Natural Awakenings Mercer, NJ January 2016 by Natural Awakenings Mercer

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H H E E A A LL TT H H Y Y

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feel good • live simply • laugh more

The Rise of FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE New Paradigm Gets to the Root Cause of Disease

Good Reasons to Try

Acupuncture Thousands of Studies Show Healing Results

Dance for Body, Mind and Spirit

FREE

Bruce Lipton on the

Epigenetics Revolution

Our Beliefs Reprogram Our Genetic Destiny

TREATING

AUTISM

NATURALLY Plus Strategies for Prevention

January 2016 | Greater Mercer County, NJ | NAMercer.com natural awakenings

January 2016

Experience is the Key to Success with Regenerative Medicine such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Grafts!

endon, ligament and joint injuries can affect your daily and recreational activities. Living with pain is not the answer. Dr. Magaziner is a pioneer in the field of Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine using Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Grafts since 2001.It is commonly known in the field that he was the first known physician in the United States to use these treatments for arthritis and joint pain. He has lectured extensively and has taught others on this groundbreaking technique. He is well known around the country in his field and is considered by many as one of the top treating pain management physicians in the New Jersey region. PRP and Stem Cell treatments have grown increasingly common in the sports medicine world in recent years. Many physicians are taking weekend seminars to learn how to do these procedures however, experience and knowledge is the key to success and safety with regenerative medicine treatments. During a PRP procedure, the patient’s blood is drawn and put in a centrifuge to separate out platelet-containing plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma is then injected back into the patient’s injury. PRP treatment is thought to accelerate and/or maximize the signals an injury site sends to the body in order to continue the healing process. Adult stem cells are collected from bone marrow or from fat and are able to grow and become a cell for repair of a specific tissue or organ, according to the National Institutes of Health. The benefits of these bio-regenerative treatments: Treatment of tendon and ligament injuries without surgery. Effective relief of joint pain caused by arthritis. Safe Procedure with no serious sideeffects. Tissue regeneration using your own blood platelets and stem cells.

Conditions commonly treated: • Rotator Cuff Tears • Epicondylitis Elbow • Tendinitis Hip • Achilles Tendinitis • Arthritis Shoulder • Arthritis Knee • Meniscal Tears • Shoulder Capsule Tear • Tendinitis Wrist • Patellar Tendinitis • Plantar Fasciitis • Arthritis Hip • Arthritis Wrist/Ankle • Almost Anywhere

Case Studies 63 year old male with bilateral knee arthritis not improved with NSAIDS, cortisone injections and physical therapy. The orthopedist told him he needed knee replacements. He could not walk any significant distance and had trouble getting up from a chair. After 6 monthly PRP treatments he had no pain, was walking long distances ,and up stairs without difficulty. 35 year old female musician with twoyear history of elbow pain. She had multiple cortisone injections and physical therapy with no relief. Her pain was rated 10 out of 10. She was treated with monthly PRP injections. After 3 treatments she was 80% improved. By 5 treatments she was 90% improved and her pain rating was 2 out of 10. She resumed playing guitar, and doing repetitive activities.

Testimonials

ments. Results: His pain level was down to 0-1/10 and he was able to do all activities. He receives a booster treatment 1x per year. Kimberly S., a 39-year-old women with two children had had pelvic and groin pain for 3 yrs. Formerly a cheerleader who did yoga and was a sports enthusiast, her X-rays were positive for sclerosis. Had cortisone injection with only 2 weeks of relief. She received 4 PRP treatments. Results: Her pain reduced from 8 out of 10 to 2 out of 10 and treatment continues to improve her condition. Cynthia S., a 41-year-old who was involved in a motor vehicle accident which dislocated her thumb and wrist. She had positive MRI findings and functionally the patient could not use her wrist or thumb to carry or grasp due to pain. Results: Cynthia had 7 Prolotherapy treatments to wrist and thumb and she was improved 60-70%. When we changed to PRP she experienced 90% improvement in pain and function after 5 more sessions. She felt the improvement was excellent. “You gave me my hand back.” Dr. Magaziner’s credentials include: Director Center for Spine Sports Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine Assistant Professor New York Medical College Clinical Professor Robert Wood Johnson University Dept. of Anesthesiology Past CEO NJ Interventional Pain Society Past President New Jersey Society of Rehabilitation Medicine Middlesex County Medical Society Executive Board Member Past delegate to NJ Medical Society and advisor to the NJ Medicare Committee

Jeff C. reported osteoarthritis of his right first toe and right wrist were treated with 2-3 PRP sessions. Results: Patient reported wrist and toe pain essentially gone.

20 years experience in Orthopedic Regenerative Treatments

Walter W, a 78-year-old man with osteoarthritis of the right knee, had a history of knee surgery and a meniscus tear. His pain was rated 6-7 out of 10, and it was hard to walk long distances or on uneven surfaces. He received seven (7) monthly PRP treat-

The Center for Spine, Sports, Pain Management and Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine is located at 2186 Route 27, Suite 2 D, North Brunswick, NJ. For information please visit DrEMagaziner. com or call 877-817-3273.

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contents 6 newsbriefs

10 healthbriefs 13 globalbriefs

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

16 THE RISE OF 16 10 15 actionalert FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE 19 consciouseating New Paradigm Gets to the Root Cause of Disease 13 22 healingways by Lisa Marshall

24 businessspotlight 30 naturalpet 32 healthykids

34 fitbody 36 greenliving

38 wisewords 39 calendar

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 609-249-9044 or email Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

19 SUPER SOUPS

New Twists on Old Favorites Heal, Nourish and Soothe by Judith Fertig

22 GOOD REASONS TO

TRY ACUPUNCTURE Thousands of Studies Show Healing Results by Kathleen Barnes

24 TRY HYPNOSIS TO KEEP NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESOLUTIONS by Iris Bleu

26 DETOXIFYING YOUR HOME

Clearing Physical Spaces Has Far-Reaching Effects

30 THE RIGHT VET

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAMercer.com or fax to 609-249-9044. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

by Shawn Messonnier

FOR YOUR PET

Animals Thrive with Gentle, Safe and Natural Approaches

32 TREATING AUTISM NATURALLY

Plus Strategies for Prevention by Meredith Montgomery

34 THE POWER OF

CONSCIOUS DANCE

Creative Movement Connects Body, Mind and Spirit by Gail Condrick

NAMercer.com 4 4

Greater Mercer Mercer County, County, NJ NJ NAMercer.com NAMercer.com Greater

by Margarita M. Cossuto

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

letterfrompublisher Where there is no movement there is pain. Where there is movement there is no pain. ~ Traditional Chinese Saying

“A

new year, a new you” is how many of us would like to turn the page in a new calendar year. Yet most of us are all too familiar with failed resolutions. I’m often in that boat because I find myself unable to commit 100 percent to even my fondest hopes. When pressure mounts from over-commitment, it can sap motivation even more. So this year, instead of listing things I’d like to change, I’m making a list of things to try. This different mindset in and of itself will be a positive outcome in my book. Trying out just a few new things can open up whole new worlds of things to do. A Natural Awakenings editor I know tried a conscious dance class six months ago and is now devoted to engaging in two variations of this joyous and demanding exercise each week; she’s looking into adding a third starting this month. My top priority is trying acupuncture for the first time and I’m eager to reap the benefits. You, too, might consider it if you experience chronic back pain, headaches or seasonal allergies, according to our experts. As Kathleen Barnes points out in our her Healing Ways article, “Good Reasons to Try Acupuncture,” on page 22, “Acupuncture works by stimulating and releasing the body’s natural pain relievers, including, endorphins, producing the feel-good brain chemical serotonin and reliving inflammation, as well as bringing many body processes into normal function.” Enabling our body to heal itself is as vital as quality food and exercise in supporting a healthy balanced system. I love that acupuncture is another way of helping the body restore balance by triggering its natural responses. Trying new things one step at a time can give us confidence that we can learn to sustain overall wellness of mind, body and soul. Why not resolve to try new things throughout the year? Keeping our body moving and our spirit smiling is a good way to start and keep the year strong. To a happy and healthy new year, earing Physical Spaces Has Far-Reaching Effects

Managing Editor Dave Beveridge

Proofreader Randy Kambic

Design & Production Jason Cross Stephen Blancett

Franchise Sales 239-530-1377

Phone: 609-249-9044 Fax: 609-249-9044 NAMercer.com Publisher@NAMercer.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Lori Beveridge, Owner/Publisher

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the publisher. Call for details. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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January 2016

newsbriefs Try Hypnosis to Keep New Year’s Resolutions Do you have a special event in the community? Open a new office? Move? Recently become certified in a new modality?

any New Year’s resolutions are not kept because they involve long-term habits that are difficult to change without help. Hypnosis can be an effective tool to assist individuals with resolutions, especially in regard to improving their health. The Hypnosis Counseling Center (HCC) has 30 years of experience helping clients attain their goals and successfully change their lives for the better. With offices in Princeton, Flemington and Livingston, HCC offers both individual and group counseling. The type of session depends on the specific problems, needs and personality of the client. HCC provides group counseling for smoking cessation and weight loss in more than 30 adult and continuing education schools throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Hypnosis has been medically approved as a safe, painless and customizable way to aid individuals with a variety of behavioral issues including phobias, fears, sports performance, insomnia, migraines, stress reduction and myriad other conditions. The only tools needed for hypnosis are one’s mind and the desire to succeed. HCC Director Barry Wolfson says that hypnosis can eliminate yo-yo dieting and help individuals reach an ideal weight by eating healthy and satisfying meals. It’s also used successfully for the cessation of smoking—one of the most difficult habits to break—without anxiety, weight gain or mood swings. For more information, call 908-303-7767 or visit HypnosisNJ.com. See ad on page 9.

West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market Moves Indoors for Winter/Spring Seasons

T News Briefs We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item. Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you throughout the process. We’re here to help!

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Greater Mercer County, NJ

he West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market is now a year-round market. After 12 successful years hosting the outdoor farmers’ market, the WWCFM will host a once-a-month indoor farmers’ market on each second Saturday in West Windsor. The indoor location will be at the Windsor Athletic Club, offering a large, well-lit room overlooking a picturesque wooded space, live music by local high school musicians along with chair massage by The Touch That Heals. The indoor markets look to continue the tradition of the inviting and welcoming space created by the organizers of the WWCFM. Sample from a wide variety of greens, salad mix, root vegetables, winter squash, mushrooms, jams, sauces, ghee, pastured meats and poultry, artisan cheese, farm fresh eggs, tea, soap, honey, wine, orchids, bone broth, bread and sweets, and much more. Location: 99 Clarksville Rd., West Windsor. Hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 12 and April 9. For a complete roster of farms and vendors, visit West WindsorFarmersMarket.org or call market manager, Chris Cirkus at 609-933-4452.

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Diets for Life Introduces New Canine Product Line

Ice Harvest in Lambertville

iets for Life was created to help your dog build super immunity, reduce proinflammatory food intake and make your furry friend’s body highly inhospitable for diseases like heart disease and cancer to take root. Diets for Life President and CEO Jim Miller is pleased to announce their new product line of canine hummus. Miller explains, “We are offering this all-natural product in both Blueberry Splash and Strawberry Coconut Cluster. With the pet food market being dominated by major corporations at an unprecedented level, it is essential your pets have an alternate to the highly processed, GMO-laden and inflammatory products that the big chains have successfully marketed.” Comments Miller. For more information, call 609-586-4815, email DogDietGuru@aol.com or visit DietsForLife.net. See ad on page 42.

ach year at Howell Farm, the family program season opens with the annual ice harvesting event that recreates a slice of Pleasant Valley life that was historically an important winter job each year. The ice cut in January or February would typically supply the farmers throughout the year when stored in an efficient ice house such as theirs. This year’s harvest is scheduled for January 30 starting at 9 a.m. During the program, visitors help farmers cut, chop and shave ice, fill an ice house, and make ice cream. Conditions permitting, visitors can also join the harvest crew on the frozen pond and take a turn using an “ice saw”. Ice ponds were important to the farmers of New Jersey in the 1890s and a state law prohibited ice skating on ponds from which ice was gathered. Free admission and parking. Location: 70 Wooden’s Lane, Lambertville. For more information, call 609-737-3299 or visit HowellFarm.org.

