Natural Awakenings Mercer, NJ January 2014 by Natural Awakenings Mercer

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No More Pain! Dr. Magaziner can help you recover from Chronic or Acute Pain Why Do I Have Pain?

There are also two distinct types of pain. They are acute and chronic.

Pain is a normal response of the body when damage has occurred or something is wrong. It’s like an alarm clock; letting us no we have to stop what we are doing or take some type of corrective action. Without pain life would be difficult and dangerous. We would have to be on constant alert because we would not know when something’s wrong which could lead to more serious or lifethreatening problems.

Acute pain usually means something new and or serious has happened which requires some action (e.g., back pain from lifting something heavy or pain after a car accident).

For example, when your hand touches something hot the sensors in your skin (nerve endings) rapidly send millions of messages to your brain about what’s going on. Your brain then creates the pain signals alerting you to remove your hand quickly before additional damage occurs.

How does it work? The spinal cord is the main route for all pain messages to the brain, where pain is then registered. Essentially there are two ways pain signals travel to the brain. The first is the fast way (motorway) the second the slow way (side roads). The former leads to sharp stabbing pain and the latter to a continuous dull and / or aching pain. Of course feelings of pain can be a mixture of these two.

Chronic pain is more commonly associated with an old injury or the slow bodily changes which are painful (e.g., arthritis pain from “’wear and tear”). Over time, chronic pain can cause you to change your normal habits which can lead to additional problems e.g. becoming less active and gaining weight. Such habits become part of a vicious cycle which feeds the pain and keeps it central in your life. Regardless of what type of pain you are having, it is important to get it evaluated by a healthcare professional. Finding the cause of your pain is most important.

diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic injuries. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, Dr. Magaziner will design a specific treatment plan for you condition. Dr. Magaziner’s philosophy is to start with the more conservative treatments (less invasive) first. Dr. Magaziner provides multiple forms of treatment to help patients recover from an acute or chronic conditions. Including: State of the Art Bio-cellular Regenerative Therapies (PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Stem Cell Grafts, Fat Grafts and prolotherapy) inteventional pain treatments (joint, trigger point and epidural injections) and Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery if necessary. If you are suffering from acute or chronic pain, call Dr. Magaziner today!

Dr. Magaziner has been in the field of interventional pain management for over 25 years. He specializes in the

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letterfrompublisher

hat will the new year bring? Many of us will start a new workout routine or commit to exercising more than we did last year. We may discover a new way to clean up our diet. Or feel a need to tune up the spiritual factor in our life. I’m an advocate of returning to what I call grassroots living, the way we did things when I was growing up. Our family shopped for local, fresh and chemical-free food, which was far easier then because that’s how it was grown, delivered and sold. Treating foods with synthetic chemicals, preservatives and additives to manufacture flavor or extend shelf life wasn’t much of an issue in those days. Yes, we had infamous Twinkies etc., but not in the house and not at school. Today so many unpronounceable ingredients comprise packaged foods that few people have a clue as to what they are eating. My goal for our family has been to teach my children to always label proof what goes into their mouths. They have become so picky about selecting only healthy and fresh foods that they so appreciate the taste of real food they aren’t tempted to settle for less. If they can’t pronounce or recognize more than five ingredients on a label, we try to stay away from it. How disheartening it is that parents and kids even need to investigate the ingredients of a box of cereal aggressively marketed to youngsters. In Elisa Bosley’s article, “Label Literacy,” she mentions a way of label proofing for portion control, as well: “Most nutrition label serving sizes are based on a 2,000-calorie adult diet. For children ages 4 to 8 portion sizes are about two thirds of an adult portion.” We all know that for many years childhood obesity has been rising, affecting children’s health for the rest of their lives. What is in their food matters, as does controlling portion size. The adage “Mama knows best” survives because she’s usually highly attuned to the daily health and needs of her children. When you start label proofing, I bet you’ll be surprised by what you find and in turn want to eliminate from your diet. Let’s make 2014 a nurturing year physically, mentally and spiritually. Remember that taking steps to improve the outside works only when it’s supported by steps that support the inside. Own the power to reveal your best “healthy you”. It doesn’t happen overnight; I know because I am ever discerning new ways to make my life and my environment healthier. But it won’t happen at all if we don’t start and stick with it. We can do it! To a healthy and prosperous new year,

Managing Editor Dave Beveridge

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newsbriefs Local Princeton Artist Display at PEAC

In the Spirit of the Season – May We Walk as One Jody Bergsma Jody Bergsma began creating art at age 3, when her mother suggested that she draw her nightmares to vanquish her fears. Monsters illustrated with pink and green crayons were not so scary, and the budding young artist became hooked. By her mid-teens, Bergsma was selling her fanciful works and she went on to become an award-winning illustrator. In her whimsical, elfin watercolors and detailed, dramatic images of wildlife, the artist often uses aboriginal, native and geometric designs and symbols derived from the beautiful patterns of ancient cultures. By respectfully working with these images, she reintegrates them into our modern ethos. “I propose that all humankind shares a common reality just beyond the range of normal sight,” remarks Bergsma, whose watercolor technique is self-taught. “Each person’s physical adventure is unique, but the abstract language of feelings and realization of existence is our shared experience. “Art is a tradition that helps define who we are and brings us a vision of who we can become,” Bergsma continues. “My painting is my expression and request for a more beautiful, peaceful and harmonious world.” View the artist’s portfolio at Bergsma.com. 6

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s part of its Art on Display Program, PEAC Health & Fitness, in Ewing, will proudly display original artwork from Princeton artist, Agnieszka. This will be her first art exhibit at PEAC. Agnieszka’s art reflects her lifelong interest in world cultures. Her exhibit will feature a series entitled, “Women of Africa,” which is inspired by her family’s stay in Libya when she was a child. A native of Poland, she recalls being mesmerized by the African landscape, architecture, and most of all, the people. “The women from sub-Saharan Africa exuded charm, sensuality and elegance, adorned in brightly colored fabrics. It was such a contrast from the grayness of communism, which existed in Poland at that time,” she states. “I would see them carrying children in their arms or gracefully balancing decorative water jugs on their heads. I have always felt a very positive energy emanating from this visual memory.” Inspired by her personal connection to the women in Africa, Agnieszka supports The Desert Flower Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness and provide support for victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). Approximately 140 million girls and women worldwide, predominantly in Africa, are living with the consequences of FGM. Agnieszka will donate 10 percent of the sales from her art display to the foundation. Location: 1440 Lower Ferry Rd. For more information, call Christine Tentilucci at 609-883-2000, email CTentilucci@PEACHealthFitness.com or visit PEACHealth Fitness.com.

ChiRunning Clinic Offered in Ewing

ertified instructor David Stretanski will host a ChiRunning clinic for teens and adults from 1 to 5 p.m. on January 18 at PEAC, in Ewing. The event will combine demonstrations, fun exercises and technique drills to help participants gain a clear sense of how the ChiRunning techniques feel in the body. ChiRunning combines running with the principles and mind-body awareness of t’ai chi, an ancient martial art. It focuses on postural alignment and motion based on the body’s design, laws of physics and simple principles of nature. The clinic is designed to improve running technique, reduce or eliminate pain and injury, and promote greater distance and speed with much less effort. A video gait analysis is also included to show individuals their own posture and body in motion. This course is appropriate for individuals with any level of running experience. ChiRunning began in 1999 when founder Danny Dreyer started teaching the techniques to friends and clients. The concept spread through the international running scene in 2004 with the publication of ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running. Cost: $90 members/$120 nonmembers. Location: 1440 Lower Ferry Rd. Register at ChiRunning.com. For more information, call Valerie Lopenzina at 609-883-2000, email VLopenzina@PEACHealthFitness.com or visit PEACHealthFitness.com.

Landscape Exhibit and Photography Club Meeting

Wassailing the Apple Trees Revives British Tradition

Location: One Preservation Place, Princeton. Call 609-924-4646 to be sure galleries are not being rented on the day of the prospective visit. For more information, visit DRGreenway.org or PrincetonPhotoClub.org.

Location: 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton. For more information, call 609-924-1310 or visit TerhuneOrchards.com.

rinceton Photography Club and D&R Greenway Land Trust invite the public to attend “Artistic License and the Land,” an exhibition of dynamic traditional and unusual landscapes, during weekday normal business Snowy Pines hours through January by Alexis Kouriga 15 at D&R Greenway’s Marie L. Matthews Galleries. All art is for sale, a percentage of proceeds will support the land trusts preservation and stewardship mission in the Garden State. D&R Greenway President and CEO Linda Mead requested that the Photography Club provide pictures to extend the message of the importance of land use and land preservation. The club responded with the work of 50 artists. Princeton Photography Club President, Carl Geisler, declares, “We delight in our ongoing partnership with D&R Greenway Land Trust, where we hold meetings and workshops, open to the public, each week during 10 months of the year.” The club meets the second Wednesday from September through June. A presentation by participating artist Mike Peters on creating film-like digital images will immediately follow the club’s Prallsville Mill Planet open meeting at 7:30 p.m. on by Olga Sergyeyva January 8. Attendance is free and there will be a light refreshment. No registration is necessary.

aise a glass of cider with the Mount family from 1 to 4 p.m. on January 26, as Terhune Orchards, in Princeton, celebrates the apple trees. The annual Wassailing Party, a joyous gathering that follows a British tradition, is free and open to the public. Wassail is an ancient Saxon word that means “health be to you,” and it’s the health of the trees that will be celebrated. One of Terhune Orchards’ most popular events, the festivities will include dancing and singing by the Handsome Molly Dancers and reenactments of traditional old English rituals. The dance troupe will perform traditional British chants among the trees to drive away evil spirits. Everyone joins in with chanting and music making, hanging gifts of cidersoaked bread in the tree branches while chanting words of praise for the new year. Wassailing, usually held on the twelfth night, is an ancient tradition from the cider-making regions of southern and western England. People would gather in the apple orchard and perform rituals to ensure a successful apple crop for the next year. Guns were also fired through the branches to scare off any evil spirits lurking there, and the tree’s health was toasted with warm cider, passed in a bucket. The custom was especially important during a period when laborers’ wages were partially paid in hard apple cider. Landlords needed a strong apple crop to attract good workers.

What can one person do? Nelson Mandela

INSPIRATION

natural awakenings

January 2014

Welcome Winter Walk in Princeton

oin Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association Education Director Jeff Hoagland to explore the wonders of the natural world in winter on a morning walk from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on January 4 at the Mountain Lakes Preserve, in Princeton. The hike is co-sponsored by the Friends of Princeton Open Space. Discover the unique survival strategies of local plants and animals from milkweed to meadow vole and red oak to robin. Learn where animals store food and how they survive the season’s relentless chill. Enjoy the fun of the “Hibernation Game”. Dress warmly, boots are recommended and bring your sense of wonder. The walk does not meet at the Watershed Reserve. Location: Mountain Lakes Preserve, 57 Mountain Ave., Princeton. Cost $5/person. Registration required. For more information, call 609-737-7592 or visit TheWatershed.org.

Holistic Holiday at Sea

he 2014 Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise will set sail from Miami, Florida, from March 1 to 8 on one of the world’s premier Italian luxury liners, the MSC Divina. Ports of call include St. Maarten, San Juan and Great Stirrup Cay. Guests will enjoy discussions on the benefits of a plant-based diet with a community of 1,500 like-minded people. Passengers can choose from more than 130 classes, lectures and workshops taught by 35 teachers. Renowned ultra-endurance athlete Rich Roll will present the keynote address about the life-transforming benefits of plant-based nutrition. Additional presenters include Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Neal Barnard, as well as Chef AJ, one of several vegan chefs that will demonstrate how to make a plantbased diet taste delicious. For nighttime fun and relaxations, passengers can enjoy music and spirits at the Golden Jazz Bar aboard the MSC Divina or visit the 18,000-square-foot Aurea Spa for some luxurious pampering. For more information, call 828-749-9537, email Info@HolisticHolidayAtSea.com or visit HolisticHolidayAtSea.com. See ad, page 25.

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Clean Water Action Conference in Lakewood

lean Water Action’s 28th annual conference will be held on March 1 at Georgian Court University, in Lakewood. This annual event brings together citizens, organizations, students, scientists and policymakers to discuss the most important environmental issues facing New Jersey. Dan Fagin, author of Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation, will be the keynote speaker. The program will also feature dozens of environmental workshops, speakers, vendors and grassroots awards, along with a continental breakfast, lunch and networking reception. Clean Water Action is a 1 million-member organization of diverse people and groups joined together to protect our environment, health, economic well-being and community quality of life. Goals include clean, safe and affordable water; prevention of health threatening pollution; creation of environmentally safe jobs and businesses; and empowerment of people to make democracy work. Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups and coalitions and campaigns to elect environmental candidates and solve environmental and community problems. Location: 900 Lakewood Ave., Lakewood. For more information, email NJCWA@CleanWater.org or visit CleanWater.org.

PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year Awarded

Come Visit Our Farm

EAC Health & Fitness is pleased to announce that its golf pro, Anthony Latham, was recently named the 2013 New Jersey PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in the Anthony Latham promotion and development of junior golf, support of PGA junior golf programs such as Clubs for Kids, superior teaching and coaching and overall image, and leadership and integrity as an individual. Latham has been providing golf instruction for adults and youth at PEAC Health & Fitness since 2008. He conducted a junior golf workshop at PEAC on basic drills and activities on December 16 that was designed to get kids ages 5 to 18 interested in and introduced to the game of golf in a positive manner. Latham will also lead a series of winter golf clinics and lectures for adults from January through March. The first clinic in the series is a two-hour, hands-on experience on January 5, beginning at 1 p.m., entitled, “The ABCs of the Game of Golf.” Location: 1440 Lower Ferry Rd., Ewing. For more information, call Valerie Lopenzina at 609-883-2000, email VLopenzina@ PEACHealthFitness.com or visit PEACHealthFitness.com.

Check our web site for upcoming events, classes, and farm store hours.

www.cherrygrovefarm.com 3200 Lawrenceville Rd. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

NEXT STEP STRATEGIES, LLC

A Holistic Approach to Health & Vitality kudos Siobhan Hutchinson, MA M

ore than $1,000 was raised for the Plumsted Township Trap, Holistic Health Practitioner Neuter and Return Program and the local Holiday Food Basket Program T’ai Chi, Qigong & Reiki Master Teacher at a Holistic Health Extravaganza, Energy Medicine organized by Next Step StrateServing Monmouth & 30 Bucks gies,Mercer, LLC,Ocean, on November inCounties New Egypt. Approximately 200 people 609-752-1048 experienced NextStepStrategiesLLC.com natural health techniques like massage, yoga, t’ai chi and reflexology; health screenings by the Ocean County Board of Health; chiropractic assessments by Dr. Jodi Kinney; nutritional and integrative health coaching; and a presentation by Lakewood-based Georgian Court University’s Holistic Health program director, Sachiko Komagata, P.T., Ph.D. “Shopping local, green and natural, while relaxing and raising funds was a unique experience for attendees,” states Siobhan Hutchinson of Next Step Strategies. “The intent was to continue our vision of introducing people to self-empowerment with natural health techniques, what Dr. Oz keeps referring to as the next frontier, Energy Medicine. But the vision kept growing to include handmade, natural, green, locally made gifts and services, while also helping the worthy causes.” For more information, call Siobhan Hutchinson at 609-7521048 or visit NextStepStrategiesLLC.com. See ad, page 20.

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January 2014

healthbriefs

Produce Banishes the Blues

ew research from New Zealand’s University of Otago shows that consuming more whole fruits and vegetables increases peacefulness, happiness and energy in one’s daily life. Scientists discovered the strong relationship to be particularly apparent in countering winter blues. A total of 281 college-age students filled out an online food diary and mood survey for 21 consecutive days. Results showed that eating fruits and vegetables one day led to improvements in positive mood the next day, regardless of other key factors, such as body mass index. Other types of food did not produce the same uplifting effect. “After further analysis, we demonstrated that young people would need to consume approximately seven to eight total servings of fruits and vegetables per day to notice a meaningful positive change,” says Tamlin Conner, Ph.D., with the university’s department of psychology. “One serving of fruit or vegetables is approximately the size that could fit in our palm, or half a cup.” Study co-author Bonnie White suggests that this can be accomplished by having vegetables comprise half of the plate at each meal and snacking on whole fruit like apples. The American Psychiatric Association acknowledges that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects, at least mildly, as many as 20 percent of Americans.

Sweets Sour Brain Power

inging on sweets and soda in an effort to bone up for exams or presentations probably has the opposite effect, according to a new animal study from the University of California, Los Angeles. Researchers found that eating or quaffing too much fructose, like that found in cane sugar and the highfructose corn syrups permeating many processed foods, can cause unclear thinking, poor learning and impaired memory. Scientists have long known that high-fructose diets increase the risk for diabetes, obesity and fatty liver. Now the UCLA team has discovered that only six weeks of a high-fructose diet slowed the animals’ brains. The good news is that eating omega-3 fatty acids like those found in cold water fish appear to counteract the negative effects of fructose, enabling the animals to think more clearly.

Art Heartens Seniors

ust looking at a painting by Picasso, Dali or Warhol can brighten the world for seniors, according to researchers at Britain’s Newcastle University. After just three visits to a gallery, the researchers found positive changes in the participating seniors’ opinions about their life experiences and abilities in light of their ages. The gallery visits further inspired participants to become more involved with others and their communities.

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THE TOXIC SIDE OF TYLENOL

s the evidence of the harmful effects of Tylenol increases, there is a growing call for it to be removed from the market. Its active ingredient, acetaminophen, once thought to be an effective and safe pain reliever for adults and children, turns out to have dangerous effects. A related study by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researchers leads with the fact that each year, acetaminophen causes more than 100,000 calls to poison control centers, 50,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and more than 450 deaths from liver failure. The U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study implicates acetaminophen poisoning in nearly half of all cases of acute liver failure in this country. When taken with alcohol or without food, the effects on the liver are multiplied. Doctor of Naturopathy Michael Murray, of Phoenix, Arizona, reports in GreenMedInfo.com that regular use of acetaminophen is linked to a higher likelihood of asthma, infertility and hearing loss, especially in men under 50. Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning linking acetaminophen use to three rare and sometimes fatal skin conditions. “Can you imagine if the side effects and risks associated with acetaminophen were associated with a dietary supplement?” opines Murray. “It would be yanked from the market immediately.”

Mammograms Carry Cancer Risk

here is growing evidence that mammograms, which are the primary screening tool for breast cancer, may cause it. Scientists have long known that radiation causes cancer, and now research published in the British Journal of Radiobiology reports that the so-called “low-energy X-rays” used in mammography are four to six times more likely to cause breast cancer than conventional high-energy X-rays because the low-energy variety causes more mutational damage to cells. Mammograms led to a 30 percent rate of over-diagnosis and overtreatment, according to a study published in the Cochrane Review. Researchers wrote in the study, “This means that for every 2,000 women invited for screening throughout 10 years, one will have her life prolonged and 10 healthy women, who would not have been diagnosed if there had not been screening, will be treated unnecessarily. Furthermore, more than 200 women will experience important psychological distress for many months because of false positive findings.” Many women and functional medicine doctors are now choosing non-invasive and radiation-free annual thermograms as a safer alternative. Those at high risk for breast cancer may choose to do periodic MRI screenings, a recommendation supported by research at Britain’s University Hospitals Birmingham.

More Bok Choy, Less Ice Cream Boosts Breast Health

howing down on cruciferous veggies reduces the risk of recurring breast cancer, say Vanderbilt University researchers, while consuming too many high-fat dairy products produces an opposite effect, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The paper on veggies presented at the American Association for Cancer Research showed that the more cruciferous vegetables a woman ate in the first two years after her breast cancer diagnosis, the lower was her risk of the cancer returning or death from the original cancer. Eating broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and cabbage worked to reduce the rate of recurring breast cancer by 35 percent and the risk of death in the following nine years by 62 percent. On the other side of the coin, the NCI study showed that women treated for early stage breast cancer that regularly ate one or more servings of high-fat milk, cheese, yogurt or ice cream increased their risk of dying of breast cancer by 44 percent and of earlier death from all causes by 64 percent.

BRIEF BOUTS OF YOGA BOLSTER THE BRAIN

ust 20 minutes of yoga postures, breathing and meditation are valuable tools for bolstering mental functioning. A study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reports that a single, 20-minute hatha yoga session significantly improved participants’ speed and accuracy on tests of working memory, focus, retention and ability to absorb and use new information. Study participants didn’t get the same positive brain buzz from 20 minutes of aerobics. The study appeared in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health.

Take care of your

body. It’s the only place you have to live. ~Jim Rohn

VITAMIN C HALVES COLDS IN ATHLETES

aking vitamin C before engaging in physically demanding activities helps keep colds away for people that are heavy exercisers, say Finnish researchers at the University of Helsinki. While their meta-study showed that nonexercisers that took vitamin C daily gained little or no protection from colds, the story for marathoners, competitive skiers and soldiers on subarctic assignments was much different. The study, published in the Cochrane Review, found that the 598 heavy exercisers cut their risk of colds in half. natural awakenings

January 2014

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Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Eco-Skiing

White Resorts Go Even Greener As skiers flock to snow-covered trails this winter, more ski resorts are going greener to save energy and support the environment. Arapahoe Basin, in Colorado, recently received a National Ski Areas Association Sustainable Slopes grant for retrofitting its base area lighting that will annually slice off an estimated 53,000-plus kilowatt hours of usage. A-Basin, Vail Resorts and others in the area provide their restaurants’ used vegetable oil to outside companies for recycling into biofuels. Aspen, Vail, Copper Mountain and other Colorado resorts installed more photovoltaic solar arrays on buildings prior to the current season. Stratton Mountain Ski Resort, in Vermont, installed a 1,500-horsepower electric snowmaking air compressor last summer, replacing a diesel model. Purchased in consultation with the statewide energy utility Efficiency Vermont, it delivers more cubic feet of air per minute using less, and cleaner, energy. Since 2009, the state’s Bolton Valley ski area, plus Jiminy Peak and Berkshire East, both in Massachusetts, have all installed wind turbines to generate energy. Sarah Wojcik, director of public affairs at the Vermont Ski Areas Association, attests that resorts are doing their part to keep mountains green. Sources: nsaa.org, SkiVermont.com

~Goran Persson

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The Center for Food Safety (CFS), a national nonprofit advocating in the public interest, works to protect human health and the environment by curbing the use of harmful food production technologies and promoting organic and other forms of sustainable agriculture. It confirms that actions such as signing petitions really do make a difference. For instance, the CFS cites a hard-fought campaign that pushed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to respond to a lawsuit and remove arsenic from chicken feed. They credit the thousands of consumers that joined the effort, saying, “Together, we forced the FDA to remove arsenic ingredients in animal feed used for our nation’s chickens, turkeys and hogs, and 98 of the 101 drug approvals for arsenic-based animal drugs will be withdrawn.” More recently, CFS reports that half a million citizen phone calls and emails had a significant effect in killing an extension of the so-called “Monsanto protection act” in the Senate. Formally named the Farmer Assurance Provision, the measure undermined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s authority to ban genetically modified crops, even if court rulings found they posed risks to human and environmental health. Source: CenterForFoodSafety.org

Yogic Milestone

Smithsonian Exhibit Highlights Storied History This month’s exhibition at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Yoga: The Art of Transformation, comprises the museum’s first presentation of yogic art. Temple sculptures, devotional icons, vibrant manuscripts and court paintings created in India more than 2,000 years ago will be on view, as well as early modern photographs, books and films. The Washington, D.C., exhibition borrows from 25 museums and private collections in India, Europe and the United States. More than 120 works, from the third to the early 20th century, illuminate yoga’s central tenets, as well as its obscured histories. Through masterpieces of Indian sculpture and paintings, the exhibition explores yoga’s goals; its Hindu, Jain and Sufi manifestations; its means of transforming body and consciousness; and its philosophical foundations. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/SmithsonianYogaExhibit

Global Watchdog

United Nations Panel Zeroes in on Sustainability The United Nations (UN) has created a new scientific advisory board under the aegis of UNESCO, mandated to advise UN executives, participating countries and other stakeholders on the use of science, technology and innovation in achieving sustainable development. The 26 international experts appointed to the board span a broad spectrum of disciplines including: basic sciences; engineering and technology; social sciences and humanities; ethics; health; and economic, behavioral and agricultural sciences, as well as the environmental sciences more commonly associated with sustainability. The board’s inaugural meeting in December focused on outcomes of the 2013 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), and from other large-scale interdisciplinary processes, such as the 2012 Planet Under Pressure Conference, held in London, and the Future Earth 10-year international research initiative.

Smoke Choke

Big Coal’s Big Plans to Hasten Climate Change Environmentalists are mounting an effort to stop the coal industry from exporting millions of tons of coal to China and keep the coal in the ground by halting the construction of huge new coal export terminals at ports in Oregon and Washington. The nation’s two largest coal companies want to strip-mine vast reserves in Wyoming and Montana’s Powder River Basin, and then ship the coal by rail to the ports. “Based on our back-of-the-envelope calculation, the burning of this exported coal could have a larger climate impact than all of the oil pumped through the Keystone pipeline,” says Kimberly Larson, a spokesperson for the Power Past Coal campaign, a coalition of more than 100 environmental and community groups that oppose the coal terminals. Many U.S. coal-fired power plants still operate, but they’re being squeezed out of business by new federal standards for mercury, arsenic and other toxins that take effect in 2016. Also, the price of natural gas in America has fallen below that of coal. China already accounts for almost half of the world’s coal consumption, and demand continues to skyrocket for cheap, coal-fired electricity to power its growing industrial parks and mega-cities.

