Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey / April 2023

PEOPLE. PLANET. PURPOSE.

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From one of our satisfied customers.

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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 10th of the month.

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Email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for editorial: Articles (5th of the month); News and Health briefs (10th of the month).

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Submit calendar events online at NaturalAwakeningsNJ. com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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Serving the counties and surrounding areas of Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex. Natural Awakenings ~ your muse for a healthy YOU and a healthy PLANET.

Joe Dunne, Publisher

Share the Good You See Appreciation

is one of those super small acts of kindness that costs absolutely nothing but pays monstrous dividends in remembered feel-good moments. Of course, to get the most out of this act of spiritual kindness, being real is a must. When authentically felt and expressed, even casual bystanders smile and get in on the moment. It also triggers the body to pump out endorphins, the “feel-good” brain chemical, which is so cool.

What I love best though about these random moments of appreciation are the flashback memories that create additional feel-good moments. As I mentioned, dividends.

Peter, a friend of mine, would always acknowledge people. He would walk across the street to tell a crossing guard what a great attitude she has. He would go out of his way and pay a compliment to anyone doing a good job, who had great energy, etc. He was always looking for the good and for someone to make happy. He knew that paying attention to the good works. Peter, as you can guess, was aware that he also benefited—it touched his soul. He was like the Johnny Appleseed of compliments. I was always amazed at how, with a simple word or gesture, he could bring about a smile—the visual snapshot of internal joy that appears when someone feels appreciated.

I remember distinctly the time Peter knocked on a Macy’s store display window being prepped for Christmas. He surprised a lady that looked stressed in her work with a little tap dance and thumbs up motion to let her know she was appreciated for her creation. Sure enough, this little sincere act produced a pause, quickly followed by a very broad smile that filled the window, or so it seemed, complete with an “Oh, wow!” and a heartfelt thank you.

In the world of everyday life, it touches our hearts to know someone cares, that people see us, that what we do matters.

I write about this as a reminder to never forget to tell people, and show people, especially the people that I share love with and that support me, how much I appreciate them.

I remember always wanting one of my parents to tell me how proud they were of me. It never happened. They are now gone, and that is okay. But the memory serves as a lesson to chart a different path and always acknowledge the good. So, to my daughter who lives far away, and to my son who lives even farther—I always want them to know how proud I am of them, their work, their parenting, the people they are, and just how much I appreciate them. Also, to everyone around me in my world, I need to make sure they feel appreciated, even if it’s just from me.

Today is always the right time to go out and look for the good, to make a bunch of feel-good moments for others and yourself. So go forth and help those you meet go from underappreciated to appreciated. Savor these moments. And let me know what happens.

In peace, love and laughter,

Publisher Joe Dunne

Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

908-405-1515 • Fax 239-920-5147

Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell

Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

908-912-4569 • 770-867-2101 direct

Design & Production Kathy Tarbell

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Joe Dunne • Bedminster, NJ 908-405-1515

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It’s Sockeye Season

The annual preorder season for wild Alaskan salmon is underway as Kwee-Jack Fish Company prepares for the summer harvest in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Hand-harvested and professionally processed wild Alaskan sockeye is available in full 20-pound shares or half 10-pound shares, ready for pick-up at local events in Florham Park, New Jersey, and Altoona, Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg, York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from September through November. Additionally, smoked salmon shares will be available for purchase in the fall for pickup in November. “We know finding high-quality seafood from a source you trust can be difficult, so as ethical fishermen, we are dedicated to offering our communities a boat-toplate solution. We appreciate the chance to directly connect folks to nutritious, sustainably harvested fish from the wilds of Alaska!” enthuses Captain Joe Echo-Hawk.

The vivid red, sushi-grade salmon filets have bones removed and skin on one side, individually vacuum-packaged as whole filets or portioned servings, frozen at the peak of freshness. Annual bulk purchases for local pick-up offer the best price, and convenient year-round shipping to every state but Alaska and Hawaii is also available.

Share pricing varies, purchase by May 25. For more information, call 717-842-0180, email Hello@EatWildSalmon.com or visit EatWildSalmon.com. See ad, page 27.

Past Life Awareness and More Can Help Heal Today

HowardG. Mertine C.Ht, RM, founder of Alternative Therapies Work LLC, is one of New Jersey’s newest premier hypnotherapists and regressionists. With multiple certifications in hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Reiki and even divination, his approach to clients and groups are customized to the needs of the clients makes an experience with him completely unique.

In addition to private sessions at his Phillipsburg office and mobile appointments, Mertine also conducts Past Life Workshops at various locations throughout Central New Jersey. Interest in past lives is growing, and these workshops fill quickly as more people experience the unique healing that can come from a broader awareness of how previous lives may be affecting today. (See page 34 for upcoming workshops on April 15 and 17.)

Mertine’s goal is always to provide positive and motivated results with all he meets, whether it be groups in public settings or individuals in private sessions. To help his clients see the light in their own tunnel and know that healing is within reach, throughout 2023 he is offering introductory pricing on services, from $40 to $80 per hour, depending on the service. In his words, “We all deserve to be happy, to feel and be better, to be healthier.” Contact him today to schedule a free consultation.

Location: Alternative Therapies Work is based in Phillipsburg, and offers mobile appointments to client locations across Central New Jersey. For information, call 908-283-0117, email hgmertine@gmail.com or visit AlternativeTherapiesWork.com. See ad, page 10.

Bound Brook (Bridgewater) 319 Chimney Rock Rd.

Women’s Wellness Series

This May, join Natural Awakenings and KnoWEwell for a women’s wellness event entitled Overcoming Stress: How to Balance It All. Each Tuesday at 5 p.m. PDT/ 8 p.m. EDT, top integrative and functional medicine experts in women’s health will present cutting-edge insights into the many ways that stress can impact hormones, thyroid function, fertility and libido, and also provide tangible recommendations to improve skin care, aging, sleep and mindset. The speakers are:

n Anna Cabeca, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, author of The Hormone Fix

n Trevor Cates, naturopathic doctor, author of Clean Skin From Within

n Anne Marie Fine, naturopathic doctor, author of Cracking the Beauty Code

n Carrie Jones, functional medicine physician specializing in hormone and thyroid health

n Jaquel Patterson, naturopathic physician, success coach, author of Women and Lyme

n Carol A. Penn, board-certified physician, mindset coach, author of Meditation in a Time of Madness

n Arti Chandra, MD, MPH, double board certified physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, and public health

n Jaclyn Smeaton, naturopathic doctor specializing in hormone health and reproductive medicine

n Kela Smith, holistic-integrative fertility and hormone doctor

n Jyl Steinbeck, personal trainer and lifestyle expert

The $59 event fee includes all Tuesday evening sessions. To learn more and register, visit Tinyurl.com/WIW2023N or scan the QR Code.

SKY Breath Meditation at Art of Living

Art of Living is one of the largest volunteer-run organizations in the world and is dedicated to the empowerment of individuals and communities.

The cornerstone of the courses is SKY Breath Meditation, an evidence-based practice verified by independent studies that clears stress and boosts energy with just a few minutes of practice. Combine this practice with live programs guided by certified instructors, a fully integrated app, community meetups, and destination silent retreats to dive deeper, and you have the most engaging, effective, and fulfilling meditation practice available.

We breathe 20,000 times a day. Aside from being life-giving, the breath is an unbelievably powerful resource—if you know how to harness it.

For more information, email morriscounty@us.artofliving.org, call 973-833-2193 or email summit@ us.artofliving.org, call 908-376-6729. ArtOfLiving.org. See ad, page 10.

The New Evangelicals Podcast Host to Appear in Plainfield

In2020, Tim Whitaker started creating Instagram reels responding to the issues he saw in his religious community. Since then, it has grown into a podcast and Facebook group for thousands of people. In his work, he takes on the hypocrisy he saw in the Evangelical church around such issues as the church’s involvement in politics, sexual abuse, racism, misogyny, and lack of inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons. The questions he asked led to him being invited to leave his church even though it meant losing the outlet for his musical gifts.

Even though he was no longer welcome in that in-person spiritual community, he ended up building another community, a much broader community, one which is helping people deal with the questioning of their religious faith.

The Plainfield Quaker religious congregation is pleased to provide a space for these in-person spiritual conversations. Beginning on April 23, they will host a series of events on the second and fourth Sundays of the month which will be focused on the big questions of the day, such as who God is, the problem of evil and the inerrancy of the Bible. A light lunch will be provided, with the program following at 1pm. Tim will be kicking off the first of this series of events, which will focus on the process of questioning your faith. There is no cost to attend, but donations are accepted.

Quakerism was founded in the 1650s in England following the English Civil Wars, wars fought over religious issues. Quakers began as seekers and developed their own faith based on the idea that God is present in our everyday lives and can be found in the Inner Light inside each person.

The historic Quaker meetinghouse in Plainfield was built in 1789 and boasts a newly reconstructed community room. The Quaker community also welcomes all to their regular Sunday worship at 10:30 am, which has no liturgy, but waits for God to send a message through those who attend.