FITNESS EQUIPMENT & MAINTENANCE SOUTH RIVER A.E.S. Fitness 320 Raritan Ave.,Ste. 307E 732-853-7203 AESFitness.com

FITNESS STUDIOS BORDENTOWN Bordentown Retro Fitness 860 US Hwy 206 S 609-372-4020

TAI CHI HAMILTON

YOGA CERTIFICATIONS SUP Yoga PaddleboardAdventures.net

YOGA VACATIONS SUP Yoga PaddleboardAdventures.net

YOGA MONMOUTH JUNCTION Princeton Integral Yoga Institute

613 Ridge Road Ste. 110 732-274-2410 IYIPrinceton.org

Next Step Strategies LLC 77 Christine Ave (VFW) 609-752-1048 NextStepStrategiesllc.com *(Additional Locations Bordentown, Monroe, Kingston & Bucks County)

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January 2016

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS AN ENERGY BOOST

newsbriefs Wellness Wonderland in Plainsboro

ring the whole family for a fun-filled morning starting at 10 a.m. on January 23, focusing on good health and maintaining healthy weight at the University Medical Center of Princeton’s Education Center. Meet physicians and staff and have a free health screening. Get tips on living healthy through cooking and exercise demonstrations. Plenty of children’s craft activities are planned. Giveaways and free tickets to win door prizes will also be available.

Location: 1 Plainsboro Rd, Plainsboro. For more information call 888-897-8979 or visit PrincetonHCS.org.

Groundhog Day Celebration

onsider to celebrate Groundhog Day at the Watershed Reserve on January 30 in Pennington. Visit several burrows of these furry weather forecasters. Learn about their life history and role in the ecological community and enjoy the challenge of the hibernation game. After a hike and game, warm up by a fire, enjoy a warm beverage and make a Groundhog Day craft. Cost: $7/family. Location: Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington. Registration recommended. For more information, call 609-737-7592 or visit TheWaterShed.org.

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NOFA-NJ’s 26th Annual Winter Conference

he Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey will host their 26th Winter Conference January 30 and 31 at Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft. This year’s event includes over 50 workshops organized into five tracks: Beginning Farmer, Advanced Farmer, Gardening, Food & Nutrition and Homesteading & Livestock. Key local expert speakers this year include Jon McConaughy from Double Brook Farm, Brick Farm Market and Brick Farm Tavern, plus Jess Niederer from Chickadee Farm, among many more.

Location: 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft. For more information, costs and to register, visit NOFANJ.org or call 908-371-1111.

609-249-9044 8

Greater Mercer County, NJ

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Students Can Participate in 2016 State Conservation Poster Contest

ew Jersey’s Soil Conservation Districts are now accepting entries in a poster contest designed to raise awareness of natural resources and related issues among young people. The theme for this year’s poster is We All Need Trees. Students may compete in the following categories: grades two to three; grades four to six; grades seven to nine; and grades 10 to 12. First-place winners in each category will receive $200; second-place, $100; and third place, $50. All first-place winners will be entered in the National Association of Conservation Districts poster contest. The competition is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts and the state’s 15 Soil Conservation Districts, which work to conserve and manage soil and water resources in the state. To find your local Soil Conservation District visit, NJ.gov/ Agriculture/Divisions/ANR/NRC/ConservDistricts.html. All entries must be submitted through local districts. For more information and the entry form, visit NJ.Gov/Agriculture/ Divisions/ANR/pdf/ConservationPosterContest.pdf.

Welcome Winter Walk in Princeton

oin Stony BrookMillstone Watershed Association Education Director Jeff Hoagland to explore the winter wonders of the natural in a morning walk from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on January 16 at the Mountain Lakes Preserve, in Princeton. 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. Cost: Free for adults and children 5 yo+. Location: Mountain Lakes Preserve, 57 Mountain Ave., Princeton. Preregistration required. For more information, call 609-7377592 or visit TheWatershed.org.

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

+ 817(5'21 , 17(*5$7,9( 3 +<6,&,$16 $ FRPPRQ VHQVH DSSURDFK WR \RXU KHDOWK FDUH Scott P R Berk, MD, AAFP, AIHM Medical Director

33 Rupell Road • Hampton, NJ 08827 • I-78 Exit 13 Phone: 908-238-0077 • E-mail: hipmanager@gmail.com www.hunterdonintegrativephysicians.org COUNSELING FOR THE FOLLOWING: • Allergies • Asthma • Autoimmune Disorders • Bone Loss • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Chronic Pain • Depression/Anxiety • Fibromyalgia • Heart Disease • Heavy Metal Toxicity • Hepatitis • High Blood Pressure • Hormone Imbalance • Hyperglycemic Conditions • Intestinal Disorders • Joint Pain • Memory Loss • Menopause • Tick-Borne Diseases • Yeast Overgrowth • Vaccinations

MODALITIES OFFERED: • Anti-Aging Medicine • Biofeedback • Bioidentical Hormones • Chelation • Detoxification • Herbal Therapies • Homeopathy • IV Therapies • Mesotherapy • Metabolic Typing Counseling • Nutritional Counseling • Oxidative Therapies • Thermography • Vitamin Therapies • Wiley Protocol

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January 2016

FRIENDSHIPS CAN LAST A LIFETIME

Now is an ideal time to start a relationship with Natural Awakenings. Advertise in our

February Friendship and Dental Health Issue To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

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healthbriefs

Feel Young, Live Long

esearch published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found people that feel younger than their years have a lower incidence of earlier mortality. Conducted by scientists from the UK’s University College London, the research analyzed data from 6,489 people and measured their self-perceived age with the question, “How old do you feel you are?” Then, over more than eight years, the scientists tracked the number of deaths from all causes. Almost 70 percent of those that averaged a little over 65 reported feeling at least three years younger than their chronological age. Only a quarter said they felt close to their age and about 5 percent said they felt more than a year older. The research found that deaths among those that felt younger were 14 percent, while more than 18 percent of those who felt their own age and more than 24 percent of people that felt older died during the follow-up period. The research further found that individuals that felt at least three years younger were less likely to die later from heart disease or cancer. These relationships prevailed even when other health and lifestyle factors were eliminated. Co-author Andrew Steptoe, Ph.D., says, “We expected to find an association between self-perceived age and mortality. We didn’t expect that the relationship would still be present even when wealth, other socio-demographic indicators, health, depression, mobility and other factors were taken into account.”

Vitamin E and D Supplements Hinder Alzheimer’s and Falls Among Elderly

wo common vitamins are making headlines in medical research. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that supplementation with vitamin E may reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The five-year study followed 561 Alzheimer’s patients and included a placebo and the pharmaceutical drug memantine. Those that took vitamin E had a reduced progression of the disease compared to both a placebo group and the memantine group. Also, researchers from the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of falling for elderly folks. The study had a vitamin D supplement or a placebo delivered through a Meals-on-Wheels program to 68 people. The subjects were given blood tests and their history of falls was measured. Diaries revealed that the individuals taking vitamin D supplements fell less than half the number of times than the placebo group.

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Autism Spurs Creative Thinking

PrismHypnosis.com

he UK’s University of East Anglia and the University of Stirling conducted a study of individuals with autistic traits among 312 people recruited through social media, including 75 diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Each of the subjects completed a series of creativity tests in which they determined uses of mundane objects. Published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the study found that while the autistic people chose fewer uses for each object, their choices were significantly more original and creative. The subjects developed a greater range of “divergent thinking”. Martin Doherty, Ph.D., co-author of the study, confirms, “People with high autistic traits can have less quantity, but greater quality of creative ideas. They are typically considered to be more rigid in their thinking, so the fact that the ideas they have are more unusual or rare is surprising. This difference may have positive implications for creative problem solving.” The researchers found that while the average person will utilize simple mental strategies to produce more obvious answers first, autistic people tend to first utilize more demanding strategies during their processing, thus producing the more creative result.

609-235-9030 Solutions for Healthy Living

has nam Rep com To s cate

Sunlight Reduces Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

esearchers from the University of California (UC) School of Medicine at San Diego have determined that regions with greater exposure to ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation from the sun and reduced cloud cover have significantly lower incidence of pancreatic cancer. In an analysis of global rates of the disease, the research, published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, demonstrated that areas with more sunshine had only one-sixth of the pancreatic cancer rates of areas with less sunshine. The farther from the equator, the less is the exposure to UV-B radiation, leading to less body production of vitamin D. Study author Cedric F. Garland, doctor of public health, a UC professor and member of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, says, “If you’re living at a high latitude or in a place with a lot of heavy cloud cover, you can’t make vitamin D most of the year, which results in a higher-than-normal risk of getting pancreatic cancer.” According to World Cancer Research Fund International, 338,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed annually, and it is the seventh most lethal form of cancer.

Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time like dew on the tip of a leaf. ~Rabindranath Tagore

natural awakenings

January 2016

healthbriefs

Playing Outside Before Lunch Spurs Kids to Eat Healthier

R Leave Them at the Door: Shoe Soles Harbor Risky Bacteria

esearch from the University of Houston has determined that a species of bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics might be tracking into homes on the soles of shoes. More than a third of randomly tested homes were contaminated with Clostridium difficile bacteria, and 40 percent of doorsteps were also infected with the bacteria. Depending upon the strain, C. difficile can cause intestinal infections, inflammation and severe diarrhea. Study author M. Jahangir Alam, Ph.D., comments, “Shoes are contaminated from diverse sources, and we are regularly contaminating our doorsteps by shoes.” The researchers tested three to five household items within 30 houses in Houston, Texas. They collected 127 environmental samples— from 63 shoe bottoms, 15 bathroom surface samples, 12 house floor dusts and 37 other household surfaces They found that 41 of them harbored C. difficile and nearly 40 percent of the shoes were positive for the bacteria. They also found that a third of the bathroom surfaces harbored the bacteria, a third of house dust and 19 percent of other surfaces maintained the bacteria. The cause of many intestinal disorders, this bacteria species has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and many household cleaning products.

Greater Mercer County, NJ

esearchers from Brigham Young University and Cornell University have determined that simply moving recess to precede lunch significantly increases students’ consumption of fruits and vegetables at lunch. The researchers tested first- through sixth-graders from seven schools in Utah for 14 school days. In three schools, recess was switched from after to just before lunch. In the other four schools, recess still followed lunch. Published in the journal Preventative Medicine, research found that when recess was just prior to lunch, students ate 54 percent more fruits and vegetables. Moving recess also resulted in 45 percent more kids eating at least one serving of fruits and vegetables during school-provided lunches. The researchers concluded that results show the benefits of holding recess before lunch and suggest that if more schools did this, there would be significant increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly among students that eat school lunch as part of the National School Lunch Program.

Scientists Urge Ban on Non-Stick Pan Coatings

new paper published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal warns of the continued health risks of chemicals used for non-stick pan coatings and water repellents on clothing. The chemical is being found in some municipalities’ drinking water. More than 200 scientists signed the statement, which presents the dangers of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are persistently used as pan coatings, despite more than a decade of research showing associations with liver toxicity, neurological disorders, cancers of different organs and types, and heart conditions. The paper noted that many manufacturers have discontinued long-chain PFAS production and substituted shorter-chain PFAS. The scientists caution that these shorter-chain PFAS may not effectively reduce PFAS exposure because more has to be used to achieve the same effectiveness, maintaining PFAS in the environment with exposure levels relatively unchanged. It calls for scientists, governments, chemical manufacturers and consumer product manufacturers to participate in halting all PFAS production.

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All great achievements require time. ~Maya Angelou

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

Fish Folly

Marine Life Drops by Half since 1970 The nonprofit World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Zoological Society of London have jointly determined that industrial-scale overfishing, pollution and climate change have killed half of all marine life over the last 40 years. The Living Blue Planet Report cites that species essential to the global food supply are among the hardest hit, partially due to humans catching them faster than they can reproduce. Large swaths of coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses have also died, further decimating fish populations. Statistics show that the family of fish that includes tuna and mackerel has declined by 75 percent since 1970. The number of species is also declining; a quarter of all shark and ray species face extinction. Half of all coral has already disappeared, and the rest will vanish by 2050 if temperatures continue to rise at current rates. “Coral reefs occupy less than 1 percent of the ocean surface, but they harbor a third of ocean species,” says French biologist Gilles Boeuf. The WWF report argues that protected global ocean area should be tripled by 2020 and fish retailers should source from companies that follow certified best practice standards. Source: Tinyurl.com/WWF2015BluePlanetReport

Drive-Thru Vegan

Amy’s Opens Organic Fast Food Restaurant California now hosts the nation’s first Amy’s Organic Drive-Thru restaurant, in Rohnert Park, with a vegetarian menu sporting veggie burgers, salads and dishes served in both regular and vegan varieties. Ingredients are sustainably grown and GMO-free (no genetically modified ingredients). The company’s signature frozen pizzas have been popular for years in health food and grocery stores nationwide, and now Amy’s first restaurant is serving them hot, with toppings ranging from spinach and diced tomatoes to a choice of mozzarella cheese or vegan “cheeze”. While some other fast food restaurants import almost all of their products from factory farming operations and give nothing back to the community, Amy’s Drive-Thru grows produce sustainably on its own roof. Amy’s Kitchen, a familyowned, privately held organic frozen food company, reportedly pays workers a living wage with health benefits. On the inaugural restaurant’s popularity, Manager Paul Schiefer remarks, “It’s given us a lot of hope that this is a concept that works.”