Life Threat

Evidence Mounts of GMO Dangers The nonprofit Non-GMO Project, committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO (genetically modified organism) products and educating consumers on such verified choices, is focusing on Bt corn and Bt soy, which make up 90 percent of America’s total crop. Its scientists explain, “These crops have genes from a bacteria called bacillus thuringiensis spliced into their natural genetic code. This causes the plant to produce Bt-toxin—a pesticide that bursts the stomach of insects that eat it, killing them.” Monsanto and Syngenta, which manufacture genetically engineered seeds, claim that genetically modified (GE, GM or GMO) crops are safe for humans because the Bt-toxin is completely destroyed in the human digestive system and doesn’t have any impact on animals and humans. But Norwegian scientists’ decade-long study of rats, mice, pigs and salmon raised on GE feed published in 2012 found that due to alterations in their digestive tracts, the animals ate more, got fatter and were less able to digest proteins; they also suffered from diminished immune systems. There is also mounting evidence that the spread of such crops is responsible for the dramatic decline of the monarch butterfly, the near annihilation of bats and the spread of honeybee colony collapse syndrome. To get involved, visit NonGMO Project.com.

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January 2014

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Dinner Engagement

Deep Conversation Accompanies Good Food The pursuit of combining good food and conversation is taking on new, more fulfilling formats. Instead of idle chit-chat or gossip over high-calorie feasts, many people are showing an appetite to fill their lives with more meaningful discussions while dining on healthy meals. The international Green Drinks phenomenon was among the first to successfully mix eco-conscious conversation with healthy beverages; now, thought-provoking initiatives are mixing regular banter with bites in ways that are both lively and nurturing. Those seeking the exotic may indulge in The Philosopher’s Table: How to Start Your Philosophy Dinner Club—Monthly Conversation, Music and Recipes, by Marietta McCarty, following guidelines to immerse guests in the tastes and cultures of 12 different cities and countries. Suggested themes include saluting the present-day benefits of the work of women’s rights pioneer Jane Addams while sipping multi-bean soup (Chicago) or consuming uplifting perspectives of ancient philosopher Lao Tzu over shrimp dumplings with dipping sauce (China). Recommended discussion topics at ConversationCafe.org include self-identity and self-reflection, current events and appreciating the arts. A search function for finding a local chapter complements advice on launching a new one. RawFoodNetwork.com provides links to groups nationwide that forge connections with fellow enthusiasts, share dishes and network. It also provides information, recipes and other helpful resources. Touring experts in the preparation and benefits of raw food and vegan, plant-based diets show up everywhere from natural food restaurants and retailers to health expos and foodie Meetup events. Speakers include Brian Clement, Brenda Cobb, Paul Nison, Jenna Norwood, Karen Ranzi and David Wolfe.

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Whale Wars

Military Exercises Threaten Sea Life During the next five years, the U.S. Navy’s war games, using live munitions in our coastal waters, will potentially kill 186 whales and dolphins off the East Coast and 155 more off Hawaii and Southern California, according to computer models. Rear Admiral Kevin Slates rationalizes the casualties by stating, “Without this realistic testing and training, our sailors can’t develop or maintain the critical skills they need or ensure the new technologies can be operated effectively.” On the upside, marine scientists are currently using mobile devices to reduce the number of whales struck and killed off California’s coast by large commercial ships. An app called Whale Spotter employs crowd-sourcing to gather data, allowing sailors, fishermen and marine scientists that spot whales to plot their locations on an interactive map. Such a network can track marine mammals in real time as they migrate. These maps are useful to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Coast Guard officials responsible for recommending changes in vessel routes. Source: Tinyurl.com/Navy WhaleWars

Catalyst for Change

Natural Awakenings Celebrates 20 Years by Sharon Bruckman, CEO/Founder

heartfelt shout out goes to the 90 U.S. cities and metro areas across the country, plus Puerto Rico, where Natural Awakenings is effecting positive change in people’s lives. For 20 years, this free community magazine has been loyal readers’ go-to resource for awakening America to the benefits of naturally healthy living. We thank our 3.8 million readers that devour these pages every month, typically from cover-to-cover. We voice gratitude to the thousands of committed advertisers that report multiplied business success as a result of our partnership. We extend kudos to the hundreds of editorial contributors that have generously shared their pioneering expertise with us via cutting-edge information and practical tips. Interviews and bylines of internationally recognized healers, teachers and leaders underscore the magazine’s primacy in its field. Collectively, we comprise a great movement embodying ways of living that are healthy for people and the planet. Together, we are producing a pay-it-forward chain reaction of positive energy and conscious living that benefits everyone. Each large and small choice in favor of natural health and environmental sustainability counts toward enhancing our own standard of living and supporting a higher quality of life on Earth. It all starts with individuals waking up to conscious living and connecting locally to make measurable differences

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in their own homes and communities. They are role models of wellness. They are eco-stars. They are visionaries that daily act on their passion for helping others live happier, healthier, more thriving lives. What started as a single print publication in Naples, Florida, in 1994, is now a growing network spearheaded by 90 local magazine publishers reaching out to share the message. Supportive media range from digital magazine editions, e-newsletters, community websites and social media releases to an iPhone app, webstore and dating website, topped by a nationwide network of local natural health practitioners. All embrace the original vision of bringing like-minded people together to help make life better. We are glad that you are joining us in celebrating 20 years together. We look forward to all the good that 2014 and beyond will bring to us all. For more information and to connect, visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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queries and more. Finding the right mix of treatment and preventive measures requires some creativity and self-knowledge. The experts Natural Awakenings consulted maintain that it is both desirable and possible to assemble an affordable and effective personal health care team that focuses on optimum wellness.

structural; biochemical; and bioenergetic, a form of psychotherapy. Ideally, he says, conventional and integrative medicine, plus complementary practitioners, work together to provide the total care an individual patient needs. “Any problem on one level affects all levels, so we assess patients on all three with whatever tools we have,” he says. While conventional medicine may be able to treat structural problems well and biochemical problems to a certain extent, it falls short on the energetic level. That’s when it’s time to expand the team, counsels Yang. “‘Know yourself’ is the watchword. Get to know what to use and when to use it. It’s the practitioner’s job to educate patients in this way.” Dr. Andrew Weil, renowned as the father of the integrative medicine movement in the U.S., has remarked, “If I’m in a car accident, don’t take me to an herbalist. If I have bacterial pneumonia, give me antibiotics. But when it comes to maximizing the body’s natural healing potential, a mix of conventional and alternative procedures seems like the only answer.” Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla, founding director and president of the Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, turns to the integrative realm of ayurvedic medicine for healing and wellness. The 5,000-year-old Indian healing tradition incorporates lifestyle changes, yoga and meditation, detoxification, herbs, massage and various other individually targeted healing modalities, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and recommended treatment plan.

Integrative Approach

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onventional doctors too often dispense vague, boilerplate health advice, urging their patients to eat a healthy diet, exercise and take helpful supplements. Some are lucky enough to also be directed to detoxify their body and manage stress. That’s typically the best most people can expect in terms of practical advice. It is rare to receive specific, individualized answers to such burning questions as: What is the best diet for this specific problem or my body type? Which exercise will work best for me—yoga, running, tennis or something else? Why do I feel stressed so much of the time, and what can I do about it? What supplements are best for me, and which high-quality products can I trust? Complementary natural healing modalities can address all of these

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“We need to understand the value of an integrative approach because no single modality treats everything,” says Dr. Jingduan Yang, the Philadelphia-based founder and medical director of Tao Integrative Medicine. By way of example, he maintains credentials as a physician, a boardcertified psychiatrist and an internationally recognized expert on classic forms of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Integrative practitioners see the human body on three levels, Yang explains:

“Wellness is a team effort,” advises integrative medicine specialist Dr. Vijay Jain, medical director at Amrit Ayurveda for Total Wellbeing, in Salt Springs, Florida. It’s not only a matter of knowing what needs the practitioners will address at specific times, it’s also knowing who can help when the going gets tough. “Modern medicine has the edge for early detection of disease,” Jain notes. “However, Ayurveda is excellent in determining the earliest imbalances in the mind and body that eventually lead to disease.”

Health insurance may not cover the services we want, and high deductibles may pose a financial challenge in maintaining comprehensive health care, so we need a personal wellness plan. Most experts consulted agree that a personal wellness program should include a practitioner that acts as a gatekeeper and coordinates a care plan to meet individual needs. Jain recommends that the foundation of the team be a licensed medical professional such as an integrative physician (MD), osteopathic doctor (DO) or chiropractor (DC). In most states, any of these professionals can function as a primary care doctor, authorized to order and read laboratory tests, prescribe drugs and access hospital services. In some states, a naturopathic physician (ND) can perform the functions of a primary care doctor in ordering and reading laboratory tests. As part of a personal wellness team, consider a functional medicine or integrative physician, chiropractor, osteopath, doctor of naturopathy, ayurvedic practitioner, nutritionist, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor/ acupuncturist, herbalist, craniosacral therapist, massage therapist and energy practitioner (such as in Reiki, medical qigong or polarity therapy). It’s not necessary to see all of them, sources say. Sometimes, one practitioner will be skilled in practicing several modalities, a bonus for patients. Other complementary practitioners may form a supporting team that works with the primary care team, depending on the challenges a patient faces. They will be identified as treatment unfolds and the team evolves over time.

Contributing Specialists

An ayurvedic practitioner likely will begin by helping to define healthful lifestyle changes, depending on one’s dosha, or energetic temperament. Yoga and meditation would be a likely recommendation, plus specific herbs and perhaps detoxification, says Annambhotla. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture often go handin hand with Ayurveda in accordance with the view that illness and disease are caused by imbalances in the body’s energetic flow. Diagnostic techniques

employ intuition and pulses to assess and smooth blocks in energy circulation. Craniosacral therapy is another way to unlock energetic blockages caused by lifestyle stress and other factors that restrict and congest the body’s innate ability to self-correct and remain healthy, says Joyce Harader, a registered craniosacral therapist in Cave Creek, Arizona, and secretary of the board of the Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy Association of North America. She relied on a whole team to realize a natural way back to health after being diagnosed with lupus in 1992. “Members of my health team fluctuate, depending on what is going on in my life and where I am focusing,” comments Harader. She points out, for example, that nutrition education and general deep-tissue massage can both be helpful as part of a foundational plan toward obtaining and maintaining optimal health. In fact, many of our experts recommend both a monthly chiropractic adjustment and/or massage, as well as daily yoga and an ongoing meditation practice for wellness and total well-being. Naturopathic practitioners operating in states where they are licensed can be good sources of nutrition counsel and often recommend herbal remedies for relief. “For chronic illness, you need a chiropractor or drug-free physician like a naturopath on your team. Conventional medicine is generally poor at dealing with chronic illness,” observes Naturopath and Chiropractor Michael Loquasto, Ph.D., who practices in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Loquasto should know. He has practiced integrated modalities for 50 years, employing the knowledge gained through his practice and triple doctorates, which include one in nutrition. Also a master herbalist, he strongly advocates that people start by working with a good integrative or functional medicine medical doctor. “In some states, like Pennsylvania, chiropractors and osteopaths can perform routine diagnostic work, but in

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A personal wellness program should include a lead practitioner that acts as a gatekeeper and coordinates a plan of care that meets the individual’s needs. many states they cannot,” he notes. “I recommend undergoing a physical every six months and regular bone density tests, plus colonoscopies.” Loquasto is not in favor of mammograms because of the radiation exposure associated with them, but supports routine breast screening using ultrasound or thermography.

Self-Diagnosis

Intuitive listening and observant selfknowledge are crucial parts of any wellness plan. Most people are aware when something doesn’t feel right in their body. “Libido is a great barometer of health,” suggests Dr. Diana Hoppe, an obstetrician, gynecologist and hormone specialist in San Diego, California. “If you’re not interested in sex, it’s probably a sign that you need to do some investigating.” Reasons for such a decline of interest are wide-ranging says Hoppe. “For men and women, it might be due to hormonal changes, lack of self-esteem, medications, stress, relationship issues, job, family life or lack of sleep. It means that somewhere, things are out of balance,” she says.

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A personal multifaceted wellness program can be expensive, but there are ways to minimize the cost. “In the new world of high insurance deductibles, people get more for their money from an alternative doctor, especially one knowledgeable in a variety of healing therapies, than a conventional one,” Loquasto advises. Costs for tests may also be lower; plus patients are not expected to pay $150 or more just to walk in the door. A current trend has medical doctors and chiropractors participating in “umbrella” practices and wellness centers, where several types of practitioners collaborate in one facility. They find that sometimes insurance will pay for certain complementary services, including massage and nutrition education, when doctors or chiropractors prescribe them. Maintaining wellness in an environment filled with chemical, biological

and mental toxins is a substantial, yet worthy, investment. It’s far better than the costly alternative of dealing with regular bouts of sickness or escalating disease. In that light, maintenance looks affordable: an ayurvedic diagnostic session starts at around $100, a consultation with a licensed naturopath at $75 and acupuncture at $100; a massage typically costs about $80 an hour. While insurance is unlikely to pay for treatments outside the realm of conventional medicine and sometimes, chiropractic, “The cost of these preventive therapies will be much less than the cost of treatment for a serious disease,” advises Loquasto. “You’re worth it.” Kathleen Barnes is author of more than a dozen natural health books. Her latest is The Calcium Lie II: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know with Dr. Robert Thompson. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Finding the Right Practitioner Word-of-mouth is the most common way to find a natural health practitioner, plus many national organizations will help identify practitioners by location. Schedule an initial conversation to ask a practitioner key questions. What is your degree, certification or license? Who trained you and how did you train, specifically? Do you practice full time? How long have you been in practice? Will you provide patient references I can speak with? Trust in intuitive responses to the individual during the conversation or interview. His or her passion for the work of healing should be noticeable.