Location: 225 Watchung Ave., Plainfield. For more information, visit PlainfieldQuakers.org. To register, see eventbrite.com/e/wrestling-with-faith-a-forum-for-spiritual-seekers-tickets-532228458647. See ad, page 13.

Dr. Justin Ponquinette, DMD and board certified, practices the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery including full mouth rehabilitation. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, TMJ disorders, remove wisdom teeth, and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. Our staff is trained in assisting with I.V. sedation within our state of the art office setting.

We do things differently.

At Atlantic Oral Surgery Center, we embrace homeopathy, laser/light therapy, ozone therapy, supplementation and more to provide a higher caliber of care to our patients.

• Autogenous Blood Products (PRF)

• Ceramic (Metal-Free) Implants

• Homeopathy

• Laser/Light Therapy

• Ozone (O3 Super-Charged Oxygen)

“Dr. Ponquinette and his team are exceptional. ... Not only is Dr. P a talented surgeon but he offers advanced technology that no one else has (ie- cold laser, PRF, and ozone.) ... Since my surgery, I’ve finally been able to regain my health. It’s amazing how quickly the body can bounce back once an infection is finally removed.”

— Molly G.

We offer methods to promote/ provide oral health while respecting and embracing the body’s ability to heal itself.

Pomegranate May Offer

Skin and Gut Benefits

Pomegranate fruit has been widely used in traditional medicine, and a new, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine looked at the effects of taking pomegranate extract for a period of four weeks on different aspects of skin and gut health. Using facial imaging, researchers found the group that received the pomegranate extract had significant reductions in wrinkle severity and a decrease in the rate of forehead sebum excretion. They also found beneficial effects to the gut-skin axis, noting that participants in the pomegranate extract group had a higher abundance of Eggerthellaceae in the gut with accompanying wrinkle reduction. The scientists concluded that the skin benefits from pomegranate extract may be due to the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals, as pomegranate contains more than 100 bioactive constituents.

Screening Children for Anxiety

After a systematic review of 39 studies to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents aged 8 to 18, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a group of disease prevention and medical experts assembled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, now recommends that primary care physicians perform such screenings, even if there are no signs or symptoms of anxiety.

A common mental health condition in the U.S., anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or worry that manifests as emotional and physical symptoms. In children and adolescents, it is associated with impaired functioning, educational underachievement and an increased likelihood of a future anxiety disorder or depression. The 2018-2019 National Survey of Children’s Health found that 7.8 percent of children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 had a current anxiety disorder.

USPSTF recommended using screening questionnaires to identify children at risk, noting that studies show that children with anxiety benefit from treatments that may include cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. They also concluded that there is insufficient evidence to assess children 7 years old or younger.

Exercise for the Brain

Researchers in the UK compared the effect that different types of daily movement had on overall cognition, memory and executive function. Their study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, reported that replacing sitting, sleeping or gentle movement with less than 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity (brisk walking, bicycling, running up and down stairs, aerobic dancing, jogging, running or swimming) can protect the brain and improve working memory and executive processes like planning and organization. The intensity of the exercise matters, and study participants that engaged in light physical activity, rather than more vigorous activity, saw declines in cognitive performance. However, light activity is still more beneficial than sitting, the scientists found.

The data for these findings was taken from the 1970 British Cohort Study, an ongoing survey that tracks the health of a group of UK-born adults. The group of nearly 4,500 participants consented, at age 46, to wear an activity tracker and complete verbal memory and executive functioning tests, and they were followed from 2016 to 2018.

Mr Boiko Oleg/ShutterStock.com

Wrestling with Faith

A Forum for Spiritual Seekers

People are thinking deeply about what they believe and still have questions. Some people claim they are spiritual but not religious. Podcasts are built around the idea of deconstructing faith. Unfortunately, it’s a lonely path. Support is hard to find for those who are questioning what they have been taught. Online communities provide some support but not in person spiritual community.

This forum will provide an opportunity to consider and discuss your faith (if you want, no pressure) with other people on a similar spiritual journey.

Join us on April 23 from 12noon-3pm when Tim Whitaker from the New Evangelicals Podcast will be with us on our first forum.

Future dates include May 5, May 21, and June 11.

Hosted by Plainfield Quakers

225 Watchung Ave, Plainfield, NJ No charge to attend, donations accepted. Plainfield Quaker Meeting House

For more details and to register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wrestling-with-faith-a-forum-for-spiritual-seekers-tickets-532228458647.

Move Well, Think Well, Be Well

We strive to help those of all ages achieve balance in each area of their lives—physical, mental, vibrational, energetic. Through care and individualized attention, every person receives what they need to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Sustainable Grocery Shopping

ping list organized by the sections or aisles of the store.

Shop Local and In Season

There are many ways to be environmentally responsible when shopping for food. Here are a few tips.

Bring Reusable Shopping Bags

Americans use approximately 100 billion single-use plastic bags each year, which accumulate in landfills and waterways and never truly decompose. Some states have banned disposable bags, but many still permit them. Come prepared to the grocery store with reusable bags to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Shop the Perimeter

Food packaging and containers make up 23 percent of landfill waste.

Shop around the perimeter of the store as much as possible to find the freshest, healthiest foods with the least amount of packaging, such as produce, bulk items, dairy, fresh fish and meat. Bulk items like nuts, dry beans, coffee, tea and grains can be purchased in exactly the amount needed with no packaging.

Plan Ahead

The average American wastes about 21 percent of the food they buy, which equates to about $1,800 a year. To avoid overbuying and shrink the carbon footprint of multiple shopping trips, plan meals a week (or month) ahead and come with a shop-

Feng Shui Professional Certification

Local produce has a drastically smaller carbon footprint than fruits and vegetables that must travel long distances by truck, airplane or ship. Buying local, in-season produce reduces waste because the produce is fresher when purchased and will not spoil as quickly at home. If the family’s diet includes meats, choose pasture-raised, grass-fed products from farmers that practice regenerative organic agriculture, which improves the quality of the land and maintains local ecosystems.

Read Labels

Choose foods that were produced with the environment in mind by looking for the following labels, seals and certifications:

n USDA Organic

n Biodynamic (BDA) for food produced without chemical pesticides or herbicides, using organic, non-GMO seeds

n Non-GMO Project Verified for foods that were not genetically engineered

n FAIRTRADE Mark and Fair Trade Certified for food producers committed to reasonable wages and the safe, fair treatment of workers

n Climate Neutral Certified for food manufacturers committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions

n Safe Catch for sustainably caught fish

n Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) for sustainably farmed seafood

A step-by-step, personalized, hands-on training with Master Teachers Renae Jensen and Mary Dennis.

Gas Stove Pollution Goes Unnoticed

A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology finds that gas stoves frequently leak dangerous pollutants into the kitchen. A team from PSE Health Energy collected samples from 159 gas stoves across California and sent them to a laboratory for analysis. The researchers found 12 pollutants in total, and four of these gases—benzene, toluene, hexane and m- or p-xylene—were present in 98 percent of the samples. Most of the stoves leaked at least a little, even when they were turned off.

The natural gas used in stoves is comprised mostly of methane and other hydrocarbons and gases. Before it is delivered into homes and business, most of the non-methane gases are removed and a strong-scented chemical is added to alert people to possible leaks. The leaks studied by the California researchers were not substantial enough for people to notice this rotten-egg smell, but they could still expose users to harmful and potentially cancer-causing pollutants. Those with gas stoves are encouraged to turn on their exhaust fans whenever they are in use.

Invasive Wild Hogs Pose Numerous Threats

There are approximately 6 million non-native, feral pigs in the United States. They destroy an estimated $2.5 billion in crops, pastures, forests and livestock each year across 35 states and jeopardize endangered species, including the Florida panther, green sea turtles and red-cheeked salamanders. But their greatest threat may be the potential to carry disease to humans, domesticated hogs and other animals.

The pigs were brought to the Americas from Europe as early as the 1500s. They reproduce quickly, with up to two litters of four to 12 piglets every 12 to 15 months, and can grow to be five feet long and weigh more than 500 pounds.

Feral swine can carry a long list of pathogens, including leptospirosis, brucellosis, swine influenza, salmonella, hepatitis and pathogenic E. coli. The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes swine as a “mixing vessel species”, meaning that they are susceptible to human viruses and have the ability to create novel forms of those diseases. Human risk to known and new pathogens is greater from feral swine than other wildlife due to our proximity to them and their large numbers. Hunters and farmers are at greatest risk. Anyone that handles feral swine should wear rubber gloves and avoid fluid exchanges.

Rebuilding Coral Reefs With Sound

Rapid ocean warming and other effects caused by climate change have stressed and degraded corals around the globe, and scientists have been studying ways to rebuild, manage and conserve these vital ecosystems. A new Australian study published in Journal of Applied Ecology tested whether playing certain sounds underwater at reef restoration sites could boost the recruitment of oysters and enhance their habitat-building activities. Australia’s flat oyster is a key reef-building organism targeted for restoration efforts.

