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Get Your Garden On Growing Advice for Urbanites
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SILENCE Tackling Triglycerides Healthy Ways to Lower its Levels
Recycling For Re-Use Blue Bin Contents Help the Planet
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March 2013
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letterfrompublisher
W
hen blistery cold February days “roar like a lion”, thoughts of March “going out like a lamb” spark renewed enthusiasm for the freshness of sunny spring mornings waiting just around the corner. I hardly think there’s another time of year that stirs up such feelings of excitement than this particular change of seasons. For me, seeing each new issue of Natural Awakenings come to life brings similar excitement. As the publisher of a healthy living / healthy planet magazine, I’m daily deluged with new information from our national headquarters, local contributors, reader feedback and social media that is worthy of consideration. I’m not high on traditional media but still it’s hard to ignore the bombardment of campaigns telling us what’s good for us, or not. It’s enough to make one’s head spin and some kind of workable filter helps. As a niche publication, we work hard to share information with readers that is important, positive, widely applicable and carries helpful insights and practical tools geared to enhance our individual and collective quality of life in more natural ways. This month, I’m particularly excited about our feature article from the husband-and-wife team of John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist, “Urban Gardening Takes Root,” on page 20. Boston’s skyline landscape offers nearly unlimited opportunities for local, sustainable urban rooftop and other kinds of pocket gardens. Such a project is underway on a grand scale atop the Boston Design Center thanks to Higher Ground Farm (Higher-Ground-Farm.com) and Recover Green Roofs (RecoverGreenRoofs.com). With 60,000 square feet of rooftop as a base, the space is being converted into Boston’s largest (and first) commercial roof farm, with plans for more than 40,000 square feet of cultivation. The project is expected to yield upwards of 100,000 pounds of fresh produce during the 2013 growing season according to founding farmers Courtney Hennessey and John Stoddard, the farm’s visionaries. Once completed this spring, it will be the second largest openair roof farm in the world—right here in our own backyard. I have modest personal gardening plans underway this year, as well, starting up a few small organic raised beds for produce in our backyard. It will be my first attempt at testing my green thumb and is sure to teach a few life lessons I couldn’t learn by reading alone. I have high hopes for harvesting home-grown organic tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chili peppers, zucchini and summer squash, plus maybe a few favorite herbs to liven things up even more. I hope you join in gardening, but whatever your springtime plans—your friends at Natural Awakenings wish you a bounty of all that’s best for you. To your health,
contact us Publisher/Editor Maisie Raftery Director of Natural Awakenings Network Kyle Murphy Editors Karen Adams S. Alison Chabonais Kim Childs Proofreader Randy Kambic Writers Kristine Bahr Kim Childs Ike Lasater Karen Masterson Design & Production Stephen Blancett Zina Cochran Helene Leininger Franchise Sales John Voell II 239-530-1377 P.O. Box 1149 Brookline, MA 02446 Phone: 617-906-0232 Fax: 877-907-1406 NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com Maisie@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com © 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the above address.
Maisie Raftery, Publisher Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
contents 6
6 newsbriefs 15 eventspotlight 16 healthbriefs 17 globalbriefs 18 community
spotlight
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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
18 Community spotlight
Atlantic Green Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Sun by Kim Childs
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20 URBAN GARDENING TAKES ROOT
26 healingways Feeding Ourselves Well by John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist 28 consciouseating 23 GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS 30 fitbody GROW IN NUMBER AND HARM by Kristine Bahr 32 healthykids 33 inspiration 24 THINK GLOBALLY, FISH LOCALLY by Karen Masterson 34 greenliving 26 HOW TRIGLYCERIDES TAKE A TOLL 36 wisewords Beyond Cholesterol 44 community by James Occhiogrosso
resource guide
advertising & submissions
28 THE BETTER BRAIN DIET
30
Eat Right To Stay Sharp
by Lisa Marshall
29 HOW TO BE HELPFUL WHEN how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 617-906-0232 or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
SOMEONE IS HURTING
by Ike Lasater
30 FITNESS MYTHS DEBUNKED 11 Vital Truths 32 32 SIX POWERHOUSE by Lynda Bassett
FOODS FOR KIDS With Palate-Pleasing Tips by Susan Enfield Esrey
33 THE HEALING POWER OF SILENCE by Robert Rabbin
34 RECYCLING EVERYDAY REFUSE What Happens after the Blue Bin is Emptied
by Avery Mack
36 WALKING THE TALK
36
Marlane Barnes Fosters Rescue Dogs by Sandra Murphy
natural awakenings
March 2013
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New Complete Wellness Program at Newton Chiropractic
N
ewton Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, in Newton, has teamed up with Vicki Loberman of Room2Improve to launch their new Creating Wellness program. The program offers a holistic approach to looking at the three major aspects of wellness: biochemical, physical and psychological. The program kicks off with two special launch events featuring demonstrations, giveaways and tastings, from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 6, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on April 11, at the Newton Chiropractic and Wellness Centre office. “We determine someone’s individual needs through state-of-theart non-intrusive technology and a comprehensive lifestyle survey,” says Loberman. “From there we establish their wellness quotient, which is the foundation from which they can begin to create wellness in their life.” Loberman says this complete approach covers nutrition, exercise and coaching at individualized levels. “Newton Chiropractic is the only Creating Wellness Center in the Boston and Metrowest areas with this specific system,” she says. “We are very excited about it and look forward to helping people live the wellness lifestyle.” Location: Newton Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, 345 Bolyston St., Ste. 300, Newton. For more information or registration, call 617-964-3332, email Vicki@ Room2Improve.us or visit WellAdjusted.com. See ad on page 15 and Resource Guide on page 44.
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newsbriefs Introducing a Somatics Training Program in Watertown
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he Somatic Movement Center, in Watertown, will present an introductory workshop for its Professional Somatics Training Program, which is scheduled to begin in September. The event will take place at the center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 30. “This is a wonderful introduction to Clinical Somatic Education, a neuromuscular re-education technique,” says Sarah Warren, owner and clinical somatic educator. “It relieves chronic pain and makes long-lasting changes to our postural habits, movement patterns and ability to manage stress.” Warren says that the fall program will be the first ever in the Boston area to focus on somatic education, which was developed by Thomas Hanna to help people eliminate habitual muscular patterns that cause them pain. “Somatic education delivers lasting relief from chronic pain by working directly with the nervous system to release involuntary muscle contraction and help people unlearn damaging movement patterns that have been habituated over the years,” says Warren. Cost: $150 for continuing education credit hours; $125 for non-credit. Location: Somatic Movement Center, 440 Arsenal St., Ste. 5, Watertown. For more information, call 800-762-2998, email Sarah@SomaticMovementCenter.com or visit SomaticMovementCenter.com. See ad on page 15 and Resource Guide on page 47.
Free Teleclass on Listening to Symptoms for Healing
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lison Shaw, NP, LMT, of Bodymind Resourcing, in Arlington, will present a free teleclass on listening to symptoms as messengers. The class will take place over the telephone from 7 to 8 p.m. on March 13. Shaw says that the class will help participants to uncover the wisdom of the body-mind connection to enhance their healing. “Healing traditions throughout time have viewed illness as a symbol of underlying imbalances in body, mind and soul,” says Shaw. “Instead of fighting to ‘beat’ our symptoms, we can learn Alison Shaw, NP, LMT what’s needed to heal their root causes if we’re willing to stop and listen on a deeper level to our body-mind.” An integrative nurse practitioner and body-mind expert with more than 25 years of experience, Shaw says the teleclass will help people to see illness as a metaphor for healing. Participants will be led on a guided visualization to explore messages from within their own body-mind. They’ll also gain tools for continuing the technique and using Shaw’s Bodymind Resourcing approach as an adjunct to other healing modalities. “This groundbreaking integrative therapy helps people discover and release the underlying body-mind patterns that keep them stuck in illness and pain,” she says. Cost: Free. Location: Via phone. For more information or registration, call 781646-0686, email Alison@BodymindResourcing.org or visit BodymindResourcing. org. See ad on page 19 and Resource Guide on page 46.
Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
newsbriefs Free Monthly Educational Conference Calls on Women’s Health Topics
P
am Pearson, founder of Wealthy Healthy Women, announces a free monthly teleconference series for women who seek to improve their mental, physical and spiritual health. The conference calls, which take place on the second Tuesday evening of each month, will each be led by a pioneer and visionary in the field of women’s health and wellness. The topics for the next four months are: March – How to Find Patience and Remain Calm While Pam Pearson Waiting for Things to Manifest; April– A Call to Life: Celebrating the Beauty of this Earth and Our Lives; May – Finding Nurturing Within: How Self-Care Can Revolutionize Your Life; and June – Lifestyle Freedom: The Myriad Health Benefits of Being in Charge of Your Own Time. “I’m inspired by every one of these calls,” says Pearson. “Supporting women to live into their authentic selves is what I am passionate about, and I’m filled with gratitude to be able to offer these unique calls free to the community.” Location: Via phone. For more information, details and registration, call 978877-6122 or visit WealthyHealthyWomen.com. See ad on page 13 and Resource Guide on page 46.
natural awakenings
March 2013
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newsbriefs New Custom Nutrition Program at Koko FitClub
K Free Online Introductory Course in Herbal Medicine
T
he Herbal Academy of New England, in Woburn, is offering a free online course in herbal medicine this spring. This introductory course is designed to accommodate both distance learners and the growing interest in herbal education. “Students will be able to study along with us in the comfort of their own homes and on their own schedules,” says Marlene Adelmann, academy director. “And because community is important, we’ll also come together at our scheduled workshops to cook, make medicine and take plant walks.” Adelmann says that the introductory course was created to build a strong foundation for those interested in herbal medicine. “We’ll introduce students to the world of medicinal plants and discuss the herbalists who led the way by featuring them on our ‘Herbalists We Love’ web pages,” she says. “Students will see new possibilities as they understand what plants have to offer us on a daily basis. For most of us, practicing herbalism goes hand-in-hand with nourishing our bodies with real food, striving for optimal health and practicing good intentions for ourselves, our families and our communities.” The Herbal Academy of New England will also offer hands-on workshops in two locations this spring for a small fee. Class information can be found at Herbal AcademyOfNE.com. Location: Online. For more information, call 781-572-4454 or visit HerbalAcademyOfNE.com. See ad on page 7 and Resource Guide on page 45.
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oko FitClub, of Brookline and West Roxbury, announces its new Koko Fuel Custom Nutrition program. This personalized, results-driven nutritional guidance program is part of Koko FitClub’s patented, high-tech fitness system. “Koko Fuel is an integrated nutrition program that builds individually customized, nutritionist-recommended, online meal plans for our members,” says owner Lana Lemeshov. “It’s the third element of our Smartraining system, which includes strength and cardio regimens designed for each member’s fitness goals. It’s not a diet, but a research-based nutritional guidance program to burn fat, build lean muscle and fuel workouts.” To get started with Koko Fuel, club members will consult with their FitCoach, who will help select a fitness goal and intensity level. The member’s profile is then loaded onto a flash drive containing workout data that integrates with the Koko Fuel plan, all of which is tracked on the member’s personal online portal. The first Koko FitClub opened in Boston in 2008 as an automated alternative to traditional gyms. Today there are more than 120 FitClubs in 30 states. Its name, inspired by the Japanese word for individual, refers to Koko FitClub’s fully customized fitness and nutrition programs.
Location: Koko FitClub, 39 Harvard St., Brookline, and 77 Spring St., West Roxbury. For more information, call 617-566-5656 (Brookline) or 617-325-4800 (West Roxbury) or visit KokoFitClub.com. See ad on page 27 and Resource Guide on page 45.
Fundraiser Announced for Boston Local Food Festival
T
he Sustainable Business Network (SBN) of Massachusetts has launched an online fundraiser for its fourth Annual Boston Local Food Festival. The goal is to raise $20,000 by the end of March in order to plan a successful event. The festival will be held on October 6. SBN is using a local business, Fundraise.com, as its campaign platform. “The Sustainable Business Network relies on sponsors, donors and volunteers in order to make this event happen,” says Taryn Johnson, marketing and communications coordinator. “The festival is dependent upon support by the community.” SBN’s mission is to provide healthy, local food for everyone. The Boston Local Food Festival promotes local and sustainable food by bringing together farmers, producers, buyers, chefs, community leaders and individuals. The festival features do-it-yourself events, chef demonstrations, live music and, of course, lots of delicious food. It is also a Zero Waste event; the 2012 festival diverted 91 percent of its waste. “If readers support the Boston Local Food Festival fundraiser, SBN can provide an educational, creative and celebratory event that will bring locally grown and sustainably produced food to the Boston area,” says Johnson. “SBN believes in fostering relationships within our community and any support will be acknowledged by the organization on a number of levels.” For more information or to make a donation, call 617-395-0250, email Taryn@ SBNMass.org or visit SBNMass.org or https://www.Fundraise.com/sustainablebusiness-network-of-greater-boston-inc/the-boston-local-food-festival-2013.
Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
newsbriefs Energy Theater Explores Love, Romance and Holograms
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alter Ness, director of Energy Theater, presents a performance that’s designed to activate neuropathways related to love and relationships. Love in Bloom will take place at 7:30 p.m. on March 30, at Unity Church of Somerville. “In this performance, we’ll show the audience how to holographically re-experience happy romantic memories,” says Ness. “We’ll explore the many aspects of love through laughter, music and amazing mystical experiences in the easy-going environment of a comedy show.” Ness says that Energy Theater takes neuroscience onstage to teach audiences how to increase their energetic abilities. The performers will present verbal comedy and humorous skits about love, relationships and romance while showing audience members how to improve their relationships by accessing holographic abilities within the brain. “Being in a hologram lets you replay images like a video inside your brain,” says Ness. “You can also consciously enter the image and walk around in it to expand your awareness. This can help you improve your relationships by making you more aware of your own self-expression and understanding other people better.” The performance is a fundraiser to benefit the Unity Church of Somerville roof repair fund. Cost: $10 suggested donation. Location: Unity Church of Somerville, 6 William St., Somerville. For more information, call 617-628-5558 or visit EnergyTheater. org. See ad on page 35. natural awakenings
March 2013
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Free seminars in Newton on Trigger Point Release for Pain Relief
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ewton Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, in Newton, is offering free seminars this month on the trigger point release technique for relieving pain. Dr. John Coleman will lead these Dr. John Coleman presentations at 7 p.m. on March 7 and 21. Trigger points, also known as muscle knots, are places in the muscle that feel tight and uncomfortable. “Some pain may seem too minor to call in to a doctor, yet too annoying to ignore, and trigger point release is one useful and safe solution,” says Coleman. “It’s fascinating to see how the gentle touch of this technique can be so effective in reducing pain and tension in the body.” Coleman, who has been practicing chiropractic for 16 years, will review the basics of trigger point release before demonstrating techniques and skills that are easy to do with a partner. “The most important tool in helping patients is education, and these seminars will teach people useful skills and simple techniques for relieving pain,” he says. Attendees are asked to bring a partner to the event. Cost: Free. Location: Newton Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, 345 Boylston St., Ste. 300, Newton. For more information and registration, call 617-964-3332 or visit WellAdjusted.com. See ad on page 15 and Resource Guide on page 44.
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newsbriefs A Weekend Workshop on ‘The Family You Want’
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ke Lasater, co-founder of the training company Mediate Your Life, LLC, will present a weekend workshop entitled “The Family You Want: Build a Better Relationship with Your Parents, In-Laws, Adult Siblings, and Others in Your Chosen Tribe.” The workshop will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 16 and 17 at Smith College Conference Center, in Northampton. Lasater, a specialist in non-violent communication (NVC) and habit change, trained with NVC founder MarIke Lasater shall Rosenberg and created the Mediate Your Life immersion program. His new weekend workshops are designed to accommodate busy people and those who are looking to sample what NVC mediation and habit change techniques can do for them. “The motto of these workshops is ‘Fit a giant change into the small corners of your life,’” says Lasater. “Our weekend workshops teach people how to care for and contribute to each other’s well-being, even in tough situations, and present new ways to respond to conflict more effectively.” Other upcoming workshops include “Getting Unstuck” and “How to Talk So Your Doctor Will Listen (and Everyone Gets Heard).” Each person who emails Connect@MediateYourLife.com by March 30 to vote for a favorite topic will be entered in a drawing for a free workshop. Discounts on enrollment through March 9. Location: Smith College Conference Center, 51 College Ln., Northampton. For more information or to register, call 413-230-3250, email Connect@MediateYourLife.com or visit MediateYourLife. com/workshops. See ad on page 14 and Resource Guide on page 47.
