HEALTHY
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
BUZZ-FREE DRINKING
THE HEALTHY RISE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BEST APPS TO HELP YOU BE A NATURE EXPERT FAITH-BASED GRASSROOTS CHANGE DEFENDING WILD & NATURAL PLACES
April 2022 | Somerset-Middlesex-Hunterdon-Mercer-S. Warren NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
80 Morristown Road, Bernardsville (Bernardsville Centre) 908.766.5450 Hibernatebedding .com
Come see how EASY it is to shop for a mattress. Bring this ad & receive 20% OFF your total purchase.
We offer an exclusive collection of ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FREE Mattresses and Accessories and have something for everyone at all prices…..a truly ONE OF A KIND store! Over 30 Years Family Experience. Once a Customer, Always a Customer. Education is our top priority.
Platform Beds, Headboards, Adjustable Bases, Toppers, Pillows, Sheets, & Crib Mattresses.
From one of our satisfied NY customers.
We were interested in an Organic Mattress Inc. innerspring mattress set, so made the lengthy trip from western New York to the Hibernate Bedding store in Bernardsville, NJ. Our experience with Pam and her operation was well worth the investment of our time. From the moment we entered the store, Pam was welcoming, attentive and worked hard to understand our needs and concerns. The "white glove" delivery process was flawless. We can't recommend Hibernate Bedding and their products highly enough following our very satisfactory experience.
Free Delivery 2
Free Set Up
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
Free Removal
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Natural Health and Beauty Products. Holistic and Traditional Medicines. Unmatched Expertise.
Disease begins in the gut.
Test. Don’t Guess. 1 in 7 people suffer from a wheat related disorder. If you think you may be suffering from any undiagnosed digestive issues, you may benefit from this highly accurate, quantifiable test. The Vibrant Wellness Wheat Zoomer Test can identify and decipher celiac disease, leaky gut, gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, wheat sensitivity and other autoimmune reactions.
Vibrant Wellness tests include: • Micronutrient • Assorted gut health tests • Food sensitivities • Food additives • Cardiometabolic Call 908-658-4900 and make an appointment today.
SHIPPING
VIP CONCIERGE
& SHIPPING SERVICES
We’ll deliver or ship right to your door. $3.00 delivery charge.
Spend $50 Get 15% off Every time. In store or by phone only
75 Washington Valley Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921 • 908.658.4900 • valleypharmacyrx.com Located next to Fresh Market • Current hours: Monday-Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm April 2022
3
Contents
Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
16 14
12 NATURE SPEAKS
24
Storytelling Connects Kids to the Natural World
14 TECHNOLOGY MEETS NATURE
Apps Bring Us Closer to Flora and Fauna
20 SPIRITED STRIDES
Power Walk to Better Fitness
20 BRIAN SAUDER
on Faith-Based Grassroots Change
12
22 EARTH DAY 2022
Focuses on Collective Responsibility
24 WHY WE NEED WILD PLACES
How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes
28 EATING FOR THEPLANET Diet for a Climate Crisis
34 PEST CONTROL
Keeping Dogs Safe from Ticks and Fleas
ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 908-405-1515 or email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Kathy@ NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email calendar events to: Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. 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 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.
4
20
36 BUZZ-FREE DRINKING The Healthy Rise of NonAlcoholic Beverages
DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 10 health briefs 12 healthy kids 14 green living 16 global briefs 18 eco tip 20 fit body 20 wise words 28 conscious eating
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
33 34 36 39 40 41 42
yoga corner natural pet healing ways teen voices calendar classifieds business directory 46 crossword
publisher letter
HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
From Normal to New Normal
I
have been writing publisher letters every month for 12 years. It is always exhausting when I wait till the last day to get started, but here I am again. I find myself not remembering if or how much I have written on change, life, gratitude, etc., and this always presents a challenge in being creative. This time will be no different. Yet, in some ways, it works for me. Today I have been pondering Earth Asta & Joe Dunne, Publishers Day and the impact our thinking and decision-making has on our lives and on this planet. These important issues have measurable consequences that affect us all and the generations of children that will follow. Several years ago, I wrote a piece about plastics. The spark came from walks in Breezy Point, New York, during low tide. Pens, cups, bags, containers, gallon milk jugs, and every other conceivable plastic product was scattered along the beach. Unrecognizable objects sitting in tar, seaweed and ocean straw seemed to be asking to be picked up and cleaned up. It almost looked like the environment was crying. That was 30+ years ago. We have come a long way since then; however, there is still much left to address. What can we do? As always, personal responsibility is the starting point. For me, volunteering to clean a river, walk a beach, get involved in our communities, spread awareness is a good place to start. Getting involved making a difference feels right to me. Another impactful moment happened when I was 23 and living in Chicago. In those days, smoking was normal. We smoked everywhere—restaurants, buses, cars, theatres, on the plane—and we littered. Discarding stuff and emptying car ash trays in a parking lot or on the sidewalk was common until the signs and fines for littering started to appear. Television commercials promoted the idea that we all share a common space, so we all need to take care of it a little better. This was pointed out to me directly during a walk on Michigan Avenue in Chicago one bright sunny day. As I was strolling along without a worry in the world, I tossed the core of an apple into the street near the curb without thinking. Within a minute, someone tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I lived here in the city. “No,” I replied, “I do not.” “Well, I do,” he said, “and this is like my living room. Would you throw your trash in your living room?” I did not know what to do or say. He looked at me, kind of shrugged his shoulders, and turned, depositing the apple core in a trash collection bin right next to us. As you can see, I have never forgotten that teaching moment. It has shaped my thinking and decision-making ever since. We have come a long, long way, but awareness, personal responsibility and actions are still in front of us. There is much to do to clean up living rooms and our houses. Our Earth, our responsibilities, to be good stewards should be part of our norm. As a side note, cigarettes thrown in the streets are still litter. And now, discarded masks are everywhere. Please, let’s not make this our new norm. If we want to spread something around, let it be peace. Unlike litter, spreading peace around, talking about it, praying for it, living it, thinking it, believing in it, would be a great New Normal. Pray for Peace
& Asta
CENTRAL NJ EDITION Publisher Joe Dunne Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-1515 • Fax 239-920-5147 Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-912-4569 • 770-867-2101 direct Design & Production Kathy Tarbell Website Kristy Mayer Accounting/Billing Asta Dunne Asta@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-4040
SALES & MARKETING Joe Dunne • Bedminster, NJ 908-405-1515 Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Visit our Facebook page for the latest health updates and information, or to post your events and comments.
NaturalAwakeningsCentralNewJersey
NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder COO/Franchise Sales Production Designer Financial Manager Asst. Director of Ops Digital Content Director National Advertising Administrative Asstistant
Sharon Bruckman Joe Dunne Gabrielle W-Perillo Yolanda Shebert Heather Gibbs Rachael Oppy Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Kristy Mayer
Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 NaturalAwakenings.com
© 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
Please Recycle
April 2022
5
Directory of Display Advertisers Thank you for being part of our community! 7 Chakras Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Be Here Now Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Be the Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 CardFly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Center for Advanced Health . . . . . . . . 47 Through Dentistry
CopperZap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Dr. Andy Rosenfarb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Dr. Clare Larkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Full Circle Energy Therapies . . . . . . . . 13 Guna Allergy Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Health Yeah with Michelle . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hibernate Bedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Holistic Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Hunterdon Integrative Physicians . . . 35 Hypnosis Counseling Center . . . . . . . . 11 KnowWEwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
news briefs
Health Yeah With Michelle
C
an a life coach be life changing? Yes. In the same way that a gym trainer or business mentor can make all the difference to one’s success, working with a life coach can pave the way to achieving a broad range of goals through individualized support and targeted motivation. When it comes to starting a wellness journey, Michelle LaVecchia Odendahl, founder of Health Yeah With Michelle, knows that it can seem quite scary for many, especially if it requires making major life changes. “Creating new eating habits, adapting a better sleep routine or beginning a new exercise regimen sounds easy until you try to do it,” shares Odendahl. “And it’s especially challenging when you have become so used to relaxing while sitting stationary. As a life coach, I’m there to help you hold on to your vision and keep your promises to yourself.” Odendahl is internationally certified in both health and wellness. She has proven to dramatically alter the lives of many in a positive way by supporting, educating and holding them accountable. With years of experience coaching all ages, including adolescents in growth, gratitude and acceptance, she knows how to support her clients in striving for more while allowing grace for accomplishments this far. Health Yeah With Michelle services include in person or virtual sessions, workshops and retreats. Shares Odendahl, “These are proven tools that help clients discover their true self to manifest the life of their choosing. Ultimately, this leads to a more permanent and positive life shift.” Take the first step. New clients are invited to schedule a complimentary health assessment for development of a customized plan of action together. Today is always the best day to start making a change. Location: 243 N. Union St., Ste 201, Lambertville. For more information, call 973-420-9220, email healthyeahwithmichelle@hotmail.com and visit HealthYeahWithMichelle.com. See ad, page 9.
Natural Awakenings Singles . . . . 31, 43
Hypnosis Counseling Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary
New Jersey Natural Medicine . . . . . . . 17 Ondov Relationship Coaching . . . . . . 40 Paint with T-Anya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Personally Yours Lingerie . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Qi Gong for Healing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Quantum Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 RegeneSpine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Samsara Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Sunrise Nutrition Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The Hair For Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Hemp Oil Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Valley Integrative Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . 3 Whole Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 * New / Returning Advertisers
Let them know you found them in Natural Awakenings Central NJ!
6
F
or more than 35 years, Hypnosis Counseling Center (HCC) has helped individuals achieve lasting and positive life changes—overcoming issues like smoking, overeating, and stress—to lead healthier, happier lives. Founder Barry Wolfson, BA, MS, is justifiably proud that HCC programs have been offered in over 30 adult education schools in NJ and PA. “As the regional authority in hypnotherapy, we work closely with clients to achieve lifechanging goals with a high degree of attention, encouragement and personal support,” states Wolfson. “Even after all these years, it’s exciting to see people learn through hypnosis how to make significant changes in their lives and well-being.” HCC is a full-service counseling service that offers traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in both private and group settings. Its diverse clientele includes acting as consultants for the State of New Jersey and providing tailor-made programs for Fortune 500 corporations. It also regularly holds adult education seminars, works with hospitals and fitness centers, and meets with individuals that want to better their lives. Virtual and in person hypnosis classes will be held on April 9 and April 11. Please see the calendar on page 40 for details. Location: Offices in Flemington, Princeton and Livingston, NJ, and virtual appointments are available. For more information, call 908-303-7767, email barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com or visit HypnosisCounselingCenter.com. See ad, page 11.
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
April 2022
7
news briefs
Restore Your Hair Without Surgery
O
ver 5 million women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Some of the conditions may be hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorder, autoimmune disease, stress and a unique disorder called trichotillomania (hair pulling). The Hair for Life Center has developed a non-surgical solution called the Intralock Process™. After years of research and testing, this proprietary method of hair enhancement blends real human hair strands between fine thinning areas to make hair full again. The procedure can take as little as 2 to 3 hours to restore a full head of hair without the use of glue or damage to existing hair. Since 100% real human hair is applied, clients can wash, condition and use any styling tools desired on their newly restored head of hair. There are no special restrictions or limitations put on day-to-day activities. The Hair for Life Center offers free private consultations with a free demonstration. The center’s hair experts want clients to actually see how they could look with their hair restored. “We know how important hair is for women. We feel that for women hair is not a luxury—it’s a necessity!” Location: 163 Engle St., Bldg. 4A, Englewood. For more information and to schedule a free private consultation, call 201-731-3530. Learn more at TheHairForLifeCenter.com. See ad, page 11.
Allergies: A Common Problem with a Natural Solution
L
ike many other immune system disorders, allergies are an immune balance disorder. Allergic symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, excess tear production, cough, struggling to breathe and rashes are often the body’s over-reaction to common allergens like pollen, animal dander and dust.* Guna Biotherapeutics has developed a range of products to address these symptoms without the side-effects of conventional medicines. Featured products include Guna Allergy which temporarily relieves sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes for the year-round allergy sufferer; Guna Hay Fever Relief which temporarily relieves hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, inflamed and runny nose for the seasonal allergy sufferer; and Guna Sinus Plus which temporarily relieves symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis, such as runny nose, headache, mucus buildup, nasal congestion. Guna, Inc., is located in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, and is a licensed U.S. distributor and is the sister company of Guna S.p.a., a leading Italian GMP manufacturer and distributor of top-quality health products in the Integrative and Alternative Medicine field, with a strong focus on research. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are based upon homeopathic principles. Location: 3724 Crescent Court West, Whitehall, PA. For more information, call 484-223-350, email Info@gunainc.com, and visit GunaInc.com. See ad, page 29.
Free Yourself
in the Joy of Creativity Paint with TeaAnya brings the powerful benefits of painting to your location. With unique warmth and a calm approach, Anya helps everyone relax and celebrate their inner artist. No special skills needed but be prepared to be amazed at what you can create.
• • • •
Special Occasions Group Painting One-On-One Sessions Therapeutic Painting
All paint supplies and delicious teas provided. Additional light catering and group rates available. Call for details.
Anya • 973-710-8809 anya@tanyapaint.com
www.tanyapaint.com 8
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Peace, Clarity, and Health are within reach Get Unstuck in All Areas of Your Life! Janet StraightArrow’s unique blend of ancient wisdom with practical methods opens the door for discovering your true self.
Meet Your True Self free of fear & anxiety free from trauma free to grow in love
Awaken
Deep Love, Complete Healing, Practical Spiritual Living.