Previous studies had shown that the sound of healthy reefs differs from that of damaged reefs. Using inexpensive marine speakers, the researchers reproduced the sound of a healthy reef at four sites across two of the largest oyster reef restorations in Australia and compared the results to areas that did not receive this soundscape enrichment. The sonically enhanced areas resulted in the presence of more and larger oysters that formed more three-dimensional habitats atop the reef restorations. The scientists propose that the use of marine soundscapes during early stages of new reef restoration projects could reduce the cost of habitat recovery.

Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Batteries

A Swedish battery manufacturer, Northvolt, in partnership with Stora Enso, one of the largest private forest owners in the world, has developed a battery for electric vehicles (EV) with an anode made of sustainably raised and harvested wood instead of graphite, paving the way for battery production from a renewable source.

The partners figured out a way to extract lignin, a carbon-rich natural binder that comprises up to 30 percent of many trees, and turn it into a material they call Lignode. According to Stora Enso, by replacing graphite or copper anodes with Lignode, lithium-ion batteries will offer faster charging and discharging, higher cycling stability and more efficient performance in low temperature.

More than 50 percent of the EV’s carbon footprint comes from the manufacture of its battery— both in sourcing raw materials and producing the component. Mining graphite is an expensive and labor-intensive process that requires considerable resources that come from parts of the world where workers’ rights are inadequately protected. While Northvolt’s battery is not on the market yet, this development, along with others like solid-state batteries, may help to reduce the carbon footprint of EVs.

Sympathetic and

assistance starts with understanding your situation/challenges to create systems and implement changes that will “stick”.

Call/Text Today for Free 1/2 Hour Consultation

SUSTAINABLE EATING

TIPS TO SHRINK YOUR FOODPRINT

by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD

Knowing which foods have the least environmental impact is not always easy. Organic blueberries are considered Earth-protective because no pesticides were used to grow them, but if they were shipped from California to a Florida grocery store, the transportation represents a steep carbon footprint. And if we waited too long to eat those blueberries and had to throw them away, all of the resources spent on producing those fruits were wasted.

To get a fuller picture of our food-related environmental impacts, we need to take into consideration the many variables associated with the production, transportation and consumption of food, and that’s where the “foodprint” comes in—a barometer of eco-friendliness. There are many ways to calculate a foodprint; EarthDay.org/foodprints-calculators lists a few automated calculators and food quizzes that can help. Here are noteworthy examples:

n EatLowCarbon.org compares the carbon emissions associated with different meals—ranging from bean soup (lowest CO2 emissions) to a Philly cheesesteak (highest).

n FoodPrint.org offers a questionnaire about a person’s food choices and follows up with tips to reduce their foodprint.

n FoodEmissions.com calculates the foodprint of specific foods like dairy or seafood by asking about the origination and destination of the food to determine transportation emissions, and by asking the consumer to self-report their percentage of waste to calculate the loss of natural resources.

How to Reduce Our Foodprint

BUY RESPONSIBLY PRODUCED FOOD

When shopping for groceries, consider buying from food producers that support environmental stewardship, sustainability and regenerative farming practices in their production systems. A list of third-party certifications that can help identify responsibly manufactured foodstuffs can be found at Foodprint.org/eating-sustainably/food-label-guide

BUY LOCAL AND IN SEASON

Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition, encourages her clients to eat local, seasonal produce. “[It] spares the environment, as it doesn’t need to be flown across the country, reducing fuel costs,” she explains, adding that local produce is generally more nutritious and cost effective.

STORE FOOD CORRECTLY

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 30 to 40 percent of the available food supply is wasted. While there are many reasons for food loss at all stages of production and delivery, consumers can have a major impact in reducing how much food is wasted.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides advice for properly storing foods in the refrigerator: leafy veggies go in the high-humidity drawer, while most fruits should be placed in the low-humidity bin. Some fruits like apples and avocados release ethylene gas and can cause nearby produce to spoil, so they should be stored separately. Wash berries just before eating them to prevent mold. Store potatoes, onion and garlic in a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated place. Freeze bread, meat or leftovers that won’t be eaten before they spoil.

CONSUME SUSTAINABLE FOODS

According to Registered Dietitian Lauren Panoff, one way that consumers can benefit the environment is by transitioning to a more plant-predominant lifestyle. “Plant foods utilize far fewer natural resources than industrial animal agriculture, which is also one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and drivers of Amazon deforestation,” Panoff explains.

Patricia Kolesa, MS, RDN, founder of the Dietitian Dish, notes, “Plant-based proteins tend to be more affordable and can be stored longer than your animal proteins, helping reduce food waste.”

Nutritics, a food information company, offers a list of the highest-ranking foods when it comes to sustainability, considering inputs like water usage, carbon emissions or capture, land usage and nitrogen storage capabilities. Their list includes mussels, beans, lentils, peas and other legumes, mushrooms, seaweed, cereals and grains, and organic fruits and vegetables.

POWERFUL & EFFECTIVE

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RESPONSIBLY DISPOSE OF OR SHARE UNEATEN FOOD

Perfectly fresh food that the family has decided not to eat can be donated to people in need. Visit FoodPantries.org to find a nearby soup kitchen or food bank. Compost scraps and spoiled items to divert them from landfills. For composting instructions by the USDA, visit Tinyurl.com/USDAcompost

Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian and freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience in the fields of nutrition and dietetics.

Igisheva Maria/ShutterStock.com

UNWRAPPED EGG ROLL NOODLES

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded

½ cup carrot, finely shredded

¼ onion, sliced

½ cup peanut butter

3 Tbsp coconut aminos

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp garlic

Salt to taste

Konjac noodles (optional)

Sesame seeds

In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened. Add shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, coconut aminos, remaining sesame oil, garlic and salt to taste. Once the cabbage has wilted and cooked, add the

SUSHI BITES

YIELD: 10 SERVINGS

1½ cups cooked sushi rice, cooled

3 sheets nori paper

SALMON OR MUSSELS

1 lb boneless, skinless wild-caught

sockeye salmon, cubed (can substitute with mussels)

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

½ tsp garlic powder

2 Tbsp coconut amino teriyaki sauce

Salt to taste

SPICY MAYO

¼ cup avocado mayo

2 tsp sriracha sauce

1 tsp coconut aminos

TOPPINGS

½ avocado, diced small

2 tsp black sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook rice according

Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds. For a vegan or vegetarian alternative, omit the chicken.

to package instructions and set aside to cool. Mix spicy mayo ingredients and set aside. Mix salmon ingredients and set aside. Cut each nori sheet into four equal squares.

Line a muffin pan with unbleached muffin liners. To each nori square, add about 1 tablespoon of rice and top with the salmon mixture. Transfer the filled squares to the muffin pan. Bake 15 to 17 minutes for salmon or 7 to 10 minutes f or mussels. Allow the sushi bites to cool slightly and top with avocado, sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo.

Used with permission of Madiha M. Saeed, M.D.

peanut butter. Mix in noodles.

Used with permission of Madiha M. Saeed, M.D.

Image courtesy of Madiha M. Saeed, M.D.

Image courtesy of Madiha M. Saeed, M.D.

A NEW DAWN ON THE FARM FRONT STEPPING AWAY FROM INDUSTRIALIZED AGRICULTURE

by Sandra Yeyati

We all have to eat, and the food industry is big business, with wide-ranging implications across many arenas. Because agriculture is controlled by a handful of multinational corporations, the priority to maximize profits often conflicts with what is best for human and planetary health. In many ways, our food production and consumption practices are broken or on the brink of failure. They are inhumane, socially unjust, environmentally unsound and unsustainable.

Viable, achievable solutions to these immense challenges exist, and the emerging consensus is that regenerative organic agriculture is the key to preserving human health and helping solve the climate crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered weaknesses in the system, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, and altered human behavior as more people started cooking at home and exploring healthier lifestyle choices. The time is right to make positive changes to the way we grow, distribute and consume food.

The Problems With Our Current Industrial Farming Model

For decades, doctors, scientists, farmers and nonprofits at the forefront of the environmental movement have been sounding the alarm about the inherent weaknesses in the national food chain and the harmful effects of industrial agriculture. In his book Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities and Our Planet—One Bite at a Time, Dr. Mark Hyman notes, “Food is the nexus of most of our world’s health, economic, environmental, climate, social and even political crises. While this may seem like an exaggeration, it is not.”

In the late 1800s, American farming began to transition from small, diverse operations that produced a variety of crops and livestock to feed a family or community to an industrialized system dominated by multinational corporations that focused on maximizing yields of just a few crops, primarily corn, soy and wheat. Today, these crops overwhelmingly end up as animal feed, biofuels and cheap, processed food ingredients—a staple of the standard American diet since the 1950s.

Industrial agriculture is now the dominant food production system in this country, characterized by large-scale monoculture, heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and meat produced in confined animal feeding operations (CAFO). Most modest family farms have been forced to either get into business with a big company (contract farming) or go out of business. The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that 90 percent of the 9 billion chickens raised each year in the U.S. are grown under contract, and 57 percent of hogs are owned and slaughtered by just four companies. According to Rodale Institute, only 8 percent of farms produce more than four crops, while specialty crops like fruits, vegetables and nuts are grown on just 3 percent of cropland.

With industrial dominance comes numerous devastating consequences.

