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May 2013 | Mercer County, NJ | NAMercer.com natural awakenings
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contact us Owner/Publisher Lori Beveridge
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Phone: 609-249-9044 Fax: 609-249-9044 NAMercer.com LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com © 2013 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.
With three children in school, I’m always thinking up to a season ahead, preparing for what’s next. Pausing to sink into the joy of the present moment is all too often lost. This cuts both ways. Even while I am looking forward to long summer days, I am still relishing the memory of watching my sons’ spring evening baseball games wrapped up in a warm blanket with my daughters. It can be hard for a mother to pause in her busy life as we dote on making others’ lives good and pleasant. I love being a mom and consider these the glory days for all the joys and blessings they bring. Yet I am realizing that in order to really be there for my kids, I need to make time to nurture myself, as well. I am happy that I anticipated Mother’s Day by a month by enjoying some sparkle time, which never fails to make me feel all shiny and new. The moment I set foot in Hamilton’s Sorella Day Spa, a lavishly beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, I knew it was my kind of place. Comfortably warm and friendly, I had no trouble at all letting the outside world go on without me. To-do lists effortlessly washed away. I was all smiles during my first-ever 60-minute Swedish massage. When an attendant escorted me to an esthetician for my first facial, my initial apprehensiveness vanished as she explained each step of what she was doing and its benefits. Gentle steaming and cleansing made my face feel so smooth and firm that I felt completely rejuvenated. The soft natural fragrances of the organic products used made me feel pampered all over. Ending my ritual spa day with a pedicure and manicure is always a pleasure. May I introduce you to Sorella Day Spa owner Maria Bevins—read more in one of our spotlight pieces, on page 23. May brings both flowers and Natural Awakenings’ annual focus on Women’s Wellness, which may translate into our taking some sparkle time, eating better, drinking more water, getting sufficient sleep, exercising several times a week and keeping our self in a positive mood for overall This is for you, mental health… the list of good-for-us Mom! Love, options is limitless. We even have a A MOTHER’S LOVE Lori recipe to support veggie power A MOTHER’S LOVE IS DEAR AND TRUE, for Food Revolution Day on IT SHOWS IN EVERYTHING SHE’LL DO. May 17 (page 15). IT GIVES US HOPE WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH, Ultimately, we can IT MAKES US FEEL SAFE, WHEN LIFE GETS ROUGH. only do what we set our minds to. This month’s IT’S HER UNSPOKEN WORDS, THAT ARE SIMPLY UNDERSTOOD, articles help us focus REMINDING US, OF ALL THAT’S GOOD. on steps that best SO GOD CREATED MOMS TO SHARE, suit and support our TO GIVE US HOPE WHEN LIFE’S NOT FAIR. own sense of health, including many ways NO DISTANCE CAN SEPARATE NOR TIME DIVIDE, to age gracefully—at THE LOVE THAT WE HOLD SO DEEP INSIDE. FOR THE WOMEN WHO CARE ENOUGH TO BE, any age! A PLEASANT VOICE FOR HUMANITY.
Happy Mother’s Day to all—be well and shine!
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the publisher. Call for details. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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Lori Beveridge, Owner/Publisher NAMercer.com
I COULD SEARCH THE WORLD FOR A PERSON MORE TRUE, BUT IT WOULD NEVER COMPARE TO THE MOTHER IN YOU. SO UNDERSTAND THAT TIME WILL PASS, BUT A MOTHER’S LOVE WILL ALWAYS LAST. A PRECIOUS BOND TO ALWAYS TREASURE, THE BOUNDARIES WHICH WE CANNOT MEASURE. YES, A MOTHER’S LOVE IS DEAR AND TRUE. THAT’S WHY I’M SO BLESSED, THAT MY MOTHER IS YOU. JANINE VERDUCI 2013
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6 newsbriefs 9 ecotip 10 healthbriefs 10 12 globalbriefs 18 healingways 20 inspiration 21 spotlight 12 22 wisewords 23 spotlight 24 healthykids 26 greenliving 28 consciouseating 30 fitbody 32 naturalpet 34 calendar 38 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 LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: LDBeveridge@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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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.