Shaman, Healer, Teacher, Yogi, Sage
973-647-2500 | BeTheMedicine.com Workshops, Shaman & Reiki Training, Energy Healing Private Sessions | Remote, Virtual, In-Person April 2022
9
health briefs
Avoid Formaldehyde to Sidestep Cognitive Problems
Eat Lots of Fiber to Improve Melanoma Outcomes
olga/AdobeStock.com
Workers exposed over years to formaldehyde may experience thinking and memory problems later in life, researchers at the University of Montpellier, in France, have concluded. Their study published in the journal Neurology surveyed and tested more than 75,000 people with an average age of 58. Of those, 8 percent were exposed to formaldehyde through their occupations as nurses; caregivers; medical technicians; workers in the textile, chemistry and metal industries; carpenters and cleaners. The risk of developing thinking and memory problems was an average of 17 percent higher in people that were exposed to formaldehyde on the job than those with no such exposure. People exposed to formaldehyde for 22 years or longer had a 21 percent higher risk of cognitive impairment.
A new type of immunotherapy that enables T-cells to fight cancer cells is proving hopeful for people with the deadly skin cancer melanoma, and a new study has found that a high-fiber diet improves the effectiveness of the therapy. Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported in Science that, by analyzing the gut microbiome in hundreds of patients, they found that higher dietary fiber intake was linked with disease non-progression among patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade therapy compared to patients eating little fiber. The results were strongest in patients that ate the most dietary fiber, but did not take probiotics, a finding that was replicated with lab animals.
knartz/AdobeStock.com``
When used together, the plant alkaloid berberine and the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve work synergistically to significantly improve total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, reports a new study in Gut Microbes from Shanghai Jiao Tung University, in China. Researchers tested 365 diabetes patients at 20 centers throughout the country, giving them either a placebo, one of the two substances or both. Comparing post-meal blood samples after 12 weeks, patients that had taken both the berberine and the probiotic had significantly better cholesterol readings and experienced positive changes in the gut microbiome, as well as better fatty acid metabolism.
10
Try Fenugreek to Boost Male Fertility and Health Fenugreek, an herb used in Indian curries and Middle Eastern cuisine, has been shown in studies to increase breast milk production in women, and a 12-week study of 100 men has found that it also boosts male testosterone and fertility. A research team at King George’s Medical University, in Lucknow, India, gave 500 milligrams a day of an extract made from fenugreek seeds to men that ranged in ages from 35 to 60. Sperm motility, or movement, significantly increased at eight and 12 weeks of treatment, while abnormal sperm morphology significantly decreased at 12 weeks. Testosterone levels, cholesterol markers and libido also improved. Higher levels of alertness were documented, along with lower blood pressure.
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
swapan/AdobeStock.com
Consider Berberine and Probiotics to Improve Cholesterol
READY TO LOSE WEIGHT? SPRING INTO SHAPE!
Spring into Shape with Hypnosis It’s Springtime! You’ve been hibernating over the winter and it’s now that time to get back into shape, especially before the bathing suit season. If you diet, you know the routine: you get serious and lose some weight, feel better and relax, and the lost weight comes back. How can we stop the yo-yo dieting? Hypnosis, that’s how. It’s been proven the most effective way to lose weight by Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Mt Sinai, Dr. Oz and Dateline NBC. The problem lies not in the body, but the mind. Attitudes toward ourselves and food lead to our behaviors and resulting physical health. If we can get beneath the surface and look at psychological factors involved, we can change our relationship to food forever. Hypnosis teaches how to eat satisfying, healthy meals, get to an ideal weight, and stay there. At the Hypnosis Counseling Center, we assess your past experiences your current patterns. We identify the subconscious elements that contribute to unhealthy attitudes and develop a plan unique to your needs. Each client receives
a personalized audio tape that reaffirms the positive messages needed to get healthier each day. Imagine putting down the guiltand-reward approach to weight loss, enjoying a variety of foods again, and seeing the pounds you want to lose drop away! Joseph, after losing 105 pounds, writes, “I feel confident that I am not going to gain back the weight…I wish I had attended this class years sooner!” Hypnosis is safe, medically approved, and best of all, it works. Barry Wolfson, MS is the Director of the Hypnosis Counseling Center which has been in practice 35 years. The center also provides classes to help people build confidence, overcome anxiety, and quit smoking. So, if you have the desire to change something in your life and the willingness to do it… you can, with hypnosis. The Hypnosis Counseling Center is located at 28 Mine St., Flemington, with additional offices in Princeton and Livingston. For more information, go to HypnosisCounselingCenter.com or call 908-303-7767.
As seen on Dr. Oz, Hypnosis is the most effective way to lose weight! As Proven in Studies at Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Mt. Sinai Hospital. Whether you need to lose 5 pounds or 50, our time-tested methods will help you reach your target weight... and stay there.
908-303-7767
HypnosisCounselingCenter.com
Like us on
NJ’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS WITH 35 YEARS OF PROVEN SUCCESS! 28 Mine Street, Flemington 5 E. Northfield Ave., Livingston • 43 Tamarack Cir., Princeton
Regain A Full Head Of Hair! without
Needling, Injectables or Lasers If you’ve tried other approaches to regain your hair and been disappointed with the results, visit us today for a free consultation.
We can guarantee you a full, beautiful head of hair in 2 to 3 hours! Results last up to 3 years.
Call 201-731-3530 Today
to Reserve Your Free Private Consultation before
after
Over 30 years experience helping women with hair loss.
The Hair for Life Center
163 Engle St., Bldg 4A, Englewood, NJ
TheHairForLifeCenter.com April 2022
11
healthy kids
Nature Speaks STORYTELLING CONNECTS KIDS TO THE NATURAL WORLD
C
hildren are natural storytellers with imaginations that shape their play and learning. In outdoor settings, everything from puddles to pine cones can engage children and draw them closer to the natural world, opening up a lifelong appreciation of natural environments. Connecting with nature also improves creativity, academic performance and attentiveness, while reducing stress and aggressive behavior, a body of research shows. Organizations, like the Wilderness Awareness School, a Duvall, Washington-based nonprofit, work to help children and adults cultivate healthy relationships with nature,
12
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
community and self. “We find that children who feel at home in the outdoors are often more resourceful, creative and allow for curiosity to naturally unfold,” says Leah Carlson, director of marketing and communications at Wilderness Awareness School. “Allowing them to play freely and explore in nature is a wonderful way to build resilience and resourcefulness. When children can be intrigued through a story, it also allows them to understand their own outdoor experiences. They become more
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
martina/AdobeStock.com
natalia/AdobeStock.com
by Carrie Jackson
“We find that children who feel at home in the outdoors are often more resourceful, creative and allow for curiosity to naturally unfold.” –Leah Carlson
Connect with writer Carrie Jackson at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
LEARN MORE Rootstock Puppet Co.: rootstockpuppet.com Wilderness Awareness School: wildernes sawareness.org Megan Zeni: meganzeni.com
natalia/AdobeStock.com
adept at finding new solutions to problems using the tools they have access to and creative thinking.” Weaving storytelling into their programs helps children understand their outdoor experiences. “Regular time spent with experienced nature mentors, playing games, exploring unique plants and animals and getting excited about the possibilities of nature is how a connection begins. When children are outside, the characters of these stories are the plants, animals, rocks and landforms around them. The suburban tree that was always an obstacle on the sidewalk can be seen through new eyes as a dragon, monkey bars or a red alder,” Carlson explains. Megan Zeni, a public school teacher in Steveston, British Columbia, says there is a global body of research that shows every measure of wellness is improved through time spent outside. She teaches solely outdoors, ensuring that her students have exposure to nature regardless of which neighborhood they live in. “In our modern world, higher-income families generally have better access to green spaces. Incorporating outdoor activities into the school day gives children equitable exposure to nature and outdoor learning,” she explains. Zeni uses both non-fiction and fiction storytelling approaches to teaching. “To learn about water cycles, I’ll have kids jump in puddles, observe where the water goes and track where it is in the community. They’ll then relay a fact-based story based on their observations and experiences. For a lesson on squirrels, I’ll ask the students to imagine where their habitat is, who their family is and what they eat. We use loose parts, which are open-ended items, such as pine cones and sticks, to creatively illustrate the story. “By using storytelling as a measure of knowledge, it is more equitable for students who don’t perform as well using traditional test and essay methods,” she says. Listening to a child’s story can also reveal misconceptions that can be clarified through further exploration and instruction. Storytelling can take on many forms and be enhanced with the use of props. As the artistic director of Rootstock Puppet Co., based in Chicago, Mark Blashford performs puppet theater rooted in stories that promote mutual kindness and ecological awareness. “Puppets are remarkable storytelling agents because, not only can they play characters and support narrative through movement, they can also tell a story from the very material they inhabit,” he says. “Puppets invite kids to exercise empathy by compelling them to accept and invest in the thoughts, feelings and life of another entity.”
By making puppets out of wood and using them to weave environmental awareness into his shows, Blashford helps to put the natural world in perspective. “My show TIMBER! is about an entire forest and a single tree which is home to a family of spotted owls. I want children to see the role of both the forest and the tree in the lives of an owl family. When they fall in love with little wooden puppet owls, they are able to convert the giant concept of deforestation into a manageable scale,” he says. He encourages parents to regularly engage their children with their natural habitat. “Go to your local forest or park, find a tree, name it and check on it as often as you can. Prompt children to ask questions about who they think lives in that tree, why the branches stretch out how they do and what happens at night. As children learn to see the outdoor world as part of their own characters and setting, the stories will develop naturally,” he advises.
Full Circle Energy Therapies Do you need energetic support on your healing journey? This heart-centered approach helps empower individuals to gently peel back layers so they may radiate their true essence and vibrationally align with the life they deserve.
Giving New Meaning to
Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground. Featured Services
Personalized Energy sessions (In person and distance for people & pets) Group Facilitated Breathwork, Sound Healing Transformation Coach
Deep Healing is Our Right. Call today for free consult.
Lori Hoff
Energy Practitioner, Teacher & Coach 2041 Pennington Rd, Ewing Twp
908-268-7169 call/text feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com FullCircleEnergy.net IG: fullcircleenergy FB: fullcircleenergytherapies April 2022
13
green living
TECHNOLOGY MEETS NATURE
APPS BRING US CLOSER TO FLORA AND FAUNA by Sheryl DeVore
W
k.decha/AdobeStock.com
hile exploring Seattle, Jackie Lentz Bowman noticed some bushes filled with pink and orange berries. She discovered she could safely eat them by using the smartphone nature app called iNaturalist (iNaturalist.org). “I learned they were salmonberries and edible,” says the Chicago area photographer and birder. “I just had to try them. They were very similar to raspberries.” Bowman is among a growing number of people using their smartphones to enhance their nature experiences. Phone apps are available for free or a modest price to identify mushrooms, bugs, birds, dragonflies, reptiles, beetles, wildflowers and other flora and fau-
14
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
na. “Whether it is to help identify a plant I’ve taken a photo of or to familiarize myself with what a bird looks like and sounds like, these are tools I’m always glad to have in my back pocket,” she explains. At least 6,300 nature apps were available in 2015, according to Paul Jepson and Richard Ladle, Oxford environmental scholars and co-authors of “Nature Apps: Waiting for the Revolution,” a research paper published in the Swedish environmental journal Ambio. Such programs are only beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible. They write, “As most people own a mobile phone today, the app—though a small device—is a major way conservationists could be reaching a huge audience with transformative possibilities.” Right now, some apps allow the user to point a smartphone to a plant or animal to get instant feedback on its common or scientific name. Others ask the user questions about what they are seeing and suggest an identity based on the answers. Some allow the user to interact with scientists, share their knowledge, record their observations and contribute to science. Perhaps the most popular nature app is iNaturalist, which has all those features and more. “Our mission has been to connect people to nature through technology,” says Scott Loarie, co-director of iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. “By 2030, we want to connect 100 million people to nature to facilitate science and conservation.” The app began as a master’s degree project at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2008, and today 2 million people have recorded about 100 million observations, covering one in six species on the planet. “iNaturalist has grown to the point where it’s helping take the pulse of biodiversity,” he adds. Newcomers are often mentored and helped with identifications by volunteers that are experts in different fields. One example is a worldwide competition called the City Nature Challenge in which beginning and advanced naturalists document urban flora and fauna for several days. During the event, people share their photos of plants and animals on iNaturalist.
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
During Chicago’s Challenge, Eric Gyllenhaal, who blogs about nature on the city’s west side, found an uncommon species. “A Canadian expert helped confirm the identification as a bronze ground beetle native to Europe,” says Cassi Saari, project manager of natural areas for the Chicago Park District. “It’s an introduced species in Illinois and could have implications for wildlife in the region down the line.” Two other nature apps that Loarie likes are eBird (eBird.org) and Merlin (Merlin. AllAboutBirds.org), both administered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York. With eBird, users can report on their phones a list of birds they’re seeing in the wild, including when and where, and the sightings are added to a database for scientific research. Merlin is a field guide app to help folks identify the birds they are seeing. “Merlin has taken on authoring content with great descriptions of birds, something iNaturalist doesn’t do,” Loarie points out. “Merlin also just released sound recognition in the app, so people can identify birds by sound. It’s huge for birders.” Award-winning nature photographer Adriana Greisman, of Phoenix, says she uses both Merlin and iBird (iBird.com), another field guide app, to identify birds in the wild and when processing photos. “These are great resources to identify unknown species and to learn about their behavior.” The favorite app of Joyce Gibbons, a volunteer at the Natural Land Institute, in Rockford, Illinois, is Odonata Central (OdonataCentral.org), which focuses on her passion—dragonflies and damselflies, collectively called odonates. “I’ve loved solitary walks in the woods, prairies and other natural areas since I was a child,” she says. “I’ve always taken photos and tried to ID the many species I’ve observed. Now, with these apps on my phone, I feel like I am actually contributing to the scientific body of knowledge and connecting with other enthusiasts and not just keeping all this joy of discovery to myself.” Sheryl DeVore is an award-winning author of six books on science, health and nature. Connect at SherylDevoreWriter@gmail.com.
