Natural Awakenings Mercer, NJ February 2016 by Natural Awakenings Mercer

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The Power of Friendship It Sustains, Nourishes and Supports Us

Functional Dentistry

How Our Oral Health Offers Clues to Whole-Body Health

Ancient Grains for Modern Palates February 2016 | Greater Mercer County, NJ | NAMercer.com natural awakenings

February 2016

Don’t Let Pain Limit Your Life!

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Laser Therapy Manipulation and Manual Medicine Mesotherapy Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgical Techniques Nerve Blocks Occupational & Physical Therapy Prolotherapy Radiofrequency Neurolysis Regeneration Injection Therapy (RIT) Sacroiliac joint Injections Spinal Cord Stimulation Trigger Point injections Vitamin and Nutritional Guidance

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contents 7

6 newsbriefs 11 healthbriefs

14 globalbriefs

21 wisewords

22 consciouseating 26 healthykids 32 healingways 34 fitbody 36 naturalpet

34 fitbody

38 inspiration

39 calendar 42 resourceguide

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. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAMercer.com or fax to 609-249-9044. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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

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.

18 THE POWER

OF FRIENDSHIP

It Sustains, Nourishes and Supports Us by Judith Fertig

21 ALYSSA MILANO’S

ANTI-AGING SECRETS Her Natural Lifestyle Choices Keep Her Young by Gerry Strauss

22 ANCIENT GRAINS

FOR MODERN PALATES Gluten-Free and Eco-Friendly Grains Gain Favor by Judith Fertig

26 MINDFUL MINUTES FOR LITTLE ONES

Yoga Helps Kids Focus and Relax by Julianne Hale

28 DISEASE VS. DIS-EASE 32

by Eric Evans

30 ARE COSMETIC DENTAL PROCEDURES HOLISTIC? by Roxandra Balescu

34 GLIDING ACROSS SNOWSCAPES

Cross-Country Ski to Explore Winter’s Wonders by Randy Kambic

36 BIRD-WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS

Start with a Bird Feeder and Binoculars by Sandra Murphy

letterfrompublisher The worst part of success is trying to find someone who is happy for you. ~Bette Midler

ver many years I’ve arrived at some helpful personal insights about the meaning of friendship. I’ve discovered that a real friend is true blue and feels sincere happiness for what their friends achieve. Embedded love negates envy, judgment and criticism at the outset, making them impossibilities. A good friend is there when you need them, without question, often with a smile or joke that brings a laugh. Like everyone, I’ve had friends come and go, each playing their own unique role in our life. Being honest with our self is vital when it comes to who we choose to get to know better because friendships are investments. A false friend can affect us negatively; they may bring us down, belittle, betray or even demand that we be like or look up to them to be accepted. I continue to be grateful for the lifelong friends I made when I first moved to in 7th grade, each of whom is as true and cherished a friend today as they were that first day. The distance in miles is no obstacle to such good friends; we easily catch-up by phone, if not in person, picking up where we left off without missing a beat. I love to reminisce about the good old days, shared memories of life events, vacations and all the times we spent just going out having laughs and good times. These special people have been involved in my life for so long that instant communion comes naturally. Life wouldn’t be as happy without them; just thinking of them puts a smile on my face. I also feel blessed for the community of people that understand and support our mutual love of Natural Awakenings. In this month’s feature article, “The Power of Friendship: It Sustains, Nourishes and Supports Us,” writer Judith Fertig explores how friendships of all kinds are not only great contributors to individual happiness but can also improve our health, longevity and overall well-being (page 18). We’re all blessed by friends. This month’s Wise Words article, “Alyssa Milano “Her Natural Lifestyle Choices Keep Her Young,” by Gerry Strauss, is another highlight for me (page 21). During her early career appearing in Who’s the Boss, I felt an immediate connection to her as my TV friend. As a young girl of about the same age, I was experiencing many of the same situations portrayed on the show and found the way she responded both entertaining and satisfying. Knowing that my role model now lives a naturally healthy lifestyle inspires me.

Wishing you health and happiness,

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the publisher. Call for details.

Lori Beveridge, Owner/Publisher Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

natural awakenings

February 2016

newsbriefs Gymnastics Open House for Summer Camps in Pennington Do you have a special event in the community? Open a new office? Move? Recently become certified in a new modality?

onsider attending Motion Gymnastics’ open house for their summer camp program review and early registration from 1 to 5 pm on February 28 in Pennington. Programs will feature a weekly variation in themes and always include arts and crafts, outdoor activities, a library corner, and of course, gymnastics. Summer camp programs, for boys and girls ages 3 to 16, are held Monday through Friday and are offered in either full or half- day sessions or in combination. All camp staff are full-time Motion Gymnastics instructors and trainers. Motion Gymnastics has been operating in Pennington since 1995, family-run and co-owned by Mirion Edwards and her children, Sean and Heather. The gymnastics programs offered include USA Gymnastics and USA GymnasticsIC competing teams, a USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling competing team (which won first place in a Palm Beach, Florida, competition last month), plus recreational, pre-school, parent/child, adult and special needs classes. Location: 55 Rte. 31 S, Bldng. C, Pennington Business Park, Pennington. For more information, call 609-730-9394 or visit MotionGymnastics.com. See ad on page 27.

Habit Energies & New Year’s Resolutions

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

raditionally, the new year is the time to make a promise to yourself to improve your health, make positive changes and get rid of habits that no longer serve you. However, after a strong start in January and with all good intentions taken to heart, many find that their goals are not fully achieved or just fall by the wayside. Blame it on stress, unexpected challenges or temptations too enticing to ignore and you’re back where you started. “Take a deep breath and do not despair. You’re not alone and we may offer an answer to help support your goals,” comments Siobhan Hutchinson of Next Step Strategies. Hutchinson states that a number of her clients have reported that after learning reiki, T’ai Chi Chih—with a free class being offered at 6:30 p.m. on February 19 at the VFW, in Hamilton—or energy medicine, they were able to easily let go of their desire for coffee, caffeine, eating foods that kept them from losing weight, as well as many other habits that are difficult to break. Hutchinson adds, “It appears to me that when you take a step to reducing your stress, then other areas of your life just change.” Location: VFW Post 3525, 77 Christine Ave., Hamilton. For more information, call 609-752-1048 or visit NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.

NAMercer.com

Build and Boost Your Immune System in Hamilton

he Integrative Center for Alternative Medicine, which recently opened at 10 Reeves Avenue, Suite 2, in Hamilton, offers several treatment options to build and boost your immune system. Treatment options include intravenous chelation, vitamin C and hydrogen peroxide therapies. The center is staffed by three primary physicians: Dr. M.S. Choudhry, Ph.D., DPH; Dr. Mihajlo Radic, NMD; and Yogesh Sharma, Manager. The center is currently offering free consultations for patients interested in these treatments that are supported with personal and customized drips to try to prevent sleeplessness, Lyme disease, cancer, arthritis, artery obstructions and many more diseases and ailments plus to remove toxins and metals from the body and improve circulation. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 609-508-1816. Office hours are Mon. to Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See ad on page 23.

Fiction Writing Workshop in Lawrenceville

awrenceville resident and author of the popular 2015 book The Gates of Evangeline Hester Young will be joining the Fiction Writing Workshop at the Lawrence headquarters branch of the Mercer County Library System from 10 a.m. to noon on February 19. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discuss writing and developing her craft as a published author. Young will also give tips on how to develop a plot for aspiring mystery writers. Location: 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. Registration is suggested. For more information, call 609-989-6920, email LawProgs@mcl.org visit mcl.org.

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February 2016

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newsbriefs Duck Decoy Exhibition in Princeton

rom Craft to Art, a new exhibition from the Jay Vawter’s world-class Decoy Collection at D&R Greenway Land Trust, is on view through November at the land trust’s Johnson Education Center, in Princeton. The opening reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. on February 12. The exhibit includes 100-plus-yearold, acclaimed working decoys that Vawter gifted to D&R Greenway in 2012. “We want to give a sense of how decoys went from being a hunter’s tool and craft to a fine art,” says Vawter, a retired investment counselor and avid photographer who has traveled the world, amassing his decoy collection. “Three of them, on loan from Ron Kobli of Frenchtown’s Decoy & Wildlife Gallery, were used by hunters to lure birds.” Renowned carvers represented include Bob Biddle, John English, Lem Ward, Jim Sprinkle, Bob White, Pat Godin, Bob Guge, Greg Pederson, Elmer Crowell and Ben Heinemann. One carved by English dates from circa 1900; another by White from the early 60s replicates the style of early 20th-century gunning birds with some having glass or wooden eyes. “As complex as the carvings are, it’s the painting that makes them look so realistic,” says Vawter. “These decoys can teach us so much about wildlife on the lands we preserve,” says D&R Greenway President & CEO Linda Mead. “These are so lifelike, it’s hard to believe the delicate feathers have been carved from wood.” The decoys help to raise awareness about conservation. Abbott Marshlands, one of many lands preserved by D&R Greenway, was a prime wintering area for black ducks until acid rainfall affected the food supply. Decades ago, wood ducks were rare there but have made a comeback, a conservation success story. Location:1 Preservation Place, Princeton. For more information, call 609-924-4646 or visit DRGreenway.org.

Valentine’s Day Hay Rides in Lambertville

ncurable romantics can warm-up for Valentine’s Day in style at Howell Farm, in Lambertville. For married or courtin’ folks, they offer the farm’s circa 1900 horse-drawn sleigh (or carriage) for rides. Families and groups can also enjoy a horse-drawn bobsled (or wagon) ride. Weather permitting, rides are offered free, on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate and an outdoor hand warming fire. Valentine treats will be available for purchase to enjoy in the visitor’s center or to take home for that special someone. Free admission and parking. Location: 70 Wooden’s Lane, Lambertville. For more information, call 609-737-3299 or visit HowellFarm.org.

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Organic Mattresses Provide Quality Sleep in Princeton

uality sleep is being recognized more and more as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Up to one-third of our lives are spent on mattresses. Princeton Mattress manager Jim Mason comments, “We match our customers with sleep products that help them get the best night’s sleep. For customers that want to extend their organic or natural lifestyles into their bedroom, we provide natural or organic mattress and sleep products.” Mason adds, “These mattresses are the only type recommend by O magazine. We are the only area mattress store that carries a variety of 100 percent certified organic mattresses and sleep accessories.” Location: Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N. Harrison St., Princeton. Store hours; Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 609-9240004 or visit PrincetonMattress.com. See ad on page 7.