Human Health Costs

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, industrially produced food is bad for us on several fronts. Heavy pesticide use is poisoning our food, fertilizer is polluting our drinking water, junk food made of corn and soybeans is degrading our health and the overuse of antibiotics in CAFOs is accelerating the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bioethicist Peter Singer advises, “Factory farms are breeding grounds for new viruses. We’ve had swine flu and avian flu coming out of factory farms. It’s quite possible that the next pandemic will originate there.”

Zach Bush, a triple board-certified physician and producer of the documentary Farmer’s Footprint, says, “Over the last 25 years, we have seen the most profound explosion of chronic disease in human history. Research from around the globe now suggests that environmental factors are contributing to a combination of genetic, neurologic, autoimmune and metabolic injuries that underpin the collapse of health in our children and adults.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that chronic and mental health conditions account for 90 percent of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care expenditures. Obesity affects 20 percent of children and 42 percent of adults. More than 850,000 Americans die of heart disease or stroke annually, and 37 million have diabetes. Each year, more than 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer, while 600,000 succumb to the disease.

“Most of those diseases are caused by our industrial diet, which means they are avoidable if we transform the food we grow, the food we produce and the food we eat. Eleven million people die every year from a bad diet,” Hyman asserts.

Solutions Using Regenerative Organic Farming

Led by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, which includes organizations and brands like Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia, the Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) standard helps consumers make informed choices about their food purchases. Its three pillars—soil health, animal welfare and social fairness—are designed to ameliorate the problems associated with conventional agriculture.

Soil Health Equals Planetary and Human Health

Chemical-heavy farming practices employed by conventional agriculture deplete topsoil, draining it of all its organic matter— the very microbiome needed to nourish the plants we grow and ultimately nourish us. In 2014, Maria-Helena Semedo, of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, said that if current farming practices continue, we have only 60 years of harvest left. The clock is ticking.

Farming techniques proposed by the ROC are designed to continually rebuild soil. They are proven by years of science done at Rodale Institute and practical results achieved by regenerative organic farmers already growing food this way. “On the farm that we operate here at the Institute, we know that Native Americans were farming this land 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. We’d like to be farming this land 8,000 to 10,000 years from now. We probably won’t be using tractors or diesel fuel, but we will be using the soil,” says Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer.

Under ROC standards that include a variety of rotating crops, cover crops, no tillage, no synthetic inputs of any kind, no genetically modified seeds and staggered grazing by animals, farms become biodiverse ecosystems with organically rich soil that absorbs water, doesn’t erode over time and produces safe, nutritious food. As J.I. Rodale said, “Healthy soil equals healthy food equals healthy people.”

Healthy soil draws carbon from the atmosphere deep into the ground, and that is a boost for our fight against climate change. “Regenerative organic farming has a very positive impact on climate, because we’re sequestering more carbon than we are emitting,” Moyer explains. “Under its current production model, agriculture is part of the problem. If it’s part of the problem, then it can and should be part of the solution. That’s the whole premise behind the [ROC] standard itself—treating agriculture as one of the primary tools that we’re going to use as a society to improve our relationship with the planet.”

Animal Welfare Is

the Right Thing to Do

Under the ROC model, animals must be raised in a humane way that frees them from discomfort, fear, distress, hunger, pain, injury and disease, while also being able to express normal behavior. To achieve these aims, they need to be taken out of CAFOs and reintegrated into farmland, so that they are pasture-raised and grass-fed, creating meat that is more nutritious and less diseased without chemical interventions.

“We’re integrating animals onto the cropland, with livestock, chickens, sheep and hogs. Imagine what the Great Plains of the United States was 500 years ago. You had bison, elk, deer, rabbits, wolves and myriad different birds, because the birds always followed the migrating animals. We’re trying to mimic that to a small degree on our ranch,” says North Dakota farmer Gabe Brown, who started transitioning into regenerative organic practices in the mid-1990s and wrote an influential book on the subject, Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture.

Social Fairness and Farming Resilience

Taking care of the farmers and workers that plant, raise, harvest and transport our food is not just the right thing to do, it also creates a system that is more stable and resilient, says Graham Christensen, a Nebraska farmer and president of GC Resolve. “There are serious issues with how the big agricultural companies are treating workers. We saw horrible situations with COVID in the meatpacking plants and how the workers were being treated. This is just one of the many reasons that this over-centralized, monopolized system is affecting people in bad ways,” he says. “Regenerative organic farming requires more hands-on work, which creates jobs. Structural changes in the food production system to decentralize agriculture in favor of regional markets comprised of smaller farms would allow for more equity and better management of the ecosystem.”

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings magazine.

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JEFF MOYER

ON FARMING FOR HUMAN AND PLANETARY HEALTH

by Sandra Yeyati

Jeff Moyer is CEO of Rodale Institute, which champions regenerative organic agriculture through scientific research, farmer-support programs and consumer education. On Earth Day, he plans to retire after dedicating 47 years to the influential nonprofit. Moyer revolutionized organic agriculture when he developed and popularized the roller crimper, a device that simplifies no-till crop management and reduces or eliminates the need for herbicides to control weeds. Under his leadership and as a member of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, Rodale Institute helped develop a Regenerative Organic Certified standard that expands USDA Certified Organic requirements to include soil health, animal welfare and social fairness pillars.

Image courtesy of RodaInstitute.org

Why is conventional agriculture problematic?

Because it boils down the measurement of farming success to one word: yield. By focusing just on yield and sacrificing long-term resource stability to get it, we’re chewing up topsoil at a national rate of five-and-a-half tons per acre of farmland per year for short-term economic benefit. You can only do that so long before you run out of topsoil. It doesn’t make sense long-term.

What farming practices does Rodale Institute promote?

We’re suggesting a different production model, based on science, that incorporates other metrics of success: soil health and long-term planetary and human health. As a side bar, let’s say you’re a smoker and you stop smoking—your lungs will regenerate. The same is true with soil. If we change production practices, the soil will regenerate. Under our Regenerative Organic Certified standard, we want well-thought-out crop rotations to get more biodiversity into the system, cover crops and reduced tillage

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to get more earthworms, and a reintegration of livestock into farms. I’m not going to argue whether people should be eating animals, but if you are going to have animals in the system, they should be raised on farms with grass, not feed lots with grain.

Why is soil health such a priority?

Healthy soil is more biologically active and has a positive impact on climate because it doesn’t just sequester more carbon, it sequesters it at greater depths. We want carbon to last in the soil for a very long period of time. We don’t want it to be short-cycled in and out of the system, and we want to sequester it at greater depths where we can control it and maintain it for hundreds of years. Ideally, we’ll get it deeper and deeper in the soil over time.

Can regenerative organic agriculture affordably feed the world?

Affordability is a strange term. Can we produce all the food we need at a reasonable cost? Absolutely. The problem with the conventional model is that we don’t pay the true cost of food production at the point of purchase. As an example, when we have to dredge the Mississippi River because of all the soil that’s washing into it from agricultural lands, you don’t pay that bill at the supermarket or restaurant. You pay it as a hidden cost, buried in our tax structure.

In an organic system, you’re paying the true cost of the production of that food at the point of purchase, which makes more sense. And if you add the cost of human health—diabetes, heart disease—all the things that our current food production and food consumption model embodies, then the system we have now is outrageously expensive, and regenerative organic food is cheaper than conventional food.

Can regenerative organic agriculture produce the amount of food needed worldwide?

Yes. In most parts of the world, we use agricultural lands to produce all kinds of commodity products that aren’t food. Forty percent of the corn we produce in the U.S. goes to ethanol production and another 40 percent goes to livestock feed. The ink

in your pen was made with soybean oil. If we decided to produce the most amount of food on an acre or hectare of land, we can produce way more food than we need.

What we’re saying is that conventional agriculture cannot feed the world longterm. In the short-term, we’re producing a lot of cheap food, but our current production model is doomed to failure over time because we’re going to run out of healthy soil to farm.

Are you hopeful about the future of agriculture?

Very hopeful. The USDA says that most organic farms are more profitable and expanding at a more rapid rate than their conventional counterparts, and that’s because we have a growing population of support in the marketplace. People are beginning to pay attention to how their food is produced, asking the right questions and recognizing that they have a vote with their food purchasing dollars. We’re seeing the concept of regenerative organic enter into the daily conversation, just like we did a few years ago with organic. People didn’t know what organic meant at first. Recent USDA statistics suggest that roughly 80 percent of the nation’s population has eaten something organic in the last 30 days, so people are seeking out organic, and we’re going to follow the same course with regenerative organic.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings magazine.

Thyroid medication: why less really is more

by Dr. Raquel Espinol

Introduction

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by releasing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). When the thyroid underperforms, it causes everything in your body to work less efficiently. This is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism affects more than 30 million American adults and is five to eight times more common in females.1 By conservative estimates, one in eight women will develop hypothyroidism.1

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This makes up 75-85% of hypothyroid cases. Oftentimes, people with Hashimoto’s struggle to find a medication or treatment plan that works for them and continue to suffer through symptoms like:

• Fatigue

• Feeling cold

• Losing hair

• Gaining weight

• Depression

While there are many treatment options for hypothyroidism, not all are created equal. Selecting the most appropriate one is vital to managing this disease.