Better Vision in 10 Days Most Eye Conditions Are Treatable!
Our Integrative Medical treatment programs provide the best clinical outcomes for our patients.
25 Years of Experience • • • •
MACULAR DEGENERATION GLAUCOMA CATARACTS RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
• • • •
OPTIC ATROPHY DRY EYE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY RETINAL OCCLUSIONS
Mention this ad for a FREE phone consultation. DR. ANDY
R OSENFARB Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
332 S. Avenue E., Westfield, NJ Specializing in Holistic Eye Health • #1 Bestselling Author
908-466-1980 • AcuVisionAcupuncture.com
FREEDOM COMES AT A HIGH PRICE FOR
UKRAINIAN CITIZENS SHOW THEM YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY.
PLEASE DONATE
T O H E L P T H E U K R A I N E H U M A N I TA R I A N C R I S I S . THANK YOU!
April 2022
15
global briefs
Inconvenient Convenience
Plastic On its Way Out at National Parks
Broken Promises
Large Study Addresses Indigenous Biodiversity Decline
A poll by Ipsos conducted for the ocean conservation group Oceana last November found that 82 percent of registered U.S. voters responding would like the National Park Service to stop selling and distributing single-use plastic items. The survey revealed broad appreciation for national parks, with around four in five respondents saying they had been to a park and 83 percent of previous park visitors looking forward to a return visit. Oceana Plastics Campaign Director Christy Leavitt says, “These polling results indicate that Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, want our parks to be unmarred by the pollution caused by single-use plastic.” The results show broad support for a campaign led by Oceana and more than 300 other environmental organizations which sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland asking the parks to end the sale and distribution of plastic beverage bottles, bags, foodware and cutlery, and plastic foam products. The proposed Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would see such a policy enacted if passed. “The National Park Service was created to preserve these natural and historic spaces, and in order to truly uphold that purpose, it needs to ban the sale and distribution of single-use plastic items, many of which will end up polluting our environment for centuries to come, despite being used for only a moment,” says Leavitt.
Simon Fraser University (SFU), in British Columbia, is engaging with more than 150 Indigenous organizations, universities and other partners to highlight the complex problems of biodiversity loss and its implications for health and well-being in the Tackling Biodiversity Decline Across the Globe research initiative. The project is inclusive of intersectional, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary worldviews and methods for research, with activities in 70 different kinds of ecosystems that are spiritually, culturally and economically important to Indigenous peoples. One of the project’s six principal investigators, SFU assistant professor Maya Gislason, of the Faculty of Health Sciences, says, “Our work in health will focus on healing from the stresses and losses caused by colonial practices and on building healthier relationships to nature. By 2027, when the project Airless Tires Increase Safety, Limit Waste completes, healing and Michelin’s new airless tires don’t puncture, so they should last longer, which means well-being will have been fewer tires will need to be produced, thus limiting waste. Their Unique Puncture Proof important considerations Tire System (UPTIS) is an important step on the road to sustainability. The company within the development notes that millions of tires end up in landfills early because of puncture damage, along of holistic and actionable with all the tires that are old and worn out. Disposed tires can become fire hazards, releasing gases, heavy metals and oil into the environment. The U.S. alone produced more solutions intended to improve stewardship and than 260 million scrapped tires in 2019. The new tires can also be made from recycled care for people and the plastic waste, according to industry publication Interesting Engineering. planet.” UPTIS, in development for more than a decade, combines an aluminum wheel with SFU professor John a special “tire” around it comprised of a plastic matrix laced with and reinforced by O’Neil, former dean of the glass fibers. This outer tire is designed to be flexible, yet strong faculty of health sciencenough to support the car. Michelin Technical and Scientific es, says of the enterprise, Communications Director Cyrille Roget says, “It was an “It is unique from many exceptional experience for us, and our greatest satisfaction came at the end of the demonstration when our other large projects in its embrace of governance passengers ... said they felt no difference compared models like ethical space, with conventional tires.” Goodyear has announced Indigenous research meththat the Jacksonville, Florida, Transportation Authorodologies and Indigenous ity will be piloting the company’s own version of an knowledges.” airless tire on its fleet of autonomous vehicles. photo courtesy of Goodyear
Flat-Free
16
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Sea Change
Himalayan Glacier Retreat Bodes Consequences for Millions Glaciers in the Himalayan Mountains have been growing for millions of years, but researchers at England’s University of Leeds conclude in a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports that they are melting at an exceptional rate compared to other glaciers around the world. The Himalayas are home to nine of the world’s 10 highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, and the source of Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze. They contain the third-largest deposit of ice and snow in the world, after Antarctica and the Arctic. Study co-author Jonathan Carrivick, deputy head of the University of Leeds School of Geography, says, “Our findings clearly show that ice is now being lost from Himalayan glaciers at a rate that is at least 10 times higher than the average rate over past centuries ... and coincides with human-induced climate change.” These glaciers release meltwater that forms the headwaters of several major rivers, and their disappearance could threaten agriculture, drinking water and energy production in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. But the impact is not only regional, it includes the effect on sea level rise and the damage that could wreak on coastal communities globally. Carrivick says, “We must act urgently to reduce and mitigate the impact of human-made climate change on the glaciers and meltwater-fed rivers.”
Since 2004 Naturopathic, Chinese & Biological Medicine COMPREHENSIVE & COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
All who come to NJ Natural Medicine benefit from our holistic approach to treatment. Regardless of the reason for the visit, the guiding principal remains constant: to observe and treat the whole person, not just his or her symptoms.
Acupuncture Bio-resonance Therapy Diagnostics Infrared Sauna
Dr. Jason Frigerio ND LAC 2424 Lamington Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 973 267 2650 www.njnaturalmedicine.com
April 2022
17
eco tip
Build faster & more effective business cards than ever before.
When to Eat or Toss Food Americans waste about 40 percent of the food supply every year, which translates to billions of pounds of edible food rotting in landfills and generating dangerous greenhouse gases, along with the dollars leaking out of our wallets. We squander limited resources like water and fuel and needlessly uptick our carbon footprint to produce and transport food that will never be consumed. One major contributor to this problem is expiration labeling— those ambiguous “best before” or “sell by” dates on canned goods, prepared foods, egg cartons, milk jugs and meat packages. Consumers are not quite sure what they mean, and as a result, they often throw out ingredients that are perfectly good to eat. Except for baby formula, the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not require or regulate date labels. Generated by food manufacturers, these cryptic markings convey information about the quality and freshness of products rather than their safety. Experts advise that food that doesn’t show signs of spoilage after a specified date can still be eaten. Instead of allowing a package date to dictate the lifecycle of food, we can rely on an item’s look, smell and taste to make that decision. To become better stewards of the environment, we need to become food conservationists—purchase only what we will consume, plan meals to cook the most perishable items first, scrape the fuzz off sour cream or yogurt, snip off the mold on a block of cheese, freeze items we aren’t going to consume in a timely manner, and eat everything on our plates. WHAT LABELS MEAN Best if used by/before date indicates when a product is at peak quality and flavor.
Exchanging information is important—now it is pretty, professional and customizable with CardFly, a digital business card that keeps all your information in one place. Perfect for: Organizations, realtors, personal cards, pictures, videos, interactive connections. Creativity galore.
Start Making Your Life Easier Today! Scan the QR code cardfly.io/?ref=joe97 18
Freeze by date denotes when an item should be frozen to maintain peak quality. Sell by date tells a retailer how long to display the product for sale. ACTUAL FOOD LIFE SPAN Milk lasts seven to 10 days after the “sell by” date. If it smells bad, chuck it. Otherwise, it’s safe. Eggs typically stay fresh in the fridge three to five weeks past the “pack date.” Meat should be cooked or frozen within two days of bringing it home. Cheese lasts refrigerated from one to eight weeks. Harder, aged varietals last longer. It’s safe to remove mold and continue enjoying the rest. Canned goods don’t expire. The “best by” or “use by” dates only relate to peak freshness, flavor and texture. Store in a cool, dark place, and don’t buy bulging, dented, leaking or rusted cans. Fruits and vegetables with blemishes taste the same, are a fraction of the cost and safe to eat.
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
lanych/AdobeStock.com
Expiration Dates
Stay In The Game with
Regenerative Medicine
It’s not just for professional athletes any more.
If staying in the game is a priority,
Call 609-570-6980 Today to schedule a free informational call.
Regenerative Medicine utilizes your own cells, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to facilitate your body’s natural ability to heal from orthopedic and spine problems that were previously treated with steroids and surgery. We specialize in treating pain in the spine and joints including osteoarthritis. With minimal down time, Regenerative Medicine can help you return to work, sports and activities quickly. For over 15 years, Dr. Roman has provided care to thousands of patients including professional athletes with various spine and joint disorders, arthritis, and pain issues.
609-570-6980 | info@regenespine.com Offices in Mercerville and Cedar Knolls, NJ & NYC. Stephen J. Roman, Jr., M.D.
RegeneSpine.com April 2022
19
fit body
Spirited Strides POWER WALK TO BETTER FITNESS by Marlaina Donato
W
e all know that the more steps we take in a day the better. The Mayo Clinic advocates walking regularly to keep bad cholesterol in check, maintain a heart-healthy weight and keep blood pressure within a normal range. Power walking—going a mile in under 15 minutes—amps up cardiovascular benefits and takes metabolic conditioning to a new level. Power walking involves taking longer strides, moving at 4.5 to 5.5 miles per hour and using the arms to propel motion, with or without light weights. “With this more intensive exercise, in comparison to everyday walking, one should note that their breathing is harder and their heart rate is faster with power walking. Compared to someone who walks at a casual pace, a power walker can expect lower blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar and cholesterol numbers,” says Jason C. Robin, M.D., director of cardio oncology at North Shore University Health System, in Glenview, Illinois.
maridav/AdobeStock.com
Walking as a Workout
20
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
In cases of severe coronary artery disease, certain heart muscle disorders, known as cardiomyopathy or valvular diseases, Robin recommends seeing a doctor before taking up fitness walking, but emphasizes, “Obvious injuries or illnesses aside, power walking is great for all ages, genders, sizes and fitness levels and is, in general, very safe with very few contraindications.” He suggests aiming for 15 minutes or less on a first endeavor, and after one week increasing the time to 20 to 25 minutes, eventually working up to 30 minutes. To complement power walking, he recommends resistance
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
training to increase muscle strength and tone, protect joints from injury, and improve flexibility and balance. Dave McGovern, walking coach and author of The Complete Guide to Competitive Walking: Racewalking, Power Walking, Nordic Walking and More!, points out, “The impact forces of walking, even high-level racewalking, can be one-third of what runners experience, so it’s a lot easier on the joints. Power walking doesn’t have many rules.” A 30-year veteran of the U.S. National Racewalk Team, McGovern underscores the importance of starting out with a regular, easy walk before progressing to a more vigorous pace. To avoid and reduce injury, he advocates mindfulness of correct posture and taking shorter, faster steps rather than long, stomping strides. He trains on a variety of surfaces, including everyday roads, tartan (rubber) running tracks, treadmills, dirt trails, grass, and even the occasional concrete sidewalk. “Changing up surfaces uses your muscles in different ways, which can help prevent overuse injuries that crop up from too much training on the same surfaces day in, day out,” he says.
Practical Essentials For optimal results on any surface, proper footwear is vital. “We would typically recommend a running shoe for any fitness-based walking,” says Josh Saint Cyr, store manager at New Balance, in Highland Park, Illinois. He notes that the right shoes are designed to help align gait and avoid pronation or supination that prompts the ankle to roll inward or outward with movement. “For a more customized experience, someone with medium or lower arches would want a shoe from the stability running section, and someone with higher arches would want a shoe from the cushioned running section.” In cases of tight calf muscles, Saint Cyr recommends stretching as a daily practice, even on non-exercise days. “Rollers or massage guns can be useful for immediate relief, but ultimately, stretching will help by reducing or eliminating tightness.”
Taking it Up a Notch Racewalking, the competitive and highly technical variety of power walking, takes place at track meets. “After you’ve built a base of miles, you can start sprinkling in some longer and faster workouts, and maybe even think about competition,” says McGovern. “There is a bit more technique involved in competitive racewalking, but once you get the hang of it, it will allow you to go much faster.” In the end, having a goal can be the best motivator. “For the athletes I coach, many of them in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond, racewalking and power walking gives a purpose to their workouts,” says McGovern. “One of my athletes has said that she hates to work out, but loves to train. Having the goal of a race over the horizon gives a lot of athletes a reason to get out the door every day.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.
MATRIX REPATTERNING
Your body holds onto
trauma on a cellular level.
Matrix Repatterning is a revolutionary treatment that offers healing from concussions, impact injuries, headaches, acute and chronic pain. Learn more at MatrixRepatterningNJ.com. Call 908-930-0628 today to begin your journey back to normal.
Dr. Clare M. Larkin, DC, CMRP drlarkin@optonline.net DrClareLarkin.com conveniently located in Warren
Feeling Vibrant is Natural (at least it should be)
Imbalances in a woman’s health can feel like being bombarded (or ambushed) from within. Life can become uncomfortable, irritating, painful and even sad. Ayurveda uses natural and holistic methods to address these imbalances allowing vitality in body/mind/emotion to flow more freely.
