience. As I seek the #7 love experiences I identify what is not love. Anything that lowers my health or self esteem or social interaction in not love. Love has no harmful side affects. Sometimes the best I can do in seeking love is to weed out what I recognize is not love. For me, love usually does not require any great stretch of resources. Love seems to be always possible within my economic and energetic means. Paradigm Shift Surprisingly often, love can reach #7 levels by simply changing my perspective of a situation. A friend was traveling Amtrak on a Sunday morning when a man’s unruly children disrupted the whole car. Finally, my friend sat next to the sullen man and kindly requested intervention. Turns out they had just buried his wife, their mother after a sudden illness. My friend’s #7 annoyance transformed into #7 love offering to treat the children to sodas in the dining car. If only such a paradigm shift would remove the vines from my shrubs and trees. But then I’d be deprived of a #7 love activity. Of course, I’d find a new #7 love activity, for that is “…how I remain whole in the midst of the distractions of life; how I remain balanced, no matter what centrifugal forces tend to pull me off center; how I remain strong, no matter what shocks come in at the periphery and tend to crack the hub of the wheel.” (Anne Morrow Lindbergh) Please do more of what grows and brightens love.
Mysterious, Unexaminable Having difficulty finding #7’s of love? I and many others do. Dr. Peck states, “…that in attempting to examine love we will be beginning to toy with mystery. In a very real sense we will be attempting to examine the unexaminable and to know the unknowable. Love is too large, too deep ever to be truly
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Karen Verna Carlson, N.D., Ph.D. (Hon.) is a naturopathic physician and professor credited with “the first major breakthrough in Swedish Massage—research demonstrating energetic interconnections”—since Peter Ling systemized it in the early 19th century. After 35 years running her own nationally accredited school of holistic healing and massage she has retired to provide a new kind of holistic care for individuals and families. In addition to her specialties of healing massage and bodywork, she provides sensitive, timeand cost-effective services for home or office, family members and staff, that include diverse holistic problem solving for garden, pets, children and elders. She has received international recognition for holistic healing and educational work, an honorary degree, silver medal, and Who’s Who listing. She’s appeared on TV and radio and has been featured in professional publications and mass media. kvc@livingwellmagazine.net Phone (302) 777-3964
August 2015
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Jurdy Green
by Jenifer Jurden. Jurdy focuses on engaging humans worldwide on the topic of green and helping them to “get grinning, get greening.” See Jurdy now at two websites!: www.jurdygreen.com and www.jurdy.com
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