Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey / February 2020

F

E E R

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Sacred Vessels The Lifeblood of Heart Health

SKILLS THAT MAKE LOVE LAST Keeping Kids Heart-Healthy How to Boost Cardiovascular Well-Being

Healing Joints From Within

The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

Vital Steps The Key to Vascular Fitness

February 2020 | Somerset-Middlesex-Hunterdon-Mercer-S. Warren NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

A Future without Pain through

Regenerative Medicine What is Regenerative Medicine?

the focal point of treatment in the patient’s body. Once the concentrate has entered the treatment site, and the stem cells run to the area, the regeneration process begins.

What type of treatments are included?

What conditions can Regenerative Medicine treat?

This amazing biomedical technology involves using your own body’s tissue to help heal disease and injury.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP), or platelet concentrates, and Stem Cell Therapy are key biomedical therapies. Platelet concentrates are a way to help the body finish the healing process and strengthen the weakened tissue. Platelet cells collected and concentrated from a person’s own blood are then delivered to an injured area of bone or soft tissue, such as a tendon or ligament, allowing the numerous growth factors in the mix to speed healing.

Stem cell therapy focuses on delivering stem cells and signalling cells to parts of the body that are in need.. A regenerative concentrate is injected at

Pain in Hips, Joints, Knees, Back, Neck, Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists, Ankle & Foot, and from Sports Injuries Arthritis • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cervical Neck Pain & Whiplash • Chest Wall Pain Disc Herniation & Radiculopathy Dupuytren’s Contracture • Epidcondylitis (Tennis elbow) Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue • Hair Regeneration Plantar Fascitis • Repetitive Strain Injuries Rotator Cuff Syndrome • Temporomandibular Joint Pain Trigger Finger

“Many patients state their pain was gone with only 3 treatments” Dr. Magaziner is a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine with over 20 years experience.

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2186 Rt. 27, Ste 2D | North Brunswick, NJ 08902

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com dremagaziner.com | 732-402-0063 | dremagaziner

Natural Health and Beauty Products. Holistic and Traditional Medicines. Unmatched Expertise.

Are you weight loss resistant?

A sustainable weight management program addresses contributing factors that may be causing you to be “weight loss resistant.”

Be a part of our program which addresses nutritional deficiencies, cardio-metabolic lab markers, a comprehensive look at hormones, and other triggers.

We target these underlying causes based on clinical data, and provide meal plans for your individual needs, supported by a nutritionist or naturopath and health coach. This 4 month program is for those who are serious about getting to the bottom of their weight issues and addressing the underlying causes.

For more information call our wellness center at: 908-658-4900

FEBRUARY E V E N T S

Vibrant America Testing WEDNESDAY FEB 12 3 - 6:15 pm ————— OR ————— TUESDAY FEB 25 10 am - 1 pm Micronutrients, Hormone & Thyroid Panels, MTHFR, Cardio Metabolic, Gluten, Celiac, Wheat Allergies, Food Allergies, Intestinal Permeability, IBS Sure Appointment only Most insurance accepted

MONDAY FEB 3 7 pm

Cleansing with the Seasons with health coach Csilla Bischoff RSVP required No charge

SUNDAY FEB 9 2 - 4 pm

Master Class cosmetic workshop Makeup & Skin Care with Jane Iredale professionals Samples, gift with purchase, raffle.

FREE! RSVP required

WENESDAY FEB 26 11 am

Nutrition and Cellular Health with nutritionist Kirstin Nussgruber & health coach Joe Condora RSVP required

SHIPPING

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& SHIPPING SERVICES

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THURSDAY FEB 27 9 am - 7 pm

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February 2020

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Since 2004

Naturopathic, Ayurvedic, 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.

Hydrotherapy

www.njnaturalmedicine.com 2424 Lamington Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 973 267 2650

Bio-resonance Therapy

Acupuncture Infrared Sauna Diagnostics

Dr. Jason Frigerio ND, LAC Dr. Adam Dombrowski ND, LAC Dr. Krista Imre, ND

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NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 30 A FEAST FOR ALL SEASONS

38

Embracing the Rainbow Year Round

32 SACRED VESSELS The Lifeblood of Heart Health

37 CHOOSING LOVE

How to Cope With Fearful Times

38 GOOD HEARTS START YOUNG

Boosting Kids’ Cardiovascular Health

40 VITAL STEPS

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The Path to Vascular Fitness

42 DISRUPTING DISPOSABLES The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

46 HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN

The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

44 LINDA CARROLL 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.

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CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email calendar events to: Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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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.

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on Skills That Make Love Last

48 PAIN RELIEF FOR PETS

Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life

DEPARTMENTS 7 news briefs 12 health briefs 40 fit body 14 global briefs 42 green living 16 spotlight 44 wise words 18 roots pharmacy 46 healing ways 25 teen voices 48 natural pet 27 eco tip 50 local yoga 30 conscious 51 rosie’s corner

eating 52 calendar 37 inspiration 55 classifieds 38 healthy kids 58 business directory February 2020

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

publisher letter

Love is the Answer A

CENTRAL NJ EDITION PUBLISHER Joe Dunne

Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com • 908-405-1515

MANAGING EDITOR Kathy Tarbell

Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-912-4569 • 770-867-2101 direct

EDITOR Lana Dykes DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kathy Tarbell Megan Connelly COPY EDITOR Julie Vitto

YOGA SECTION Rosie Lazroe

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Rosie@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com•732-596-7384

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ADVERTISING SALES Joe Dunne 908-405-1515 Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com Visit our Facebook page for the latest health updates and information, or to post your events and comments.

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NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne

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ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope

FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave

s Valentine’s Day draws near, I am reminded of how my thinking, my feelings, and my behaviors have kept me from love. To be honest, I had zero understanding of the simple yet complicated concept of love. I know now that the need for it was the driving force of my life. In the beginning though, I did not know that I had implanted the wrong foundation for my thinking, and that what I searched for I could never achieve.

Eventually I did find the information, and I already Joe Dunne, Publisher had the need. However, the turning point came with a message that opened my awareness. A simple statement really, that “love is about giving and being able to receive love.” That is the key to being in love and being loved. It’s not enough to love others, you also have to let them close enough to love you. I had spent my life building walls to keep love out. People had tried to love me, and I wouldn’t let them.

At the time, I did not understand how my thoughts affected both my behavior and my feelings in order to protect my fear of intimacy. Life became complicated. But, as always, love was the answer, and making the decision to allow love in was the key that changed my life.

Truth be told, I still have so much to learn. Valentine’s Day reminds me why my wife, Asta, came into my life. Simply, she came to teach love. She has taught me so much and still teaches me. She has also given this gift to my sons—modeling love, giving love. Consistency breeds trust, and she is always consistent. Not just around Valentine’s Day but every day. What could be better than that? She always leads with love and still amazes me. My sons always know where they get their love from. They know the safety of coming home. She planted a safe spot in their DNA for the rest of their lives. Unselfish to a flaw, no one ever questions her motives, which always come from simple, pure love.

Her ability to accept, give and understand are awe-inspiring.

So, this Valentine’s Day month, I want to thank my wife for just being who she is every day of every year since we met—herself. Happy Valentine’s Day, Asta. Thanks. We love you.

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2020 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

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Please Recycle

I strongly believe that love is the answer and that it can mend even the deepest unseen wounds. Love can heal, love can console, love can strengthen, and yes, love can make change.”

— Somaly Mam

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Moving Through Grief Yoga Class

news briefs

Special Incentives to Show Love for the Trails in February

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he New York–New Jersey Trail Conference is celebrating Valentine’s Day by asking trail lovers to keep the mountains close to their heart with an exclusive, limited-edition T-shirt—a gift to anyone who becomes a Trail Conference member in February. Also, an anonymous couple who love each other and the trails will match February donations to the Trail Conference by Natural Awakenings readers.

The Trail Conference is a volunteer-powered organization that builds, maintains and protects public trails. Together with its partner organizations, it strives to ensure that the trails and natural areas in the New York–New Jersey area remain sustainable and publicly accessible for generations to come.

Every month, the Trail Conference hosts guided hikes and trail runs. This month’s free events include a guided hike on February 28 at Teatown Lake Reservation, in Ossining, New York, and a trail run on February 8 in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

For more information about this or other events, or to read about donating to, volunteering for or joining the Trail Conference, visit nynjtc.org. To learn how to double a donation, see ad on page 26.

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e Here Now Yoga, in historic Flemington, is holding a monthly class for those who are struggling with the grieving process. This gentle class offers movement for people with little or no experience as well as those who regularly practice yoga. While yogis may vary in age and personal experience, the one thing they all share is a desire to heal after the loss of a loved one. Moving through Grief is held at 7:00 p.m., on the first Thursday of each month.

Jan, a returning participant, explains, “Discovering Moving through Grief helped fill in the gaps of my healing process after the sudden loss of my husband. The practice provided me with a tiny respite from my pain as it calmed my mind and body, which in turn gave me elements of strength and courage that I needed. The yoga classes forced me to get out of the house and return back into the world of people. I was fortunate enough to find an accepting studio that, without judgement, allowed me the opportunity to explore and process my grief with loving kindness and compassion.”

There is no charge for this class, but registration is required.

The class is sponsored by Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Flemington.

Location: Be Here Now Yoga, 63 Main St., Ste. 202, Flemington.

For more information and to register, call 908-642-0989 or visit BeHereNowYoga108.com/Great-Special-Events. Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services: WrightFamily.com.

See Yoga ad, page 51.

Heart Of Oneness Holistic Expo Over 100 Exhibitors

Over 100 Exhibitors

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Psychic Readings

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Nutrition

Mediumship

Crystals

Workshops & Speakers

Essential Oils

Enlightenment

Visionary Artists

Yoga

Meditation

NJ Convention & Exposition Center 97 Sunfield Ave Edison, NJ 08837

March 27, 28 & 29

HeartOfOnenessHolisticExpo.com

Daily Hours Friday 5-9pm Saturday 10am-7pm Sunday 10am-5pm February 2020

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news briefs

If you’re alive, there’s a purpose for your life. ~Rick Warren

The Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo Comes to Edison

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et ready to affirm, align and arrive in 2020. Experience an incredible weekend of healing, upliftment and transformation on the weekend of Mach 27-29, at the NJ Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. The Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo features over 100 unique metaphysical healers, psychic readers, crystals, shopping, henna tattoo, organic herbs, candles, natural gifts, essential oils, angel readings, bath product, clothing and so much more.

The two-day expo includes over 30

free lectures, workshops and special guest presentations on Saturday and Sunday that are certain to spark and awaken connections both far and wide for all.

Witness and be a part of this co-creative, collaborative holistic and spiritual event with some of the finest practitioners and share in the celebration. Organizers look forward to connecting hearts and communities while supporting wellness as a way of being.

Tickets, available on Eventbrite and at the door, are $15 for the weekend, $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday or Sunday.

The first 150 people will receive a free tote at the door on Saturday and Sunday.

Location: NJ Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison. Hours: Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm; and Sunday 10am-5pm. For more information, visit HeartOfOnenessHolisticExpo.com. To apply and register as an Exhibitor, call 732508-7990. See ad, page 7.

Directory of Display Advertisers Thank you for being part of our community!

Acupuncture Works 55 Awakening Point Yoga Studio 51 Ayurvedashram Wellness 22 Be Here Now Yoga 51 Califon Yoga 50 Center for Advanced Health 47 Through Dentistry Center for Inner 27 Transformations Center for Spiritual Living 11 Princeton Christ Church 10 Christel Haase Reflexology 41 CopperZap 63 David Winston’s Center for 21 Herbal Studies Dr. Andy Rosenfarb 41 Dr. Clare Larkin, Matrix 10 Repatterning Dr. John G. Gallucci 11 Dr. Paul Bizzaro, DC

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Dr. Renata Dussias 33 East Coast Spine, Sports, 2 and Regenerative Medicine /Dr. Edward Magaziner eZential Wellness 50 Gaia’s Gifts 43 Health Queen/Avis 9 Gardell-Feldstein Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo 7 Holistic Dental Center 64 Hunterdon Integrative Physicians 39 In Your Arms 48 Inner Truth Hypnotherapy 17 InSight Holistic 47 Integrative Health & Wellness 42 Associates Itex / doTerra / Elaine Bacio 15 Lisa’s Thermography & Wellness 30 Mom N Pop CBD Wellness Shop 20 Morning Star Family Health Center 25 New Jersey Natural Medicine 4

*New or returning advertiser NY-NJ Trail Conference 26 Ondov Relationship Coaching 16 Personally Yours Lingerie 13 PremierMD 19 Premier Pilates and Yoga 9 Princeton Center for Dental 49 Aesthetics Psychic Gallery 16 Qi Gong for Healing 13 Samsara Chiropractic 43 Sand Hills Community 56 Wellness Center Sunny van Vlijmen/EFT-Practice 38 Sunrise Nutrition 22 The Naturopath, LLC 57 Valley Integrative Pharmacy 3, 17, 34 Wellspring Women’s Health 35 Whole Foods

57 WholeListic Hair Design 56 Yoga Central 50

Let them know you found them in Natural Awakenings Central NJ! 8

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February 2020

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MATRIX REPATTERNING

Your cells remember trauma on a deeper level.

Some injuries hang on because their energy gets trapped in the deeper tissues of the body. Using Matrix Repatterning, Dr. Larkin detects and releases these deeper injuries, improves electrical flow and allows the body to function normally again.

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

news briefs

Interfaith Soul Feast: The Value of Minority Voices

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he world resounds with minority voices trying to be heard while privileged voices feel threatened by the prospect of becoming marginalized. This is evident within and among various religious traditions. Some religious traditions are misunderstood.

Some folk are suspicious of religions other than their own. Some minority voices are considered prophetic, some are labeled heretical. What’s the value of listening to minority voices in our current context? How do faith traditions manage dissent and reformation in our changing society? This free two-part event, starting at 1:00 p.m., on February 23, offers an opportunity to speak from the margins and practice listening to minority voices.

Participants will discover a marginalized voice among their neighbors and befriend them in order to better understanding diverse perspectives. For those who are outliers in their faith community, this is an opportunity to voice dissent to a non-judgmental listener. For those who are unacquainted with a non-majority faith tradition, this is an opportunity to learn from and befriend a religious stranger. For those who are of a non-privileged religious tradition, this is an opportunity to share the values of their sacred tradition.

During the second session of this event, participants will share their discoveries from personal experience. Make new friends and practice modeling more fruitful dialogue among and within faith traditions.

Location: Christ Church, 1600 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville. For more information and to co-sponsor, contact Rev. Susan Joseph Rack at 908 722-2080, email cpchurch@optonline.net or visit ChristChurchEmerging.org. See ad, page 10.

10 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Free Introduction to ECK Satsang Spirituality Class

“Filled with Inspiration” — A Must Read!

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ome learn what ECK Satsang has to offer at a free introductory meeting from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., on March 12, at the Eckankar Center in Montclair. The class is perfect for those whose experience of spirituality differs from that found in traditional religions. Participants are free to share insights with fellow spiritual explorers in an ECK Satsang class of interest. The chance to discover truth in this way is one of the many benefits of membership in Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom.

Eckankar teaches that there is an audible life current known as the ECK, or Holy Spirit, that connects each of us with the heart of God. People can experience the ECK as light and sound. Through study and practice of the spiritual exercises of ECK, one learns to recognize the light and sound of God as it touches their lives and brings increased divine love. They can find answers to the deepest spiritual questions through dream teachings and the inner and outer guidance of the spiritual leader of Eckankar, who is the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master, Sri Harold Klemp.

Location: Eckankar Center, 11 Park St., Montclair. For more information call 800870-9139 or email spirituality@eckankar-nj.org. Additional information about Eckankar can be found at Eckankar.org or EckankarBlog.org.

Against-all-odds spiritually and metaphysicallybased true stories that take you on a supernatural journey of healing the heart, mind, body, and soul.

God My L i f

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John Gerard Gallucci, MD,

is a board-certified, award-winning pediatric and neonatal general and thoracic surgeon who has held the designation of “Top Doctor” in his home state of New Jersey for many years. He is also a reiki master, energy healer, and prayer warrior who genuinely uses the energy of the Holy Spirit to heal families’ hearts, minds, bodies, and souls.

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Use Probiotics to Reduce Bone Loss and Newborn Infections Bone loss leading to increased fracture risk occurs in half of postmenopausal women, but new research from Sweden offers a deterrent: a combination of three Lactobacillus probiotic strains. A total of 249 healthy, early postmenopausal women over the age of 50 that took the probiotics for a year suffered no significant bone loss in the lumbar spine compared to a placebo group, report researchers at Gothenburg University. They had slight reductions in bone loss at the neck and no changes at the hip or upper femur.

In a British Medical Journal-published study on probiotics that spanned 10 years and involved nearly 1,000 atrisk babies, researchers from the UK’s Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital found that newborns with gut infections were twice as likely to recover when given probiotics as part of their treatment in intensive care units, with sepsis rates reduced from 22.6 percent to 11.5 percent. The strains used were L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. longum subspecies infantis. The babies were suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis, a rare infection and inflammation of the intestines which can affect low-birthweight babies.

Use Pumpkin Seed Oil to Dodge Hypertension Postmenopausal women are more likely to develop hypertension than men their age, but taking pumpkin seed oil daily may head off that condition, report researchers from Marymount University, in Arlington, Virginia. In a blind study of 23 participants, women taking three grams of pumpkin seed oil for six weeks had significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, as well as better blood flow in their arteries. The oil “might be effective in the prevention and treatment of hypertension in this population,” write the authors.