Menopause • Infertility • Digestive issues Sleep Disorders • Anxiety/Stress Free 30 Minute Consults
908-251-1200 7ChakrasWellness.com
Jennifer Agugliaro AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER
April 2022
21
wise words
Brian Sauder on
Faith-Based Grassroots Change by Sandra Yeyati
W
ith degrees in natural resource management, environmental science, religion and business administration, Mennonite Reverend Brian Sauder is an adjunct professor at two Illinois seminary schools, as well as president and executive director of Faith in Place, a Midwest nonprofit headquartered in Chicago that helps diverse faith-based groups become community leaders in a shared quest for environmental, social and racial justice.
spiritualities calling out environmental racism and organizing the community to take action. We view ourselves in that historical lineage, with a mission to provide the tools, resources and programming for our faith partners to continue to advance these valuable pursuits.
How does Faith in Place work?
It’s very grassroots. We believe in a Green Team model, which is a core group of people within a faith community, anywhere from three to 30 individuals, depending on the size of the community. Through coaching, we help teams evaluate the community’s needs and assets, set goals for the year, and create a strategic plan to address needs through programming, advocacy and a network of nonprofit partners.
Why are Green Teams effective in bringing about change?
The messenger matters. When you work with a community, it’s the people in that community that are going to understand the culture, the theology, the context, the history, the politics of the local body; so they understand how to meet people where they’re at and how to talk about these issues in a way that’s effective and attainable.
quangho/Shutterstock.com
Can you describe a noteworthy Faith in Place project?
How are places of faith uniquely positioned to address environmental and racial justice?
If you look at the history of the U.S. environmental justice movement, from Warren County, North Carolina, where black church women laid their bodies on the road to stop toxic waste dump trucks in their community, to Dr. Benjamin Chavis’ coining of the phrase “environmental racism” through the United Church of Christ, there’s a legacy of people of faith and diverse
22
We partnered with a Green Team that wanted to address the need of hunger in their community by turning four acres of land that they had into a congregation-supported agriculture project (CSA), where people paid upfront to get a weekly bushel of produce grown on the land, while the church tithed 10 percent of it to local food pantries. Over several years, we helped them write a business plan, approach the committee structure of the church, hire a farmer, set up a legal structure and launch Sola Gratia Farm, which today is employing a bunch of people and stocking local food pantries with fresh tomatoes, kale, fruits and vegetables grown right there in the community. Once Faith in Place shared this story, other faith partners wanted to replicate it. We now support five different CSAs across Illinois.
Does Faith in Place welcome all denominations?
Absolutely. Whether it’s an institution of religion or a spiritual
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
being reevaluated and reshaped, cover sustainable food and land use, climate change and energy, environmental advocacy, youth empowerment, and water and flooding prevention. We also advocate to policymakers. Last year in Illinois, Green Teams helped pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act by convincing legislators to not only reduce carbon emissions, but also prioritize employment opportunities in the new green economy for high-unemployment neighborhoods.
“One way to describe justice is love in action.” tradition, people are bringing the wisdom of the ages to bear on understanding the moment we’re in. Everything is connected, and the ecological crisis is a spiritual crisis. The healing of me and the healing of you and the healing of Earth are bound together, and this mutuality is core to all our different spiritualities and traditions. At our annual Green Team summit, people from different regions, backgrounds and religions come together, all united by the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land where our food is grown and a deep sense of calling and purpose. It’s hope-inspiring in a world that is so divided.
What is your philosophy concerning the intersection between faith and environmental and social justice?
We’ve got to be committed to the transformation that we seek. Our spirituality calls us to remember how connected we are. One way to describe justice is love in action—a love that begins with ourselves—and as we love ourselves more deeply, it spurs outward action that seeks to dismantle injustice.
What areas of environmental justice do you focus on? A Green Team might say, “We have an issue with lead pipes in our communities,” or, “We have an issue with high schoolage youth needing employment.” Our programs, which are shaped by the needs of our Green Teams and are constantly
Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.
EARTH DAY 2022 Focuses on Collective Responsibility
romolo tavani/AdobeStock.com
by Ronica A. O’Hara
Invest in Our Planet
As 1 billion people around the globe gather to mark Earth Day on April 22, they will be focusing on an increasingly critical goal: the need for everyone—governments, citizens and businesses—to do their part to combat climate change.
“Everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable,” is the day’s emerging motto. While Earth Day themes over the past 52 years have often centered on specific issues, such as plastic pollution and deforestation, this year’s broader theme, “Invest In Our Planet,” reflects a growing consensus that, at such a critical point for the Earth’s future, governments will not solve the climate crisis by themselves. “Like the industrial, space and information revolutions, all sectors of society can and must play major roles—this time with the extraordinary responsibilities to get it right,” reads a statement from EarthDay. org. Activism involves not only lowering carbon emissions, but also making sure that the benefits of the coming Green Revolution are spread evenly throughout society, the statement says. “In 2022, we all must enter into one partnership for the planet,” says Earth Day President Kathleen Rogers. Events, such as rallies and social media campaigns, aim to encourage action and legislation, as well as educate on corporate and personal sustainability. Art shows allow attendees to visualize a better future while data collection for citizen-based science research and workshops find ways to build local green economies. All are appropriate ways to participate this Earth Day, as well as clean-up campaigns and tree plantings. To learn about personal actions, including step-by-step instructions on how to organize an event, visit EarthDay.org. Help celebrate victories and support future progress by participating in local Earth Day 2022 events. April 2022
23
Why We Need
WILD PLACES How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes by Sheryl DeVore
O
n a blustery day, Julian Hoffman stood outdoors and watched wild bison grazing in the restored grassland of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, fewer than 50 miles from downtown Chicago. For him, it was a wild place, affording a glimpse of what North America looked like hundreds of years ago when bison roamed the continent by the millions. “We’re witnessing, in a way that’s both terrible and tragic, just what the profound cost is of continuing to destroy the natural world,” he writes. Saving wild places is critical for human health and well-being, say both scientists and environmentalists. But defining what a wild place is or what the word wilderness means can be difficult, says Hoffman, author of Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our
24
Wild Places. “If wilderness means a place untouched by humans, then none is left,” he says. Even the set-aside wildernesses where no one may have ever stepped have been altered through climate change, acid rain and other human interventions. Humans are also losing the wilderness that is defined as land set aside solely for plants and creatures other than humans. Prominent naturalist David Attenborough, whose most recent documentary is A Life on Our Planet, says that in 1937, when he was a boy, about 66 percent of the world’s wilderness areas remained. By 2020, it was down to 35 percent.
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
gajus/AdobeStock.com
A wild place can be as spectacular as Yellowstone, a 3,500square-mile national park in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, filled with hot springs, canyons, wolves, and elk. It can also be as simple as a sky filled with a murmuration, or gathering, of thousands of swooping starlings, which once caused two teens to stop taking selfies and photograph the natural scene above them instead, as Hoffman witnessed in Great Britain. Such regions that offer vast tracts of natural beauty and biodiversity are even found in and around major cities like Chicago, says Chicagoland nature blogger Andrew Morkes. “A wild place is also where you don’t see too many people, or any people, and you can explore,” he says. “You can walk up a hill and wonder what’s around the next bend.” “A wild place could be a 15-minute drive from home where we can walk among plants in a meadow, or a tree-lined street, or front and back yard, if landscaped with wild creatures in mind,” says Douglas Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts with Your Yard.
Sustaining Our Species
because people in the early 1900s fought to protect and preserve what they could already see was rapidly diminishing,” Hoffman says. “In the year 2022, we are the beneficiaries of those past actions. Yet less than 5 percent of those old-growth redwood groves are left, and we live in an age where we’re losing an extraordinary range of wild species; for example, 3 billion birds have disappeared from the skies of North America in just the past 50 years. That’s why people need to continue to fight for wild spaces.”
“We need these places to save ourselves,” says Tallamy, who heads the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. “Humans are totally dependent on the production of oxygen and clean water, and that happens with the continued existance of flowering plants, which are dependent on the continued existence of all the pollinators. When you lose the pollinators, you lose 90 percent of the flowering plants on the Earth. That is not an option if we want to stay alive and healthy.” Our mental and emotional health is also at stake. According to a recent overview in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, studies have shown that natural settings can lower blood pressure, reduce depression and anxiety, and help the immune system function better. People have saved wild places over time, of course. “The world’s ancient redwoods are still with us today
daniel prudek/AdobeStock.com
Community Crusaders In researching his book, Hoffman went looking for wild-space struggles. In Glasgow, Scotland, he met people that fought to save an urban meadow from being turned into a luxury home development. “I’d never experienced as much joy in any one place as when I spent time with the community fighting to preserve this tiny meadow,” he recalls. “They campaigned and lobbied politicians, and eventually, the government backed down. And now the whole community is able to enjoy this site where a lot of urban wildlife thrives.” Once-wild places may also need human help to again become wild refuges. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where Hoffman saw the buffalo, “was once an arsenal for the production of extraordinary quantities of ordnance for a number of wars,” he says. After hundreds of die-hard volunteers dug out invasive plants, scattered seed and documented wildlife on the 18,000-acre prairie, visitors can now walk among big bluestem and golden alexander, and listen for the sweet song of meadowlarks in the grasslands and chorus frogs in the wetlands. Conservation volunteers working to save wild places hail from every state. In fact, nearly 300,000 volunteers contribute more than 6.5 million hours of volunteer service a year to the U.S. National Park Service, from leading tours to studying wildlife and hosting campgrounds. April 2022
25
CREATING A WILD SPACE AT HOME In their book The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, University of Delaware ecology professor Douglas Tallamy and landscape designer Rick Darke show how to create wild spaces in yards, including what and where to plant and how to manage the land. They advise homeowners to: Stop using pesticides and herbicides. Replace non-native plants with those native to the region. Reduce lawn space, converting it to native plants. Leave leaf litter, withering plants and dying trees alone to provide shelter and food for wildlife. n Create a small pond or another water feature. n n n n
“Mourning cloak butterflies overwinter as mature adults. If you say, ‘Hey, let’s just clean up all of that so-called leaf litter,’ you could be cleaning up the habitat of mourning cloaks and killing them,” says Darke, who has served as a horticultural consultant for botanic gardens and other public landscapes in Texas, Maryland, New York, Illinois and Delaware. “That’s not litter. It’s meaningful habitat. “A dead tree in your home landscape, called a snag, often contributes as much to the local ecology as a living tree,” he adds. “For example, woodpeckers build nests in holes or cavities in a snag, and countless insects find shelter and nourishment in the organic material of the snag.”
One doesn’t have to be an environmental crusader to save wild places, Hoffman stresses. Exploring local wild places and sharing them with others can help save them, as well. “We can only protect those places that we love,” he says. “And we can only love those places that we know.” Sadly, roughly 100 million people, including 28 million children, do not have access to a quality park within 10 minutes of home, according to The Trust for Public Land. Projects, such as the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, which enables urban communities to create outdoor spaces, can help. The U.S. Department of the Interior committed $150 million to the program in 2021. “Every child in America deserves to have a safe and nearby place to experience the great outdoors,” says Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
LEARN MORE
Tallamy says one of the most important ways to get people to appreciate and save wild places is to begin in their own yards. “We have wilderness designations. We have national forests. We have national parks. We have 12 percent of the U.S. protected from development,” he says. “Yet, we are in the sixth great extinction. Our parks and our preserves are not enough. My point is that we have got to focus on the areas outside of parks and preserves.” He urges what he calls a “homegrown national park,” in which homeowners, land managers and farmers create a habitat by replacing invasive plants with native species. Tallamy speaks from experience. He lives on a 10-acre former farm in Oxford, Pennsylvania. “It had been mowed for hay and Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative, by Florence Williams Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our Wild Places, by Julian Hoffman A Life on Our Planet, Netflix documentary by David Attenborough Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts with Your Yard, by Douglas Tallamy The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, by Rick Darke and Douglas Tallamy
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
eurobanks/AdobeStock.com
A Homegrown National Park
26
when we moved in, very little life was here,” he says. “We have been rebuilding the eastern deciduous forest here, getting invasive plants under control and replanting with species that ought to be here.” He’s now counted more than 1,400 different species of moths on his property and documented 60 species of birds nesting within the landscape. “We have foxes who raise their kits in the front yard,” he says. Lots of acreage is not required, he says. In Kirkwood, Missouri, homeowners created a wild place on six-tenths of an acre on which they’ve documented 149 species of birds. “If one person does it, it’s not going to work,” he stresses. “The point is to get those acres connected. When everybody adopts this as a general landscape culture, it’s going to help tremendously. By rewilding your yard, you are filling in spaces between the true wild places and natural areas. The reason our wild spaces are not working in terms of conservation is because they are too small and too isolated. Even the biggest national parks are too small or too isolated.” Tallamy says people can create wild spaces in their yards by reducing the amount of lawn they have or even getting rid of it. They can grow native plants and discontinue the use of pesticides and herbicides, which are disrupting ecological function of wild places the world over, as research shows. Hoffman agrees, “We’ve
cultivated a culture of tidiness. It’s actually very easy to welcome wildlife into your home places, often by doing fewer things, by not bringing the leaf blower out and by leaving some dead wood where it fell, which creates important shelters for insects, for example. “Such wild yard spaces encourage wonder. Suddenly, the kids are out there and they can be absolutely fascinated by a small glittering beetle. For me, to experience the wild is to go to the shore of a lake, to be present in the mystery, to be among the lake’s reed beds, to see a marsh harrier sleek out of those reeds and to know you’re part of something much larger,” he says. “There’s so much joy and beauty and complexity in being in the presence of other lives besides human.” That in itself is reason enough to save wild places. Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as health and environmental stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.
Nutrition is the Foundation of your Health. Strengthen Your Immunity Nourish Your Body Energy For Life Don’t rely only on drugs for your healthcare. You may really be suffering from nutritional deficiencies, toxin overload, chronic infections and bad lifestyle habits.