New Year, New You, New Yoga Studio

onsider improving and transforming your health and fitness in 2016 by joining Hamilton’s new Breathe. Yoga Studio located at 3257 Quakerbridge Road. Its doors will open in time to bring energy and empowerment to what’s usually the dreariest month of winter. Owner Kaitlyn Rodriguez comments, “I hope this studio will be filled with excitement from all levels of local yogis! We are offering great promotions and monthly unlimited packages, plus $10 community classes to make yoga accessible and more affordable.” Rodriguez concludes, “My hope is that Breathe. Yoga will be a stepping stone to further our communities’ health and well-being by finally being a yoga studio that’s ‘right down the street!’ Yoga is an exploration of self which pushes you to break through your barriers and become limitless on and off the mat. See you all on the mat.” For more information, email BreatheYogaKatie@Yahoo. com, visit on Facebook at Breathe. YogaStudio Hamilton or BreatheYogaHamilton.com for schedules and updates.

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February 2016

newsbriefs Home Energy Conservation Course Offered in Pennington

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re you interested in learning how to reduce your use of energy in your home, save money on your electric bills and help the environment? Curious about how solar energy and geothermal systems really work and whether they are right for you? Registration is open for an adult education course— six Wednesday evening lectures and three Saturday morning field trips beginning on February 3 and ending March 9—focused on home energy efficiency at the Watershed Center, in Pennington. The course will extend many of the lessons learned from designing and building an energy efficient center to what a homeowner can do in either building a new house or retrofitting an existing home to use energy more efficiently, reduce energy bills and lower impacts on the environment and climate change. The course will be led by Watershed-member Ted Borer, energy plant manager at Princeton University, and Robert Harris, a former Watershed trustee and retired faculty member at Princeton University who taught a senior engineering design course on energy efficient buildings. The classroom sessions will focus on how energy is used for heating, cooling and lighting a house; the energy used for hot water and “plug loads”; and what determines the efficiency of energy use, as well as what practical, costeffective measures can be taken to lower energy bills and be better stewards of the environment. The field trips will be designed to illustrate how an energy audit is done; the use of solar panels to produce electricity and hot water; and the methods of weatherizing a house to reduce the loss of heat in the winter or gain of heat in the summer. Cost $180/$230, member/non-member. Location: Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titusville Rd., Pennington. For more information and to register, call Maryann Polefka at 609-737-7592 or visit Interland3.DonorPerfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E8258&id=40.

Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference. ~David Augsberg

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healthbriefs

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Neti Pot Solutions for Sinus Problems

eti pots, used for centuries in Asian cultures to support nasal health and eliminate toxins from the nasal mucosa, have become increasingly popular in the Western world. People use the small Aladdin’s lampresembling pots to help flush sinuses, usually by pouring a mild solution of unrefined sea salt and water from one nostril through the other. (Avoid common table salt because it can irritate mucous membranes.) The process flushes out unwanted mucus, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Frequent nasal flushing is credited with preventing and relieving sinus infections. Some experts recommend a stronger remedy if an infection is present. “The bacteria and fungus stick rather well to the nasal mucosa and few are flushed out with saline flushes,” remarks Herbalist Steven Frank, of Nature’s Rite, LLC. “Most of these nasty pathogens adhere to the mucosa with what is called a biofilm. Within this slime layer, they are well protected and thrive within the warm moist sinuses, so a small saline bath once a day doesn’t bother them much at all.” To deal with stubborn sinus problems, Frank likes using the neti pot with a colloidal silver wash that is retained in the nostrils for 10 minutes. This can be supported with regular intra-nasal spraying of the colloid throughout the day.

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Olive Oil Compound Kills Cancer Cells

esearchers from Rutgers University have found that an ingredient in olive oil will kill cancer cells in under an hour. The researchers tested a compound called oleocanthal, a central component of extra virgin olive oil, and found that it caused the premature death of cancer cells in the laboratory by puncturing cancer cell vesicles, called lysosomes. “We needed to determine if oleocanthal was targeting that protein and causing the cells to die,” says Paul Breslin, Ph.D., a professor of nutritional sciences in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers and co-author of the study, published in Molecular and Cellular Oncology. The research also found that the olive oil compound didn’t damage healthy cells. Breslin states that the compound merely “put them to sleep” for a day, after which they resumed their normal, healthy functioning. Senior author David Foster, Ph.D., of Hunter College, points out that additional studies are necessary to determine if the compound halts tumor growth. “We also need to understand why it is that cancerous cells are more sensitive to oleocanthal than non-cancerous cells,” he says.

A smile is a

curve that sets everything straight. ~Phyllis Diller

natural awakenings

February 2016

Bifidobacteria Probiotic Fends Off Colds and Flu

n a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that supplementing with bifidobacteria probiotics will reduce colds and flu. The study followed 581 college students for six weeks as they prepared for their final exams. During the study period, the students consumed a placebo or a daily supplement with one of three probiotics, including Bifidobacterium bifidum. The students given the bifidum supplement experienced significantly fewer cold or flu infections, and when they did succumb, the infection was generally less severe. The other probiotic supplements did not reduce colds or flu compared to the placebo for the six weeks.

High-Fructose Sweetener Aggravates Asthma and Bronchitis

large study from the New York Medical College and the University of Massachusetts found that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is linked to a greater risk of asthma and chronic bronchitis. The research included 2,801 people between the ages of 20 and 55 years old. The scientists utilized health data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2003 to 2006 to compare people with a history of chronic bronchitis. The study measured the types of soft drinks consumed, eliminating risks related to known asthma relationships such as smoking. The researchers found those that drank five or more HFCS-containing sodas per week had an 80 percent increased incidence of chronic bronchitis. Greater intake of HFCS has also been linked with higher risk of other health conditions, including diabetes and obesity.

Mediterranean Diet Sustains More Youthful Brain Sizes

s we age, our brains shrink, a condition linked to cognitive impairment. According to a study from Columbia University, a healthy diet can help reduce such occurrences. The researchers studied 674 adults with an average age of 80. They were divided into two groups, depending upon their diets, and given magnetic resonance imaging scans to measure total brain volume and thickness. It was found that those following diets that most closely resembled the Mediterranean diet—less meat and more vegetables and fish—had larger brain sizes with less shrinking. The researchers equated the average size difference between the groups to about five years of aging. Dr. Yian Gu, a neuropsychology professor at Columbia University, says, “This is another study consistent with previous studies that indicate the Mediterranean diet is an overall healthy diet.” 12

Greater Mercer County, NJ

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Kids Learn Social Skills Through Pretending and Joking

esearch published in the journal Cognitive Science has found that toddlers with parents that played with them using humor and fantasy gained increased skills for learning, imagining and bonding, along with thinking in abstract ways. The researchers tested children between 16 and 24 months old in two phases. The first utilized action play among 25 kids and the second utilized verbal play among 40 children. The parents and children pretended to do activities such as washing their hands with no soap or creating situations using a toy. During the second phase, the children and parents played around jokingly by using words, identifying things in funny ways and making believe they were doing things. The researchers found that joking and pretend play allowed the kids to distinguish cues that helped them communicate and develop skills to understand intentions. The study also found that older toddlers relied more on verbal cues to understand pretending and joking communications.

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February 2016

FOOD CHOICES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You can change the way America eats. Cultivate a healthy business by advertising in Natural Awakenings’

March Food Matters Issue To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

609-249-9044 14

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

Green Goalposts

Super Bowl Eco-Stadium Gains National Spotlight The 50th Super Bowl will take place February 7 at the brandnew Levi’s Stadium, in Santa Clara, outside San Francisco, and the anniversary isn’t the only thing that’s historic. As part of a trend toward sustainability in athletic facilities, it’s the greenest and most technologically advanced professional football stadium in the U.S. The structure is designed to support sustainability, located on a site with accessible public transportation plus a bike path to encourage fans to pedal to and from games. Its predominantly open and airy, environmentally friendly building plan also takes advantage of the Silicon Valley climate. One outstanding feature is the green roof atop the suite tower on the west side of the stadium. Another is the three solar bridges connecting the main parking area to the stadium that generate energy from hundreds of solar panels. All of the wood used was repurposed from a local airplane hangar at Moffett Field, in Mountain View, California, and other reclaimed building products were used where possible. Reclaimed water sources serve potable and non-potable uses, including playing field irrigation. The local suppliers providing farm-to-table food menus also are required to practice composting and recycling to the greatest extent possible. For more information, visit LevisStadium.com.

Nice Spice

McCormick Going Non-GMO McCormick, the world’s largest spice company, plans to eliminate almost all genetically modified (GMO) ingredients from their product line by 2016. In response to increased consumer demand for healthier options, 80 percent of its overall gourmet herb and spice business in the U.S. will be both organic and non-GMO by 2016, as well as all McCormick-branded herbs, spices and extracts sold in the U.S. They will voluntarily label the updated products to inform consumers as part of a commitment to transparency and consumer education. The first product introduced, a non-GMO vanilla extract, is already available. McCormick also uses steam treatments in its processing to preserve the health benefits of spices instead of the ionizing irradiation used by competitors. Although food radiation is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some studies link it to significant health problems. “Our consumers are increasingly interested in quality flavors with pure ingredients in their food,” says McCormick President and Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Kurzius. “Our efforts prove that we are listening to consumers and are committed to continuing to evolve.” Source: NaturalNews.com NAMercer.com

Lions Untamed

Shrine Circus Ends Wild Animal Acts Bill Cunningham, CEO of Dallas-based Fun Time Shows, the largest Shrine Circus producer in the country, says he’ll no longer produce shows featuring elephants, tigers, lions or other wild animals. Cunningham says, “These animals are very special; we cohabit the Earth with them and they are deserving of our respect and awe. They’re not here to perform tricks for our entertainment.” He says, “I’ve tried to listen to the mothers that said they didn’t want their kids to grow up and learn that the animals they saw had been probed, poked, prodded and chained to a floor.” The move has received an outpouring of support from outside the industry, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Cunningham’s Shrine Circuses will still feature high wire acts, human cannonballs, trapeze artists and motorcycle tricks, along with performing horses and dogs. “The horses and dogs act in true collaboration with their owners,” says Cunningham. “We feel the audience still wants to see domestic animals.”