12 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

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Qigong, a traditional Chinese massage technique and movement practice, may offer hope for the one in 68 American children suffering from autism spectrum disorder. Researchers at Portugal’s Oporto University reviewed 10 high-quality studies, all of which involved massage for children as young as 2, including two which also employed slow qigong movements and breathwork for older children. Previous studies have found that the qigong type of gentle massage practiced for 15 minutes daily by parents on autistic children helps the children tolerate touch, feel reassured by it and bond more deeply with parents that also feel less stress. The meta-study affirmed, “Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioral and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, as well as healthy physical behavior.”

Get Nutritional and Antifungal Benefits from Celery Researchers from Cameroon’s University of Buea studied the properties of nine local vegetables and found that celery, Apium graveolens, had some of the highest levels of antifungal properties, as well as high levels of nutritional lipids, protein, vitamin C, copper, zinc and phosphorous. Also scoring high in nutritional and antifungal value were the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis, African or bush mango, sometimes used in the U.S. in weight-loss products.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

baibaz/Shutterstock.com

Practice Qigong Massage to Improve Autism Symptoms in Children

Stacy Barnett/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Try Mind-Body Options to Reduce Opioid-Treated Pain People suffering from acute pain often turn to addictive opioid treatments, but research from the University of Utah School of Social Work published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that certain mind-body therapies significantly reduce pain and the use of opioids. Reviewing 60 randomized, controlled, published clinical trials with more than 6,400 participants, researchers found that meditation/mindfulness, therapeutic suggestion and cognitive behavioral therapy all significantly reduced pain severity along with opioid use and misuse. Hypnosis also helped lower pain.

Mind-body therapies proved effective at reducing short-term, acute pain from medical procedures, as well as chronic pain. Lead author and Associate Dean for Research Eric Garland pointed out that 82,000 Americans are projected to die from opioid overdoses in the next five years and noted, “If all of us—doctors, nurses, social workers, policymakers, insurance companies and patients—use this evidence as we make decisions, we can help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic.”

New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Consider Vitamins to Reduce Eczema Severity Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, affects one in five people over the course of a lifetime, causing itchy, red, swollen and cracked skin, especially on the arms, hands and feet.

Genetics, immune system dysfunction and environmental exposure, including to chemicals, are some causes, and treatment usually involves moisturizers and corticosteroid creams. Research from China’s Chongqing Medical University reviewed clinical research on treating eczema with vitamins and found 10 studies totaling 456 patients. Their study concluded that supplementing with vitamin D3 significantly reduced symptoms for patients with moderate to severe eczema, and that a vitamin B12 cream was also effective in soothing symptoms, as was vitamin E supplementation. A combination of 600 IU of vitamin E and 1,600 IU of D3 scored highest in a study included by the researchers, lowering symptoms overall by 64 percent in 60 days.

QiforGong Healing

classes|seminars|workshops Tai Chi & Qi Gong classes offered weekly

6-Day Qi Healing Seminar/Workshop 2 weekends Fri-Sun

Feb. 28-Mar. 1 & Mar 6-8 OR April 17-19 & 24-26 BETTER HEALTH EITHER WAY! See page 52-57 for class/workshop details.

QiGongForHealing.com or call Fran Maher & Brian Coffey

908-647-1563

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The 40th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held last November, adopted a resolution that reaffirms the importance of the Earth Charter (EarthCharter.org) as an ethical framework for sustainable development.

The Charter’s four pillars— respect and care for the community of life; ecology integrity; social and economic justice; and democracy, non-violence and peace—have guided and underpinned UNESCO’s sustainable development work. Taking into account the current world situation and environmental crises, delegates felt it was time to act and that the Earth Charter provides the needed principles and values. Although it has no binding force, like previous UNESCO resolutions, its ethical foundation may surface in future battles in international courts.

Thump Thump

In 1969, there were only 100 South American fur seals and sea lions along the coastline of Lima, the capitol of Peru, but that has increased to more than 8,000 today, thanks to local fishermen that have realized over the intervening years that a balanced ecosystem benefits all. Once hunted almost to the point of no return for their pelts and because they ate so many fish, the sea mammals have slowly rebounded since Peru established its first marine protection area there in 1979, the Paracas Marine Reserve. Today, the Fishermen’s Union has defined these areas, in which each local fishing collective is dependent economically, and has assigned responsibility to that group for protecting those marine resources. Impetus for species protection is also being driven by the rise of tourism and artisanal fisheries.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which maintains a “Red List” database of species and the degree to which they are threatened with extinction, has also been involved. It also compiles a “Green List” to recognize global best practices for area-based conservation, a program working with marine reserves along the Pacific coast.

Trees Exhibit ‘Heartbeat’

Scientists have discovered that some trees raise and lower their branches several times in the course of the night, indicating a cycle of water and sugar transportation, but they didn’t know why. Plants need water to photosynthesize glucose, the basic building block from which their more complex molecules are formed. For trees, this entails drawing water from the roots to the leaves. Dr. András Zlinszky, at Aarhus University, Denmark, used a laser scanning technique to measure the exact location of branches and leaves of 22 tree and shrub species, and published his observations of substantial unexpected movement cycles. He says, “We detected a previously unknown periodic movement of up to 0.4 inches in cycles of two to six hours. The movement has to be connected to variations in water pressure within the plants, and this effectively means that the tree is pumping. Water transport is not just a steady-state flow, as we previously assumed.” Some might call that pumping action a heartbeat.

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UNESCO Adopts Resolution on Earth Charter

Fishermen Protect Endangered Sea Mammals

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Clear Thinking

Seal Deal

Soot Cities

Alaska Battles Air Pollution

Alaska, which has some of the most pristine environments in the U.S., also has some of the worst air quality in its cities. According to the American Lung Association 2019 State of the Air report (Tinyurl.com/StateOfTheAirPDF), Fairbanks ranked third and a section of Anchorage ranked 21st in cities with high levels of short-term particle pollution between 2015-2017, the latest years that figures are available. Although the numbers are poor, they still represent an improvement from the last air quality report. “Particle pollution is made of soot, or tiny particles that come from coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires and wood-burning devices. These particles are so small that they can lodge deep in the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, and can even be lethal,” warns Marge Stoneking, executive director at the American Lung Association in Alaska.

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MarcelClemens/Shutterstock.com

global briefs

Valentina Razumovar/Shutterstock.com

Alex Yuzhakov/Shutterstock.com

Climate Check

New Label Verifies Carbon Neutral Products

Green Horizons

A Billion Trees in Eight Years

Marrying forestry to technology, the startup Flash Forest, in Toronto, is using aerial drones to plant trees 10 times faster than human planters with a goal of 1 billion trees by 2028. Since testing prototype devices last year, it has already planted several thousand trees across Ontario using pre-germinated seed pods containing a mixture of species.

The drones are capable of planting trees at just 50 cents per pod, or a quarter of the cost of typical planting methods.

Funded partly by a Kickstarter campaign, the group will start planting trees in April, with at least 150,000 in the ground by the end of this year. At full capacity, one drone operator will be able to plant 100,000 seed pods per day.

Flash Forest spokesperson Angelique Ahlstrom says, “Our goals are to have a significant and measurable impact on mitigating climate change in the next decade, while combatting deforestation and biodiversity loss on a global scale. We feel we are one of the only ways that the federal government will be able to fulfill its pledge to plant 2 billion trees in the next 10 years.”

A new Climate Neutral product label is joining others like Fair Trade, 100% Organic and Made in America, and is closing in on a Kickstarter (Tinyurl.com/ CarbonNeutralKickstarter) funding goal to raise $100,000. The idea for the label was hatched by the founders of San Franciscobased backpack and camera equipment maker Peak Design and Brooklyn-based Biolite, which sells sustainable energy products. Participating companies start by establishing baseline emissions, evaluating such factors as raw materials, the energy costs at their facilities, the amount that employees travel, and how and where their products are shipped.

They work to reduce and balance them through greener strategies, switching to renewable power and investing in carbon offsets before they can display the label on their products. According to Climate Neutral, it only costs 12 cents to offset the carbon emissions required to produce a $120 running shoe. More than 40 brands have already signed up.

ARE YOU INVESTING IN LIFELONG

Water Win

Riccardo Mayer/Shutterstock.com

Fresh H20 Comes to Kenya Town

A drought-plagued Kenyan region is using a new, solar-powered, desalination plant from the international nonprofit GivePower to obtain clean water. Before the plant’s arrival in the town of Kiunga, villagers had completely run out of clean drinking water and had to use dirty well water and saltwater from the Indian Ocean. The new solar water farm produces enough drinking water that’s cleaner than typical desalination plants for more than 35,000 people every day.

GivePower has a mission of using renewable energy as a means of bringing water, food and energy to places that need it most. They plan on building similar facilities in other drought-prone countries such as Colombia and Haiti.

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nner Truth Hypnotherapy & Meditation Center began as a metaphysical and meditation center in 1997. Owner Tori Valspirit, CMS-CHt, FIBH, is a clinical hypnotherapist who also practices medical support hypnotherapy. These services are constructed to help empower her clients with self-confidence and focus as well as help with the healing process. When providing her medical support hypnotherapy services, she works with her patients’ physicians to ensure that each healing session is being done in the most optimal way.

Valspirit’s father meditated and used other spiritual practices, which in turn became an important part of her life early on. After her father’s passing, she wanted to implement his teachings in her life. Armed with this knowledge, she went on a search to find out more about what he knew. She began to work with mystery schools in order to empower others with the understanding that everyone has the ability to manifest a satisfying life. Since 1995, she has been teaching her clients how to understand their true selves and realize their true purpose in life.

In 2018, Valspirit decided to get back into hypnotherapy full-time. In that year, she was recertified as a clinical hypnotherapist with a 500-hour course that also included medical support. Her ideal client is a person who wants to heal, manifest, learn their true purpose and know themselves in order to create a satisfying life.

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tation Center is different because Valspirit practices Integral Hypnotherapy, a verified trademark Scientific Hypnotherapy style.

All sessions are customized and collaborated with her clients. She also provides medical support and clinical hypnotherapy while working with her client’s health and counseling agencies, clinics and hospitals in order to provide the most optimal session. All information is kept confidential within the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.

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February 2020

17

healing with nature’s pharmacy

Barking Up The Right Tree The Medicinal Value Of Bark

By J Garnett

W

ith many Americans moving toward natural medicine, alternatives to pharmaceuticals are being sought out. Many choices are available and becoming more mainstream, but there are still some that are just emerging here in the U.S., even though they’ve been in practice for thousands of years. Long before pharmaceuticals became available to humans, plants, herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables and even trees were the go-to remedy for countless ailments.

Trees have been revered since perhaps the beginning of the human race.

They’re tall and sturdy. They offer shade on a hot sunny day. They produce oxygen.

Trees can support a swing or a treehouse.

There are people who’ve been called tree-huggers because they respect the bountiful gifts which trees offer humanity, and the planet itself. According to BBC News and Science and Environment, the oldest living thing on the planet is a tree.

A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Sustainable Forestry states that there are over 60,000 different species of trees on earth. A fig tree in Sri Lanka is at least 2,224 years old. In Chile, there’s a Patagonian cypress tree that’s over 3,600 years old. An ancient bristlecone pine named Methuselah, in the White Mountains of California, was discovered to be just under 5,000 years old. Since Methuselah’s discovered age, another bristlecone

18 18 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

pine, unnamed, was discovered in the Inyo National Forest and is over 5,000 years old.

Trees should be revered, and tree-huggers have had the right idea all along—because coupled with being ancient, they offer numerous medicinal compounds that can be helpful in the shift to natural plant medicine.

According to a CNN article, “From a Tree, a Miracle called Aspirin”, by Elizabet Landau, one of the oldest uses for tree medicine dates back to 3000 BC, when the Ancient Egyptians used the bark of the willow tree for an analgesic. Hippocrates, the Greek physician who lived from 460377 BC, also noted that the leaves and bark of the willow tree not only relieved pain but also helped in reducing fevers. Most parts of the willow tree contain the acid, salicylic.

It wasn’t until thousands of years later, in the early 1800s, that the acid was isolated

by French scientist Henri Leroux. With the discovery, aspirin was created. Through the years, the benefits of aspirin have been

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

uncovered. Not only does it reduce pain and fever, but it also helps thin the blood, which helps with the prevention of blood clots and heart attacks.

Native Americans and indigenous tribes around the globe found a number of medicinal properties in many other trees. Bark has been used to help with inflammation, high blood pressure and arthritis. In more recent years, bark has even been used in some cancer treatments. It’s not very common in today’s society to view a tree as part of the makeup of herbal and plant medicine. Its uses, however, can be in the form of poultices, tinctures, salves and as a wash to fight off infection from open wounds.

One tree that people are familiar with is the Scottish pine, better known as the Christmas tree, which isn’t well known as a medicinal tree. The pine’s bark and leaves can be made into a tea that is used for an internal antiseptic, a diuretic and for lung health, especially as an expectorant. It can also be made into a salve that can help with arthritis pain.

Like the Scottish pine, bark from the ash tree can be used to reduce the swelling caused by arthritis, rheumatism in particular. Birch tree bark can be added to a bath and helps ease the effects of different skin conditions including rashes, eczema and psoriasis. The bark from maple trees is made into a tea and used to treat kidney disease and bronchitis. Elder bark is used to treat headaches and symptoms that accompany allergies and chest colds.

It’s also used to bring on perspiration, which lowers fever.

There are numerous uses of bark for many different ailments and conditions.

So how does one get the bark, especially from trees that aren’t grown in the region where they reside? As parts of the planet are brought closer together through technology, many ingredients from tree bark, leaves and sap are now available online.

Make certain that the online company is reputable and that their products are third party tested.

For the adventurous type of person,

foraging bark from local trees for medicine is an option. Precautions must be taken when collecting bark from a tree.

Like the human skin, a tree’s bark is the outer covering for the vital processes that take place within. Without the skills to harvest bark safely, a tree can become wounded and die. Very small pieces of the bark should be removed from a living tree. Collecting bark from branches and

trees that have fallen naturally is recommended for the novice forager.

J. Garnet, M.A., is an educator and freelance writer. Garnet’s studies have led him to the world of plant medicine and its many benefits. His work is centered on educating the public on alternative medicine. Connect at 520-437-8855 or Jeffrey@ NaturalTucson.com.

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roots: healing with nature’s pharmacy

Eat Garlic and Onion for Breast Health

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omen eating more onions and garlic reduced their risk of breast cancer by 59 percent compared to those that ate less of these, according to a study in the journal Nutrition and Cancer. Researchers from the State University of New York at Buffalo and the University of Puerto Rico surveyed 660 women in Puerto Rico to measure their intake of onions and garlic, as well as sofrito, a local dish also cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro and black pepper.

Women that ate the onion- and garlic-rich sofrito sauce more than once a day

slashed their risk of breast cancer by 67 percent compared to those that didn’t eat it. Both garlic and onions contain compounds with anticarcinogenic properties, and earlier studies have found a link between higher

onion and garlic intake and fewer cancers of the lung, prostate and stomach. Puerto Rican women eat more onions and garlic than women in Europe and the U.S., mainly due to the popularity of those two ingredients in sofrito, and also have markedly lower breast cancer rates.

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A Natural Solution To Sleep Apnea

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ccording to a National Institutes of Health study, most people believe that sleep apnea is caused by a sagging soft pallet or by some other obstructive tissue in the throat.

Actually, it’s the result of a diminishing signal from the brain to the diaphragm (causing one to breathe) that can occur during the transition from initial semi-wakefulness into the next stage of lighter sleep prior to REM sleep.

In some people, the unintended reduction in the signal is significant enough that breathing goes beyond being shallow and completely stops.

After a short period of time, the brain, realizing the need to breathe, forces a rapid inhalation to restart respiration that literally drags the sagging localized soft tissues into the airway, as reported in Sleep Apnea: A New Approach to an Emergent Problem by Master Herbalist Steven Frank, of Nature’s Rite. For some,

there’s no indication of potential problems when they are awake as the tissues remain in their normal state and the throat doesn’t close off during the day or when relaxing or resting, but then they can experience an obstruction problem when trying to go to sleep.

Instead of resorting to surgery to remove neck tissue or using a machine to force air into lungs, try a natural, herbal solution that has been used for thousands of years. Lobelia acts as a respiratory stimulant and maintains deep, steady breathing through the stage 2 sleep period. Thyme improves the ability of the lungs to exchanges CO2 for oxygen. While Chamomile and Cramp Bark helps the upper trapezius muscles to relax supporting better nerve transmission.

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roots: healing with nature’s pharmacy

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A year later they married in a private ceremony in an old-growth forest miles from civilization. They held their reception on a mountaintop in the Catskills.

The Trails Lead to Love

The Long Path

Kristina Zaidner Photography

Daniel and Ayla grew up together. His dad was Ed Bieber, founder of the Nature Place Day Camp, now in its 35th year. Her dad was Scott Dunn, the camp’s program director for 30 years. Daniel and Ayla shared the sense of wonder that comes from constant exposure to the outdoors.