What can interfere with hypothyroid therapy?

Some commonly used prescription drugs that can interfere with thyroid medication absorption and efficacy:

• Antacids

• Lithium

• Amiodarone

• Antibiotics

• Antidepressants

• Dopamine agonists

• Colestipol

• Cholestyramine

• Estrogen, testosterone

Thyroid hormones: T3 and T4

The two hormones to remember are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T4 circulates throughout your bloodstream and is stored in your tissues until needed. Once your body finds a need, it converts T4 into T3. Establishing the exact levels of T4 and T3, and determining if the conversion process is working normally, are critical to designing the best treatment approach.

While most healthcare providers understand the critical nature of T4 to T3 conversion, many fail to recognize the factors that affect this process. These include:

• Nutritional deficiencies/excesses

• Autoimmune diseases

• Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome

• Use of interfering medications like proton pump inhibitors (Nexium® and Prevacid®, for example) or H2 blockers (Tagamet®, for example), which inhibit the dissolution and absorption of thyroid hormone tablets

• The body’s own obstacles to converting T4 to T3

Some people continue to suffer from hypothyroid symptoms despite being on medication for years. But with some effort, patients can work with their doctor to find an approach that works for them.

Some commonly used nutraceuticals that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medicines:

• Iron

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Chromium picolinate

Some foods that can interfere with absorption of medication:

• Soy products

• High-fiber/high-bran foods

• Calcium-enriched foods/beverages

Digestive complications or diseases such as celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome can also complicate thyroid hormone therapy.

Make sure to discuss with your doctor all of your medical conditions, medications (both prescription and nonprescription), and nutritional supplements before starting or switching thyroid hormone therapy.

Dr. Raquel Espinol graduated with honors and received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine). She struggled with her own thyroid condition, which was not successfully managed until she discovered naturopathic medicine and worked with a naturopathic doctor to control her condition. This firsthand success inspired her to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine specializing in thyroid diseases.

Dr. Espinol works with men and women addressing thyroid conditions, hormone imbalances, and weight loss. She is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Montana.

Common choices for treating hypothyroidism

The most common treatments for hypothyroidism include T4 monotherapy with levothyroxine, natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) aka “glandular thyroid,” and a regimen of T4 and T3 medications taken together. Figuring out the best option for you may take some time. See the accompanying chart for pros/cons of commonly used hypothyroidism therapies.

T4 monotherapy

Pros:

• Current standard of care for hypothyroidism

• Proven safe and effective

• Available at all pharmacies

• Usually low cost

Cons:

• GI conditions, medications, sensitivities to excipients/ inactive ingredients in tablet formulations can interfere with absorption and tolerability

Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT)

Pros:

• Contains both key thyroid hormones: T4 and T3

• An option for people who need supplemental T3

Cons:

• Derived from thyroid glands of pigs – an issue for vegans

• NDT therapies are tablets that contain excipients or “fillers”

• The T4:T3 ratio contained in NDT tablets is 5:1 – different than the normal human ratio of these hormones

• Can lead to cardiac problems like rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and feelings of anxiety

• It comes from pigs and may contain porcine antigens, which may be problematic for some people

• Not all pharmacies carry NDT products. Not all insurance carriers pay for them

Combined T4 and T3 medication therapy

Pros:

• Consistent potency

• Can be an option for those in need of supplemental T3

• Available at most pharmacies

Cons:

• Two separate medicines that need to be taken daily. T4 is taken once a day; T3 may be recommended in multiple daily doses

• Some insurance plans may require two medication copays

• T3 can be risky for some patients with cardiovascular conditions. Some patients can experience heart palpitations and other side effects

Malabsorption and drug underperformance

Most thyroid hormone therapies come in tablet form. These contain inactive ingredients such as wheat starch (gluten), talc, lactose, sugars, and dyes that help hold the tablet together, but also can impede the absorption of their active ingredient, which results in suboptimal or inconsistent levels of thyroid hormones. When this happens, many patients often believe they need to change medication rather than address the factors that contribute to their therapy’s poor performance. They turn to their physician for new therapies in the hope that these can provide long hopedfor relief from their symptoms.2

Nutritional support

Nutrition can play a role in managing hypothyroidism. However, few patients can treat hypothyroidism with nutritional supplements alone. Some examples of helpful nutritional supplements include inositol, nigella, B vitamins, and selenium. However, excess amounts of certain nutritional supplements can also lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Always tell your physician about all drugs and supplements that you are currently taking as well as your soy, fiber, and non-animal product intake.

Thyroid treatment: sometimes less is more

Less is often more when it comes to hypothyroid treatment. Tirosint®-SOL (levothyroxine sodium) oral solution is a unique liquid hypothyroid medication made with only three ingredients. It contains no fillers or other ingredients that can irritate your stomach or lead to poor drug absorption. Because it’s a liquid, it doesn’t need to dissolve in your stomach like a tablet or capsule before your body starts to absorb it. It’s not made with any ingredients sourced from animals, and it’s easy to swallow and comes in precise monodose ampules that can be conveniently stored for travel. You can pour it into a glass of water and drink it, or you can squeeze the contents of the ampule directly into your mouth.

Since Tirosint-SOL consists of just water, glycerol, and levothyroxine, it’s a very simple yet effective solution for treating hypothyroidism. This is important to me. Additionally, I want to ensure my patients have consistent access to the thyroid medication that works best for them. That being said, Tirosint-SOL has a generous coupon program and low-cost mail-order option to help patients without insurance or with high insurance copays/ deductibles. These can be found on the product’s website.

So, which treatment is right for you?

Share your answers to the following with your physicians so they can work with you to pick the right option for you:

• Have you been treated for hypothyroidism and are dissatisfied with the results?

• Do you want a simpler approach?

• Do you need a drug that is free of excipients like gluten, dyes, lactose, and preservatives?

• Do you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another GI condition?

• Problems swallowing?

Please see Important Safety Information on the following page or toward the back of this issue, and Full Prescribing Information at TirosintSOL.com.

References: 1. American Thyroid Association Website. https://www.thyroid.org/mediamain/press-room/. Accessed December 8, 2022. 2. McMillan M, et al. Results of the CONTROL Surveillance Project. Drugs in R&D. 2015;16(1):53-68. PM-01-22-0089

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: NOT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS

• Thyroid hormones, including TIROSINT-SOL, either alone or with other therapeutic agents, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss.

• In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction.

• Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to glycerol

• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency

Warnings and Precautions

• Cardiac adverse reactions in the elderly and in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease: Initiate TIROSINT-SOL at less than the full replacement dose because of the increased risk of cardiac adverse reactions, including atrial fibrillation

• Myxedema coma: Do not use oral thyroid hormone drug products to treat myxedema coma

• Acute adrenal crisis in patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency: Treat with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of TIROSINT-SOL treatment

• Prevention of hyperthyroidism or incomplete treatment of hypothyroidism: Proper dose titration and careful monitoring is critical to prevent the persistence of hypothyroidism or the development of hyperthyroidism

• Worsening of diabetic control: Therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing thyroid hormone therapy

• Decreased bone mineral density associated with thyroid hormone over-replacement: Over-replacement can increase bone reabsorption and decrease bone mineral density. Give the lowest effective dose

Limitations of Use

• Not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients

• Not indicated for treatment of transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions associated with TIROSINT-SOL are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage including: arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, dyspnea, muscle spasm, headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, and skin rash

For Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, visit www.TirosintSOL.com

The Earth as Muse INSPIRATION MEETS CONSERVATION

by Marlaina Donato

The Earth is both our mother and our muse, sustaining our lives and blessing us with beauty when we make time to notice her perpetual creative forces. She has long inspired expressive souls of all disciplines, but some of our modern innovators are merging talent with the urgent need to minimize toxic impact. This eco-vision has resulted in some awe-inspiring efforts.

In an awareness-based art installation he calls Ice Watch, Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson collected 30 blocks of glacial ice found free-floating near Greenland and placed them in public settings across London where passersby could observe them melting.

Artists John Dahlsen and Rox De Luca spotlight the plastic waste catastrophe in their sculptures and paintings by using debris washed up on the shores of Australia’s beaches. Their sculptural assemblages hang from ceilings and criss-cross walls, driving home the prediction by the World Economic Forum that by 2050 our precious oceans will be more crowded with plastic than marine life.

When creating our own art, we can join these stirring visionaries by minimizing toxic impacts.

Buy Earth-friendly art supplies for the kids. The common crayon contains chemicals like formaldehyde and asbestos, which are harmful to humans and the planet. Opt for biodegradable glitter, non-toxic modeling clays and recycled paper. For more sustainable supply ideas, visit Tinyurl.com/ EcoArtSupplies

Get creative with single-use trash items. Paper towel cardboard rolls, plastic shopping bags, bottles, straws and cutlery can be turned into fun projects for kids, teens and adults. Whimsical mobiles, sculptures and magical miniature cities are just a few ideas to conjure while contributing to Earth Day every day. For more ideas, visit Tinyurl.com/SingleUseTrashToArt

Inspire environmentalism by choosing art implements that celebrate nature. Consider using alternatives to toxic solvents, pigments and varnishes. Look for sustainable brushes made from bamboo or corn and easels fashioned from eucalyptus wood.