OM MBA

Eastern Practices Penetrate U.S. Corporate Culture Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini has introduced free yoga and meditation classes for employees of the health insurance giant, and more than 13,000 are participating. On average, they experienced a 28 percent reduction in their stress levels, 20 percent improvement in sleep quality, 19 percent reduction in pain and 62 minutes per week of extra productivity. “We have this groundswell inside the company of people wanting to take the classes,” says Bertolini. “It’s been pretty magical.” He sells the same classes to businesses that contract with Aetna. Google now offers emotional intelligence courses for employees and General Mills has a meditation room in every building on its Minneapolis corporate campus. Even conservative Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs are teaching meditation on the job. Some programs, from yoga sessions for factory workers to guided meditations for executives, are intended to improve overall well-being; others to increase focus and productivity. Most aim to make employees more present-minded, less prone to make rash decisions and generally nicer people to work with. More than 21 million individuals now practice yoga nationwide, double the number from a decade ago, and nearly as many meditate, according to the National Institutes of Health. Source: MindfulYogaHealth.com

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January 2016

Puppy Cuddles

Students De-Stress by Petting Dogs At least three universities in England have offered puppy rooms to stressed students. More than 600 students signed up last year in Bristol alone. Gordon Trevett, from the University’s Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, says, “Every year I see students fretting about their exams, and I thought this would be a great way to ease the stress and take their minds off it. People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without a dog, and we know that playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.” Jo Woods, from the Bristol Students Union, says, “It’s important to do fun and different things to de-stress during exams, and cuddling a puppy is a perfect way to release some endorphins.” Source: BBC

Sci-Fi Solution

Beaming Solar Power to Earth from Space A great deal of solar power falls on our planet, but a lot more misses us and goes off into space. Scientists at JAXA, Japan’s space administration, have made a major breakthrough in accurate wireless power transmission on Earth that bodes well for solar space technology. The team beamed 1.8 kilowatts of power, enough to power an electric tea kettle, more than 50 meters to a small receiver without any wires whatsoever. The researchers were able to accomplish this task by first converting the electrical energy to microwaves, and then beaming them to a remote receiver before converting them back into electrons. The program’s goal is to harness a constant supply of solar energy directly from space using orbital solar farms, and then beam that energy for use on Earth. Solar power generation in space has many advantages over current technology, including the constant availability of energy regardless of the weather or time of day. Source: Global.jaxa.jp

Unique Character

Sesame Street Addresses Autism After working with organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Self Advocacy Network, Sesame Street has been aiming to help reduce the stigma associated with autism spectrum disorder. A new autistic character, Julia, already has her own digital storybook, We’re Amazing, 1,2,3 as part of the campaign See Amazing in All Children. According to Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of U.S. social impact at Sesame Workshop, Sesame Street producers are waiting to hear back from the autism community before introducing Julia to the TV show. For more information, visit Autism.SesameStreet.org/storybook-we-are-amazing and Tinyurl.com/MeetJuliaVideo. 14

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Doctor’s Orders

GMO Labeling Endorsed by Physicians Even as the federal government pursues H.R. 1599, aka the “Deny Americans the Right to Know” (DARK) act, mainstream medicine is urging the government to abandon its resistance to GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling. They are bolstered by a recent announcement by the World Health Organization that glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer) is probably carcinogenic in humans. The genetic engineering ends up making crops resistant to the herbicide so more must be applied. According to contributing doctors from Harvard, Mt. Sinai Medical Center and the University of Wisconsin reporting in the New England Journal of Medicine, “GM crops are now the agricultural products most heavily treated with herbicides, and two of these herbicides may pose risks of cancer.” A recent notice in the same journal, “GMOs, Herbicides and Public Health,” reports: “The application of biotechnology to agriculture has been rapid and aggressive. The vast majority of the soy and [feed] corn grown in the United States are now genetically engineered. Foods produced from GM crops have become ubiquitous.” Sixty-four countries, including Russia and China, have already adopted transparency in labeling laws, but U.S. Big Food and Big Ag lobbyists have stonewalled efforts domestically. For more information and petitions, visit OrganicConsumers.org.

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In a universe

No-Choice Vaccines

California Mandates Shots for Childcare Workers After passing the state House and Senate, California Senate Bill 792 was approved by Governor Jerry Brown on October 11. The unprecedented law mandates vaccines for adult childcare workers and volunteers, including all individuals working in private and public school early childhood education programs, with no religious exemptions permitted. SB 792 reads, “Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis [whooping cough] and measles. Each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year.” The same regulations also apply to family home day care workers and volunteers. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a loss of licensing for the facility/center.

made out of energy, everything is entangled; everything is one. ~Bruce Lipton

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/californiasb792. Let California lawmakers hear what the people want via Legislature.ca.gov.

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medical system and got nothing,” says Mills. With functional medicine, “In a very short time, they had me feeling nearly 100 percent.”

Distinctive Characteristics

The Rise of Functional Medicine New Paradigm Gets to the Root Cause of Disease by Lisa Marshall

y the end of 2014, Trina Mills, of Parker, Arizona, had given up on conventional medicine. She’d been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder 17 years earlier and taken medication ever since without feeling her symptoms of fatigue, muscle aches and stomach problems ever fully subside. She’d visited endocrinologists, gastroenterologists and a half-dozen other specialists, each of which offered a different diagnosis and prescribed a different drug. At one point, she had her gallbladder removed. At another, her doctor suspected she had bleeding in her brain and sent her for a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. Some thought she was a hypochondriac; others said she was depressed. “I would tell them, ‘I’m just depressed that you can’t figure out why I’m so sick,’” she says.

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Weighing a skeletal 82 pounds, the 54-year-old mother of three finally wrote out a living will and braced for the inevitable. Then she heard of a new Center for Functional Medicine opening at the prestigious, century-old Cleveland Clinic. As the first clinic of its kind to open at an academic medical center, it promised to look at the underlying causes of disease, while focusing on the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms. Intrigued, Mills caught a flight to Ohio and soon was offering up 30 tubes of blood, stool and saliva samples, as well as an exhaustive life history. One year later, thanks to a series of personalized diet and lifestyle changes, she’s 10 pounds heavier and feels better than she has in decades. “I spent a lot of years and money in the traditional

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In the 25 years since nutritional biochemist Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., of Gig Harbor, Washington, coined the term, this science-based, whole-body approach to addressing chronic disease has gained widespread traction. More than 100,000 physicians—60 percent of them medical doctors—have trained with the Institute for Functional Medicine he founded in Washington and New Mexico, and numerous medical schools have added its tenets to their curricula. More naturopaths and chiropractors are also distinguishing themselves with a functional medicine emphasis. “It is not alternative medicine at all,” stresses Bland, whose latest book, The Disease Delusion, details how functional medicine can curb chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and heart disease, which constitute 78 percent of U.S. health care costs. “It’s the basis of 21st-century health care,” he says. For most of the 20th century, conventional medicine centered on a singular objective: Arrive at a diagnosis and treat it with drugs or surgery. Then, the alternative medicine movement proffered a toolbox of more natural therapies, including acupuncture, herbs and massage to address these same diagnoses. The 1990s brought integrative medicine, a best-of-both-worlds approach. “While all of the above have merit, they lack the necessary guidance to help practitioners determine which tools work best for which patient,” says Dr. Mark Hyman, director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine. “Alternative therapies and conventional treatments are tools. We need a new map that can teach us how to skillfully use those tools,” maintains Hyman. “That map is functional medicine.” Because one chronic disease such as diabetes can have dozens of underlying causes, or one culprit such as a genetic predisposition or exposure to toxins can lead to multiple chronic conditions, functional medicine focuses on systems, rather than organs, and origins, rather than diseases. “It’s about listening

to the patient’s story in a different way, where the objective is not simply about arriving at a diagnosis,” explains Bland.

Ferreting Out Key Clues

Key to discovering the underlying origins of a health issue are a host of new gene, blood and gut health tests. “They allow us to look under the patient’s ‘metabolic hood’ at the genetic and biochemical factors influencing health,” says Naturopathic Doctor Kara Fitzgerald, who heads up a functional medicine clinic in Newtown, Connecticut. For instance, certain genes influence how a person burns and stores fat. Depending on which variant a patient has, based on a genetic test, they might be guided toward a higheror lower-fat diet. Those genetically prone to difficulty in metabolizing the amino acid homocysteine (an excess of which can raise the risk of heart disease) might be advised to take folic acid supplements. If a patient displays intractable gut problems, rather than simply look for blood or pathogens in the stool, Fitzgerald also looks at the DNA of their gut microbiome, mapping out which strains of good bacteria are present or absent and prescribing prebiotics, probiotics or whole foods to promote a healthful balance. For another patient with thinning hair and aching joints, she might use specialized blood tests to look for micronutrient deficiencies, signs of allergies or certain autoantibodies—proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly attack one’s own tissues—

that might herald a brewing autoimmune disorder. “Research shows that predictive autoantibodies can show up in the blood 10 or even 20 years before an autoimmune disease such as Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis makes itself known,” says Fitzgerald, pointing to a seminal review published in 2007 in Scientific American: “If a patient with mild, early-stage symptoms is proactive with diet and lifestyle changes, they may be able to fend it off.” High-tech tests aside, Bland stresses that what’s most important is “a tool that has been largely lost in medicine today: Knowing how to listen to the patient.” In a typical exam, Fitzgerald thoroughly inspects often neglected body parts, including the tongue and fingernails, which can hold important clues to underlying health. She asks about past emotional trauma which might trigger chronic disease, and inquires about what environmental toxins and harmful chemicals both the patient and their birth parents may have been exposed to. One example might be a patient exposed to cigarette smoking in utero having a bias toward an allergic disease. If their parents grew up in a period of famine, they might have inherited a genetic disposition for rapid weight gain. “She spent two-and-a-half hours with me,” in her initial consultation, recalls 52-year-old Lauren Zambrelli, of Long Island, New York, who credits Fitzgerald for helping her tame her multiple sclerosis into remission. “It was like having a sister for a doctor.”

Lobby for Change To lobby for consistent insurance coverage of more complementary therapies, check out these resources. CoverMyCare (CoverMyCare.org). This national grassroots advocacy campaign, a project of the Integrative Healthcare Policy Consortium, aims to support the proper full implementation of Section 2706 of the Affordable Care Act, which states that insurers cannot leave licensed practitioners like naturopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists or Oriental medicine practitioners out of their provider networks. It still lacks enforcement at the state level, although Oregon and Rhode Island recently passed legislation to fix the existing loophole; California, Hawaii, Minnesota and New Mexico are working to do the same. American Sustainable Business Council (Tinyurl.com/Integrative Reimbursement). The organization recently launched a campaign to urge insurers to cover integrative practices.