New Guidebook for Health and Wellness Professionals
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ynthia Pasciuto, of True North Business Consulting, LLC, announces the publication of The Business Guidebook for Health and Wellness Professionals. Her new book is aimed at helping these practitioners to gain a better understanding of business. “Most health and wellness professionals are lacking a business strategy even though they are experts in their professions,” says Pasciuto. “I often hear them say things like, ‘It’s tax time and I didn’t prepare again,’ or ‘I signed a Cynthia Pasciuto contract, and now I fear it’s not a good deal for me,’ or ‘I want to leave my partnership, but I want my money back.’ My book is designed to help them with these challenges.” Pasciuto drew upon her background and expertise in law, insurance and marketing to create the book, which covers such topics as Gaining a Legal Understanding, Forming Contracts, Getting Clients with Marketing, Accounting Basics, Ethics and Managing Your Business. The Business Guidebook for Health and Wellness Professionals, which also features sample contracts and free marketing ideas, is available at Amazon.com. Natural Awakenings readers can receive a coupon for $5 off for a limited time by using the discount code KKZ7YDLC. For more information, call 781-729-0481, email CPasciuto@TrueNorth BusinessConsulting.com or visit TrueNorthBusinessConsulting.com.
Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
newsbriefs Trade Show for Buyers and Sellers of Wholesale Local Food Products
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he Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) announces its second Buy Local Food Trade Show and Seminar at the Seaport World Trade Center Boston. The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 19. This event is designed to facilitate connections and stimulate trade between local buyers and sellers of wholesale specialty crop food products. It includes openfloor trading and expert panels on overcoming barriers to selling and buying local products. The trade show is organized by SBN, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance and Health Care Without Harm. The Buy Local Food Trade Show and Seminar is designed for wholesale buyers, including restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels and other institutional buyers. It is not intended for individual consumers.
Location: Seaport World Trade Center, Waterfront Ballroom, Boston. For more information and to register, call 617-395-0250, email Jessica@SBNMass.org, or visit BostonLocalFood.com.
Networking Event in Newton for Holistic Health Professionals
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isa Chin, founder of B-veloping, is teaming up with Mui Chiropractic, in Newton, to host a Holistic Health Professional Networking Round Table from 10 a.m. to noon on March 14. The Round Table is a monthly event for integrative health practitioners to learn with and Lisa Chin from one another. “The inspiration for these Round Tables came when I realized that, to be truly effective practitioners, integrative health professionals need to have a network of colleagues they can trust, collaborate with and turn to for knowledge,” says Chin. The event is part networking, part knowledge-sharing and part business development, says Chin, with a focus on integrative health. “It’s unique to other networking opportunities in the Boston area, mostly because of the welcoming atmosphere and sense of community,” she says. “It’s motivating and invigorating to be surrounded by like-minded practitioners who are willing to share resources and support each other.” Location: Mui Chiropractic, 437 Cherry St., Newton. For more information, call 857-288-8675, email B.veloping@gmail.com or visit B-veloping.com/round-tables.
Dr. Iveta Iontcheva-Barehmi DMD, MS, D.Sc. Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is an accomplished dentist and specialist in Periodontics and Implants. She has a firm belief that our bodies are very intelligent. All the body organs and systems are interconnected and related to each other (the teeth and the mouth are part of and related to the whole body). Our bodies are perfect self-sustainable systems, capable of self-healing and self-regeneration. Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi has expertise in the areas of Biological, Physiological Dentistry and Integrative Periodontal Medicine and Implants, Lasers and Energy Medicine. Miracle Bite Tabs™ (MBT) Miracle Bite Tabs™ (MBT) and and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) are used to treat Dental Distress Syndrome. Your teeth and jaws are an extension of your brain and spinal cord. Any imbalances caused by improper alignment of the jaw can play a major role in pain syndromes and chronic diseases. Head and Neck Pain Management Scenar, a non-invasive treatment device, is the only real time biofeedback device that will find what is wrong with your body and stimulate self-healing through electro stimulation and “conversation” with the control systems of the body (CNS Integrative Periodontal Medicine-Periodontal Spa The majority of the dental and periodontal procedures in Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi’s office are laser assisted. She has Biolase MD, the most versatile laser, which can be utilized to work with the gums and the teeth, implants and root canals. The discomfort is minimal to none and the healing is speededup. The procedures are often combined with a low level laser and Scenar, which give additional boost to the healing and removing discomfort.
Vitamin C electrophoreses is a unique method used in Europe to prevent recession, boost collagen synthesis, support and increase the blood circulation leading to firming the gingiva and discontinuing the signs of aging and bleeding. It is part of the integrative protocol for treatment and prophylaxes of periodontitis. Zirconia Solution to Titanium Implant If you are allergic or sensitive to other metals Bio-ceramic (zirconia) implants might be an option for you. Dr. IontchevaBarehmi is certified to place zirconia implants, you don’t need to travel to Europe anymore. Ozone Treatment Ozone is a powerful oxidizer and kills effectively bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Oxygen ozone therapy can be applied as an adjunctive therapy in treatment of periodontitis (periodontal disease), in arresting and reversing carious lesions in initial stage, reversal of initial pulp inflammation in deep carious lesions, treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. The methods applied are efficacious with no toxicity or side effects. Perio-Protect Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is certified to use the Perio-protect methodone of the best prophylactic methods for periodontal disease, and subsequently for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some other conditions. Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry Your amalgam fillings contain not only poisonous mercury but they cause cracks in your tooth structure and can lead to tooth loss. Defective amalgam fillings are removed safely following the IAOMT protocol, Including spa treatments for detoxification and the newest form of noninjectable Vitamin C with comparable absorption. Anxiety and dental phobias are rarely experienced in the Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi’ s practice. Meditation, breathing techniques, homeopathy, EFT technique, hypnotherapy are all used, so you can be comfortable and love coming to your dentist. To schedule your comprehensive exam and share the excitement of a healthy smile call:
617-868-1516
Vitamin C gum rejuvenation 1842 Beacon St. Suite 302, Just like skin, gums can be Brookline MA rejuvenated for health and youth. www.bostondentalwellness.com
natural awakenings
March 2013
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newsbriefs A Weekend of Yoga and More for Menopausal Women
D
iana Cullum-Dugan, a registered dietitian, yoga teacher and founder of Namaste Nutrition, will present a weekend of yoga for women in the life cycle of change. The event will take place from March 15 to 17, in Watertown, and feature yoga practice, guided meditation, Ayurveda and a focus on nutrition during menopause. “The path to holistic health is unique for each woman, but there are basic biomechanical principles that can facilitate healing and empowerment through the life cycle of peri-menopause and menopause,” says Cullum-Dugan. “Through practice of active and restorative asana, as well as guided meditation and pranayama, women will be uplifted and inspired in their cycle of change.” Cullum-Dugan, who will co-present the workshop with yoga teacher Deb Neubauer, says that sessions will cover different challenges associated with the change of life, and ways to nourish and support the body during the hormonal changes of peri-menopause and menopause. “We’ll discuss hot flashes, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, depression, memory loss, erratic menstruation and other symptoms of ‘the change,’” says Cullum-Dugan. “Our evening yoga sessions are deeply restorative and the morning practices are fiery, while the nutrition session covers food to tame the fire of change.” Cost: $200; individual sessions also available. Location: Watertown Center for the Healing Arts, 22 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. For more information and registration, call 617-393-2200, email DianaCullumDugan@gmail.com or visit NamasteNutrition.net.
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Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein natural awakenings
March 2013
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newsbriefs
New Dining Series Supports Sustainable Seafood
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ating with the Ecosystem, a new dining series that supports sustainable seafood, announces its special upcoming dinners. Three area restaurants are participating: Nourish, in Lexington; The Local Table, in Acton; and Ten Tables JP, in Jamaica Plain. The dinner dates are February 28, March 26 and April 16, respectively. “This is a new approach to sustainable seafood for New England,” says organizer Sarah Schumann. “Eating with the Ecosystem brings together marine scientists, fishermen, chefs and diners to craft locally appropriate, community-based models for sustainable seafood consumption based on deep understandings of New England’s three major marine ecosystems: Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank and southern New England waters.” This dinner series engages diners in understanding the pressures facing local marine ecosystems and in building a regionally tailored, ecologically holistic model for sustainable seafood consumption, Schumann explains. “Many people care about sustainable seafood but are likely to have received mixed messages and are probably grasping for information,” she adds. “This is an opportunity for them to deepen their understanding while participating in a fun, educational and truly ground-up approach to defining what sustainability means.” Locations: Nourish, 1727 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington (southern New England waters, February 28); The Local Table, 251 Arlington St., Acton (Gulf of Maine, March 26); Ten Tables JP, 597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain (Georges Bank, April 16). For more information, call 401-297-6273, email Sarah@EatingWithTheEcosystem.org or visit EatingWithTheEcosystem.org.
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eventspotlight A Weekend Workshop to Gain Freedom from Pain
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aven Sadhaka Seltzer, an integrative therapist and the owner of SelfHealing Solutions, will present Free Yourself from Pain, a weekend workshop from March 15 to 17 at the Center at Westwoods, in Westwood. Seltzer says the workshop is designed Raven Sadhaka Seltzer for anyone who has numbness or pain in the neck or lower back. “It’s an opportunity to receive life-changing information on drug-free pain relief and techniques to heal the spine and strengthen the core,” says Seltzer. “We’ll learn ways to jumpstart the healing process during a nurturing weekend of guided, integrative therapies for healing the spine. It’s suitable for anyone in any kind of shape.” Seltzer says the workshop will also cover such topics as: therapeutic movement for stretching and strengthening; meditation and guided visualizations; nourishment and lifestyle for a healthy spine; and herbal and natural remedies for recovery. “I’ll teach students daily practices and routines to incorporate into their lives and talk about ergonomic evaluation guidelines and desk and chair adaptations for work and driving,” she says. All participants will receive a free copy of Seltzer’s recently updated book, Get Your Low Back on Track: 30 Days to a Healthier Spine, and her Guided Visualizations for Deep Healing CD. Seltzer notes that students who have Harvard Pilgrim or Blue Cross health insurance receive 10 percent off the cost of the workshop. Registration closes on March 6, and those interested should visit SelfHealingSolutions.com to fill out a registration form. Location: The Center at Westwoods, 590 Gay St., Westwood. For more information or registration, call 617-869-9574, email RavenSong4@yahoo.com or visit SelfHealingSolutions.com. See ad on page 12 and Resource Guide on page 46.
natural awakenings
March 2013
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healthbriefs
Yogurt Hinders Hypertension
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ating yogurt could reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association 2012 Scientific Sessions. During their 15-year study, researchers followed more than 2,000 volunteers that did not initially have high blood pressure and reported on their yogurt consumption at three intervals. Participants that routinely consumed at least one six-ounce cup of low-fat yogurt every three days were 31 percent less likely to develop hypertension.
Bad Fats Are Brain-Busters
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ew research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, has found that consumption of “bad” saturated fats may be associated with a decline in cognitive function and memory in older women. The research team analyzed the BWH Women’s Health Study, focusing on four years of data from a subset of 6,000 women older than 65. Those that consumed the highest amounts of saturated fat, like that found in red meat and butter, exhibited worse overall cognition and memory than peers that ate the lowest amounts. Women that consumed mainly monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, demonstrated better patterns of cognitive scores over time.
Drinks Tied to Tooth Trouble
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hen replacing lost fluids during or after a workout, consider how beverage choices can affect the health of teeth. A recent study published in General Dentistry, the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, found that increased consumption of sports and energy drinks is causing irreversible damage to teeth, especially among adolescents. A reported 30 to 50 percent of U.S. teens regularly imbibe energy drinks, and as many as 62 percent down at least one sports drink a day. “Young adults consume these drinks assuming that they will improve their sports performance and energy levels and that they are ‘better’ than soda,” says Associate Professor Poonam Jain, lead author of the study, who serves as director of community and preventive dentistry at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. “Most of these patients are shocked to learn that the drinks are essentially bathing their teeth with acid.” In testing the effect of acidity levels on samples of human tooth enamel immersed in 13 sports and nine energy beverages, researchers found that damage to enamel was evident after only five days of exposure. Moreover, energy drinks were twice as harmful as sports drinks. “These drinks erode or thin out the enamel of the teeth, leaving them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity,” says Jain. 16
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Why We Might Need More Vitamin C
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esearchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, a leading global authority on the role of vitamin C in optimum health, forward compelling evidence that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin C should be raised to 200 milligrams per day for U.S. adults, up from its current levels of 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. The RDA of vitamin C is less than half of what it should be, scientists argue, because medical experts insist on evaluating this natural, but critical, nutrient in the same way they do for pharmaceutical drugs, and consequently reach faulty conclusions. The researchers base their recommendations on studies showing that higher levels of vitamin C could help reduce chronic health problems including heart disease, stroke and cancer, as well as underlying causal issues such as high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, poor immune response and atherosclerosis. Even at the current low RDA, U.S. and Canadian studies have found that a quarter to a third of the total population is marginally deficient in vitamin C and up to a fifth of those in such groups as students, smokers and older adults are severely deficient in it.
globalbriefs
School Safeguard
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Dishpan Plants
Waste Water Cuts Fertilizer Use The effluent created by household sinks, washing machines and showers, known as gray water, could provide a new, lowcost source of irrigation for landscape plants that cuts down on the amount of fertilizer required to maintain them. The nonprofit Water Environmental Research Foundation’s (WERF) new report shows that many plants used for landscaping benefit from the use of gray water (Tinyurl.com/graywaterreport). The study looked at seven homes in Arizona, California, Colorado and Texas with new and longstanding gray water systems that recycle wastewater to irrigate outdoor plants. Although the soil irrigated with gray water showed higher levels of cleaners, antimicrobials and sodium compared with areas irrigated with fresh water, there was enough nitrogen present in gray water to reduce or eliminate the need for additional fertilizers. Not all plants responded positively, but WERF Communications Director Carrie Capuco says, “Gray water can be successfully used with the right plant choices.” Guidelines include heavily mulching the area where gray water is supplied to minimize contact with pets.
Superior Soil
How to Build a Bike Train
In 1969, according to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, 48 percent of kids ages 5 to 14 regularly walked or biked to school. In 2009, it was just 13 percent. One major reason for the change is that parents don’t feel safe letting kids bicycle around town on their own. Bike trains—in which an adult chaperone rides a predetermined route, adding children along the way—can make it easier and safer for kids to get to school. To start a DIY bike train, find a group of interested parents through school and neighborhood message boards and newsletters; assess the area to create routes; distribute flyers and get feedback; determine bike train dates and times; host a community meeting; and post selected routes online. Source: Yes magazine
Better Cafeterias
School Lunches Improving Nationwide
Organic Farming Sustains Earth’s Richness Famed as the happiest country on Earth, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is now aiming to become 100 percent organic, phasing out artificial chemicals in farming in the next 10 years. Agence France-Presse reports that Bhutan currently sends rare mushrooms to Japan, vegetables to up-market hotels in Thailand, its highly prized apples to India and red rice to the United States. Jurmi Dorji, of southern Bhutan’s 103-member Daga Shingdrey Pshogpa farmers’ association, says their members are in favor of the policy. “More than a decade ago, people realized that the chemicals were not good for farming,” he says. “I cannot say everyone has stopped using chemicals, but almost 90 percent have.” An international metastudy published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science that analyzed 74 studies on soils in fields under organic or conventional farming practices has found that over time, the carbon content in the organic fields significantly increased. For farmers everywhere, that means organic agriculture results in a richer, more productive soil, with plenty of humus, which is conducive to higher yields. Peter Melchett, policy director at Britain’s Organic Soil Association, says a primary benefit of a country becoming 100 percent organic is an assurance of quality to consumers that creates both an international reputation and associated market advantage.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) 2012 School Lunch Report Card found that public school districts in Florida, Maryland, Tennessee and Nebraska rose above federal guidelines for serving healthy school lunches, with some in Georgia and Missouri also receiving good marks. But most schools nationwide can improve. PCRM dietitians analyzed elementary school meals at 22 districts participating in the National School Lunch Program. The average grade is now a B (84.4) compared with the national C+ average (78.7) in 2008. Schools delivering poor grades still offer chicken-fried steak fingers, breaded catfish, pork nuggets and other high-cholesterol menu items. To read the complete report, visit HealthySchoolLunches.org.
natural awakenings
March 2013
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communityspotlight
Atlantic Green Energy:
Harnessing the Power of the Sun by Kim Childs
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eorge Hurley, president of Atlantic Green Energy, in Seabrook, New Hampshire, entered the renewable energy business after a long career in construction. It was a visit to a home show in 2009 that turned things around for Hurley, who was inspired by the renewable energy products that he saw on display. Soon afterward, Hurley immersed himself in the field and opened his own solar store and installation company. Natural Awakenings wanted to know more about the birth of Atlantic Green Energy, and the latest news on green energy technologies.