They began dating 10 years ago and married in 2015. Asked about the importance of hiking and nature to their relationship, Daniel says, “Consider where we had

by Roger Dubin our wedding. We were looking for a special place in nature to get married, and Dad David DiCerbo and Jessica Tackett’s wedding reception. suggested the site of the Raymond Torrey memorial on top of Long Mountain, where his is the story of two couples and friends to partners after a particularthe Long Path crosses. What a metaphor whose love has a special connection ly intense backpacking trip that they led that is for marriage and life! We started the to the trails and nature. One couple together. The emotions ran high with this journey of life together on the Long Path, was married on a mountaintop in Harrigroup of 25 New Yorkers over nine nights which was conceived in 1931 and extends man Bear Mountain State Park, the other in Utah, but Jessica persevered and Dave deep in the Catskills amidst 300-year-old was impressed. Rather than fly home alone, over 350 miles, from New York City to Thacher State Park in Albany County.” birch trees and 400-year-old spruce. Coin- Jessica accepted Dave’s invitation to drive

The wedding took place on a bluscidentally, they both got engaged in canoes. back to New York with him. tery October day that started off mild and

After a particularly rough stretch of quickly turned cold. The rain blew horizonLove Survives driving, they decided to camp in a woodtally at times, and the mile-long trail up the David and Jessica met in early 2014, when ed area in Tennessee. That’s when Jessica Jessica scored a Groupon for a survival really saw David’s passion for nature. It still mountain was so slippery that guides were strategically located to keep the 100-plus program run by David’s company, Destimakes her melt. guests from falling. nation Back Country Adventures. David

“Here’s this rugged guy who turns

“Overcoming the challenges and taught the class. to mush when he sees a waterfall or hikes weather to get to the top made the ceremo David immediately felt an attraction through an old-growth forest. And we get ny that much more meaningful,” Ayla says. to Jessica but quickly suppressed it. Then into the woods and he starts screaming, “We’ll never forget that day and the start of approaching 40, he had vowed that he ‘Ferns! Ferns! Oh, how I missed you ferns!’” our lives together as husband and wife on would only get serious with someone if that mountaintop.” the relationship could lead to permanence

Some trails lead into the woods. and marriage. He didn’t think that possible Others, to love. with a 23-year-old. Jessica was attracted to

T

Dave’s outdoorsy nature and adventurous lifestyle, but she also saw the age difference as a problem.

The survival class was followed by day hikes and backpacking. Jessica fell in love with the woods and eventually became a guide at Destination Back Country. She and David enjoyed each other’s company but avoided getting romantically involved.

This went on for two years, as they fell in and out of relationships with others.

They finally changed from co-workers

Happy trails!

The Ceremony for Daniel Bieber and Ayla Dunn Bieber at the Raymond Torrey memorial on top of Long Mountain

24 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Roger Dubin is marketing director for Natural Awakenings, volunteer trail supervisor for the New York-New Jersey Trail conference (nynjtc.org) and day hike leader and naturist for the Nature Place Day Camp.

Contact him at MrNaturalNYC@gmail.com or on Instagram @MrNaturalNYC. See ad, page 26.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

teen voices

All You Need is Love

by Isabella Dussias

H

comedies shown on TV. appy winter to all!

There is puppy love, love February brings us handles, love seat and love cold weather superimposed potions—those endearing with the warmth of Valenterms are endless. There tine’s Day. In my elementary is love of country, love of school years, winter was a friends, love of family, love time of cold days and hopeful of self. There are lovebugs school closings that felt as and love birds, lovesick and if it dragged on forever. love songs.

Valentine’s Day was always In asking my friends if a highlight—getting candy Valentine’s Day is importand exchanging cards with ant to them as teens, I got school friends broke up the many different responsdoldrums of winter.

Isabella Dussias es. Some were looking So, why do we celebrate forward to getting flowers love? Countless songs and or candy from a parent or from someone love stories have been written about it, special. Others were excited to give a card and there is an abundance of romantic

or stuffed animal to their little brother or sister. One of my friends spends every Valentine’s Day having dinner with her grandparents. My other friend donates his time at an extended care facility.

It’s been said that “love makes the world go ‘round.” The goodness of humanity is essential to that, and love plays a fundamental role. In polling my friends, I found that the four-letter word “love” became synonymous with another four-letter word, “kind”. What we, as teens, seem to be seeking out to celebrate is the kindness and love that is inherent within us all.

Now it’s halfway through winter. Hope you have a lovely February!

Isabella Dussias is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter/composer from New Jersey.

She enjoys writing about issues that are important to today’s youth, and she believes music is an important outlet to connect people and share messages through the creativity of lyric and melody. For more information, please visit IsabellaDussias.com.

February 2020

25

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is celebrating its 100th Anniversary!

Now more than ever, the Trail Conference needs your support.

In the early 1900s, there were people who understood there must be an escape from the hustle and bustle of the urban concrete jungle. They worked together to preserve the land, build the trails, and blaze and map them, so future generations would have a place to go in nature to breathe, explore, and thrive.

They formed the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in 1920 to protect the land we all love. With your support, you can ensure the continued care for your favorite parks and trails—today, for the next 100 years, and beyond.

Go to NYNJTC.org for information about donating, membership, and volunteering.

Bonus! An anonymous couple who love each other and love trails will match your donations to the Trail Conference dollar for dollar through the end of February. Simply mention Natural Awakenings magazine in the comments of your donation submitted online at NYNJTC.org or mailed to Trail Conference Headquarters located at 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430.

26 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

eco tip

Vichy Deal/Shutterstock.com

Clean and Green Eco-Laundry Tips

By laundering clothes using simple ingredients and wise eco-practices, consumers can both save money and lower their carbon footprint.

Natural cleaning ingredients cited by TheEcoGuide. org include white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, borax and castile soap, all of which “can be bought in bulk with minimal packaging and have known cleaning properties that make them safe, effective and carbon-friendly alternatives.” Coarse salt is also suggested due to its mold-fighting power.

Look for biodegradable laundry detergents made with plant oils and other natural ingredients that are free of phosphates, bleach and surfactants such as petroleum-based nonylphenol ethoxylates.

Consider coldwater washing. About 90 percent of the energy a washing machine uses goes toward heating water.

By washing four out of five loads in cold water, a household could cut its carbon emissions by 864 pounds a year, according to Energy Star data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Because the cold setting may still heat the water to as much as 80° F, see if the washer has a preferable “tap cold” option. Also, the temperature recommendations on clothing labels represent “the highest spectrum clothes can handle,” Melissa Hockstad, president and chief executive of the American Cleaning Institute, recently told The New York Times, so the hottest water won’t necessarily clean clothes better.

During rinsing, natural disinfectants that can be added include a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil; two teaspoons of tea tree oil; white vinegar (one-half cup per load); or one teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract.

Always assemble a full load of laundry each time. Line drying outdoors or on a drying rack indoors also conserves energy and is gentler on fabrics. Further, learn how to make homemade, felted wool dryer balls at DIYNatural.com; tossing four to six of them in each dryer load saves time, energy and money plus reduces static cling. And consider running the dryer early in the morning or overnight: this shifts energy consumption to off-peak hours, which lowers the demand on power plants and could help reduce national reliance on fossil fuels.

February 2020

27

The Cannabis Clinician Sonia Singh, aka The Happy Therapist™, has come up with a unique formula to offer sufferers of PTSD and anxiety an alternative for her predictably happy patients.

A

s the discussion of the legalization of marijuana becomes a popular topic on Capitol Hill in 2020, the realization of the medicinal importance of cannabis has been a discussion among health practitioners for millenniums and “The Happy Therapist” is reminding the public of the precious plant’s necessity. Through the founding of her private practice, The Center Of Inner Transformations (COIT), Sonia Singh LCSW, ADAC, aka The Happy Therapist, has developed a unique, outpatient clinical service that allows the average citizen that suffers from mental health issues like PTSD and anxiety to be treated with medical marijuana.

After hosting the state of New Jersey’s first two groundbreaking Medical Marijuana Card Drives at her Central New Jersey location, the Punjabi-American Rutgers University alum continues to facilitate the Cannabis Health Program at COIT and has even formulated her own therapist-recommended CBD line that she provides in her specialized CBD-Assisted Recovery Program. Singh, who herself has adopted a plant-based diet within the past year, aims to service the naturopathic community and spread the message of overall holistic living.

The dank doc decided to sit down with Natural Awakenings to discuss the mission of the Center Of Inner Transformations in 2020, the benefits of the unprecedented Medical Marijuana Card Drives and the purpose of her unique position in streamlining New Jersey residents into the state’s medical marijuana program.

From within the quaint confines of

COIT, the balanced energy can be felt in Dr. Singh’s office amidst the carefully arranged precious stones situated across from an inviting display of fidget spinners.

The New York-born, New Jersey-bred alternative practice social worker’s calming demeanor and infectious smile was a constant throughout the entire interview.

When asked what distinguishes her practice from other social workers and drug counselors in New Jersey, Singh matter of factly replied, “I outreach a special population. Most people who seek out alternative mental health or substance abuse services have not had success or even oppose what traditional outpatient services offer. We take pride in being as different as our clients.” The 34-year-old business owner continued, “As a clinician, I have a responsibility to assist my clients and my greater communities in achieving optimal wellness through a variety of different interventions and tools. I believe that naturopathic medications are much safer and my clients and research show more health benefits and no

28 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

severe long term damage to our organs. By incorporating specialized interventions and counseling, I’m giving my clients way more than something to help them cope for now.

I’m helping them develop wellness routines that will help them grow and optimize their self-coping abilities for a life term.”

Singh, who has served as a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor in New Jersey for three years, says that her role as a therapist is very distinct from that of a physician that prescribes a patient medical marijuana and assures that her practice will make cannabis (CBD and THC) available for all who qualify. “I offer medical marijuana as an alternative treatment option for our clients who suffer from the eligible mental health diagnoses for NJ’s Medical Marijuana Program, which are anxiety and PTSD.” Singh casually explains, “To obtain your MMP card, you have to have a recent treatment history and receive a referral/recommendation with your medical records from your treating clinician and then bring them to a medical marijuana doctor. But what about the undiagnosed, the self-medicating or all those people who can’t access a referral or recommendation from their providers? We help them. In 2020, we are growing our outreach to help these diverse individuals in accessing medical marijuana.”

Center of Inner Transformations is located at 223 Route 18, in East Brunswick, New Jersey. For more information, call 732-5080052, email info@coithealth.com or visit COITHEALTH.com. See ad, page 27.

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I’m giving my

clients way more than something to help them cope for now. I’m helping them develop wellness routines that will help them grow and optimize their self-coping abilities for a life term.

February 2020

29

A Feast for All Seasons Embracing the Rainbow Year Round

N

by April Thompson

o matter where we live, eating seasonally in winter doesn’t have to be boring or limiting; a culinary adventure awaits the home chef that’s willing to leave avocados and asparagus to their rightful seasons and embrace the winter rainbow of bitter greens, sweet potatoes, sunny citrus and fuchsia beets, among other timely delicacies.

“Sometimes people think of winter foods as brown and soft and boring, and it’s absolutely not the case. Winter brings

bright things like pomegranates, beets and citrus, which offer color and acidity,” says Brigit Binns, the Paso Robles, California author of 30 cookbooks, including Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh.

Eating seasonally is especially important in winter, says Shannon Stonger of Texas, author of Simple Food for Winter: 30 Grain-Free Recipes to Get You Through the Dark Days. “Winter foods like fermented vegetables, root vegetables, squashes and hardy greens are especially

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Much of the fall harvest, particularly root vegetables, stores well through the winter (hence the idea of a root cellar), extending produce across seasons, according to Steven Satterfield, chef and author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. There are lots of root vegetables beyond just carrots and potatoes to be enjoyed in winter, including sunchokes, parsnips and turnips, which can be used creatively rather than “boiled to death,” says Satterfield. For example, the Atlanta restaurateur incorporates parsnips into an upside-down cake with winter spices like nutmeg, black pepper and ginger.

Binns like to add texture to winter dishes with nuts, color with herbs, and crunch with a winter vegetable like fennel.

Warming soups are always comforting during the coldest season, but she also likes warm salads, like a beet and escarole salad drizzled with a warm sherry vinaigrette.

Satterfield suggests that specialty citrus like blood oranges, Meyer lemons and cross-hybridized varieties such as tangelos and pomelos are fun to intersperse with winter vegetables to maximize brightness and freshness. A lot of winter produce can be great in raw form as well, he adds, including Brussels sprouts, rutabaga or daikon radish, shaved thinly or

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Winterizing the Kitchen

~Brigit Binns

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helpful in the colder, darker months, when our bodies are in need of comfort foods as well as pre- and probiotic foods,” says Stonger, a homesteader and founder of the blog NourishingDays.com.

There are plenty of other reasons to stick to a seasonal diet in winter, adds Binns.

“Food always tastes better in the season it was intended to be eaten in. Seasonal foods are naturally ripened, rather than harvested early and trucked in. In addition to enhanced flavor, eating seasonally helps minimize use of fossil fuels to bring our food to us, and is likely to be less expensive.”

conscious eating

You can grow your own sprouts throughout the winter as a great microgreen option.

Winter Salad Wonders For the vinaigrette: Fresh orange juice or as needed 1 Tbsp champagne vinegar ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

photo by Ray Kachatorian

~Shannon Stonger julienned into a salad.

Winter squash is a favorite staple of the Stonger family in the cooler months.

“It is easy to grow, easy to store and so deliciously sweet and rich. We roast it as a side dish, mash it as a sort of breakfast porridge or make soups and curries from it,” says Stonger.

Satterfield suggests using all the parts of winter vegetables to maximize the harvest and minimize food waste.

For example, the seeds of winter squashes can be roasted with herbs and spices and eaten as is, churned into other dishes such as a squash seed granola or blended and strained into a homemade broth to add some texture, fat and flavor. After roasting carrots with Moroccan spices, Satterfield suggests taking the leafy carrot tops and chopping them with cilantro and garlic to make a green sauce to crown the carrots.

Swiss chard stems can also be chopped and cooked into Portuguese bread soup, with leftover stale bread made into olive oil croutons and egg whites stirred in at the end.

Winter Health Boosters

Beyond selecting seasonal produce, chefs recommend a few key dietary tweaks in winter, such as stepping up vitamin D consumption. “Since you’re not seeing a lot of sun this time of year, it’s more important to get it through colorful vegetables like carrots, cabbage or radicchio.

Watermelon radishes are another winter vegetable full of vitamins,” says Binns.

“You can grow your own sprouts throughout the winter as a great microgreen option. Sprouts are incredibly high in enzymes, something often lacking in other winter dishes,” suggests Stonger.

“Fermented vegetables and other fermented foods can make up the difference in winter.”

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

Cut the celery in half lengthwise. Using a serrated vegetable peeler or a mandoline, shave the celery into thin strips lengthwise down the ribs. Cut the strips in half crosswise and place in a bowl of water. Set aside.

Separate the mâche leaves and transfer to a shallow serving bowl. Working on a plate to capture all the juices, use a serrated knife to cut a thick slice off the top and bottom of each citrus fruit. Working with one fruit at a time, stand it upright and, following the contour of the fruit, carefully slice downward to remove the peel, pith and membrane. Set the fruit on its side and cut crosswise into slices about ⅜-inch thick, discarding any seeds. Transfer the slices to the bowl with the mâche, reserving the juices for the vinaigrette.

Mixed Citrus Salad With Mâche, Fennel and Celery Winter is the height of citrus season, with an appealing display of oranges, mandarins, tangerines, tangelos, pomelos and more in the best-stocked markets. Use a varied mixture of sweet-tart types for the prettiest, tastiest salad.

Yields: 4 servings 2 ribs celery 2 bunches mâche 2 lb mixed citrus fruits, such as navel oranges, blood oranges, tangerines, mandarins and pomelos ½ fennel bulb, trimmed 8 kumquats ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

Cut the fennel lengthwise in half. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the fennel crosswise into very thin slices and tuck among the citrus slices. Drain the celery and distribute evenly over the salad. Using the serrated knife, cut each kumquat crosswise into very thin slices, discarding any seeds. Scatter the kumquat slices evenly over the salad, then sprinkle the almonds over the top.

To make the vinaigrette, pour the reserved citrus juices into a measuring cup. Add enough additional orange juice to measure ½ cup then add the vinegar. Whisking constantly, slowly add the olive oil and whisk until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently to coat, and serve.

From Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh, by Brigit Binns

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

February 2020

31

SACRED VESSELS

by Julie Peterson

W

hen people think about heart health, what generally comes to mind is the fist-sized muscle that pumps and oxygenates the body’s lifeblood. However, the heart of the matter is not the pump itself, but the vascular system—the network of veins, arteries and capillaries that distributes blood to every cell in the body, delivering nutrients and eliminating waste.

Each human adult harbors an astonishing 60,000 miles of blood vessels—enough to wrap around the planet twice. Keeping these hard-working vessels supple and open is the key not only to avoiding disease, but also to ensuring a long and healthy life.

The alternative—arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries—can slowly and silently bring on cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can result in a heart attack, stroke, vision loss and cognitive decline.

CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing one in four Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2035, nearly half

When a disease is lifestyle-induced, the only thing that can reverse it is a dramatic change in diet and lifestyle. We’ve seen over and over again that it works. ~Brenda Davis 32 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

the population—45 percent—is predicted to have some form of the disease.

“A hundred years ago, we were farming the back 40 with a team of horses, eating what we grew. Kids don’t get out and ride bikes; they’re playing video games and eating crap. There’s very little doubt how we got to this problem,” says John Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, near Dallas.

Yet, the nation’s number one killer, which can fester for decades without symptoms, is largely preventable and reversible.

Only 15 percent of CVD is related to genetics; the rest is attributed to lifestyle, and the right choices can make all the difference. The key is to adopt heart-healthy habits before the body delivers a potentially fatal warning.

“The initial presentation of heart disease can be an acute catastrophic event that results in death in half the men and twothirds of the women. That’s not treatable,” warns Osborne.