DIY Testing W

hile most practitioners recommend that patients consult with a physician to interpret their test results, several companies offer gene, blood and microbiome lab testing directly to consumers. Here are a few options to consider. uBiome, Inc. (Ubiome.com): Send in swab samples from gut, mouth, nose, genitals and/or skin and the company will genetically sequence the DNA of resident bacteria and send findings back within six weeks, identifying good and bad varieties present, deficiencies, and how that personal microbiome compares to others with similar lifestyles, such as smokers, vegans, meat-eaters, etc. It’s also possible to test a client’s microbiome over time to see if dietary changes implemented to change gut health are working. WellnessFX (WellnessFX.com): Visit an affiliated diagnostic lab to submit blood samples with results posted within a week on a secure website. Different packages targeting weight loss, sports performance, heart health or women’s health issues look at different biomarkers in the blood, such as levels of certain micronutrients, hormones or signs of inflammation. Clients can request an online consultation with a doctor or dietitian to interpret the results. Pathway Genomics (Pathway. com): The company’s DNA Insight Genetic Health and Wellness Tests use genetic material taken from saliva to analyze genetic markers. Ordered via a licensed practitioner, online or through a smartphone app, clients receive a kit, send in a sample and get results within three weeks. The Pathway Fit tests snapshot 75 genetic markers related to metabolism and sports performance. Others look for genes that influence nutrient absorption, heart health or hormonal function.

natural awakenings

January 2016

Who Pays

Functional medicine doctors don’t shy away from prescription drugs when necessary, but they do lean decidedly toward the lower-tech modalities, using dietary supplements, allergen-free diets, exercise, mind-body practices and toxin avoidance as their primary tools. “We basically take out the bad stuff from the body and put in the good stuff,” says Hyman. Maintaining good health is priceless, but without conventional insurance coverage, it can be expensive. While Mills’ doctor visits were covered by insurance (which is rare), she spends roughly $1,000 a month on supplements to address her diagnosed leaky gut syndrome, nutrient deficiencies and mercury poisoning. Zambrelli has paid thousands out of her own pocket, too. Some people worry that, like most conventional physicians, some functional medicine practitioners place too much emphasis on expensive tests and too little on the most crucial and affordable remedy—self-care. “Functional medicine as a concept is an important step forward,” says integrative medicine pioneer Dr. James Gordon, founder of

the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. “However, some practitioners do a lot of tests and prescribe a lot of supplements and work on cleaning out the gut, but neglect the psychological, spiritual and social issues. That concerns me.” Bland and Hyman concede that some practitioners over-test, but say that will fade over time as they learn to better discriminate which ones are useful for specific patients. Several efforts also are underway to get more functional medicine providers and the acupuncturists, massage therapists and nutritionists they work with covered under the Affordable Care Act, which expressly emphasizes a need for more preventive medicine. Viewing the big picture, Bland believes that functional medicine is just what the country needs to save on exploding healthcare costs. Rather than spending dollars on extraordinary measures to save heart attack victims or diabetics in emergencies, we can prevent such dire situations by identifying underlying problems sooner and halting their progression.

Learn More Online Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine Tinyurl.com/Center4 FunctionalMedicine Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s blog DrKaraFitzgerald.com/blog Functional Forum FunctionalForum.com Dr. Mark Hyman’s blog DrHyman.com/blog Institute for Functional Medicine FunctionalMedicine.org In the meantime, some patients are finding priceless relief. “Am I poorer right now? Yes,” says Mills. “Am I healthier? Way. It’s been so worth it.” Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO, who specializes in health care. Connect at LisaAnn Marshall.com.

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consciouseating

SUPER SOUPS New Twists on Old Favorites Heal, Nourish and Soothe by Judith Fertig

inter season soups on chilly days can warm us, both body and soul. Whatever our food preferences or time constraints, some new twists on traditional favorites will satisfy everyone’s taste buds—with an accent on healthy pleasure. Here’s where to start. Reinventing the past. From her Colorado mountain home, Jenny McGruther, author of The Nourished Kitchen, celebrates the wisdom of traditional foodways, making nutrientdense, healing soup broth from bones, water, vegetables and seasonings. McGruther’s twist is to make it in a six-quart slow cooker. Once her family has dined on organic roast or rotisserie chicken, she simmers the bones with purified water, a bay leaf or two, a few whole peppercorns and a few chopped organic vegetables like onion, carrot and celery

on the low setting for 24 hours. Then she ladles the broth through a coffee strainer into another container, refreshes the slow cooker with more water and simmers the bones and seasonings for another 24 hours. Eventually, the broth will have less flavor and color, and that’s when McGruther starts all over again. “I call this perpetual soup,” she says. She blogs at NourishedKitchen.com. Slowing it down. With homemade broth on hand, it’s easy to make the Italian winter staple of Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup. Cookbook authors and slow cooker experts Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss, from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, love to make this when they’re working on a cookbook deadline. They simply use what they have in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. “With a soup like this you can always substitute one vegetable for

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

another, adjusting the recipe to what you enjoy and have on hand,” advises Moore. The pair blogs at PluggedInto Cooking.com. Speeding it up. Sometimes, we need a single serving of homemade soup fast. Award-winning recipe developer and cookbook author Camilla Saulsbury, of Nacogdoches, Texas, whips up a Pumpkin Sage Soup that can simmer in a saucepan within minutes, ready to be enjoyed in a mug. Saulsbury uses organic canned pumpkin, full of vitamins, which can vary in sweetness. “If needed,” she suggests, “add a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the flavor of the soup.” Making “bisque” in a high-speed blender. Karen Adler is an avid grower of organic tomatoes in her Kansas City garden. When the seasonal harvest comes to an end, Adler grills or oven roasts the tomatoes, along with organic peppers and onions, and then freezes them, ready to make Roasted Tomato Bisque any time of the year. “My secret to a light bisque without using cream is to blend all the roasted vegetables together with a high-speed blender to give it body. A swirl of extra-virgin olive oil at the end finishes ensuring the satisfying flavor,” she says. Going cold. Douglas McNish, head chef at Toronto’s raw and vegan restaurant Raw Aura, serves a popular Lemon, Cucumber and Dill Soup, which is easy to make in a food processor. “This soup is amazing this time of year, when most of our diets may be lacking in healthy fats and trace minerals,” says McNish. Warming up. Two cookbook authors teamed up across many miles to write 300 Sensational Soups. Meredith Deeds lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while Carla Snyder resides in Cleveland, Ohio. They’ve mutually discovered the naturally warming properties of curry powder in Curried Coconut Chickpea Soup. Snyder observes, “A good soup nourishes the heart, as well as the stomach, spreading a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.” Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

natural awakenings

January 2016

SOUP’S ON! Tasty Recipes for Winter Meals with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish if desired with additional minced basil. Adapted from PluggedIntoCooking.com, by Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss

Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onions, carrot and celery and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Stir in the green beans and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Heat, covered, until boiling, and then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in broccoli, cannellini beans and minced basil. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are as tender as desired. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle 20

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Yields: 8 servings 4 large beefsteak tomatoes, sliced 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced 2 Tbsp plus ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp hot pepper sauce Bone broth or vegetable broth, if necessary Add fine dry or gluten-free bread crumbs and sliced green onion for garnish Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the tomatoes, bell peppers and onion on the baking sheets and drizzle with the two tablespoons of olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft and browned at the edges.

Yields: 6 servings 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 cup frozen, cut green beans 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (14.5 oz, BPA-free) diced tomatoes, with liquid 4 cups bone broth or 1 carton (32 oz) vegetable broth 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 /8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli 1 can (15 oz, BPA-free) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 2 Tbsp minced fresh basil, plus additional for garnish Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Roasted Tomato Bisque

Pumpkin Sage Soup Yields: 1 serving ¾ cup ready-to-use chicken or vegetable broth 2 /3 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling) ¼ tsp dried rubbed sage 3 Tbsp half-and-half, whole milk or coconut creamer Salt and freshly ground black pepper In a saucepan, bring the broth, pumpkin and sage to a simmer over medium-high heat. In the mug, stir broth, pumpkin and sage until blended. Stir in cream and heat for 1 minute more. Season it to taste with salt and pepper before pouring into a mug. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds. Adapted from 250 Best Meals in a Mug, by Camilla V. Saulsbury

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Transfer to a Vitamix or similar blender. Add the remaining half-cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and hot pepper sauce and blend until smooth. Add a little bone broth or vegetable broth if the soup is too thick. Serve each bowl with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs and thinly sliced green onion. Adapted from The Gardener and the Grill, by Karen Adler and Judith Fertig.

Choosing a Whole Systems Education for Your Child by Jamie Quirk

vidence to support of a more holistic approach to education can be found throughout mainstream media, as well as current brain research. Countries such as Finland make U.S. headlines with their balanced models of integrated academics and outdoor exposure, but “whole systems” teaching and learning processes are hardly new (many go back to ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations). In this corner of the States, there are a number of programs, statefunded and independent, that strive to reform the disproven “drill and kill” mentality. And the trend is growing. Whether you are searching for a new school, or seeking to bring change to your child’s current school, below are five areas to look at. To make an evaluation, be sure to familiarize yourself with the entire school, preferably visiting while classes are in session, and speak to a variety of people in the administration, faculty, and parent body. Immersion, Integration, Interconnection Does the school offer multisensory platforms for learning on a regular basis? Are subjects and experiences offered in vacuums, or combined with one another, to amplify engagement and accommodate learning differences (e.g., movement and the arts as vehicles for classical academics such as math and history; language skills with practical and social activities, such as farming or community service)? Are concepts largely experienced, rather than received? Sustainability and Stewardship Does the school offer a living learning environment in which children can develop responsibility, and exert influence, through hands-on experience? For example, do children have the opportunity to regularly work in a garden, with animals, or in another natural setting? Are the outdoors used as a “classroom” to explore the sciences? Children who have had

to grow their own food, build a shelter, or repair a fence will forge stronger connections to the more abstract lessons of chemistry and physics, and because of their concrete experiences, will be well equipped to solve problems creatively, compassionately, and contextually. Relationships Over Rubrics: Assessing the Whole Child Does the school place an emphasis on human relationships, rather than a checklist of one-size-fits-all criteria? Is your child’s development discussed with you face to face, with an adult who knows and understands the child’s individual history, personality, motivations, strengths, and challenges? Is progress communicated as a dialogue, or only in grades and test scores? Strengthening Human Capacities Is the focus of the school’s programs on imparting verbal and mathematical strategies, or is it on enabling adaptability, creativity, innovation, imagination, discernment? To put it more succinctly: is it what to think, or how to think? Engage the Whole Being In a society that values specialization, and prizes early mastery of discrete subjects, it is tough to find a school that doesn’t take a “head first” view of education. Does the school take into account the development of the entire human—hearts and hands, spirit and will? Does it strive to reach children on these levels, in ways that meet them where they are? Jamie Quirk is the communications and marketing director for the Waldorf School of Princeton and has two young daughters in the early childhood program. See add on page 27. natural awakenings

January 2016

healingways

Good Reasons to Try Acupuncture Thousands of Studies Show Healing Results by Kathleen Barnes he ancient Chinese art of acupuncbody processes into normal function. ture is gaining popularity in modern Brevard, North Carolina, licensed Western medicine for many reasons. master acupuncturist Paul Buchman, adds, “There’s lots of research to support the “Acupuncture differs from conventional effectiveness of acupuncture for a wide va- Western medicine in many ways, primarriety of conditions,” says Thomas Burgoon, ily in that when it treats a disease on the a medical doctor who practices internal physical level, it also has far-reaching medicine in West Chester, Pennsylvania, effects on our mental, emotional and spiriand is president of the American Academy tual aspects.” of Medical Acupuncture, an association Chronic back pain: Chronic low of doctors of medicine and osteopathic back pain affects 80 percent of us at some medicine that use acutime and is the secondThe U.S. Library of puncture in conjuncmost common cause of tion with conventional disability in American Medicine database treatments. adults, according to Acupuncture treat- lists more than 23,000 a University of North ments typically involve at Chapel Hill studies on acupuncture. Carolina the nearly painless study published in the insertion of very thin needles to stimulate Journal of the American Medical Associathe body’s natural repair and regulation tion. mechanisms based on the fundamental A recent study of Australian Chinese medicine principle that the inside patients arriving in Melbourne hospital of the body can often be treated from the emergency rooms complaining of low outside. Burgoon explains that acupuncback pain found that those treated with ture works by stimulating and releasing acupuncture experienced as much pain the body’s natural pain relievers, including relief in an hour as those given drugs. endorphins, producing the feel-good brain “When I treat a person for low back chemical serotonin and relieving inflampain, I always take pulses in several parts mation, as well as bringing many other of the body, and then take into account

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many factors, including age, gender and life situation,” says Buchman. “The underlying causes of the pain may be different in a 20-something student with a stressful academic load than a 50-something woman that’s a recent empty nester redefining her future,” he explains. When researchers at China’s Central South University reviewed 13 studies on acupuncture and low back pain, they concluded that comprehensive treatment plans that involve acupuncture are urgently needed. Headache: Acupuncture has long been used to relieve the pain of migraines and tension headaches. Australian research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that 16 acupuncture sessions cut in half the number of days that patients experienced migraines, significantly reducing pain. “Acupuncture is a must-try therapy for anyone with migraines or chronic or tension-type headaches,” says Burgoon. He notes that Aetna Insurance Company policy considers acupuncture among accepted, medically necessary treatments for migraines, chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, postoperative dental pain and nausea associated with surgery, pregnancy and chemotherapy. Asthma and allergies: More than 25 million Americans have asthma, including 6.8 million children. Danish research published in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine showed that 10 acupuncture sessions given over a threemonth period reduced asthma symptoms and use of inhaled steroids, but only when acupuncture was ongoing. Benefits diminished when treatments were discontinued. German researchers at Berlin’s Charité University Medical Center found similar effects for seasonal allergies by comparing

it with the effects of antihistamines and sham acupuncture. “Patterns of bad health get more ingrained in our body systems as we get older,” says Melanie Katin, a licensed acupuncturist specializing in treating children in New York City and professor at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. “If we can catch an illness in a child’s first seven or eight years, we may be able to prevent it from becoming chronic in adulthood.” Digestive problems: Acupuncture has been found to be effective for treating colic in babies, irritable bowel syndrome, morning sickness and postoperative nausea caused by anesthesia and chemotherapy treatments, verified in research from Australia’s University of Sydney on patients after surgery for metastatic liver cancer. Several other studies, including one from the Milwaukee’s Medical College of Wisconsin, show that acupuncture rebalances the nervous system and restores proper digestive function, while relieving pain. The World Health Organization review of research notes how acupuncture relieved gastrointestinal (GI) spasms better than atropine injections, and also recommends acupuncture for relief of nausea. “Acupuncture helps calm down an overactive GI tract and stimulates an underactive one,” explains Burgoon. Acupuncture is a non-pharmaceutical remedy for many health problems, Burgoon says. “I fell in love with acupuncture when I discovered I could use it to treat some problems that nothing else helped. I almost never prescribe any medications. Instead, I help people get off pharmaceuticals.”