14 AGING GRACEFULLY It’s No Mystery: We Now Know How
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by Kathleen Barnes
18 SPRING DETOX
Gentle Natural Cleansing Works Best
by Linda Sechrist
20 LISTENING TO
INNER WISDOM
5 Instincts To Heed by Dr. Judith Orloff
22 SEEKING SOULMATES
18
ONLINE
Coach Evan Marc Katz’s Advice for Internet Dating by Kim Childs
24 TEEN DRAMA
QUEENS Keeping the Mother-Daughter
Bond Strong by Meredith Montgomery
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26 CLUTTER-TAMING TIPS Save Time, Money and Sanity by April Thompson
28 EDIBLE HORMONES
Health Support for Women
by Sayer Ji and Tania Melkonian
30 A PASSION
FOR PEDALING
Hop on a Bike and Go Lean and Green
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by Debra Melani
32 OUTDOOR OPTIONS
FOR FELINE FRIENDS Safe Ways to Let Them Explore
by Sandra Murphy
natural awakenings
May 2013
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coverartist
newsbriefs It’s About Family at Bottoni Plaza
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Memories of the Sea Holly Kallie Expressing her world on paper and canvas has been the basis of Holly Kallie’s life for as long as she can remember. “Crayons and paints were an important part of my world as a small child,” she recalls, “and the desire to paint or draw the people around me, using the lakes and beaches that I love as a setting, continues to be a driving force in my life.” Kallie developed this close affinity with water early in life during summers spent at her parents’ tiny cottage on a lake. Today, living in her own small lakeside retreat, the Wisconsin artist’s fascination is captured anew by the mercurial colors, reflections and mysteries below the surface of the ever-changing waters. “For me, water carries the same essence or spirit of the women and children that I paint: flowing, changing, playful and elusive,” she advises. Achieving a soulful realism through the use of multiple layers of paint and glazes, Kallie continually refines her self-taught technique. “With my art, I seek to bring a sense of joy, love, peace and connection with our natural surroundings,” she says. “I hope my paintings take the viewer there.” View the artist’s portfolio at HollyKallie.com. 6
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ottoni Plaza, in Robbinsville, serves families with a variety of businesses that are predominantly family-run. Plaza owner Giacomo Bottoni has tenants that include his two sons and his daughter. Son Sandro Bottoni and wife Jennifer are the owners of Julianna’s Closet, a high-end clothing boutique for boys and girls. The setting offers a unique and relaxed atmosphere enhanced by personable customer service. Product lines carried include Ben Sherman, Biscotti, Christie Helene, Kate Mack, L’Pety Canar and many more. His other son John Bottoni and wife Danielle are the owners of Bottoni Jewelers, offering an extensive selection of 14- and 18-ct. designer jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, watches and jewelry repair. “The thing you cannot find in the large chain stores is the customized personal service we offer at Bottoni’s. We know our customers and their families. This allows us to give each customer the time and personalized service they expect and deserve,” comments Danielle. “Customers immediately sense the pride and joy that we all portray in our establishments. They have a very personable experience whenever they visit the plaza,” states Carla Bonfanti, daughter and owner of Santino’s Pizza & Restaurant with husband Joe Bonfanti. Santino’s restaurant section offers Old World, home-style Italian dining with offerings like tripe, baccala salad, scungili plus gluten-free and whole-wheat pasta to accommodate customers with allergies. The pizza section has counter service and seating with popular items such as Panini’s, garlic knots and, of course, pizza. A recently added banquet room accommodates up to 100 guests as well. Bonfanti closes, “Spend some time at Bottoni Plaza to shop and dine with family, served by family.” Location: Bottoni Plaza, 1240 Rte., 130 S, Robbinsville. See Santino’s Pizza & Restaurant, Julianna’s Closet and Bottoni Jewelers ad on page 39.
High-Flying Kite Days at Terhune Orchards
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erhune Orchards Kite Day will be an ideal opportunity to explore the farm during the free spring festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4 and 5. Bring your own kite or choose a ready-made one from the wide selection in the orchards’ store. Or better yet, make a “guaranteed to fly” kite. However you choose, fly your kite on the wide-open 10-acre pasture amidst the farm animals. Country music and other entertainment will be provided both days. The entire family can tour the orchards and fields while riding in a tractor-drawn farm wagon. The sheep will be shorn on Sunday and the children can take home a piece of real fleece. There will be special activities and games for children in the barnyard. Attendees can also enjoy Terhune Orchards’ famous apples, cider, donuts, pies, country chili, hot dogs, farm fresh and grilled asparagus, salads, soups and more. Admission free. Location: Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton. For more information, call 609-924-2310 or visit TerhuneOrchards.com.
‘We Can Change the World’ Concerts
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he Community Christian Choir celebrates its 37th season with spirit-filled concerts entitled “We Can Change the World”, at 3 and 6 p.m. on April 28 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, in Robbinsville. Additional concert series locations and dates are Aldergate Methodist Church, East Brunswick, 6 p.m. on May 5; and Princeton Community Church, Pennington, 7:30 p.m. on May 10. A blend of various styles of Christian music, the songs are sure to touch the hearts of those in attendance. This powerful message of God’s love and grace shows that, through Him, “We Can Change the World”. The Community Christian Choir is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization with ecumenical children’s and adult choirs, comprised of vocalists from many central New Jersey churches. All concerts are free to the public with collection of a free will offering that is donated to a designated charity. To date, the choir has raised and donated over $176,350 to numerous local charities, including Meals On Wheels, Sunshine Foundation, Urban Promise and Anchor House. Locations: Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2290 State Hwy., 33, Robbinsville; Aldergate Methodist Church, 568 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick; and Princeton Community Church, 2300 Pennington Rd., Pennington. For more information, call 609-587-7076, email CCChoir@optonline.net or visit CCChoir.com. See ad on page 19.