What kinds of products did you begin with?
We started with a solar furnace, a piece of equipment that resembled a solar panel and went on the side of a building. It took air from inside the house and ran it through the solar 18
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furnace back into the house. It was a good product, but we realized that it was obsolete once we found the solar inflector, a window-insulating treatment that brings heat in and retains it. We then found a product called the K-shield, which is another radiant barrier, developed by NASA. The K-shield mainly goes in the attic.
How do these technologies work?
The solar inflector is a window insulator with a dark side and a silver side. When the dark side faces out during the winter, it absorbs the sun’s rays and transfers that heat through to the interior. Most people lose between 50 and 80 percent of their heat through window glass but, with this treatment, warm air is reflected off the granite back into the room. The silver side keeps the heat from escaping through the glass. This means that the furnace is not coming on as often, which saves
money. It also turns skylights into heat sources all winter long. In the summer, you turn the inflector around and it reflects heat away to keep the interior cool. Schools and businesses would benefit enormously from these solar inflectors because they keep the heat inside while allowing you to still see outside. The K-shield radiant barrier gets rolled out over insulation in the attic. As the heat penetrates though the ceiling, it reflects 97 percent of that heat back into the building. In summer, it does the opposite, reflecting heat away and keeping the cool air in. These two products can save homeowners and companies 30 to 40 percent of their heating and cooling costs. We sell both of them in the store and anyone can install them in their home or business. If desired, we’ll also do the installation.
What else does Atlantic Green Energy do?
We sell solar generator packages featuring solar panels and a battery backup so you never lose power. So if someone wants to run their TV, refrigerator, lights and the electronics of the heating system, we can do that with a system that’s safe and clean. We designed these packages for customers who have camps in New Hampshire and Vermont that don’t have any power or running water. They include
composting toilets and a water filtration system. Our burner boosters are also great products, saving someone up to 35 percent on their oil consumption. They essentially preheat the oil that comes from the tank and make it burn cleaner. Burner boosters, combined with our solar electrical systems and window treatments, create substantial savings for our customers. In addition, there’s a 30 percent federal tax credit and up to a 35 percent tax depreciation over six years for those using renewable energy. Massachusetts residents can also take advantage of Solar Renewable Energy Credits for the energy they’re producing.
Four years into this new business, how is it going?
It’s been a steep learning curve for my customers and myself. People want proof that these systems will work and save them money. What I love about this business is that it’s changing daily, with new developments coming out of universities and research institutes all the time. It’s also fun to watch people’s faces when they realize how much money they’re going to save with rebates and credits. Atlantic Green Energy Solar Store is located at 255 Lafayette Rd., Seabrook, NH. For more information, call 603474-2550 or visit AtlanticGE.com. See ad on page 13.
natural awakenings
March 2013
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Feeding Ourselves Well
Urban Gardening Takes Root
70 percent of these gardens are in urban or suburban areas. “We’re seeing a new crop of farmers that defy stereotypes,” observes David Tracey, owner of EcoUrbanist environmental design in Vancouver, Canada, and author of Urban Agriculture. “Some are office workers leaving unsatisfying jobs, techie types learning the trade in universities and back-to-theland folks that happen to live in cities. Others are activists taking on the industrial farm system, folks adopting trends or entrepreneurs that see opportunities in the rising prices of quality food and the proximity of millions of customers.”
Opportunities and Pitfalls
by John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist
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n just one-twelfth of an acre, including lots of paths and a compost heap, our family grows the vast majority of the fresh vegetables we need, plus a decent chunk of our fruits and berries,” says Erica Strauss. “It’s not a huge garden, but we still feel nearly overwhelmed with the harvest in late August.” Her family of four tends a diversity of edibles on their urban lot in a suburb of Seattle, Washington. Word has spread because Strauss writes about her experiences via Northwest Edible Life, a blog about food growing, cooking and urban homesteading. “Every kid on the block has picked an Asian pear off my espalier and munched on raw green beans,” she notes. “Even picky eaters seem pretty interested when they can pick tasty treats right from the tree or vine.” We don’t need to live in a rural area or on a farm to grow our own food. By the close of World War II, nearly 40 percent of all fruits and vegetables supplying Americans stateside were grown in victory gardens in the communities in which they were consumed.
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Today, these small plots are often termed kitchen gardens, comprising parts of household lawns, schoolyards, balconies, patios and rooftops. Fresh taste and the security of local food supplies in case of manmade or natural upheavals are drawing more people to gardening.
Garden Cities
“Urbanization, a major demographic trend, has implications for how we grow and consume food,” observes Roger Doiron, founder of Kitchen Gardeners International. “If we agree that feeding more people fresh, local foods is a priority, we’re going to need to landscape and, in many cases, retrofit urban and suburban areas for increased food production.” Millions of Americans now participate in growing mainstay foods. According to a 2009 study by the National Gardening Association, 31 percent of all U.S. households grew food for their families in 2008, and more have since the economic downturn. Bruce Butterfield, the association’s research director, estimates that nearly
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Urban gardening has unexpected advantages in its use of organic waste like coffee grounds from a local coffee house and rainwater from area rooftops. Converting lawns at schools, churches and empty city lots into community gardens fosters community connections, improves access to affordable nutritious foods and creates employment opportunities. A widespread challenge to the trend is dealing with the quality of urban soil and testing for possible toxins. Often, urban soil must be improved using compost and other nutrients before plants can prosper. A nearby irrigation source is also required. “One potential problem for urban gardeners may be the community reaction to an edible landscape,” admits Strauss. “In some cities, edible gardens in the front yard or even the common parking strip are celebrated and even officially encouraged. But in communities where lawn is still king and city codes regarding vegetation are vague and open to interpretation, one complaint from an anonymous neighbor can become an exhausting political and legal fight.”
Feeding Community
Community gardens often transform vacant lots and other marginal land into green growing places. In Chicago, The Peterson Garden Project, an awardwinning nonprofit program, has been turning unsightly empty lots into raisedbeds in which residents learn to grow their own food since 2010. “Nationally, it’s been found that
having a community garden on unused land increases property values, decreases crime and promotes a sense of unity with neighbors and others,” explains LaManda Joy, president and founder of the project. “We work with property owners on the short-term use of their land to enhance the community in which they eventually plan to develop.” “Participating in a community garden serves up a lot of individual victories,” says Joy. “Improved health and nutrition, learning a new skill, teaching kids where food comes from, productive exercise, mental well-being, connecting with others and saving money—community gardens help make all of this possible.”
Being Prepared
“How many recalls have we seen because some food item has been contaminated and people have suffered or died as a result? I am concerned about the safety and security of our food supply,” says Wendy Brown, whose family tends a quarter-acre garden with raised and landscaped beds and containers wrapped around their home plus an onsite greenhouse in a beach resort suburb of Portland, Maine. “As a mother, it concerns me that I might feed my children something that will hurt them.
High-fructose corn syrup, genetically engineered crops and BPA-lined cans are all making headlines. It just seems smarter to grow it myself; that way, we have more control over what our family is eating.” Brown is one of more than 3 million Americans that are following FEMA recommendations in preparing for any event that might disrupt food supplies. Her book, Surviving the Apocalypse in the Suburbs, shares everything her family has done to safeguard themselves, including growing produce, caring for animals and canning, freezing, drying, cold storage or fermenting foods for later use. “For me, it’s more about being prepared for the everyday things that are happening, like increases in food and fuel prices or a loss of family income,” Brown says. “If we’re growing at least some of our own food, I have a lot less to worry about when such things happen.” The family also keeps rabbits and ducks, plus egg-laying and meat-providing chickens that can total 40 animals in the summer at their “nanofarm”. These also supply natural fertilizer for the crops. Nearby beehives provide 20 pounds of honey each year. Because the foods they produce are solely for their personal use, the Browns are exempt from regulatory restrictions.
Coming in April Natural Awakenings’
SPECIAL ISSUE GREEN LIVING Celebrate the possibilities of sustained healthy living on a flourishing Earth.
Helpful Resources Green Restaurant Association, DineGreen.com Kitchen Gardeners International, KGI.org Northwest Edible Life, NWEdible.com The Peterson Garden Project, PetersonGarden.org Uncommon Ground, UncommonGround.com Urban Farm Online, UrbanFarmOnline.com Urban Garden Magazine, UrbanGardenMagazine.com Urban Gardens, UrbanGardensWeb.com
For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call
617-906-0232 natural awakenings
March 2013
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editorial calendar
2013
JANUARY
health & wellness plus: weight loss FEBRUARY
bodywork
plus: relationships MARCH
food & garden
plus: natural pet APRIL
green living
plus: earth-friendly transportation MAY
women’s wellness plus: spring detox JUNE
inspired living
plus: men’s wellness JULY
food watch
plus: summer living AUGUST
rethinking cancer
plus: children’s health SEPTEMBER
fitness
plus: natural beauty aids OCTOBER
environment
plus: energy therapy NOVEMBER
personal growth plus: mindfulness DECEMBER
awakening humanity plus: holiday themes
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“Our neighbors love what we’re doing,” says Brown, whose house is close enough they can chat across their front porches. “One says our initiative reminds him of growing up in Maine pretty much self-sufficient. The other tells friends and coworkers they aren’t worried if things really go bad because they have us as neighbors.”
Growing Green Thumbs
“With some effort, urban gardeners can grow great vegetables anyplace that affords enough light and warmth,” advises Strauss, who gardens primarily in raised beds in her front and back yards. “I garden on the scale I do because I love it. It’s both relaxing and challenging, and we eat well.” Urban gardening methods are as diverse as the growing conditions, space limitations and financial resources of the gardener. “Lasagna” gardening—layering newspaper or cardboard and other organic materials on top—can be effective in urban areas because it involves no digging or tilling. Just as with making compost, alternate between brown and green layers. Once the materials break down, add plants to the newly created growing bed. Urban dwellers with limited space may employ square-foot gardening, intensively growing plants in raised beds using a growing medium of vermiculite, peat moss and compost. This method can yield fewer weeds and is easier on the back. “It’s an easy concept to grasp for new gardeners,” remarks Joy. “We use it to both maximize output in a small area and ensure healthy, organic, contaminant-free soil.” Rooftop gardens are becoming more common as larger agricultural operations use them to grow income crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers anyone that sells more than $1,000 of produce to neighbors or area restaurants a farmer, rather than a gardener, so regulations may apply.
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For renters, just a few tomato plants in a well-maintained container on a patio or deck can yield as much as 50 pounds of tomatoes by taking advantage of its microclimate, influenced by wind blocks, heated surfaces and reflected light from windows. Urban gardening is also thriving indoors in terrariums, window boxes and small greenhouses. Even partially lit rooms can support certain vegetables or herbs with grow lights. Aquaponic gardening, a closed-loop system that involves both fish and vegetables, expands the self-sufficient possibilities of a hydroponic system of growing plants fed by liquid nutrients.
Feeding Ourselves
With more than 80 percent of Americans currently living in urban and suburban areas, the questionable nutrition of many mass-produced foods, increasing pesticide and herbicide use by non-organic farmers, greenhouse gas emissions from food transport and weather patterns altered by climate change, it’s past time to take back some control. Operating our own gardens and preparing our own meals turns us back into producers, not merely consumers. “For the most part, we’re just average suburbanites,” concludes Brown. “We just choose to have less lawn and more garden. A huge benefit is that we need less income because we’re buying less at the grocery store. Our goal is to semi-retire in our mid-50s—not because we’ve made a bunch of money, but because we’ve needed less money to live along the way.” John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist, co-authors of Farmstead Chef (FarmsteadChef. com), ECOpreneuring and Rural Renaissance, operate the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, in Browntown, WI. They grow 70 percent of their organic food; the cost savings helped them become mortgage-free in their mid-40s.
Genetically Modified Foods Grow in Number and Harm by Kristine Bahr
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oods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become a topic of great concern in the last decade. The process involves splicing certain plant and animal gene traits into other plants and animals using viruses and bacteria. Examples include inserting bacterial DNA into plants to affect such traits as pest or herbicide resistance. Collateral damage to other genes and additional side effects can occur in this sometimes unstable process, and compounds and substances may be formed that didn’t exist before. The prevalence of these practices means that the food most people are consuming these days is quite different from the food they consumed as children. As the number of GMO food products increases, so do the associated health risks. Corn, much of which is genetically modified today, is prevalent in breakfast cereals, corn flour products such as chips and tortillas, high-fructose corn syrup, soups and condiments. In trials with mice, GMO corn containing the herbicide Roundup was linked to mammary tumors and disabled pituitary function in females, and liver and kidney damage in males. Pesticides act on brain chemicals and have been associated with attention deficit disorders and toxic overload. Such overload causes inflammation in the body, and health sensitive individuals may also experience allergies to pesticides. New to the growing number of GMO foods is salmon, which is pending approval as a New Animal Drug Application. If approved, it’s likely to eventually end up in super-
markets as well. Genetically modified salmon is designed to grow faster, and the FDA considers it similar enough to other salmon to forego a safety review. In research studies, GMO salmon has been found to have more carcinogens and allergens, and it’s been linked to skeletal malformations. Other less visible genetically modified ingredients include Aspartame, NutraSweet, canola oil, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sorbitol, whey and whey powder. As more and more food becomes modified and engineered, it’s up to consumers to educate themselves. The Institute for Responsible Technology has a non-GMO shopping guide, found at ResponsibleTechnology.org/buy-non-gmo, and consumers can also visit company websites and Facebook pages. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream lists products and flavors that are GMO-free, for example. People can also get involved in food labeling initiatives currently underway in Connecticut and Vermont, and do web searches before they shop. Buying organic is another way to avoid GMOs, as organic producers cannot intentionally use them. For more information, visit ResponsibleTechnology.org, JustLabelIt.org, Organic Consumers.org/fish or GMOCriticalUpdates.wordpress.com. Kristine Bahr, MS, is a nutritionist and the founder of Cutting-Edge Wellness in Brookline. To learn more and schedule a free 15-minute consultation, visit KBahr.co or call 617360-1929. See ad on page 25.
natural awakenings
March 2013
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Think Globally, Fish Locally by Karen Masterson
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he local food movement is expanding to the ocean. Momentum has grown over the last five years to connect communitybased fishermen, who share values similar to those of family farmers, with seafood consumers. This alliance is working to protect the future of the ocean’s wild ecosystem and provide people with access to local seafood. A marine ecosystem naturally consists of a great diversity of species in a complex food web, and fishing practices greatly affect this delicate balance. Similar to the well-documented concerns about massive single-crop, industrial farming operations, many people are now focusing attention on the issue of industrial fishing boats. These vessels have the ability to catch more fish than an ecosystem can safely offer, and they are moving into fishing grounds that are traditionally either not fished or fished only by small and medium-scale operations. The focus of such corporate fleets is profit, not sustainability, and the scale of their operations are wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems around the world. Likewise, the practice of growing fish in contained “managed” systems such as aquaculture introduces a whole
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new set of problems. Perhaps the most notable danger is that of mov-
ing the public further away from the very real and increasingly urgent responsibility of caring for the wild ocean. Fortunately, there is hope. Fishing communities are coming together to create new consumer models, such as Community Supported Fisheries (CSF), the land-based version of Community Supported Farms. CSFs allow consumers to purchase local fish directly from fishermen. They’re also advocating new policies that protect the ocean, and battling corporate takeover by the industrial fleets. This is work that demands public attention for the sake of fish, fishing families, fishing communities and seafood consumers. The Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMANET.org) is at the fore-
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front of such efforts to transform markets and policies by working with small and medium scale fishermen. Together, they are working on practical ways to protect ecosystems and deliver quality seafood to consumers. The Cape Ann Fresh Catch is a local arm of this alliance. Visit Cape AnnFreshCatch.org for more information. Consumers can become educated about the seafood that’s available where they live and buy it as close to the source as possible. Local fish markets will respond to the needs of customers who demand local fish, caught by small- to medium-sized day boats that employ the people of the community. Ultimately, meeting the challenges of sustainable fishing will make it possible for future generations to enjoy bounty from the oceans, as well as the oceans themselves. Karen Masterson is co-owner of Nourish restaurant, 1727 Mass. Ave., Lexington. For more information, call 781674-2400 and visit NourishLexington. com. Masterson is also founder of This Is My Face, an organization committed to serving women in crisis and challenging cultural norms around women and aging. Learn more at ThisIsMyFace.org.
natural awakenings
March 2013
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healingways
Beyond Cholesterol
How Triglycerides Take a Toll by James Occhiogrosso
F
or many adults, an annual physical involves routine blood tests, followed by a discussion of cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, along with prescribed treatment ranging from improved nutrition and exercise to drugs. Triglycerides tend to be relegated to a minor mention—if they are discussed at all—yet regulating triglyceride levels can improve health.