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Kathleen Barnes is author of many natural health books, including The Calcium Lie 2: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know, with Dr. Robert Thompson. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

No Needles Needed for Kids by Kathleen Barnes

cupuncture can be helpful for children, especially in treating asthma, allergies and childhood digestive disorders, including colic, says Melanie Katin, a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in treating children in New York City. “Acupuncture for children rarely involves the use of needles. Since their qi (life force) flows very close to the surface of their skin, it doesn’t require a lot of movement to get things flowing in the right direction,” she explains. Acupuncture for kids typically involves light, fast brushing of the skin to encourage a healing circulation of energy. Katin teaches parents to continue treatments at home. She explains that it’s still technically acupuncture, not acupressure, which would involve prolonged stimulation of the body’s energy meridian sites. Sometimes she includes the use of small instruments for tapping or brushing the skin and tuning forks to stimulate the meridian points. She remarks, “The kids love it.”

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Try Hypnosis to Keep New Year’s Resolutions by Iris Bleu

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hile considered unconventional to some, hypnosis is a medically approved practice that has proven effective in helping patients make positive behavioral changes. Barry Wolfson, MS, is director of the Hypnosis Counseling Center, which he founded over 29 years ago in Bloomfield and which he has since expanded to offices in Princeton, Frenchtown, and Livingston and coming soon to Philadelphia and Fort Myers, FL. A trained hypnotherapist with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Upsala College, Wolfson has brought his methodology to more than 25 adult schools around the state as well as corporate offices, college campuses, and hospitals. Below he explains how the renowned approach of hypnosis—first used in the 1840’s—can help people attain their personal or professional goals or realize their New Year’s resolutions. Natural Awakenings: Do you find that a lot of people seek out hypnosis in January? Wolfson: Absolutely. Many of us choose the new year to make a new start, and we do it by making New Year’s resolutions. The fact is, however, almost none of us keep them. It’s not that we don’t want to make the changes, because we’re usually very sincere. It’s that we try to tough it out alone using sheer willpower, when many of our resolutions involve longterm habits that are difficult to change without help. That’s where hypnosis comes in. Hypnosis is a very effective tool which can help people realize their

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year’s resolution(s). So every New Year’s for the last 26 years, as predictable as the new year itself, my phone starts to ring very frequently. NA: What is hypnosis? Wolfson: Hypnosis is an “alpha” state of mind, which is a dreamlike state similar to yoga and meditation. Hypnosis helps you leverage your strongest personal asset—your mind—to achieve lasting and positive behavioral changes. Once in a relaxed hypnotic state, you’ll open yourself to affirmative, therapeutic suggestions and begin your own journey toward positive change and personal freedom. NA: What types of conditions or behaviors can hypnosis effectively address? Wolfson: At the Hypnosis Counseling Center, we’ve successfully addressed patient issues involving weight loss, smoking cessation, self-esteem, stress reduction, fears and phobias, public speaking, anxiety and panic attacks, test-taking, insomnia, sports improvement, migraines, and confidence building, among others. NA: How would a typical session work? Wolfson: Hypnosis sessions begin with a soothing breathing exercise. Through gentle suggestions, we then lead patients into a state of complete relaxation and deep meditation. The conscious mind steps back as the subconscious mind becomes open to suggestions for change. In this state of deep relaxation, your mind concentrates on one specific

behavioral change, ignoring all outside distractions. I use my voice to put clients into a very relaxed state where I can then plant positive suggestions for change. At the same time, I make my clients customized audio CDs to listen to on a daily basis to help reinforce these positive messages. I also offer counseling sessions via Skype as an alternative option. NA: Do people have preconceived notions about hypnosis that you have to dispel? Wolfson: Definitely. Contrary to popular belief, when hypnotized, you’re not asleep and you’re not unconscious— you’re able to talk, hear, move, and think. In hypnosis, you’re simply in a deep state of relaxation—similar to what you experience prior to falling asleep—where your mind is more open to positive suggestions for change. You can come out of this relaxed state at any time by simply opening your eyes. Many people also question the legitimacy of hypnosis, but the truth is it’s a scientific and medically approved methodology that’s been backed by the American Medical Association as an accepted and recommended medical procedure since 1958. NA: What are the key messages you want readers to take away about hypnosis? Jones: Through hypnosis, people can, for example, stop smoking without anxiety, weight gain, or mood swings, or lose weight and maintain it for life without drugs, fad diets, dangerous herbs, expensive meal plans, or special foods. The hypnotic state is attainable by almost all people—the only tools you need are your own mind and the desire to succeed. Hypnosis is safe, medically approved, and, best of all, it works. The Hypnosis Counseling Center has offices in Princeton, Flemington and Livingston and coming soon to Philadelphia and Fort Myers, FL. For more information call 908-303-7767, visit HypnosisNJ.com or email Director Barry Wolfson at Barry@HypnosisNJ. com. See ad on page 9.

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January 2016

Detoxifying Your Home Clearing Physical Spaces Has Far-Reaching Effects by Margarita M. Cossuto

hen we think about detoxing and cleansing, this often conjures up images related to internal detoxificationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that is eliminating negative and ill elements from our bodies that make us feel sluggish, lethargic, sad, out of sorts, and just simply like something is missing or off in our lives. While internal detoxification is important, it is only part of the process. It is also crucial to think about our external space; how managing the clutter in our physical space around us can bring about many positive benefits. By focusing on both the internal (our bodies) and external (our physical space), we are opening ourselves and our daily lives to a host of positive energy and joyful feelings. But how exactly do we start this external decluttering, detox process? The first step is to acknowledge what clutter really is and how it affects us. Clutter is simply an accumulation of items no longer needed or that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t belong in the 26

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place they are; all this can cause emotional stress. Clutter is anything that we do not use, do not like, or do not have a place for in our home. Having too much clutter can be draining. It can complicate our lives by causing us to use our precious time looking for items. Clutter takes up our energy and negatively impacts many areas of our lives. In addition, it also disturbs the beautiful areas of our home and space. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go over some steps on how we can start reducing the clutter in our homes.

Plan: Set aside time for clutter-clearing sessions. Some peo-

ple prefer to work for no more than 30 minutes, while others may find that once they start, they just want to keep going. Do what is best for you. Either way, definitely plan something to treat yourself after each session. Keep in mind that decluttering is hard work, especially on the emotional level.

Set aside supplies: Have at least three boxes for each

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room that you will be working in. Boxes are easier to work with than bags because they have structure and can be stacked vertically in order to maximize space. Note that you may need more than one box for each type below as you sort through all your items. Start by labeling boxes into these three simple categories that will be used for sorting:

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Box 1 = “In” box. This will be for items that you use, love and truly enjoy. These will be items that you will likely use again and again. Box 2 = “Out” box. This will be for items that you might still use but don’t like as much, or it could be for items that are broken or simply don’t get used anymore. Box 3 = “I Don’t Know!” box. This will be for items that you simply can’t decide on right away and would like to spend more time thinking about rather than making a rash decision.

Prepare yourself: Organizing and decluttering can be energizing, but it can also be emotionally draining and psychically exhausting. As you embark on the external detoxification process of decluttering, think about what makes you feel good. If you work well with music, play some of your favorite energizing tunes to help motivate you to move around your rooms. Place a vase of fresh flowers near you to inspire the natural beauty in your space or try lighting some fragrant candles with lavender or vanilla for uplifting, energizing and calming mood benefits.

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Where to start: Since there are many rooms in your home, it can be overwhelming to decide which room to begin with when starting. Ideally, you will want to sort through every item in your room so you know exactly what you have, what you want to keep, and what you want to discard. Start by sorting things into categories (i.e., like with like versus categorizing by color, size or favorite items). It will be a lot easier to sort through your items when you can see how much you have of similar types. When you’re in each room, tackle each by starting with items on the floor; then surfaces like dressers, nightstands and bookshelves; then gradually work into the inside of your closets, drawers and cabinets. Begin by following the order of rooms below—this will help because they are the rooms you are in daily and you will be energized by the immediate effects of your time and effort. Start in the bedroom. Take out all the items that create visual clutter that do not really belong here or that can be distracting to the relaxing nature of your room. For some people, this may include things like a television, exercise equipment or office/work-related items. Then focus on thoroughly decluttering and cleaning your closets. Pay particular attention to clothing you never wear, sheets/ natural awakenings

January 2016

towels you never use, and books you will never read again. do not find proper space for each and every item in your Let go of as many items as possible that you have not used in “In” box, you might have to let some go. a long time. Next, focus on the kitchen. Empty out all your drawers; “Out” Box: This box goes out of your home. You could give look for items that you have duplicates of, pots and pans these items to a local charity, a shelter, give them to friends that are warped or damaged, and cooking tools or utensils or arrange a garage sale—there are many options. Just rethat you no longer use or haven’t used in a long time. member that the sooner this box goes out, the better; do not Move to the main entrance of your home. Let go of any keep it in your home for too long. objects in your main door area that are not really needed there, such as the “I Don’t Know!” recycle bins in full Box: Know that this box view, piles of clothes may contain items with and shoes, out-ofstrong emotional attachseason items, or bags ment (often entangled of store-bought items with confusion, guilt, that haven’t been put and possibly hurtful and away. Also, think of painful memories) that a way to deal with you will find difficult to all the incoming mail deal with. Know that takso that it has a home ing time to evaluate the the minute it comes items in your home can through the door—it be a very strong clearing will either be someof old emotional ties and thing you need to act old emotional patterns. on, file, or discard Give yourself time to let because it is simply go of uncertainty, confujunk mail. A small sion and guilt related basket with dividIn order to help avoid future clutter from accu- to these items and to ers or three separate mulating in the house, establish an organization- remember any emotional containers (labeled ties you have had with with keep, review, al system that is individually suited. And know your items. This can have discard for instance) that it is perfectly okay to have at least one or a very profound cleansby the front door or ing effect. Just keep placa landing zone may two clutter drawers! ing them in your “I Don’t be a good solution. Know!” box until the day Always check the discard section for letters that may have you are ready to deal with the items in this box. accidentally gotten into the junk mail section.

Questions to ask yourself: Use the Organizational Tool sidebar to decide what items you would like to keep and which ones you are comfortable with giving away. As you put items in the boxes, ask yourself why you are keeping an item rather than why you should get rid of it. By framing this question in a more positive tone—related to keeping versus discarding—it is easier to think about because it gives you a chance to ponder what you use the item for, when you last used it, if you will use it again, and if you still like it. Sometimes when we move too quickly through the decluttering and start to throw things away too fast, it can lead to regretting a decision; regrets can slow down the process.

Organizing our physical spaces can have tremendous emotional and psychological effects. By making decisions on the items, we are in control. We can get emotional, angry, frustrated and feel like stopping because it is simply too difficult to make decisions. Know that these feelings are normal. We need to remind ourselves that we are taking a very active and, albeit, difficult and emotional step into evaluating the clutter items in your home.

What to do with each box:

Margarita M. Cossuto, Ph.D., is a professional organizer and owner of Living Organized LLC. Cossuto works with a variety of clients in Connecticut and New York. Connect with her at lOrganized.com or 203-451-7880. She would like to thank Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro for helpful comments while preparing this article.

“In” Box: These items will stay in your home and space. As you review the items in this box, consider the amount of surface space you have in your home and if you have space for some of the items in a closet, cabinet or drawer. If you 28

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In order to help avoid future clutter from accumulating in the house, establish an organizational system that is individually suited. And know that it is perfectly okay to have at least one or two clutter drawers!