Spring Native Plant Sale in Princeton
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&R Greenway Land Trust invites the public to its annual Spring Native Plant Sale, to be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 17 and 9 a.m. to noon on May 18, outside the Johnson Education Center, in Princeton. The event is an ideal way for home gardeners to improve the health of New Jersey’s ecosystem by planting native. Admission to the event is free. Experts from Monday Morning Flowers, of Forrestal Village, will provide attendees with tips in effective floral arrangements with native species. Thirty-minute demonstrations will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday and at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Native plants are naturally drought-resistant, providing essential food for wildlife, while creating a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem.
Location: D&R Greenway’s Native Plant Nursery, 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. For more information, call Nursery Manager Emily Blackman at 609-924-4646, email EBlackman@ DRGreenway.org or visit DRGreenway.org.
Dentistry at its Best! Synchronizing Oral Health with Total Body Health
PRACTICING BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY for 25 YEARS IAOMT Accredited
Your mouth is a vital part of your Total Body Health.
We are dedicated to Protecting Your Health with: • Clifford Material Reactivity Testing • Sleep Apnea Treatment • Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol Enhanced by Biological Support Program • Highest Quality Restorative Dentistry • Preserving Teeth and Gums for a Lifetime • Beautiful Smiles Achieved by Using the Finest Quality Materials • Nutritional Consulting
Kirk Huckel, DMD, FAGD Ruxandra Balescu, DMD
609-924-1414
PrincetonDentist.com
New Patients Welcome 11 Chambers Street • Princeton, NJ 08542 natural awakenings
May 2013
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Put an End to Your Pain Dr. Emu’s Rx for Pain delivers safe and effective relief from: • Arthritis Pain • Stiff Joints • Cramps • Knee, Neck & Back Pain • Inflammation & Swelling • Tired, Sore Muscles • Headaches • Strains & Sprains • General Aches & Pains
GEt Your LifE Back, it’s timE to start LivinG aGain!
Here’s what some of our customers have to say about Dr. Emu’s Rx for Pain: “It totally resolved by back issues and knee pain in one day. I had back surgery twice and one knee replacement. I still had intense pain and my doctor said I would have to live with it. I use it every night and in the morning and I have not had pain in months. Thank you for a lifesaving product.” Darlene Masters “I ... was amazed at how good this is. It has taken away the pain from my hip/leg/ankle and reduced the swelling in my ankles I get every summer. Thank you!” Patty Mullins “I was told about this by my doctor’s office. It truly helped my back and knee pain. It is a little costly but well worth the extra cost over others in discount stores. It works so well, I don’t even need to use it as much now. Thank you for bringing it to us.” Tony S.
Experience All-Natural Pain Relief Like I Did “Through the years, accidents had left me with a crushed heel, seven herniated discs and a torn rotator cuff. I was spending $4,500 a month on medication prescriptions including for pain and became addicted to oxycontin. Finally, I decided not to allow drugs to control my life anymore. I became intrigued by an up-and-coming natural aid: Emu Oil. Out of personal necessity to get off drugs, aided by pain management doctors, other medical personnel, herbalists and lengthy research and development, I created the natural topical pain relief product, Dr. Emu’s Rx for Pain. It not only eased my pain within minutes, it also made my life more livable again. Since then, many physical therapists, chiropractors and pain management doctors have testified to its apparent effectiveness with their patients.” Darrell Hart, founder and CEO of Everlasting Health
Guaranteed to end or at least reduce severe pain by 50% or your money back!