Know the Risk Factors

The first step toward cardiovascular health is awareness. Important indicators of CVD risk include: 4 High blood pressure (over 140/90) 4 High cholesterol (over 240 mg/dL) 4 High triglycerides (over 200 mg/dL) 4 High blood glucose (over 140 mg/dL) 4 Obesity (BMI over 30) 4 Inflammation (hsCRP test above 2 ml/dL) 4 Physical inactivity (less than 30 minutes a day) 4 Smoking or vaping (any at all) 4 Chronic stress 4 Loneliness Any of these factors can increase the risk

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The Lifeblood of Heart Health

of CVD, but possessing a cluster of the first five comprises a condition called metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the potential for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes—itself a significant risk factor that can damage blood vessels, as well as the organs they support.

“While diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States, this figure belies the fact that most people with diabetes die of heart disease, kidney failure and other complications,” says Brenda Davis, RD, of Alberta, Canada, author of Kick Diabetes Essentials: The Diet and Lifestyle Guide.

Metabolic syndrome, like CVD, has few obvious symptoms and is on the rise: Nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. have it, according to the CDC. The one distinct marker for the condition is an accumulation of fat around the waistline, characterized by a measurement of over 35 inches for women and 40 for men.

Take Action to Cut Risks

“When a disease is lifestyle-induced, the only

There’s not an excess of blueberries in the American diet; there’s an excess of relatively inexpensive, highly processed junk foods in large containers. ~Lisa McDowell thing that can reverse it is a dramatic change in diet and lifestyle,” says Davis. “We’ve seen over and over again that it works.”

n Know the Numbers

CVD flies under the radar even though it’s increasingly common at younger ages.

The Journal of the American Medical Association released a study in December 2019 stating that about one in four young adults in the U.S. have pre-diabetes, putting them at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and CVD.

Lisa McDowell, director of clinical

nutrition and wellness at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and team dietitian for the Detroit Red Wings, works with elite athletes of all ages and notes that they more likely know their favorite player’s jersey number than their own health numbers. “Learn what your blood pressure is, know your body mass index, get your cholesterol levels and triglycerides and your [hemoglobin] A1C. Know these numbers early on and, if there’s a problem, fix it,” she advises.

While simple blood tests help monitor indicators for CVD, more sophisticated tests can be even more revealing. In 2018, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) jointly issued new guidelines for patients over age 50 to get a computerized tomography (CT) scan to determine their calcium score. The procedure checks for hardening of the arteries and predicts the risk of a 10year future cardiovascular event.

“This identifies people who have pre-clinical atherosclerosis, regardless of risk factors,” says Osborne. “It also helps

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people modify behaviors, because they are faced with a diagnosis.”

Yale R. Smith, a Melbourne, Florida, M.D., who specializes in metabolic and functional medicine, utilizes the U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved protein unstable lesion signature (PULS) blood test. Recommended for patients in their 40s, it measures inflammatory biomarkers for the body’s immune system response to arterial injury and provides a chronological heart age and risk of a CVD event.

“If you can show someone the future, it’s a wake-up call to make lifestyle changes to increase longevity,” Smith says.

n Eat for Heart Health

Perhaps the single most important change that people can make is diet. “But a lot of people don’t want lifestyle medicine—they’d rather take a statin with their Big Mac,” says McDowell.

Preventing or reversing CVD requires diligence, but it’s largely about eating

real, whole food—and mostly plants.

This means avoiding processed foods and consuming less salt, trans fats, saturated fat and cholesterol; and more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

“There’s not an excess of blueberries in the American diet; there’s an excess of relatively inexpensive, highly processed junk foods in large containers,” says McDowell. Overcoming the urge to grab fast and easy foods requires education.

“Everyone needs to learn how to read a food label and avoid foods linked to vascular disease,” she adds.

Vegans have healthier cholesterol levels in their blood compared to vegetarians, which in turn have better levels than meat-eaters. Study-verified diets that lower CVD indicators also include the Mediterranean diet, as well as two developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, which also addresses exercise and weight control.

“I don’t believe that one diet fits ev-

erybody, but there’s a preponderance of evidence that the more plant compounds you get, the better off you are,” says McDowell.

Some cardiovascular boosters:

Leafy greens flush out excess sodium and magnesium, and reduce inflammation.

Berries improve circulation by boosting nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels.

Pomegranate juice lowers blood pressure and reduces plaque formation.

Walnuts, peanuts and almonds lower LDL, the “bad cholesterol”.

Oily fish, chia and flax seeds with omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides.

Soy with anti-inflammatory isoflavones helps dilate blood vessels. “We could eat tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, soy beans or even organic soy ‘veggie meats’ in place of red meat,” says Davis.

Yogurt, kefir and other fermented probiotic dairy products help improve glycemic control, blood lipids, cholesterol and blood pressure.

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Supplements can be very helpful: Red yeast rice extract, much like a statin, significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL.

Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, lowers blood pressure and combats the side effects of statins.

Omega-3s in fish oil supplements reduce heart risk in healthy people and those already diagnosed with CVD risk.

Nicotinamide riboside improves blood pressure and arterial health in those with mild hypertension.

Garlic, fresh or in capsules, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

n Move It

Sitting all day and then briefly exercising doesn’t provide the same benefit as moving periodically throughout the day. Take more frequent breaks from sitting, get up to move around for a couple of minutes every 30 minutes.

Exercise strengthens the endothelium,

the innermost of an artery’s three layers, and produces nitric oxide, which helps keep arteries open and healthy. Getting the blood moving lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and increases oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Exercising outdoors provides additional benefits. Research from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that exposure to green spaces helped prevent metabolic syndrome.

n Stress Less, Socialize More

Spending even 20 minutes outdoors in nature can do wonders for high blood pressure and cortisol levels, studies show.

Walking or talking with a friend deepens social engagement, a key factor in lowering CVD risk: “Having the right tribe is crucial,” says McDowell. “If you’re with people who support you and make you laugh, you feel less stress.”

Walking a dog outdoors gets three

cardiovascular pluses—exercise, nature and sociability, as dogs tend to be tail-wagging ice-breakers. Further, merely stroking a pet lowers blood pressure.

Apps like Headspace and Insight Timer make it easy to do meditation, which studies suggest may reduce overall CVD risk.

n Don’t Smoke

Not starting to smoke or vape at all is ideal for cardiovascular health, but quitting allows the body to begin to heal, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease after one year by 50 percent, reports the AHA; 14 years later, the risk is the same as a non-smoker’s.

“It’s not intuitively easy to make healthy decisions,” says McDowell. “We have to learn how to make good choices.”

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin.

Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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Previous studies have linked processed foods to hypertension and high cholesterol, and a 2019 British Medical Journal study of 105,000 adults reported that a 10 percent increase in the consumption of processed foods corresponded to a 12 percent overall increase in cardiovascular disease.

Inflammation

Assess Personal Risk High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the vessel walls is too high, making the heart and vessels work harder. The friction damages the endothelium— the inner lining of veins and arteries—plaque builds up, the vessels narrow and blood pressure increases even more. Contributing factors include being sedentary, overweight and consuming excessive alcohol or salt.

High Cholesterol

A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, cholesterol can pile up (mostly as a consequence of poor diet) and stick to arterial walls, creating plaque that stymies blood flow to the heart.

High Triglycerides

The end product of digesting fats in food, triglycerides become fat in the blood that gives the body energy. Numbers climb with consumption of refined carbohydrates, simple sugars and fatty foods, contributing to arteriosclerosis.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that affect up to a third of Americans, metabolic syndrome

is defined by high blood pressure; high levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides; and excess fat around the waist. It’s closely linked to Type 2 diabetes, another CVD risk factor.

Obesity

Obesity—which afflicts almost 40 percent of American adults—causes chronic inflammation, harms the endothelium and causes poor cholesterol numbers. A 12year study of 17,640 Europeans, published in the European Heart Journal, found that obese people with metabolic risk factors were two-and-a-half times as likely to have heart disease as those of normal weight.

Stress

When stressed by such factors as work overload, family strife or traumatic memories, the body releases adrenaline, which causes acceleration of breathing and heart rate, contraction of vessels and a rise in blood sugar. Chronic stress can cause constricted arteries that lead to arteriosclerosis and inflammation of the endothelium.

Further, stressed people often turn to vascular-destructive activities such as smoking, drinking and binge eating.

36 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Chronic inflammation, caused by such factors as fried and processed foods, smoking, obesity, alcohol and stress, can trigger the immune system to attack healthy tissues, including the endothelium, raising CVD risk. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, is measured by the hsCRP blood test. Men with higher CRP levels had three times the risk of heart attack and twice the risk of stroke, Harvard scientists have found.

Physical Inactivity

A lack of regular, ongoing physical activity has been shown to dramatically increase obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation. A 2019 British study found that artery functions declined and CVD risk factors worsened in just two weeks when active exercisers reduced their daily steps from 10,000 to 1,000.

Smoking and Vaping

Nicotine, carbon monoxide and chemicals in cigarettes increase blood pressure and heart rate, damage the endothelium and cause blood platelets to clot more, which is why smokers are two to four times more likely to get cardiovascular disease. E-cigarettes and cigars may be worse due to higher doses of nicotine, the AHA warns.

Loneliness

People need people: Harvard researchers examined 23 studies that involved 181,000 adults and found that loneliness, social isolation or both were associated with increased risks of heart attacks (29 percent) and strokes (32 percent).

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Standard American Diet (SAD)

What a

inspiration

CHOOSING LOVE

to sitesee!

How to Cope With Fearful Times

I

by Scarlett Lewis

t’s hard to make sense of some of the troubling things we see on TV and read about in the news. Our kids ask us, “Why are these things happening?” It’s an important question and it all comes down to two competing feelings: fear versus love.

When we see disturbing images such as school shootings or political opponents attacking one another, it cultivates anxiety, which is epidemic in our society.

When left untreated, it can lead to negative outcomes including substance abuse, depression, suicide and violence. Often, we look to those in perceived power to solve these issues. Perhaps what we haven’t considered is that these are not political issues; rather, they are issues of the heart and only we can solve them.

So we continue to see pain and suffering played out before us. We feel powerless and this feeds our unease. Our personal safety is a priority and external safety measures sometimes fail. If we don’t feel safe, nothing else matters. There is a solution.

The opposite of anxiety and fear is love.

When we examine the trajectory of most societal ills, there is often an arc of loneliness, depression, isolation and often abuse.

From a young age, we can learn to choose love as a thoughtful response to any situation. When we do this, we take back our personal power. We become part of the solution to the issues we see, and science tells us that others will do the same.

There is a formula for choosing love. It starts with courage. My son Jesse was a 6-year-old boy who stood up to the shooter that came into his first-grade classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School and saved nine of his classmates’ lives before losing his own. We all have that courage within us: the courage to be kind, to speak our truth, to do the right thing.

We can only have one thought at a time, so we can shift our thinking by replacing a negative thought with a grateful one. Forgiving helps us to take back our personal power and is a gift we give ourselves. It is the foundation of healthy relationships that lead to greater happiness and connection in our lives. Compassion in action helps us step outside our own busyness, distraction and even pain to help others.

When we do this, we’re choosing love and helping to create a safer, more peaceful and loving world. When we model the practice of these character values as a thoughtful response for our children, they grow up to do the same.

Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure every child has access to social and emotional education and support. Connect with her at Info@JesseLewisChooseLove.org.

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GOOD HEARTS START YOUNG

Boosting Kids’ Cardiovascular Health

W

by Ronica A. O’Hara

e don’t often think of children as having cardiovascular problems, but evidence is mounting that many youngsters today— because of scant exercise, poor eating habits and excessive screen time—are on track to experiencing serious heart and circulatory problems later in life.

“Instead of taking a wait-and-see approach by treating disease later in

adulthood, we should help children maintain the standards of ideal cardiovascular health that most children are born with,” reports Julia Steinberger, M.D., director of pediatric cardiology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, in Minneapolis, and lead author of a 2016 scientific statement on children’s cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association (AHA).

In a March 2019 update, the AHA noted that fewer than 1 percent of children meet all seven criteria, or metrics, for ideal cardiovascular health; half of all children meet merely half the measures, which include physical activity, healthy eating, not smoking, attaining ideal body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose readings. Poor metrics in a child are linked to such adverse outcomes as heart attacks, heart failure and stroke in adulthood, advises Elaine Urbina, M.D., director of preventive cardiology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, adding that poor metrics in teens are linked to fatty build-up in the neck arteries and arterial stiffness later in life.

But starting in utero, crucial strategies can promote strong cardiovascular systems in kids. Children born to mothers with low vitamin D levels have about a 60 percent higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure between ages 6 and 18, reports a Boston Medical Center study in the journal Hypertension; vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may head that off. Other important strategies include:

Get them moving. Children should be physically active at least 60 minutes a day, the AHA recommends, but among kids 6 to 11, only half of the boys and a third of the girls meet that guideline; by ages 16 to 19, merely one in 10 boys and one in 20 girls do. A review of 50 fitness studies in 28 countries involving 25 million children concluded that American

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kids today are about a minute and a half slower running a mile than their peers 30 years ago.

“Aerobic exercises like running, swimming and cycling use the big muscles of the body and are excellent ways of stressing and strengthening the heart and lungs,” says study author Grant Tomkinson, Ph.D., professor of education, health and behavior studies at the University of North Dakota. Even simply walking to school in the morning for 10 minutes reduces stress in kids and curbs heart rate and blood pressure increases, a University of Buffalo study found.

Feed them well. About 91 percent of U.S. children have

what is classified as a “poor” diet that’s heavy in simple carbs like desserts and sugary drinks, the AHA reported. It recommends feeding kids a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains and low in sodium and sugary foods and drinks. A 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of 2,142 children found that nine of 10 kids exceeded recommended sodium levels. A Cleveland Clinic study found that obese children eating a low-fat, plant-based vegan diet for four weeks began lowering their risk of heart disease by improving their weight, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.

Don’t smoke or vape. The risk of a child developing

carotid plaque in adulthood was four times higher if one or both parents smoked without taking care to limit the child’s exposure; when they did take care, the risk was still almost two times higher, according to an Australian study in the journal Circulation. Discouraging a teen from vaping is also critical to future health: New research from the University of Kansas School of Medicine shows that adults that vape are significantly more likely to have a heart attack, coronary artery disease and depression compared with those that don’t vape or use any tobacco products.

Instead of taking a waitand-see approach by treating disease later in adulthood, we should help children maintain the standards of ideal cardiovascular health that most children are born with. ~Julia Steinberger

future cardiovascular risk—reported a study in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular. A study from Canada’s McMaster University found that kids with video game addictions sleep less, which in turn elevates blood pressure, lowers helpful HDL cholesterol and raises triglycerides.

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Restrict screen time.

Australian 6-year-olds that spent the most time in front of TVs, computers and video games had narrower arteries in the back of their eyes—a marker of February 2020

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VITAL STEPS The Path to Vascular Fitness

by Marlaina Donato

I

t is well-known that exercise combats cardiovascular disease by balancing blood pressure and managing blood sugar, but aerobic exercise, not resistance training, takes the prize for keeping the body’s thousands of miles of blood vessels more supple. A 2017 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that all-extremity exercise like brisk walking improves arterial flexibility in older individuals; even those with a sedentary history.

Moving the body regularly also lowers stress hormones like cortisol that can ignite damaging vascular inflammation. A West Virginia University study presented at the 2016 Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego showed that aerobic exercise fosters healthy blood vessels in rats exposed to chronic stress.

Combining aerobic exercise with good diet and paying attention to triglyceride levels all help to keep us young from the inside-out.

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According to a 2015 study by the University of Missouri School of Medicine published in Experimental Physiology, walking just 10 minutes after prolonged sitting can restore blood flow in the legs and improve impaired vascular function.

Results like these are another reason to get up and move.

Walking, running, swimming, cycling, jumping rope

40 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

and playing tennis are all excellent options.

“For blood vessel flexibility, any sort of sustained aerobic exercise helps. Find something you enjoy so that you’ll keep doing it in the long term,” says Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author of Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?

Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise. The Toronto-based, Outside magazine science columnist underscores that treadmills and walking outside foster equal benefits by increasing the heart rate.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise. Dr. Regina Druz, a board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, explains, “This translates into 30 minutes a day, five times a week.

A specific exercise program may be helpful for those with a medical condition, but for overall vascular health, any physical activity like walking or taking the stairs will do.” Druz also highlights the role of nitric oxide: “One of the most studied mediators of vascular health is [nitric oxide], which makes arteries flexible.”

Research findings published in 2018 in the journal Hypertension spotlight the correlation between the number of daily steps and arterial plasticity through a technique called pulse wave velocity, which measures how fast blood travels from the heart to the feet. The evidence suggests that 1,000

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PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

extra steps a day foster significant vascular improvement.

Judy Heller, a walking coach and founder of Wonders of Walking, a fitness program in Portland, Oregon, concurs: “Moving throughout the day, not just once a day, is most important.” Heller is a firm believer in consistency. “My aunt lived to 107 and remained in her three-story house.

Her words to me were, ‘Judy, don’t ever stop walking.’ Small changes yield greater rewards over time. We’re meant to move.”

Superfoods and Supplements

Nitric oxide, responsible for the dilation and contraction of blood vessels, is produced by exercising and helps to protect the smooth interior lining of the arteries from excessive plaque accumulation. Adding nitric oxide-boosting foods to an already healthy diet can give us an extra edge over vascular conditions like stroke and peripheral artery disease. “Beets, arugula, spinach and rhubarb are all good sources of dietary nitrate.