Why Triglycerides Count
“High triglyceride levels usually accompany low HDL (good) cholesterol levels and often accompany tendencies toward high blood pressure and central (abdominal) obesity. These are the markers of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, very common disorders underlying obesity and increased risks of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes,” explains Dr. Andrew Weil on his website, DrWeil.com. While high triglyceride levels are 26
not conclusively linked to the development of any specific disease, they are associated with the narrowing of arteries and impaired blood flow associated with cardiovascular disease. (Impaired blood flow also effects male erectile function.) Several recent studies, including one in the Annals of Internal Medicine, also suggest these could instigate the metabolic syndrome associated with the onset of diabetes and atherosclerosis, which can lead to stroke and cardiovascular disease.
What Creates Triglycerides? Triglycerides, a normal component of blood, are introduced into the body by the fat in foods. Some are produced in the liver as the body’s response to a diet high in simple sugars or carbohydrates—especially hydrogenated oils and trans-fats. Evidence reported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests that very high intakes of carbohy-
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drates are accompanied by a rise in triglycerides, noting that, “Carbohydrate intakes should be limited to 60 percent of total calories.” Many research scientists agree that the main cause for high triglyceride levels is the Standard American Diet, notoriously high in sugars and simple carbohydrates, trans-fats and saturated animal fats, and far too low in complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals; specifically, vitamins A, B, C, D and especially E, plus the minerals selenium, magnesium, silicon and chromium. Sugars added to soft drinks and food products, especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup, also raise triglyceride levels significantly. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! and national medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, observes, “The average American gets about 150 pounds of sugar added to his/her diet each year from processed food, causing fatigue, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and a host of other problems.” Animal fats, like those in farm-raised red meats, typically contain a skewed ratio of the fats known as omega-3 and omega-6, with the latter dominating by nearly 20:1; a ratio also found in commercial packaged foods and baked goods. Many studies show such a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio tends to promote disease. Eating oily fish and healthy plant oils such as cold-pressed virgin olive and coconut oil, nuts, seeds and minimally prepared foods provides a more balanced ratio of omega fatty acids.
Lowering Triglyceride Levels Part of today’s medical paradigm focuses on lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. As a result, many patients and doctors worry about cholesterol levels, but ignore triglycerides. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a triglyceride level of 100 milligrams per deciliter or less; about one-third of the population currently exceeds this. While drugs can help, the AHA does not recommend drug therapy except for people that have severe levels (more than 500mg/dL), which can increase the risk of acute pancreatitis. For those with high, but not severe levels, dietary and other lifestyle changes can be ef-
fective in lowering triglyceride levels. Logically, reducing consumption of red meat and processed foods, especially those containing trans-fats, and increasing consumption of complex carbohydrates from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes is recommended. AHA studies further show that daily supplementation of fish oil and full-spectrum vitamin E can reduce serum triglyceride levels significantly. In one study, fish oil containing at least 1,000 to 3,000 mg of omega-3 decreased such concentrations by 25 to 30 percent. In a 2009 study of a nationally representative group of 5,610 people published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Dr. Earl S. Ford, of the U. S. Centers for Disease Control, found that about one-third had triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL—considered somewhat high—while almost another 20 percent had high levels of 200-plus mg/dL. Always consult a knowledgeable health practitioner prior to beginning a new regimen. Just as with managing any aspect of health, care is required and knowledge is power. James Occhiogrosso, a natural health practitioner and master herbalist, specializes in salivary hormone testing and natural hormone balancing. His latest book is Your Prostate, Your Libido, Your Life. Find relevant articles at HealthNaturallyToday.com. Connect at 239-498-1547 or DrJim@Health NaturallyToday.com.
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consciouseating
The Better Brain Diet Eat Right To Stay Sharp by Lisa Marshall
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ith 5.4 million Americans already living with Alzheimer’s disease, one in five suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and the 2012 failure of several targeted pharmaceutical drug trials, many brain health experts are now focusing on food as a critical defense against dementia. “Over the past several years, there have been many well-designed scientific studies that show you are what you eat when it comes to preserving and improving memory,” says Dr. Richard Isaacson, associate professor of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and author of The Alzheimer’s Diet. In recent years, studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and Archives of Neurology have shown that people on a Mediterranean-type diet—high in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fatty fish and low in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats—tend to fend off cognitive decline longer and be less prone to developing full-blown Alzheimer’s. Several small, but promising clinical trials further suggest that even people that have already begun to suffer memory loss may be able to slow or mildly reverse it via nutritional changes. Here’s how. Switch to slow-burning carbs: Mounting evidence indicates that the constant insulin spikes from eating refined carbohydrates like white bread or sugar-sweetened sodas can eventually impair the metabolization of sugar (similar to Type 2 diabetes), effecting blood vessel damage 28
and hastened aging. A high-carb diet has also been linked to increased levels of beta-amyloid, a fibrous plaque that harms brain cells. A 2012 Mayo Clinic study of 1,230 people ages 70 to 89 found that those that ate the most carbs had four times the risk of developing MCI than those that ate the least. Inversely, a small study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that when adults with MCI were placed on a low-carb diet for six weeks, their memory improved. Isaacson recommends switching to slow-burning, low-glycemic index carbohydrates, which keep blood sugars at bay. Substitute whole grains and vegetables for white rice, pastas and sugary fruits. Water down juices or forego them altogether. Choose fats wisely: Arizona neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, co-author of The Alzheimer’s Prevention Cookbook, points to numerous studies suggesting a link between saturated fat in butter, cooking oil, cheese and processed meats and increased risk of Alzheimer’s. “In animals, it seems to promote amyloid production in the brain,” he says. In contrast, those that eat more fatty fish such as herring, halibut and wildcaught salmon that are rich in the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid DHA, are at lower risk. Sabbagh notes that DHA, when it’s a steady part of the diet, plays a critical role in forming the protective “skin of the brain” known as the bilipid membrane, and may possibly offset production of plaque in the brain, thus slowing its progression during the earliest stages of
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dementia. Aim for three weekly servings of fatty fish. Vegetarians can alternatively consider supplementing meals with 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams daily of DHA, says Isaacson. Eat more berries and kale: In general, antioxidant-rich fruits (especially berries) and vegetables are major preventers of oxidative stress—the cell-damaging process that occurs naturally in the brain as we age. One recent study published in the Annals of Neurology found that women eating high amounts of blueberries and strawberries were able to stave off cognitive decline 2.5 years longer than those that did not. Rich in antioxidant flavonoids, blueberries may even have what Sabbagh terms, “specific anti-Alzheimer’s and cell-saving properties.” Isaacson highlights the helpfulness of kale and green leafy vegetables, which are loaded with antioxidants and brainboosting B vitamins. One recent University of Oxford study in the UK of 266 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment found that those taking a blend of vitamins B12, B6 and folate daily showed significantly less brain shrinkage over a two-year period than those that did not. Spice up: Sabbagh notes that India has some of the lowest worldwide rates of Alzheimer’s. One possible reason is the population’s love of curry. Curcumin, a compound found in the curry-flavoring spice turmeric, is another potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. He recommends sprinkling one teaspoon of curcumin on our food every day and cooking with antioxidant-rich cloves, oregano, thyme, rosemary and cinnamon. A 2011 Israeli study at Tel Aviv University found that plaque deposits dissolved and memory and learning behaviors improved in animals given a potent cinnamon extract. Begin a brain-healthy diet as early as possible. “Brain changes can start 25 years before the onset of dementia symptoms,” says Sabbagh. “It’s the end result of a long process, so don’t wait. Start your prevention plan today.” Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer outside of Boulder, CO. Connect at Lisa@ LisaAnnMarshall.com.
How to be Helpful When Someone is Hurting by Ike Lasater
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any people feel uncomfortable when witnessing another’s emotional pain. They may try to soothe or distract the person who is hurting with a variety of well-intentioned responses. But sometimes those responses are not so helpful, especially if they don’t allow someone to experience and express their true feelings. In our culture, it is socially acceptable to compare painful experiences, offer reassurance or a cheerful distraction, or attempt to solve the problem with advice. There may come a time when these approaches are helpful and appreciated. Initially, however, they may prevent a person’s real feelings from being heard. For example, if a woman loses her dog and begins to tell her friends about it, she’s likely to encounter one or more of these responses:
mourning has no way to express what she is feeling. A more effective response might therefore be, “Ah, I’m sad to hear that. Is it really hard right now? Are you missing your dog a lot?” This last reply expresses empathy and allows the person who is suffering to share, and transform, their emotional pain. When someone is allowed to say what is true for them, they can eventually access a more still and centered place inside from which to choose their next actions. Often, the most comforting response to another person’s pain is the one that can help them to identify what they most need in the moment. Empathy isn’t as easy as it looks. It takes practice to consistently choose empathy in the midst of emotionally charged situations. Ironically, empathy might be easier (and more gladly
received) among strangers than with family members. That’s because people who know each other well can feel unsettled by changes in how their loved ones communicate. When seeking to extend empathy to family and close friends, it helps to be ready for some initial awkwardness or resistance. It can also be useful to make agreements, asking something like, “Would you be willing to help me better understand what you are going through?” before practicing empathy with those closest to you. Ike Lasater is the co-founder of Mediate Your Life, LLC. For more information about Mediate Your Life trainings, call 413-658-4444 or visit MediateYourLife. com. See ad on page 14 and Resource Guide on page 47.
• Friend #1 may extend sympathy: “I know just what you’re going through. When our cat died last summer, I couldn’t stop crying.” •Friend #2 may offer reassurance: “Your dog lived a great life. At least now he’s not suffering anymore.” • Friend #3 might point to a distraction: “Good thing it’s almost springtime. You’ll be busy with your garden and have lots of other things to focus on.” • Friend #4 might offer what he feels is helpful advice: “You should consider adopting another dog who needs a home. That was the only thing that helped me when our pet died.” While each one of these people is attempting to help a friend in need, their efforts may backfire if the woman in natural awakenings
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shows. “People can save thousands of dollars by combining five to 10 exercises into a burst-training workout routine,” which will burn calories and increase muscle mass, says Joe Vennare, co-founder of the Hybrid Athlete, a fitness website.
Myth 4: Too Late to Start Many people feel they are too old or out-of-shape to even begin to exercise, or are intimidated by the idea of stepping into a yoga studio or gym. “Stop wasting time reading diet books and use that time to go for a walk,” advises Exercise Physiologist Jason Karp, Ph.D., author of Running for Women and Running a Marathon for Dummies. “In other words, get moving any way you can.”
FITNESS MYTHS
DEBUNKED 11 VITAL TRUTHS by Lynda Bassett
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he U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that more than a third of Americans today are overweight. Yet it also reports that at least 30 percent of us don’t exercise at all, perhaps partly due to persistent fitness myths.
Myth 1: Lack of Opportunity Even the busiest person can fit in some exercise by making simple changes in their daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, do squats while watching television, deliver a message in person instead of via email, take a desk break to stretch or stand while talking on the phone. Even fidgeting is beneficial. The point is to be as active as possible during otherwise sedentary hours.
Myth 2: No Time The CDC recommends that each week, adults should exercise 150 minutes—the average duration of a movie—but not all at once. To make it easy, break it up into various exercise activities in daily, vigorous, 10-minute chunks.
Myth 3: Unaffordable Activities like walking, bicycling and even jumping rope can be done virtually anywhere, anytime. Individuals can create a basic home fitness center with a jump rope, set of dumbbells and not much more. Borrow an exercise video or DVD from the library or follow one of the many television fitness 30
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Myth 5: No Pain, No Gain Suffering isn’t required. In fact, feeling pain can indicate possible injury or burnout. Still, consult a doctor before beginning any exercise program. “Do not hurt yourself,” says Charla McMillian, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, attorney and president of FitBoot – Basic Training for Professionals, in San Francisco. “Rather, aim for a point of gentle discomfort,” she advises.
Myth 6: Must Break a Sweat Perspiring is related to the duration and intensity of the exercise, but some people just sweat more than others. “How much (or little) you sweat does not correlate with how many calories you are expending,” assures Jessica Matthews, an experienced registered yoga teacher and an exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise.
Myth 7: Dieting is Enough Women especially fall prey to the myth that they don’t need to exercise if they are a certain dress size. Even those at a healthy weight can be in greater danger of contracting disease and shortened lifespan than obese individuals that regularly participate in physical activity, according to a recent study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in Bethesda, Maryland. Health experts recommend combining regular activity with consuming lean proteins, healthy fats, limited starches and no added sugars.
Myth 8: Stretch Before Exercising New research from the American Council on Exercise recommends stretching at the end of a workout. “It is safer and more effective to stretch muscles that are properly warmed and more pliable,” says Matthews, who also recommends beginning a workout with
simple movements such as arm circles and leg swings. She notes, “Stretching can help to improve posture and flexibility, plus reduce overall stress.”
Myth 9: Crunches Cut Belly Fat There’s no such thing as spot reducing. While crunches strengthen abdominal muscles, they will not shrink your waistline, says Karp. Instead, try exercises such as squats, lunges and yoga plank holds or kettlebell repetitions to lose stubborn belly fat.
Myth 10: Women Using Weights Get Bulky The truth is that most weightlifting women won’t end up with a big, bulky physique because they have less testosterone, are smaller in size and have less muscle tissue than men, advises Matthews. “Any kind of strength training will help improve bone density, increase muscle mass and decrease body fat in both men and women.”
Myth 11: Exercise is Hard Physical activity should be fun. It’s best to start simply, add a variety of physical activities and challenges and keep at it. Schedule time for exercise and treat it like any other daily appointment; don’t cancel it. Alexander Cortes, a nationally certified strength and conditioning coach with Ultimate Fighting Championship Gym, in Corona, California, concludes, “When health is a priority, exercise is the most important appointment you can keep.” Lynda Bassett is a freelance writer near Boston, MA. Connect at LyndaBassett.com.