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Emu Oil: • Penetrates Quickly • Reduces Swelling and Scarring • Promotes Healthy Skin • Increases Skin Thickness • Promotes Healing • Provides Essential Fatty Acids
4-oz Spray Bottle
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To shop the webstore and place your order visit
NAWebstore.com or call 888-822-0246
A Few Drops Can Change Your Life! You could feel better, lose weight or increase energy and mental clarity with a few drops of Natural Awakenings’ DETOXIFIED IODINE daily in water or on your skin when used as directed. An essential component of the thyroid, iodine replacement has been reported to give relief from: • Depression • Fibromyalgia • Hypothyroidism • Radiation
• Weight Gain • Low Energy • Hyperthyroidism • Bacteria & Viruses
4-6 week supply ONLY $20 Shop Natural Awakenings’ Online Webstore for More Special, Natural Products
Order Online Today at
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* SPECIAL SHIPPING $5•up to 4 bottles 8
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Pet Fair, Children’s Program at Dragonfly Farms
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ragonfly Farms, in Hamilton, will host two major family-friendly events this month. The facility will host their first-ever Forever Home Pet Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 4 with many local vendors offering a wide variety of pet-related products, and its Garden Center will provide children with a fun-filled, hands-on interactive workshop in learning how to make raised-bed edible gardens with the Leave No Child Inside event from 11 a.m. to noon on May 18. Attendees to the free Pet Fair will meet and be able to adopt pets in need of good homes, as well as learn about pets and how to care for them. Space is limited so vendors must register in advance. Donations of coupons or products will be accepted for goodie bags for the first 100 customers. Phase one of the gardening program will include planning, soil amending, planting, labeling, watering and more. The campaign encourages children to move away from the computer, TV and video games and become engaged in gardening activities. The goal is to teach both parents and children the skills and knowledge needed to become successful gardeners with a special focus on encouraging children to make healthy food choices, influenced by their new gardening skills. Location: Dragonfly Farms, 966 Kuser Rd., Hamilton. For more information, call 609-588-0013 or visit DragonFlyFarmsNJ.com. Pet Fair vendor space fee: $5. To reserve vendor space, call Antonia James, email Antonia@Melon1.com or visit Dragonfly website.
Eden Energy Medicine Seminar
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earn and experience why Dr. Mehmet Oz states that “Energy Medicine is the next frontier” by attending a Holistic Health Studies program’s Eden Energy Medicine 101 class from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 14 at Georgian Court University’s McAuley Heritage Center, in Lakewood. Empower yourself with self-healing and vibrant health in a way that is effective, time efficient, affordable and available 24/7. Energy Medicine 101 will teach you how to quiet anxiety and restore calm, work with pain, heal with the amazing neurovascular points, Donna Eden’s famous Quickie Energy Balancer and much more. The class is ideal for beginners and offers a foundation before taking Donna Eden’s Certification classes. Siobhan Hutchinson, MA, of Holistic Health of Next Step Strategies, LLC, is one of less than 100 teachers in the country that is certified for both EM101 and EM102 courses. Both classes have 6-hr. CEs for massage therapists and bodyworkers through NCTMB, and also 6.5 hours CEs for nurses. Seating is limited and preregistration is required. Cost: $155, add $10 for CE, lunch/refreshments included. Location: 900 Lakewood Ave., Lakewood. For more information, call or email Sachiko Komogata at 732-9872663, KomogataS@Georgian.edu or Siobhan Hutchinson at 609-752-1048 or Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com. See community resource guide on page 38.
ecotip Suspect Sniffs
Pleasing Aromas Harbor Hidden Dangers A special aroma may be pleasing to the senses and psyche, but some perfume fragrances contain dangerous synthetic and toxic ingredients that can enter the body through the skin and lungs. Scientists at the Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, in Spain, found that about one in every 10 people will consequently suffer allergic reactions that include itchy, scaly, discolored, painful skin and asthma attacks. The European Union Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-Food Products warns against their damage to the immune and endocrine systems, and Greenpeace cautions that the harmful ingredients can enter ecosystems. Consumers should check labels and avoid sulfates, phthalates, parabens, neomycin, galaxolide, limonene, linalool, bacitracin, cobalt chloride, tolu balsam (myroxylon pereirae), petrochemicals and propylene glycol, as well as anything referred to as “synthetic” or “artificial” fragrance. Instead, the Natural Perfumers Guild (NPG) promotes plant-based raw materials such as herbs, flowers, spices, leaves, bark and seeds; minerals, such as amber; essential oils; and tincture of vanilla. However, even excessive concentrations of natural ingredients like tea tree, lavender and citrus peel oils may trigger allergic reactions, according to the Environmental Working Group. Moderation is suggested. Look for makers that are members of the NPG or carry the Natural Products Association seal or organic certification by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or nonprofit NSF International. Learn more at NaturalPerfumers.com or npaInfo.org.
natural awakenings
May 2013
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healthbriefs
More Sleep Helps Shed Pounds
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njoying more zzz’s is not usually associated with weight loss, but a growing number of epidemiological studies suggest that insufficient sleep may be linked to a greater risk of weight gain. The latest results from a study presented at the 2012 annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior points out that sleep behavior influences body weight by affecting not only how many calories we consume, but also how much energy we expend. When researchers at Tübingen and Lübeck universities, in Germany, and Uppsala University, in Sweden, investigated the effect of short-term sleep deprivation on hunger, physical activity and energy levels, they discovered that insufficient sleep increased the participants’ sensations of hunger by raising the level of the “hunger hormone”, ghrelin. The less sleep a person had, the hungrier they felt. After only one night of disrupted sleep, the volunteers moved around less and burned off fewer calories in their resting state than their counterparts that enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
Yoga Reduces Depression in Pregnant Women
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regnancy hormones are known to cause myriad physical and emotional symptoms, including unexplainable mood swings. The fluctuations are more serious for one in five expectant moms because they also experience major depression. Now, a groundbreaking study by the University of Michigan offers new hope. Pregnant women identified as psychiatrically high-risk that participated in a 10-week mindfulness yoga intervention experienced significant reductions in their depressive symptoms. Mothers-to-be also reported stronger attachment to their babies in the womb.