Marlaina Donato is a visionary painter who hosts art exhibits for community healing. She is also an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Image courtesy of JohnDahlsen.com

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

YOUNG ACTIVISTS PURSUE CLIMATE JUSTICE AND GREEN LIVING

by Sheila Julson

Born in the mid-to-late 1990s up to the early 2010s, Generation Z environmental activists agree that urgent action is needed to achieve climate justice, and they’re willing to do what it takes to get results. “Climate and environmental justice and environmental racism are very big concerns among youth, whether or not they are youth of color. It’s not just about energy, water or air—it’s also very much about people,” says Ana Garcia-Doyle, executive director of One Earth Collective. The Chicago nonprofit inspires action, facilitates learning and promotes environmental justice through annual programs like the One Earth Film Festival and One Earth Youth Voices, a summit designed to give voice to the next generation’s environmental concerns.

Kristi Blokhin/ShutterStock.com

Teens Take Charge

Marin Chalmers, a sophomore at Oak Park River Forest High School, in Illinois, and member of One Earth’s Youth Advisory Council, has been participating in the One Earth Young Filmmakers contest since the seventh grade. Her short documentary, Sondaica, is about wildlife and ecosystems.

Chalmers credits One Earth with helping her connect with people that normally would not be involved with climate activism. Her peers share in the understanding that there’s a climate crisis. “The Earth is breaking,” she explains. “We need to fix it. Everybody needs to do a better job of taking action.” Getting people to pay attention is challenging, Chalmers laments, especially given America’s overwhelming dependence on automobiles and the lack of public transportation. “A lot of people want to help, but just don’t know how,” she notes. “Some people don’t have the financial ability to make environmentally sound choices.”

Although individual action can help mitigate climate change, 16-year-old Sebastian Delgado, a Revolutionary Youth Action League (ROYAL) volunteer, blames polluting, profit-driven corporations for the climate crisis. “The biggest threat to our climate and people of color is capitalism,” he explains. “We need a new economic system that’s not based on profit.”

ROYAL volunteers like Delgado collaborated with Marlene Brito-Millán, Ph.D., an ecology assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago, and Dr. Bryan Ramson, a nuclear physicist and research associate at Fermilab, to craft a social justice plan that incorporates climate town hall meetings to raise awareness and develop action plans. According to Delgado, even when concerned citizens contact their elected representatives, leaders can be slow to act. “Climate change has been happening for decades, and we’re still dealing with the same issues,” he remarks, adding that bold ideas and unwavering action are needed when government officials won’t listen to their constituents.

Greening Urban Areas

In Austin, a predominantly Black neighborhood on the west side of Chicago,

two 20-year-olds, Cortez Dean and Ethan Horne, work at paid internships in an urban farming program called Austin Grown, which raises chickens and maintains gardens with vegetables and native pollinators.

A collaboration between One Earth Collective and BUILD Chicago, a nationally respected youth development organization, Austin Grown serves urban communities where fruits and vegetables are hard to find. The organization also offers gardening and healthy eating classes to the public.

Dean is learning firsthand how climate change adversely affects farms, gardens and forests where food and medicinal plants are grown. During a summer heat wave, he witnessed a sewer pipe explode, filling his neighborhood with a powerful stench, and he worries that aging infrastructure will contaminate their drinking water.

“People assume there’s time to solve climate change, but we’re not slowing things down. There’s a lot of work to be done,” Horne says, noting that food deserts disproportionately affect communities of color. “There are lots of areas with no grocery stores, or stores that only offer chips and candy, but no fruits and vegetables.”

Dean and Horne concur that gardening provides needed green infrastructure and nutritional food to underserved populations. “I didn’t fully understand climate change until I put my hands into the soil.

When you do that, you’ll see Earth for what it is—and the damage we’ve done to it,” Dean says.

Activism on University Campuses

Originally from Waukesha County, Wisconsin, 21-year-old Grace Arnold feels lucky to have attended two schools with strong environmental programs and student engagement. At the University of Vermont, she participated in marches against fossil fuels and joined lively discussions about climate-related racism at the Social Justice Coalition. Now a student at University of Texas at Austin, she is enrolled in environmental studies classes and notes, “Students are forming environmental clubs. I’m grateful to again be surrounded by people trying to get their voices heard.”

Arnold was a social media volunteer for Plastic-Free MKE, a Milwaukee-based organization dedicated to reducing single-use plastic waste. She credits social media as a powerful tool that helps her generation reach people and organize activism. “Climate change is intertwined with social, economic and political issues,” she relates. “But small actions can make big impacts— and voting is a powerful thing.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

Yaffi Lvova, RDN, author of Beyond a Bite: Playful Sensory Food Exploration for ASD and Neurodivergent Kids, advises that individual abilities also should be considered when developing a nutrition plan. “Autistic children often have sensory sensitivities that make it difficult to eat certain (sometimes many) foods,” she says.

Therapeutic Diets

Many therapeutic diets have been evaluated for children with autism. Most involve the elimination of one or more foods, which can be challenging for a child that already has difficulty getting a wide variety of nutrients.

A popular option is the gluten- and casein-free diet. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Casein is a protein found in milk and other dairy products. While some children with autism may be sensitive to gluten or dairy, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there is mixed data in support of this regimen.

KID-APPROVED AUTISM DIETS

STRATEGIES

TO OPTIMIZE NUTRITION AND ACCEPTANCE

by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social interaction and communication. For parents of children with autism, learning to manage this condition requires a multidimensional approach, including consideration of food and nutrition. A personalized, nutritious diet can help manage behavioral problems, health risks and quality of life for kids with autism.

Beth Lambert, executive director of Epidemic Answers, says, “Once you come to understand autism as a whole-body condition, rather than just a brain-based or genetic condition, you start to understand the importance of nutrition in treatment and symptom management.” Not only does a nutritious diet help maintain brain balance, it also helps address many of the nutrition-related concerns that children with autism face, such as food sensitivities and allergies, digestive disruptions, sensory issues with textures and nutrient deficiencies. Each of these issues can impact a child’s behavior.

An essential piece of the autism and diet connection is gut health. Gaby McPherson, MS, RDN, LDN, at Fruitful Nutrition says, “Because a child’s gut health is linked to their brain health, it’s crucial to boost their gut function to reduce these symptoms that can impact their behaviors. Who wants to go around with a tummy ache and constipation every day?”

Another choice is the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), which involves limiting certain carbohydrates, processed foods, most dairy, sugar and more, with the goal of reducing food sensitivities and improving the gut microbiome. Mixed outcomes have been reported with this diet due in part to its elimination of high-fiber foods that may be beneficial for brain health. McPherson explains, “Gut bacteria digest (or ferment) fiber in the large intestines to produce short-chain fatty acids, which are known to improve brain health significantly.”

The Feingold diet is another approach that eliminates artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and salicylates. Salicylates are compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables. While there is some evidence that food dyes may play a role in children’s behavior, most studies on this diet have not demonstrated a significant impact on ASD symptoms.

Personalized Nutrition

Instead of following a specific therapeutic diet, most experts now understand that a diet for ASD needs to be personalized to each child. It is ideal to work with a registered dietitian that can address nutrient and feeding concerns and is trained to

make individualized recommendations. A primary area to focus on, according to Lambert, is correcting vitamin deficiencies, which may play a role in improving behavioral and digestive challenges. Nutrients of concern include zinc, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and essential fatty acids.

McPherson also relates that fiber should be at the forefront of any diet to address digestive concerns. “While many children on the spectrum may strongly prefer foods like chips, crackers, bread or white pastas, these foods tend to be lacking in fiber,” she says. “Good sources of fiber are split peas, multigrain breads and pears.”

A registered dietitian can also help families evaluate whether a diet is working. Lvova says, “It can be challenging to see whether a specific diet is working or not. When a change is made, the parents and caregivers often pay more attention in order to see if there is a difference, and the child responds positively to the change in attention. By keeping expectations realistic and ensuring a relaxed mealtime atmosphere, your child will have the best chance to meet their nutritional needs.” Ultimately, the goal is to make meals a positive experience for the child, with less emotional investment on which foods they can or cannot eat.

Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian and freelance writer with more than 15 years of exper ience in the fields of nutrition and dietetics.

Alena

“Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.”

- Immanuel Kant

APRIL 2023 daily & ongoing

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:30pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. $50 each session. Morristown High School, 50 Early St., Morristown. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@ hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

SKY Breath Meditation: Online – 4/7, Fri. 6:30-9pm; 4/8-9, Sat./Sun 3-5:30pm; Online. Learn breath-based meditation in a 3-day online course with live interactive sessions with certified instructors to relieve stress, anxiety and tension; improve your energy and calm; and experience deep meditation. $295 (student discount available). For information, contact Ruchika Misra at 908235-8481 or ruchika.misra@artofliving.org To register, visit tiny.cc/SkyApr2023.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:30pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. $59 each session. Kearny High School, 336 Devon St., Kearny. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@ hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

Q and A: Natural Law and Your Birth Certificate – 7pm. At birth your rightful American status was unlawfully forced into a U.S. citizen status by the U.S. government which is incorrect. You can legally and lawfully “correct” your status back to an American which is your true birthright status. Why correct your status? Americans are legally and lawfully tax exempt, have constitutional guarantees (not privileges), own your own land , not subject to “driving” citations, to be truly free, much more. None of the above apply to U.S. citizens (you currently). You are invited for a Q and A with status corrected New Jersey

All calendar events for the May 2023 issue must be received by April 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit https://www.naturalawakeningsnj.com/ pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.