They’re not miracle supplements, but if you make these foods a regular part of your diet, you’ll have a positive effect on your arteries,” says Hutchinson.

Research by Florida State University published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that a one-cup daily serving of blueberries helps to protect the arteries from stiffness. Watermelon, rich in the nonessential amino acid L-citrulline, also packs a nitric oxide punch.

Full-spectrum vitamin E is another good option, especially for addressing peripheral artery disease and reducing serum triglyceride levels that are often seen as secondary to “bad” cholesterol levels, but which low levels are vital to cardiovascular health.

Druz cautions against using supplements as substitutes for healthy nutrition and exercise, and underscores the importance of dialing down stress, “I advise my patients to build stress resiliency, which involves recognizing and practicing stress response. This, along with nutrition and consistent exercise, will lower inflammation and help build stress resiliency.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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Disrupting Disposables The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

by Yvette C. Hammett

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niversities, sports There is momentum, in the Marine Pollution arenas, restaubut it is challenging. Bulletin explores strategies rants and other such as bans, tax levies and businesses are taking up the ~Eric DesRoberts education. Experts agree call to “disrupt disposables” that it is not just a litter as part of a global effort to dramatically cut problem, but a sobering matter of human down on single-use plastics. The environand planetary health. mental problems caused by those ubiqui As these plastics wind up in the oceans tous throwaways have become a mainstay and landfills worldwide, they can lanof news reporting, and studies on how guish virtually intact for up to 1,000 years, best to reduce them through public policy entangling and choking marine mammals abound. A recent Canadian research paper and terrestrial wildlife. Or, they break into

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toxic microplastics that enter drinking water supplies, eventually ingested by humans.

Because plastics are made from petroleum, their production also adds to greenhouse gases that contribute to the climate crisis.

Two-pronged efforts by businesses and individuals to divert plastics from the waste system and replacing them with Earth-friendly alternatives will eventually pay off, experts say, but it will be a long and slow process. However, momentum is building, spurred by consumer demand and a growing number of enterprising businesses, organizations and academic institutions.

At Penn State University, agriculture and biological engineering professor Judd Michael is working with sports facilities to lower both plastics use and littering; the initiative is working so well that their approaches may be taken up by other schools across the nation. “One of my projects is with NASCAR’s Pocono Raceway [also in Pennsylvania], where the owners of the track wanted to continue to make the venue more green,” he says. “There is zero waste in suites for that track, and they are initiating a comprehensive recycling program. They try to get tailgaters to participate, as well.”

On campus, Penn State provides bags of different colors for tailgaters with instructions for fans to separate recyclables in one bag and everything else in the other.

That program was exported to Pocono. Michael is also working with PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, to develop alternative packaging.

The University of Florida’s efforts began in 2012, when the campus freed itself from plastic bags, getting buy-in from Chick-Fil-A, Subway and other eateries that agreed to switch to alternatives. “We’ve been Styrofoam-free since 2012, as well,” says Allison Vitt, outreach and communications coordinator for the UF Office of Sustainability. “At the end of 2018, we officially switched over all to compostable straws.” They feel like plastic, but are certified compostable, she says.

UF has engaged with Cupanion, a company that developed an app that has a “fill it forward” program, distributing money to clean-water charities worldwide.

“Since 2016, we’ve been working with them

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A lot of local folks have really changed their perspective. We see a lot more customers coming in and saying they appreciate that we are using compostable cups and compostable straws.

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~Dana Honn to reduce single-use plastic, rewarding people for reusing their bottles,” says Vitt.

Interested students, staff and faculty are given a barcode sticker to scan on their phone each time a bottle is refilled at a campus retailer or water fountain. The app provides points that can be redeemed for monthly prizes. “It also shows you your personal footprint—your cumulative impact, like how many single-use bottles you have avoided,” she says.

On a smaller scale, Dana Honn and his wife Christina went completely plastic-free upon opening Café Carmo, in New Orleans. “We only had about a dozen seats, but determined to have as little waste as possible. Every year, we were able to build upon it,” he says.

“A lot of local folks have really changed their perspective. We see a lot more customers coming in and saying they appreciate that we are using compostable cups and compostable straws.”

It’s a slow, but steady effort, says Eric DesRoberts, senior manager of the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program.

“We have worked with a number of restaurants talking about why it is important to be taking action to keep plastics out of the waste stream and out of the ocean.”

More people are volunteering to clean up and cut back on plastics, and more businesses are asking the nonprofit, Washington, D.C.-based, environmental advocacy organization how they can do their part. “There is momentum, but it is challenging,” says DesRoberts.

Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. Connect at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.

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43

Linda Carroll on Skills That Make Love Last

by Kajsa Nickels

P

sychotherapist Linda Carroll was drawn into the dynamics of couples’ counseling three decades ago when she saw how in her own marriage, petty disagreements could turn into full-blown arguments with the potential for deep wounds. She and her husband Tim worked on their issues by attending workshops across the country, including Imago therapy and PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills), which were so effective that she developed a curriculum called Love Skills by combining those tools, her experience as a married person and counselor, personal training from consciousness pioneers and resources from ancient mythology and spiritual/religious traditions.

She has co-taught the course with her husband for more than 25 years. Her first book, Love Cycles: The Five Essential Stages of Everlasting Love, has been translated into several languages and details stages in romantic relationships. Her new book, Love Skills: The Key to Unlocking Lasting, Wholehearted Love, is a guide to developing a relationship toolkit.

What is the Love Cycles model?

It is based on the fact that feelings of love are seasonal. Like the seasons of the year, they are a natural progression of a relationship. If you understand the seasons,

you can pass through them. All relationships are teachers. If we allow them to teach us, we become free to love deeper and better.

What is the most difficult Love Cycles stage, and why?

Each stage has its own unique challenges.

For example, the first stage, the Merge, has a magic to it due to the chemical cocktail that floods your body when in the presence of your significant other. But this stage can be treacherous in that you can mistake your feelings for evidence that this is the “right” person for you. In the Power Struggle stage, feelings will have worn off and power struggles will start to show up. The third stage is Disillusionment.

Differences between both of you really start to show up at this time. The fourth stage is the Decision stage. At this point, many couples find themselves wanting out. The key to making it through this stage is to remember that this, too, shall pass and to commit to working it out. It’s important to realize that life is not about getting an A+ at all times. Sometimes, we need to accept that a C- is okay; and if you do need to leave a relationship, it is possible to do it in a wholehearted way at best—at the least, to minimize damage.

The fifth stage I call Wholehearted Love, a stage reached only through mindfulness and unconditional love. Because love has changing seasons, a couple will not stop at

44 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

the fifth stage forever, but getting back to this state will become easier and easier as time goes on.

What was your impetus for writing Love Skills?

I have been teaching the program for 25 years and drew from my almost 40 years as a couples therapist, many trainings all over the country and own life experiences in my relationship with my husband to compile the program. Most couples lack the skills to manage the troubles of life. There is a skill to every aspect of a relationship, especially in communication: listening, speaking, knowing when to speak and when to be silent.

Who is most likely to benefit?

The relationship you have with yourself is a core part of the Love Cycles model. If you do not have a good relationship with yourself, you cannot have a solid and meaningful relationship with another person. This is a couples’ book, although it can also be gone through by a single person if the partner is not interested in it. What I tell people is that you can only work on your part. If the other person doesn’t want to buy in or isn’t wholeheartedly on board—or at least partially willing—there is nothing that you can do about it. You need to be able to be okay and confident in yourself. You cannot change another person, but you can always change yourself.

What is one of the most important pieces of advice you have for couples?

I hope that couples come to realize that feelings of love are like clouds, always changing. A good relationship requires a skill set, which we practice whatever the feelings are. We are not born knowing how to love skillfully, but this skill set can be learned by anyone and will make you able to listen better and appreciate each other more.

Kajsa Nickels is a freelance author who resides in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Connect at FidelEterna45@gmail.com.

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HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

by Marlaina Donato

S

omeday, medical science will allow us to infuse damaged or aging organs with new cells, or to manufacture made-to-order organs on a 3-D printer.

These emerging techniques to revitalize worn-out body parts are on the drawing board in the field of regenerative medicine.

However, for the injured college athlete or the grandmother with compromised joint function, healing and pain relief can already be found in the form of prolotherapy and other non-invasive approaches that stimulate the body to heal itself.

Injection therapies using dextrose or the patient’s own platelets or stem cells are being used to naturally stimulate the body to produce collagen and rejuvenated tissue, offering hope to those

with soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and even pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. A recent review in the British Medical Bulletin of 10 high-quality studies of dextrose prolotherapy in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee showed patients experienced significantly less pain and improved range of motion in both the short term and long term without adverse effects.

Eighty-two percent of patients were satisfied with the treatment.

Controlled Inflammation

A type of regenerative medicine innovated by osteopathic physician Earl Gedney in the 1930s, prolotherapy induces low-grade, temporary in-

46 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

flammation with the intention of triggering connective tissue cells called fibroblasts in and around the injection site. “If you cut your arm or twist your ankle, various immune cells rush to the area to begin the repair process. This is a very basic comparison of what prolotherapy does with injections directed to specific anatomical points,” says Ross A. Hauser, M.D., founder of Caring Medical Regenerative Medicine Clinics, in Fort Myers, Florida, and Chicago.

“Prolotherapy is used to treat osteoarthritis because it helps correct the underlying reason why it has occurred, which is joint instability. The body overgrows bone as a long-term response in an effort to stabilize an unstable joint,” Hauser says.

Naturopathic physician Brent Cameron, of Aurora Natural Medicine, in Gilbert, Arizona, suggests individualized treatment plans for best results. “My recommendations are very patient-specific, which is an important piece in prolotherapy.” Cameron says his patients are likely to start seeing relief in the first week. “In many instances, they experience complete relief and mobility after a series of treatments.”

While Cameron attests to the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy, he is cautious with recommending it for people with systemic inflammatory conditions. “Someone with a history of joint-related autoimmune response tends to mount stronger inflammatory responses. Other forms of regenerative medicine can be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis [RA], but not in the inflammation-mediated way, like prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.”

One option, according to the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, in Boca Raton, Florida, might be very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELS), an emerging form of regenerative stem cell therapy.

These have shown promise in dealing with RA and other autoimmune diseases.

Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine is ramping up its research into approaches that stimulate the body to repair itself, with numerous ongoing clinical trials utilizing different injection therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

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healing ways

The Power of Platelets

PRP injections are similar to prolotherapy, using platelets from the patient’s body instead of dextrose. “As blood flows through an injury site, the inflammatory chemicals trigger the platelets to release growth factors, which causes the torn fibers of the damaged structures to heal,” says Fort Worth osteopath Gerald Harris, of Texas Prolotherapy and Neural Therapy.

PRP is sometimes used in conjunction with stem cell therapy, which is typically applied in cases in which something needs to be replaced, to help fill in gaps in ligaments or tendons, Harris says.

PRP injections have proven to be effective in easing chronic low back pain from damaged vertebral discs. An overview of research published in the Journal of Spine Surgery in 2018 found it to be safe, effective and feasible, with promising potential for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Harris says that people that wish

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to avoid surgery or cortisone injections can benefit from PRP, which can also be applied topically to treat non-healing wounds like bedsores and diabetic ulcers.

Harris subscribes to the power of persistence. “Don’t give up. With proper treatment there is a strong likelihood that you can live a happy, healthy life free from chronic pain.”

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Pain Relief for Pets Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life

B

by Julie Peterson

more than a little life rian Engler, Prolotherapy offers an of Drexel Hill, left in him. effective alternative to Engler’s Pennsylvania, surgery in a significant was asked to provide veterinarian tried number of partial ligament prolotherapy injection hospice care for a senior Akita. Tadao tears or persistent joint treatments for Tadao’s was underweight, joint pain and he soon pain issues. became more comfortweak, arthritic and ~Judith M. Shoemaker able and gradually more had been severely active. “By the time we neglected. He needed completed the treatments, he was able to get a place to live out his remaining days in comfort. Even though Tadao was up and down with ease and started cruising unstable with severely limited mobility, around the kitchen looking for snacks on the Engler believed that the old dog had counter,” says Engler.

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Prolotherapy, short for proliferative therapy, isn’t just for dogs. Any animal with a joint can receive the regenerative injection therapy, which relieves pain by strengthening ligaments and tendons supporting the joint. It’s minimally invasive, involving the injection of a sugar solution directly into the affected area. The body’s inflammation response kicks in, resulting in regrowth of new fibers in ligaments and tendons.

Prolotherapy has been around a long time. It was used to treat lame animals around 1350 B.C. Back then, a hot poker was used to induce the inflammation response. In the 1930s, injection of an irritant solution at the site of the injury became the new method, and has since been shown in scientific studies to facilitate the repair and regrowth of connective tissue, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and other joint-stabilizing structures.

Modern prolotherapy has remained basically the same for the last 80 years, although the injected irritant solution is modified according to the veterinarian, the type of animal and the injury. Every vet uses a slightly different prolotherapy “cocktail”, which typically includes 50 percent dextrose and possibly several other ingredients the practitioner finds useful, such as saline, vitamin B12, lidocaine and homeopathic combinations. Some vets also offer platelet-rich plasma or stem cells in the injection mixture.

“Prolotherapy offers an effective alternative to surgery in a significant number of partial ligament tears or persistent joint pain issues,” says Judith M. Shoemaker, DVM, owner of Always Helpful Veterinary Services, in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. “It’s quite inexpensive and the success rate is very good. Many animals respond after just a few treatments.”

Shoemaker typically does prolotherapy treatments in three- to five-week intervals until the joint heals. She also looks to correct the underlying issues of the problem. “Joints don’t get torn up with normal movement,” she says.

Animals may have joint issues from falling, but other causes include overweight, long toenails or chiropractic issues.

Prolotherapy stabilizes joints after an injury and achieves pain-free motion, but it’s

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By the time we completed the treatments, he was able to get up and down with ease and started cruising around the kitchen looking for snacks on the counter.

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“Prolotherapy is a very important tool in integrative veterinary care, but it’s not a panacea, and it’s never a stand-alone treatment,” says Christin Finn, DVM, owner of the Canine Rehabilitation & Integrative Veterinary Center, in Kingston, Washington. “It’s part of a combination of integrative treatments based on what is best for your pet.”

The right balance of treatments to help an animal feel comfortable could include laser therapy, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, physical therapy, custom braces, prolotherapy or rest.

Using prolotherapy in conjunction with other posture-correcting and integrative therapies is a win for pets and their owners. Surgery is fraught with complications and expensive. When prolotherapy is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, animals can recover from injuries that may have been debilitating or even fatal.

Ivey Sumrell’s Irish sport horse recovered from a severe injury. At 8 years old, Johnny was bitten on the neck by a stallion.

“His neck became unstable and he had severe problems walking,” says Sumrell, of Tryon, North Carolina. “Ultrasound-guided prolotherapy was done three times to all of his neck joints.” Johnny was able to be ridden and lived to be 22.

And Tadao, the dog that was expected to die in hospice care a year ago, is enjoying life. He’s now well-nourished and loved, and painlessly goes for walks and plays at the park. “Tadao is the poster child for what prolotherapy can do,” says Engler.

Julie Peterson writes about health and environmental issues. Reach her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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49

LOCAL

Find the studio, teacher or style that fits you best

branchburg eZential Wellness 1 Lamington Rd 908-526-0002 eZentialWellness.com

Yoga Central 953 Rt 202 North 908-707-0759 YogaCentralNJ.com

branchville Sunrise Studio

6 Main St 932-948-YOGA (9642) SunriseStudio-NJ.com

caldwell Indigo Yoga Studios 351 Bloomfield Ave 973-241-5338 IndigoYogaStudios.com

e h t a e br

califon

stretch

1 Lamington Rd, Branchburg Lori@eZentialWellness.com 908-526-0002 • eZentialWellness.com

Princeton Integral Yoga Community Center (IYCC)

301 N Harrison St, Bldg A, Ste 1E 609-454-3140 IYCCPrinceton.org

Califon Yoga Studio Victorian Square Plaza upstairs behind PetsPetsPets 438 County Rd 512 CalifonYoga.co

randolph Bee You Yoga & Wellness 3 Middlebury Blvd (Aspen Business Park) 973-775-9577

BeeYou.com

flemington Be Here Now Yoga

63 Main St, Ste 202 908-642-0989 BeHereNowYoga108.com

hackettstown Awakening Point Yoga

254A Mountain Ave, Suite 2A 973-670-7421 AwakeningPoint.com

martinsville True Definition Studios 1931 Washington Valley Rd 732-347-5511 True-Definition.com

Premier Pilates & Yoga Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga Yoga for all levels, Mindfulness classes, Reiki certification Yoga teacher training

princeton

53 Mountain Blvd Warren, NJ

908-754-5901 Yoga-n-Pilates.com

50 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. S. Warren Warren Co. Co. Edition Edition 50

robbinsville Calm Waters Wellness & Yoga Center (Hatha-Kundalini) 2378 Rt 33 609-259-1547

warren Premier Pilates & Yoga 53 Mountain Blvd, Warren 908-754-5901 Yoga-n-Pilates.com

e t s a nam

The only studio to offer: • Therapeutic Yoga • Yoga for Functional Fitness • Prenatal Yoga Workshops • MELT Workshops • Playtime Yoga for children 3 to 6 years old

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Rosie's Corner

Have a Vision for Local Yoga?

The Shades of Gratitude by guest contributor Nicole Zornitzer

W

hen I was a teenager, gratitude meant being allowed to stay out past curfew with my friends.

When I was in college, gratitude meant getting grades good enough to welcome a successful career.