Pioneering Aspen Ski Town Runs Entirely on Renewables

Source: GreenSourceDFW.org

Athletic shoemaker Adidas has teamed up with New York-based Parley for the Oceans, a multidisciplinary organization with a passion for protecting the oceans, to make footwear out of garbage. Available soon, the soft upper part of the shoe is knitted entirely from waste and debris pulled from the ocean, including yarn and fibers—just some of the estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of trash in the sea. With no extra material left over, nothing goes to waste; the shoes also incorporate illegal fishing nets taken from poachers. Adidas executive Eric Liedtke suggests the technology could move beyond shoes and find its way to T-shirts, shorts and other apparel. A full line of similar consumer-ready products will be integrated into the Adidas line this year. The larger issue goes beyond recycling and repurposing to avoid waste altogether. Plastic takes more than 450 years to decompose, so conservationists and researchers at Parley for the Oceans hope to re-imagine plastics by designing a renewable solution. In cleaning up our oceans, we protect ecosystems, food sources, jobs and local economies.

Aspen, Colorado, with a population of 7,000, has become the third municipality in the country, along with Burlington, Vermont, and Greensburg, Kansas, to receive all of its power from renewable sources. Its energy portfolio now consists primarily of wind power and hydroelectric, with smaller contributions from solar and geothermal. The development reflects a decadelong effort made possible in part by a significant drop in the price of renewable energy and new government regulations that internalize some of the pollution costs of fossil fuels, making energy sources like coal increasingly uncompetitive. More than one-third of American coal plants have been shut down in the past six years and new carbon rules make it possible that no new coal plants will ever be built in the U.S.

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Young Children Can Unlearn Racial Stereotyping

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New research by Paul Quinn, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Delaware, and his collaborators across the globe, have found a simple exercise that can undo the unconscious racial biases that may begin to develop as early as infancy. Quinn learned that 3-month-olds begin showing a visual preference for the same race they see most often in their daily lives. By 9 months, infants not only distinguish racial categories, but also become less able to tell different individuals apart if they are members of a less-familiar race. In the experiment, the scientists morphed together photos of African and Asian faces to create ambiguous images that looked equally African and Asian. As a result, Quinn reports, “At 9 months, they didn’t respond to the differences between the African and Asian categories, but instead they had two less discriminatory broad categories; ‘own race’ and ‘other race’. We think it might be a precursor to an initial ‘in group/out group’ differentiation and suggest that perceptual and social processing of faces may overlap, even in infants.” Source: LaboratoryEquipment.com

Global Outlook

Weather Website Tracks Climate Change A new website, WXshift.org, published by the hybrid science and journalism nonprofit Climate Central, provides climate projections for a specific location along with the day’s weather. In addition to a typical forecast of highs and lows, UV (ultraviolet rays) index, wind and times of sunrise and sunset, it graphically shows if the area indicates a warming uptick and by how much. A 40-year-trend-to-date display offers a projection to 2050 and what the weather will be like for the next generation. Geoff Grant, director of digital media for Climate Central, says, “This is just putting weather and climate data together. There’s no spin to it. The weather is how everyone experiences climate.” WXshift draws from 2,000 weather stations across the country and 100 years of temperature, rain and snow data to create customized climate graphics. Tutorials explain such topics as the difference between dew point and humidity, along with news and information about relevant issues. Source: DailyClimate.org

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THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP It Sustains, Nourishes and Supports Us by Judith Fertig

For a reason, a season or a lifetime, friends help us cope with challenges, motivate our best work and celebrate life. Friendships take many forms, crossing generations and self-imposed boundaries, and even spring up between unlikely confidants.

hildhood friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck collaborated on the Oscar-winning screenplay for Good Will Hunting. Fierce tennis competitors Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki like to get together for a gal-pal getaway after a major match. Country music artists Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood married following an 18-year friendship; “We had a lot more in common than I ever dreamed we did,” says Brooks. Rafts of research confirm how friendship enriches us. Carlin Flora, of New York City, spent years as a Psychology Today writer and editor before penning Friendfluence: The Surprising Ways Friends Make Us Who We Are. She notes that among the varied and perhaps unforeseen benefits, friendships can help us “shed pounds, sleep better, stop smoking and even survive a major illness.” 18

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An ongoing, two-decade-plus study of nearly 1,500 seniors by the Flinders University Centre for Ageing Studies, in Australia, found those with a large network of friends outliving others with the fewest friends by 22 percent. The University of Chicago National Opinion Research Center also reports people with five or more close friends as 50 percent more likely to describe themselves as “very happy” than those maintaining fewer confidants. “Friends past and present play powerful and often unappreciated roles in determining our sense of self and the direction of our lives,” says Flora. “Even in a supposedly meritocratic society, friends give jobs and assignments to each other, so having friends that share your career interests and aspirations can get you much farther than you could ever get on your own.”

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Make New Friends, Keep the Old Today, making and keeping friends can be challenging, due to distance, frequent life changes, overprotective parenting and substituting social media for more intimate face time. It all makes friendship more fluid than we might realize, says Shasta Nelson, the San Francisco founder of GirlFriendCircles. com, a women’s friendship matching site and author of Friendships Don’t Just Happen: The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of Girlfriends, plus the upcoming book, Frientimacy, about deepening such relationships. “Most of us replace half of our close friends every seven years,” says Nelson. Although this might seem alarming, she considers it a natural ebb and flow. “We all need a couple of very close friends, while others that come and go might just be what we currently need—at work or school, among firsttime parents, in a new neighborhood, starting a job, in retirement or during some other life change,” she says. Canadian Greg Tjosvold, a married middle school teacher in Vancouver,

Canada, has enjoyed great friendships with women, including his wife, partly because he doesn’t relate to men’s generally competitive nature and interest in sports. But when a close female friend moved away, he wanted to expand his circle to include men. He joined a group called The Barley Brethren that sample craft beers and talk about life. Although not into suds, he values “having a safe and enjoyable place to discuss deep issues, victories and temporary setbacks.” He admits, “That’s over-simplification, though.” Finding a group of men he can feel a part of has validated him, making this unique man still feel like one of the guys. Nelson categorizes the concentric circles of developing friendship as starting with a mutually agreeable acquaintance or contact, and then moving emotionally closer with someone that we find similarities with. Then the original bond can enter the confirmed friend category. A group of friends, like a longtime book club, can constitute a community. The highest level is the committed friend that has evolved into a trusted and valuable life companion. Sarah Huntsman Reed, a medical counselor in Kansas City, Missouri, has such a lifelong friend. She met Doug Reed, now a pharmacist, when both were in their high school musical, Once Upon a Mattress. Reed had a great sense of humor, Sarah remembers. “He’s still the most honest yet kindest person

I’ve met,” she says. Soon, their mothers became friends, too, and the two teens would pair up for family weddings. Then she went to college and married and he moved away; yet they stayed in touch through mutual friends and their moms, catching up in person when he returned to his hometown. Seventeen years after they first met, by which time Sarah was divorced, the two discussed taking their friendship to the next level and soon married. “It was a big decision to commit, because we knew so much about each other,” she says. “But we prefer each other’s company, and it was the best thing we ever did.”

Safety Net In trying times, friends can surround us with positive energy, says Madisyn Taylor, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the spiritual blog DailyOm, in Ashland, Oregon. “The people we love form a protective barrier that buffers and shields us from many of the world’s more crippling blows,” including receiving hurtful slights from others. How we make friends has been altered by today’s social landscape, which includes working parents and Amber Alerts. The days of children freely roaming their neighborhood discovering friends to play with are, unfortunately, over, says Jennifer S. White, a Toledo, Ohio, blogger and author of The Art of Parenting: Love Letters from a Mother. “My long-term friendships from

Hallmarks of good friendship include staying in touch and being consistently positive and vulnerable, so as we reveal ourselves over time, we can be authentic with each other. childhood were all built around being neighbors and playing together just because we wanted to,” recalls White. With today’s safety concerns and work-life challenges, parents now set up playdates, a more structured, less organic way of fostering childhood friendships, and they must be proactive to ensure success. White has some misgivings about this modern-day approach. “When I think about that one little gleaming seed of truth at the heart of why, it’s

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February 2016

often because I don’t think it’s fair that I have to be a popular ‘playdate mom’ for my kid to have some friends.”

Besties and Buddies

How to Make Good Friends by Shasta Nelson

Three Necessary Ingredients

Both friendship and romantic bonds are developed when three things occur: We feel satisfied, which happens when an interaction has more positivity than negativity. We feel safe, which comes when we commit to consistent time with each other. We feel seen, which we experience when we practice revealing ourselves and expressing vulnerability. Here’s a formula for creating meaningful connections: Positivity + Consistency + Vulnerability = Frientimacy.

Two Steps

It usually takes most people six to eight interactions with someone new before they start feeling like friends. The sooner they schedule such occasions, the sooner the rewards. ■ Be open to making new friends. ■ Make the first move; repeat.

One Ratio

To keep a friendship going, remember that it has to have a positivity-to-negativity ratio of at least five-to-one. That means sharing five times more fun and feel-good moments than stressors that can range from disappointments and frustrations to jealousies. By definition, to be and keep a good friend requires that both parties bring satisfying positivity to the relationship. Source: Adapted from Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Intimacy by Shasta Nelson; scheduled for release in March. 20

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Nelson remarks, “No one is saying Facebook should replace visits, nights out and phone calls, but in a world where most of us wish we felt closer to a few more people, it doesn’t hurt to use every tool at our disposal for creating connections.” Differences in age needn’t be a hurdle in forging friendships. Candelaria Silva-Collins, an arts marketing professional in Boston, attended area social gatherings where she regularly encountered a museum director and his wife. “They seemed like a fantastic couple,” she says, and began a friendship with the older woman, despite their being from different generations. “My friend teaches me a lot about being vital and vibrant,” she says.