Americans! Free. J Towne Tavern, 5 Bowling Green Pkwy (Rte. 15), Lake Hopatcong. For information, email livefreeordie8888@ protonmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

SKY Breath Meditation: Online – 4/14, Fri. 6:30-9pm; 4/15-16, Sat./Sun 10am-1pm; Online. Join the LIVE ONLINE 3-day course with a certified instructor. Learn SKY Breath Meditation to drop stress and anxiety in only 3 days! Gain wisdom, support, and answers to your questions in real-time. $295. For information, contact Ami Patel at 551-6895079 or ami.patel@artofliving.org. To register, visit aolf.co/aprilskyonline.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Past Lives Regression Workshop – 6-8pm. Join us as we take a look into your past. Past lives, that is! Join Howard Mertine (Alternative Therapies Work, LLC) with Everett Magie (Alien Ink Tattoos), as we host a two hour guided hypnotic journey to take you into your own past lives. You may even uncover why you do some of the things you do in your current life. $40. Pay at door or PayPal Howard at hgmertine@gmail.com Location: Alien Ink Tattoos: 264 Route 206 South, Unit 3, Flanders. For information call 973-652-7962.

MONDAY, APRIL 17

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:30pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. $50 each session. Parsippany Hills High School, 24 Rita Dr., Parsippany. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@ hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:30pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Better Sleep

with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. $60 each session. Columbia High School, 17 Parker Ave., Maplewood. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@ hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

SKY Breath Meditation: In Person – 4/21, Fri. 6:30-9pm; 4/22-23, Sat./Sun 10am1pm. In this 3-day workshop, you’ll gain a life-transforming breathwork technique backed by over 100+ independent studies you can practice anytime you need. Get a technique that you can practice every day. $395. Location: 31 Battle Ridge Rd., Morris Plains. For information, contact Ami Patel at 551-689-5079 or ami.patel@artofliving.org. To register, visit aolf.co/aprilsky.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Past Lives Meditation Journey – 6-8pm. Howard of “Alternative Therapies Work, LLC” will guide you on a hypnotic journey to help you uncover more about yourself for understanding and healing, and that may uncover why you do what you do in your current life. $30. Ellen Perkins at Gaia’s Gifts, 16 Broad St., Washington. RSVP by 4/19 as space is limited to 12 people. For information, call 908-223-1331 or email Ellen at perkins145@comcast.net GaiasGifts.net.

MONDAY, APRIL 24

Soul Shamanism 201 – 7-9:30pm. 101 was an introduction, and 201 completes the training. After practicing for a while, it is important to regroup as more subtilties become important to be aware of and navigate. Learning to move through any blocks into wholeness, health, happiness, truth, beauty, and light allows your entire life to transform into perfect alignment. In this class, you will join more fully with your timeless self and know more clearly about your life and soul purpose. We explore new dimensions of us in various realms and find our true nature divine, with solutions always available. $425/$450. Be The Medicine, 247 North Road, Chester. For information, call 973-647-2500, email Janet@BeTheMedicine.com or visit BetheMedicine.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

Q and A: Natural Law and Your Birth Certificate – 6pm. At birth your rightful American status was unlawfully forced into a U.S. citizen status by the U.S. government which is incorrect. You can legally and lawfully “correct” your status back to an American which is your true birthright status. Why correct your status? Americans are legally and lawfully tax exempt, have constitutional guarantees (not privileges), own your own land, not subject to “driving” citations, to be truly free, much more. None of the above apply to U.S. citizens (you currently). You are invited for a Q and A with status corrected New Jersey Americans! Free. The Adam’s Family Restaurant, Rte. 46, Budd Lake. For information, email livefreeordie8888@protonmail.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

SKY Breath Meditation: In Person – 4/28, Fri. 6:30-9pm; 4/29-30, Sat./Sun 10am12:30pm. Evidence-based practices that can significantly reduce stress from the very 1st session! Join the 3-day workshop for in person experience of deep rest through SKY Breath Meditation. $395 (student discount available). Location: Summit, NJ. For information, contact Anish Bhatt at 917922-1183 or anish.bhatt@artofliving.org. To register, visit tiny.cc/SkyApr28-30.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

Violets: Culinary and Medicinal Delights – 1-3pm. Explore all the joyful benefits of violet. Learn how its cooling energetics support the lymph, the skin, the nervous system and more. Includes guided meditation, journaling, crafting violet infused vinegar to take home, plus DIY recipes and how to work with violets as food and medicine. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. Register at MadLavenderFarm.com/violets-culinary-and-medicinal-delights-april/

EarthShare NJ Blues – 4-11pm. Join us at Salty’s Beach Bar. Our host for the evening is Rock on Radio’s own Danny Coleman and the evening features live performances by Tad Schaefer and The Troublemakers, The Incinerators, Peter V and the Blues Train, Chuck Lambert and Gary Cavico. Includes raffles, 50/50, and more. $25 general admission, $30 at the door. Salty’s Beach Bar, 1705 Main Street, Lake Como. earthsharenj. org/earthshare-nj-blues.

plan ahead

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Feng Shui Professional Certification Program – Jun. 9-12. Become certified and accredited as a Feng Shui Professional. Join Master Teachers Renae Jensen and Mary

Dennis for this step-by-step personalized, hands-on training intensive. Mention Natural Awakenings for a $100 discount. For information, email RenaeJensen@gmail.com or visit FengShuiMorristown.com.

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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.

Mediumship, Intuitive, & Psychic Development Circle – 7-9pm. This on-going, interactive workshop series is presented in a way that assists in building intuitive muscle. Maureen guides participants in connecting with their intuition. This is a spiritual growing environment and each week will focus on different techniques to help you unfold and develop to the next level. Every class will be different in development lessons. All levels welcome! $15. Portal of Healing, 50 Main Street, Top Floor, Chester. PortalOfHealing. com.

METAPHYSICAL SHOP

OFFERINGS: A unique gift shop for the mind, body and soul. Check out our collection of angels, candles, cards, crystals, crystal soaps, jewelry, sage, salt lamps, solar wind chimes, tea, t-shirts, tumbled stones and more. Card readings, classes and workshops available. Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss, 19A Old Highway 22, Clinton. 908-268-8029. FB Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss. Instagram @cmatsen11

Ann Ochs has more than 20 years experience as a colon hydrotherapist.

• Advanced Certification from the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT)

• Certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy

• Certified body ecologist.

Experience cleansing in a warm, safe, spa-like environment.

North Central New Jersey Community

business directory

Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Acupuncture

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health and passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. 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, pages 27.

Acupuncture/Wellness

Kismet Acupuncture & Apothecary

Katie Us, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac.

200 North 14th Street, Kenilworth 973-874-9445

Info@kismetacupuncture.com

KismetAcupuncture.com

Kismet Acupuncture & Apothecary is a cozy, woman-owned health and wellness practice focused on helping you live your best life via holistic, whole-body healing. We believe in creating partnerships with our patients to ensure you leave feeling better. See ad, page 9.

Bakery/Specialty

Starseed Bakery

Linda Beg

100 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway 973-957-0500

StarseedBakery@gmail.com

StarseedBakery.com

100% gluten-, dairy-, soyand GMO-free retail and wholesale bakery. Available products: artisan breads, custom cakes, pies, cookies, desserts, seasonal, vegan, Paleo, natural sugars, nutfree. See ad, page 19.

Bedding - Organic Hibernate Bedding

80 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville 908-766-5450

HibernateBedding.com

Exclusive collection of Organic and Chemical Free mattresses and accessories. Over 30 years family experience. Come see how easy it is to shop for a mattress. Free delivery, free set up, free removal. See ad, page 2.

Breathwork/Meditation

Art of Living- Morris county

Online and In-person Workshops for Breathwork and Meditation

973-833-2193

morriscounty@us.artofliving.org taplink.cc/aolmorriscounty

Art of Living- Morris county, a team of facilitators and volunteers bring the mission of Art of living, to bring stress free living to the Morris & Sussex county residents. They conduct events and Workshops teaching Breathwork, Meditation and Yoga designed for various age groups, SKY kids for 8-12 year olds, SKY teens for 13-17 year old and SKY Breath Meditation for 18 and above. See ad, page 10.

Art of Living- Union county

Online and In-person Workshops for Breathwork and Meditation

973-833-2193

summit@us.artofliving.org

Art of Living- Union county, a team of facilitators and volunteers bring the mission of Art of living, to bring stress free living to the Union & Essex county residents. They conduct events and Workshops teaching Breathwork, Meditation and Yoga designed for various age groups, SKY kids for 8-12 year olds, SKY teens for 13-17 year old and SKY Breath Meditation for 18 and above. See ad, page 10.