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The Right Vet for Your Pet

Animals Thrive with Gentle, Safe and Natural Approaches by Shawn Messonnier

et parents have many criteria to consider when choosing a healthcare provider for their prized pet, and among the most vital is trying to find a doctor that uses holistic therapies, because the advantages are many. Wellness care is more than vaccines. While many conventional vets consider giving vaccines and flea medications to all of their patients to be their best form of wellness care, holistic vets know these aren’t always necessary and can potentially be harmful. Instead, true wellness care involves careful consideration of proper diet, blood titer testing instead of vaccines, natural parasite control when appropriate and a heavy dose of diagnostic testing (blood, urine, fecal) to monitor organ function, check for parasites, screen for disorders of the urogenital system, liver

and pancreas and early screening for cancer and other inflammatory conditions. There’s also a full physical check for common diseases like dental and heart disease and tumors. Individualized prescriptions for a proper diet and supplements to maintain health are big reasons many owners prefer a holistic vet. Natural treatments include disease prevention. Many pets treated via a more natural approach have an easier experience with occasional illness than those that don’t enjoy this specialized care. Natural therapies can quickly restore an ill pet to his homeostatic balance without the side effects often associated with multiple drug doses. A team approach is expected. A holistic practice is a team effort, and the family doctor will suggest options for care, helping an owner decide on the best therapies for each pet. A fuller range of options is available. While holistic vets prefer a more natural approach, they know that if necessary, conventional therapies can sometimes be an appropriate complement if they follow holistic principles, which means infrequent use of low-dose medications and only when absolutely needed. In general, most conditions can be treated successfully without drug therapy, extending the health and life of the patient and reducing medical costs. Gentler anesthesia means quicker recovery. A naturally balanced and gentler approach means less drugging if anesthesia becomes necessary, close monitoring of an anesthetized pet, a smooth and quick recovery for prompt discharge from the hospital and natural forms of follow-up treatment to control post-operative pain and inflammation. New hope rises for the hopeless. Many pets are brought to holistic doctors after conventional care has failed to help them. Some have been turned away by practitioners of conventional medicine because their cases are diagnosed as “hopeless”. Holistic vets and pet parents alike experience considerable satisfaction in helping to give a joyful pet a whole new lease on life. 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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Treating Autism

NATURALLY Plus Strategies for Prevention by Meredith Montgomery

n The Autism Revolution, Pediatric Technology and Massachusetts General Neurologist and Neuroscientist Hospital Medical Imaging facility. Martha Herbert approaches autism “While autism is often thought of as as a whole-body condition that can a genetic disorder, it’s the result of a geneimprove, rather than be a static, lifelong environment interaction where genes are genetic brain disorder. corrupted,” explains Psychiatrist Robert “It’s the way the brain is shifted Hendren, who is currently partnering in into acting when faced developing the Center with a combination of Experts agree that a for Autism Spectrum stressors—some, but Disorder and Neurodenatural foundation velopmental Disorders not all of which are genetic—at a vulnerable for health begins with at the University of Calipoint in development,” fornia, San Francisco. breastfeeding infants says Herbert. NonAccording to the genetic challenges can U.S. Centers for Disease to support natural come from the immune Control and Prevention, immunity, and then autism is the fastestsystem, nutrition, the environment and ensuring children’s growing developmental stress. “Addressing disability, now affecting diets are rich in them can make a one in 68 children and profound difference in nutrients at all ages. one in 42 boys. Autism the condition; maybe Speaks (AutismSpeaks. even turning it around.” org) defines autism spectrum disorder Herbert directs the Treatment Re(ASD) as a group of complex brain search and Neuroscience Evaluation of development disorders characterized by Neurodevelopmental Disorders (TRAN- difficulties in social interaction, verbal SCEND) program at a joint Harvard and nonverbal communication and University, Massachusetts Institute of repetitive behaviors. 32

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Prevention

Many experts agree that in some cases, autism can be prevented. “Prevention needs to start early—preconception is ideal,” says Dr. Kenneth A. Bock, of Bock Integrative Medicine, in New York, and author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies. Emphasizing omega-3 essential fatty acids, folic acid and probiotics during pregnancy can be beneficial, and it’s important to avoid iron deficiency, which has been tied to higher rates of autism, Hendren counsels. Results from a recent University of California, Davis study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reveals increased rates of autism among children of women that live close to pesticide-treated fields during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Hendren says, “Living near heavily sprayed fields can be very detrimental. Living close to freeways or downwind of coal-fired power plants is also associated with autism.” If heavy metal toxicity in blood is confirmed, chelation therapy is often used to remove metals, although Hendren advises against using it for the general treatment of ASD. “Chelators pull out mercury, along with other metals, a process that can be harmful. Instead, think about diet and nutritional supplements that can help detoxify the body more safely,” he explains. Bock says, “It’s not enough to detoxify, we have to remove and prevent exposure to neurodevelopmental toxins.” Herbert suggests avoiding toxic household products, electromagnetic exposure from devices such as cell phones and baby monitors, which can lead to stress, sleep disruption and cell health problems, as well as antibiotic overuse, which can disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing vulnerability to exposure to other harmful chemicals. Herbert notes some parents observe that their child became autistic after a vaccination but there are also autistic children that are vaccine-free; still others become so after facing other stresses such as illness or trauma. “We need to focus on the underlying vulnerabilities and keep children strong and resilient so they can handle life’s

Relax your attachment to expectations and realize that your child sees, hears and feels the world differently than you. Broaden your perspective and make every choice a healthy choice. ~Martha Herbert challenges to their health and immune systems,” she says.

Safeguard Resilience

Currently, the only treatment that has been proven to consistently improve the core symptoms of ASD is behavioral therapy designed to foster language, socialization and academic skills. While effective, this approach is time- and staff-intensive. With the rise and prevalence of autism in the past decade, more parents are turning to complementary and alternative treatments (CAM). Hendren reports that the best researched and safest CAM therapies for treating autism include melatonin to improve sleep, omega-3 fatty acids to ease hyperactivity and possibly improve socialization, multivitamins to supplement a limited diet or poor appetite and methyl B12

injections to protect against oxidative stress. Massage therapy has also proven effective in increasing connectivity with others and reducing over-arousal, while reducing ASD symptoms. Research remains in its infancy, but other CAMs deemed acceptable for a professionally monitored trial include B6 and magnesium supplements to correct metabolic aberration, folic acid for improvements in core symptoms, probiotics to ease gastrointestinal distress and iron supplementation for a deficiency. Although clear benefits have yet to be backed by scientific evidence, many parents of children with ASD report that behavior improves with a diet free of the proteins gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye) and casein (found in dairy). Other parent-endorsed diets include anti-yeast, anti-hyperglycemia, specific carbohydrate, low-oxalate and specific food reaction regimens. A review article in the journal Autism Research and Treatment notes that acupuncture, exercise, and musicand animal-assisted therapy have all been reported as helping to reduce a variety of ASD functional and behavioral symptoms. From sound-dampening headphones that offset loud noises to structuring the environment to anticipate transitions, removing stressors can help reduce the debilitating characteristics of ASD. “This improves abilities to learn and interact with others, but we also don’t want to

Creating Calm Islands by Carolyn Dalgliesh

ensory kids, like those living with autism spectrum, sensory processing, anxiety or attention deficit disorders, are often highly affected by the design of their physical environments. Here are some tips for removing daily stressors for a more supportive home environment. Identify the common sensory challenges for the child so the family can create spaces that support them. Kids may struggle with regulating their emotions, initiating tasks, maintaining focus, rigid rules, lack of flexibility or being consistently overwhelmed. Less is more because these kids

are often more sensitive to environmental stimuli. Tone down the color scheme of their bedroom and playroom, and maintain uncluttered spaces. Clearly defined and labeled areas in certain rooms can help them know what to expect and how to use each space appropriately. Define areas and tasks with visual aids to foster more focused, calm and flexible interactions. Consider creating a designated dressing area with hooks that hold the next day’s clothes and a laundry hamper. This provides a visual routine to follow and structural aids to help complete the task successfully.

Easy-on-Kids Cooking Beyond Gluten-Free, Casein-Free by Melody Handley The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook by Pamela Compart and Dana Laake The SCD for Autism and ADHD: A Reference and Dairy-Free Cookbook for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet by Pamela Ferro and Raman Prasad Special Diets for Special Kids by Lisa Lewis shelter them from having a chance to learn the rules of social interaction in real-world situations,” advises Hendren. Because autism is a heterogeneous disorder with numerous subtypes, the best individualized combination of treatments can be challenging to identify and can often change throughout one’s life. Bock reminds families that even with a successful treatment plan, “A parent’s love is the final element that brings these recovering children out of darkness into light.” Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi (HealthyLiving HealthyPlanet.com). Create a space to escape and regulate when they return home anxious, overwhelmed or ready to explode; a zone to help them feel calm and connected again. Dark and quiet spots are best, like the corner of a closet, bottom bunk, under a desk or even a cardboard box “cabin”. Add a flashlight, favorite books, beanbags, heavy or weighted blankets, handheld sensory toys and something that taps into the child’s current fascination. Carolyn Dalgliesh is the founder of Systems for Sensory Kids & Simple Organizing Strategies in North Kingstown, RI, and author of The Sensory Child Gets Organized. Connect at CarolynDalgliesh.com.

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January 2016

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The Power of Conscious Dance Creative Movement Connects Body, Mind and Spirit by Gail Condrick

A growing tribe of movers and shakers are discovering and unleashing their power in conscious dance, a combination of moving meditation, soul-stirring music, self-expression and sweat.

“

ost are familiar with the performance or competitive dance world of learned steps. Conscious dance is a non-competitive, body-based way of raising consciousness. There’s no wrong way to move and your shape and measurements don’t matter,” says Mark Metz, of Berkley, California, founder and executive director of the Dance First Association (DFA) and publisher of the Conscious Dancer Magazine and UpShift Guide. The group identifies more than 100 forms of conscious dance, ranging from ecstatic dance to somatic movement therapy. Commonalities include body awareness, barefoot movement, inspiring global music and minimal structure facilitated by leaders. With 1,000 DFA studio locations, many are finding the power of conscious dance suits their search for movement with purpose beyond improved fitness as it’s practiced in drug- and alcohol-free club-style events and ecstatic dance experiences, as well as dance fitness programs. “It’s about honoring body intelligence and paying attention to the body and mind-body connection,” says Metz. “The modalities mentioned most often are 5Rhythms, Soul Motion, Open Floor, JourneyDance, and the Nia Technique,” says Metz. A brief look at three of them shows how each has its own style.

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5Rhythms In St. Petersburg, Florida, 22 women have gathered to seek the bliss promised by 5Rhythms, one of the original conscious dance forms, founded by the late Gabrielle Roth. “Find your flow. Feel your connection to the Earth through your feet and release your head,” guides facilitator Amber Ryan, of New York City, who travels the world for dance sessions. “Use your body as a gateway into the now.” For two hours, dancers move freely and individually, swaying, sensing and interacting in an experience called “the wave”, intended to move energy through the body, release emotions and heal the psyche. It’s based on Roth’s premise that, “Each of us is a moving center, a space of divine mystery. Though we spend most of our time on the surface in daily ordinary existence, most of us hunger to connect to this space within, to break through to bliss, to be swept into something bigger.”

JourneyDance Toni Bergins, from the Massachusetts Berkshires, is a frequent presenter at the Kripalu Center and Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. After years of studying and teaching movement, drama, creative visualization and gestalt

techniques, she combined them in creating JourneyDance. More than 400 trained facilitators now offer it in 60- or 90-minute classes worldwide based on the philosophy, “Move into a new story!” Every class includes visualization, creative movement, affirmations and evocative music, all working together to release emotions and connect with spirit. “You learn to love your body, expand your emotional intelligence, clear your mind and connect with your inner source,” explains Bergins. “You express yourself, infuse life with creativity and connect with a dancing community.” Participants engage in a ritual journey of physical transformation, cleansing the body through breath, sweat and expression. In this safe space, “Dancers discover their power and personal heart medicine, their true essence,” says Bergins.