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healthykids
Six Powerhouse Foods for Kids With Palate-Pleasing Tips by Susan Enfield Esrey
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s parents, feeding children nourishing foods is one of our most important jobs. Although most new moms and dads start with impeccable intentions (homemade baby food, anyone?), maintaining high family standards can be a challenge when many easygoing babies become toddlers and school-age kids are picky about what’s on their plate. It’s unfortunate, because the stakes are high. According to the American Heart Association, about one in three American kids and teens today is overweight or obese, and thus at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A recent Australian study by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, in Perth, also has linked the “Western diet”—high in processed sugars, fats and starches, meats and salt, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables—to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. “When we looked at specific foods, having an ADHD diagnosis was associated with a diet high in takeaway foods, processed meats, red meat, high-fat dairy products and confectionary,” adds Professor Wendy Oddy, Ph.D., the 32
nutritional epidemiologist who led the study. She notes that more research is needed to determine the specific nature of the relationship. The good news is that it’s never too late to introduce healthy foods to a child. Here are six nutritional powerhouses children might actually eat. Avocado: Loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium and folate, creamy avocados are a natural early-childhood favorite, says Pediatrician Dr. Robert Sears, author of HappyBaby: The Organic Guide to Baby’s First 24 Months. How to eat: Spoon it out straight from the rind. Mash into guacamole with garlic and cilantro if desired. Use the spread (instead of butter or mayo) on wholegrain toast or a sandwich. Or, blend avocado’s goodness with cocoa powder, agave nectar, vanilla and water for an irresistible dip for fruit. Berries: Antioxidants in blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are well-known aids in helping to prevent illness and improve brain function, says Sears. Choose organically grown berries to avoid pesticide residues. Nutritionally, frozen berries are just as good as fresh, although fresh tastes best. Also try
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antioxidant-rich acaí berries (in powder form or frozen smoothie packs) and dried goji berries. How to eat: Eat berries plain or add them to cereal or oatmeal; leave them whole or purée to pour over whole-grain waffles. Blend any type of berry with yogurt and bananas for a deliciously healthy smoothie. Chia seeds: Relatively new to the U.S. market, this South American grain (the most researched variety is Salba seeds) may be the world’s healthiest, says Sears. He notes that it’s glutenfree; provides more omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant food; contains six times more calcium than milk; and is a rich source of vitamin C, protein, fiber, magnesium and iron. Other options include hemp and flax seeds. How to eat: Sprinkle chia, hemp seed or ground flaxseed onto cereal, salad greens or brown rice. Add chia to juice to make a chia fresca. Spread nutty-tasting hemp seed onto natural nut butter sandwiches on whole-grain bread or crackers. Quinoa and amaranth: Nutritionally, these grains—traditional foods in South America and Africa, respectively—trump typical North American grains by far. Both are gluten-free and contain more protein and calcium than wheat, oats, rice or rye. How to eat: Triple-wash quinoa, vigorously rubbing grains to remove the bitter outside coating—then cook either quinoa or amaranth like rice for 20 minutes. Cook in heated water, then stir in applesauce and cinnamon and serve as a cereal; or cook in broth and then stir in chopped, fresh herbs. Wild salmon: “Wild salmon is perhaps the healthiest fish source of omega-3 fats and protein, the two most important nutrients that kids need to grow,” advises Sears. Choose wild-caught salmon (fresh or frozen) over farmed fish to avoid possible contaminants. How to eat: Glaze roasted fillets with orange juice and teriyaki sauce, or a mix of maple syrup, grated ginger and rice vinegar. Make a salmon and goat cheese (or Neufchâtel) tortilla wrap; then cut into spirals and serve. Susan Enfield Esrey is the senior editor of Delicious Living magazine.
inspiration
The Healing Power of Silence by Robert Rabbin
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ne day I disappeared into Silence…
of our heart, where it breaks open to reveal another heart that knows how to meet life with open arms. Silence It was more than grace, an epiphany or a knows that thoughts about life are not life itself. If we touch life through mystical union; it was my soul’s homeSilence, life touches us back intimately coming, my heart’s overflowing love, my and we become one with life itself. mind’s eternal peace. In Silence, I experienced freedom, clarity and joy as my true Then the mystery, wonder, beauty and self, felt my core identity and essential na- sanctity becomes our life. Everything but wonderment falls ture as a unity-in-love anger, fear and with all creation, and When I return from away; violence disappear as realized it is within this essence that we learn to silence I am less than if they never existed. Knowing Silence embody healing in our when I entered: less is knowing our self world. harried, fearful, anx- and our world for the This Silence time. We only belongs to us all—it ious and egotistical. first have to be still until is who and what we Whatever the gift of that Silence comes are. Selfless silence from within to ilknows only the present silence is, it is one of forth luminate and embrace moment, this incredlessening, purifying, us, serving as the ible instant of pure life teaching and when time stops and softening. The “I” that teacher, path, redeeming and we breathe the high-alreturns is more loving restoring us in love. titude air we call love. In this truth-filled Let us explore Silence than the “I” who left. moment, we enter our as a way of knowing Self fully and deeply. and being, which we ~ Rabbi Rami Shapiro We know our own know, which we are. beauty, power and Silence is within. magnificence. As the It is within our breath, like music between thoughts, the light in embodiment of Silence, we are perfecour eyes. It is felt in the high arc of birds, tion itself, a treasure that the world needs now. Right now the Universe the rhythm of waves, the innocence of needs each of us to be our true Self, exchildren, the heart’s deepest emotions pressing the healing power of our heart, that have no cause. It is seen in small in Silence. kindnesses, the stillness of nights and peaceful early mornings. It is present As a lifelong mystic, Robert Rabbin is an when beholding a loved one, joined in innovative self-awareness teacher and spirit. author of The 5 Principles of Authentic In Silence, we open to life and Living. Connect at RobertRabbin.com. life opens to us. It touches the center
Animals are such agreeable friends— they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms. ~George Eliot
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greenliving
RECYCLING REFUSE
What Happens after the Blue Bin is Emptied by Avery Mack
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ach blue recycle bin filled with plastic, aluminum, glass, paper and cardboard helps the environment, because it reduces landfill, takes less energy to repurpose materials than to make new ones and gently reminds us that thoughtful consumption is healthier for people and the planet. But what do all those recyclables turn into?
Repurposed Plastics
Plastic milk jugs turn into colorful playthings at Green Toys, of Mill Valley, California. Repurposing one pound of recycled milk jugs instead of making new plastic saves enough energy to run a computer for a month. All packaging is made from recycled content and printed with soy ink, so it can go into the blue bin again. Green Toys.com’s online counter shows the number of containers recycled—more than 10 million to date. Fila Golf’s Principal Designer Nancy Robitaille says, “Recycled PET 34
(polyethylene terephthalate), a core Fila cooling fabric, is used throughout our collection. Each fully recycled PET garment reuses about two-and-a-half 20-ounce plastic pop bottles.” Patagonia customers are encouraged to return their old coat when buying a new one. Coats in good condition are given to people in need; the PET fleece lining from retired coats is sent to ReFleece, in Somerville, Massachusetts, where it is cleaned and turned into recyclable protective cases for iPads, e-readers and cell phones.
Transforming Aluminum and Glass
In 2012, Do Something.org partnered with Alcoa to challenge teens to recycle aluminum cans. For every 50 cans collected during a two-month period, they were awarded a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. The sponsors note that recycling one can saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for 20 hours. The final total was 1,152,569
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cans kept out of landfills. “Aluminum can be recycled an infinite number of times,” says Beth Schmitt, director of recycling programs for Alcoa, which has centers nationwide and cash-back programs for community fundraisers. “We remelt the collected cans, then roll out coils of new can sheets. This process can be repeated without any loss of strength—that’s why we call aluminum the ‘miracle metal.’ If every American recycled just one more can per week, we would remove 17 billion cans from landfills each year.” Wine bottles become designer drinking glasses at Rolf Glass, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. “Our designs give used bottles a second life,” says owner Rolf Poeting. Refresh Glass, of Phoenix, Arizona, salvages and preps the bottles. “Then, our glass cutting and diamond-wheel engraving technology transforms them into sophisticated Glacier Glass,” continues Poeting. “This seems to be a trend in many industries, to find additional uses for another company’s recycled products.”
Second Life for Paper
Purina’s Yesterday’s News and Second Nature litter for cats and dogs, respectively, is made from recycled paper and absorbs waste upward from the bottom of the litter box for easier cleaning. The unscented litter pellets are three times as absorbent as clay, non-toxic and nearly dust-free. Hedgehogs, mice, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and reptiles also like Yesterday’s News for bedding. On average, 44 million pounds of paper are annually recycled for these products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States annually generates 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste, mostly from re-roofing tear-offs and new installation scrap, comprising 8 percent of construction waste. Each recycled ton saves a barrel of oil. OFIC North America, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, creates its Ondura corrugated roofing from old newspapers or magazines and cardboard, made durable by infusing it with asphalt. It’s placed atop existing roofs, which means no
discarded shingles. Each day, 40 to 50 tons of recycled paper goods find new life in Ondura products, available at most home improvement stores. Sound inside Buick Lacrosse and Verano vehicles is dampened via a ceiling material made partly from reused cardboard shipping boxes. Paint sludge from General Motors’ Lansing, Michigan, Grand River assembly plant becomes durable plastic shipping containers for Chevrolet Volt and Cruze engine components. Some 200 miles of absorbent polypropylene sleeves, used to soak up a recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, were converted into air deflectors for the Volt, preventing 212,500 pounds of waste from entering landfills.
Old Tires Transformed
The Rubber Manufacturers Association reports that Americans discard 300 million tires each year, each one having consumed about seven gallons of oil in its manufacture and poised to add to Earth’s landfills. Lehigh Technologies’ micronized rubber powder (MRP), made by freeze-drying discarded tires and pulverizing them into a fine powder, changes the equation. MRP is now used in many items, from new tires, roads and building materials to shoes. It feels good to place used items in the blue bin instead of the trash, knowing that more and more companies are helping to put these resources to good use. Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.
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wisewords
WALKING THE TALK Marlane Barnes Fosters Rescue Dogs by Sandra Murphy
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ctress Marlane Barnes recently made her feature film debut as Maggie of the Irish Coven, in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II, building on a growing résumé of films, TV and theater credits. A current resident of Los Angeles, she actively supports the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, a local no-kill facility, and serves as national spokesperson for Spay First. To date, her foster dogs include India, Birdie, Archie and Wally, with more to come.
Why is fostering rescue dogs important? Fostering is a good way to find the right dog for your personality and circumstances. Dogs aren’t accessories, chosen on looks alone. Fostering allows you to see
what breed, size, temperament and activity level works best. When India, the first dog I fostered, was adopted, she went to a home that suited her nature and needs. Birdie, a 6-year-old golden retrieverbeagle mix, came to me when her shelter time was up. After two months, Birdie was placed with a family that was willing to deal with an older dog’s health issues, and it’s worked out well for all parties.
What do you try to teach the dogs to make them more adoptable? We take a lot of walks during our six to eight weeks together. Teaching them to sit, be petted, take treats gently and behave well on a leash all helps. I also expose them to new experiences. We visit the coffee shop, meet kids and take hikes; in these ways, I learn what the individual dog enjoys. It takes some of the guesswork out of the equation. Fostering is like a halfway house for dogs; after living with them, I can vouch for them, as well as voice any concerns about the family situation. I feel strongly that the dog must be treated as part of the family, whose
schedule has to work with having a dog, and that dog in particular. It’s a matter of finding the right person for the animal. We want every adoption to be the best match possible.
Who takes care of your foster dog when you are at work? I have a group of creative friends who jump in to help. It’s easy to ask them to help with a foster dog because it lets them be part of the rescue. That way, they are doing a favor more for the dog than for me.
How do spay/neuter programs benefit shelter animals? When I was 10, I volunteered at the Humane Society in Fort Smith, Arkansas, so being the spokesperson for Spay First is a natural fit. High volume/low cost spay/neuter programs are the fastest way to reduce pet overpopulation and the number of animals ending up in shelters. Every year, taxpayers spend billions of dollars to house, euthanize and dispose of millions of animals. Spay/neuter is a commonsense way to permanently solve the problem. Spay First works to keep the cost less than $50, especially in rural and lower income areas, and actively campaigns to make this a community priority around the country.
How can caring people help? Donate money or items found on a shelter or rescue unit’s wish list. Walk a shelter dog to keep it social and active. Foster a dog to see if having a dog fits and enhances your life. The rescue group pays the bills, support is available and it’s a good way to explore the possibility of adoption. Once you know for sure, adopt. Also talk about the benefits of fostering and adopting dogs and the importance of affordable spay/neuter programs for dogs and cats in your community. Spread the word that it is not okay to buy a puppy or kitten in a store when we are discarding millions of shelter animals each year that desperately need homes. Puppies are cute, but older dogs already are what they’re going to be—what you see is what you happily get. For more information or to make a donation, visit SpayFirst.org. Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines.
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classifieds BODYWORKER SPACE RENTAL HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTICE IN NORTH CAMBRIDGE – Has bodywork and acupuncture rooms to rent. Our space is on the ground floor and is ADA compliant. We are located near Davis & Porter Squares, with plenty of on-street parking. Flexible rental. For more details: Laura@Sollievo.org.
employment opportunities AD SALES REP – Natural Awakenings is now accepting resumes for full-commission experienced Ad Sales Reps in Southeastern Middlesex County including: Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Waltham, Lexington, Brookline, Boston and Newton. Strong organizational and people skills, computer/database experience necessary. Must be a self-starter. We’re positive people looking for positive associates who are focused on healthy living and a healthy planet to reach like-minded practitioners and businesses, and help grow their client base. Flexible schedule with great earning potential, only you set the limit on your potential. Email cover letter and resume to: Publisher@NaturalAwakenings Boston.com. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE.
FOR RENT/lease SEMINAR ROOM – Perfect location for your wellness seminar or training class. Seated classroom for 30-50 people or massage table classroom for 10-12 tables. Friday, Saturday, or Sunday only. Free parking or walk from Watertown Square. New England School of Acupuncture. Call Steve: 617-558-1788 x 375.
OPPORTUNITIES FOLLOW YOUR HEART – A life is brief! What is your heart whispering? TheCaminoWillProvide.com.
Place Your Ad Here, Call 617-906-0232
calendarofevents All Calendar events for the April issue must be received by March 10th and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries.
FRIDAY, MARCH 1 Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Training – Fridays, Mar 1-Apr 26. 2:30-5pm. This 8-wk course teaches us how to participate fully in improving our health and quality of life. The primary aims are to develop life-long skills to cope effectively with stress, pain, and illness, and establish a deep connection with the internal resources available to navigate personal and professional challenges. $399. New England School of Acupuncture, 150 California St, 3rd Fl, Newton. 617-558-1788 x 112. NESA.edu.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Practicing Spiritually-Informed Psychotherapy – 9:30am-5pm. A clinician practicing spiritually informed psychotherapy embodies, in presence and practice, the belief in the “holiness of wholeness” (John Philip Newell). This integration provides healing in which both client and clinician are transformed. $125. Still Harbor, 666 Dorchester Ave, South Boston. 617-816-9278. StillHarbor.org.
SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Reiki Clinic – 1:30-4:30pm. An opportunity for clients to receive a Reiki treatment at the introductory rate of $15 for a half-hour treatment by a group of practitioners. Reiki is an ancient hands-on energy healing method for reducing stress, relieving pain and facilitating healing on all levels. Reiki Practitioners participate in giving and receiving Reiki treatments for free at the clinics. $15/client, free/practitioners. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. ArlingtonReiki.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 4 Sea Squirts: Programs for Children 2-4 Years Old – 9:30-11am. Introduce your child to the wonders of the aquatic world while focusing on their developing motor and language skills and encouraging the development of early science skills such as observation and exploration. Classes run for one hour and include free play, circle time with songs, stories and activities, art projects and a visit to the Aquarium exhibits. Classes incorporate a live animal encounter when appropriate to the topic. Classes cover each topic over 4 wks. $50/members, $95/nonmembers, including accompanying adult. New England Aquarium Ocean Center, 1 Central Wharf, Boston. 617-973-5206. For more info & to register: NEAQ.org.
TUESDAY, MARCH 5 The Artist’s Way: An 11-Week Workshop – Tuesdays, Mar 5-May 14. For anyone who wants to be more creative in life. Learn to overcome procrastination and self-sabotage, take risks and make your life more authentic and colorful. $350.