When I was 23, gratitude meant being thankful for having 23 good years with my father and having to say goodbye much too soon.

When I was 30 and birthed my son, gratitude was everything, and love was all-consuming.

When I was 33, gratitude was finally giving birth to the daughter I had waited for my entire life, and my world was complete.

When I was 36, gratitude became the ability to remain strong in the winds of change and move forward in my world without my husband. It was raising two children and learning to breathe all over again.

When I was 43, gratitude was surviving a stroke that nearly took my life.

Today, at 47, gratitude is being with the most loving, selfless, caring, nurturing, brilliant woman I have ever known—my beloved mother.

My mother has terminal cancer, glioblastoma.

Am I grateful today? Yes, I suppose, as I watch my mother swallow her first dose of

chemotherapy and prepare for radiation treatment.

Gratitude has so many shades; the one I wear today is not one I want, but it is what is.

I will cry myself to sleep tonight as I have each day of the last seven weeks. I will cry for what the universe has “gifted” my mother, myself, my brother and our children. I will plead with my deceased father and grandmother to spare her from this.

I will mourn prematurely for a life that is going to be cut short.

I am grateful for the woman that I have been given the honor of calling my mother, my friend. My mother is so much more than a mother to my brother and me—she is the woman who picked up the pieces when our father committed suicide and continued to be the adoring mother she is.

So yes, I am grateful every single day that I rise and my mother is with me by my side, experiencing life, breathing air and appreciating all that is.

Gratitude takes on many shades; let us all appreciate and cherish every one of those shades, even the darkest of them all.

Nicole Zornitzer, E-RYT 1000, Yoga Therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Studio in Randolph, New Jersey.

NiyamaYogaStudio.com.

Be Here Now Yoga

Yoga for Beginners Gentle Slow Flow Yoga • Summer Kids Programs Private Sessions Ladies’ Night Yoga Parties

908-642-0989 63 Main St., Ste 202, Flemington BeHereNowYoga108.com

Sponsor this Page

For More Than 10 Years!

Hackettstown Private & Group Yoga, Massage, Drumming & Retreats

Mary Ellen Moses, RYT, NJLMT

973-670-7421

AwakeningPoint.com

Your input helps shape this section while our input helps you grow!

For information, email Rosie@ NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com February 2020 January 2020

51 51

calendar of events

FEBRUARY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

All calendar events for the March 2020 issue must be received by Febrary 10, 2020 and adhere to our guidelines.

Email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

Reiki Soul Celebration – 1–4pm. Enjoy Reiki healing, meditation, high vibration crystal singing bowls, drum, gong, flute, koshi bells, ting-sha and chants. Speaker: Beth Wishbow, Reiki Master Teacher. $15; walk-ins welcome. eZential Wellness Center, 1 Lamington Rd., Branchburg. Info: Beth at 908-5260002 or beth@InSightHolisticHealth. com. InSightHolisticHealth.com.

Moving through Grief – 7pm. Gentle Guided practice is designed for people who are moving through grief. Free.

Registration required. Be Here Now Yoga, 63 Main St., Ste 202, Flemington. 908642-0989. karen@beherenowyoga108.com.

BeHereNowYoga108.com.

Medical Marijuana Program Card Drive for PTSD/Anxiety Related Conditions – 12-6pm. Comprehensive assessment & evaluation, brief intervention and referrals for medical marijuana as an alternative medicine for PTSD or anxiety. No previous treatment history is required. The Cannabis Heath Program at the Center for Inner Transformations, 223 Rt 18, East Brunswick.

Info@Coithealth.com. Coithealth.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Snow Moon Gathering – 7-9pm. Working with the energy of the moon, come together in meditation, body movement, sound healing and circle discussion. $33. Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. RSVP by 2/7: 908-223-1331 or EnlightenedEffulgence@ ymail.com. GaiasGiftsNJ.biz. PayPal.me/ gaiasgiftsnj/33.

Cabo Breath Fest – Feb 1-21. The Cabo Breath Fest will offer many life-changing and selfempowering workshops, plus other activities from San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Tix: $100. CaboBreathFest.com or on Facebook.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Healing Circle with Rafael Benedicto – 2-4pm. Come together for a powerful group meditation with healing ancient chants and soothing tones of quartz crystal singing bowls. $20. eZential Wellness, 1 Lamington Rd., Branchburg. eZentialWellness.com/ events-2/.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Light and Sound Service: Turning Points Opportunities for Spiritual Growth – 11am12pm. Bring more insight and divine love into your life at this special celebration. Eckankar, the Path of Spiritual Freedom, offers spiritual exercises to help experience God within.

Eckankar Center, 323 Main St., Metuchen.

800-870-9139. Eckankar-NJ.org.

Yoga’s Spiritual Roots – 2-4pm. Presenter: Mythri S. Menon. Discover yoga’s origins in this introductory workshop. Includes 45 minutes of āsana (poses). $40. Yoga Central, 953 Rt. 202, Branchburg. Register: yogacentralnj202@gmail.com or 908-7070759.

The Four Agreements: #4 Always Do Your Best – 10:30am. Facilitator: Rev. Karen Kushner. Warm, dynamic community of spiritually-minded people. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton, Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton.

609-924-8422. CSLPrinceton.org.

$ave Time and Ga$ Things do change. Please call in advance to ensure that the event you’re interested in is still available.

Cleansing with the Seasons – 7pm. Discover whole food cleansing for the winter months with health coach Csilla Bischoff. Free. Valley Integrative Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Rd., Bedminster. RSVP required: 908-6584900 or janet@valleypharmacyrx.com.

ValleyPharmacyRx.com.

Trust & Nurture Your Intuition – 7-8pm.

For those whose intuition is on point and want to learn how to trust it. Most times the distrust is due to corebeliefs, childhood pain, self-harm, trauma, bonds of attachments and resentment. Studio Yoga Madison, 2 Green Village Rd., Madison. StudioYogaMadison. com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Reiki II Training – 2-4pm. Prerequisite: Reiki I Certification. In this hands-on session, receive power symbols to use in healing sessions, Level II attunement, and learn distance reiki. Instructors: Donna and Terry Pollin. $175. Yoga Central, 953 Rt. 202, Branchburg. Register: yogacentralnj202@ gmail.com or 908-707-0759.

Mental Health Transformations Group – 7-8:30pm. Mental skills group for helping you heal your mind with alternative medicines and integrative tools. $60. The Center for Inner Transformations, 223 Rt 18, East Brunswick. Info@Coithealth.com. Coithealth. com.

Saturday Trail Running: Lenape Trail – 9-11am. Explore the diverse habitats and history of Hilltop Reservation and Cedar Grove Park on the Lenape and West Essex Trails. Choice of two pace groups and the option to run either 6 or 8 miles. Run is fairly level overall but has steep climbs at the beginning and end. Free. Trail head: Robert J O’Toole Community Ctr, 199 Fairview Ave, Cedar Grove. Info: donweise@nynjtc.org or 201-512-9348, ext 813. Nynjtc.org.

plantoattend

savethedate

6-DAY QI HEALER SEMINARS

PAST LIVES, DREAMS & SOUL TRAVEL

Feb. 28-March 1 & March 6-8 with Joe Zakscewski & Janet Oussaty OR April 17-19 & 24-26 with Patty Pagano & John Skeats Become a Qi Healer.

The first weekend is all about taking care of yourself with more than 25 Qi Gong remedies so you can learn how to attain and maintain balanced health. Second weekend is information, skills and practices for yourself and also for healing others. Rave reviews! Fri 5:30-9pm; Sat/Sun 9am-5pm Fee $850.

Qi Gong for Healing

1275BoundBrookRd,Ste1,2ndFlr,Middlesex 908-647-1563

QiGongForHealing.com

52 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Sundays: Feb. 9, Mar. 8 11am-12:30pm Free 3-Part Book Spiritual Discussion Series Recall and resolve past life lessons. Learn and experience spiritual tools to enhance your life.

Explore your ability to get answers from Spirit.

Tap into the wisdom and knowledge of the last great frontier—Your Inner Worlds.

FREE and open to all.

Eckankar Center 323 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 800-870-9139 • Eckankar-NJ.org Presented by ECKANKAR The Path of Spiritual Freedom

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Past Lives, Dreams and Soul Travel – 11am12:30pm. Free Spiritual Discussion Series.

Experience spiritual tools to enhance your life. Explore your ability to get answers from Spirit. Tap into wisdom and knowledge of your inner worlds. Eckankar Center, 323 Main St., Metuchen. 800-870-9139.

Eckankar-NJ.org.

Chant Along with Jesilyn Ternyik – 1:302:30pm. Join us for a casual Kirtan chant along. Feel free to join in or simply enjoy the music! Free. eZential Wellness, 1 Lamington Rd., Branchburg. eZentialWellness.com/ events-2/.

Yoga Nidra & Singing Bowls with Jesilyn Ternyik – 2-3:30pm. Experience the deep peace and healing meditative state of Yoga Nidra. Enjoy the vibrations and sounds of crystal singing bowls. $30. eZential Wellness, 1 Lamington Rd., Branchburg. eZentialWellness.com/events-2/.

46, Ledgewood. Kerri Kerr-Apito from K&P Holistic Health & Fitness. 973-823-1600. fnj@HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com.

Micronutrient, Hormone, Thyroid, MTHFR Testing – 3-6:15pm. Testing by Spectracell and Vibrant Wellness Labs. Most insurance accepted. Valley Integrative Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Rd., Bedminster. Appt only: 908-658-4900. Janet@ValleyPharmacyRX. com. ValleyPharmacyRX.com.

Introduction to Self-Hypnosis – 7:15-8:15pm.

Learn method of self-hypnosis, how to put yourself into trance, how to deepen your trance, how to program your subconscious to achieve your goals, change your behaviors and enhance your health. End with teaching you how to terminate that trance. $15. Inner Truth Hypnotherapy and Meditation Center, 1386 US Highway 22, Lebanon. Info: 908617-1535 or TheGoldenLight.org/Calendar.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

crystals keep you and your life aligned & balanced. $30, includes crystals. Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. RSVP by 2/9: 908-223-1331 or Perkins145@ comcast.net. GaiasGiftsNJ.biz. PayPal.me/ gaiasgiftsnj/30.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Meditation Mini-Retreat with Ramananda John Welshons – 1-5:30pm. Beautiful afternoon of meditation, relaxation and quieting. A perfect way to alleviate the stress of daily life. All levels. Studio Yoga Madison, 2 Green Village Rd., Madison.

StudioYogaMadison.com.

Basics for Living: The Way Life Really Works – 10:30am. Facilitator: Rev. Karen Kushner.

Warm, dynamic community of spirituallyminded people. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton, Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-9248422. CSLPrinceton.org.

Master Class Cosmetic Workshop – 2-4pm.

Jane Iredale professionals. 2-hour stepby-step class teaches how to properly apply cosmetics and the latest tips/trends.

Samples, gift w/purchase, raffle. Free. Valley Integrative Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Rd., Bedminster. RSVP required: 908-6584900 or janet@valleypharmacyrx.com.

ValleyPharmacyRx.com.

CBD Assisted Recovery Group – 7-8:30pm. A CBD wellness and recovery skills group that focuses on the healthy and effective use of CBD medicines. Topic: Using consumption methods effectively. Includes CBD consumptions sampling. $65. The Cannabis Heath Program at the Center for Inner Transformations, 223 Rt 18, East Brunswick.

Info@Coithealth.com. Coithealth.com.

Basics for Living: Here’s the Thing – 10:30am. Facilitator: Rev. Karen Kushner.

Warm, dynamic community of spirituallyminded people. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton, Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-9248422. CSLPrinceton.org.

Reiki Share with Reiki Master Diana Davis – 7pm. This share is for everyone, Reiki practitioners and non-practitioners alike. $10. Be Here Now Yoga, 63 Main St., Ste 202, Flemington. 908-6420989. karen@beherenowyoga108.com.

BeHereNowYoga108.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Holistic Chamber of Commerce Meeting – 6:30-8pm. Deep Wellness Center, 1070 US-

Conversation with Crystals – 1-3pm. Crystal discussion & education. Topic: Balance - what

savethedate

savethedate

savethedate

SACRED SCIENCE, WESTERN MYSTERIES

INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY MEDICINE

WORLD T’AI CHI & QIGONG DAY

May 11-15, 2020 8am-6pm each day

This Mystery School Teaching helps you to achieve a magical life. This week of Esoteric Training will show you how to harness your own power to achieve a more satisfying life.

Learn how to manafest by doing what people in Secret Societies do. Create prosperity and manifest your needs and wants easily.

Investment: $2,225.

InnerTruthHypnotherapy&MeditationCtr 1386 US Highway 22, Clinton NJ 08833 For more information or to register: 908-617-1545 or TheGoldenLight.org

March 14 & 15 • 9am-5pm

Reiki II Training & Certification – 10:30am6:30pm. Expand your reiki abilities in this comprehensive and in-depth training and certification. Instructor: Beth Wishbow, Reiki Master Teacher. $225. eZential Wellness Center, 1 Lamington Road, Branchburg.

Register at eZentialWellness.com/Reiki.

For information, contact Beth at 908526-0002 or beth@InSightHolisticHealth. com. InSightHolisticHealth.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Cannabis for Mental Health: Group Therapy for Beginners – 7-8:30pm. An education, skills, support and process group for individuals new to using cannabis as an alternative medicine. $60. The Cannabis Heath Program at the Center for Inner Transformations, 223 Rt 18, East Brunswick.

Info@Coithealth.com. Coithealth.com.

April 25 • 9am-3pm at Georgian Court University Lakewood, NJ

at Energy for Healing, Kingston, NJ March 28 & 29 • 9am-5pm at Medicine in Balance, Langhorne, PA

HOLISTIC HEALTH & CRAFTS with Head-to-Toe Women’s Expo May 2 • 10am-5pm Join us in Hamilton, NJ

Next Step Strategies, LLC Mercer Meetings, 1970 Rte. 33, Hamilton 609-752-1048 Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com

Next Step Strategies, LLC Mercer Meetings, 1970 Rte. 33, Hamilton 609-752-1048 Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com

NextStepStrategiesLLC.com

NextStepStrategiesLLC.com February 2020

53

advertiser specials Mention Natural Awakenings to take advantage of these terrific specials.

Lisa’s Thermography & Wellness

Free Dry Brush to New Clients Lisa Mack offers thermography scans in wellness facilities across the region.

New Jersey: Short Hills, Morristown, Clinton, Hampton, Green Brook, Bedminster, Lincoln Park, Somers Point, Little Silver, Caldwell.

New York: Newburgh Pennsylvania: Doylestown Visit this link for information and to schedule an appointment: LisasThermographyAndWellness.com/ patients/#locations See ad, page 30.

$100 Cuddling Package for New Clients

In Your Arms

Karen Schweiger Certified Cuddlist Practitioner 908-768-1800 • inyourarms@zoho.com CuddleInYourArms.com See ad, page 48.

$35 per session

Hand or Foot Reflexology Series (inc. Thai Foot Reflexology Massage) Eight 30 minute sessions @ $35 each

Christel Haase

Ph.D./Certified Reflexologist 10am-6pm.

4 Walter E. Foran Blvd., Ste. 404, Flemington For appointment call 908-788-2748 or ChristelHaase8@gmail.com.

See ad, page 41.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Hypnosis for Test Taking – 6-8pm. Course will help you or your child do better when taking your /his-her next test. $90. Inner Truth Hypnotherapy and Meditation Center, 1386 US 22, Lebanon. 908 617-1535.

InnerTruthHypnotherapy.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Yoga Nidra – 6:30pm. Yoga Nidra is a conscious relaxation practice that can be done on a mat or in a chair. No yoga experience required. $20. Be Here Now Yoga, 63 Main St., Ste 202, Flemington. 908642-0989. karen@beherenowyoga108.com.

BeHereNowYoga108.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Astral Travel – 10pm-12noon. Learn to leave your body safely, in a guided manner.

We will discuss the ideal physical setting in which to astral travel and will enter a guided journey. Learn the techniques and do it whenever you wish! $60. Inner Truth Hypnotherapy and Meditation Center, 1386 US Highway 22, Lebanon. Info: 908-617-1535 or TheGoldenLight.org/Calendar.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Sound of Soul Event – 11am-12pm. Experience HU, an ancient sacred mantra that has been sung for thousands of years in many lands for spiritual unfoldment. Eckankar Center, 323 Main St., Metuchen. 800-870-9139.

Eckankar-NJ.org.

Interfaith Soul Feast: The Value of Minority Voices – 1-4pm. Opportunity to speak from the margins and practice listening to minority voices in our community by meeting and befriending neighbors of many different faith traditions. Free. Christ Church: An Emerging Christian Community, 1600 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville. RSVP by 2/21: 908 722-2080. cpchurch@optonline.net.

ChristChurchEmerging.org.

Basics for Living: What Life is All About – 10:30am. Facilitator: Rev. Karen Kushner.

Warm, dynamic community of spirituallyminded people. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton, Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-9248422. CSLPrinceton.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Reiki Share with Reiki Master Diana Davis – 7pm. This share is for everyone, Reiki practitioners and non-practitioners alike. $10. Be Here Now Yoga, 63 Main St., Ste 202, Flemington. 908-6420989. karen@beherenowyoga108.com.

BeHereNowYoga108.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

54 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Naturopathic Mental Health Healing Group – 7pm. Therapeutic process and education group that focuses on using natures medicine and the power of ourselves to heal our emotions. $60. The Center for Inner Transformations, 223 Rt 18, East Brunswick.