Affordable fees that fit almost any budget.
Take the first step to better health!
Call Today!
SunriseNutritionCenter.com
bill/AdobeStock.com
137 Mountain Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
QiforGong Healing
classes|seminars|workshops
Classes & Seminars Online Beginner Series / 4 Classes Begin the gentle movements of a Qi Gong Tai Chi Journey with Patty Pagano Not sure? First 1-hour class is FREE!
murray/AdobeStock.com
For info, contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail.com
QiGongForHealing.com or call Fran Maher & Brian Coffey
908-647-1563
April 2022
27
conscious eating
Eating for the Planet DIET FOR A CLIMATE CRISIS
vector mine/AdobeStock.com
by Sheila Julson
W
hat we choose to put on our plates influences not only our physical health, but also the health of the environment. While much of the climate conversation focuses on the burning of fossil fuels, commercial food production—particularly livestock—uses large amounts of land, water and energy. Wasted food contributes to approximately 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Leigh Prezkop, food loss and waste specialist for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), says agriculture accounts for
28
about 70 percent of the world’s fresh water use, while pasture and crop land accounts for about 50 percent of the Earth’s habitable land. “The environmental impacts begin with the soil,” Prezkop explains. “Soil that’s depleted of nutrients loses its ability to capture carbon and produce nutrient-rich foods. The long chain continues with the processing and packaging of that food, and then transporting it to grocery store shelves and, eventually, to the consumer’s home.”
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
Eat Less Meat Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, argues author, screenwriter and playwright Glen Merzer in his latest book, Food Is Climate: A Response to Al Gore, Bill Gates, Paul Hawken & the Conventional Narrative on Climate Change. “When we have 93 million cattle farmed in the U.S. and 31 billion animals farmed globally each year, they create mountains of waste,” says Merzer, a dedicated vegan of 30 years. “That waste infiltrates water
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
supplies and causes contamination, such as E. coli outbreaks, in foods like lettuce and tomatoes that are grown downstream.” He adds that cows belch methane, a far more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and that grass-fed cows belch even more of it than grain-fed, feedlot cows. In addition, nitrogen fertilizers used to grow animal feed run into waterways. Overfishing and ocean warming threaten populations of phytoplankton, which sequester carbon dioxide and seed clouds. Deforestation to create grazing land may be the single greatest future threat to our climate because forests also sequester carbon and provide a home for diverse flora and fauna.
replaced with a roasted vegetables and hummus sandwich or an avocado sandwich. You can still eat something in a familiar form, but replace ingredients with lower-emissions options,” she says. If someone is intimidated by switching to an all plant-based diet, a flexitarian option emphasizing foods from the plant kingdom while enjoying meat only occasionally may be more sustainable throughout a person’s lifetime. Her book contains a “protein scorecard” from the World Resources Institute that lists animal and plant sources in terms of greenhouse gas emissions per gram of protein from the worst offenders to the least, with beef (along with goat and lamb) being at the top. Prezkop recommends eating a wide variety of foods. “Currently, 75 percent of food produced is from 12 plant species and five animal species, despite that there are thousands of varieties. This means there’s less diversity happening in the field. Diversity helps with regeneration and healthy soils. Producing the same crops over and over means there’s no
Make Simple Swaps Prezkop emphasizes that despite these problems with the industrial food chain, changing the way we produce food is also the solution. The WWF works with suppliers to educate and promote regenerative production practices. On the consumer side, changing the way food is produced can be achieved by changing people’s dietary demands. “We don’t prescribe people to eat a certain way. We do believe different people and cultures have different dietary needs,” she says. “The global north eats a lot of meat, so we do recommend a plant-forward diet while still incorporating animal proteins, depending on individual dietary needs.” Merzer argues that we have little control over fossil fuel burning, but we can control our diets. He promotes plant-based eating as a primary solution to climate change. Changing mindsets about “normal” traditions, such as having hamburgers on the Fourth of July or turkey on Thanksgiving, can be difficult, but achievable with the planet at stake, he says. Sophie Egan, founder of FullTableSolutions.com and author of How to Be a Conscious Eater: Making Food Choices That Are Good For You, Others, and the Planet, advises to start small by looking at the foods eaten most frequently and identifying ways to make simple swaps. “If you have toast with butter every morning, that could be changed to a nut butter. A sandwich with cold cuts every day for lunch, that can be April 2022
29
Natural Awakenings is proudly distributed at: Bound Brook (Bridgewater) 319 Chimney Rock Rd.
Clark 1255 Raritan Rd. Unit 150
Madison (Rose City) 222 Main St.
Metuchen 645 Middlesex Ave.
Millburn-Union 2245 Springfield Ave. Vauxhall
Montclair 701 Bloomfield Ave.
Morristown 110 Washington St.
Newark 633 Broad St.
Parsippany 60 Waterview Blvd
Princeton 3495 US Rt 1 S
Ridgewood 44 Godwin Ave.
West Orange 235 Prospect Ave.
crop rotation and no diversity happening, leading to degraded soils and deforestation to produce more of the same crop.” Egan adds that diets that are over-reliant on just a few food sources like corn, wheat, rice and soy threaten the Earth and can lead to food insecurity. “Think of it as risk management with a financial portfolio: We have a diversified portfolio of foods available to feed a growing population, but as the climate warms, extreme weather events threaten yields because lack of fresh water and unhealthy soil threaten the planet and, ultimately, food production.” Eating food that is as close as to its original state as possible is better for the planet. “The more food is processed, the more resources it took to get it to market,” Prezkop notes.
Cut Food Waste Prezkop says approximately 40 percent of the food produced globally is lost while still on the farm or further up the supply chain. “When food is wasted, we’re not just throwing away food, but everything it took to produce that food is also wasted—the water, the fertilizer and the land.” A recent WWF report entitled Driven To Waste cites new data indicating that food waste contributes to approximately 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions—nearly twice the emissions produced annually by all the cars in the U.S. and Europe. Egan suggests using a shopping list; impulse buys can be forgotten and are prone to spoiling. Keeping food visible by putting fruits and vegetables front and center ensures they won’t be forgotten. Leftovers can be kept from languishing by designating a section of the refrigerator for food to eat first or a day of the week to eat leftovers for dinner. “You can freeze just about anything,” Egan says, from leftover bread to cheese, which can be shredded before frozen. Even scrambled eggs can be poured into a freezer container to use later. (For more ideas, check out SaveTheFood.com and Dana Gunders’ Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook.) Nonprofits throughout the country are creating solutions to divert food waste from the landfills. Keep Austin Fed, a nonprofit comprised of mostly volunteers, helps neighbors experiencing food insecurity by redistributing wholesome, nutritious, surplus food from any food-permitted business. Volunteers pick up leftover food from urban gardens, rural farms, grocery stores and caterers serving area tech firms. All prepared food accepted and redistributed is handled by licensed food handlers. Executive Director Lisa Barden says that Keep Austin Fed redistributed 982,428 pounds of food, or the equivalent of 818,695 meals, in 2021, thus keeping it out of the waste stream. Similarly missioned organizations exist nationwide. FoodRescue.us, with 40 locations in 20 states, provides assistance and even a dropoff/pickup app for people starting local groups. Since its founding in 2011, it has provided 85 million meals and kept 109 million pounds of excess food out of landfills. Its website offers a potent plea: “Fight Hunger. Help the Planet. Be the Rescue.” Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.
30
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
elenabsl/AdobeStock.com
“When food is wasted, we’re not just throwing away food, but everything it took to produce that food is also wasted— the water, the fertilizer and the land.” –Leigh Prezkop
Feel the JOY of LOVE again! Join the Largest Online Community of Holistic-Conscious Singles who value Authentic & Loving Relationships Natural Health & Sustainable Living Living a Conscious Life Honoring Diversity
Try for
FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com
High Quality CBD Oil 3rd Party Lab Tested Trusted CBD Brands Drops • Pet Products • Capsules • Sprays • Flower Softgels • Gummies • Topicals • Beauty Products And More! 855-904-4367 3 E Afton Ave Mon-Sat: 10am-6:30pm TheHempOilStore.com Yardley, PA 19067 Sun: Closed April 2022
31
YOUR ONE TRUSTED GLOBAL ONLINE DESTINATION FOR
Regenerative Whole Health™ Benefits 24/7 ACCESS
KnoWEwell is a One-Of-A-Kind Platform that centralizes today’s trusted global knowledge, resources and community to Prevent and Address the Root Causes of Chronic Diseases. Find best-matched Vetted Practitioners. Learn from Top Educators and Experts. Access Evidence-Based Resources. Make Meaningful Connections in Community Topic Groups. Explore Funding Help for Outof-Pocket Costs of Practitioner Services.
Invest in Your Optimal Health & Well-Being.
Visit KnoWEwell.com Today and receive 50% Off your first year.
Practitioners Apply: NANJ20221P | Individuals Apply: NANJ20221 32
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Yoga Corner Four Corners by Nicole Zornitzer
R
ecently, I had a conversation with one of my clients who described how yoga and mindfulness have transformed her. We discussed the power of the four corners of the mat, while seemingly elementary in concept, quite the contrary is true. As I listened to how she feels yoga has affected all aspects of her mind, body and overall wellness, I was inspired to analyze the idea further and relate it to my past articles regarding the power of the yoga mat. A new student often arrives to a yoga class unsure of what to expect both physically, energetically, mentally or spiritually. It is through dharma discussion and words of inspiration that we (the yoga professionals) attempt to teach the true philosophy behind yoga—the why. Once we get past the asana and physicality of the practice, we go much deeper into the encouragement of mindful habits. Mindful behavior may include breathing techniques, methods of managing fear, anxiety, depression, healthy eating habits or simply finding stillness. Through the
physical asana practice we are changing the energetic pathways of the body on all levels. A yoga practice retrains the mind and how to walk the journey of life in a more accepting and peaceful manner. I like to refer to my mat as my sanctuary, a place where I find peace and acceptance within myself, separate from ego. This concept does not negate the moments of frustration or self-criticism, however, over a period of an hour I am often able to relinquish the need for perfection and instead evolve to a place of serenity. When we delve into our lives without reservation and witness our thoughts without attachment, when we release the need for judgement, the need to fix or change a situation, we have mastered yoga. What transpires on the mat is nothing short of a miracle each moment we step into a yoga practice. The therapeutic aspect of a consistent practice enables all who participate the opportunity to view life differently with rose colored glasses. This may cause you to ponder what I am saying, because there are many people who differ in opinion
wondering why I would want to view life through a more colorful screen as opposed to what they may consider “reality”. The four corners of my mat have shown me that my reality is fueled by the inspiration I find on the mat. And if my vision of life and community is shaded in beautiful rainbow hues, my intentions and actions will reflect same. Perhaps being a light for others is motivation enough for me or you. In summary, I beckon you all to step onto the mat, feel the power of the four corners that will surround you. The transformation that will occur over consistent practice and commitment is subtle and yet equally as powerful. Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey; Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey; Roseland, New Jersey; and Delray Beach in Florida. NiyamaYogaShala.com.
coming in the may issue
Women's Wellness
April 2022
33
natural pet
Pest Control KEEPING DOGS SAFE FROM TICKS AND FLEAS
alexei_tm/AdobeStock.com
by Karen Shaw Becker
F
leas and ticks are different types of pests; so, when considering how best to protect a dog, it is important to make a distinction—fleas are an annoyance, but ticks can be life-threatening. Many veterinarians recommend specific chemicals as a preventive solution, but this is often just a knee-jerk approach that uses chemicals to control nature. Instead, consider more natural alternatives that are both effective and non-toxic.
Fleas 101 Fleas are related to ants and beetles, feed on blood, and their bites can lead to irritation and skin allergies. They aren’t typically attracted to healthy pets; so, one of the best defenses against flea infestations is to feed a dog a nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate, fresh-food diet that will help keep their immune system functioning optimally. It is also important to remove the environmental factors that can negatively impact immunity, including: n Poor water quality. Make sure to provide fluoride- and chlorine-free drinking water. n Too many vaccines. Insist that the veterinarian runs titer tests instead of giving unnec-
essary shots.
n Toxic household chemicals, including cleaning products and dog beds treated with
flame retardants.
n Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers used in the yard. n Toxic levels of electromagnetic fields from electrical devices in the home.
34
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
The Trouble with Ticks Ticks are a type of arachnid related to mites, spiders and scorpions. Because ticks feed on many different animals (including humans, dogs, cats, squirrels, mice, opossums and deer), they are quite good at acquiring and transmitting diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, a single tick bite can expose a dog to multiple pathogens, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. Luckily, most dogs mount an effective immune response. Up to 90 percent of dogs may have been exposed to tick-borne pathogens, but most are able to fight off infection on their own. The only way to know if a dog has effectively eliminated harmful bacteria is to follow up the typical blood test with a second test called a quantitative C6 that differentiates exposure from infection.
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Large numbers of dogs each year are unnecessarily treated with extensive antibiotic therapy because their veterinarians panic after seeing a positive exposure and fail to check for infection. To catch tick-borne infections before they take hold, ask the veterinarian to replace the standard annual heartworm test with the SNAP 4Dx Plus (from Idexx Labs) or the Accuplex4 tests (Antech Diagnostics), which screen for heartworm, Lyme disease and four other vector-borne diseases. Completing one of these simple blood tests every six to 12 months is the best way to protect a dog. In tick-infested areas, if a dog tests positive on either of those two tests, it should also be screened for babesia exposure with a polymerase chain reaction test.