Nia Technique For those that prefer more structure, the Nia Technique is the original barefoot mind-body-spirit fitness practice, activating sensation and awareness in a workout adaptable for everybody. More than 2,600 instructors in 51 countries offer 60-minute classes where enthusiasts move the way the body is built to move, reaping cardiovascular fitness and therapeutic benefits while having joyful fun. Dancers, guided by instructor’s moves, feel the rhythm of the music and ground themselves in spirit, equipping themselves to take the selfhealing experience into everyday life. “Nia has always blended form and freedom,” says Debbie Rosas, of Portland, Oregon, co-founder and creator of the technique. “We are now introducing new FreeDance classes to bring what we have learned through Nia to embody consciousness in new ways, conditioning the whole body and nervous system. It’s an invitation to move in free, unbound, unstructured ways to offset the tendency we have to move less as we age.” Dancers move to music designed to animate each chakra through an eight-stage process via a Nia DJ. They’re guided to listen to body feedback through sensation, release emotions and relish being in the present moment. “Regardless of how you act, dress or think, the way you feel inside reveals the most accurate truth of oneself and this is reflected in dance,” says Rosas. “Moving without interference allows your unconscious creative self to shine. You can connect to the sacred artist within; the one that holds a palette with endless colors, shapes and possibilities.” She sees life as ultimately a free-style dance into the self that supports a philosophy of “Love your body, love your life”. “Dance is in everyone’s family tree, a universal message,” says Metz. “In conscious dance, you disconnect from gadgets and reconnect with yourself and others around you. People need that.”

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Gail Condrick is a Nia faculty member, retreat leader and archetypal soul coach in Sarasota, FL. Connect at GaelaVisions.com.

natural awakenings

January 2016

greenliving

It’s Easy to Be Green At Home and On the Road by Avery Mack

“

iving green means living well, using what you create with minimal waste,” says Mike Bond, an ecologist and bestselling activist author in Winthrop, Maine. Here, he and other savvy sources share tips to go ever greener in ways that are painless and affordable.

Start Small 4 Choose the best bulb for the job. Light bulbs can confuse even informed shoppers. Incandescent bulbs last more than 750 hours, but aren’t energy-efficient. Fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent and last 10 to 15 times longer. A 20-watt compact fluorescent light (CFL) uses 550 fewer kilowatt-hours than a 75-watt incandescent bulb. For additional information, check Tinyurl.com/Energy InfoLightBulbs. For a free app showing the best buy, visit LightBulbFinder.net. 4 Use appliance thermometers. Widely available, this useful tool will confirm a correct operating temperature of 37 to 40 degrees in the refrigerator and zero 36

Greater Mercer County, NJ

degrees in the freezer. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a warmer fridge allows bacteria to grow, while 10 degrees cooler than the ideal range increases energy use 25 percent. Chiller units work harder if the room temperature exceeds 70 degrees, so keep appliances out of direct sunlight and away from the stove. ■ Find the right seeds and plants. Then get quick advice on how many to buy and how and when to plant using the SmartGardener.com step-by-step app. It encompasses more than 3,000 organic, GMO-free, edible varieties. ■ No dishpan hands. A full load of dishes in a water-efficient dishwasher uses four gallons of water versus 24 gallons for handwashing them, according to Seametrics, which manufactures flow meters. ■ Test the toilet. If a few drops of food coloring added to the toilet tank colors water in the bowl, replace the flap. It’s an easy and inexpensive DIY task. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that one in 10 homes leaks a

NAMercer.com

cumulative 90 gallons a day. ■ Fix the faucet. One drip per second equals 3,000 gallons a year wasted, Seametrics calculates. ■ Reset the hot water heater to 120 degrees. This safe and efficient setting also reduces corrosion and mineral buildup. ■ Discover soap nuts and wool dryer balls. Dried soapberry fruit shells contain saponin, which works like most detergents and soaps. Toss five or six whole shells (one-half ounce) in a wash bag with the laundry. They’re good for five to eight reuses. All-natural sheep’s wool dryer balls shorten drying time, soften and fluff fabric, reduce static and help keep pet hair off of clothes. ■ Change the car’s air filter. Maintain a clean filter according to manufacturer’s guidelines and visual inspection, about every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. ■ Use an oil-change service. In Connecticut alone, do-it-yourselfers change 9.5 million gallons of motor oil a year, and 85 percent of it ends up in sewers, soil and trash as a major groundwater

pollutant. Earth Talk reports that one quart can create a two-acre oil slick; a gallon can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water. While the more costly chemicals in synthetic oil create the same amount of pollution as traditional oil, it doesn’t need to be changed as often. ■ Carpool. The Green Living Ideas media network condones Uber, Lyft and Sidecar apps for making ridesharing ultra-accessible.

Go Greener ■ Replace old appliances with energyefficient models. Check out a unit’s Energy Star rating. Consider a tankless heater for hot water on demand, rather than 24/7 heating.

advises, “Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel and emits more CO2 than engine restarting.” ■ Ask for pet- and eco-friendly antifreeze. Choose less toxic red-orange propylene glycol antifreeze instead of green ethylene glycol antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets and people. Dispose of both types properly, as they are toxic to wildlife and fish via groundwater, as well. ■ Green-clean car windows. Choose a brand like EvergreeN Windshield Washer Fluid, which is plant-derived, eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable. Traditional blue fluid is methanol, combined methyl alcohol and wood alcohol, and extremely poisonous, especially to children and pets.

■ Choose eco-tires. Low rolling resistance improves gas mileage and reduces emissions. Keep tires properly inflated and periodically rotated for longer wear. Watch for future innovations in sustainable materials currently in research and development.

Go Big

■ Ban idling. Don’t idle an electronic fuel-injected engine for more than 30 seconds when parked in cold weather; it warms up faster by being driven, explains the U.S. Department of Energy. Fuel injection engines took over in the 1980s and early 90s. Only older carburetors need a couple of minutes’ warm-up. The Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory further

■ Go solar. It’s the eco-alternative to conventional electricity generation. “Solar means that you’re creating your own power,” says Bond, who has used solar for years. “It works on an elegant cycle—create energy, use energy.” Leased solar panels reduce the cost of equipment, which has dropped dramatically in recent years.

■ Switch to a heat pump. “A heat pump works the reverse of a refrigerator; it takes cold air from the outside and turns it into warm air inside, and uses no oil or gas,” explains Bond.

■ Get a hybrid car. In combination with solar power, a hybrid vehicle can reduce or eliminate daily energy costs. “An electric car is perfect when commutes are not long,” Bond discloses. “If charged in the day, it can serve as the battery for a solar home at night, when no power is being created.” Connect with freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

Go-Green Apps Here are three apps we suggest among the many available. ■n Green You is a free app. It calculates our eco-friendliness and suggests steps toward a deeper shade of green. ItAnyPlace.com/support/ greenyou ■ Recycle offers a free national database of 100,000 recycling and disposal locations for 200 products. Specify the item and find local options with contact information. Earth911.com/ eco-tech/irecycle-now-on-android ■ eEcosphere helps users discover, adopt and share the best sustainable living ideas and makes it easy to share specific actions and ideas with friends via social media. eEcosphere.com

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January 2016

wisewords

Bruce Lipton on the Epigenetics Revolution Our Beliefs Reprogram Our Genetic Destiny by Linda Sechrist

ruce Lipton, Ph.D., author of The Biology of Belief and The Honeymoon Effect, is a stem cell biologist and internationally recognized leader in bridging science and spirit. He is a visiting fellow lecturer on immunology at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and participated in the Foundation for Conscious Evolution’s seventh Worldwide Meeting on Human Values, in Mexico. His research explains the interplay between individual consciousness and body biology.

Why do you start with epigenetics as a foundation for health? Many people, programmed with the concept of genetic determinism, believe that genes in the fertilized egg at conception determine character and fate. Unable to pick our DNA genes, we are powerless to control our life, so that the only option is seeking help from someone in the biomedical community to fix our genes. I introduced a new vision about the understanding of genes a half-century ago that is now the new science of epigenetics. Epi- means “above”. Here, we can realize control by regulating the environment in which we live and our perception of it, making us the master of our own genetics rather than a victim of heredity.

Do you believe epigenetics is the future of medicine? Epigenetics is a revolution in our knowledge and awareness of heredity. This new concept of biology is so big that 38

Greater Mercer County, NJ

it promises radical change capable of revolutionizing civilization. Its dynamics are equivalent to the leap from Newtonian physics to quantum physics, which led to everything from computers and cell phones to Martian rovers. We are freed to abandon the belief that genes cause cancer, for instance. In changing our lifestyle, beliefs and perceptions, we also change our genetic expression. Remember, this works because how we individually interpret our world is translated by the brain into chemical information that adjusts the behavior and genetics of cells to complement our perception. We could live in the healthiest environment, but if our mind perceives it as threatening and non-supportive, our biology will become less healthy and can generate disease. The cells’ response is based on the brain’s information, which actually is only an interpretation. Personal perceptions and the way we live, including our spiritual nature, adjust genes to manifest either a functional state of health or one of dysfunction.

Where is the “self” that makes people different? No two people are the same biologically. If I inject my cells into another human, their immune system will recognize it as “not-self” and begin to eliminate them. On the surface of virtually all our cells are thousands of protein receptors that function like miniature antennae. They read and respond to environmental signals similar to the larger receptors on the skin’s surface, such as the eyes, ears and nose.

NAMercer.com

Each human also possesses a unique set of “identity” receptors, a subset of which are called “self-receptors” by the biomedical community, found on nearly all of our cells, with the primary exception of red blood cells. Self-receptors are unrelated to the cell’s function contributing to muscle, bone, brain or heart. Conventional medicine studies the physical aspect of self-receptors as being the source of “self” but overlook the environmental signals they receive. In other words, individual identity is linked to the signals received by the antennae. When I reached this point in my research, I realized that we can’t die, because our real identity is represented by the invisible environment-derived “broadcast”, which might legitimately be referred to as spirit. My personal identity signal is received by each of my 50 trillion cells endowed with the unique set of “Bruce” self-receptors. While my physical body is like a TV, the “spiritual broadcast” representing the Bruce Show is an eternal, energetic element of the environment.

What is entrainment and why is it important today? A group of heart cells in a Petri dish will each beat to its own vibrational frequency. After a couple of days, they start beating in synchrony, because the stronger heart cells control the tempo. The other cells organize their behavior to entrain with the more powerful one. This happens in women’s college dormitories when residents start the school year with different menstrual cycles, but later experience entrainment, with their cycles beginning and ending about the same time. They link to a pulse and a beat, just like the heart cells. Humans become entrained to a higher force that’s an invisible broadcast of energy in harmony or in discordance. As more of us hold the intention for living a life of love and peace, the broadcast of that harmonic energy amplifies and those not yet there will eventually entrain to the stronger signal. This is the shift we need to make for conscious evolution to occur. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

calendarofevents

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 Happy New Year

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

therapist Gemma Bianchi. Cost $10. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

New Year, New You – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.

The Literary Language of Nature – 7:30-9:30pm. While nature outdoors is frosty and dormant, warm up with some classic and contemporary nature writing in this new Adult Education course. Cost $90/$140, member/non-member. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Self-Defense for Women – 6-9pm. 4-week series. Empower yourself with a new sense of awareness and confidence. R.A.D. Women is a national selfdefense course for women combining classroom learning with physical defense tactics and riskreduction strategies. Cost $60. YMCA, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd, Hamilton. 888-897-8979.

WWFCM Indoor Market – 10am-1pm. West Windsor Community Farmer’s Market, indoor venue. West Windsor Athletic Club, 99 Clarksville Rd, West Windsor. 609-933-4452.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 Self-Defense for Women – 6-9pm. See January 4 listing. Hamilton. Stop Smoking/Lose Weight /and Relaxation through Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Stop smoking with hypnosis. Smoking cessation is easily achieved in a one hour session through hypnosis. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Edison JCC, 1776 Oak Tree Rd, Edison. Cost $49. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Lose Weight through Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Weight loss is easily and painlessly attained through hypnosis. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Edison JCC, 1776 Oak Tree Rd, Edison. Cost $49. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Relaxation through Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. Learn several easy to use techniques you can use daily to reduce stress in your life. Edison JCC, 1776 Oak Tree Rd, Edison. Cost $49. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 Guided Aromatic Meditation – 7-8pm. Develop relaxed awareness and clarity. Focus will be guided using breath, aroma and intention attuning by aroma

Recycle, Reuse & Re-Gift – 10:30am-noon. Spend the morning at the Watershed Center giving your holiday cards a second life. Get creative with us as you learn to make origami boxes, gift tags and spherical ornaments. Re-gifting has never looked so beautiful. Bring all of your cards, scissors and ruler. Light refreshments provided. Cost $5/adult. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 A Year to Clear Whatever Has Been Holding You Back – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422. Homemade Ricotta and Mozzarella Stretching Class – 1pm. Instructors teach how easy this cheese is to make in your own home. In this fun and informative class learn how milk is transformed into curds and how curds become cheese. Cherry Grove Farm, 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. Cost $65. 609-219-0053.