Automatic playdates—with siblings—often enhance family ties through lifelong friendships. Sally Ekus is a culinary talent representative in Florence, Massachusetts. Her younger sister, Amelia, is the general manager of Twitter Cafe, in New York City, and lives in Brooklyn. Both foodies have knife-and-fork tattoos. Sally is more into meal ingredients and preparation, while Amelia loves pouring wine and making sure everyone is comfortable. “Together,” says Sally, “we create total hospitality, from lavish Passover seders to Friday nights with friends.” She notes Expanding that her sister is the only other person Circles who understands Becoming friends what the world with people of looks like through different ages, Everyone from the Ekus girls’ perlanguages and contemporary scientists social standing spective. Some adults gives us a spiritual to ancient philosophers might never meet workout, advises agrees that having strong Nelson. With a face-to-face, but become friends social bonds is probably master’s degree in via social media. divinity, Nelson the most meaningful American Jamie views friendship Schler, co-owner of contributor to happiness. as a type of health the Hotel Diderot, club in which we in Chinon, France, develop our em~Gretchen Rubin, author of with her nativepathy, forgiveness The Happiness Project born husband, and compassion says, “Social media muscles through [especially Facepractice. “Friendships are the way we book posts] is how I meet and make become better people,” she says. personal friends and keep in touch on Furthermore, the process, espea daily basis. As an expat, this is imporcially with people unlike us, leads to tant because I often feel far from family a better world. “Being able to inherand friends that understand me, share ently care for people we know makes it common interests and ideas and speak easier to do the same for people we’ve the same language—and I don’t necesnot met yet,” says Nelson. World peace sarily mean English.” Her high-tech happens one friend at a time. circle ranges from hometown pals to new friends in the food community and Freelance writer Judith Fertig also blogs political forums. She raves, “It’s a place at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot. where I find them all at the same time!” com from Overland Park, KS.

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wisewords

moment, doing the best I can every day. I’ve also learned to be kind to myself when I’m failing to do so or something is annoying me due to some unfortunate imbalance.

Alyssa Milano’s Anti-Aging Secrets Her Natural Lifestyle Choices Keep Her Young by Gerry Strauss

lyssa Milano has grown up, and most of us have grown up with her. From her days as preteen tomboy Samantha Miceli on Who’s the Boss? to witchy woman Phoebe Halliwell on Charmed, the actress has been a vibrant, relatable and beautiful persona we’ve come to know via television. She was even named a UNICEF ambassador in 2004. Today, with a young family, her Touch licensed sports apparel line, and the wisdom that accompanies adulthood, her commitment to a natural, eco-friendly lifestyle has become another hallmark of her life.

What connection do you see between eating organic foods and maintaining the energy level that your busy life requires?

I think everything that you put into your body has a connection to how well we function in daily life. As a mom of two, eating organic is a priority; when organic is not an option, it’s about finding the healthiest accessible choices. I eat tomatoes like other people eat fruit and love papaya. I would put avocado on anything. I also like to cook with healthful herbs and spices like garlic and onions, which is natural for an Italian like me. We keep genetically modified foods out of our house.

Which fitness habits embodied by others have you made your own?

In my Who’s the Boss? days, Tony Danza and Judith Light were always active

and athletic. Tony would bring in a tap dance teacher and Judith a private trainer during lunch breaks. Being tutored on the set, I had no physical education classes or sports activities, so it was super-important for me to see how self-motivated they were to stay fit and in shape. Their example instilled a desire to take care of myself as an adult.

What role does nature play in your daily life?

I love being outside in my organic garden three or more times a week. Also, the kids and I regularly head outside, which is an easy place to keep them happily and healthfully occupied without my having to jump through hoops.

As an advocate of breastfeeding, which benefits do you think are especially good for mother and child?

In the beginning, a primary benefit is giving your child quality nourishment, including healthy antibodies and other goodies to support health. As they start eating solids, it’s still about maintaining that intimate connection until they’re ready to be weaned and you’re ready to surrender this last physical bond.

How do you and your husband keep both your friendship and love vibrant? We work hard at maintaining a good and healthy marriage, which can be tested in tough times. I believe that it’s vital to have the ability to laugh; you have to find humor in things, reminding yourself and each other that there is something funny in every daily activity, no matter how mundane or hard. When there’s no time to eat together or be intimate, shared laughter is an easy thing to achieve together. Done daily, it can only make the marriage stronger. We enjoy date nights once or twice a week when my parents take care of the kids. I’ll put on mascara and change out of yoga pants, even if we’re just hanging out together. Then we do little things like asking how each other’s day went and caring about the answer. We also look for ways we can help each other throughout the week.

What actions does your family emphasize in being stewards of the Earth? We try to be as eco-friendly as possible, including having lights on timers, conserving water and being kind to animals. I cannot stress how important it is to visit a farm and organic gardens and orchards with children so that they see where their food comes from. We can’t take good food for granted.

In addition to a naturally healthy lifestyle, what else do you credit for your enduring youthfulness?

How do you balance family life with your acting career?

My secret is happiness. I’ve always said that as long as my laugh lines are deeper than my frown lines, I’m living a good life.

It’s a hard balance for anyone, especially one who’s detail-oriented and a bit of a perfectionist, like me. The most important thing is to be in the

Gerry Strauss is a freelance writer in Hamilton, NJ. Connect at GerryStrauss@aol.com.

natural awakenings

February 2016

consciouseating

Ancient Grains for Modern Palates Gluten-Free and Eco-Friendly Grains Gain Favor by Judith Fertig

ncient grains are making a comeback. Grown since Neolithic times about 10,000 years ago, varieties of barley, corn, millet and rice have helped assuage the hunger of many communities. Today, yellow millet, dark red whole-grain sorghum, brown quinoa and exotic black rice can help alleviate food shortages. According to Harry Balzer, an expert surveyor of food and diet trends with The NPD Group, concerns about grains and gluten have prompted about a third of Americans to try to cut back on both since 2012. About 1 percent of the population has celiac disease, estimates the Celiac Disease Foundation, but many more prefer not to eat gluten. Many ancient grains are naturally gluten-free, including amaranth,

buckwheat, millet, quinoa, rice and teff. “Some think that a grain-free way of eating is healthier and also better for the planet,” says food writer Maria Speck, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, author of Ancient Grains for Modern Meals and Simply Ancient Grains. “But that may be too simplistic, a characteristic of many diet trends.”

Better for Our Health

Whole grains fill us up and provide fiber, both necessary for maintaining optimum digestion and weight, says Kathleen Barnes, a widely published natural health expert in Brevard, North Carolina. Eating more whole grains has been previously associated with a lower risk of major diseases such as Type 2

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic and non-GMO (genetically modified) ingredients whenever possible. 22

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diabetes and cardiovascular disease, based on studies by the University of Minnesota and Lund University, in Sweden. Qi Sun, assistant professor in the Harvard School of Public Health department of nutrition, agrees that whole grains are one of the major healthful foods for prevention of major chronic diseases. He’s the lead author of a new Harvard study of data associating consumption of whole grains with a 9 percent reduction in overall mortality and up to 15 percent fewer cardiovascular fatalities during two 25-year-long research initiatives that followed 74,000 woman and 43,000 men. The researchers cited substituting whole grains for refined grains and red meat as likely contributors to longer life. “Whole grains are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beneficial fiber and even some protein,” observes Speck. With a German father and a Greek mother, she grew up in two cultures where grains are a part of everyday meals. “We eat them because they taste good.”

Better for Local Farmers

Sourcing and eating more organic and GMO-free whole grains (absent modified genetics) can help support local farmers, Speck maintains. Choose barley from Four Star Farms, in Massachusetts; heirloom grits from Anson Mills, in South Carolina; quinoa from White Mountain Farm, in Colorado; or heirloom Japanese rice from Koda Farms, in California.

Better for the Planet

Ancient grains require fewer natural resources to plant, grow and harvest. According to the Water Footprint Network, a pound of beef, millet and rice require 1,851, 568 and 300 gallons of water, respectively, to produce. Substituting grains in diets is a sustainable alternative to meat, and they grow on grasslands that now inefficiently support livestock. According to University of Cambridge Professor of Engineering David MacKay, it takes about 25 times more energy to produce one calorie of beef than one calorie of natural grain.

Ancient grains can add variety and flavor to meals and a wealth of them are as close as the gluten-free aisle of a neighborhood grocery or health food store. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Favorite Ancient Grains by Maria Speck

t’s best to cook up a batch of ancient grains ahead on the weekend for use during a busy week. To inject more color and flavor, add a pinch of saffron to turn the cooking water golden, or cook the grains in pomegranate juice. Cooked grain keeps in the refrigerator for up to seven days, ready to enhance salads, soups, yogurt or desserts. Amaranth. The seed head of pigweed, amaranth can be baked into a custard or added to a soup. Grown by the Aztecs, iron- and protein-rich amaranth can be popped raw in a skillet like popcorn, and then added as garnish to soups and salads. Buckwheat. The seeds of a plant related to rhubarb and grown in northern climates, buckwheat can be ground into flour for savory French crepes or simmered whole in soup. Quinoa. Grown at high altitudes, quinoa has become a popular addition to salads or yogurt, as well as its own side dish. Millet. A tiny, drought-tolerant grain, millet can be added to bread dough for texture or cooked as a healthy breakfast with toasted almonds and cardamom. Teff. From Ethiopia, the flour of this tiny grain is fermented and used to make the flatbread known as injera. Try a teff waffle with caramelized pineapple. Source: Adapted from Simply Ancient Grains by Maria Speck.

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February 2016

Cooking with Ancient Grains To make the soup, heat a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Swirl in the oil and wait until it shimmers. Add the onion and ¼ tsp of the salt. Stir occasionally, until the onion just starts to brown at the edges, about 5 minutes.

Buckwheat and Beet Soup 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1½ cups chopped red onion (1 medium) ¾ tsp fine sea salt 2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves) ¼ tsp dried thyme ¾ tsp dried savory or ½ tsp more dried thyme ¾ cup raw buckwheat groats (not kasha) 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 cups raw shredded beets, preferably red (1 large or 2 small) 1 to 2 tsp honey 1 cup purified water (approximately) 2 tsp sherry vinegar, or more as needed Horseradish Yogurt ¾ cup whole milk or 2% Greek yogurt 3 Tbsp retail horseradish, with liquid ¼ tsp fine sea salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 24

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Stir in the buckwheat groats and cook, stirring occasionally and monitoring, until the grains take on some color, about 2 minutes. Add the broth (beware of splatter), the remaining ½ tsp salt and the pepper and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan. Decrease the heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until the buckwheat is tender, about 15 minutes.

Yields: 4 servings

Stir in the garlic and the herbs thyme and savory, and then cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Watch closely, so as not to burn the pieces.

While it simmers, prepare the horseradish yogurt topping: Combine the horseradish, salt and pepper in a small bowl and beat until smooth using a fork. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. To finish, stir in the beets and 1 tsp of the honey and then add about 1 cup of water to reach a preferred consistency. Remove the pot from the heat, cover and allow to sit for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the vinegar and taste for seasoning. Depending on the beets’ sweetness, maybe add another teaspoon of honey and a bit more vinegar to balance it, and perhaps a tad more salt and pepper. The seasoning is forgiving because the topping will bring the flavors together. Ladle the soup into four bowls, garnish with a dollop of the yogurt topping and serve at once.