Before Reaching for a Chemical Pet parents should not automatically apply potentially toxic chemical agents to their dogs or around their home to repel or kill pests. The use of spot-on products may cause skin irritation, paralysis, seizures and even death, if used improperly, and there are effective, natural alternatives that are far safer. If these chemicals are used, follow these precautions: n Be very careful to follow dosing directions on the label. If a pet
is at the low end of a dosage range, use the next lowest dosage. Monitor the pet carefully afterwards for adverse reactions. Do not under any circumstances apply dog product to a cat.
n Every other month, rotate chemicals with natural preventives,
including diatomaceous earth, pet-friendly, essential oil products and natural deterrent collars. In many parts of the country, people can successfully control ticks with one chemical dose in the spring and one in late summer.
Homemade Pest Deterrent for Dogs An all-natural pest deterrent will help a dog avoid a good percentage of the pests they encounter, though not all of them. To make it, mix eight ounces of pure water with four ounces of organic, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar, and add 10 drops of neem oil. Neem oil is not an essential oil; it is an expelled or pressed oil. It is effective because fleas and ticks are repelled by it, and it doesn’t bother pets sensitive to odors. Catnip oil can also be used since it has been proven to be as effective as diethyltoluamide (DEET), the mosquito and tick spray humans use that has a number of toxic side effects. To add extra punch to the mixture, add five drops of lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus or geranium essential oil. Store the homemade pest deterrent in the fridge, and before a dog goes outside, mist them with it, being careful to avoid the eyes. The active ingredients, especially the essential oils, dissipate in about four hours, so the solution may have to be reapplied several times throughout the day.
n To detox a dog’s liver afterwards, give them a supplement such
adogslifephoto/AdobeStock.com
as milk thistle, a detox agent that helps to regenerate liver cells, or chlorella, a super green food. Work with an integrative veterinarian to determine the dosage; one dose daily for seven days following any chemical flea-, tick- or heartworm-preventive application is recommended.
Safe Options to Chemicals There are safe, non-toxic alternatives for flea and tick control for dogs, and they do not have side effects, unlike virtually all forms of chemical pesticides. These include: n Cedar oil, specifically manufactured for pet health n Natural, food-grade diatomaceous earth, applied topically n A fresh-food diet that is nutritionally optimal and species-ap-
propriate
It is important to bathe and brush a dog regularly and perform frequent full-body inspections using a flea and tick comb to check for parasite activity. If they spend a lot of time outdoors, be sure to check pets and people for ticks every night during tick season. Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. Visit DrKarenBecker.com. April 2022
35
healing ways
Buzz-Free Drinking THE HEALTHY RISE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES by Ronica O’Hara
photo courtesy of Kerry Benson and Diana Licalzi
A
SOUR MOCK-A-RITA 1 cup and 2 Tbsp lime juice ¼ cup and 2 Tbsp orange juice 3 Tbsp agave nectar, plus more to taste 2½ cups and 2 Tbsp coconut water Few dashes of salt Lime wheels for garnish Lime wedges and sea salt to rim the glasses To salt the rims of four to six lowball or margarita glasses, pour a thin layer of salt onto a plate or a shallow bowl.
36
Slide a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to wet it, or use a finger to apply the juice to the rim, then dip and twist the glass in the salt. Combine all of the drink ingredients in a pitcher. Stir. Fill the rimmed glasses with ice. Divide the margarita mix among the glasses. Garnish with lime wheels. From Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion, by Kerry Benson and Diana Licalzi.
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
s a former bartender, Katie Cheney enjoys mixing drinks for friends, and one night recently, in her San Francisco apartment, she tried out something new: an alcohol-free “Noquila Sunrise” made with a distilled, plant-based spirit. “I was actually pleasantly surprised. Even though we were drinking non-alcoholic drinks, we still had just as much fun as usual!” recalls Cheney, who blogs at DrinksSaloon.com. In New York City, Marcos Martinez has begun drinking virgin piña coladas when out on the town with friends. “The feeling is surprisingly great since I don’t wake up with hangovers. More importantly, I’ve realized that I don’t have to use alcohol as a crutch for my social anxiety,” says Martinez, who owns the black gay lifestyle blog TheMenWhoBrunch.com. At Chicago’s Kumiko Japanese cocktail bar, owner Julia Momosé offers a menu of what she calls “Spiritfrees,” crafted without alcohol and with ingredients like yarrow, ume—a Japanese fruit—and cardamom. “Folks comment on how they appreciate that it is ‘more than just juice,’ or how surprised they are at their depth, texture and complexity,” she says. The “sober-curious”—people experimenting with alcohol-free beverages as a way of prioritizing their health and fitness over a short-lived buzz—are changing America’s drinking culture. For the first time in 20 years, fewer Americans are regularly drinking, reports Gallup, and tipplers are drinking measurably less than they did 10 years ago. No longer stuck with a seltzer while dodging questions from inquisitive imbibers, today the sober-inclined can sip from a vast array of sophisticated choices—from
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
photo courtesy of Vanessa Young/ ThirstyRadish.com
“You have your wits about you, you can drive if necessary, you are less likely to say or do something you might regret and you won’t have a hangover the next morning.” –Kerry Benson faux vodka in exotic, crafted drinks to prize-winning sparkling wines to low- and no-alcohol craft beer. No-booze options can be easily ordered at restaurants, picked up at supermarkets or delivered at home with a few online clicks. “The best part about having a fun, non-alcoholic beverage in hand is that you get the taste and experience of a cocktail or beer, just without the alcohol and potential negative side effects,” says dietitian Kerry Benson, co-author of Mocktail Party: 75 PlantBased, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion. “You have your wits about you, you can drive if necessary, you are less likely to say or do something you might regret and you won’t have a hangover the next morning. And alcohol-free drinks are usually less expensive than their alcoholic counterparts.” Sober-curious strategies range widely. Some people start tentatively, but increasingly turn to non-alcoholic drinks because they prefer the taste, price and lower calorie count, as well as the diminished risk of heart and liver disease. Others may go cold turkey for a month or two to break a pandemic-induced habit, alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a game or bar to avoid getting tipsy, or drink a Bloody Mary for a weekend brunch and virgin versions during the week to enhance work productivity. The sales of non-alcoholic beverages shot up 33 percent to $331 million in 2021, reports Nielsen, and online sales of non- and low-alcoholic beverages skyrocketed 315 percent. To compete for the Millennials-heavy market, distillers like Seedlip, Suntory and Lyre’s have created beverages evoking tequila, Campari and vodka; breweries like Guinness, Budweiser and Carlsberg and small crafters are offering robust-tasting near- and no-alcohol beers; and wineries are using distillation and reverse osmosis to produce fine, low-alcohol Cabernets, Chardonnays and other varieties. Niche products are growing: for example, Los Angeles-based Optimist Botanicals bills its gin-, vodka- and tequila-like botanical blends as being vegan, gluten-free and paleo- and keto-friendly. On the home front, people are making their own concoctions, often with natural and herbal ingredients, such as pears, tomatoes, cilantro and spices. “Garden-grown produce, windowsill herbs and farmers market finds are the ideal foundation for recipes, from tea sangrias to shaken mocktails,” says New Jersey cooking instructor and recipe developer Vanessa Young, creator of ThirstyRadish.com. As an example, she says, “A slice of brûléed fruit gives a non-alcoholic drink a touch of smoky sweetness, plus it is so appealing in the glass.” Substance abuse counselors caution that beverages that mimic alcohol may not be a good route for recovery from serious alcohol abuse because they can reawaken destructive patterns.
And consumers are advised to look carefully at labels. “Alcoholfree” beer contains 0.0 percent alcohol. “Non-alcoholic” beer can contain up to 0.5 percent alcohol, but some have been found to contain up to 2 percent—not desirable if pregnant or in recovery. Still, says Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You, “The popularity of alcohol-free drinks is changing a culture. We are going from a culture that glamorizes drinking at every social situation, with little valid excuse to decline, to a culture that gives people healthier options.” Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.
MAPLE PEAR SPARKLER ½ cup pure maple syrup ¼ cup filtered water 1 rounded tsp fresh pomegranate arils (about 12 arils, or seeds) 1 tsp fresh lemon juice ½ oz maple simple syrup 2¼ oz pear juice 2 oz sparkling mineral water Bartlett pear slices for garnish For the syrup, whisk to combine ½ cup maple syrup with ¼ cup filtered water in a small saucepan, and heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. In the meantime, to prepare the jewel-like pomegranate arils, score a fresh pomegranate cross-wise. Twist to separate into halves. Loosen the membrane around the edges and tap firmly with a wooden spoon over a bowl to collect the pomegranate arils. Continue to loosen the membrane and tap to release all the arils. For each drink, gently mash the pomegranate arils with lemon juice in a muddler, then add the mixture into a cocktail shaker, along with the syrup, pear juice and ice. Shake to chill, and strain into a glass to serve. Top with sparkling mineral water. Add a slice of ripe Bartlett or brûléed pear. Courtesy of Vanessa Young of ThirstyRadish.com. April 2022
37
Nature’s Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus before it starts
S
By Doug Cornell
cientists have discovered a with a tip to fit in the bottom of the natural way to kill germs fast. nostril, where viruses collect. Now thousands of people When he felt a tickle in his nose are using it against viruses and bacteria like a cold about to start, he rubbed the that cause illness. copper gently in Colds and his nose for 60 many other seconds. illnesses start “It worked!” when viruses get he exclaimed. in your nose and “The cold never start multiplying. got going. That If you don’t stop was 2012. I have them early, they had zero colds spread and take since then.” over. “We don’t Copper kills viruses almost In hundreds of make product instantly studies, EPA and health claims,” university researchers confirm copper he said, “so I can’t say cause and effect. kills microbes almost instantly just by But we know copper is antimicrobial.” touch. He asked relatives and friends to try That’s why ancient Greeks and it. They reported the same thing, so he Egyptians used copper to purify patented CopperZap® and put it on the water and heal wounds. They didn’t market. know about microbes like viruses and Soon hundreds of people had tried it. bacteria, but now we do. Feedback was 99% positive if they used “The antimicrobial activity of copper copper within 1-3 hours of the first sign is well established.” National Institutes of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or of Health. a scratchy throat. Scientists say the high conductance Users say: of copper disrupts the electrical balance “It works! I love it!” in a microbe cell by touch and destroys “I can’t believe how good my nose it in seconds. feels.” Some hospitals tried copper “Is it supposed to work that fast?” for touch surfaces like faucets and “One of the best presents ever.” doorknobs. This cut the spread of “Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!” MRSA and other illnesses by over half, “Cold sores gone!” which saved lives. “It saved me last holidays. The kids The strong scientific evidence had crud going round and round, gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. but not me.” He made a smooth copper probe “I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no ADVERTORIAL
38
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
more headache, no more congestion.” “Best sleep I’ve had in years!” The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched. The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished. Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”
Customers report using copper against: Colds Flu Covid Sinus trouble Cold sores Fever blisters Canker sores Strep Night stuffiness Morning congestion Skin infections Infected sores Infection in cuts or wounds Thrush Warts Styes Ringworm Threats to compromised immunity CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA28. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call tollfree 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
teen voices
Preserve Our Planet This Earth Day By Jared Zornitzer
E
arth Day, an annual event in April, brings people across the planet together through their common views on policies and practices which impact the environment. In honor of this year’s Earth Day, it is fitting to discuss some of the reasons why I believe that we should care for the environment. I grew up as a child of the outdoors. The fondest memories from my childhood revolve around spending time outside—time spent at school recess, going on bike rides with my family, and learning to play sports with my dad in the backyard are just a few. Nature was my space to explore, learn and make friends. The possibility of a world without nature or where nature comes second hand to our industrialized existence is hard to fathom but is quickly coming true. If I could make one wish besides the health, safety and happiness of my children, it would be that they have a yard with trees and wildlife. I would hope for them to be able to go outside and take their first steps, learn to ride a bike, and complete other rites of passage in the outdoors like I did. Nature has been a steadfast companion in my life, and it is my absolute favorite place to be. It would be tragic if future generations do not have access to clean air, natural bodies of water or a healthy environment. On top of the connection which humans have with nature, its health is vital to our existence on this planet. Through photosynthesis, plants produce the oxygen which we breathe. Our food comes from plants and animals. Simply put, we could
not survive without nature. We must curtail deforestation, loss of ecosystems and pollution (microplastics in the ocean enter fish, resulting in humans ingesting toxins when they eat the fish) to maintain our symbiotic relationship with nature. Additionally, by damaging the environment we are causing the death and extinction of numerous other living organisms. Whether it be cutting down plants to build on land or reducing an ecosystem to such a debilitated state that no animal can live there, humans are complicit in loss of life at a large scale. In short, we can be much better stewards of life and the environment. Scientific studies demonstrate just how important it is that we implement more environmentally friendly practices. Projections show temperatures and sea levels rising at dangerous rates, and air quality rapidly decreasing. For the sake of our happiness and livelihoods, we must take immediate action and stop hurting the environment. Soon it will be too late to turn back. Jared Zornitzer is a full-time college student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY studying engineering. An advocate of balancing work and school with exercise and healthy living, he loves hiking, biking, running, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and learning in his classes.
MONTHLY PLANNER may
women’s wellness
june
men’s health
july
food connection
learn about marketing opportunities at:
908-405-1515
April 2022
39
daily & ongoing
APRIL 2022 SATURDAY, APRIL 2 Toltec Mitote Shamanic Overnight Spring Retreat – 4/2-3; 12 noon. We gather in a safe loving sacred space in nature to awaken more clarity, peace, joy, and love in your life. Private location in Southwestern Morris County, NJ. The Mitote is a profound ceremony in death and rebirth; this transformation which opens a new level of healing for you. $325. For information, call 973-647-2500, email Janet@BeTheMedicine.com or visit BeTheMedicine.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Gordon Lightfoot: The Legend in Concert – 7:30-9:30pm. Celebrate the man who defined the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and ‘70s; is beloved by other musical giants including Bob Dylan; and is perhaps THE most prolific and greatest Canadian singersongwriter of all time: Gordon Lightfoot. Tickets start at $59. The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville. 610-917-
Recover from the trauma, bridge the divide, and put the pieces back together. With or without your partner!