Self-Defense for Women – 6-9pm. See January 4 listing. Hamilton. Stop Smoking/Lose Weight /and Relaxation through Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Stop smoking with hypnosis. Smoking cessation is easily achieved in a one-hour session through hypnosis. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Guantlett Community Center, 20 Media Line Rd, Newtown Cost $55. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Lose Weight through Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Weight loss is easily and painlessly attained through hypnosis. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Guantlett Community Center, 20 Media Line Rd, Newtown Cost $55. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Relaxation through Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. Learn several easy to use techniques you can use daily to reduce stress in your life. Guantlett Community Center, 20 Media Line Rd, Newtown Cost $55. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 Stop Smoking/Lose Weight /and Relaxation through Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Stop smoking with hypnosis. Smoking cessation is easily achieved in a one hour session through hypnosis. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Middlesex County College, 2600 Woodbridge Av, Edison. Cost $50. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Lose Weight through Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Weight loss is easily and painlessly attained through hypnosis. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Middlesex County College, 2600 Woodbridge Av, Edison. Cost $50. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Relaxation through Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm. Learn several easy to use techniques you can use daily to reduce stress in your life. Middlesex County College, 2600 Woodbridge Av, Edison. Cost $50. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Healthy Eating in Junk Food World – 7:30pm. Free. Learn about GMOs, their accompanying agricultural chemicals and healthy food awareness. Speakers Barbara Thomas and Keith Monahan of GMO Free NJ. Haddonfield Friends Meeting House, Haddonfield. Call 865-425-2221.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Self-Defense for Women – 6-9pm. See January 4 listing. Hamilton.

Food & Exercise for Bone Health – 10am. Free. Michelle Sumerson, RD explains nutritional needs

Ewing Structural Bodywork

uccess is finding satisfaction in giving a little more than you take. ~Christopher Reeve

• Deep Tissue Rolf Method Massage for people and canines • Hot stone therapy • Detox body scrub/detox massage

Beth Verbeyst, BCSI, IASI, ABMP 609-731-9576 EwingStructuralBodywork.com The most amazing hour of your week. natural awakenings

January 2016

and Personal Trainer Ron Hyland demonstrates essential excercises for good bone health. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 In Search of Owls – 7:30-8:30pm. Begin the evening indoors with presentation introducing owls, their calls and adaptions, then take hike in search of the nocturnal raptors. Warm up after indoors with hot beverage. Cost $10/$15, member/non-member (children 6 yo+). Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 Welcome Winter Walk – 9:30-11:30am. Free. Adults and children 5 yo+ join Education Director Jeff Hoagland on morning walk at Mountain Lakes Preserve to explore the wonders of natural world. Discover unique survival strategies of local plants and animals. Learn where animals store food and shelter. Registration required. Stony BrookMillstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Stop Smoking/Lose Weight /and Relaxation through Hypnosis – 10-11am. Stop smoking with hypnosis. Smoking cessation is easily achieved in a one hour session through hypnosis. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Hypnosis Counseling Center, 28 Mine St, Flemington. Cost $59. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Lose Weight through Hypnosis – 11am-noon. Weight loss is easily and painlessly attained through hypnosis. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Hypnosis Counseling Center, 28 Mine St, Flemington. Cost $59. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767. Relaxation through Hypnosis – 12-1pm. Learn several easy to use techniques you can use daily to reduce stress in your life. Hypnosis Counseling Center, 28 Mine St, Flemington. Cost $59. Register and call Barry Wolfson at 908-303-7767.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 The Power of Now – 10:30am. Because if not now, then when? Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.

Nutritious is Delicious – 1:30-2:30pm. Classes led by registered dietician. Includes tastes sampling and recipes. Register at least 3 days prior. Cost $10. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

Wassailing the Apple Trees – 1-4pm. Free admission. The Mount Family invites in the ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm. Activities include dancing, singing and re-enactments of traditional rituals. Bring own noise makers. Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609-924-3210.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26

Health Rhythm Drumming – 7-8pm. Group drumming is fun and good for you, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress. Drums provided. Cost $15/person. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609584-5900.

Taking the Bite Out of Food Allergies – 6-8pm. Free. Take an in-depth look at food allergies, food additive allergies, oral allergy syndrome and anaphylaxis. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-5845900.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27

Free Vision Screenings – 4-8pm. Free. Princeton HealthCare System and the New Jersey Commission for the Blind: Project Prevention Unit are pleased to offer these free vision screenings to uninsured or underinsured adults and children. All children must be accompanied by a legal guardian. PHCS, Community Education & Outreach, 731 Alexander Rd, Ste 103, Princeton. 888-897-8979.

Hear Your World – Hearing Aid Workshop – 10am. Free. Audiologist Lorraine Sgarlato discusses common hearing problems and reviews latest technology and treatments available. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19

Round Up the Usual Suspects- 6:30pm. Free. How bad is a little weed killer in our cereal? Special meeting about Roundup, agricultural chemical applied to GMO foods. Collingswood Library, 771 Haddon Av, Collingswood. 856-425-2221.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 Wellness Wonderland – 10am-2pm. Free. Bring whole family for morning focused on good health and maintaining a healthy weight. Free health screening and plenty of children’s craft activities. University of Medical Center of Princeton, 1 Plainsboro Rd, Plainsboro. 888-897-8979. Homemade Ricotta and Mozzarella Stretching Class – 12pm. Instructors teach how easy this cheese is to make in your own home. In this fun and informative class learn how milk is transformed into curds and how curds become cheese. Cherry Grove Farm, 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. Cost $65. 609-219-0053.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 Mystery Guest Speaker – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd. (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.

Reiki Sharing Evening – 7-9pm. For Reiki practitioners only to share Reiki with each other. Bring pillow, small sheet and blanket. Cost $5. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 Relaxation for Health – 6:30-8:30pm. Join a relaxation for health class. Cost $15. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 Groundhog Day Celebration – 1-3pm. Celebrate Groundhog Day and visit several burrows of the furry weather forecasters. Learn about their life history and role in ecological community. After hike and game, warm up by outside fire with warm beverage and make craft. Cost $7/person. Registration recommended. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609737-7592. In Search of Owls– 7-8:30pm. See January 15 listing. Pennington.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 Mystery Guest Speaker – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually-minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.

plan ahead TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

With the new day comes

new strength and new thoughts. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Women’s Corner: Heart Health Update – 6-8pm. Free. Quarterly dinner program just for women. Learn about prevention, risk factors, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

ongoingevents daily

Thick Up Thursday – Get a shake and receive an extra free scoop of protein or creatine in any retro blend. Retro Fitness of Bordentown, 860 206S, Bordentown. 609-372-4020.

Reiki with Eden Energy Medicine – By appointment. Balance your energies and tap into your body’s natural healing ability with our relaxing sessions. Each individual is unique and we customize to fit your needs, with techniques you can use to continue your journey. Call Siobhan at 609-752-1048.

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.

sunday Meditation for Stress Reduction – 10-11am, 2nd Sunday. Learn basic types of meditation and find what works for you. Cost $15. Newtown Yoga, 17 Barkley St, Newtown. Lee Culver, 610-888-4606. Spiritual Awakening Service – 10:30 am. If you are looking for a warm, dynamic community of spiritually-minded people, we encourage you to come to one of our Sunday Transformation Services and mingle afterwards with refreshments and conversation. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton holds services every Sunday at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 354 River Rd, Princeton. 609-924-8422. Soup Kitchen – 4:30-6pm. 3rd Sun. Volunteers arrive at 3pm. Free hot meal served. VFW Post 5700, 140 Dutch Neck Rd, Hightstown. Information: Adrenne 609-336-7260.

monday Energy Monday – Get a free shake and receive an energy boost in any retro blend. Retro Fitness of Bordentown, 860 206S, Bordentown. 609-372-4020. 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.

tuesday Two-Punch Tuesday – Any member can receive two punches on punch card with purchase of a retro blend. Retro Fitness of Bordentown, 860 206S, Bordentown. 609-372-4020. CLB Ad.qxp_Layout 2 9/6/15 10:11 PM Page 1

Kundalini Yoga – 10-11:30am and 6:15-7:45pm. Awake your Kundalini energy. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Ste A, Hamilton. For more information call 609-586-9199.

wednesday Meta Boost Wednesday – Get a shake and receive a free metabolic boost in any retro blend. Retro Fitness of Bordentown, 860 206S, Bordentown. 609-372-4020. 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. Healing Gong & Meditation – Noon-1pm. Awake your Kundalini energy. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Ste A, Hamilton. For more information call 609-586-9199. Hopewell Community Farmers Market – 3-6pm. Indoor Community Farmers market. Vegetables, fruits, meats, fresh mozzarella cheese, eggs, pies, cookies, pot pies, beef, chicken, kielbasa, bacon, pork, marrow bones, chirizo, black bean cake, mushrooms and more. 17 Railroad Av, Hopewell. 908-996-3362.

thursday

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.

friday 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. Happy Friday – 4-8pm. Retro blends for $3. Retro Fitness of Bordentown, 860 206S, Bordentown. 609-372-4020.

saturday Holiday Trolley Tour – 10am-4pm. 1-hour trolley tours take you to see the homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, James Madison, Robert Oppenheimer, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Brooke Shields, F Scott Fitzgerald, James Madison, Aaron Burr Jr., John F. Kennedy, George Washington, John Adams and more in Princeton. Tours depart hourly from Palmer Square. Cost $15/person. Call 855-743-1415.

DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL CENTER Princeton

love . connec t . inspire The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton invites you to visit our community and to explore new possibilities for your life. Our center offers a practical spiritual teaching that draws on the wisdom of the ages and New Thought principles to promote spiritual awakening and personal growth. Join us for our Spiritual Transformation Service Sundays at 10:30 am • Princeton Masonic Lodge • 345 River Road • Princeton, NJ 08540 (1 mile from Route 27)

For more information, call 609.924.8422 or visit cslprinceton.org natural awakenings

January 2016

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

BODYWORK

HYPNOSIS

REIKI MASTER

HYPNOSIS COUNSELING CENTER

Mrs. Donna Tomaszewski Hamilton/West Windsor Area 609-586-5409 by appointment ReikiPlace.org

Discover the gentle positive energy that is Reiki to effectively relieve stress while experiencing profound feelings of relaxation, peace and wellbeing. One-hour session: $75.

EDUCATION/SCHOOLS WALDORF SCHOOL OF PRINCETON 1062 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton 609-466-1970 x115 PrincetonWaldorf.org

The Waldorf curriculum,

Waldorf used in 1,000+ schools

School

worldwide, integrates arts, academics, movement, and music, emphasizing social and environmental responsibility. The hands-on approach is screen free. of Princeton

Barry Wolfson 48 Tamarack Circle, Princeton 28 Mine St, Flemington 2 East Northfield Rd, Livingston 34 Bridge St, Frenchtown 908-303-7767 • HypnosisNJ.com

With 27 years experience, Hypnosis Counseling Center of NJ utilizes both traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings. Regularly hold adult education seminars, work with hospitals, fitness centers, and individuals wanting to better their lives. Specialize in weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement and public speaking.

PRISM HYPNOSIS

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 11.

HOLISTIC CONSULTANT Sunny van Vlijmen 4444 Rte 27, Kingston 609-275-3881 TreatYourselfToHappy.com

Do you want real and lasting change? My professional background of 20+ years in alternative healing and personal development has taught me what works and what doesn’t. If you’re ready for change, schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation, today. See ad, page 23.

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

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

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

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 31.

Greater Mercer County, NJ

Can You Hear The Buzz? It’s Your Community Calling.

NAMercer.com

CHERRY GROVE FARM

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

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. See ad, page 25.

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.

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

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

ENERGY HEALING

NUTRITION

Call for information on this amazing low cost listing.

609-249-9044

EDWARD MAGAZINER, M.D.

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

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.

PET HEALTH CANINE NUTRITIONAL CONSULTANT Jim Miller 609-586-4815 DogDietGuru@aol.com DietsForLife.net

Diets for Life is helping rewrite the aging model of the contemporary canine. Diet plans (Raw, HomeCooked, Mediterranean, Combo) are based on evolutionary eating and present health status. In-home consultations available. We utilize the latest data when assessing plans.

2016

editorial calendar

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

themes JANUARY health & wellness

plus: dance power

FEBRUARY friendship plus: dental health MARCH food matters plus: eye health APRIL everyday sustainability plus: freshwater scarcity MAY womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wellness plus: thyroid health JUNE happiness plus: balanced man JULY independent media plus: summer harvest AUGUST empowering youth plus: creativity SEPTEMBER healing music plus: yoga OCTOBER NOVEMBER

community game changers plus: chiropractic

mental wellness plus: beauty

DECEMBER uplifting humanity plus: holiday themes

natural awakenings

January 2016