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Cardamom-Infused Black Rice Porridge with Blueberries and Pistachios Yields: 4 to 6 servings Black Rice ¾ cup black rice 2 whole green cardamom pods 1½ cups boiling purified water Porridge 1 cup half-and-half, plus more as needed 3 Tbsp maple syrup, or more as needed ¾ tsp ground cardamom 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 4 to 6 Tbsp pomegranate seeds, for garnish 3 Tbsp lightly toasted chopped plain pistachios, for garnish Start the rice the night before: Add the rice and cardamom pods to a large, heavy saucepan. Pour over the boiling water, cover and let sit at room temperature or overnight (or chill, covered, for up to 2 days). The next morning, make the porridge: Add 1 cup of half-and-half, the maple syrup and ground cardamom to the saucepan with the rice, cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Remove the pot from the heat, sprinkle with the feta and cover to allow the cheese to soften.

Uncover, decrease the heat to retain a lively simmer, and cook, stirring once occasionally, until the rice is tender with a slight chew, 5 to 7 minutes.

To prepare the shrimp (or tofu), season them with salt and pepper.

Remove the cardamom pods, if preferred. Add the blueberries and simmer gently until they are warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes more.

Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the shrimp. Cook, undisturbed, until the shrimp or tofu pieces turn golden, 1 to 2 minutes, and then flip them with a spatula and cook until the shrimp are just opaque throughout or the tofu has warmed through, 1 to 2 more minutes, depending on the size.

To finish, add ¼ to ½ cup more halfand-half to reach a desired consistency. Taste for sweetness and adjust with more maple syrup if needed.

Divide between 4 to 6 breakfast bowls. Top each bowl with 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds and 1 teaspoon of chopped pistachios. Serve warm.

Greek Millet Saganaki with Shrimp and Ouzo Millet 1¼ cups purified water ¾ cup millet 1 bay leaf Pinch of fine sea salt Saganaki 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (1 small) 1 clove garlic, peeled and slightly crushed 1 small hot green chili, minced (optional) ¼ tsp fine sea salt 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1 (28-oz) BPA-free can whole tomatoes, crushed in a bowl ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ½ cup green pimiento-stuffed olives, halved if large 4 oz coarsely crumbled Greek feta cheese (about 1 cup), preferably made from sheep’s milk Shrimp 1 lb jumbo shell-on shrimp from a reputable fishmonger, deveined and patted dry (or substitute firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces) Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 /3 cup ouzo or other aniseflavored liqueur ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

To prepare the millet, bring the water, millet, bay leaf, and salt to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Decrease the heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes. Uncover, remove the bay leaf and set aside to cool. Meanwhile, make the saganaki. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the onion, garlic, chili and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and turns light golden, about 5 minutes.

Add the ouzo and cook until it’s syrupy, about 30 seconds. Using a spatula, briskly remove the shrimp from the pan and arrange on top of the millet. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve at once. All recipes adapted from Simply Ancient Grains or Ancient Grains for Modern Meals, by Maria Speck, courtesy of Ten Speed Press.

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Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until it darkens, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes with their juices and the pepper; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Decrease the heat to maintain a light boil and cook, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Stir in the millet and green olives. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust (keeping in mind that olives and feta cheese are typically salty). natural awakenings

February 2016

healthykids

Mindful Minutes for Little Ones Yoga Helps Kids Focus and Relax by Julianne Hale

merican kids’ school, after-school and weekend schedules now rival the hectic pace of their multitasking parents. Like their adult counterparts, youngsters need time to decompress from the pressures of life and be present in their own skin, and yoga provides the tools to accomplish this. Most adults take to their yoga mat to create harmony in their body and mind, increase flexibility and balance, build muscle tone and strength, and because it makes them feel great. These same benefits apply to children as their developing bodies and minds respond to yoga on a deep level, both on and off the mat.

Start with Watching Breath

“Breathing and mindfulness practices are important for children,” explains Mariam Gates, the Santa Cruz, California, creator of the Kid Power Yoga Program and author of Good Morning Yoga and the upcoming Good Night Yoga. “There is so much that children are not in control of in their everyday lives; to give them a way to physically process their experience, to self-soothe 26

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and find their own internal source of strength, is crucial.” “Having kids experience simply paying attention to their breath as it comes all the way in and moves all the way out can serve them well in every area of their lives going forward,” says Gates. In the classroom, it transfers to learning skills benefited by the ability to focus. From toddlers to teens, children can have a difficult time processing and controlling their emotions, which are vital life skills. Carla Tantillo, founder of Mindful Practices, a Chicago-area wellness organization, has found that yoga and the practice of mindfulness help children express themselves in constructive ways. She observes, “In any situation, especially in communities where reactivity, impulsiveness and violent solutions are modeled, yoga empowers children to pause and take a breath so they can own what’s happened, move through it and move on.” “I like yoga because it makes me feel like there is calm all around me,” says 8-year-old Biko Cooper. Dee Marie, the Boulder, Colorado,

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founder and executive director of Calming Kids, a nonprofit program that integrates yoga into the classroom to foster a nonviolent atmosphere, says, “When a child learns through yoga how to feel a sense of themselves and begins to understand their self-worth and stand tall in their power, they can begin to regulate their breath and their emotions.” These invaluable skills stay with children through adulthood.

Step into Yoga Together

Educators are starting to take notice of yoga’s benefits for children, including those with attention deficit disorders or autism, but yoga practice is still rare among school-age children. As encouragement, “Make it fun,” advises Gates. “It’s essential to create experiences that feel accessible and enjoyable for kids. They must feel empowered to do it themselves and take over the experience.” Six-year-old Carmen Wheeler likes doing yoga with her dad. “Yoga gets me feeling strong and it really calms me down,” she says. Music can help children relax and focus during their practice. Soothing basic instru-

mentals are good to start; an Internet search for yoga music for kids reveals many options. Parents can assist by incorporating yoga into a child’s daily bedtime ritual. “Do whatever they are willing to do with them,” counsels Marie. “Start by lying on the bedroom floor, doing stretches and focusing on breathing. Then move to the bed and teach some relaxation and visualization techniques.” Marie cautions parents against insisting that their child’s yoga practice mirror their own. “We have to meet children where they are.” Adults think that yoga has to look a certain way, but sometimes children don’t necessarily want to do the postures we’re familiar with. The best teaching reaches each individual child in a way that resonates with them because yoga is a lifestyle, not an exercise regimen,” she says. Yoga novices and parents that prefer specific guidance can take advantage of local studio classes for children and families or use DVDs, online streaming services and instruction books. Kevin Day, age 5, regularly starts his days with a Boat pose. “I like it because you can do it with a friend,” he says. Lisa Flynn, the Dover, New Hampshire, founder and chief executive officer of ChildLight Yoga and Yoga 4 Classrooms, is optimistic about the future. “In 10 years, I envision social and emotional learning, yoga, and mindfulness integrated at every school and mandated by educational policy,” she says. In addition to improved physical, social, emotional and cognitive health and wellness of the students, teachers and parents, she foresees “a positive shift in the overall school climate.” Julianne Hale is a freelance writer and Natural Awakenings franchise magazine editor in Cleveland, TN.

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s a chiropractor, I’m required to ask if my patients have any diseases or symptoms on their first visit. Sometimes, I receive a list of problems or diseases that people think they may have or that have been given to them. Many are happy with just a name for the certain set of symptoms that they may be experiencing. To better understand what disease is, we must first look at the definition. Disease: a disorder of incorrectly functioning organ part, structure or system of the body. Simply put: a lack of function. All diseases start with something in your body that’s not working correctly. I’d like to change our way of thinking about disease. I prefer to look at disease as dis-ease. It means that our body is not at an easy state. In order to combat the body not at ease, we, as our own health experts for ourselves, must then decide what we can do to give our body or mind a state of ease. Does it have the proper nutrients, hydration, mental focus and nerve supply? For example: I am sure if one is suffering from headaches that it’s not due to a deficiency of ibuprofen. It could be something as simple as dehydration. What makes more sense: drinking water that creates balance and ease or taking a chemical that both affects the head but also the kidneys, stomach and many other parts of the body? This is a basic example, and the body is very complicated, however the shift is happening where many are getting tired of taking medications for every little problem they may have. Certainly, there are times when a medication is necessary to save or maintain life; however, most agree that Americans are over medicated. According to the data in 2014 from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, we spent $374 billion on 4.3 billion prescriptions. Our health ranking according to The World Health Organization is 37 out of 190 countries; France and Italy are number one and two. I believe that it’s time for change. Since I became a healthcare professional, our government hasn’t resolved this problem. Ghandi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” We must take back our health. We must start feeding our body and minds with proper nutrients. We must take our health into our own hands and not just rely on the government and healthcare industry.

The steps are simple on creating ease in your body:

Disease vs. Dis-ease

■ Give your body proper nutrients and hydration from the food and liquids you put into it. Food is both the energy you receive and the building blocks the cells need to produce to stay healthy.

■ Move it to lose it. Our bodies are meant to move and

work. It’s only been the last 20 years that the computer work station is a mainstay in most jobs. Our bodies are breaking down from not moving enough. You also get natural antistress and anxiety hormones released when you perform consistent exercise. Do some form of exercise at least 30 minutes every single day.

by Eric Evans ■ Get proper sleep. This is when the body repairs, regenerates and heals itself. Try to go to bed by 10 p.m. (you get the 28

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best sleep before midnight) and then wake up between 4 and 6 a.m. Also, falling asleep near a TV, cell phone, computer or I-pad makes your brain think that it’s still daylight and makes it much more difficult to get a restful, deep sleep. ■ Proper mental attitude. The mind can often run away from us and continue what I call “stinking-thinking”. A positive mental attitude must be learned and trained through watching every word and thought that we put out. This can be used in a very constructive and positive way when mastered. Daily meditation practices train the mind and connect you closer with the source. I’ve personally found that kundalini yoga helps me best with this. ■ Most importantly, all four steps cannot help if you don’t have a proper, functioning nervous system. Every cell tissue and organ is controlled by our nervous system. To have full function and ease, make sure all of the nerves are connected. Regular chiropractic check-ups help to ensure that the nerves and energy flows in your body and mind are at their optimum. Chiropractors help tune the nervous system to create better function, better ease and prevent dis-ease or disease. Holistic Chiropractor Dr. Eric Evans, in Hamilton, has been refining his adjusting to help shift the stuck energy in the body for 25 years. For more information including a list of services, call 609-586-9199 or visit EvansChiro.com. See ad on page 9.