Resolutions Can Assist Feelings of Grief by Kristi Capriglione

ith the new year beginning, people are racing to set and maintain their resolutions. Many will resolve to exercise more, lose weight and be more punctual. While it may be easy for some to undertake this ritual, the new year brings on different emotions for those that are grieving. The more traditional resolutions become not so important and the idea of getting through all the yearly anniversaries of deceased loved one becomes harder and at times overwhelming. Although grieving proves to be difficult and trying during the year, there are some resolutions that we can make to get through the difficult times. We need to listen to our bodies and the way our grief is affecting us. Learn to embrace the resolution of drinking plenty of water and eating healthy. It’s not uncommon for people that are grieving to be more susceptible to sickness. By nature, grief takes a toll not only on our emotional spirit but on our physical as well. Drinking water helps to flush toxins from our system allowing for a healthier immune system. Eating healthy allows for the body to refuel with necessary vitamins and energy to continue to fight against sickness. Although exercising more is a traditional resolution, it also helps with grief. Through these winter months, a long walk outside may not be an option for those who prefer the

warmth. However, taking the stairs at work, parking a little further from the door or utilizing an inside treadmill are other options that can get the blood flowing. If these activities don’t sound appealing, grab a friend and join a local gym or exercise class. Having an exercise buddy helps to increase the chances of following through with this resolution. An important resolution is to make time for ourselves and our grief. When times become sad or disheartening, we need to realize that’s a sign from our grief to slow down and pay respect to our feelings. As the feelings flush over, it’s important to recognize the sadness as it is and accept the feeling. Once this happens, the grief will flow through the body and begin to release itself. The longer we ignore the feeling the longer it stays with us. Using a journal to write down our emotional experience can help to process the grief and place names to the feelings. If talking is your avenue, find a friend or therapist to help the process. Lastly, for those who are grieving, the best resolution we can grant ourselves is that of hope— that the new year will bring challenges that will turn into growth; that each sunrise will bring happiness; and that you can be patient with yourself and your grief while trusting that the pain will lessen as the love deepens. Grieving is a unique process. Finding what suits you best may take some time. If one resolution doesn’t work, don’t stop searching for what makes the process a little easier. As time continues, the grief does not go away. Instead, we learn how to live with the loss by learning how to cope with our feelings. Our loved ones who have passed away will always remain in our hearts surrounded by love that we have once shared. As Emily Dickinson put it, “Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” Kristi Capriglione, LAC, is cofounder of and a grief counselor at The Center for Grief Services, offering workshops and counseling for those experiencing loss. See ad on page 21.

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by Lauressa Nelson

A health or wellness coach integrated into a personal healthcare team can be critical to catalyzing sustainable change. Many people understand they need to modify their self-care, yet fail to take the optimal steps to make such a transformation happen.

“

hat we’ve discovered is that people don’t routinely change behavior due to education alone or out of fear. They change through partnership,” explains Linda Smith, a physician’s assistant and director of professional and public programs at Duke Integrative Medicine, in Durham, North Carolina. Coaching partnerships supply a supportive bridge between provider recommendations and patient implementations, she says, “significantly increasing the client’s ability to make changes successfully.” “Health coaching was absolutely essential to my health,” says Roberta Cutbill, a 72-year-old retired registered nurse in Greensboro, North Carolina, who considered her lifestyle relatively healthy when in her late 60s she experienced autoimmune and cardiac problems. “I have an excellent primary care doctor who, when these issues came up, told me that I needed to change my diet, thoughtfully downloaded a list of recommendations and sent me on my way. I still needed help with

many things in order to make the changes,” recalls Cutbill, which is why she turned to a health coach at Duke Integrative Medicine. Margaret Moore, founder and CEO of Wellcoaches Corporation and co-director of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, in Belmont, Massachusetts, identifies two primary forces that enable behavioral change: autonomous motivation (people want to do something for their own reasons, not because someone tells them to) and confidence (they believe they can do it). “The most powerful motivating forces of all are what you treasure most in life, your life purpose and contribution,” she remarks. Both Smith and Moore emphasize that the priorities in any health coaching relationship are client driven, based on the client’s chosen goals and personal intrinsic motivators. Confidence in attaining ultimate success is built through positively framed experiments and experiences. “A health coach is trained to help clients break up their goals into manageable steps, focus on strengths, track progress and identify and overcome personal roadblocks,” explains Dr. Karen Lawson, an integrative physician and director of integrative health coaching at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing, in Minneapolis. A helpful approach sets goals that can be met and exceeded, not insurmountable ones. “The key is always keeping a positive lens, helping clients see the progress they achieve,” continues Lawson. This involves speaking in terms of growth through trial and error, in which outcomes are explored without judgment and clients feel empowered to modify. This is vital, explains Moore, because experiencing at least a three-to-one ratio of positive to negative emotions creates the conditions for the brain to learn, change and thrive, making people feel more capable of taking care of their health. Mindful awareness is another essential tool; being self-aware and reflecting on what we are doing while it is happening. Unlike thinking, analyzing and planning, mindfulness involves observing while experiencing. During sessions, coaches use it to give their full attention in a non-judgmental way, modeling how clients can bring such compassion to themselves. A mindful state calms mental noise and puts reflective distance between individuals and their beliefs, emotions and behaviors. It improves their ability to handle negative emotions and to make a conscious choice to respond with a different attitude or new behavior, according to Moore. For Cutbill, maintaining a personal relationship with her coach over time has been the most significant factor in the improvement of her health. “The relationship was healing, because my coach regularly pointed out my progress with profound encouragement and validation. I wish all primary care doctors had health coaches on staff to help them and their patients attain the success they both are aiming for.”

Hallmarks of a Good Health Coach by Margaret Moore In the past 10 years, approximately 10,000 health professionals have become coaches through dedicated training schools and university programs focused on life, corporate or health and wellness coaching. The selection of the right partner to help in the quest for lifelong wellness entails assessing the following qualifications. Credentials and training: A reputable health and wellness coach training program typically requires six months to two years of education, skills training and practice with clients, followed by a certification process that tests for knowledge and core competencies. Employment background: Additional desirable credentials in the medical, physical or mental health fields will likely include exercise physiology, physical therapy, psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, nursing or medicine. Structured relationship: A coach should be able to explain how coaching works and why successful results are more likely with a coach. Coaching sessions are typically conducted by phone and last between 30 and 60 minutes. Coaching services are generally not covered by insurance. Personal character: Effective health coaches are good listeners, interested in clients’ unique stories. They foster self-acceptance and self-respect, pointing out personal strengths, values and desires. Coaches engage, energize and challenge clients through a positive, non-judgmental focus, while at the same time asking courageous questions. As skilled partners, they help clients become clear about personal motivations and an overall vision for life, so that they can help design a detailed, attainable plan that successfully moves them toward fulfilling their goals. Margaret Moore is CEO of Wellcoaches Corporation and holds a master’s degree in business administration. Email her at Margaret@Wellcoaches.com or visit CoachMeg.com or Wellcoaches.com.

Lauressa Nelson is an editor and contributing writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at LauressaNelson@gmail.com. natural awakenings

January 2014

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Easy Ways to Go Eco Right Now by Avery Mack

ew Year resolutions can be a distant memory by mid-January, due to unrealistic expectations, slow results and distractions that sideline good intentions. Yet we may still reap the rewards of a greener, healthier lifestyle by progressively adopting small, doable changes.

Nifty Switches

January white sales present a prime opportunity to change to organic cotton sheets and dry-fast towels to reduce energy usage. Local animal shelters welcome old towels and blankets. Homeless shelters also accept gently used clean linens and outgrown coldweather gear. Replace family toothbrushes with eco-friendly models made from renewable castor oil plants instead of petroleum. The Naturally Clean Toothbrush is BPA-free and recyclable (TomsOfMaine.com). Each day, Americans use 500 million disposable straws, reports Milo Cress, founder of the Be Straw Free Campaign (Ecocycle.org). Discarded plastic straws and stirrers are on the Ocean Conservancy’s top 10 list of debris littering beaches. Cindy Schiff Slansky, CEO of GreenPaxx, in New York City, suggests using a reusable silicone straw. “The bright colors help keep track of

each person’s drink. They’re in my purse for when I eat out with my kids,” she says. “We always say no to disposable straws.” Also consider paper straws that compost within 45 to 60 days. Plug electronics into power-saving energy strips that can be turned off when machines aren’t in use. Completely shutting down computers saves more energy than using sleep mode. When it’s time for a more energyefficient fridge or freezer, call the electric company. The Appliance Recycling Centers of America work with utilities to pick up and recycle working appliances. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are accepted with a qualifying fridge or freezer. Alternatively, call a local recycling company for a curb pickup of broken appliances; even easier, confirm that the company delivering a new appliance will take away and recycle the old one. Upgrade to a greener model when the need arises to change cars. California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont have pledged to speed the construction of charging stations in their states and project collectively having 3.3 million batterypowered cars, plug-in hybrids and other clean-burning vehicles on their roads by 2025.

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One-pot, slow-cooked hearty stews and soups—especially made with seasonal, locally grown vegetables—use less energy and need less water to wash. A slow cooker can also steam rice, make yogurt or bake simple, whole-grain breads (VitaClayChef.com). Dave Feller, CEO of Yummly.com, in Redwood City, California, adds, “Slow cooking tenderizes meats and brings out flavor, even in less expensive cuts. It’s also a timesaver.” Yummly recipes detail ingredients, cooking times and nutritional values. For family snacks, Terry Walters, the Avon, Connecticut, author of Clean Food and Clean Start, advocates going untraditional. “Get closer to the green plant than the processing plant,” she advises. At least once a week, she likes to try a new food. “Roasted chick peas, kale chips or a ‘pizza’ made from a rice tortilla, pasta sauce or pesto, and veggies all make ‘clean-food’ snacks.” (Recipes at TerryWalters.net.) Keeping produce fresh can be a challenge, especially when the average fridge can harbor millions of bacteria, according to testing by Microban Europe, UK. The BerryBreeze in-fridge automated device periodically circulates activated oxygen to prevent mold, keeping produce fresh longer and reducing spoiling to save grocery dollars (BerryBreeze.com). Hannah Helsabeck, president of eco-friendly WildMintShop.com, shares can-free meal tips online. “It takes a little planning, but we can now avoid all the toxic chemicals used in processing foods and making cans. Let’s kick the can!” Also, check out local food Meetup groups. Penny Miller, of Wichita Falls, Texas, says, “At our first meeting, we saw examples of raised-bed gardens, rainwater harvesting, composting, native landscaping and container plants.” Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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WHOLE FOOD Greater than the Sum of its Parts by Margie King

estern science is obsessed with deconstructing food, researching and analyzing its component parts, isolating the active ingredients, repackaging them in pills or powders and prescribing them in daily doses. But according to Annemarie Colbin, Ph.D., author of Food and Healing, this chemistry-based theory of nutrition is upside-down. Colbin, founder and CEO of the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts, in New York City, has crafted her own nutrition theory based on more than 30 years of nutrition practice, teaching from a foundation that a whole food, like the complex human being consuming it, is greater than the sum of its parts. She defines whole foods as “those that nature provides and all the edible parts.” She limits them to those comprising one ingredient, such as plants, whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Animal foods are more challenging to categorize. Eggs are a whole food, but steaks are not, because they are one

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part of the entire animal. She includes small fish if we eat the head and bones, and small birds like quail. Whole milk is included, but not low-fat dairy. Colbin maintains that our bodies know the difference between a whole food and an aggregation of isolated nutrients. We have evolved over thousands of years to eat the food that nature presents to us, and if that food has been fragmented, the body realizes it and seeks what’s missing. For example, if we eat fragmented wheat like white bread, in which the bran and germ of the whole grain have been removed, the body will still be hungry and seek the missing part of the food, something with fiber or crunch. Likewise, health enthusiasts that devour wheat germ or wheat bran in isolation will also feel something is missing and may find themselves craving refined flour in the form of cake or other baked goods. Table sugar is another example, a fragment of sugar cane. Colbin calculates that it takes 17 feet of sugar cane to make one cup of sugar. What’s missing

is mostly the cane’s water content and the result, she says, is that sugar makes you thirsty. It’s a big reason why when we drink a soda, ingesting an average equivalent of 12 teaspoons of sugar, we’re thirsty afterward and drink even more, creating a vicious cycle. Fruit juices are, by definition, a fragmented food. When we drink orange or grapefruit juice, all or most of the fiber from the raw fruit is obviously missing. Craving something to chew, we may reach for chips or something crunchy. Vegetable juices may yield the same result. Colbin cautions that while vitamin and mineral supplements can be helpful in treating specific conditions or deficiencies, they nevertheless comprise fragments of food at best. She notes that the body may have difficulty processing these isolated nutrients outside of the whole food. Supportive studies include Kentucky’s University of Louisville School of Medicine comparison of the effects of the spice turmeric with those of its active ingredient, curcumin. Adding the whole food turmeric to the diet of rats reduced inflammation significantly, while curcumin alone was ineffective. Results suggested the difference may be explained by turmeric’s higher bioavailability. A Pennsylvania State University research review determined that although population studies consistently report

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that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables protects against cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, studies of antioxidant supplements did not show the same benefits. The difference may be that a whole foods diet naturally contains not only antioxidants, but a wide range of nutrients and compounds that may act synergistically to protect against diseases. Colbin goes further, suggesting that supplements may even make us less likely to want to eat vegetables and set us up for junk food cravings to balance out too many vitamins or minerals. Her advice is to use vitamins and supplements if medically required, but not every day and not for a lifetime. Her views are all about maintaining the natural balance in the foods that nature provides without worrying about striving for perfection or radical changes in diet. Colbin recommends aiming for 70 percent whole foods overall to keep everything in balance. Start by taking a few small changes, listen to the body to see if there’s a noticeable difference and adjust accordingly. Margie King is a former corporate attorney now working as a holistic health and nutrition coach and natural health copywriter from Philadelphia, PA. Connect via Nourishing Menopause.com.