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Arlington. 617-640-3813. Kim@KimChilds.com. KimChilds.com. PERCEPTIV Lecture – 7pm. A lecture regarding help for memory and concentration. The most current clinical studies will be discussed by Dr. Thomas Shea, the lead scientist behind the development of PERCEPTIV which is a cognitive supplement formulated to help you think better. Free. Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, 577 Main St, Waltham. 781-893-3870. NaturalCompounder.com. Network Spinal Analysis Class – 7:30-8:30pm. Discover your body’s innate ability to heal itself through an advanced chiropractic technique called Network Spinal Analysis (NSA). Covers the basics of this fascinating modality. By emphasizing the inherent wisdom and healing intelligence of the body, NSA can help you handle stress, improve posture, and assist you in achieving a greater sense of overall well-being. Free. Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 345 Boylston St, Ste 300, Newton. 617-964-3332. WellAdjusted.com. Laughter Yoga for Health and Relaxation – 7:30-8:45pm. Join us for this fun, healthsupporting class which incorporates interactive laughter exercises with breathing, stretching and self-massage. $10. TS Center for Spiritual Studies, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 781-648-0101. TSBoston.org.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 The Prosperous Heart: An 11-Week Workshop – Wednesdays, Mar 6-May 15. The Prosperous Heart: Creating a Life of “Enough,” is a book and course for improving our relationship with money, cultivating abundance and mining our lives for the gold that’s already there. $330. Arlington. 617-640-3813. Kim@KimChilds.com. KimChilds.com. Health and Freedom Presentation – 7-8pm. Do you desire true health and freedom in your life? Interested in running your own part-time or full-time business? Join us for an informational session on how to have a sustainable, turn-key business in a way that works for you. Free. 246 N Main St, Ste 4, North Reading. 978-877-6122. WealthyHealthyWomen.com. Sean Donahue: Healing PTSD – 7-9pm. Guest lecturer Sean Donahue teaches medicinal and magical uses of plants and the herbalist’s role in community support for healing from PTSD. $25. CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine, 25 Saint Mary’s Ct, Brookline. 617-750-5274. CommonWealthHerbs.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7 Addressing Lyme Disease – 6:30-9:30pm. Lyme disease is often not well addressed by conventional medicine. Will discuss herbal
protocols and lifestyle changes to improve health and reduce the impact of this disease. $25. 4 Minebrook Rd, Lincoln. 781-646-6319. BostonHerbalStudies.com. Trigger Point Release Seminar – 7-8pm. Discover why gentle touch is so effective in reducing pain and tension in the body, and learn techniques to effectively do this at home. Bring a partner as it requires another person to do it. Free. Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 345 Boylston St, Ste 300, Newton. 617-964-3332. WellAdjusted.com. Card Chemistry: The Secret Science of Relationships – 7:30-9pm. Join Stefan Meyer, PhD, and learn how to use playing card science to analyze relationships. The basics of this method will be outlined, including how to find your birth card and interpret the card symbols. Further information will be given on finding and interpreting the composite cards between any two people. $10. TS Center for Spiritual Studies, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 781-648-0101. TSBoston. org.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8 5 Rhythms Celebrating the Work of Gabrielle Roth – Mar 8-10. Connect to your spirit and heart. Flowing, stacatto, chaos, lyrical, and stillness guide us into our own dance of breath and celebration. Everyone welcome. No dance experience necessary. $195. The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. 802-3805155. DanceComplex.org. EFT: Emotional Freedom Techniques – 6:308pm. A new, dynamic form of self-treatment that allows rapid freedom from trauma, fears, phobias, anxiety and other emotional issues. It is “acupuncture without needles.” Facilitated by Kathryn McGlynn. Benefit event: all proceeds donated to Our Weeping Angel Foundation which
working that prevents and cures as you heal others and yourself. Practitioners from all modalities can integrate this work into their specialties and lives immediately. Holistic and allopathic. $350, $175/1 day. The Center at Westwoods, 590 Gay St, Westwood. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.
Mark Your Calendar SATURDAY, APRIL 20 First Annual Celebration of Reiki Conference – 8am-5:30pm. Join Reiki practitioners from across the region for an exceptional day centered on the theme, Reiki: Practice and Path. Give yourself the gift of a day to learn from, and connect with, your Reiki community. $35/advance, $45/at door. Held at Masonic Hall, 32 Church St, Watertown, MA. Tickets & registration materials- Blog: CelebrationOfReikiConference.blogspot.com Eliseb@rcn.com, Web: Brenner ReikiHealing. com or facebook: facebook.com/#!/ events/488376647881967/?fref=ts helps people find new pathways to healing and wholeness. $10/suggested donation. The Healing Center at Our Weeping Angel Foundation, 190 Old Derby St, Ste 100, Hingham. 781-340-2146. Hypnosis.ws.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Mayor’s Cup Events at Frog Pond – 8:30am12pm. The Mayor’s Cup brings winter to a close with a flourish as students from Frog Pond’s Skating Academy, along with local professional skaters, put on a spectacular ice show and engage in some friendly competition. Free. Frog Pond Ice Rink on Boston Common. 617-635-2120. BostonDiscovery-Guide.com. Healing Mastery to Be the Medicine – Mar 9-10. 9:30am-4:30pm. Discover a new way of
Reiki 2 Certification Class – 10am-6pm. Increase your healing capability and learn mental, emotional and long distance healing. Learn three sacred symbols and the healing techniques associated with them. Pre-requisite: Reiki I Certification Training. Continuing Education Credits for nurses, mental health professionals and massage therapists available. $300. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. ArlingtonReiki.com. Natural Baby Care – 1-3:30pm. This workshop will introduce gentle and effective remedies for babies and toddlers. $25. Boston School of Herbal Studies, 12 Pelham Terrace, Arlington. 781-6466319. BostonHerbalStudies.com. Chakra Yoga Workshop – 2-4pm. Exploring the 4th and 5th chakras: The Solar Plexus and Heart. Join Natalie Brooks, RYT of Yoga at the Lily Pad for an exploration using yoga to tap into the energy centers of your solar plexus (self-esteem, will), and your heart (fearlessness, freedom). An all-levels workshop taught in the Kripalu/Vinyasa style of yoga. $25/pre-registration, $30/day of. Third Life Studio, 33 Union Sq, Somerville. YogaWithNatalie.net.
SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Spring Forward – 2-4pm. Shake off the dust from the winter months through a series of sun salutations, standing balances, deep twists, and heart-opening backbends, sprinkled with lots of core work. Set your template for a balanced spring by carving out this time for yourself on your mat. $25 advance, $30 day of. Prana Power
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Yoga, 282 Centre St, Newton. 617-641-9642. PranaPowerYoga.com.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Holistic Healing Reiki Clinic – 6:30-8:30pm. Reiki healing is a natural, light-touch therapy that gently balances life energies and brings healing on three levels: emotional, physical, and spiritual. One of the greatest Reiki health benefits is stress reduction. When we are less stressed, the body’s natural healing abilities improve and we maintain better health. The Reiki Clinic is offering 20-min sessions on a donation basis as a means of service to the community. Donations accepted. TS Center for Spiritual Studies, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 781648-0101. TSBoston.org. Get To The Root Of ADD/ADHD and Executive Functioning Skills Workshop – 7-8:30pm. Dr. Ross will cover what constitutes executive functioning skills and how they can be improved. Executive Function includes: organization, planning, initiation, emotional control, completing tasks, transitions, working memory, and other high-order brain functions. Free. Wayland Public Library, 5 Concord Rd, Wayland. 804-627-0284. RetrainYourBrain.com. WellnessSpeakers.org. How To Find Patience and Remain Calm While Waiting For Things To Manifest – 8-8:30pm. We can lose faith our creations are manifesting. If we dig them up before they’re ready our impatience can kill them. Join Dr. Christiane Northrup to explore how to remain patiently faithful while awaiting the manifestation of our desires. Free teleconference. 978-877-6122. WealthyHealthyWomen.com.
change of life. Sessions devoted to nourishing and supporting yourself through the imbalances created by hormonal change. Hot flashes, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, depression, memory loss and mood swings may be alleviated or lessened with both active and restorative yoga, meditation, nutrition information and mindful awareness. Body/Mind Studio, 188 Main St, Watertown. For detailed scheduling & prices: 617-393-2200. NamasteNutrition.net.
SUNDAY, MARCH 17 Early Spring Ayurvedic Cleanse and Yoga Intensive – Mar 17-24. Join Veronica Wolff, CAP, RYT, and Annie Hoffman, RYT, for this early spring reboot of your system. We will clear away the doldrums of winter with this 7-day Ayurvedic cleanse and yoga intensive. $200. Art & Soul Yoga Studio, 91 Hampshire St, Cambridge. 508-596-6664. YogaHealthLife.net. Restaurant Week in Boston – Mar 17-22 & Mar 24-29. Enjoy fine dining at very affordable prices at the best Boston restaurants. For participating restaurants & other info: RestaurantWeekBoston. com. Free Irish Music and Dancing at Faneuil Hall Marketplace – 11am-4pm. Irish step dancing, Irish music and other festive celebrations bring St Patrick’s Day cheer. Look for performances at the West End Stage. 1 Faneuil Hall Sq, Boston. FaneuilHallMarketplace.com.
Wealthy Healthy Women Business Opportunity – 8:30-9pm. Are you interested in creating true health and true wealth in your life? Whether you want to earn an additional $100, $1,000 or more a week, come learn how to start your own business in the health and wellness industry. Free teleconference. 978-877-6122. WealthyHealthyWomen.com.
Opening the Heart Workshop – 1-4pm. With Kathryn Samuelson. Opening the Heart helps you find the inner peace and healing available in your own heart. These meditations, based on a set of cards created by Kathryn Samuelson and Linda Lewis, will help broaden and deepen your meditative experience while bringing your heart’s stories into the light. Bring yourself, a pen and paper for this workshop of meditation, journaling, and conversation. $35. TS Center for Spiritual Studies, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 781-648-0101. TSBoston.org.
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Your Symptoms Are Trying To Tell You Something – 7pm. Join integrative nurse practitioner and body-mind expert, Alison Shaw NP, LMT, CEH, for an eye-opening hour where you’ll learn to “listen” to your dis-ease as a messenger that can help you heal more effectively than through medical intervention or psychotherapy alone. Be led on a guided visualization to explore the messages that are waiting to be heard within our own body-mind. Participants receive a complimentary gift. Free teleclass. 781-646-0686. BodyMindResourcing. org.
Free Event Taste of Nashoba – 5:30-8pm. Groton Wellness Farm to Table Café will feature culinary delights prepared by Chef Paul & Chef Karen. For a full list of vendors, and the winners, visit the website. Lawrence Academy, Powder House Rd, Stone Athletic Center, Groton. NVCOC.com/Taste or GrotonWellness.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 14 Mushroom Medicine – 6:30-9:30pm. With Melanie Rose Flach, Clinical Herbalist. Learn how to identify and use medicinal mushrooms to boost immunity and address a variety of challenging dis-ease states. $25. Boston School of Herbal Studies, 12 Pelham Terrace, Arlington. 781-646-6319. BostonHerbalStudies.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15 Women Embracing Change – Mar 15-17. Comprehensive weekend for women in the
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Handling Headaches Herbally – 7-9pm. Learn to relieve pain and reduce recurrence of headaches and migraines with herbs and natural therapeutics. $25. CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine, 25 Saint Mary’s Ct, Brookline. 617-750-5274. CommonWealthHerbs.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 21 Boston FIRST Regional Robotics Competition – Mar 21-23. The largest robotics competition in Boston featuring exciting games and competitions between robots built by teams of middle school and high school students from Massachusetts and New England. Free. Agganis Arena, Boston University, 925 Commonwealth Ave, Boston. For schedule: BostonFirst.org.
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Healing with Honey – 6:30-9:30pm. Explore the many benefits of honey with teacher Michael Blackmore, while learning to make herbal-infused honeys and other culinary delights. $25. Boston School of Herbal Studies, 12 Pelham Terrace, Arlington. 781-646-6319. BostonHerbalStudies. com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Community Potluck and Spring Equinox Ritual – 6-8:30pm. Bring some food to share and get acquainted with our growing community. At 7:30pm, Janet Kessenich of Spiral Energies will lead the Spring Equinox Ritual which honors this significant point in the year when winter is ending and new life begins once again. With day and night about even in length, the equinox symbolizes balance and is a good time to look at how our energy is distributed in our lives. Free. TS Center for Spiritual Studies, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 781-648-0101. TSBoston.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Network Spinal Analysis Class – 3-4pm. Discover your body’s innate ability to heal itself through an advanced chiropractic technique called Network Spinal Analysis (NSA). Class covers the basics of this fascinating modality. By emphasizing the inherent wisdom and healing intelligence of the body, NSA can help you handle stress, improve posture, and assist you in achieving a greater sense of overall well-being. Free. Newton Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, 345 Boylston St, Ste 300, Newton. 617-964-3332. WellAdjusted.com.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Introduction to Reiki – 10am-12pm. Learn about the ancient energy healing art of Reiki in this lecture, including 20 mins of guided meditation. Reiki is a healing method for reducing stress, relieving pain and facilitating healing and personal growth. Free. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. Detkal@aol.com . ArlingtonReiki.com. Being Love – 10am-4pm. A deep journey inward. Join us for an extraordinary day-long event with Spiritual Teacher, Healer and Transformational Leader, Maureen Whitehouse. Stop waiting for your love life to begin. Realize your true capacity to give and receive love with impeccability, so you will never “fall out of love” with yourself or anyone else, again. $144. Boston area, TBA. 508380-9254. SacredTantricFire.com. Reiki I Certification Class – 10am-6pm. Reiki I provides you with a complete method of accessing healing energy for yourself and others. Learn the history and philosophy of Reiki, receive the channel opening attunements, learn the hand positions, practice giving a complete Reiki treatment, receive a Reiki treatment, learn how to do self-treatments. CEs available for nurses, massage therapists and mental health professionals. $150. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. Detkal@aol.com. ArlingtonReiki.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 25 Hypnosis for Better Golf – 6:30-8:30pm. Golf is a mental game and controlling the mind is
the key to great golf. Enjoy a group hypnosis session and learn to harness the power of your mind. Facilitated by Kathryn McGlynn, Certified Hypnotist, Golf Enhancement Specialist. $35. Weymouth High School, 1 Wildcat Way, South Weymouth. 781-337-7500 x 51. WeymouthSchools.org.
ongoingcalendar All Calendar events for the April issue must be received by March 10th and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com for guidelines and to submit entries.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 How To Get What You Want with A Little Help From Your Friends – 6:30-8:30pm. A hypnosis seminar with Kathryn McGlynn. Join us in a really fun, interactive group exercise that will help you: define your dream, overcome obstacles to achieving your dream and increase your success potential. After the group exercise, participate in a group hypnosis session to witness your goals unfolding in your life. $25. The Healing Center at Our Weeping Angel Foundation, 190 Old Derby St, Ste 100, Hingham. 781-340-2146. Hypnosis. ws.