Info@Coithealth.com. Coithealth.com.

Micronutrient, Hormone, Thyroid, MTHFR Testing – 10am-1pm. Testing by Spectracell and Vibrant Wellness Labs. Most insurance accepted. Valley Integrative Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Rd., Bedminster. Appt only: 908-658-4900. Janet@ValleyPharmacyRX. com. ValleyPharmacyRX.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Drive-Thru Ash Wednesday – 7-9:30am.

Drive through the church parking lot on the corner of Washington Valley & Crim Roads for Ashes & Blessing on your way to work.

Free. Christ Church: An Emerging Christian Community, 1600 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville. 908 722-2080. cpchurch@ optonline.net. ChristChurchEmerging.org.

Dust, Ashes and Muddy, Muddy Water – 7:30-8:30pm. Multi-sensory, non-traditional observance of Ash Wednesday to enter the sacred Lenten season of self-reflection before Easter’s renewal. Free. Christ Church: An Emerging Christian Community, 1600 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville.

908 722-2080. cpchurch@optonline.net.

ChristChurchEmerging.org.

Wellness Wednesday: Nutrition and Cellular Health – 11am. Nutritionist Kirstin Nussgruber and health coach Joe Condora. Valley Integrative Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Rd., Bedminster. RSVP required: 908-6584900. Janet@ValleyPharmacyRX.com.

ValleyPharmacyRX.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Thermography Medical Imaging – 9am6pm. Facilitator: Lisa Mack. Valley Integrative Pharmacy, 75 Washington Valley Rd., Bedminster. Info: 609-618-6545.

ValleyPharmacyRX.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Qi Healing Seminar/Workshops – Feb. 28Mar. 1 & Mar. 6-8. Fri: 5:30-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm. 6-day Seminar/Workshops in Qi Healing. Instructors: Joe Zakscewski & Janet Oussaty. First weekend is all about taking care of yourself with more than 25 Qi Gong remedies to attain and maintain balanced health. Second weekend is info, skills and practices for yourself and others. $850. Qi Gong for Healing, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd fl, Middlesex. 908-647-1563.

QiGongForHealing.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Universal Kabbalah – 10am-4:30pm. The study of God and the God essence within

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

humans makes us who and what we are and through that study we come to the realization of who and what we are. $325.

Inner Truth Hypnotherapy and Meditation Center, 1386 US 22, Lebanon. 908 617-1535.

TheGoldenLight.org/Calendar.

wellness, spiritual growth & the conscious evolution of humanity. Fri: $5 Fri. Sat: $10. Sun: $15. Weekend pass: $15. 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison. Info: 732-508-7990 or Info@HeartofOnenessHolisticExpo.com.

HeartofOnenessHolisticExpo.com.

plan ahead

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Past Lives, Dreams and Soul Travel – 11am12:30pm. Free Spiritual Discussion Series.

Experience spiritual tools to enhance your life. Explore your ability to get answers from Spirit. Tap into wisdom and knowledge of your inner worlds. Eckankar Center, 323 Main St., Metuchen. 800-870-9139. Eckankar-NJ.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Double Squatch Trail Race – Mar. 14-15.

7:30am- 3pm. Runners and hikers can sign up for a 5K, 3 hours or 6 hours on one or both days. Organized by Sassquad Trail Running, portion of proceeds benefit the Trail Conference. See website for pricing details.

Trail head: Stokes State Forest, Stokes office parking lot, 1 Coursen Road, Branchville. Info: sassquadtrailrunning@gmail.com. Nynjtc.org.

Introduction to Energy Medicine – 9am5pm. Mar. 14, 15. Energy for Healing, 4446 NJ-27, Kingston. 609-752-1048.

Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 T’ai Chi Chih for Balance & More – 6:30pm.

8-week class. Need better balance? concerned about high blood pressure?

Quality sleep a challenge? Space is limited.

RSVP by 3/1: $125. Mercer Meetings, 1970 Rte. 33, Hamilton. 609-752-1048.

Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 Heart of Oneness Holistic Expo – 3/273/29. Fri: 5pm-6pm, Sat: 10am-7pm. Sun: 10am-5pm. Collective event dedicated to

Restorative Yoga to Life Cello – 4:30-6pm.

Experience deep relaxation during this gentle practice designed to reduce stress and let go. Bach to the Beatles played on live cello with accompany this practice. $25. Be Here Now Yoga, 63 Main St., Ste 202, Flemington.

908-642-0989. karen@beherenowyoga108. com. BeHereNowYoga108.com.

Introduction to Energy Medicine – 9am-5pm.

Mar. 28, 29. Medicine in Balance, 940 Town Center Dr., F-90, Langhorne, PA. 609-7521048. Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC. com. NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 6 T’ai Chi Chih for Balance & More – 6pm. 8-week class. Need better balance? concerned about high blood pressure? Quality sleep a challenge? Space is limited. 1st 5 to register get class for free. The Gardens at Monroe, 189 Applegarth Rd., Monroe. 609-752-1048.

Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 Qi Healing Seminar/Workshops – Apri1 17-19 & 24-26. Fri: 5:30-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm. 6-day Seminar/Workshops in Qi Healing, w/Patty Pagano & John Skeats.

More than 25 Qi Gong remedies to attain and maintain balanced health, plus info, skills and practices. $850. Qi Gong for Healing, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd fl, Middlesex. 908-6471563. QiGongForHealing.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.

HIRING: HAIRSTYLIST NOW HIRING: Licensed “holistic minded” hairstylists for busy, organic salon in Hackettstown. Looking for a change in environment, sick of breathing in chemicals or want a more relaxed work setting—keep reading. Our mission is to share knowledge of non-toxic/organic hair and beauty products while giving each guest a relaxing experience with impeccable customer service. Perfect candidate: outgoing, personable, willing to learn, interest in healthy/organic living, ambitious and willing to grow through social media and marketing, team player, willing to perform other services (facials, waxing, hair treatments, front desk, etc.). Salon attracts many guests seeking alternative ways to do their hair. For the right person, this can be a very lucrative path, in more ways than one!

Interested? Contact Monica at Monica Sabo at wholelistichairandwellness@gmail.com.

INTUITIVE SERVICES READINGS: Oracle card and palmistry readings offered in person, phone, parties welcome.

Spiritually guided channeled messages are for your highest good. Let my gifts guide you!

Reasonable rates. Cheryl 908-268-8029.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 2020 World T’ai Chi & Qigong Day – 9am-3pm.

All welcomed. Georgian Court University, 900 Lakewood Ave., Lakewood. 609-7521048. Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC. com. NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

REIKI/ENERGY SERVICES REIKI/ENERGY BALANCE sessions by appt. Register NOW: call 609-752-1048 or email Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com

Chinese Medicine with a Gentle Style We use exceptionally thin sterile needles with gentle, light insertion for a relaxing experience.

Reduce Pain • Relieve Stress & Tension • Increase Energy • Enhance Fertility Relief for Headaches/Migraines • Ease Arthritis & Muscle Pain • Sleep Better

New Patients Receive 20% off your first visit when you mention this ad.

Acupuncture Works Center Kristin A. Dudley, MS, L.Ac

84 Park Ave., Gavel Hall, Suite G-103C • Flemington, NJ 08822

973-979-1652 • AcupunctureWorksCenter.com

February 2020

55

ongoing events

function optimally. Premier Pilates and Yoga, 53 Mountain Blvd., Warren. 908-754-5901.

Yoga-N-Pilates.com.

Kindly call to confirm date, location, time.

SUNDAY Worship and Fellowship – 10-11:15am. An Intimate Faith Conversation. Jesus mentored.

Unapologetically progressive. Social justice driven. LGBTQI+ welcomed. Spiritually curious. GreenFaith sanctuary. Interfaith friendly. Free. Christ Church: An Emerging Christian Community, 1600 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville. 908 722-2080. cpchurch@ optonline.net. ChristChurchEmerging.org.

Kundalini Yoga Meditation – 5:30-6:30pm.

Start your week rejuvenated with Kundalini, a yogic technology that unlocks the flow of energy through meditation which includes mantra, movement & breath practice. $10.

Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. Text: 908-303-3734. Call: 908-223-1331. GaiasGiftsNJ.biz.

Spiritual Awakening Sunday Service – 10:30 am. Warm, dynamic community of spiritually-minded people at Sunday Transformation Service. Mingle afterwards with refreshments and conversation. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton, Princeton Masonic Lodge, 354 River Rd, Princeton. 609-9248422. CSLPrinceton.org.

Unity Spiritual Center Sunday Service – 10am. Join us for prayer and meditation, song, an uplifting spiritual message and fellowship afterwards. Youth programs offered.

Off hours: Sun, Wed, Thurs 10-2:30 pm. Unity Spiritual Center, 453 Bellwood Ave., Asbury (physically located in Pattenburg). 908-7308792. UnitySpiritualCenter.org.

MONDAY Prenatal Yoga Workshop – 6:30pm. Class focuses on helping the moms-to-be relax and to prepare their bodies and minds to welcome new life into this world. Registration required. Premier Pilates and Yoga, 53

Mountain Blvd., Warren. 908-754-5901.

Yoga-N-Pilates.com.

Reiki Share and Healing Circle – 6-7:15pm.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Sand Hills Community Wellness Center, 57 Sand Hills Rd., Kendall Park. 732419-3551. SandHillsWellness.com.

Beginner Sun Style Tai Chi – 11am-12pm.

Easy and fun. Instructor: Patty Pagano. $60/ month. $20/drop-in. Reserve your place: 908-392-1313. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex.

More information at QiGongforHealing.com.

Beginner Swimming Dragon Qi Gong – 121pm. Instructor: Patty Pagano. Easy to learn, gentle movements will leave you feeling refreshed and calm.4-week course. $60/4-class series. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex. Must preregister: 908-392-1313.

More information at QiGongforHealing.com.

Beginner Tai Chi (Wuji Jing Gong) – 7-8pm.

Instructor: Fran Maher. For students new to Tai Chi or new to the Wuji form. $60/month. $20/drop-in. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex.

908-647-1563. Info: QiGongforHealing.com.

TUESDAY Pilates Mat with Props – 6pm. Amazing and challenging class will tone your entire body!

Incorporates weights, Thera-Bands, Magic Circles and classical Pilates Mat exercises. Premier Pilates and Yoga, 53 Mountain Blvd., Warren. 908-754-5901. Yoga-N-Pilates.com.

Gentle Relaxation Yoga – 7pm. This class will focus on reducing chronic tension, improving normal range of motion in the joints, and strengthening the musculature of the body so that all bodily systems can

Beginner Tai Chi (Wuji Jing Gong) – 10:30am.

Instructor: Fran Maher. $60/month. $20/ drop-in. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex. 908647-1563 or 908-392-1313. Info: QiGongforHealing.com.

Beginner and Returning Tai Chi Chih – 1:30pm. Instructor: Janet Oussaty. Pre-registration required. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex.

Contact Janet: 908-635-1822. JOussaty@ comcast.net. More information at QiGongforHealing.com.

Beginner Tai Chi (Wuji Jing Gong) – 6:30pm.

Instructor: Patty Pagano. $60/mo, $20 dropin. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd floor, Middlesex. Info: 908392-1313 or QiGongforHealing.com.

WEDNESDAY Pilates Mat with Props – 9:30am. Amazing and challenging class will tone your entire body! Incorporates weights, Thera-Bands, Magic Circles and classical Pilates Mat exercises. Premier Pilates and Yoga, 53 Mountain Blvd., Warren. 908-754-5901.

Yoga-N-Pilates.com.

Beginner Tai Chi (Wuji Jing Gong) – 10:30am.

Instructor: Patty Pagano. $60/month. $20/ drop-in. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex. 908647-1563 or 908-392-1313. Info: QiGongforHealing.com.

Wuji in Tai Chi and Qi Gong – 1pm. Instructor: Brain Coffey. $60/month. $20/drop-in. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex. More information at 908-647-1563 or QiGongforHealing.com.

Goju Ryu Karate Classes – 7-8:30pm. Learn self-defense, get fit, lose weight, gain focus.

Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do. Free trial. Sand Hills Community Wellness Center, 57 Sand Hills Rd., Kendall Park.

Register: GojuRyuBujutsu@gmail.com. 732421-7116. SandHillsWellness.com.

There’s something for everyone at Sand Hills!

We offer a diverse selection of programs in a safe, warm environment to support Body, Mind and Spirit.

Reiki, Massage Therapy, Yoga, Alzheimer’s Support Group, Gong Bath Meditation, Piloxing, Crafting, Creative Writing plus special workshops and retreats...just to name a few.

Sand Hills Community Wellness Center 57 Sand Hills Road Kendall Park, NJ 08824

732-419-3551 • FeedingAllWhoHunger.com 56 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Beginner Swimming Dragon Qi Gong – 7:30pm. Instructor: Patty Pagano. $60/ month. $20/drop-in. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex. Must preregister: 908-392-1313.

More information at QiGongforHealing.com.

THURSDAY Meditation Class for Stress Reduction & Self Awareness – 11:30am-12:30pm. Facilitator: Sharon Coyle-Saeed. Learn how to live more fully in the present moment, to be more at ease in your body as you deal with stress and experience more clarity. 57 Sand Hills Community Wellness Center, 57 Sand Hills Rd., Kendall Park. Info: Sharon at 732-4917277 or sharoncoylesaeed35@gmail.com.

SandHillsWellness.com.

A Pure Component Radio Show: Linking Spirit & Science – 10am-11pm. Hosted by Tori Valspirit. Life, Health, Fitness, Wellness and Mystery. Complementary and integrative Health Care. Experts in various wellness fields & subjects. 908-617-1545. Lifestream: Facebook.com/aPureComponent. HunterdonChamerRadio.com.

FRIDAY Beginner Qi Gong (Wuji Jing Gong) – 12:30pm. Instructor: Patty Pagano. $60/ month. $20/drop-in. Qi Gong for Healing Center, 1275 Bound Brook Rd., 2nd Floor, Middlesex. 908-392-1313. Info: QiGongforHealing.com.

Tarot 101 – Feb. 21- Mar. 13. 6:30-8:30pm.

4-week course will work through the Major Arcana, the four suits and start with classic spreads. All levels. $120. Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. RSVP by 2/14: 908223-1331 or Perkins145@comcast.net. GaiasGiftsNJ.biz. PayPal.me/gaiasgiftsnj/120.

SATURDAY Pilates Mat with Props – 9am. Amazing and challenging class will tone your entire body!

Incorporates weights, Thera-Bands, Magic Circles and classical Pilates Mat exercises. Premier Pilates and Yoga, 53 Mountain Blvd., Warren. 908-754-5901. Yoga-N-Pilates.com.

Prenatal Yoga – 11:15am-12:15pm. Special “moms-to-be” yoga. Practicing together often allows bonding with each other through this experience. $100/Series 6-pack. $20/ drop in. Registration required. Be Here Now Yoga, 63 Main St., Ste. 202, Flemington.

Info: 908-642-0989 or email karen@beherenowyoga108.com. BeHereNowYoga108.com.

Goju Ryu Karate Classes – 3:30-5:30pm.

Learn self-defense, get fit, lose weight, gain focus. Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do. Free trial. Sand Hills Community Wellness Center, 57 Sand Hills Rd., Kendall Park. Register: GojuRyuBujutsu@gmail.com.

732-421-7116. SandHillsWellness.com.

Gentle Relaxation Yoga – 10am. This class will focus on reducing chronic tension, improving normal range of motion in the joints, and strengthening the musculature of the body so that all bodily systems can function optimally. Premier Pilates and Yoga, 53 Mountain Blvd., Warren. 908-754-5901.

Yoga-N-Pilates.com.

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear? ~Confucius

Proud to Distributed at:

Bridgewater 319 Chimney Rock Road Bound Brook, NJ Clark 1255 Raritan Road, Unit #150 Clark, NJ Metuchen 645 Middlesex Avenue Metuchen, NJ Millburn—Union 2245 Springfield Avenue Union, NJ Montclair 701 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ Morristown 110 Washington Street Morristown, NJ Madison 222 Main Street Madison, NJ Newark 633 Broad Street Newark, NJ Princeton 3495 US Route 1 South Princeton, NJ Ridgewood 44 Godwin Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Serving the NJ Area for over 15 years.

Complementary with Conventional Medicine.

� º º º º º º

Naturopathic Nutritional Evaluation Customized herbal preparations Homeopathy Functional Metabolic Analysis For: Weight Management Reflexology Digestive Dysfunction Therapeutic Massage Heavy Metal Toxicity Ear Candling Hormone Imbalance Osteoporosis 10% OFF 10% OFF Stress Initial InitialNaturopathic Naturopath Consultation Consultation 615 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069 Expires 2/29/2020 5/30/2010 Expires

Office: (908) 754-4480

West Orange 235 Prospect Avenue West Orange, NJ

Fax: (908) 754-6300

www.nikkiconte-naturopath.com

February 2020

57

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

Ayurveda/Holistic Health

Clinical Hypnotherapy

Acupuncture Works Center

Ayurvedashram Holistic Wellness Center

Inner Truth Hypnotherapy and Meditation Center

Kristin A. Dudley LAc

84 Park Ave, Ste G-103C, Flemington 973-979-1652 AcupunctureWorksCenter.com Gentle acupuncture with can be both very relaxing as well as healing. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to ease muscle and arthritis pain, relieve stress, increase energy and improve sleep. De-stress in a nurturing and healing envi-

roment. See ad, page 55.

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.

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 41.