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Label Literacy Five Tips Help Kids Choose Healthy Foods by Elisa Bosley

Families have three key weapons in combating America’s childhood obesity epidemic: keeping them active, reducing their soda and junk food intake and teaching youngsters how to read food labels.

ccording to the National Center for Health Statistics, obesity more than doubled in children ages 6 to 11 and tripled in adolescents ages 12 to 19 between 1980 and 2010. Nearly one in five youths in both age groups, plus one in eight preschoolers, are now considered obese and at increased risk for consequent health problems. By 2013, the Centers for Disease Control finally showed signs of hope, with some states reporting small reversals in the trend. Positive developments might continue if parents and teachers gently coach kids to better evaluate what’s going into their mouths and bodies by understanding food labels. Despite the intimidation factor (even for adults), “Once children know how to read, they are ready to start learning how to read food labels,” advises Jolly Backer, CEO of Fresh Healthy Vending, a forward-thinking company actively increasing the presence of healthy-food vending machines in schools nationwide. He says, “The more kids know about what they’re eating, the more empowered they’ll be about making healthier food choices.” Here are five basic tips to increase

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knowing what food labels really say that will benefit a youngster’s health for a lifetime. Visualize serving sizes. Assemble two or three packaged food items— preferably those that the child regularly eats, like cereal, oatmeal and applesauce—plus a measuring cup. Point out the serving-size number on the package label, and let the child measure out a single serving. This visually reinforces serving sizes, the first number anyone needs to consider on a food label. Try it with a single soda or juice bottle, too, which often says, “two servings.” Important note: Most nutrition label serving sizes are based on a 2,000-calorie adult diet. For kids ages 4 to 8, portion sizes are about two-thirds of an adult portion; for preteens, portions run 80 to 90 percent of the adult amount, says Registered Dietitian Tara Dellolacono-Thies, food coach for CLIF Kid nutrient-rich organic energy snacks. Evaluate numbers. Next, discuss the numbers noted for calories, fat, sugar, fiber and cholesterol. When evaluating a packaged food for an elementary school child, DellolaconoThies suggests aiming for 175 calories or less per serving; one gram or less

Elisa Bosley is senior food editor at Delicious Living magazine.

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saturated fat; no trans fats; no more than 13 grams of added sugars; no more than 210 milligrams sodium content; and at least two grams of fiber. She notes that cholesterol alone is less of a health risk factor for kids than saturated fats and sugars unless a child is on a specialized diet. Added bonuses: Look for high-percent daily values (shown as DV percentage) for nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin D, which experts generally agree most kids’ diets lack in sufficient quantities. Compare and contrast. Armed with these basic guidelines, compare, for example, the grams of sugar in a can of soda with a serving of cooked rolled oats, or the amount of calcium in a carton of milk versus a juice box. One-to-one evaluations will begin to give a child a sense of what numbers constitute “high” or “low” amounts. Check the fine print. “Artificial colors and flavors, artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated anything signal that the food is likely of lower nutritional quality,” counsels Dellolacono-Thies. Make a game of sounding out items in the ingredient list. “It’s a classic teaching moment: Unpronounceable ingredients often mean it’s a lab-created, fake, food-like item,” she says. Next, ask the youngster to read the label on an apple. Surprise! No food label means it’s a whole, real food—the best, most nutritious kind. Translate knowledge into choices. Once a child has gotten the hang of it, let him or her compare different food labels and choose which one is the healthier option. Plan a little extra time to also do it during grocery shopping. With time and practice, an educated youngster will begin to incorporate the power of reading food labels before choosing foods. “Even when children walk up to a vending machine, where they can’t read labels, you want them to know which is the healthier option,” says Backer. “With label-reading practice, they’ll become savvy shoppers who’ll readily recognize healthy food options when they see them.”

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n human health care, naturopathic doctors offer a specialty called antiaging medicine. The goal is to restore optimal health to those at midlife and older that seek to prevent or reduce the incidence of diseases often associated with aging. But when it comes to aging pets, most veterinary doctors fail to focus on the necessary specialized care. In fact, some traditional vets may decline to treat older pets at all. Often, these animals are suffering from chronic diseases and when they are treated, prescriptions may include numerous drugs. As many know, drugs can entail serious, even debilitating side effects, further deteriorating the prospects for sustained health. Owners may thus find themselves spending a lot of money maintaining their pets in a chronic state of ill health with little hope for improvement. Animals that might benefit from surgery for problems ranging from dental disease to tumors may not receive ameliorating care when the family vet simply consid-

ers them “too old” to invest in or pull through surgery.

A Better Alternative

For an enlightened holistic vet, no pet is too old to warrant and benefit from proper health care. By instituting the correct care and focusing on anti-aging efforts, health can be improved and often restored, with the added advantages of reducing unnecessary medications and increasing their lifespan. As an example, most doctors expect larger breeds of dogs to live 10 to 12 years, but with informed care, these same dogs can typically live 15 to 16 years. Smaller dogs and cats typically have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years; using an anti-aging approach, such pets routinely live 18 to 20 years or longer, in good health and with a good quality of life.

Exemplary Treatment

Here’s how the team at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, in Plano, Texas, successfully approaches anti-aging medicine.

Beginning at 5 years of age, all pets—including dogs, cats, other small mammals, birds and reptiles—are screened via a physical examination and special blood and urine tests twice a year, with a focus on bionutritional analysis of results. Abnormal results indicating some risk, even slight ones, often ignored by mainstream medicine, are treated using vet-specified natural medicines that help return biometric values to normal and slow down the progression of problems that could, if untreated, turn into serious diseases. Dietary evaluation, including a bionutritional analysis, ensures that the pet is eating what’s most appropriate for its age, breed and health status. Potential dental and other oral issues are treated aggressively and early, because they are the most common source of infection and inflammation contributing to poor bodily health, including diabetes and diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. A review of prior medications confirms or adjusts proper use. In most cases, some of these medications can be eliminated or replaced as needed with natural therapies that have the same clinical effect, but without the possible side effects associated with chronic use of medical therapies. Natural supplements, which can benefit all pets, also are reviewed and/ or prescribed. Most older pets benefit from supplementation with phosphatidylcholine, vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, glucosamine and other elements to support thyroid and adrenal functions. Paws & Claws also favors the herbal remedy Healthy Qi to support the immune system of any ill or older pet; astragalus, green tea, gotu kola and ginseng ingredients give an extra boost toward achieving homeostasis and improved quality of life. Like human senior citizens, pets in their golden years deserve dignified specialized care that allows them to live more happily and peacefully. Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

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Soul-Full

GOALS Feeling Our Way to Happiness by Susie Ruth

any of us have our relationship to success inside-out. We busy ourselves so much with do-or-die goals we “should” achieve that we drown out the crucial signals life is sending our way—both from our own instincts and from others that can objectively see what we truly need. According to Danielle LaPorte, author of The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul, knowing how we want to feel inside yields the most potent clarity in identifying what’s critical to us. “We need to have soulcentered goals, and if we get clear on defining our core desired feelings—the way we most want to feel—then all of our goals are a means to create those feelings,” she says. “It’s that simple.” The external things we want to have and experience are secondary goals, provided they contribute to the first. LaPorte’s Desire Map process is a holistic life planning tool that helps spur our thinking about our core desired feelings and how to use them to start creating some goals with soul. At heart, it involves the following four highly personalized steps. How do you want to feel? Engage in a stream of consciousness, allowing each query to lead to the next and letting your desired feelings flow. Do you want to, for example, feel continuously energized, connected or prosperous? Consider areas such as livelihood and lifestyle (career, money, home, travel), health and wellness (healing, fitness, leisure, mental health) and relationships and community (romance, friendship, family).

Recognize patterns. Look for patterns in the desired feelings in order to distill your list to determine key, repeating words. Individuals tend to reach for the same feeling states across all areas of their lives. If you want to feel “vitality” within livelihood, then you likely wish to feel the same way in the context of wellness and relationships. Declare your core desired feelings. Now zero in on three to five core feelings that resonate most strongly inside. Ask yourself what’s beneath each feeling. For you, perhaps “success” is really about freedom, creativity or excellence. Look up the definitions of words—every word is its own world. Which feelings do you find to be the most uplifting, positive, satisfying and compelling? Ask yourself: “What do I want to do, have or experience to create my core desired feelings?” Thus, you begin setting goals with soul. You see and make connections between how you want to feel and what will actually help you feel that way. This is where you turn your ambitions truly inside-out and right-side-up to hitch your intentions to deeper and more nurturing meaning. This is the revolutionary beginning of realizing the ongoing success of a lifetime. Source: Danielle LaPorte is an entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, social media presence and bestselling author of The Fire Starter Sessions; her latest release is The Desire Map. She is a former news commentator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and director of a Washington, D.C., think tank. Visit DanielleLaPorte.com.

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January 2014 2014 January

29 29

Coming Next Month

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Money Myths

Filmmaker Katie Teague Uncovers Our Misperceptions by Linda Sechrist

atie Teague’s inspiring documentary, Money and Life (MoneyAndLifeMovie. com), provocatively asks: Rather than disastrous, can we view economic crises as brimming with opportunities to shift our thoughts about money and thereby improve models of economic exchange?

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Why did you produce a documentary on the subject of money? As an in-depth psychotherapist familiar with observing humanity, I felt that I could use the simple lens of storytelling to chronicle the complexity of money and economics. Because I had no experience in economics or filmmaking, I was often brought to my knees in the crucible of all I was learning, a virtual crash Ph.D. course. In interviewing David Korten, economist, author and former professor at the Harvard Business School, he soothed my worries by pointing out that because I hadn’t been indoctrinated into the world of economics and its jargon, my language of metaphors and analogies would help lay people better recognize and understand convoluted economic concepts. As a therapist, I repeatedly see how disconnections due to eroding relationships with ourselves, our natural world and each other are wreaking havoc on people and the planet. I routinely see that money isn’t a root cause of a person’s issues, just the container for them. Most frequently the issues I hear about result from setting dreams aside “for later” and squelching the sparks of individual genius, usually because

of a perceived scarcity of money. I became curious about what role our relationship to money plays in such disconnections.

What are the effects of awaking to what money is and isn’t in our lives? In considering this from the perspective of healing and tending the soul, asking, “Where are we most wounded in our modern world?” I had my own quantum awakening to the fact that I’m not separate from the subject matter I’m exploring: What is my own story with money? Have I given up healthy selfgovernment to the money god? What are my opportunities to reclaim my own power? I discovered that the core principle of the economy, money and currency is relationship itself, and that we’ve unwittingly disempowered ourselves by entrusting too much power to middlemen like central banks and financial consultants, but are now realizing that we don’t need them. One clear example is that more individuals are having a direct experience of the divine. Also, entire communities are investing their time, energy and money in their local economies, where they have established relationships and can see the results. I believe that the technologies supporting our emerging new economy reflect our own consciousness coming online.

Were you surprised at what you learned? I did not know that the U.S. and global economies are based on debt and scar-

city nor understand beforehand that our perceptions of scarcity and separation from one another are only illusions. While the majority of economists say that money is an exchange, Bernard Lietaer, author of The Future of Money, states, that is what money does but not what it is. Fundamentally, money is a human agreement—a form of currency via an artifact designed, engineered and built by humans. This is something we have forgotten and it’s hurting us.

How did you approach the universally sensitive subject of money? The film is purely a starting place and a tool that individuals can use to educate themselves and spark conversations. I kept the tone of the film as non-polarizing as possible so that conservative family members could cull compelling concepts that inspire further exploration, rather than walk away feeling a need to defend their beliefs. Awareness and knowledge breeds empowerment and innovative perspectives so that we all can better participate in whatever is emerging.