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February 2016

Are Cosmetic Dental Procedures Holistic?

by Dr. Ruxandra Balescu

ore and more people choose a simpler, cleaner health, less jaw pain, less staining and better, sustainable lifestyle by selecting alternative medicine, varied maintenance. Replacing missing teeth and restoring the holistic providers, yoga, organic foods, better fabrics integrity of a full smile offers better lip support, increases for clothing and natural cosmetics. They focus on positive chewing efficiency and stops the shifting of other teeth. relationships and try to practice honesty and integrity. So, in Cosmetic procedures can be extremely minimal. For exthis context, seeking cosmetic dental enhancements could ample, a one-time tooth whitening session, before a wedding seem hypocritical and vain. The reality is that the benefits of or a job interview, has proven so many times to stimulate aesthetic dental procedures run deeper than the appearance the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motivation to better take care of his teeth from alone. that point on. It encourages them to brush betThe mouth is a key factor in the way we ter, floss and watch their diet more carefully to communicate. An optimistic appearance and ensure that they maintain that beautiful result. smile, along with positive words, contribute to Other procedures can range from porcethe success of our relationships, both at work lain veneers and crowns to clear orthodontics and in private life. and implants. Individual patients have various The smile has an important role on how individual needs and a dentist with a good unwe perceive ourselves and others. A beautiful, derstanding of aesthetics and function, and the healthy smile opens the world up to us and creholistic implication of choosing a method over ates positive energy. When people dislike their another or selecting materials with low reactivity, Dr. Ruxandra Balescu, own smile, they find it difficult to be authentic will be able to apply the appropriate treatment. DMD and embrace their community. The smile is one of the most distinct human Many people, including children and the elderly who attributes and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that should be carried throughmay feel uncomfortable with their teeth, can become highly out life. self-conscious, shy or nervous about smiling or talking too much. So, restoring oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthy smile can have an incredDr. Ruxandra Balescu, DMD, practices at Princeton Center ible psychological impact. for Dental Aesthetics, 11 Chambers St., Princeton. For more In the meantime, many of the so-called cosmetic proceinformation, call 609-924-1414 or visit PrincetonDentist.com. dures do have an overall oral health benefit: straightening See ad on page 33. crooked teeth will enable improved cleaning, superior gum 30

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healingways

YOUR MOUTH TELLS A STORY

Functional Dentistry Connects Oral Health to Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease by Linda Sechrist

he focus of functional medicine—whole person health care—easily expands to include dentists trained in oral systemic health. Currently embraced by a small percentage of today’s farsighted dentists and doctors, this relatively new field of prevention and wellness views the mouth as a key portal when considering the status of the whole body. Similar to the way doctors of Oriental medicine assess the heart’s pulse to help diagnose health issues throughout the body, these systemic health dentists consider the gums, tongue, teeth and throat to be key signals of overall health. American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) Executive Director Bobbie Delsasso was a periodontal hygienist for more than 30 years before becoming a consultant and public speaker on the larger perspective. “I taught patients about the importance of good nutrition and alerted them to consult their physician regarding what their mouth health might indicate about their body’s health,” she says. While the academy educates dental professionals to understand the internal workings of nutrition and what the mouth reveals about overall well-being, “Less than 6 percent of physicians even learn adequate basics of nutrition in medical schools,” she notes.

Cardiovascular Health Links

Beyond nutrition, academy curricula for dentists now include such titles as Arteriology and Vascular Inflammation – The Oral/Systemic Connection, based on a course designed for medical professionals by physician Bradley Bale and Amy Doneen, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, co-founders of the Bale/ Doneen Method for the prevention of heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Mike Milligan, a 32

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doctor of dental medicine, founder of Eastland Dental Center, in Bloomington, Illinois, and AAOSH president, explains that heart attack and stroke are triggered by an inflammatory process which can be initiated or exacerbated by periodontal disease and abscessed teeth. Thomas Nabors, a doctor of dental surgery and an authority in molecular analysis and genetic risk assessment for periodontal diseases, provides clinical proof that supports the growing association between medicine and dentistry. “Since our inaugural AAOSH conference [in 2010], Bradley, Amy and Tom have continued to provide the current science and clinical backdrop to the oral/systemic connection to cardiovascular wellness,” says Milligan.

Respiratory Health Links

Other vital advances in oral systemic health involve treating airway concerns such as snoring and sleep apnea. “Snoring is typically caused by muscles and tissues relaxing in the throat and mouth, resulting in decreased space in the airway passage and vibration of tissues. Eventually, individuals can develop sleep apnea, which can also result in hypertension and other problems,” advises Milligan. In sleep apnea, the sleeper’s breathing pauses often or produces hypopnea, slowed or shallow breathing for 10 or more seconds at a time. Fewer than five episodes per hour is normal, with five to 15

considered mild apnea, 15 to 30 moderate and more than 30 severe. Although 20 percent of Americans may have sleep apnea—typically associated with insomnia, tiredness and less oxygen in the body—95 percent of affected individuals go undiagnosed. To help, Milligan suggests that before going to bed we lower the thermostat in the bedroom and avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, watching television or working on a computer. Improved breathing helps assuage snoring, sleep apnea, asthma, hay fever and nasal congestion. Milligan cites Patrick McKeown’s work, explained in his book The Oxygen Advantage. An authority on the Buteyko Breathing Method, McKeown explains how improved breathing dramatically improves oxygenation, releases more energy and supports lifelong health and well-being. Muscle retraining using orofacial myofunctional therapy can help prevent sleep apnea and also abate temporomandibular joint disorders. This new field is concerned with orofacial functional patterns and postures when teeth are apart, their status 95 percent of each day and night. It also retrains muscles to keep the tongue at the roof of the mouth and the lips together to prevent breathing through the mouth, correct swallowing function and eliminate poor oral habits such as thumb sucking. Three mechanical treatments for sleep apnea include mandibular advancement oral devices used to move the lower jaw forward, a continuous positive airway pressure machine to aid airway functioning, or surgery, which is the last resort. “The real opportunity for catching and preventing this is with children 5 to 10 years old, when their jaws are developing,” says Milligan. He further cites links discovered between the mouth and brain. “Oral spirochetes, which normally live in the mouth, have been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Dr. Judith Miklossy, from the International Association for Alzheimer’s, spoke at an AAOSH conference about the link between oral bacteria and dementia, and Garth Ehrlich, Ph.D., professor of microbiology, immunology and otolaryngology at Drexel University College of Medicine, addressed rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancers. All of these links are more than enough reasons why good oral hygiene is essential to good health,” says Milligan.

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February 2016

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Gliding Across Snowscapes

Cross-Country Ski to Explore Winter’s Wonders by Randy Kambic

hile downhill Alpine skiing offers spurts of intense action in-between times spent driving to and from resorts and standing in line at lifts, all that’s needed for Nordic cross-country skiing is a few inches of snow and strap-on skis to transform any nearby park, wooded trail or spacious backyard into a quiet, serene eco-playground. The similar dry-land recreation of Nordic walking that uses poles can be enjoyed year-round.

Ski Season Techniques

Both the standard Nordic form of what’s also known as free-heel skiing and the more challenging Telemark style, able to incorporate hilly terrains, have northern European roots. Cross-country skis are longer and thinner than downhill versions. Instead of placing the entire foot in a bulky, stiff boot affixed to an alpine ski, only the toe section of a sneakerlike boot adheres to a cross-country ski, enabling a fuller gliding motion. Gliding over relatively flat terrain while leaning slightly forward, it’s important to keep weight evenly distributed over both skis. Continuously moving 34

Greater Mercer County, NJ

ahead in a left-right-left-right motion with a long gait creates a full-body workout as each opposing arm plants a pole and pushes on it to carry the skier into the next step. Cross-country skis aren’t made for sudden stops, so stay alert; gentle, sideto-side skidding employing both legs or turning the front of both skis inward to form a triangle effects stopping. With experience, the skis can be used more like long ice skates, pushing both ahead and outward on them to move slightly faster on wide, groomed, flat surfaces. Vermont native Bill Koch, the only American to win an Olympic crosscountry ski medal—silver at the 1976 Innsbruck Games—helped popularize the recreational sport in America. On February 20, the 2016 Slumberland American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest annual cross-country ski race, is expected to attract about 10,000 participants on a 55K course from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin (Birkie.com).

Any Season Warm-ups

“Many of the movement patterns of Alpine and Nordic skiing are similar,”

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explains Michael Wood, chief fitness officer of Koko FitClub (KokoFitClub.com), which is reflected in a new eight-week Snow Sports program at many of its 130 locations in 30 states. “Our Smartraining equipment offers more than 100 different exercises, many of them ideal for preparing for cross-country skiing, like the squat, hip extension, and trunk and hip rotation.” For post-ski stretching, he and club coaches often recommend yoga-type flows like downward dog, child pose and the one-legged pigeon move. “We like to customize programs to enhance dynamic stretching, intensive knee analysis and specific routines to improve individual performance,” says Wood.

Winter Weight Loss

Outdoor winter recreation can help shed pounds. Harley Pasternak, a celebrity trainer, nutrition expert and author, recently reported in Health magazine, “Being outdoors in the cold air enables your body to burn more calories as it makes an effort to warm up. When you’re chilled, you shiver and shake, which is your body’s way of warming itself by increasing its resting metabolic rate.” Pasternak says that spending time outdoors in cold weather can increase calories burned by as much as 30 percent and advises, “Take up ice skating, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.”

Anytime, Anywhere Walking

Nordic walking, launched in Finland in the late 1990s and since spread throughout Europe, incorporates some motions similar to cross-country skiing. Walking while using special poles on dry land or at the beach extends associated health and fitness benefits year-round. Initiated 11 years ago, the American Nordic Walking Association (anwa.us), based in Palisades, California, conducts classes and other events nationwide. Founder, president and master coach Bernd Zimmerman reports significant growth in its popularity in recent years. “Both cross-country skiing and Nordic walking are great full-body workouts that use 90 percent of your muscles and treat both the upper and lower parts of the body like machines.”