Working Out Hot Flashes
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ne of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of menopause may respond positively to a simple, no-cost measure. Health researchers at Penn State report that menopausal women that exercise may experience fewer hot flashes in the 24 hours following physical activity. In this first-time study of objective versus subjective, or self-reported, hot flashes, the Pennsylvania researchers studied 92 menopausal women for 15 days.
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May is Asparagus Month
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ometimes referred to as the aristocrat of vegetables, asparagus has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. It was prized by ancient Greeks and Romans for its taste and reputed medicinal qualities, and 19th-century French bridegrooms, believing it was an aphrodisiac, frequently ate several helpings on the eve of their nuptials. The crop reaches its peak during April and May. Packing a fiber-filled punch of vitamins A and C, this princely veggie also delivers significant helpings of folate and rutin, which help to strengthen blood vessels. Its delicate flavor is best preserved by stir-frying or light steaming. Source: FruitsAndVeggiesMatter.gov
The Exercise Advantage
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aking a brisk walk or bike ride may stave off cognitive decline better than reaching for the daily crossword puzzle, says a new study published in the journal Neurology. Researchers at Scotland’s University of Edinburgh reviewed the medical records of more than 600 Scots born in 1936 that were given MRI scans at age 73. “People in their 70s that participated in more physical exercise, including walking several times a week, had less brain shrinkage and other signs of aging in the brain than those that were less physically active,” says study author Alan J. Gow, Ph.D. Surprisingly, the study showed that participating in mentally and socially stimulating activities, such as visiting family and friends, reading or even learning a new language, did little to ward off the symptoms of an aging brain. Study participants will undergo a second MRI scan at age 76, and researchers plan to compare the two scans to see if the links between exercise and better brain health hold up.
Fewer Scans May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
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hile screening for breast cancer is important, women should avoid unnecessary medical imaging, according to a recent report issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) which identified two factors that increased the risk for the disease: post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy and radiation exposure from medical imaging. Physician Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a professor of radiology and biomedical imaging, epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California-San Francisco, who contributed to the IOM report, notes that CT scans and other forms of medical imaging have revolutionized medicine and can be lifesaving. However, she recommends that women engage their doctors in the decision-making process and discuss the necessity and safety of all potential radiological scans. To understand the risks and benefits, it’s suggested women ask their doctor: “Is this scan absolutely essential? Is it necessary to do it now? Are there other, alternative tests [such as thermography]? How can I be sure the test will be done in the safest way possible? Will having the scan information change the management of my disease? Can I wait until after seeing a specialist before getting the scan?”
Midwife-Led Birth Centers Improve Outcomes
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omen that receive care at midwife-led birth centers incur lower medical costs and are less likely to have Caesarean births than women that give birth at hospitals, according to new findings by the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC). The rising number of Cesarean births in the United States (32 percent in 2010, according to the National Centers for Disease Control National Vital Statistics Report) has generated concern due to short- and long-term health implications for women, their newborns and future pregnancies. The AABC study, which included more than 15,500 women that received care in 79 midwifeled birth centers in 33 states from 2007 through 2010, found that fewer than 6 percent of the participants required a Caesarean birth, compared to nearly 24 percent similarly low-risk women cared for in a hospital setting. Birth centers—homelike facilities functioning within the health care system— are based on a wellness model of pregnancy and birth personalized to individual needs. “They are uniquely positioned to provide healthy women and their newborns with maternity care, avoiding unnecessary Caesarean births,” advises AABC President-Elect Lesley Rathbun, a certified nurse midwife and family nurse practitioner. “Americans need to learn about the high-quality care that midwife-led birth centers offer.” Source: American College of Nurse-Midwives
Better Care through Meditation
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esearchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, in New York, suggest that primary care practitioners can improve their communications skills and quality of care via training in mindfulness meditation. A majority of the doctors participating in a recent study reported experiencing an improved capacity to listen more attentively and respond more effectively to others, and do it in a more non-judgmental frame of mind. The scientists found that both doctors and their patients believed the quality of care improved following the training. Source: Academic Medicine
Natural Oils Lower Cholesterol
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ccording to new data presented at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions, people that switched to cooking with a blend of sesame and rice bran oils experienced noteworthy drops in blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels. The 60-day study in New Delhi, India, involved 300 participants and showed that cooking with a combination of these oils in a variety of ways worked nearly as well as a commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication.