Coaching Law Of Attraction Life Coach

David Scott Bartky, CLOALC 973-444-7301

David@LifeCoachDavid.com

LifeCoachDavid.com

David is a certified and experienced Law of Attraction life coach. His clients all have great success because he teaches them powerful processes and techniques so they can attract what they want, instead of what they don’t want in all areas of life (both materialistically and emotionally). The Law of Attraction is always responding to you, so if you’re ready to say “Yes!” to attracting what you want, and/or improving your life in some way, contact David today. Coaching sessions are held over the phone and the first session is always free.

Colon Hydrotherapy

Living Waters Wellness Center

Ann Ochs • Colon Hydrotherapist

I-ACT Certified, Advanced Level

Certified National Board for Colon Therapy, Body Ecology Diet Certified 26 Elm St, Morristown 973-998-6550 • ColonHealthNJ.com

AnnLivingWaters@aol.com

Ann Ochs has more than 20 years experience as a colon hydrotherapist. She holds an advanced certification from the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT), is certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy, and is a certified body ecologist. Living Waters offers the Angel of Water®, an advanced colon hydrotherapy system, designed to offer the ultimate in privacy and dignity. Call today Cosmetics – Organic. See ad, page 39.

Dental Holistic Atlantic Oral Surgery Center

Dr. Justin Ponquinette, DMD, NMD, IBDM 21 N. Gilbert St., Ste 210, Tinton Falls, NJ 732-747-0993

info@atlanticoralsurgery.com

AtlanticOralSurgery.com

A compromised mouth can become a quality-of-life issue. We offer methods to promote/provide and health while respecting and embracing the body’s ability to heal itself. See ad, page 11.

Enzyme Nutrition

Next Level Healing Of NJ, Inc.

Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS Denville • 973-586-0626

NextLevelHealing.com

Enzyme nutrition is becoming a sought after therapy for the underlying digestive issues related to autism, auto-immune diseases, chronic pain, skin problems, mood disorders, bowel issues and allergies. The system of analysis is scientific, non-invasive, and based on anatomy and physiology. The methods of correction are foodbased, drug-free, and have no side effects. Regardless of age or diagnosis, correcting digestion, supporting the immune system, and following guidelines for healthy choices are the backbone of Susan’s successful private practice of 36 years. Call for a gentle approach to healing.

Eye/Vision Health

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060

• AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health. 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, pages 27

Hair Restoration

The Hair For Life Center, LLC

201-731-3530

TheHairForLifeCenter.com

For over 35 years The Hair For Life Center has been helping women who experience hair loss.In as little as 2 to 3 hours we restore your hair to its natural state safely without using glues or extensions. For more information, visit at TheHairForLifeCenter.com. See ad, page 15.

Healing & Apprenticeship

Haven of Harmony

Rev. Denise Saracco-Zoppi

23 Diller Ave., Newton 862-268-3213

havenofharmonynj@gmail.com

HavenOfHarmonyNJ.com

NJ Lic. # NJ 18KT00314000

Rev. Denise supports the awakening of your inner healer. Whether you’re searching for support in your own healing journey or a mentor to awaken your innate healing gifts, Rev. Denise has supported thousands of patients and students since 2006. See ad, page 9.

Healing Through Art

T-Anya Paint

Anna Wasilczyk

17 Ross Rd., Wallington tanyapaint@yahoo.com • TanyaPaint.com

Paint with T-Anya is a mobile art service that brings a joyous creativity to any social gathering: birthday parties, retirement parties, fundraising, couples, one-on-one sessions and therapeutic sessions. See ad, page 28.

Health & Wellness

Alternative Therapies Work, LLC

Howard G. Mertine C.Ht, RM 908-283-0117 • HGMertine@gmail.com

Alleviations of allergies, phobias, trauma, addictions, anxieties, PTSD & various other afflictions. Past life regressions, building confidence and self-esteem, Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified NLP instructor and practitioner, Certified Reiki Master & practitioner, card reading and pendulum divination, motivational speaker and coach, holistic healer. See ad, page 10

Holistic Dental Center

Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS

91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 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, page 3 .

Holistic Healing Services

Heartmath+

Linda Sercarz Certified Heartmath Coach

Serving North Jersey & surrounding area 973-714-8650 • Sercarz@aol.com

Heartmath+ consists of simple heart-focused, sciencebased meditations. The techniques are designed to change the way your body responds to stress by learning to self-regulate. They create more resilience, coherence, clarity (even in stressful situations), and the apacity to self-regulate. Heartmath+.

Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis Counseling Center

Barry Wolfson

Offices in Flemington, Princeton, Livingston NJ, and King of Prussia, PA 908-303-7767

HypnosisCounselingCenter.com

Over 35 years of experience. We offer traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings, in person or virtual, for weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement, public speaking, and more. See ad, page 17.

Morris Hypnosis Center

Linda West, BA, ACH

55 Madison Ave, Morristown 973-506-9654

MorrisHypnosisCenter.com

Advanced clinical hypnosis using interactive, personalized techniques; based on a lengthy interview at the first session and dialogues at following sessions. For weight loss, stress/anxiety, smoking, chronic pain, improved performance, trauma, substance use, sleep, fears/phobias, anger, confidence, studying/ memory issues, and more. Self-hypnosis is taught at the first extended session. If you have constraints that you can’t seem to break through, or are overly burdened by negative thoughts or feelings, hypnosis can free you and put you back in charge.

“Whenever you see a successful business, someone made a courageous decision.”

- Peter Drucker

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

- Albert Einstein

Past Life Regression Therapy &

Hypnotherapy

Cathy Ludwig, Ed.S., LPC

109 Main St., Suite 1B, Succasunna 201-738-8311 • ludcat2001@gmail.com

CathyLudwig.com

Do you want to make peace with your past? Self-acceptance and clarity are yours when you determine how the past is influencing the present and when you make conscious choices about the future. As a licensed psychotherapist, Cathy helps you experience healing in all areas of your life. Using the powerful and effective treatments of Past Life Regression Therapy or Hypnotherapy alone or in combination with talk therapy, Cathy helps you develop your full potential, resolve conflict and have more compassion for yourself and others. Call to discuss which treatment option will work best for you. See ad, page 20.

Professional Organizer

Everyday Organizing Solutions by Sherry LLC

Sherry Onweller, Professional Organizer, Life Strategy & Organizing Coach 908-619-4561

SOnweller@aol.com

EverydayOrganizingSolutions.com

Providing sympathetic and nonjudgmental organizing and decluttering services to residential and business clients, also helping adults with ADD to get their physical space and time management in order. Virtual and inperson sessions available. See ad, page 17.

Seafood

KWEE JACK FISH CO

Wild Alaskan Salmon & Halibut Shares 717-842-0180

EatWildSalmon.com

Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan salmon and halibut available, fishermandirect. Pre-order annually (spring) at EatWildSalmon. com for local pick-up (fall) of sushi-grade delicious nutrition, deep-frozen at the peak of freshness to enjoy throughout the year. See ad, page 27.

Spiritual Healing, Teaching

Janet StraightArrow

Shaman, Healer, Sage, Reiki Master Teacher, Astrologist 973-647-2500

Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com

Profound Healing, Clearing, Reclaim yourself, Enjoy life. 41 years of experience. Shamanic and Intuitive Energy Sessions. Soul Retrievals. Past Life, Ancestral, Current life healing. Business, Home, and Land clearings. Meditation, Shamanic, and Reiki Healers Training. and more. See ad, page 15.

Spiritual Seekers

Rahway Plainfield Quakers

225 Watchung Ave, Plainfield

QuakerCloud.org/cloud/rahway-andplainfield-friends-meeting

If you want to talk with other spiritual seekers about the questions you have about your spiritual journey, join us. Tim Whitaker from the New Evangelicals Podcast will be with us on our first forum on April 23. No charge to attend, donations accepted. See ad, page 13.

Spiritual Pathways

Eckankar in New Jersey

800-870-9139

spirituality@eckankar-nj.org

Eckankar-nj.org

A spiritual teaching that helps you recognize your true nature, Soul, an eternal, unique spark of God. Learn creative techniques to explore the path to greater spiritual freedom. See ad, page 28.

Thermography

Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC

Thermographer and Holistic Counselor

See website for locations in NJ, NY & PA 855-667-9338

Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com

LisasThermographyAndWellness.com

& Men

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 42.

“The desire for friendship comes quickly. Friendship does not.”

- Aristotle

“Repetition does not transform a lie into a truth.

- Franklin Roosevelt

Next Month: TOP WOMEN IN WELLNESS

Don't miss interviews and lifestyle tips for reducing stress.

Scan the QR code to JOIN US LIVE ONL INE as these top women in wellness share their expert insights for reducing stress and achieving WELLthier Living!

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and your Thyroid

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and its Relation to Stress

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN,FACOG Stress and Libido

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code

Kela Smith, PhD DNM Stress & Fertility

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health & Homeopathy