Suitable for all ages, including those that have balance or health issues or can’t run anymore, the walking poles act as extensions of the hands. Their rubber or metal tips work on any surface, such as streets, sidewalks, gravel, sand, dirt or grass. Compared to regular walking, Zimmerman says the Nordic style burns up to 40 percent more calories, tones the arms and upper body, reduces stress on knees and joints, and safely boosts the intensity of exercises to yield additional heart and lung benefits. Ski and general sports equipment retailers that sell and rent equipment also host informative clinics. Check out local retailers for local ski club group outings. Randy Kambic is an Estero, FL, freelance writer and editor, including for Natural Awakenings.

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Colorado The nonprofit 10th Mountain Division Hut Association was one of the first to establish a hut-to-hut system, encompassing 350 miles of trails in the Rocky Mountains. (Huts.org) Minnesota Boundary Country Trekking offers stays at various lodges along cross-country trails in northern Minnesota. (BoundaryCountry.com) Quebec A few hours’ drive from New England borders lies plenty of ungroomed backcountry terrain with stunning views along the 78-mile, 15-hut network in the Chic-Chic Mountains, near the Gaspé Peninsula Gaspésie Park. (sepaq. com) Vermont Try Blueberry Lake Cross Country Center, in East Warren. (BlueberryLakeSkiVt.com)

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Bird-Watching for Beginners Start with a Bird Feeder and Binoculars by Sandra Murphy

or those that love animals but can’t provide a home to a domestic pet, wild birds are just outside the window. Between 50 and 60 million Americans list bird-watching as a hobby. To start, all we need is a bird feeder. For safety and comfort, position feeders near a tree or bush at least 15 feet from windows. Scott Logan, an Audubon Society board member in Sherman Oaks, California, cautions, “Birds stay alert for predators. An unmarked window looks like an escape route. They won’t see the glass.” Products like Window Alert, a decal that reflects ultraviolet rays birds see but humans don’t, can prevent a crash. A book on local birds will describe the best food to attract them, whether residents or just passing through. Bluebirds love mealworms. Hummingbirds like floral nectars and orioles prefer citrus flavors. Cardinals and jays dine on sunflower seeds. Always provide unseasoned, unsalted seeds. In cold weather, also remember to hang homemade suet combining one part organic regular fat peanut butter with five parts organic, nonGMO (genetically modified) corn meal. Pour fresh water in the birdbath daily, change hummingbird nectar every three days and discard moldy seeds and old suet. Feeding year-round doesn’t interfere with migration, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, 36

Greater Mercer County, NJ

New York. Migration, nest building, feeding a new family and staying warm in colder weather require substantial calories. “American goldfinches are social and will stay to eat,” adds Logan. “Blue jays and titmouses are ‘grab-andgo’ birds.”

Join in the Fun

In Arlington, Texas, Cathy Stein, owner of EclecticDesignChoices.com, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count this year from February 12 to 15 (Audubon.org/content/aboutgreat-backyard-bird-count). “One easy resource for identifying birds is Merlin, the free app from Cornell Lab,” says Stein. “Take the bird’s picture, which is helpful in identifying details that can be overlooked or forgotten otherwise.” Merlin works like facial recognition for birds, comparing eyes, beaks and tails to species in its database by location (Merlin.AllAboutBirds.org). Audubon’s free app includes birdcalls (Tinyurl. com/AudubonFreeBirdApp). Jon Weber-Hahnsberg, a 12-yearold volunteer at the Dallas Zoo, and his seven-member team won last year’s statewide birding competition hosted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by identifying 72 species in 12 hours. “Now I’m hooked,” he says. “Outside the city, there are snowy egrets, waterfowl, hawks and owls to see.” National wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are suitable birding sites for both

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novices and pros. Here are some tips for beginners. Focus on big, easy-to-see birds. Sandhill crane tours are a hit in Mississippi and other Gulf Coast states (fws.gov/refuge/Mississippi_ Sandhill_Crane). Concentrate on birds that travel in flocks. Common redhead ducks migrate in great numbers to the Texas coast each winter (Tinyurl.com/ LagunaAtascosaBirdlife). Look for standouts, birds with characteristics that capture the imagination, like the speed of a peregrine falcon, large wingspan of a California condor or unusual color of Florida’s roseate spoonbills. (Visit fws.gov/refuge/ Cape_Meares and fws.gov/refuge/ JN_Ding_Darling.) In Maine, see puffins at the only colony that allows visitors to go ashore for a close-up look (MaineBirdingTrail. com/MachiasSealIsland.htm). Not a

I think the most important quality in a birdwatcher is a willingness to stand quietly and see what comes. Some people are very competitive in their birding. Maybe they’ll die happy, having seen a thousand species… but I’ll die happy knowing I’ve spent all that quiet time being present. ~Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Memoir

Going to the Birds

refuge, ownership of the island has been disputed for two centuries.

Incredible Hobby

“Keeping a life list of birds you’ve seen, when and where, is not only fun,” says Nate Swick, author of the recent Birding for the Curious, in Greensboro, North Carolina. “It brings back memories of a time and place. Birding takes you places you wouldn’t think of. I’ve birdwatched in local landfills, as well as in India and Central America.” A particularly impressive sight was a shearwater, found 30 to 40 miles into the Atlantic Ocean off the North Carolina coast, a species that only comes to land during breeding season. “Each bird has an incredible story,” he says. “Migrating birds that arrive exhausted and hungry after flying hundreds of miles will often look for local birds like chickadees that act as the welcome wagon, showing where food, water and a safe rest area can be found.” Erika Zar, a catalog copywriter in Madison, Wisconsin, happened upon the nearby Horicon Marsh Bird Festival (HoriconMarshBirdClub.com/for-visitors). “Everyone seemed so meditative, hiking in quiet groups. It was peaceful,” she says. “Listing the birds they saw on checklists was like a scavenger hunt for adults.” Zar immediately bought binoculars, but soon traded them for a better pair. “Bird-watching opened my eyes to a new world right in front of me,” she says joyfully. “I’d just never looked or listened closely enough before.” Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

Fine Feathered Facts What to do with a stranded baby bird: Tinyurl.com/OrphanedBabyBirds

by Sandra Murphy

hris Santella, author of Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die, offers these top sighting spots. n Pointe Reyes National Seashore, California, is on a migration route between Alaska and Mexico and renowned as a resting spot for upwards of 500 species. ■ Tucson, Arizona, welcomes hummingbirds and exotics like the brilliantly plumed elegant trogon from the tropics. ■ High Island and Galveston, Texas, are the first stop for birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico. ■ Cape May, New Jersey, hosts shorebirds year round plus it’s en route to Canada. ■ Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, in Chatham, Massachusetts, yields sightings of shorebirds such as plover, sandpipers and terns. ■ Prairie Pothole Region stretching from Iowa to Minnesota, Montana and the Dakotas is especially good for watching waterfowl. ■ Cleveland, Ohio, near Lake Erie, celebrates hundreds of species flying to Canada in May. “It’s great for anybody with a life list,” says Santella. “You can add scores of species to your list in one day.” In the fall, raptors migrate and Birds AndBlooms.com lists some of the best spots to watch hawks.

■ Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, in Kempton, Pennsylvania ■ Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, in Sausalito, California ■ Hazel Bazemore County Park, in Corpus Christi, Texas ■ Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, in Duluth, Minnesota ■ Florida Keys Hawkwatch, Curry Hammock State Park, in Marathon, Florida ■ Cape May Hawk Watch, Cape May Point State Park, in New Jersey. As rivers freeze over, eagles migrate south to follow the food supply, often near dams where fish gather. During the spring thaw, they return north to nest. Prime Wisconsin eagle watching sites include Lake Pepin, Necedah Wildlife Refuge, La Crosse, Prairie du Sac refuge, Sauk City and Wyalusing State Park. Alton, Illinois, is also along the Mississippi Flyway for eagles. Florida eagles tend to stay year-round.

Love is life. And if you

miss love, you miss life. ~Leo Buscaglia

Comparing bird and human vision: WindowAlert.com/bird-vision Find wildlife refuges by state: fws.gov/refuges Live bird cams: Cams.AllAboutBirds.org natural awakenings

February 2016

inspiration

DEEP LISTENING Our Wholehearted Attention Is Our Greatest Gift by Kay Lindahl

erhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we give another person is to really listen to them with quiet, fascinated attention and our whole being; fully present. Deep listening occurs at the heart level, and we must ask ourselves how often we listen to each other so completely. Such listening is a creative force. We expand, ideas come to life and grow and we remember who we are. It brings forth our inner spirit, intelligence, or true self, and opens up the space for us to thrive. Sometimes we have to do a lot of listening before another’s inner being feels replenished. Some people just need to talk and go on and on, usually in a superficial, nervous manner. This often happens because they have not been truly listened to. Patience is required to be a listening presence for such a person long enough that they get to their center point of tranquility and peace. The results of such listening are extraordinary. Some would call them miracles. Listening well takes time, skill and a readiness to slow down to afford time

for reflection and to let go of expectations, judgments, boredom, self-assertiveness and defensiveness. When two people listen deeply to one another, we sense that we are present not only to each other, but also to something beyond our individual selves; something spiritual, holy or sacred. Once we experience the depth of being listened to like this, we naturally begin to listen to be present with another. We notice what occurs when we interrupt someone and when we don’t. We watch what unfolds when another stops speaking and we ask, “Is there anything else?” Listening is an art that calls for practice. Imagine if we all spent just a few minutes each day choosing to practice the art of listening; of being fully present with the person we are with. Being truly listened to and understood yields a sigh of contentment and joy. Kay Lindahl, of Long Beach, CA, is the author of The Sacred Art of Listening, from which this was adapted with permission from SkyLight Paths Publishing.