Will a new economy replace or parallel the existing one? A new economy is emerging and operating in parallel. Beyond being based on gifting, alternative money, barter or other buzzwords, it’s coming online from a previously unknown place. This is one of the reasons I term the film emergent-oriented, rather than solution-oriented. A quote by Richard Buckminster Fuller, systems theorist, architect and inventor, eloquently applies: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” The fact is that the old economy, based on debt and scarcity, is designed to collapse. The more innovative we can be in participating in the emerging economy, the more conscious awareness we can bring to bear, improving the chances for increasingly positive impacts. Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. Visit ItsAllAboutWe. com for recorded interviews.

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The Latest, Hottest Trends by Christine MacDonald

This year, many Americans are set to rock the charts by turning over a new leaf and morphing from more conventional workout modes to fresh takes on fitness.

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Activities high on people’s lists these days reflect a perceived scarcity of time and money. The top picks, according to the Indianapolis-based American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2014, will be high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and body weight training. Both pursuits have been contenders in recent years, but are cresting the survey for the first time. A HIIT session, typically involving rapid bursts of activity interspersed with brief rest periods, usually takes less than 30 minutes. Body weight training’s appeal stems from its effectiveness and minimal need for fancy equipment or special gear. The survey—involving hundreds of personal trainers, gym owners and other fitness insiders—further notes an increasing diversity in fitness offerings, plus some contradictory trends. Not everyone, for instance, is cost-conscious;

fitness professionals anticipate the continued rise of boutiques specializing in niche activities. Those with momentum range from ballet-inspired barre workouts to Pound and Drums Alive sessions, in which people “rock out” while they work out. Grace DeSimone, an ACSM spokesperson, equates specialized offerings to an à la carte menu, with individuals choosing tasty workout modes. “It’s like a buffet,” she says. While a single class can cost up to $25, there seldom are membership fees. Muscles are treated to varied workouts, even if only once a week in a “boutique” treatment. “It’s good for your body to crosstrain; if you do the same thing over and over again, your body adapts,” DeSimone advises. Unless a competitive athlete is looking to improve performances in a given sport, repeating the same exercise daily can lead to injury and

lessen the desired positive impact, she says. “Your body likes change.” Spinning spin-offs like Soulcycle, Flywheel and Kinetic Cycling represent an evolution of indoor classes and oldschool outdoor cycling. Meanwhile, fitness instructors and wellness consultants note that Zumba has set the stage for dance-oriented workouts, diverging from Latin rhythms into hip-hop and other music genres. If workouts are increasingly encroaching on “social” activities like dancing, it’s because the nation—or at least the expanding population trying to live healthier lifestyles—is undergoing a broader lifestyle transformation, says Jim White, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The registered dietitian, award-winning fitness pro and national spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics observes, “There’s a shift in culture.” He says, “People are sick of ‘yo-yoing’ with fad diets and exercise routines, and they are looking for effective new approaches, whether for dieting, social life, accountability or competition.” He sees this new mindset fueling the proliferation of websites and phone

in achieving their desired results is propelling growing numbers of trainers and coaches to obtain health and fitness college degrees and postgraduate certifications. Specialized Fitness Programs: Programs geared to the needs of particular groups such as pregnant women, older adults, dog owners and those interested in losing weight remain popular. Activities vary in approach and intensity, but often emphasize “functional fitness”, focusing on building strength and balance useful in everyday life, rather than more athletic or competitive training. Yoga: This ancient mind-body workout continues to extend from East to West, building on a host of classical forms such as hatha, ashtanga, kripalu, kundalini and Vinyasa. Relatively new forms also are extensive, from power yoga, Bikram and Yogalates to emerging hybrids like the yoga/surfing combination of Yoga Board.

apps that facilitate everything from counting calories and steps walked daily to on-the-go workouts.

What’s Playing

Interval Training: Both high- and low-intensity variations can resemble a fountain of youth for older adults, says DeSimone. These can range from integrating a few five-minute sprints to enhance a half-hour walk to engaging in formalized Asian-influenced Tabata classes and boot camps. High-intensity workouts aren’t for everyone. “HIIT is best delivered when it does not use the one-size-fits-all approach,” says Tony Ordas, a kinesiology lecturer at California State University, San Marcos. “Participants need to have an established level of cardiovascular endurance before increasing intensity.” Body Weight Training: The natural, timeless exercise approach of using our own body weight instead of equipment can, if done right, hone muscles and build core strength, often in creative ways. Personal Training, Small-Group Training and Wellness Coaching: Rising demand by individuals for support

Christine MacDonald is a freelance journalist in Washington, D.C., whose specialties include health and science. Visit ChristineMacDonald.info.

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January 2014

healthykids

Fitness is

by Catherine S. Gregory

We may lead an active lifestyle—but what about our kids? Startling statistics show that in the past 20 years, the number of overweight children has increased by more than 50 percent.

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on adolescent nutrition, physical activity and obesity, fewer than 30 percent of high school students surveyed had participated in at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity. The main culprit is a sedentary lifestyle. For most American children, the average amount of energy consumed from food hasn’t changed over the past two decades, but physical activity has taken a nosedive. Experts blame the drop in physical activity on an obsession with the screen: Kids are spending 25 hours or more per week in front of television, video games and computers. “Kids actually burn fewer calories watching television than they do just sitting still. It’s as though TV puts them

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into a hypometabolic state,” advises Barbara Brehm, professor of exercise and sports studies at Smith College, in Northampton, Massachusetts. Meanwhile, budget cuts in schools have reduced or eliminated many physical education programs. Physical fitness is well known for building strength and endurance and warding off illness and disease, such as Type 2 diabetes, once an adult affliction, now increasing among youth. Studies also show that physical wellbeing is linked to increased academic performance. “I think kids need exercise to focus, to prevent depression and feelings of stress,” Brehm observes. “They need it to stay healthy, both emotionally and physically.” So, how can parents encourage kids to get active? We can start by limiting their exposure to electronic screens.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum of two hours a day. Focus instead on increasing activity time.

Start ‘Em Young One of the best activities going is exercising together as a family. Parents’ attitudes and fitness choices play a role in piquing kids’ interest; the younger the child, the stronger the impression. “Start from day one,” says Brehm. “If you try to push fitness on a teenager, they may rebel and become sedentary, so the trick is to figure out what activities the teens hate the least or enjoy the most and help to promote that.” Children’s physical development also determines which activities are appropriate. Brehm notes how creating structured exercise for young children can result in negative attitudes toward fitness. Instead, the emphasis should be on unstructured play. Kids under 5 love to play at the park and engage in games of noncompetitive tag or playful snowball jousts. Basic physical skills, such as throwing, kicking and jumping are good activities at this age.

Most kids won’t show an interest in structured fitness or sports until the sixth or seventh grade, and some never do, Brehm continues. Children ages 5 to 8 can begin a team sport, as long as the focus is on fun, rather than winning. This age group is more susceptible to injury as they develop physical coordination, so it’s vital to set boundaries. Once children reach middle school, open doors for them to discover activities of interest and encourage experimentation. Team sports improve physical coordination and endurance. The whole family can play Frisbee, walk, bike and skate together.

Fun First, Progress Follows Scott Cole, fitness expert and star of the bestselling video Abs of Steel, works as a personal trainer for overweight kids. He also travels with his Get Fit America program to schools, teaching t’ai chi and yoga, aiming to build body awareness and self-esteem in kids from kindergarten through sixth grade. His approach to kids’ fitness is relaxed and intuitive. “My goal is to excite them by tapping into their interests,” he says. “These kids have a chance to reverse the obesity trend. My desire is to teach kids to make healthy choices for themselves, not to view fitness as someone shaking their finger, telling them they should do this. I’m not a scale watcher,” Cole remarks. “I think that puts pressure on kids. Progress is a given if they’re sticking with it because they like it.”

weight resistance exercises like squats, pushups or pullups to build strength.

Fun Ways to Get a Move On Once we get kids excited about fitness, chances are, they’ll keep moving for the rest of their lives. Here is a rundown of 10 fun ways to get kids going, as recommended by the American Council on Exercise.

Soccer – Promotes agility, stamina and

teamwork. Requires protective gear.

Martial Arts – Multiple forms improve strength, coordination and mental discipline. Proper training and equipment to prevent injury are essential.

on sidewalks and paths until the child is 10 years old, shows good riding skills and is able to follow the rules of the road. Some local laws mandate helmets.

Swimming – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children ages 4 and up, although classes are available for babies and toddlers, as well. Basketball – Develops hand-eye coordination and teamwork. Children younger than 7 can use a smaller foam or rubber ball and a lower basket. Obstacle Course – These chal-

lenge kids to use a variety of skills. Park playground equipment and jump ropes, balls, inflatables and cones make it happen.

Dancing – Any style, from ballet to

hip-hop, encourages children’s creative expression and the joy of moving their bodies freely. They can also get a good aerobic workout dancing in the privacy of their own room.

Board Sports – Kids love to be on a board, whether it’s snowboarding in the winter, surfing in the summer or skateboarding year-round. Injury risk, however, is higher for these sports. For both snowboarding and skateboarding, kids need to wear helmets and an adult should always accompany surfers and boogie-boarders. Jumping Rope – Jumping rope, still a favorite on playgrounds, challenges coordination and stamina.

Weights Debate The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that weight training not be undertaken until after puberty and when bone growth is complete. However, Brehm notes that she has worked with sixth-graders who enjoyed using weight machines at the gym and did so safely. She does stress the importance of using the proper-sized equipment under supervision and with extreme caution. “If they hit a growth spurt, their muscles and joints are a little more vulnerable to injuries,” Brehm counsels, “so they may need to cut back on how much they’re doing.” Cole doesn’t recommend that kids lift weights. Instead, he encourages body

Bicycling – Experts suggest riding only

Skating – Ice-skating, inline-skating and hockey can be both fun and safe, using appropriate protective gear.

It is health that is real

wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. ~Mahatma Gandhi

natural awakenings

January 2014

A DV E RTO R I A L

Natural Iodine Supplementation A Must for Most Americans

e all need iodine, yet most of us don’t get enough of it through our diet. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that iodine deficiency in the developed world has increased fourfold in the past 40 years and now affects nearly three-quarters of all adults. Numerous U.S. practicing physicians quoted widely in the media estimate that the incidence of hypothyroidism in our adult population may be between 30 and 70 percent. Thus, we can’t efficiently produce the thyroid hormones that serve as chemical messengers triggering nearly every bodily function. The presence or absence of iodine affects our every cell.

Be Aware of Hypothyroidism Symptoms Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is the most recognized and obvious indicator of low iodine intake because the thyroid gland contains more concentrated iodine than other organs.

Symptoms can range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and a variety of skin and hair problems. Hypothyroidism can further cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke. Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers. In children, insufficient iodine has been strongly linked with mental retardation, deafness, attention deficient and hyperactivity disorder and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University, China’s Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and France’s National Academy of Medicine. The answer is simple: Taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage can rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the thyroid and the whole body.

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Natural Awakenings Detoxifed Iodine is 100 percent natural, raw iodine in an ethyl alcohol solution. We thank all those that are benefiting from this product and enthusiastically telling us their great results.  Available only at NAWebstore.com  My wife, who suffered from extreme fatigue and other symptoms, saw a dramatic increase in energy after just a few days of taking the natural iodine drops. Now if she misses a day, she’ll end up falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon, like she used to do before taking the iodine. It works! ~ Aaron My doctor told me that I had a hypothyroid condition, prescribed medication and was happy with the follow-up test results, yet I noticed no positive effects on my overall wellbeing. Within two weeks of using the Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine, I had more energy, felt more awake and enjoyed clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. People even comment that I look younger. I am a fan! ~ Larry

Reasons Behind Iodine Deficiency Radiation: Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens and other electronic devices. Iodized table salt: The human body cannot utilize the iodine added to this product. Low-sodium diets: Failure to use healthy salts to fulfill sodium requirements, plus overuse of zero-nutrient table salt in foods, leads to iodine depletion. Bromine: This toxic chemical overrides iodine’s abilities to nourish the thyroid, adrenal and other hormone-producing glands. A known carcinogen, it is used as an anticaking ingredient found in almost all baked goods, unless the ingredients specifically cite unbromated flour. Iodine-depleted soils: Due to poor farming techniques, iodine and other minerals in soil have declined, so most foods today are devoid of naturally occurring iodine. Proper iodine supplementation with a high-quality product like Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine can prevent harm by protecting the thyroid and other endocrine glands and restoring proper hormone production.

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@NAMercer.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9

Happy New Year!

Navigating Retirement – 2-3pm. Free. This supportive group will discuss the joys, concerns and challenges of having extra time and making decisions about how to use it to create fulfillment. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 From Dude to Dad – 9:30-11am. Becoming a father is a life changing event; come learn the tools necessary to get you off to a successful start. The class covers specific, hands-on skills like changing a diaper, swaddling and soothing an infant, changing family roles, work/family balance and the wide range of challenges a new dad experiences. Cost $25. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900.