natural awakenings
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Honoring Veterans
Helping Troops Return Home to Meaningful Work Colin and Karen Archipley, owners of Archi’s Acres, in Escondido, California, daily honor contributions by America’s armed forces by helping combat vets return home to a fresh start doing meaningful work through their Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program. Established in 2007, they can now list 160 ongoing agribusinesses nationwide led by program graduates. “This instills confidence in the veterans as together, we tap into their abilities to adapt and overcome, to take on a challenge and to know themselves and seek improvement,” says Colin, who served with the Marine Corps. This year, the couple is expanding the program by launching 10 one-acre certified-organic hydroponic greenhouses as incubators sparking future VSAT-graduate businesses. For more information, call 800-933-5234, email Karen@ArchisAcres.com or visit ArchisAcres.com.
Veggie Power
Food Revolution Day is May 17 Food Revolution Day, a collaborative effort between the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation in the United States, the Better Food Foundation in the UK and The Good Foundation in Australia, aims to get people around the world talking about real food and food education. Last year, the global day of action encompassed more than 1,000 events and dinner parties among families and friends, school associates, work colleagues and community neighbors in 664 cities in 62 countries. To get involved, visit FoodRevolutionDay.com.
Nearing Equality
Gender Pay Gap is Eroding Recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that women now earn 82 percent as much as men, up from 64 percent in 1980. This latest figure represents median annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers, including self-employed, but not seasonal workers. Progress has also been made in gender segregation within the labor market, with many previously male-dominated fields including law, banking, medicine and civil service jobs such as bus drivers and mail carriers opening up to women. In 2012, President Obama cited his signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as a second-term issue for addressing gender discrimination. 12
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Camp Revamped
Anti-Bullying Tenets Enhance Summer Fun Many summer camps have taken steps to prevent bullying, reflecting mainstream trends. Attendees at Camp Dark Waters, a Medford, New Jersey, residential camp for ages 7 through 16 founded on Quaker principles, are asked to abide by a list of Anti-Bullying Campers’ Rights: n I have the right to be happy and to be treated with kindness. No one will laugh at me, ignore me or hurt my feelings. n I have the right to be myself. No one will treat me unfairly because I am fat or thin, fast or slow, strong or weak, a boy or girl. I am different because I am myself. n I have the right to be safe. No one will hit, kick, push or pinch me. I will be free from physical threats. n I have the right to hear and be heard. No one will yell, scream or shout and my opinions and desires will be considered in any plans we make. n I have the right to learn about myself. I will be free to express my feelings and opinions without being interrupted or punished. Bullying campers are warned that if they fail to honor these rights, they’ll be sent home. Source: MetroKids.com
Golden Years
May is Older Americans Month The theme for the 50th annual Older Americans Month 2013 is Unleash the Power of Age, to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions to our communities. These productive, active and influential members of society share essential talents, wisdom and life experiences with their families, friends and neighbors. Visit OlderAmericansMonth.acl.gov.
Natural Aids
Antibiotic-Free Meats are on the Rise Although sales of antibiotic-free meat comprise a tiny fraction of the total market, retailers like Whole Foods, Costco and Trader Joe’s cannot get enough antibiotic-free meat to meet the demand, according to a New York Times report. In a Consumer Reports National Research Center telephone survey, more than 60 percent of respondents said they would be willing to pay at least five cents a pound more for meat raised without antibiotics. For three years, Scott Sechler, owner of Bell & Evans, an organic meat processing company near Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, has been feeding his chickens a specially milled diet laced with oregano oil and a touch of cinnamon as a method to fight off bacterial diseases that plague meat and poultry producers without resorting to antibiotics, which some experts say can be detrimental to the humans that eat the meat. Noodles & Company, a fast-growing chain of more than 300 restaurants, has added antibiotic-free pork to the ingredients customers can add to their pastas. It ensured a year’s supply in advance by committing to receiving cuts of meat that were not in relatively high demand. Dan Fogarty, executive vice president, remarks, “We’re deliberately voting with our pocketbooks.”