THURSDAY, MARCH 28 Fertility Awareness – 6:30-9:30pm. Herbalist Krystina Friedlander will discuss herbs to tone and nourish the reproductive system. Women will learn to track their cycles while deepening an awareness of their bodies. Men are warmly welcomed. $25. Boston School of Herbal Studies, 12 Pelham Terrace, Arlington. 781-646-6319. BostonHerbalStudies.com. Clearing the Carpal Tunnel – 7-9pm. Take your joint health in hand. Learn herbal and manual therapies for carpal tunnel syndrome. $25. CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine, 25 Saint Mary’s Ct, Brookline. 617-750-5274. CommonWealthHerbs.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Full Moon Yoga Celebration – 7-9pm. Join us in celebrating the Divine Feminine through movement, yoga, dance, chanting and meditation. Every month on or near the Full Moon. Save the future dates: Apr 26 and May 24. $20 advance, $25 at door. The Center at Westwoods, 590 Gay St, Westwood. 617-869-9574. SelfHealingSolutions.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Principles of Clinical Somatic Education – 9am-6pm. A wonderful introduction to Clinical Somatic Education, a neuromuscular re-education technique developed by Thomas Hanna which relieves chronic pain and makes long-lasting changes to your postural habits, movement patterns, and ability to manage stress. $150 for NCBTMB CE credit hours, $125 for non-credit. Somatic Movement Center, 440 Arsenal St, Ste 5, Watertown. 800-762-2998. For details: SomaticMovementCenter.com. Energy Theater: Love in Bloom – 7:30-9:30pm. Laughter, comedy, music, and energy awareness about love, relationships, and romance. This is a benefit for the Unity Somerville roof repair fund. $10 suggested donation. Unity Somerville, 6 William St, Somerville. 617-628-5558. EnergyTheater.org.
local meat, cheese and bread. Great Hall, Codman Sq, 6 Norfolk St, Dorchester. DotCommCoop. wordpress.com. Anxiety and Panic Support Group – 6:30pm. First day of every month. Designed to offer a place where people with common interests and experience can meet. Learn that you aren’t alone in your experience and knowledge is the key to living a symptom-free life. Washington St, Newton. For more info, Doreen: 617-849-3198. UCanBFearFree.com. Beginner Level Yoga Classes – Sun-Wed & Sat evenings. Small group class introducing yoga flows, poses and sequences linked to breath and core strength. Emphasis on the fundamentals and an interconnection with the body through yoga alignment, meditation, breathing technique and relaxation. $20/class. Lifetime Health & Consulting, LLC, Harvard Sq, 116 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. 617-710-1337. For scheduling & to reserve a spot: Info@HolistiKey.com. ColonLove.com. Boutique Yoga – One-hour sessions designed specifically for the beginner. Come to this peaceful, comforting and well-balanced environment to begin or enrich your Vinyasa yoga practice. Choose between private, semi-private, trio or quad to begin cultivating your body flow. By appointment only. $100-$125. Lifetime Health & Consulting, LLC, 1166 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. 617-710-1337. HolisticKey.com. Free Energy Yoga Class – 70-minute class focused on building strength and warmth of the core. Move through periods of stretching, breathing postures and energy meditation. All ages and levels welcome. Dahn Holistic Fitness, 1773 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. For scheduling: 617-354-9642. DahnHolisticFitness. com. Free Tour Of Symphony Hall – Musicians and engineers consider Boston’s Symphony Hall to be the most acoustically perfect concert space in the United States. Join volunteers on a behindthe-scenes tour and hear about the hall and the history and traditions of the famed musicians and conductors. Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston. For available dates & times: 617-638-9390. BSO.org.
Gentle Beginners Morning Yoga – 10-11:15am. Also, all-level yoga, 11:30am-12:45pm. All classes are taught in the Kripalu style and can be gentle, moderate or vigorous. $14/drop-in, $12/ students with ID. The Lily Pad, 1353 Cambridge St, Cambridge. YogaWithNatalie.org. Dorchester Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru Mar 24. 12-4pm. Features farm-fresh produce,
Glassblowing Family Experience – 1-2pm. Enjoy a glassblowing demonstration with the family. A truly unique experience. $15/person. Make pendants for only $10 more per person. Diablo Glass School, 123 Terrace St, Boston. 617442-7444. DiabloGlassSchool.com. Free Breathing and Meditation Group – 2-3:15pm. Join us for our bi-weekly breathing, relaxation, and meditation sessions. Learn and experience practical tools for managing stress and energy in everyday life. All ages and levels welcome. Dahn Holistic Fitness, 1773 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. 617-354-9642. DahnHolisticFitness.com. Kripalu Yoga Series with Jen – 5-6:15pm. Move your body in a way that improves your health, makes you feel good and provides you with tools to help manage life’s challenges, both on and off the yoga mat. It’s yoga for everybody. Join for 6-wk series or drop in. $60/6 wks. Zen Muscular Therapy & Wellness Center, 100 Trade Center, North Entrance, Ste 725, Woburn. 617-699-2389. Zen-Therapy.com. Sunday Restorative Yoga – 5-6:15pm. Relax, stretch, de-stress and re-charge your whole system before your work week. Poses supported with blankets and bolsters. Open to everyone. $75/6-wk series, $15/drop-in. The Center at Westwoods, 590 Gay St, Westwood. 617-8699574. SelfHealingSolutions.com. Yoga for Mindful Eating – Thru Apr 21. 5:307:30pm. 7-wk series aimed at clearing out old habits and behaviors. Each week delve into mindfulness-based approach to eating, using gently yoga postures as a warm-up to discussion, a sharing circle, meditation and journaling. Pre-registration required; space limited. $225. Watertown Center for the Healing Arts, 23 Main St, Watertown. NamasteNutrition.net. Supper Club at Mandarava – 7pm. 3rd Sun. String of six or so surprise courses, all small plates, presented directly by the chef and created entirely at her whim. Sit back and take in a little magic in a cozy, candlelit environment. First come, first served basis; reservations required. $36/seat. Mandarava, 46 Inn St, Newburyport. 978-465-7300. MandaravaJuice.com.
Community Acupuncture – Thru Dec 31. Also Wed & Fri. By appt. Affordable care for a healthy community. Acupuncture in a shared space, rather than private rooms enabling lower cost. Sliding scale, $35-$55/initial visit, $20-$40/follow-up visits. Green Tea Yoga, 10 Colonial Rd, Salem. 781-269-2287. NSCAcupuncture.com.
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Kripalu Yoga Series – 7-8:15pm. This yoga style is about moving your body in a way that improves health, makes you feel good and provides you with tools to help manage life’s challenges, both on and off the yoga mat. Beginners welcome. $96/8-wk series, $15/drop-in. Earthsong Yoga, 186 Main St, Fl 2, Marlborough. 619-699-2389. EarthSongYoga.com.
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Open Meditation – 7-8:15pm. Join Rigpa Boston’s open meditation sessions whenever you wish. Open to everyone, from beginners to more experienced meditators. Donations accepted. Rigpa Boston, 24 Crescent St, Ste 308, Waltham. 619-906-4291. RigpaBoston.org. Jam’n Cardio Kix – 7:15-8pm. Also Wed, 7:30pm. A martial art fitness class that puts several musical patterns together into routines performed continuously to develop cardiovascular fitness, agility and quickness. $100/10 classes, $60/5 classes, $15/drop-in. Corpbasics Fitness & Training Club, 73 Bow St, Somerville. 617-6288400. Corpbasics.com. Hatha Yoga at Gallery 263 – 7:15-8:30pm. Increase flexibility, strength and balance. Relax and recharge mind and spirit. Intelligent sequencing and attention to alignment which will challenge all levels. Emphasizes correct alignment within a flowing sequence that will leave you feeling strengthened and energized. $10. 263 Pearl St, Cambridgeport. 617-459-9817. WatertownHolisticHealth.com. Community Contra Dance – 7:30-10:30pm. Make new friends while doing easy social dancing to great live music in a historic hall. Alcohol-, smoke- and perfume-free. Instruction provided; no need to bring a partner. $8, $5/22 or under. Concord Scout House, 74 Walden St, Concord. 978-369-1232. MondayContras.com. Yoga for Cyclists – 7:45-9:15pm. A beginnerfriendly class for cyclists and other athletes. Emphasis on releasing chronically tight muscles and gently strengthening the core. Restorative poses used to release stress and cultivate deep relaxation. $17/drop-in. The Arlington Center, 369 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington. 781-316-0282. ArlingtonCenter.org.
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Chi Lel Qigong for Integral Health – 11:15am12:15pm. Experience the healing power, learning gentle movement with visualization to build up your own energy. Discuss how effective qigong exercises can be and why they can help many health issues. $120/8-session series, $20/session. Theosophical Society, 21 Maple St, Arlington. 617-997-9922. ArlingtonQiWellness.com. Noon Concerts on the Freedom Trail – 12pm. Stop by to hear a 30-40-minute concert. Performers vary each week and perform a wide variety of music ranging from jazz to folk, medieval to modern. $3 suggested donation. King’s Chapel, 64 Beacon St, Boston. 617-5231749. Kings-Chapel.org. Newton’s Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru Jun 18, except Mar 12. 1:30-6pm. A new indoor market with farm-fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, turkey, beef, fish, goat cheese, gouda, olive oil,
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baked goods, popovers, jams, jellies, plants and flowers. Hyde Community Center, 90 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands. NewtonMA.gov. Zumba Toning – 6:30-7:30pm. Benefit mentally, emotionally and physically from the dance workout that has caused such a sensation all over the world. $100/10 classes, $12/walk-in. Dance Union, 16 Bow St, Somerville. 617-968-1695. ShapeUpPersonalTraining.com. Kripalu Yoga Series with Jen – 6:45-7:45pm. Learn to move your body in a way that improves your health, makes you feel good and provides you with tools to help you manage life’s challenges, both on and off the yoga mat. $65/5-class card, $15/drop-in. Breathe Wellness, 162 Cook Ln, Marlborough. 617-699-2389. BreatheInWellness.com. Reiki Clinic – 7-9pm. Last Tues. An opportunity to try something new, crack open the door or just take a moment for yourself to destress. Appointments for 30-minute sessions are suggested. $10. Sky Dancer’s, 788F Country Way, Ste 1, Scituate. 339-526-9759. SkyDancersNewAge.com. Broga I Foundations – 7:30-8:15pm. Also Thurs, 7:30pm & Sat, 12pm. Energetic, fun, challenging, but set to a chill, accessible pace. Perfect for Broga or yoga newbies or those interested in focusing on fundamentals. $110/10 classes, $15/ drop-in. The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. 617-207-9374. BrogaYoga.com.
Refreshing Samples – 11am-2pm. Try featured refreshing teas and nutritional snacks. Enjoy a selection of organic teas, treats and snacks. Stop in to see what’s new to try or call ahead to find out in advance. Free. Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, 577 Main St, Waltham. 781-8933870. NaturalCompounder.com. Expand Your Gifts – 6:30-8:30pm. Every two weeks on Wed. Come develop your known and unknown, intuitive, psychic or medium gifts. Discover new aspects of you. $15. Sky Dancer’s, 788F Country Way, Ste 1, Scituate. For more info or to register: 339-526-9759. SkyDancersNewAge.com. Meditation Evenings – 7-8:30pm. Come to meditate and take part in a discussion. Both beginners and experienced meditators welcome; instruction provided from 7-7:30pm for those who need it. Light refreshments provided. Suggested donation $15. Advaita Meditation Center, 28 Worcester Ln, Waltham. 781-647-0020. AdvaitaMeditation.org. Dance Freedom – 7:30-10:30pm. The oldest continually running weekly barefoot dance in the world. Live DJ music, a great workout, lots of fun and lots of interesting people to meet. Recharge and renew in a joyous, positive, drugand alcohol-free environment. $10-$20 sliding scale. First Congregational Church, 11 Garden St, Cambridge. 617-312-3039. DanceFreedom.com.
Gentle Kundalini Yoga and Gong Relaxation – 8:30-10am. Stimulates and balances the glandular and immune systems in preparation for meditation. The body is strengthened and the mind is centered. $120/10 classes, $15/drop-in. Newton Highlands Congregational Church, 54 Lincoln St, Newton Highlands. 617-332-3675. Early Explorers – 10:30am-12pm. Children ages 3-6 will move, learn and create. Will investigate the science and beauty of winter through explorations, games and art. Afterward, warm up by reading stories, doing craft projects and other fun indoor nature activities. Child must be accompanied by an adult. $5/members, $7/ nonmembers. Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan. 617-9838500. MassAudubon.org. Core Fundamentals – 12:30-1:30pm. Learn how to effectively use free weights, your body weight, resistance tubing and cable exercises to unleash your body’s natural confidence and power. $20/first class. Vitality Personal Fitness, 118 Needham St, Newton. 617-620-3585. VitalityPersonalFitness.com. Reiki Healing Circle for Women on a Healing Journey with Cancer – 4-6pm. Once a month. Women trained in Reiki and at various stages in their healing journey come together to support each other. Uplifting, life affirming and healing. $35. Arlington Reiki Associates, 366 Mass Ave, Ste 304, Arlington. 781-648-9334. ArlingtonReiki.com. Broga II Power – 6-6:45pm. Also Sat, 1010:45am. High energy, Broga flow class. Good for those ready for a great workout. Familiarity with Broga or yoga recommended, but not required. $110/10 classes, $15/drop-in. The Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. 617-207-9374. BrogaYoga.com. Zumba – 6:30-7:30pm. Benefit mentally, emotionally and physically from the dance workout that has caused such a sensation all over the world. $100/10 classes, $12/walk-in. Dance Union, 16 Bow St, Somerville. 617-968-1695. ShapeUpPersonalTraining.com. Evolutionary Circle – 7-9pm. 2nd Thurs. Explore our emergence as universal humans, up to and following the Planetary Shift. Led by eliSabeth Taylor, A.C.E. and Rev. Betty Walker. Donation encouraged. Unity Somerville, 6 William St, Somerville. 781-643-1586. Birth2012Boston.com. Somerville Road Runners Night 4.13 Miler – 7:15-8:15pm. It may be snowing. It may be raining. The SRR Thursday night run will happen every week, no matter what. Free. Casey’s, 171 Broadway, Somerville. SRR.org/Events/ Thursday-Night-Race. Observatory Night – 7:30-9:30pm. 3rd Thurs. A non-technical lecture and telescopic observing from the observatory roof if weather permits. Free. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St, Cambridge. 617-4957461. CFA.Harvard.edu.
The Family Walking Program – 9:30am. Take a healthy walk through the mall in a safe, climatecontrolled environment for both parent and child. Spend time with other parents while your children make new friends and learn the benefits of regular exercise. Meet near Carter’s. Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617-926-4968. Watertown-Mall.com. Children’s Films – 10am & 11am. Free children’s movies at the library each week. Boston Public Library, East Boston Branch, 276 Meridian St, East Boston. 617-569-0271. BPL.org/ Branches/EastBoston.htm. Health Lecture Series – 10am. 1st Fri. An informative discussion for parents and caregivers on a variety of parent- and child-related topics such as: nutrition, behavior, community resources and more. Held in the Old Country Buffet, Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617926-4968. Watertown-Mall.com. Yoga for All Levels – 10-11:30am. All-levels Vinyasa flow-style yoga experience that offers a dynamic approach to a safe foundation. Say yes to exploring a deeper experience in your practice and join with your highest aspirations. $15. Samara Yoga Studio, 249 Elm St, Somerville. 617-3932200. NamasteNutrition.net. Blood Pressure Screenings – 10am-12pm. Free blood pressure screenings on the 1st Fri each month in front of the Old Country Buffet. Watertown Mall, 550 Arsenal St, Watertown. 617926-4968. Watertown-Mall.com. Second Fridays Free – 5-8pm. Free evening at the MIT Museum on the 2nd Fri each month. Mingle with friends in the unique galleries and see some of the latest research coming out of MIT. MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. 617-253-5927. MIT.edu/Museum.
Glass Beadmaking – 6:30-9:30pm. Last Fri. An evening of glass, friends and wine. Spend 3 hrs in one of our studios to experience an introductory taste of working with hot glass in glassblowing and bead making. $75. Diablo Glass School, 123 Terrace St, Boston. 617-442-7444. DiabloGlassSchool.com.
Vital TRX Cross – 9-9:55am. A revolutionary method of leveraged bodyweight exercise, which allows you to safely perform hundreds of functional exercises that build power, strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and prevent injuries. $20/first class. Vitality Personal Fitness, 118 Needham St, Newton. 617-620-3585. VitalityPersonalFitness.com. Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru Jun 1. 9:30am-2:30pm. Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. FarmFresh.org. Neuroplasticity Club – 12-1pm. 3rd Sat. Learn holographic thinking and speaking which means seeing images and feeling all of the emotions of the topic you are speaking or thinking about. The past becomes the present. $5/person or family. Unity Somerville, 6 William St, Somerville. 617628-5558. NeuroplasticityClub.com. Somerville Laughter Club – 12-1pm. 3rd Sat. Share your laughter and your smile. Explore how the body creates happiness. Learn how to use chi-energy to activate laughter and smile neuropathways. $5/person or family. Unity Somerville, 6 William St, Somerville. 617-6285558. SomervilleLaughterClub.com. Live Music – 7:30-10pm. Enjoy local food, music and art. No cover charge. Nourish Restaurant, 1727 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington. 781-6742400. NourishLexington.com.