MONDAY, JANUARY 6 Pre-Natal Yoga 4-Week Class – 7:15-8:15pm. Exercise with a certified prenatal yoga instructor in a class that encourages flexibility, endurance and strength through physical poses. This specialized class for expectant mothers can help you meet and bond with other pregnant women and prepare for the journey of being a new parent. No prior yoga experience needed. Please bring a yoga mat. Cost $40. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900. AARP Driving Course – 9am-3pm. Be a safer, better driver. Most insurance companies will lower your premium with a completion certificate. Bring your NJ pr PA driver’s license. Cost $14/$12 AARP members/nonmembers, cash/check only. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 Story-time Winter Preschool Class – 10-11:30am. Spend a wintry day with a SBMWA Teacher-Naturalist, listening to seasonal nature stories. Bring a blanket to curl up with and a special stuffed animal to hug. Children will make a simple craft to accompany each story. Registration required. Cost $10/$15 member/non-member for children 3-5 years old. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 Story-time Winter Preschool Class – 1-2:30pm. See January 7 listing. Pennington. Archangel Meditation Circle – 7-8:30pm. Come and join us in this monthly Meditation Circle. Judy Toma will give a brief Angel reading for each participant and give insight into a special Archangel. Welcome the New Year as you are guided on a journey to meet this Angel that will bring understanding and healing. Cost $28/person. Cha Cha Gifts and Wellness Center, 1300 Livingston Av, North Brunswick. 732-249-1821. Sourlands Documentary – 7:30pm. The 2012 documentary Sourlands by Jared Flesher about key aspects of the struggle to move toward a sustainable future in New Jersey will be presented. Three different vignettes about life in the Sourlands area east of Lambertville in Hunterdon and Mercer County are featured. For more information call Eric Hausker at 732-669-0719.

Guided Aromatic Meditation – 7-8pm. Develop relaxed awareness and clarity with meditative aromatic essences. Focus will be guided using breath, aroma, and intention attuning to the deepest level of being. Gemma Bianchi aromatherapist. Cost $10. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Hot Tunes – 8pm. Forget curling up by the fireplace. Fire up those freezing Friday evenings with the hottest acts in town, from Latin to jazz to country. Wine and cheese available for purchase. Cost $10. Crossing Vineyards & Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Rd, Washington Crossing. 215-493-9500 x19.

person. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 Grief Services Meet and Greet – 1-3pm. Come together to find support amongst others who are exercising a loss in their life. Center for Grief Services, 727 Raritan Av, Highland Park. For more information and to confirm attendance call 855-97-GRIEF.

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 Insects in Winter – 10am-12pm. During the cold winter months, insects and spiders seemingly disappear outdoors. Join SBMWA Education Director Jeff Hoagland on an outdoor insect safari in search of their winter homes. Learn about insect ‘antifreeze’ and how to identify eggs and cocoons. Dress for wintery walking conditions – boots are recommended. Registration required. Cost $8/$12 members/non-members. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

markyourcalendar Crystal & Alchemy Singing Bowl Meditation Come and experience the sonic tones of the bowls as they bathe your soul with Janis Alber Groppi. Envelop yourself in the therapeutic crystalline energies and feel your tension and stress dissipate with this soothing guided meditation.

January 11 • 1-2:30pm Cost $17 Cha Cha Gifts and Welness Center, 1300 Livingston Av, North Brunswick

Pre-Natal Yoga 4-Week Class – 7:15-8:15pm. See January 6 listing. Hamilton.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 Journey to the Past Preschool Class – 10-11:30am. Attention all young paleontologists! Come join us as we delve deep into our prehistoric past and learn about the beasts that once roamed the Earth. We will go on our very own ‘dino-dig’ to see what it is like unearthing these fine creatures. Registration required. Cost $10/$15 member/nonmember. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Read and Explore Gingerbread Man – 10am. Read & Explore session. We will read the Gingerbread Man and then each child will decorate a big gingerbread man cookie to take home. Registration is requested. Cost $7/child. Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609 924-2310. Taxes in Retirement Presentation – 7pm. Come to this discussion about retirement and income taxes to gain a better understanding of how income tax is calculated, why you would want to know your personal tax rate and a few strategies that may be useful. Martha Ferrari is a CPA and fee-only CFP, with a practice in retirement planning, trust and estate administration and taxation. Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St, Princeton. 609-924-7108.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

732-249-1821

Journey to the Past Preschool Class – 10-11:30am. 1-2:30pm. See January 14 listing. Pennington.

Winter Exploration Geocache Event – 1:303:30pm. This “event-cache” is a great introduction to the hobby of geocaching as well as the ecology of winter. Track animals, meet winter weeds and much more. Appropriate for beginners or experienced cachers. Registration requested. Cost $5/

Health Rhythm Drumming – 7-8pm. Group drumming is good fun and good for you. HealthRythms, an evidence-based program, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress. Drums provided or bring your own. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Cost $15. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900.

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January 2014

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 2014 Choose to Lose – 6:30-8pm. It’s a new year and you don’t need resolutions, you need results. Get them using your most powerful weapon – your mind. Join Barb Ulrich to find the motivation within to lose weight and gain a new lease. Cost $10. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900. In Search of Owls Presentation & Night Hike – 7-8:30pm. Begin the evening indoors with a presentation by SBMWA Teacher-Naturalist Allison Jackson, who will introduce you to owls, their calls and adaptations. After a night hike in search of the nocturnal raptors, we will warm up indoors with a hot beverage. Registration required. Cost $10/$15 member/nonmember for children and families 6 years old plus. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609737-7592.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 Read and Explore Gingerbread Man – 10am. See January 14 listing. Princeton. Grieving in the New Year Workshop – 11am3pm. How to cope and plan for the months ahead. Workshop led by Dr. Norma Bowe, experienced professor, psychiatric nurse and subject of the book The Death Class: A True Story About Life by Erika Haysaki. Center for Grief Services, 727 Raritan Av, Highland Park. For more information and to confirm attendance call 855-97-GRIEF. Learn to Take Better Pictures with Smartphone – 12:30-2pm. Are you wondering how to get the most from your smart phone camera? Learn from a professional photographer how to take better pictures with the camera that’s always in your pocket. Requirement: IPhone or Android Smartphone with camera. All skill levels. Instructor: Frank Veronsky. Cost $59. Can Do Fitness, 121 Main St, Forrestal Village, Princeton. 609-921-3519. Tarot Card Readings – 1-5pm. Tarot Card Readings with Jessica Gabrielle. Cost $45/half hour and $85/hour. Cha Cha Gifts and Wellness Center, 1300 Livingston Av, North Brunswick. 732-249-1821. Intro to the Chakras – 1:30-3pm. Come and learn the Wisdom of the Chakras with Adrienne Gammal. Learn how they function, their location, color, element, crystal and mission. Adrienne Gammal is a Certified Crystal Master Teacher, Reiki Master and guided meditation teacher for over 20 years.

Cost $25. Cha Cha Gifts and Wellness Center, 1300 Livingston Av, North Brunswick. 732-249-1821.

markyourcalendar Half-Day Retreat Incorporate gentle yoga, meditation, sound healing, and other visualization techniques to uncover your purpose and direction for the new year. Led by Brian Critchley and Cynthia Yoder.

January 18 • 3-7pm Cost $80 Sand Hills Wellness Center, 57 Sand Hills Rd, Kendall Park Register:

609-306-2618 MONDAY, JANUARY 20 Pre-Natal Yoga 4-Week Class – 7:15-8:15pm. See January 6 listing. Hamilton.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 Ice, Snow and things that Glitter Preschool Class – 10-11:30am. Explore the Watershed Reserve trails and marvel at the shapes and patterns that ice and frost have created. Afterward, make a glittery design. If there’s snow on the ground, we’ll play in the snow, too. Registration required. Cost $10/$15 member/nonmember for children ages 3-5. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Ice, Snow and things that Glitter Preschool Class – 1-2:30pm. See January 21 listing. Pennington.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 Encore Careers – 7pm. For those seeking to combine passion, purpose and a paycheck in a second career or retirement job. Find out how you can use your skills, knowledge and experience in an encore career in growth industries such as the education, health care, and environmental fields. Presenter, Carol King. Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St, Princeton. 609-924-7108. Reiki Sharing Evening – 7-9pm. Trained practitio-

ners are invited to share Reiki with each other. Bring a pillow and a small sheet and blanket. Cost $5. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 Maple Tree Tapping Time – 12-12:45pm. Help the Teacher-Naturalists get ready for maple sugaring season. Start with short discussion about maple sugaring, then head out on the property and assist as the maple trees are tapped. Come dressed for wintery weather; boots recommended. Registration required. Cost $3/person. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Free Holiday Gift Wrap – 9:30am-8:30pm. The Twins River Library will provide boxes, bags, wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tags and a wide open space to work. Just bring your presents and wrap away. Twins River Library-Mercer County Library System, 276 Abbington Dr, East Windsor. 609-443-1880. Prevention & Early Detection of Gynecological Cancers – 7-8:30pm. Free. Christopher Naraine, MD, board certified OB/GYN, will discuss six types of gynecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar and cancer of the fallopian tubes. This informative discussion will focus on the prevention, warning signs and early detection of these cancers. A question-and-answer session will follow. UMCPP Breast Health Center, East Windsor Medical Commons 2300B Princeton-Hightstown Rd, East Windsor. 866-460-4776.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

markyourcalendar Energy Medicine Class with Credit Learn and experience why Dr. Mehmet Oz states that “Energy Medicine is the next frontier.” Energy Medicine 101 will teach you the Daily Energy Revitalizer, how to quiet anxiety and restore calm, work with pain, heal with the amazing Neurovascular points, Donna Eden’s famous Quickie Energy Balancer and more. Beginners welcome. CEs available.

January 25 • 9am-5pm Cost $125, add $10 for CE

Wishing all of our readers a Blessed and Happy, Healthy New Year!

Toms River Register:

609-752-1048 Reiki Master Level Certification – 10am-5pm. Students are trained in the use of the Usui Master symbol which increases the effectiveness of the Reiki II symbols. Pre-requisite: Reiki Level I and Level II training and certification. Cost $280. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900. Learn How to Make Cheese – 12pm. Double-header cheese making class. Ricotta and mozzarella. Cost

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Stop Itching Within Seconds! Introducing DermaClear, the Amazing New Skin Repair Salve from Natural Awakenings TM

$65, payment made at reservation. Cherry Grove Farm, 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. To register or for information call 609-219-0053. Shamanic Reiki – 2-6pm. Experience a special onehour reading and healing session with Don Julio who is a third generation Andean Shaman. Cost $45. Cha Cha Gifts and Wellness Center, 1300 Livingston Av, North Brunswick. 732-249-1821.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 Honoring Loved One’s Ceremony – 11am-3pm. Take some time out of your fast-paced life to pay honor to our loved ones no longer with us. This consists of a brief ceremony and then time to share our stories with others led by Dr. Norma Bowe, experienced professor, psychiatric nurse and subject of the book The Death Class: A True Story About Life by Erika Haysaki. Center for Grief Services, 727 Raritan Av, Highland Park. For more information and to confirm attendance call 855-97-GRIEF. Wassailing the Apples – 1-4pm. Wassailing party with activities, which include singing and dancing and playing of primitive instruments, toasts of hot cider and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches while chanting the lively words of praise and New Year. Farm wagon rides, weather permitting. Live music will be performed all afternoon in the farm market. Festivities free to public. Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609 924-2310.

Our all natural personal skin care product brings comforting relief to sufferers of many skin irritations. DermaClear has proven to be effective against: • Shingles • Psoriasis • Eczema • Burns • Allergic Rash • Jock Itch • Stings • & more DermaClear will simply feel good putting it on. Cooling and soothing, the Calcium Montmorillonite/ Calcium Bentonite clay penetrates pores and open areas of the skin and pulls out toxins and inflammation. The proprietory blend of homeopathics go even deeper, address the root causes and assist to bring even deeper toxins to the surface.

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Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. ~ John F. Kennedy

If You Learn from Natural Awakenings, Share the Knowledge

MONDAY, JANUARY 27 Pre-Natal Yoga 4-Week Class – 7:15-8:15pm. See January 6 listing. Hamilton.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 Reminiscence through Memoir Writing – 1:303pm. Free. Explore your legacy through the art of writing memoir pieces. Learn the characteristics of the memoir form and find meaning in the deep, rich experiences of your life. RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-584-5900.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 The 39 Steps Presentation – 8pm. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python – and you have this fast-paced mystery for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. Cost $ 18/$16/$14 adults/seniors/children and students. The Kelsey Theater at MCCC, 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor. 609-570-3333.

JOIN US ON: facebook.com/ NaturalAwakenkingsMercerCounty twitter.com/ @NaturalMercer LDBeveridge@ NAMercer.com natural awakenings

January 2014

departments healthbriefs consciouseating globalbriefs wisewords ecotips fitbody greenliving inspiration healingways naturalpet healthykids

themes JANUARY health & wellness

plus: health coaches

FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY

plus: gluten-free foods

green living

plus: healthy home

women’s wellness plus: bodywork

JULY

food watch

OCTOBER

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food & garden

inspired living

SEPTEMBER

Mercer County, NJ

plus: stress relief

JUNE

AUGUST

rethinking heart health

plus: men’s wellness plus: natural medicine cabinet

transformative education plus: children’s health

conscious caretaking plus: yoga

sustainable communities plus: chiropractic and acupuncture

NOVEMBER

personal empowerment

DECEMBER

awakening humanity

plus: beauty

plus: holiday themes

ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@NAMercer.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

monday

friday

Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chih – 11am. Beginning in February. Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chi Chih (Joy thru Movement Class). Need better balance, concerned about high blood pressure, quality sleep a challenge? Join class at Monroe Township Senior Center, Monroe. For more information, additional locations & to learn how to save on class fee, contact Siobhan at 609-752-1048.