Pill Chill
Birth Control Meds Foul Global Waters After ethinylestradiol (EE2), the active ingredient in most birth control pills, has done its duty in preventing pregnancy, it can begin a second life as a pollutant that harms wildlife, creating “intersex” fish and amphibians, and is difficult and costly to remove from wastewater streams that carry it into natural waterways. EE2 is only one of many synthetic hormones that humans excrete into wastewater. The European Union wants to upgrade 1,360 wastewater treatment plants to utilize necessary charcoal-filtering technology to tackle EE2 contamination across England and Wales. Meeting proposed limits will require expenditures of $41 billion to $47 billion, according to Richard Owen, a professor at the University of Exeter, in the UK. In the journal Nature, Owen and Susan Jobling, Ph.D., an ecotoxicologist at London’s Brunel University, write that more public debate on EE2 regulation is needed. “Animals are exquisitely sensitive to it,” observes Jobling. Owen queries: “Are we willing to pay this cost as a society or would we prefer to live with the environmental impact?”
Decisions, Decisions
Breaking Glass Ceilings Benefits the Bottom Line Women’s ability to make fair decisions amidst multiple and competing interests tend to make them better corporate leaders, researchers have found. A survey of more than 600 board directors showed that women are more likely to consider the rights of others and apply a cooperative approach to decision-making, which can result in better performance for their companies. The study, recently published in the International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, was conducted by Chris Bart, Ph.D., a professor of strategic market leadership at Canada’s DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario, and Gregory McQueen, senior associate dean at A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, in Mesa, Arizona. Male directors, which made up 75 percent of survey participants, prefer to make decisions using rules, regulations and traditional ways of doing business or getting along. Meanwhile, female directors are less curtailed by these parameters and are more likely to try new and unconventional business methods. “We’ve known for some time that companies that have more women on their boards have better results,” explains Bart. “Our findings show that having women on the board is no longer just the right thing, but also the smart thing to do.” Yet women still only comprise approximately 9 percent of corporate board memberships worldwide.
Source: LiveScience.com natural awakenings
May 2013
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Aging Gracefully It’s No Mystery: We Now Know How by Kathleen Barnes
M
ost of us like to think that we’ll be vibrant, energetic, smart and yes, gorgeous, until the end of our lives. This isn’t an unattainable fantasy—even if past poor lifestyle choices may have tarnished some much-anticipated Golden Years. Fortunately, it’s never too late (or too early) to make key small changes that will immediately and profoundly influence our ability to live long and healthy lives. Experts recommend that a handful of simple, scientifically validated health strategies will help us age gracefully and beautifully. “Most of us are living longer, but not necessarily better,” advises Dr. Arlene Noodleman, medical codirector of Age Defy Dermatology and Wellness, in Campbell, California. “Many people face decades of chronic debilitating disease, but you can minimize or even eliminate that period of life and maximize health. It’s all about your lifestyle.”
Rules to Live By
Whether the goal is disease prevention, retaining a sharp mind, weight control, balancing hormones, maintaining good posture or supporting glowing skin, all the experts Natural Awakenings asked agree on a core strategy that can extend life and improve its quality in later years: Take a walk. Or, undertake another enjoyable form of outdoor exercise for about 30 minutes a day. 14
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Greet the sun. Exposing bare skin to sunlight for 15 minutes three times a week allows natural production of vitamin D. Researchers at Boston University, Harvard University and others attest that sufficient doses of the vitamin help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, relieve menopausal symptoms and support longevity. Drink plenty of water. Hydration is key to cell health and overall proper body functions. Aim for consuming one ounce of water every day for every two pounds of body weight. Eat a healthy diet. This means lots of vegetables and fish, some lean meats and poultry and moderate amounts of fruits and grains for weight control; abundant antioxidants to prevent deterioration that leads to chronic disease; and vital nutrients to support and extend life. Avoid sugars in all forms, simple carbohydrates, processed foods and for many, wheat and wheat gluten, especially for those with excess abdominal fat. Get a good night’s sleep. Eight hours is more than beauty sleep. Studies consistently report that it’s essential for energy and the prevention of a host of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer (Nurses’ Health Study; plus UK research in Diabetes Care, the European Heart Journal and British Journal of Cancer). Regular turning in and waking times, plus sleeping in a dark room, are important to optimize melatonin production; it is not true that we need less sleep as we age. Use the right supplements. Take a high-quality multivitamin every day, preferably an organic product based on whole foods for optimum nutrition. Fish oil is also essential for nearly everyone for heart, brain and joint health. Vitamin D is critical, especially in the winter months and for darkerskinned people that need greater sun exposure to manufacture it. Also add curcumin; according to numerous clinical studies, including those from Baylor University and the University of California-Los Angeles, it can help prevent and even reverse cancer, Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis, skin diseases and digestive disorders.