Kripalu Yoga Series with Jen – 6:30-7:30pm. Move your body in a way that improves your health, makes you feel good and provides you with tools to help manage life’s challenges both on and off the yoga mat. Pre-registration required; space limited. $15/drop-in, $42/3-class pass, $72/6-class pass. Mind Body Connect, 858 Worcester Rd, Framingham. 619-699-2389. JenHocko@gmail.com. Poetry Open Mic – 6:30-8pm. 2nd Fri. Continuing the trend of the 1950s beatniks who were open to energy sensations, into vibes and enjoying performance art, reading, listening and just enjoying. Free. Unity Somerville, 6 William St, Somerville. 617-628-5558. NewBeatPoets. com.
Garden as though you will live forever. ~William Kent
Jam’n Java Open Mic and Coffeehouse – 6:309pm. 1st Fri. Sign up to play, or come and listen to talented local performers. Free. Jam’n Java, 594 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington. ArlOpenMic. wordpress.com. Friday Night Cooking Series – 6:30-9:30pm. Join us for a night of conversation, anecdotes and fun, and a detailed cooking demonstration. See website for specifics by week. $61. Cambridge Center for Adult Education, 56 Brattle St, Cambridge. CCAE.org.
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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE NEW ENGLAND SCHOOL OF ACUPUNCTURE
150 California St, Newton MA 02458 617-558-1788 NESA.edu NESA is the first school of acupuncture in the U.S. and provides a rigorous acupuncture education along with affordable health care to the community. See ad page 19.
APPLIED KINESIOLOGY CENTRAL SQUARE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Kristine Jelstrup, LMT, CBK 126 Prospect St, Ste 5 617-833-3407 Kristine@CentralSquareHealthAnd Wellness.com CentralSquareHealthAndWellness.com Achieve optimal health, physically, emotionally, nutritionally. Kristine works with the subtle energies of the body to clear nervous system interference, creating a balanced body. See ad page 29.
VISIONS HEALTHCARE 910 Washington St (Rte 1A) Dedham, MA 02026 170 Worcester St (Rte 9) Wellesley, MA 02481 781-431-1333 VisionsHealthCare.com
Acupuncturists at Visions HealthCare are able to provide relief for a variety of concerns including but not limited to insomnia, allergies, digestion, pain, fatigue, etc. See ad on the back cover.
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE Cecile Raynor
Certified Alexander Technique Teacher; Certified Thai Yoga Therapist 33A Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02445 617-359-7841 AlexanderTec.com Learn to relieve and prevent excess tension and manage the stress in your life. Improve your posture without any holding. Learn mind/body tools for personal growth or simply enjoy a relaxing Thai yoga session. See ad page 31.
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Bioidentical Hormone Treatment CONNIE A. JACKSON, MD
55 Pond Ave, Brookline, MA 02445 132 Great Rd, Ste 201, Stow, MA 01775 617-232-0202 (Brookline) 617-879-0403 (Stow) Connie.A.Jackson.MD@gmail.com ConnieAJacksonMD.com Specializing in Hormonal Imbalance and Individualized Natural Bioidentical Hormone Treatment for irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, low sex drive, irritability, fatigue, poor concentration, poor memory, depression and sleep disturbances. Accepting most major insurances. See ad page 25.
PATRICIA JAY, MD
910 Washington St (Rte 1A) Dedham, MA 02026 170 Worcester St (Rte 9) Wellesley, MA 02481 781-431-1333 VisionsHealthCare.com
Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
Effectively using BioIdentical Hormone Therapy for 9 years; expert gynecologist passionate about supporting women to ease transition through all life phases. Accepts most major insurances. See ad on the back cover.
chiropractic NEWTON CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS Julie Burke, DC 617-964-3332 Info@WellAdjusted.com
We are an integrative holistic wellness center. Our caring team consists of chiropractors specializing in Network Spinal Analysis, massage therapists and Shiatsu and Reiki practitioners. See ad page 15.
ERIC ROSEEN, DC
910 Washington St (Rte 1A) Dedham, MA 02026 170 Worcester St (Rte 9) Wellesley, MA 02481 781-431-1333 VisionsHealthCare.com Patient-centered, evidence-based spinal care and soft tissue work to decrease pain and improve mobility. Accepts major health insurances. Weekend and evening hours available. See ad on the back cover.
COACHING THE ARTIST’S WAY Kim Childs 617-640-3813 Kim@KimChilds.com KimChilds.com
Kim coaches people in the lifechanging practices and principles of The Artist’s Way and The Prosperous Heart by Julia Cameron. No artistic experience required, just a desire to live a rich and more fully expressed life. Registration underway for 2013 workshops.
BOSTON SOUL COACHING Daniel Sharp, CSC, CIMT, RMT 781-763-7685 BostonSoulCoaching.com
De-clutter your mind, your home and your path to an abundant future with personalized Soul Coaching. Daniel will help you build the life you deserve. See ad page 29.
HORSES KNOW THE WAY HOME Brian Reid Info@HorsesKnowTheWayHome.com HorsesKnowTheWayHome.com
Brian Reid is an internationally acclaimed life coach with Brenda Lee, a Shire horse. Through his discoveries with Brenda Lee, Brian founded Horses Know The Way Home and developed 13 principles that guide his teachings. See ad page 12.
compounding & wellness pharmacy
GROTON WELLNESS – MEDICAL, DENTAL, SPA, BISTRO
EXERCISE/FITNESS/ PERSONAL TRAINING
493-495 Main St Groton, Ma 01450 978-449-9919 GrotonWellness.com
KOKO FITCLUB
Our specialization, healthfocused dentistry, enables us to consider you, our patient, as a whole person, not merely a “dental case.” Therefore, we have the unique opportunity to evaluate every patient, and develop every treatment, procedure and protocol, from an individualized holistic standpoint. We will make recommendations to improve not only your dental health, but your overall health as well. See ad page 7.
DOG TRAINING
JCWC is the only sterile and non-sterile PCAB-accredited pharmacy in Massachusetts. In addition to our compounding service, we offer a full range of nutritional supplements, natural products, homeopathic remedies and home health care equipment. See ad page 23.
dentist DR. IVETA IONTCHEVA-BAREHMI DMD, MS, D.SC. 1842 Beacon St, Ste 302, Brookline, MA 617-868-1516 BostonDentalWellness.com
Dr. Iontcheva-Barehmi is an accomplished dentist and specialist in Periodontics and Implants with a holistic approach to medicine and dentistry. To schedule your comprehensive exam and share the excitement of a healthy smile, call: 617-868-1516. See ad page 11.
World’s first automated personal training studio offering highly effective, efficient, customized workouts guided and monitored by the proprietary Smartraining technology in a spa-like setting. See ad page 27.
HERBal studies
ABBEY BROWN
781-891-5439 Abbey1239@aol.com Abbey Brown has been successfully working with dog behavior and obedience training since 1980. She has a master’s degree in psychology and animal behavior.
JOHNSON COMPOUNDING AND WELLNESS CENTER Stephen Bernardi 577 Main St, Waltham, MA 02452 781-893-3870 Fax: 781-899-1172 Steve@NaturalCompounder.com NaturalCompounder.com
39 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02445 77 Spring St, Shaw’s Plaza, West Roxbury, MA 02132 Brookline: 617-566-5656; West Roxbury: 617-325-4800 MA.Brookline@KokoFitClub.com MA.WRoxbury@KokoFitClub.com KokoFitClub.com
DOG WALKING
THE BOSTON SCHOOL OF HERBAL STUDIES
12 Pelham Terrace, Arlington, MA 781-646-6319 BostonHerbalStudies.com We offer two Herbal Apprenticeship Programs, Advanced Training, Aromatherapy Certification and a series of Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon classes. Please visit our website. See ad page 9.
CANIS MAJOR DOG WALKING Nancy Anderson 617-501-9241 Canis_major@mac.com CanismajorHerbals.wordpress.com
COMMONWEALTH CENTER FOR HERBAL MEDICINE
As a wellness service of Canis major Herbals, we now offer dog walking in the Davis Sq, Somerville area. Visit CanismajorHerbals.com. Experienced. Responsible. Insured.
Katja Swift & Ryn Midura 25 Saint Mary’s Court, Brookline, MA 617-750-5274 CommonWealthHerbs.com
Personalized, comprehensive consultations with experienced herbalists. Whether it’s the flu or a chronic illness, or simply to build greater vitality, herbal medicine can help. See ad page 33.
HERBAL ACADEMY OF NEW ENGLAND
120 Arlington Rd, Woburn, MA 01801 781-572-4454 HerbalAcademyOfNE@gmail.com Our Academy is focused on the art and science of plantbased medicine, from a holistic perspective. All herbalists are welcome, mentors and students. See ad page 7.
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holistic bodywork BARBARA GOSSELIN, PT
393 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 781-507-4226 HolisticHealingPT.com I’m a Physical Therapist with 20+ years experience helping people recover from pain using gentle, effective Bodywork techniques including Craniosacral Therapy and Fascial Mobilization. See ad page 27.
PHOENIX HEALING ARTS
Mimi Rhys, LMT 617-413-7174 Mimi@PhoenixHealingArts.net Experience what gentle, integrated therapies can do to help you lose your pain. Mimi Rhys offers craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, and lymphatic joint release work. See ad page 14.
Integrative/Functional Medicine
BODYMIND RESOURCING EMILY CHAN, ND
Lydian Center for Innovative Medicine, 777 Concord Ave, Ste 301, Cambridge, MA 617-299-6151 ModernIntegrativeMedicine.com
Naturopathic medicine addresses root causes of chronic diseases and works with each patient based on their individualized needs. Relationships between different organ systems are taken into consideration. Effective and non-invasive natural therapies are used successfully. Specialties: gastrointestinal, mood, auto-immune, adrenal, cardiovascular, blood sugar and neurological issues.
RICHARD CHEN, MD
910 Washington St (Rte 1A) Dedham, MA 02026 781-431-1333 VisionsHealthCare.com Board-Certified Family Medicine physician trained in Functional Medicine accepting new patients of all ages for Primary Care or consultation. Accepts most major health insurances. See ad on the back cover.
holistic nutrition MOLLY ROBSON WELLNESS
671-678-3108 MollyRobsonWellness@gmail.com MollyRobsonWellness.com Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant specializing in digestive health, emotional eating and detoxification. Available for individual consultations at Samadhi Integral in Newton Centre.
JANICE PEGELS, MD
910 Washington St (Rte 1A) Dedham, MA 02026 781-431-1333 VisionsHealthCare.com Board Certified through the American Board of Family Medicine as well as the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. Available for primary care and consultation. See ad on the back cover.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS PAM PEARSON
978-877-6122 Pam@WealthyHealthyWomen.com WealthyHealthyWomen.com Build your own health and wellness business. As a successful entrepreneur, I’ll teach you how to manifest success and achieve your personal and professional dreams. See ad page 13.
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integrative therapy
PATRICIA ZUB, MD
170 Worcester St (Rte 9) Wellesley, MA 02481 781-431-1333 VisionsHealthCare.com
Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
Internal Medicine Physician with integrative approach and more than 13 years of primary care experience. Also available for consultation. Accepting most major health insurances. See ad on the back cover.
Alison Shaw APRN, LMT, CEH 393 Massachusetts Ave Arlington, MA 02474 781-646-0686 Alison@BodymindResourcing.org An innovative blend of body-centered counseling, integrative bodywork and energy medicine to uncover and release body-mind patterns that limit your life and health. See ad page 19.
PATRICIA HOWARD
617 524 7628 PmcHoward@hotmail.com BeAwakeAtWork.com With a background in Energy Healing & Consciousness (Barbara Brennan), Sound and Mindfulness, Patricia supports you in understanding and releasing patterns that no longer serve you so you can blossom. See ad page 27.
MARSHA KLEIN, LMHC
170 Worcester St (Rte 9) Wellesley, MA 02481 910 Washington St (Rte 1A) Dedham, MA 02026 781-431-1333 VisionsHealthCare.com
Licensed Mental Health Clinician and Behavioral Health Specialist with over 15 years of experience; integrative approach. Specialties: anxiety, panic, depression, stress, anger, etc. Accepts insurance. See ad on the back cover.
SELF-HEALING SOLUTIONS Raven Sadhaka Seltzer 617-869-9574 SelfHealingSolutions.com
Feeding mind-body-spirit through therapeutic and restorative yoga, Ayurvedic counseling, meditation, pranayam and Reiki; specializing in low back pain and digestive issues. See ad page 12.
SOMATIC MOVEMENT CENTER Sarah Warren, CSE 440 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA SomaticMovementCenter.com
Clinical Somatic Education provides lasting relief from chronic pain by working with the nervous system to address the underlying cause. Gentle, therapeutic, and highly effective. See ad page 15.
integrative veterinary medical care MASH MAIN ST ANIMAL SERVICES OF HOPKINTON Margo Roman, DVM 72 W Main St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-4077 MASHVet.com
A full-service integrative veterinary clinic offering caring and healthful options and modalities like acupuncture, functional nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbs, ozone therapy, surgery and dentistry. See ad page 36.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MEDIATE YOUR LIFE, LLC
150 Fearing St, Ste 4-A Amherst MA 01002 413-230-3260 Connect@MediateYourLife.com MediateYourLife.com
Improve all your relationships. Learn to navigate difficult conversations with confidence. Our training programs show you how. See ad page 14.
physical therapy CAMBRIDGE PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINE 1000A Cambridge St. Cambridge, 02141 617-492-6600 CambridgePTSportsMed.com
Specializing in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation and treatment of sports, dance and work injuries. We also treat computer/musician overuse injuries, carpal tunnel and injuries from motor vehicle accidents. See ad page 33.
WEBSITE DESIGN
REIKI REIKI 4 SOUL
THE WISE WOMAN
Michele S. Portlock, RMT 781-228-1915 Reiki4Soul.com
Michele partners with you to create your personal wellness path with Reiki healing for your mind, body and soul. She specializes in treating patients with chronic pain and illnesses.
SACRED SONG REIKI
Priscilla Gale, of Sacred Song Reiki, utilizes multiple healing modalities and techniques along with Reiki, including Himalayan and Crystal Singing Bowls, Reconnective Healing, and Magnified Healing.
ROLFING STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION BOSTON BODY BALANCE
KANGEN WATER IONIZERS 速
Nancy Zare, PhD 508-981-2315 KangenDemo.com
Attach to faucet. Make alkaline, antioxidant, purified, super-hydrating water. Select 7 pH levels for: Drinking. cooking, cleaning, moisturizing, pets, plants, degreasing, disinfecting and healing.
LIVING FROM CENTER ~ WELLNESS COACHING & MASSAGE THERAPY Katrina Piehler, CWC, LCMT, MEd 617-833-3035 Living-From-Center.com
Empowering, action-oriented coaching that helps busy women transform and love their lives. Fully individualized one-onone coaching or powerful small group support for your journey of healthy, vibrant, balanced living. Free initial consultation available.
ROOM2IMPROVE
Rolfing速 Structural Integration for Powerful, Pain-Free Posture. Re-balance your body. Reduce aches, pains, and injuries. Improve athletic performance. Free consultation. See ad page 39.
WATER PURIFICATION/ IONIZATION
Offering website design and business consulting for small businesses and providers in private practice.
WELLNESS COACHING
978-897-8846 SacredSongReiki@yahoo.com SacredSongReiki.com
Jazmine Fox-Stern 617-308-7104 BostonBodyBalance.com
Phyllis Wilson 781-883-2282 Phyllis@WiseBlueLotus.com WiseBlueLotus.com
Vicki Loberman 617-610-9551 Vicki@Room2Improve.us Room2Improve.us
We partner with clients to identify and overcome barriers to living a healthy lifestyle. Services include wellness coaching, professional organizing, personal training and stress management.
Want to reach readers who are health and wellness focused? Call
617-906-0232 publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com
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Boston | NaturalAwakeningsBoston.com