2070 Route 1, 2nd Floor, North Brunswick 732-658-6122 MyAyurvedashram@gmail.com MyAyurvedashram.com Experience the personalized body-mind-spirit approach of Ayurveda, a 5000-yearold healing science from India and one of the oldest system of medicine in the world! Ayurveda consultations and Panchakarma (detox) therapies by experienced and trained Ayurvedic practitioners. We specialize in pain management, hormonal imbalance, auto-immune disorders and pediatric wellness. Mention NaturalAwakenings and get 25% OFF your initial consultation! See ad, page 22.

CBD Products

Sonia Singh, LCSW, LCADC The Happy Therapist TM 223 Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 732 – 508 -0052 • info@coithealth.com COITHEALTH.COM

Alternative mental health & substance abuse therapies that incorporate integrative and naturopathic healing options, in addition to traditional methods. Executively directed by The Happy Therapist TM, COIT specializes in assisting individuals in achieving resolve through naturopathic and cognitive tools that enhance and optimize their overall well-being. See ad, page 27.

Mom N Pop CBD & Wellness Shop Ray Brown, Jr.

5 Locations in NJ/PA 484-415-5037 MomNPopCBDShop.com CBD is a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory with no addictive properties. However, not all CDB products are created equally. We use the latest scientific knowledge and experienced professionals to create top of the line CBD products at affordable prices. See ad, page 20.

Qi Gong For Healing 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

13.

58 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Clinical hypnosis is a natural yet altered state of mind with numerous beneficial characteristics.

Evidence-based services include clinical hypnotherapy, medical support clinical hypnotherapy and integral hypnotherapy. Clinical hypnotherapy is available in private or group sessions. Confidentiality is assured within HIPAA regulations.

See ad, page 17.

Eden Energy Medicine/ Sound Meditation RedTail Energetics

Alternative Mental Health Chinese Healing Arts Center of Inner Transformations

Tori Valspirit 908-617-1545 hypnotherapy@valspirit.com InnerTruthHypnotherapy.com

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.

Education/Schools Waldorf School Of Princeton 1062 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton 609-466-1970, x115 PrincetonWaldorf.org

The Waldorf curriculum, used in 1,000+ schools School worldwide, integrates arts, of Princeton academics, movement, and music, emphasizing social and environmental responsibility. The hands-on approach is screen free.

Waldorf

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Cedar Hill Preparatory School

Gifts/Natural/Handmade

CedarHillPrep.com

Gaia’s Gifts

152 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset 732-356-5400 Facebook.com/cedarhillprep/ Early Education Program

CHP believes a nurturing program that fosters emotional, social, and cognitive skills through a scaffolded learning evironment of structured and unstructured experiences is imperative in Preschool. We aim to provide a diverse environment, abundant space and stimulating activities as we strive to empower children to reach their unique potential.

Ellen Perkins

Local, handcrafted items including wall art, fiber art, jewelry, small furniture, leather work, soaps, lotions, local honey, loose tea and flower vibrational essences. Variety of rocks and crystals in personal size or display pieces, Himalayan salt lamps and so much more. See ad, page 43.

Hiking Essential Oils Essentials Kingdom Elaine Bacio

650-678-3128 elainebacio@hotmail.com EssentialsKingdom.com

See ad, page 15.

Elaine is a Certified Health Coach specializing in Essential Oil Education. She helps women find their emotional anchor and unleash their spiritual purpose using the high vibrational frequencies of doTERRA essential oils.

Schedule a free consultation to experience her work.

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah 201- 512-9348 office@nynjtc.org nynjtc.org

Since 1920, the Trail Conference has been building, maintaining, and protecting what is now more than 2,100 miles of trails in the NY-NJ metropolitan area. It’s thanks to the dedication of volunteers and supporters that we all can have safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences. To find hikes, events, volunteer, become a member, or donate, go to nynjtc. org. See ad, page 26.

Holistic Chiropractors Dr. Paul M. Bizzaro, DC

Functional Medicine

81 S Main St, Yardley, PA 215-493-6589 • DrPaulBizzaro.com

Morningstar Family Health Center

My mission is to educate people to the benefits of chiropractic, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.

Over 40 years experience (personally and professionally) allows me to relate to your problem(s).

Services include nonforce chiropractic, nutritional testing, utilizing test kits/panels, Chirothin weight loss, massage (covered by most insurance) and laser therapy for pain. Personalized attention guaranteed! See ad, page 23.

54 Old Highway 22, Clinton 908-735-9344 MorningStarFHC.com

MorningStar’s team of health professionals cares for you like family. Our membership based practice cares for men, women and children age 8 and up with a functional approach to primary care. See ad, page 25.

HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY PLANET

16 Broad St., Washington 908-223-1331 • GaiasGiftsNJ.biz

FEED THE BIRDS DAY FEBRUARY 3 Help the wild birds in your backyard to survive the long, cold winter by feeding them. Seed and nuts are the best source of energy food for wild birds. Avoid foods like breads which give the birds little energy.

2020 EDITORIAL CALENDAR HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

JAN

Age-Defying Habits Plus: Healthy Immune System

FEB

Cardiovascular Health Plus: Regenerative Medicine

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

MAR

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet Plus: CBD

APR

Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies Plus: Healthy Home

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

MAY

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Plus: Protein & Collagen Connection

JUN

Inspired Lifestyle Travel Plus: Brain Health

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

JUL

Beyond Factory Farming Plus: Gut Health

AUG

Biological Dentistry Plus: Environmental Education

SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEP

Emotional Well-Being Plus: Adaptive Yoga

OCT

Stress Management Plus: Joint Health

THE DIABETES CHALLENGE ISSUE

NOV

Personalized Diabetes Strategies Plus: Skin Care

DEC

Creating Community & Connection Plus: Spending Locally

IN EVERY ISSUE...

HEALTH BRIEFS | GLOBAL BRIEFS ECO TIP | GREEN LIVING HEALING WAYS | FIT BODY CONSCIOUS EATING HEALTHY KIDS | WISE WORDS INSPIRATION | NATURAL PET

February 2020

59

Samsara Chiropractic Wellness Center

Holistic Women’s Health

Dr Jennifer Redmond

Wellspring Women’s Health

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 43.

Holistic Dentistry The Center For Advanced Health Through Dentistry

Sarah Wallis CNM NCMP WHNP-BC 280 Rolling Knolls Way, Bridgewater 732-456-6262 call or text Wellspring-GYN.com

Holistic gynecology specializing in hormone balance, sexual health, chronic pelvic pain and menopause wellness including bio-identical hormone replacement. Integrative fertility support.

Come see us for a gentle exam and in-depth evaluation from a Certified Nurse Midwife / Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. House calls available! See ad, page 35.

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.

Holistic Dental Center Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS

91 Millburn Ave, Milburn 973-457-4688 HolisticDentalCenterNJ.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.

Princeton Center For Dental Aesthetics Dr. Ruxandra Balescu, DMD Dr. Kirk Huckel, DMD, FAGD

11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 • PrincetonDentist.com We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. Please contact us to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 49.

Sunny van Vlijmen

939 Ridge Rd, Suite 2D, Monmouth Junction 609-275-3881 FindHappinessNow.com Do you want real and lasting change? My professional background of 20+ years in alternative healing and personal development has taught me what works and what doesn’t. If you’re ready for change, schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation, today. See ad, page 38.

Integrative/Functional MD Integrative Health & Wellness Associates

Dr. Joseph R. Mele, DDS, FIND, CNC 215 Union Ave.,Ste D, Bridgewater 908-526-2266 MeleDDS.com

Integrative Holistic Consultant

Minal Vazirani, MD

Hypnosis & Reiki Energy Health & Wellness LLC Michele Dellavalle, CH, CHTP, ART Clinton & Flemington #908-403-2045 EnergyHealth4Wellness@gmail.com ReikiEHW.com Employs complimentary methods to treat individuals in a holistic manner helping clients reach their goals and highest possible level of mental, physical & spiritual well-being.

Offering 5-Path Hypnosis®, 7th Path Self-Hypnosis®, Reiki, Healing Touch, Crystal Healing & Meditations.

112 Town Center, Warren 844-5-HEALER • 844-543-2537 dr.mvazirani@ihwa-nj.com minalvaziranimd.com ; Facebook: DrVazirani Dr. V is triple board certified in pediatrics, internal medicine, and integrative medicine, plus additional training in Ayurvedic and Functional Medicine, and Yoga Therapy. She has published on integrative approaches to gut health.

Committed to helping patients get to the root cause of health concerns to create an individualized integrative lifestyle prescription for optimal wellness. Functional Medicine Testing and Nutritional Testing is performed when indicated. See ad, page 42.

Integrative Psychotherapy Hypnotherapy Inner Truth Hypnotherapy and Meditation Center

Bobbie Lynn Edwards LPC, NCC,M.Ed

Tori Valspirit

Licensed Psychotherapist 15 E. Main St., Clinton 908-892-8978 • HunterdonTherapist.com

Clinical hypnosis is a natural yet altered state of mind with numerous beneficial characteristics. Evidence-based services include clinical hypnotherapy, medical support clinical hypnotherapy and integral hypnotherapy. Clinical hypnotherapy is available in private or group sessions. Confidentiality is assured within HIPAA regulations. See ad, page 17.

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.

908-617-1545 hypnotherapy@valspirit.com InnerTruthHypnotherapy.com

60 Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Massage - Therapy

MLS Laser Therapy

Nutrition

Body Be Well Massage

MLS Laser Therapy

Lauren Curtis, LMT

Dr. Paul Bizzaro, DC

Sunrise Nutrition & Wellness Center

615 Mountain Blvd, Watchung 908-333-7746 Lauren@BodyBeWellMassage.com BodyBeWellMassage.com Lauren Curtis, LMT is a New Jersey State Licensed massage therapist, who specializes in various forms of massage, including Oncology, Pregnancy, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Medical, Aromatherapy and Chair massage. She is also trained in Foot Reflexology and Reiki.

Matrix Repatterning Dr. Clare M. Larkin, DC, CMRP located in Warren 908-930-0628 DrLarkin@optonline.net DrClareLarkin.com

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 10.

Meditation/Spiritual Center For Healing and Empowerment 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.

The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been. ~Madeleine L’Engle

81 S Main St, Yardley, PA 215-493-6589 DrPaulBizzaro.com Get permanent relief for your pain without drugs, shots or surgery with FDA approved Laser Therapy.

Benefits include Speedy healing process, pain free, extremely safe with no known side effects. Don’t live in pain anymore. See ad, page 23.

Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. John Harrington 137 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown 908-441-2276 drharrington@SunriseNutritionCenter.com SunriseNutritionCenter.com You may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies, toxin overload, chronic infections and bad lifestyle habits. Get checked today!

We are dedicated to providing a health improvement program unique to your body. We aim to improve your health through nutrition and other safe, non-invasive therapies. See ad, page 21.

New Jersey Natural Medicine Dr. Jason Frigerio ND, LAC Dr. Krista Imre, ND Dr. Adam Dombrowski ND, LAC 2424 Lamington Road, Bedminster 973 267 2650 NJNaturalMedicine.com

Since opening in 2004, NJNM has seen and treated countless patients with Naturopathic, Chinese, Ayurvedic and Biological Medicine. Some people come to NJNM to improve and maintain their health, while others come seeking treatments outside of the traditional medical sphere. 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. Using this approach, NJNM is better able to identify and treat the root cause of illness, help restore balance and promote optimal health.

Naturopathic School Health Queen

Avis Gardell-Feldstein 1 Shadowbrook Lane Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 732-547-1196 (phone or text) HealthqueenAvis@gmail.com HealthQueenAvis.com We are so excited to be able to bring the most cutting edge information in the Health Industry through our Certification in Naturopathy. Private consultations with Matrix Decoder diagnostics and Biofeedback plus testing available for Food Sensitivities, Hormones and more! See ad, page 9.

Pain Relief/Management East Coast Spine, Sports, And Regenerative Medicine Edward Magaziner, MD

2186 Route 27, Suite 2D, North Brunswick 877-817-3273 DrEMagaziner.com Dr. Magaziner’s goal of treatment is to repair, regenerate and eliminate injury or pain, and its causes.

Specializing in: Orthopedic Regenrative Medicine, Endoscopic Spinal Discectomy, PRP, Stem Cell Grafts & Prolotherapy. See ad, page 2.

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.

February 2020

61

Relationship Coach

Spiritual Enlightenment

Thermography

Ondov Relationship Coaching

Eckankar – The Path of Spiritual Freedom

Lisa’s Thermography & Wellness

Rhoda Ondov, MS, MFT, CPC

12-14 E Main St, Suite 8, Somerville 908-642-6256 rhoda.ondov@gmail.com

323 Main St, Metuchen 800-870-9139 Eckankar-NJ.org

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 16.

A truly spiritual way of life for the individual in modern times. Teachings provide a framework and spiritual tools for anyone to explore their own spiritual experiences. Studies of Dreams, Past Lives, Soul Travel.

Reflexology Christel Haase Reflexology Christel Haase, PhD, Certified Reflexologist Main Street Massage 4 Walter E Foran Blvd, Ste 404 Flemington - 908-788-2748 ChristelHaase8@gmail.com

Foot reflexology applies pressure to reflex points to remove toxins, clear neural pathways and improve internal organ and system functioning. Other benefits: stress/pain reduction, increased circulation, relief from insomnia, headaches, allergies, PMS and Plantar Fasciitis. Also addresses foot discomfort from injury, tight muscles and ill-fitting footwear. See ad, page 41.

Spiritual Healing, Teaching Be The Medicine Janet StraightArrow

973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC

Thermographer and Holistic Counselor See website for locations in NJ and NY 855-667-9338 Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com LisasThermographyAndWellness.com Thermography gives an early look at the most important indicator of a potential health problem – inflammation. Early stage disease screening is an area in which thermography excels. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, or you are merely curious about the state of your health, thermography can help provide answers. Radiation-free breast and full body screenings for men and women. See ad, page 30.

Vision/Eye Health

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.

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Share the love not the cold

had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria.

Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after.

Soon hundreds get in your nose.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and they touched the surface,” he said. copper stops colds cause misery.

People have even used copper on if used within 3 In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely hours after the first of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks. sign. Even up to New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is 2 days, if they researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely still get the cold it is milder than usual and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve and they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family.

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote about microbes, but now we do.

Copper even kills Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance have become resistant Pat McAllister, 70, received one in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental keep serious infection away. It may even works.”

Protection Agency) show germs die save a life.

Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives.

CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95.

“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA17.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL

New device stops cold and flu

S

February 2020

63

The Holistic Dental Center Working Together with Other Holistic Practitioners to Create a True Holistic Approach to Your Health

A

team approach to your overall health and it starts at the Holistic they don’t see, I do, and vice versa, seeing dental infections and Dental Center in Millburn, New Jersey, with their highly skilled how they can affect organ systems through meridians or directly and team of trained professionals in holistic and biological dentistry. From utilizing the benefits of networking with a holistic practitioner can and their award winning doctors and their state of the art technology to does make all the difference in patient care…I wouldn’t have it any their use of ozone and self-healing therapies, they are committed other way,” Dr. Gashinsky says about working with other practitioners. to not only treating your dental related symptoms, but also, the root So if you’re looking for an approach that is inclusive of all aspects cause thereby eliminating disease and promoting optimal health. of holistic care, visit Dr. Gashinsky and his team at The Holistic Dental Little did conventional practitioners know so many years ago that Center in Millburn, New Jersey. It’s their priority to ensure complete it took more than just looking at the mouth. A generation ago there holistic care by promoting the benefits of holism. “It’s not just your was a disconnect, a thought that our mouth and teeth had no bearing teeth anymore,” as he says, “It never was,” but now they have the on the health of the rest of our body. Now more and more research ability to not just treat overall disease but truly prevent and promote has been showing that there is a strong connection between dental whole body wellness. disease and systemic health. Dr. Gashinsky, Holistic Dentist, has always known that. A holistic approach to health is multifaceted, so he Other than being a dentist for 40 years, Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, is a certified nutritional consultant, Accredited by the International Academy has built a network of healthcare practitioners to assist his patients in of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, SMART certified and a Naturopathic obtaining their desired level of optimal wellness. doctor “My passion for learning is never complete, I will continue to Working hand in hand with Naturopaths, Functional Medicine research and learn the latest in alternative treatments and team up practitioners and many others in the field of holistic medicine has with the best in the fields of holistic and alternative medicine to bring expanded Dr. Gashinsky’s ability to help more people. “I find it to be my patients the best treatments available, this I can assure you.” incredibly fulfilling to work synergistically with these practitioners to be able to improve patients’ health so dramatically. Some are coming Holistic Dental Center is located at 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, to me so very sick and by working together we’re seeing drastic New Jersey. For more information, call (973) 457-4688 or visit improvements in their quality of life,” says Dr. Gashinsky.

HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com.

Dr. Gashinsky feels strongly in the need to practice in such a manner as to take patients whole health into consideration. So much so, that he traveled to Switzerland this past spring to visit the Paracelsus Clinic and Swiss BioHealth Clinic; two healthcare models that promote the oral-body connection, to study their holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Gashinsky says, “To truly practice holism; the thought that everything is understood in relation to the whole and not just its parts, it’s important to remember that when treating a person it’s not just what one practitioner does, but how they can work together to improve the final outcome.”

“Finding and working with like minded practitioners to help my patients has not only been professionally satisfying, but also on a personal level knowing that my patients are being well taken care of,” say Dr. Gashinksy. “Finding and addressing the root cause of disease in all our disciplines is the key to success in our patients’ health. What __________________________________________ A D V E R T O R I A L __________________________________________