Effective Listening Practices by Kay Lindahl Pay attention to the environment. Stop other activities to listen. Clear your desk. Turn off background noise or move to a quiet corner. Be present. Listen with an open, appreciative and curious mind rather than evaluating what’s being said. Put your own agenda aside. Stop talking. One person speaks at a time without interruption. Listen for understanding. No one is required to agree with or believe what they hear. Let empathy and compassion take the lead; put yourself in their shoes. Ask for clarification. It can help a listener understand what’s being expressed. Pause before speaking. Allow the speaker to complete their thought, and then wait a few seconds before responding. Also ask, “Is there anything else?” There almost always is. Listen to yourself. Inquire of your inner voice, “What wants to be expressed next?” Signal that they’ve been heard. Encouraging body language includes empathetic facial expressions, nodding and sympathetic postures. Adapted from The Top Ten Powerful Listening Practices on the author’s website SacredListening.com.

has been ranked in the best 50 in its size class among 200 companies named in the Franchise Business Review’s 2015 Top Franchises Report. The healthy living magazine was one of five franchise companies cited as best-in-class in the advertising and sales category. To select the top franchises across industries and performance categories, the organization surveyed more than 28,500 franchisees. For more information visit our website: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine or call 239-530-1377 38

Greater Mercer County, NJ

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

calendarofevents

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Make it Healthy – 1pm. Free. Michelle Summerson, RD, takes an old favorite recipe and makes it delicious and healthy. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Prepare for the Unexpected: Urban Emergency Preparedness – 7-8:30pm. Free. What happens when flood, fire, pandemic, tornadoes, terrorist attacks, or other disasters affect your community? Where will you go? What will you do? Learn valuable planning and survival techniques that may one day help save your life or the lives of those you love. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Guided Aromatic Meditation – 7-8pm. Develop relaxed awareness and clarity. Focus will be guided using breath, aroma and intention attuning by aroma therapist Gemma Bianchi. Cost $10. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. Home Lawn Care Program – 7-8:30pm. 4 week program. Mercer County Horticulturist Barbara J. Bromley will conduct a four-part lawn care program, focusing on IPM practices, for homeowners and lawn professionals. The sessions are: Management Strategies and Selection of Grasses; Maintenance; Pest Control and Troubleshooting; and Lawn Renovation and Establishment. Cost suggested $3 donation. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 930 Spruce St, Lawrence. 609-989-6830. Conserving Energy in Your Home – 7:30-9pm. Weekly through March 9. Learn how to reduce

BSA Weather Merit Badge Workshop – 9amnoon. Join Education Director/BSA Merit Badge Counselor Jeff Hoagland for this morning workshop, designed to help Boy Scouts earn the ‘Weather’ merit badge. Out on the Watershed Reserve, scouts will examine the effects of Hurricanes Sandy or Irene while exploring the greater world of meteorology. Cost $20/scout 11 yo+. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Winter Exploration Geocache Event – 1:303:30pm. This “event cache” is great introduction to the hobby of geocaching as well as the ecology of winter. Track animals, meet winter weeds, talk with birds and much more. Appropriate for beginners or experienced cachers. Cost $5/person. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

Valentine’s Dinner on a Budget – 6-8pm. Learn how to make a delicious, calorie-conscious Valentine’s dinner while staying on budget. Cost $12. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. 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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6

energy use in your home, save money on your electric bills and help the environment. Examine solar energy and geothermal systems. Cost $180/$230, member/non-member. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Weight Loss Surgery, Is it Right for Me? – 6-6:30pm. Free. Severe obesity poses serious health concerns. When other weight-loss methods fail, surgery may be an option. Join Lisa Dobruskin, MD, FACS, board certified surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery, for an overview of traditional and minimally invasive procedures. Princeton Medicine, 2 Center Drive, Monroe. 888-897-8979.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Exercise Your Heart for Free – 10am. Free. Learn the importance of cardiovascular exercise and how it can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat, and increase your energy level. Ron Hyland, fitness manager. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. In Search of Owls – 7-8:30pm. Begin the evening indoors in the Watershed Center with a presentation that will introduce you to owls, their calls and adaptations. After a Naturalist-led night hike in search of the nocturnal raptors, we will warm up indoors with a hot beverage. Cost $10/$15, member/non-member children 6 yo+. Registration required. Stony Brook-

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 New Experiences, New Challenges and New People – 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.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 AARP Smart Driver Course – 9am-3pm. The techniques learned in this course could result in a reduction in car insurance premiums (consult your insurance company for details), and New Jersey drivers may be eligible to have up to two points removed from their driving record. Cost $15/$20 AARP members/non-members. Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center, Princeton North Shopping Center, 1225 State Rd, Princeton. 888-897-8979.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Oh, My Aching Back – 6-8pm. Free. Learn the causes as well as the latest non-surgical and surgical options for treating back pain. Marc J. Levine, MD, board certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and Director, Spine Surgery Program at RWJUH-Hamilton. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. Snowshoeing Basics – 7-8:30pm. Free. Join experienced REI staff for a class on the basics of snowshoeing. Focus is on the appropriate selection

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

February 2016

of gear as well as the basics on what you need and where to go to get started. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.

of trail running. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Home Lawn Care Program – 7-8:30pm. See February 3 listing. Lawrence.

Conserving Energy in Your Home – 7:30-9pm. See February 3 listing. Pennington.

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.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Great Backyard Bird Count on Reserve – 1011am. Free. Watch and tally wild birds out the soaring windows of the Watershed Center. TeacherNaturalist will help you participate in the bird count, beginners are welcome. Hot beverages provided. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Reiki Level II Certification – 10am-6pm. Deepen the effect and experience of Reiki learning the use of three symbols and distance healing. Pre-requisite: Reiki Level I certification. Pam Jones RN. Class awards 7 nursing contact hours. Cost $160. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Happy Valentine’s Day! Marry Your Higher Self – 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 (Rte. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Bike Maintenance for Trail Riding – 7-8:30pm. Free. Mountain bikes are made for the trails, but sometimes they still need a little care and attention to keep performing at their best. In this class, cover critical maintenance tips that will help you get the most out of every ride, no matter the season. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609750-1938.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Library, 771 Haddonfield. 856-425-2221.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Intro to Private Lands Stewardship Program – 10:30-11:30am. Free. Do you want to support the natural diversity of New Jersey native plants and wildlife but do not know how to start? Established and implemented by the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, PLSP supports stewardship efforts of local homeowners, specifically residents of Hopewell and Pennington, regardless of property size. Light refreshments, RSVP requested. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Reiki Therapy for Animals – 10:30am-12:30pm. Ethics, animal anatomy, chakras, signs of imbalance and the approaches to Reiki healing for our animal companions. Marjy Wienkop CFTBS. Pre-requisite: Reiki Level I Certification. Cost $15/person. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Not All Those Who Wander are Lost – Evolution, Expansion or Clueless – 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 (Rte. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.

Conserving Energy in Your Home – 7:30-9pm. See February 3 listing. Pennington.

Winter Weeds Sketching Workshop – 11am3:30pm. 16 yo+. Join botanical illustrator Ruth Councell for an illuminating look at last season’s wildflowers. Enjoy brisk walk and collect specimens for use in studio where Ruth will help sharpen your drawing skills. Bring bag lunch, hot beverages provided. Registration through Arts Council of Princeton. Cost $55/$65, member/non-member. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Beans-The Pulse of the Future – 6:30pm. Free. GMO Free NJ welcomes 2016, designated by the 68th UN General Assembly as the International Year of the Pulses, by celebrating the humble bean. Find out why increasing your consumption of these small but mighty seeds (lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas etc.) is good for your health, budget, garden and the environment, and reduces your impact on climate change. Bring favorite bean recipe. Collingswood

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

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 Home Lawn Care Program – 7-8:30pm. See February 3 listing. Lawrence.

Greater Mercer County, NJ

Trail Running Basics – 7-8:30pm. Free. Trail running can be a great change of pace from the jog around the neighborhood. Learn about technique, training, clothing and footwear specific to the sport

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The Thru-Hikers Secret – 7-8:30pm. Free. An Appalachian Trail Thru-hike is a true-life adventure in a modern world. Explore the physical, psychological and logistical secrets that can help you earn the coveted moniker of “Thru-hiker”. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 On-Site Soul Drawing – 11am-4pm. Professional illustrator and intuitive talks to your soul and gets a message for you. Then combines message with custom vision drawing. Cost $80/person. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Hamilton. Call to RSVP time slot at 609-586-9199.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Make a Choice and Participate in Creating Your Life – 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 (Rte. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422. The Devil and the Three Golden Hairs – 2pm. Also known as “The Child of Good Fortune,” this Grimm’s tale is suitable for children 5 to 12 years old. Cost $5/person at door. Waldorf School of Princeton, 1062 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton. 609466-1970x115.

plan ahead WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Guided Aromatic Meditation – 7-8pm. See February 3 listing. Hamilton. Conserving Energy in Your Home – 7:30-9pm. See February 3 listing. Pennington.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 Conserving Energy in Your Home – 7:30-9pm. See February 3 listing. Pennington.

thursday

ongoingevents

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.

daily

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 10-11:30am & 6:30-7:30pm. Taught by Yogi Bhajan. Awake your Kundalini energy. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Ste A, Hamilton. For more information call 609-586-9199

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 Spiritual Awakening Service – 10:30am. 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 Zumba with Cheyenne – 6-7am. $5 for non-members and $3 for military. Bordentown Retro Fitness, 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.

energy. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Ste A, Hamilton. For more information call 609-586-9199.

wednesday 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. 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. Zumba with Cheyenne – 8-9pm. $5 for non-members and $3 for military. Bordentown Retro Fitness, 860 206S, Bordentown. 609-372-4020.

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. Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 6:30-7:45pm. CLB Ad.qxp_Layout 2 9/6/15 10:11 PM Page 1 Taught by Yogi Bhajan. Awake your Kundalini

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. Zumba with Big Sarge – 4-5pm. $5 for non-members and $3 for military. Bordentown Retro Fitness, 860 206S, Bordentown. 609-372-4020.

saturday 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

February 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.

HYPNOSIS

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

ENERGY HEALING 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.

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

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

Greater Mercer County, NJ

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE DOROTA M. GRIBBIN, M.D.

See ad, page 11.

EDWARD MAGAZINER, M.D.

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.

Dr. Ruxandra Balescu, DMD Dr. Kirk Huckel, DMD, FAGD 11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 PrincetonDentist.com

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

181 N Harrison St, Princeton 2333 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd, Mercerville 369 Applegarth Rd, Monroe 609-588-0540 DMGribbinMD.com

PRINCETON CENTER FOR DENTAL AESTHETICS

PRISM HYPNOSIS

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

HOLISTIC DENTISTS

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.

NUTRITIONAL CONSULTANT

NUTRITION 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, pastureraised eggs and myriad locally sourced goods. See ad, page 25.

NAMercer.com

Get the most out of you years naturally and without surgery. Specializing on natural pain relief and body regeneration, with exceptional patient care.

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 stateof-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.

Can You Hear The Buzz? It’s Your Community Calling. Call for information on this amazing low cost listing.

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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

February 2016