Rhoda Ondov, MS, MFT, CPC Relationship Coach
908-642-6256 rhoda.ondov@gmail.com
OndovRelationshipCoaching.com 12-14 E. Main St., Somerville Sliding Scale Rates
40
All calendar events for the May 2022 issue must be received by April 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit naturalawakeningscnj.com/pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.
1228. TheColonialTheatre.com/events/ live-music/gordon-lightfoot-the-legendin-concert-night-one.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 Shamanism Classes – 7:30-9:30pm. Join A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe’s Lauren Porter on a series of monthly classes to learn the introduction of shamanism. Learn how to properly journey to meet your medicines and allies, clear and create sacred space, put together a mesa & medicine bag, work with the plant, animal and stone kingdoms, embrace your shadow self, dreamwork and much more. Class meets first Wednesday of each month. Location: A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information and to register, call 848217-2371. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe. com
SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 9-12noon. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 9-10am. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 10-11am. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 11-12noon. Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Hypnosis Counseling Center, 28 Mine St., Flemington. For more information, contact Barry at 973-378-7620 or 908-303-7767, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com. Outdoor Fun – 12pm-1:30am. Come play some of our favorite camp games. Gaga, archery, water balloon launch and more. Cost is $40 Members and $60 NonMembers. Open to grades 1-8. Registration is required. Members $40, non-members $60. Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes. 973-334-2820. LakelandHillsYMCA.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 11 Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:30pm; VIRTUAL. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Sponsored by Marple/Newtown Sq. Rec. Dept. For more information, contact Barry at 973-378-7620 or 908-303-7767, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com, or call Rick Ehnow at 610-353-2325. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Monthly Movie Matinee: “West Side Story” (2021 Version) – 1pm. Please join us for a screening of the film West Side Story (2021). An adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. Free to attend, refreshments also provided. North Bergen Public Library, 8411 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen. nbpl.org/event/monthly-movie-matineemain-library.
SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Health Yeah With Michelle at Shad Fest – 4/23-24; 11am - 5pm. Visit Michelle’s booth to see all that Health Yeah! has to offer, and be sure to sign up for a drawing on Sunday to win a month of free sessions. Shad Fest, Lambertville’s Historic Shad Festival, features the area’s finest artists and crafters, great food, and family entertainment. Rain or shine event. Festival attendance is free. For information about Health Yeah with Michelle, call 973-420-9220 or visit HealthYeahWithMichelle.com. For festival details, visit LambertvilleChamber.com/ shad-fest.
plan ahead THURSDAY, MAY 19 Spring Renewal “Awakening Our Being Human” 1 Day Mini Retreat – 10:30am-5pm (check in begins at 9am). Enjoy pampered luxury at Woolverton Inn, nestled on 10 park-like acres, surrounded by 300 acres of preserved farmland and forest. Retreat features two asana classes, meditative vinyasa flow to renew the mind, body, spirit connection, restorative yin yoga practice, Energy Cleansing Pranayama & Meditation workshop, workshop on applied yoga philosophy and goal setting along with
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
body mapping and journaling to foster home practice and take what we learn on the mat off the mat into our daily lives. Plus the opportunity to explore the amazing grounds and absorb the beautiful surroundings. $450. Fee includes lunch and cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres. Location: 6 Woolverton Rd., Stockton. For details and to reserve your spot, visit NiyamaYogaShala.com/springrenewal-awakening-our-being-human.
FRIDAY, JULY 29 Shamanic Medicine Wheel Retreat – 7/29-31; 2pm. Experience a unique blend of ceremonies from several traditions worldwide for a deep healing and awakening experience. The medicine wheel tells the story of our lives. The medicine wheel also brings in all directions, elements, inner and outer guidance, ancestors, and all of nature. Healing through the medicine wheel offers us profound new ways to look at our life, heal, and move forward with ease and grace. Led by Shaman Janet StraightArrow. $495/$545. Art Farm, 33 Fawn Ln, Accord, NY. For information, call Janet at 973-6472500 and visit BeTheMedicine.com.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 Summer Shamanic Vision Quest – 8/26-28; 3pm. A Sacred Rite of Passage. A time for you. Pause and get off the track of your life to go inside and discover your authentic voice, needs, and choices, and your inner wisdom as a gift you give yourself. Are you moving through a significant change this year? Come for a powerful weekend of ceremony, journeys, transformation, and rebirth with Shaman Janet StraightArrow in this entire retreat space and sacred land in the Catskills. Sign up today to begin preparation for this life-changing ceremony. Fee: $575 by May 15; $625 thereafter. For information, call 973647-2500, email Janet@BeTheMedicine. com or visit BeTheMedicine.com.
ongoing
daily Qi Gong for Beginner Series – Times and days vary. Four 1-hour classes. Begin the gentle movements of a Qi Gong Tai Chi journey featuring Patty Pagano live online. First 1-hour class is Free! Check schedule or register at https://forms.gle/k2kcv9tVJ6X1QfpD8. For information contact Patty at 908-3921313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.
sunday Mastering Mindfulness with Amy Arvary – Sundays; 2/6-4/10; 7-8pm, ZOOM. It’s Not Therapy, It’s Empowerment! Mastering Mindfulness is a series of weekly small-group
live Zoom sessions on Sunday evenings designed to provide an immediate sense of relief, clarity and purpose. $50. Sign up now at AmyArvary.com/MasteringMindfulness.
wednesday New Year, New You ‘22 – 6-7pm. 4th Wed. Let’s get together in a group session setting, the last Wednesday of every month to focus on making 2022 your best year yet. We will focus on all attributes of life to create positive and life-affirming changes. If you are interested in becoming a client of mine, you could attend these monthly events free of charge. . $49 per person/each session . Health Yeah! with Michelle, 243 N. Union St., Ste 201, Lambertville. 973-420-9220. healthyeahwithmichelle.com. Spiritual / Intuitive Development (Beginners) – 7-8:30pm. This circle is designed to assist your spiritual growth and develop your psychic/mediumship abilities. $25 registration; $15 per class. Inner Soul Wellness LLC, 3108 Rt. 10 west, Denville. 973-747-9404. InnerSoulWellness.com. Advanced Soul Shamanism Bi-Weekly Class – 7-9:15pm. 2nd & 4th Wed, ZOOM. Join us for a great night of profound experiences. For all graduates of Soul Shamanism 101 and other Soul Shamanism classes. Experience new energy levels, wisdom, knowledge, healing, tools, and practices within this practice Zoom link is provided upon signing up. $60. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-SessionsClasses-Retreats), 247 North Rd., Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine.com.
thursday Holistic Dentistry: Materials Reactivity Testing – 8am-4pm. Learn about and discuss Materials Reactivity Testing with the expert holistic dentists at Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics and Implants. Biocompatibility testing can be a good way to learn what dental materials may be best suited to your oral health needs. This free consultation has a $152 value. It’s your opportunity to benefit from the decades of experience we offer all of our patients. For patients who so choose, we can arrange the testing process. Free. Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics & Implants, 11 Chambers Street, Princeton. 609-924-1414. PrincetonDentist.com/ holistic-dentistry. Soul Shamanism 101-Be One with Your Soul – 4/21-5/19; 7-9:30pm ET; ZOOM. Initiations and Training. This class offers a profound experience and practice that is life changing. Discover your inner space of peace, wisdom, and divine connection. Knowing who you are as a soul and personality allows you to choose and live more fully each day. Led by Shaman Janet StraightArrow. Be on the lookout for next class. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-Sessions-Classes-Retreats),
247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BetheMedicine.com. Self Awareness is the Key to Ascension – 3rd Thurs.; 7-9pm; In person or Zoom. This interactive workshop carries the intention of assisting participants in their personal evolutionary process. Each workshop includes Healing Meditations, Ascension Techniques and Soul Psychology. Facilitated by Debbie Carcuffe. $25. Portal of Healing, 50 Main St., Top Flr., Chester. For information, visit PortalOfHealing.com. Intuitive Development Circle – 2 nd & 4 th Thurs; 7-9pm. On-going interactive workshop series, Maureen will guide you in building your intuitive muscle. Each week focuses on different techniques and development lessons. All levels welcome! $15. Portal of Healing, 50 Main St., Top Flr., Chester. For information, visit PortalOfHealing.com.
classifieds Have a business opportunity, job opening, space for rent or other need? Place your classified ads here, 30 words for $30, extra words $1 each. Email to
Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication date.
METAPHYSICAL SHOP OFFERINGS: A unique gift shop for the mind, body and soul. Check out our collection of angels, candles, cards, crystals, crystal soaps, jewelry, sage, salt lamps, solar wind chimes, tea, t-shirts, tumbled stones and more. Card readings, classes and workshops available. Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss, 19A Old Highway 22, Clinton. 908-2688029. FB Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss. Instagram @cmatsen11
PHOTOGRAPHER SERVICES NEED PICTURES?: NJ Photographer specializing in portraits, still life, real estate, editorial, small events & more, available for booking. Contact 908-8872637 or andreamarinescu@optonline.net for details + pricing. Thank you! Instagram @unbrokenbeauty_photography April 2022
41
Central New Jersey Community
business directory
Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
Acupuncture
CBD Oil
Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc
The Hemp Oil Store
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine 332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com
Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health. He is passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Learn of his astounding work in this area—call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. See ad, page 15.
Eden Energy Medicine/ Sound Meditation
Joseph Wilker Cool Breeze Distributors 3 E. Ave., Yardley, PA 855-904-4367, 267-679-2949 coolbreezedist@gmail.com TheHempOilStore.com License Number: 82-2609404 The Hemp Oil Store is a family-owned CBD store. Our goal is to bring you, your pets, and your loved ones high-quality CBD products at affordable prices. Shop online at TheHempOilStore.com with free shipping. We also have curbside pickup and walkins are always welcome. See ad, page 31.
Chinese Healing Arts
RedTail Energetics Karen E Adamo, EEM-AP
Eden Energy Medicine Advanced Practitioner Phillipsburg, NJ 908-752-0097 (phone or text) Karen@RedTailEnergetics.com RedTailEnergetics.com Experience more joy, peace, calm, health and vitality through the combination of two profoundly effective healing modalities—Eden Energy Medicine, which corrects imbalances in nine different energy systems, and Sound Meditation with authentic bronze Himalayan Singing Bowls and Gongs.
Ayurveda/Women’s Health Qi Gong For Healing
Energy Practitioner & Coach
7 Chakras Wellness
Full Circle Energy Therapies
Jennifer Agugliaro
Ayurvedic Practitioner, RN 908-251-1200 • jennifer@7chakraswellness.com 7ChakrasWellness.com Are you tired of feeling unwell? Jennifer offers natural, holistic methods to help you take control of your health and life. She focuses on women’s health issues such as reproductive health, digestion, sleep and anxiety. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 21.
Bedding - Organic Hibernate Bedding
80 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville
908-766-5450 HibernateBedding.com
Brian Coffey LMT, and Fran Maher, CA 908-647-1563 QiGongForHealing.com
Specializing in T’ai Chi and Qi Gong classes, as well as private session clinical Qi Gong and acupuncture since 1994. Chinese Medicine weekend seminars teach how to apply clinical Qi Gong remedies to specific disorders. Excellent for the lay person and healthcare providers. All are welcome to observe or join a class. See ad, page 27.
Coach/Counsel/Therapy & Nutrition Health Yeah With Michelle
Michelle LaVecchia Odendahl 243 N. Union St., Ste 201, Lambertville 973-420-9220 healthyeahwithmichelle@hotmail.com HealthYeahWithMichelle.com
Exclusive collection of Organic and Chemical Free mattresses and accessories. Over 30 years family experience. Come see how easy it is to shop for a mattress. Free delivery, free set up, free removal.
See ad, page 2.
ad, page 9.
42
Did you know you are born with unique talents, desires and motivations? As a Certified International Health and Wellness Coach, I will coach you to bring a strong sense of purpose to your everyday life with a positive mindset. See
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
Lori L. Hoff 2041 Pennington Rd., Ewing 908-268-7169 feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com FullCircleEnergy.net
Taking energetic support to another level. Full Circle Energy Therapies is here to guide you with simple, gentle, effective tools. This is the sign you’ve been looking for. See ad, page xx.
Eye/Vision Health Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine 332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com
Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health and passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Learn of his astounding work in this area—call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.See ad, page 15.
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Healing Through Art
Holistic Dental Center
T-Anya Paint
Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 908-206-7848 HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com
Anna Wasilczyk 17 Ross Rd., Wallington anya@tanyapaint.com TanyaPaint.com
Holistic dental care that is good for the body as well as teeth and gums. By treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Dr. Gashinsky helps improve his patients’ quality of life through dental care that respects and honors the body. See ad, back cover.
Paint with T-Anya is a mobile art service that brings a joyous creativity to any social gathering: birthday parties, retirement parties, fundraising, couples, one-on-one sessions and therapeutic sessions. See ad, page 8.
Holistic Chiropractors
Holistic Dentistry
Samsara Chiropractic Wellness Center Dr Jennifer Redmond
7 E. High St, Somerville 908-300-8800 • DoctorRedmond.com We believe that the body is designed to heal itself but structural issues, toxins, lack of nutrients or an emotional component can affect overall health. We offer Whole-istic healing techniques including Neuroemotional Technique, Active Release techniques, Activator, Flexion Distraction and more! See ad, page 45.