Breastfeeding Support Group – 11am-12pm. Expectant parents will learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, positioning, nutrition, pumping and avoiding common problems. Facilitated by Lactation Consultant. Free. PHC Community Education & Outreach Program, 731 Alexander Rd, Ste 3, Princeton. 888-897-8979. Men in Retirement – 2pm. 1st Friday. This social group for men meets and have regularly scheduled small group activities. Come and meet other men who are making or have made the transition into retirement. Suzanne Patterson Bldg, Princeton Senior Resource Center, 45 Stockton St, Princeton. 609-924-7108.

Rise to the Task Free Dinner – 4-5:30pm. Free community dinner. First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, 320 N Main St, Hightstown. For more info contact Rise office at 609-443-4464. Breast Cancer Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 3rd Tues. No registration required walk-ins welcome. UMCP Breast Health Center, 300B PrincetonHightstown Rd, East Windsor Medical Commons 2, East Windsor. Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chih – 6:30pm. Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chi Chih (Joy thru Movement Class). Need better balance, concerned about high blood pressure, quality sleep a challenge? Join class at VFW, 77 Christine Ave, Hamilton. For more information, additional locations, & to learn how to save on class fee, contact Siobhan at 609-752-1048.

tuesday Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chih – 6:30pm. Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chi Chih (Joy thru Movement Class). Need better balance, concerned about high blood pressure, quality sleep a challenge? Join class at American Legion, 2 Meadowbrook Ln, New Egypt. For more information, additional locations, & to learn how to save on class fee, contact Siobhan at 609-752-1048.

wednesday Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chih – 8:45am. Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chi Chih (Joy thru Movement Class). Need better balance, concerned about high blood pressure, quality sleep a challenge? Join class at Energy for Healing, 4446 Main St, Kingston. For more information, additional locations, & to learn how to save on class fee, contact Siobhan at 609-752-1048. Bright Beginnings – 10:30-11:30am. This informative, relaxed group is for parents and caregivers of infants. Each week focuses on a different topic of interest to new parents, and guest speakers are occasionally featured. Infants and children under 4 years of age are welcome to attend with the parent or caregiver. $5 payable at door. Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center, Princeton North Shopping Center,

1225 State Rd, Princeton. 609-683-7888. Zumba Fitness – 6-7pm. Join the fitness party and burn calories while enjoying dance steps and fitness moves. Cost $8/7 Drop-in/Punch Card. Bring-a-Friend $6/each. Lawrence Community Center, 295 Eggerts Crossing Rd. Contact Stephanie. 609-954-9067. Archangel Meditation with Judy Toma – 7-8pm. 2nd Wed. During this monthly Meditation Circle, Judy will give a brief Angel reading for each participant and will give you insight into each Archangel. You will be guided on a journey to meet this Angel that will bring understanding and healing. Make a commitment to yourself and your healing. Take this time to meet with like minded people, discover peace and your own inner guidance. Cost $28. Cha Cha Gifts & Wellness Center, 1300 Livingstone Av, North Brunswick. 732-249-1821. Multi-Level-Yoga – 7-8pm. Starting Inspired by Iyengar, Anusara, and Kundalini traditions. Cost $15/drop-in. Cash/check only. Meadow Creek Clubhouse, Manalapan. Call Brian to register/confirm attendance at 609-306-2618.

thursday

Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chih – 6:30pm. Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chi Chih (Joy thru Movement Class) in Bordentown. Need better balance, concerned about high blood pressure, quality sleep a challenge? Join us. To register call Siobhan at 609-752-1048.

saturday Multi-Level Yoga – 8-8:55am. Inspired by Iyengar, Anusara, and Kundalini traditions. Cost $15/drop-in. Cash/check only. Center for Relaxation & Healing, Plainsboro. Call Brian to register/confirm attendance at 609-306-2618. Soup Kitchen – 4:30-6pm. 3rd Sat. Volunteers arrive at 3pm. Free hot meal served. VFW Post 5700, 140 Dutch Neck Rd, Hightstown. Information: Adrenne 609-336-7260. SPOT (Safe Place for our Tweens) – 7-10pm. 1st Sat. Allows 9-12-year-old youngsters to “hang out” at the YMCA under the supervision of trained YMCA staff. Basketball, indoor soccer, music, karaoke, swimming, access to the wellness center, video games in our Youth Interactive Center and the snack stand are offered. A Hamilton Area YMCA Membership is not required for participation. Dress comfortably for the activities you wish to participate in. 1315 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd, Hamilton. 609-581-9622 x 21103.

4 Mom’s Networking Hour – 1-2pm. Weekly parenting topics with RWJ Hamilton experts and sharing with other moms. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. 609-584-5900. CPAP Workshop – 6pm. 3rd Thurs. Free workshop provided by the Sleep Care Center for patients with sleep disorders. A respiratory therapist will provide CPAP education, adjust CPAP pressures, refit masks and discuss the importance of CPAP/BiPAP usage. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. 609-584-6681.

natural awakenings

January 2014

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To be included, email LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com or call 609-249-9044 to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE JIM SLAYMAKER, L.AC

405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor 609-616-2281 Jim@Acupuncture2Heal.com Acupuncture2Heal.com Schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine can safely and effectively relieve chronic pain and stress, restore sleep, boost energy, promote healthy digestion, and support OBGYN issues. Experienced Practitioner since 2004. See ad, page 12.

BODYWORK SIOBHAN HUTCHINSON, MA

Holistic Health Practitioner 609-752-1048 NextStepStrategiesllc.com Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesllc.com Enhance balance of Body/Mind/ Spirit through Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ai Chi Chih, Seijaku, Qigong, Reiki and Donna Eden Energy. Clients can choose classes or personalized one-onone sessions for deep relaxation and reducing the effects of stress. See ad, page 20.

COUNSELING CENTER FOR GRIEF SERVICES Dr. Norma Bowe Dr. Norman Travis 855-97-GRIEF CenterForGriefServices.com

Center for Grief Services specializes in grief treatment. Workshops and individual therapy options available. See ad, page 21.

NUTRITION

HOLISTIC DENTISTS PRINCETON CENTER FOR DENTAL AESTHETICS Dr. Ruxandra Balescu, DMD Dr. Kirk Huckel, DMD, FAGD 11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 PrincetonDentist.com

NUTRITIONAL CONSULTANT Claire Gutierrez 194 N Harrison St, Princeton 609-799-3089 Claire@VisanoConsulting.com VisanoConsulting.com

Let me help analyze your current diet thru nutritional assessment and assist you in making necessary adjustments and modifications to eventually achieve optimal health.

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. Please contact us to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 23.

HYPNOSIS

ORGANIC FARMS CHERRY GROVE FARM

PRISM HYPNOSIS

3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville 609-219-0053 CherryGroveFarm.com

Dr. Ira Weiner 609-235-9030 PrismHypnosis.com

Do you smoke, feel stressed or in pain, crack under pressure, or want to break unhealthy habits? Contact us and visit our website for healthful solutions that work. See ad, page 28.

NATURAL SERVICES BLACK FOREST ACRES

Trudy Ringwald Country Herbalist & Certified Reboundologist 553 Rte 130 N, East Windsor 1100 Rte 33, Hamilton 609-448-4885/609-586-6187 BlackForestAcres.Net

Organic and natural products including farmstead cheeses; Buttercup Brie, seasonal Jacks, Rosedale, Herdsman, Toma, Havilah and Cheddar Curds. Additional products include whey-fed pork, grass-fed lamb and beef, pasture-raised eggs and myriad locally sourced goods.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE EDWARD MAGAZINER, M.D.

2186 Rte 27, Ste 2D, North Brunswick 877-817-3273 PainAndSpineCare.com

Two locations for the natural connection to live well and eat right. Natural and organic foods, vitamins, supplements, groceries and most important, free consultation.

FITNESS

Dr. Magaziner has dedicated his career to helping people with pain and musculoskeletal injuries using state-of-the-art and innovative pain management treatments including Platelet Rich Plasma, Stem Cell Therapy and Prolotherapy to alleviate these problems. See ad, page 2.

PURE FITNESS 24

Sheena Potts 24 South Main St, Allentown 609-286-8502 PureFitness24.com

Make a World of Difference

Achieve the results you never thought possible. Specializing in Kettlebell, TRX and bodyweight combo classes, mobility and balance classes, Functional Movement Screen, individual personal training, semi-private personal training and small group training. See ad, page 17.

Mercer County, NJ

NAMercer.com

with a Resource Guide listing for under $60 per month.

Our 30,000 readers are looking for healthy options.

Call Today!

609-249-9044 NAMercer.com

AWAKENING AMERICA Natural Awakenings

Celebrates 20 Years of Conscious Living Read What People Are Saying About Natural Awakenings READER TESTIMONIALS

NA PUBLISHER TESTIMONIALS

ADVERTISER TESTIMONIALS

Natural Awakenings provides helpful information on natural health and environmental issues with a consistently positive perspective and tone, which is not always easy considering how serious and intimidating some of these topics are. It’s a rarity.

The response to our new magazine has been amazing! We are grateful for the opportunity.

Natural Awakenings magazine is the only advertising I use for my practice other than word of mouth referrals and it has brought us new patients consistently especially now that we advertise monthly. The quality of the leads is great and we really enjoy helping the holistic-minded patient. The publisher is great to work with and truly wants to see the business succeed. We plan on always advertising with Natural Awakenings and expanding our presence in the magazine.

~ Sayer Ji, founder, GreenMedInfo.com

I have changed so much over the last year finally realizing that life is so much bigger than me. I love this Earth and all the wonders that are a part of it, and your magazine contributes to my appreciation.

~ Theresa Sutton, Connecticut

Publications like Natural Awakenings reach many people and I’m so glad to be able to share a voice beyond the propaganda. ~ Melinda Hemmelgarn, RD, Food Sleuth

I picked up a copy of the new magazine today at Earth Fare and was so impressed—it’s filled with businesses and services right in my neck of the woods that I had no idea existed. I’m thrilled to have such a great resource. ~ Katy Koontz, Tennessee

It is unusual to see your level of writing and consciousness in a free publication. Thanks for a great work.

~ Kaih Khriste’ King, Arizona

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your anti-aging article in Natural Awakenings magazine. Since this is a topic of great interest to me and something I’ve been following for a long time; it’s not often I run across fresh, new ideas and leading edge information. Great stuff. ~ Jim Donovan, author

~ Kerry Griffith & Sean Peterson, Ohio

It is difficult for me to even comprehend the enormous collaboration, deliberation and master-minding that has gone into creating what this publication has become. ~ Jacqueline Mast, Pennsylvania

I am impressed by the range of support provided to franchisees; it seems all the bases are more than covered to provide an owner the ability to be successful. Together with my experience, drive and desire to make a difference, it feels like a good fit. ~ Holly Baker, Arizona

Articles and topics like “Rethinking Cancer” push the envelope of what natural health has to offer to humanity. Readers intuitively know that we are on their side and appreciate having the facts and the freewill to make the decisions that are best for them. Competitors will come and go but if we continue to stay on the cutting edge of personal health, no one can stop us.

~ Reid Boyer, Pennsylvania

The editorial team is wonderful. It sets us apart from all our competitors. ~ Elaine Russo, California

~ Cate Vieregger, DDS, Colorado

This magazine changes lives. The health of many of our clients has improved as a direct result of reading about us in Natural Awakenings. Our deepest appreciation goes out to the NA staff for their level of integrity and their commitment to all-encompassing healing. ~ Jodie Mollohan, IntroCell, Pensacola, Florida

After I placed my ad in Natural Awakenings, it was seen by a local TV station and I became a guest on its News at 9 show. This is the only magazine I advertise in, and people tell me “I see you everywhere,” thanks to the number of places I can appear within this magazine. ~ Diana Sturm, Legacy Financial Planning, Mobile, Alabama

In all the newspapers, magazines and other areas of print advertising that I have done, the Natural Awakenings magazine has not only given me the greatest response, but has also been a source guide for those who are looking for my services. ~ Lori Bilbrey, Moon Haven Studio, Ringgold, Georgia

natural awakenings

January 2014

OPEN YOUR HEART AND BUSINESS TO MORE CUSTOMERS Natural Awakenings reaches thousands of readers in the Mercer County Area Advertise your products and services in our

February Heart Health Edition Our readers seek specialists offering:

• Acupuncture • Alternative Healing • Ayurveda • Biofeedback • Bodywork • Chelation Therapy • Chiropractic

• Counseling/Therapy • Dietitians • Energy Healing • Fitness/Health Clubs • Herbalists • Homeopathy • Integrative Physicians

• Medical Spas • Natural/Organic Foods • Wellness Trainers & Coaches • Retreats/Workshops • Yoga ... and this is just a partial list