The Center For Advanced Health Through Dentistry
Dr. Joseph R. Mele, DDS, FIND, CNC 215 Union Ave.,Ste D, Bridgewater 908-526-2266 • MeleDDS.com
Our aim is to restore you to health and vitality by eliminating dental road blocks. We offer the highest quality dental services with a holistic approach for children and adults. See ad, page 47.
Princeton Center For Dental Aesthetics & Implants Drs. Huckel, Huckel & Reine
11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 • PrincetonDentist.com Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime! We are trained in identifying holistic concerns beginning in the oral cavity that may cause issues elsewhere in the body. We use ozonated water, and choose systematically biocompatible materials for your treatment.
Holistic Spa/Wellness Ctr Quantum Wellness
327 US - 202, Bedminster 973-782-3227 info@quantumwellnessnj.com QuantumWellnessNJ.com Experience perfect relaxation at our premier spa and wellness center. Modalities include therapeutic massage, acupressure, reiki, cryotherapy and infrared saunas, yoga, floation therapy, workshops and more. See ad, page 7.
fIND yoUr
We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members.
Try for frEE!
Visit us at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com April 2022
43
coming in the may issue
Women's Wellness
Integrative Psychotherapy
Mystical Shoppe
Bobbie Lynn Edwards LPC, NCC,M.Ed
A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe
Licensed Psychotherapist 15 E. Main St., Clinton 908-892-8978 • HunterdonTherapist.com
Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy Hypnosis Counseling Center Barry Wolfson 28 Mine St, Flemington 43 Tamarack Circle, Princeton 908-303-7767 HypnosisCounselingCenter.com
Over 35 years of experience. We offer traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings, in person or virtual, for weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement, public speaking, and more. See ad, page 13.
Hypnosis/Reiki Energy Health & Wellness LLC Michele Dellavalle, CH, CHTP, ART 65 Old Rt 22, Suite 10, Clinton Online Sessions available #908-403-2045 EnergyHealth4Wellness@gmail.com ReikiEHW.com
Master Clinical Hypnotist Certified in 5 Path ® Hypnosis, 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis, Reiki, Healing Touch & Guided Meditations. We identify & address the root cause allowing our clients to move forward and heal. Offering classes in 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis and Reiki Level 1 & 2. When all else fails, Hypnosis Works! Call for Free Consultation.
“Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.” - Barry LePatner 44
Bobbie Lynn Edwards is a licensed psychotherapist for 35 years. Practicing integrating psychotherapy focusing on a broad spectrum of spiritual philosophies and practices to assist in your healing. Clinically trained to provide guidance and direction to individuals, couples and families. Goals set within a mutual learning environment is the process. Meditation workshops for small and large groups are available. Call for a free consultation and further information.
413 Bond Street Asbury Park, NJ 07712 (848)217-2371 ayearandadaymysticalshoppe@yahoo.com AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com Facebook.com/ayearandadaymysticalshoppe Metaphysical retail store offering crystals, gemstones, incense, essential oils, books, Tarot and Oracle cards, specialty candles, smudge supplies and more! Psychics, Shamans, Ministers and Reiki/ Energy/Crystal healers are available to provide guidance and healing. We provide Aura photos with 3D imaging for you and your pet, meditations and in-store classes and workshops. Additional services: dedications, weddings, funerals and house cleansings.
Matrix Repatterning Dr. Clare M. Larkin, DC, CMRP located in Warren 908-930-0628 DrLarkin@optonline.net DrClareLarkin.com
Naturopathic Medicine New Jersey Natural Medicine Dr. Jason Frigerio ND, LAC
Your cells remember traumatic injury on a deeper level. Some injuries hang on because their energy gets trapped in the deeper tissues of the body. Matrix Repatterning allows the detection and release of these deeper injuries, improves electrical flow and allows the body to function normally again. See ad, page 21.
2424 Lamington Road, Bedminster 973-267-2650 • NJNaturalMedicine.com Since 2004, NJNM has treated patients with naturopathic, Chinese, ayurvedic and biological medicine. Our guiding principa: to observe and treat the whole person, not just symptoms to identify and treat the root cause of illness, help restore balance and promote optimal health. See ad, page 17.
Meditation/Spiritual
Nutrition
Center For Healing and Empowerment
Sunrise Nutrition & Wellness Center
Phyllis Livera
172 Washington Valley Rd, Suite 3, Warren 732-882-9676 CenterForHealingAndEmpowerment.com Are you seeking deeper meaning in your life? Are you stressed and ready for a change? Tired of being in both physical or emotional pain? We offer spiritual development, meditation and mini-me yoga classes, which have been helping people live more productive, happier lives.
Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition
Dr. John Harrington
137 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown 908-441-2276 drharrington@SunriseNutritionCenter.com SunriseNutritionCenter.com Get checked today! You may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies, toxin overload, chronic infections and bad lifestyle habits. We provide health improvement programs unique to your body to improve your health through nutrition and other safe, non-invasive therapies. See ad, page 27.
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
Reiki & Hypnosis Alice Rich Reiki Center
Alice Rich, Certified Master Teacher Usui Reiki Ryoho, Karuna Reiki®, Crystal Healing, Certified Hypnotist 732-501-7628 alice@AliceRichReikiCenter.com AliceRichReikiCenter.com
Reiki, Crystal Healing and Integrated Energy Therapy® or Hypnosis sessions can help reduce pain physically, mentally and emotionally, promote a healthy lifestyle, achieve personal and professional goals, create balance and harmony and advance your spiritual journey. Private sessions and classes. Certification classes on Reiki, Crystal Healing and IET.
Do y you experience p chronic p pain, allergies, depression or anxiety? Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) is a safe, gentle, and effective body-mind stress reduction technique utilizing acupressure points and a gentle Chiropractic adjustment.
Relationship Coach Ondov Relationship Coaching Rhoda Ondov, MS, MFT, CPC
12-14 E Main St, Suite 8, Somerville 908-642-6256 rhoda.ondov@gmail.com OndovRelationshipCoaching.com If you are in a troubled relationship, or dealing with infidelity, or facing possible divorce, you do not need Therapy. You are not mentally ill. You just need guidance and solutions. Relationship Coaching can help you repair these difficult situations, bringing clarity and restoring harmony. Eight years experience helping couples successfully navigate relationship crises. Does not require participation by both partners. See ad, page 40.
Spiritual Healing, Teaching Be The Medicine
1 of 4 Doctors Advanced nced NET N certified in NJ
Dr. J. Redmond
CHIROPRAC CH C CHI HIIROP H ROPRAC ROP ROPRAC RO RA R AC TIC
Samsara Sa S ams msa arra ra Chiropractic Chir Ch irop irop opra pract ra acctticc Wellness Wel elln nes e s Center Cent Ce nterr nt E. High Ave., St., Somerville, 17Eastern Somerville,NJ NJ08876 08876 www.DoctorRedmond.com www.DoctorRedmond.com
908.300.8800
Nerve N er ve IInterference nterference can can cause cause tthese hese S Symptoms: ymptoms: Headaches/Migraines Sinus/Allergies Neck/Back Pain Shoulder Problems Anxiety Depression
Earaches Sports Injuries
Janet StraightArrow
973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com Shamanic Healing, Energy Medicine, Past Life, Medical Intuition, Life, Health, Spiritual Coaching, Astrology Readings, House and Land Clearings. In person, phone or Skype. Professional Reiki, Shamanism and Medical Intuitive Training. Retreats. 40 years’ experience. See ad, page 9.
Yoga Classes DailY/WeeklY
in stuDio & online 200 & 300 Hour teaCHer training
reiki training MontHlY reiki sHare
PerFeCt For Beginners
“i Can’t Do Yoga” Yoga Visit
our WeBsite
.
For Details.
Be Here noW Yoga
908.642.0989 63 Main st., FleMington, nJ BeHerenoWYoga108.CoM April 2022
45
Crossword Puzzle Look for clues in the articles in this month’s edition
Across 1 4 8 9 10 12 13 17 19 22 23 25 29 30 32 33 35 36
Animal with a shaggy mane Shake, like aspen trees Wyoming national park Girl relation Small forest “Great blue” bird Hold the title to All the plant life in a region Fuss Work out future actions Man, for one The tallest trees in the world Granola grain Uninhabited area left in its original state 60 mins., abbr. D.D.S.’s group Virgin drink Arborist’s concern
Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 14 15 16 18 20 21 22 24 26 27 28 31 34
46
Chesapeake, for example Sockeye fish Small recess Sample The interlinked environment Vital pollinators Bugling beasts Naval rank, abbr. Be indebted to Turn over earth Eclipse phenomenon Preserve for future generations The wonder the wild can bring about Father Native American dwelling Kitchen utensils Purple flower with a strong scent Forest female Dry riverbed Backpacker’s quarters Phrase of commitment, 2 words Crater Lake National Park’s state, abbr.
You can find the answers to this month’s puzzle by visiting
NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com
this month’s CROSSWORD PUZZLE 80 Morristown Road, Bernardsville (Bernardsville Centre) 908.766.5450 sponsored by:
Hibernatebedding .com
Come see how EASY it is to shop for a mattress.
80 Morristown Road, Bernardsville (Bernardsville Centre) 908.766.5450
Bring this ad & receive 20% OFF your Hibernatebedding .com total purchase.
Come see how EASY it is to shop for a mattress.
Bring this ad & receive 20% OFF your total purchase.
For more information on Hibernate Bedding,
We offer an exclusive collection of ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FREE see ad on page 2. Mattresses and Accessories and have something for everyone at all prices…..a truly ONE OF A KIND store! Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com Over 30 Years Family Experience. Once a Customer, Always a Customer.
Platform Beds, Headboards, Adjustable Bases, Toppers, Pillows,
The Center for Advanced Health Through Dentistry Our aim is to restore you to health and vitality by eliminating dental road blocks.
Our patients come from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other states...some have even traveled from outside the United States! Why? Because quality biocompatible dental care provided by a warm, caring dental team in a comfortable, relaxed setting is worth the trip.
Start Early for a Lifetime of Benefits! Improvements to Your Child’s Crowded Teeth and Appearance Can Begin As Early as Age 7.
Does your child show signs of: • Crowded baby or adult teeth? • Mouth breathing? (Lips are apart most of the time due to obstructed airways.) For more information, see our video
“How To Start Fixing Children’s Crooked Teeth As Early As Age 7 to 10” at MeleDDS.com or YouTube®.
We offer the highest quality dental services including... • Safe removal of amalgam restorations (fillings) following OSHA and EPA guidelines • Biocompatible dental materials including BPA-free restorations • Non-surgical natural and nutritional therapies to treat periodontal disease and dental decay • Effective treatment of TMJ, teeth grinding, bad breath, snoring, sleep apnea, and mouth breathing
Joseph R. Mele D.D.S., FIND, CNC Fellowship, Institute for Natural Dentistry Diplomate Member, American Association of Nutritional Consultants Member, International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Member, The Holistic Dental Association
Come in for a complimentary Meet and Greet or visit our website for information. 215 Union Avenue — Suite D, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 526-2266
www.MeleDDS www. MeleDDS..com April 2022
47
Natural Awakening Readers... Looking for a More Natural Approach for Your Dentistry? Choosing a new dentist can be a real challenge.
How do you know who is really a holistic dentist? Here are several things to look out for, when choosing... ●
●
● ●
● ●
●
They DON’T use mercury containing fillings because mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to man. They DON’T remove mercury fillings without protection because inhaled mercury vapors can be easily absorbed by the body. They DON’T recommend Root Canals because they harbor bacteria and toxins. They DON’T use conventional standards for their cleanings because tap water and chemicals are full of toxic substances. They DON’T use fluoride because it has been shown to be a neurotoxin. They DON’T use metal in their restorations because many people have metal allergies and sensitivities. They DON’T treat sensitive patients without biocompatibility testing because allergic reactions and systemic reactions can occur which burdens the body.
We at the Holistic Dental Center strive to give our patients a “True” Holistic Dental Experience... Even Holistic Practitioners become our patients! Dr. Glenn Gero, Naturopathic Physician: “I was seeing a dentist for over 30 years and when I was invited to try Dr. Gashinsky for the first time I was so impressed with the office.””The best dental experience I have ever had in my life:’ Lisa Mack, Certified Thermographic Technician: “What I see in my Thermography, I see inflammation in the mouth, how important it is, you see the bacteria draining down into the lymphatic system and from there I always refer patients back to Dr. G... Why? Because Dr. G can test that bacteria to see exactly what it is so from there he can help you. I am also a patient of Dr G’s and I absolutely love coming here, the one thing that I love about here is that when you walk in here it’s like you’re family. They are very caring and very loving and when you walk out of here you feel like you’ve been well taken care of...” Nancy Barrett, Certified Holistic Manual Lymphatic Therapist: “Every health problem begins in the mouth... ‘’...I am also a patient of Dr. Gashinsky and the reason I go holistic is because I understand that every health problem begins with your mouth..:’ “...I love the staff I love also the cleanings that they do here and I am also very aware of the benefits of going holistic. I really highly recommend Dr. G and his staff!”
If you want a “True” Holistic Dental Experience for You and Your Entire Family, Call Us Today!
908-206-7848
HOLISTIC DENTAL CENTER
Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky 91 Millburn Ave, Millburn, NJ 07041 www.holisticdentalcenternj.com
AS SEEN IN THE NEWS!
ENJOY THIS SPECIAL OFFER!
New patients will receive a Complimentary Wellness Gift ($100 value) during their initial visit.
Schedule Your Appointment Today! • • • • • • • •
Mercury Amalgam Removal Mercury Free & Mercury Safe Ceramic Zirconia Implants Holistic Gum Treatment Biocompatible Ozone Therapy Fluoride Free Metal Free