Prevent Dementia
Caregivers for parents or other relatives with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are often concerned about experiencing such regression themselves. “There is some evidence that a tendency to memory loss can be inherited, but in any case, there are things you can do to prevent and even possibly reverse memory loss,” counsels Noodleman. Reducing stress is the best way to keep a sharp mind, she says. “Chronic stress inhibits the cerebral cortex (the brain’s gray matter, responsible for higher mind function, including memory), resulting in a lack of judgment and other impaired brain function. So, manage stress and memory function will improve.” Deep breathing and increased oxygenation of the blood helps relieve stress and deliver nutrients to brain cells. Practicing yoga postures like the shoulder stand and headstand, or exercises using an inversion table, for just a few minutes a day can improve circulation to the brain and may help keep brain cells intact. “It’s important to keep brain cells healthy and alive by keeping blood sugars and blood pressure under control,” urges Doctor of Osteopathy Lisa Ganghu, an internal medicine specialist and clinical assistant professor at New York University’s Langone Medical Center, in New York City. High blood pressure and diabetes are risk factors for strokes and mini-strokes that result in brain cell impairment, she says, adding, “Some research even suggests that caffeine may improve memory and focus.” “Use it or lose it,” concludes Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, an integrative medical authority from Kona, Hawaii, and author of Real Cause, Real Cure. Extensive research shows that challenging the brain with puzzles and language courses, having an active social life and getting regular exercise are all related to maintaining optimum brain health. “People who age gracefully are physically and mentally active,” adds Noodleman.
Prevent Disease
A proper diet is a good place to start to take control. Ganghu recommends largely plant-based diets, like the Medi-
terranean, to keep common repercussions of aging at bay. Teitelbaum contravenes traditional medicine’s stance and says that most people don’t need to worry about salt intake, even if they suffer from high blood pressure, noting, “Research shows that people that follow the national guidelines for salt intake tend to die younger. Instead, it’s important to keep magnesium and potassium levels up by adding 200 milligrams of magnesium and 500 milligrams of potassium to your supplement regimen every day.” To prevent and control diabetes, Teitelbaum emphasizes, “Avoid sugar; it causes premature cell aging that affects all body systems.” He explains that excess sugar and its byproducts age and stiffen cells. Dozens of studies directly link sugar and aging, including a PLoS Genetics study from the University of Montreal. (Also see Tinyurl.com/ GlycationExplained.) Reproducing cancer cells typically don’t die as other cells in the human body are programmed to. Recent research by Baylor University and others based on the Human Genome Project strongly suggests that curcumin taken as a dietary supplement (400 mg a day or more) can persuade cancer cells to commit suicide and stop their wild and potentially fatal reproduction. Ganghu further recommends limiting exposure to environmental toxins from sources such as common garden and household chemicals and agricultural spraying (choose organic for safety).
Weight Control
A large body of research from institutions such as the National Institute on Aging and the International Longevity Center shows that avoiding obesity and managing weight is paramount for longevity, as well as for preventing many of the diseases associated with aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 are at an 18 percent higher risk of earlier death from all causes than those that maintain a normal body weight (BMI of 25 or under). Hormones can be a factor in weight gain for perimenopausal and menopausal women, says Ganghu, so it is important to be tested. She also
Celebrate
Food Revolution Day
May 17
Chocolate Avocado Pudding Serves 4 2 ripe avocados, peeled and quartered ½ cup cocoa powder ½ cup agave nectar ¼ cup organic milk ¼ cup organic heavy whipping cream 1 tsp vanilla extract Small pinch of salt Fresh chopped cherries or minichocolate chips for garnish Place all ingredients except garnish in a blender and blend until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Serve topped with cherries or chips as desired and enjoy! Source: Lori Beveridge
Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. ~Betty Friedan
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notes, “A loss of muscle mass due to aging can affect weight because muscle tissue is metabolically more active than fat tissue, creating a vicious circle.” She recommends strength training to improve muscle strength and mass. Typically, two 20-minute sessions a week with moderate weights are enough to create “Michelle Obama arms,” says Kathy Smith of Park City, Utah, a DVD fitness entrepreneur and a spokesperson for the International Council on Active Aging.
Good Posture
“We spend a lot of time driving, working on computers and other activities with our arms in front of us. This causes chest muscles to contract and become tight as we age, drawing the head forward and rounding the spine, which produces a pronounced slouch,” says Smith, author of Feed Muscle, Shrink Fat Diet. Bending, stretching and strength training strengthens the shoulder and back muscles that help us stay upright. Smith recommends a “walking desk”, essentially a treadmill with a board across the arms where a laptop can rest, and the user walks at only one to two miles per hour. “You’re moving, not sitting, and that is really important,” says Smith. Yoga postures like the cobra and the bow are also helpful, as are visits to a chiropractor or other structural therapist.
Healthy Skin
“Your skin is a roadmap of your overall health,” says Dr. Rick Noodleman, a dermatologist who practices anti-aging medicine in California’s Silicon Valley with his wife. He explains that skin aging is caused by the three D’s: deflation,
Whole-Body Dry Brushing
descent and deterioration. All of them can be reversed. Deflation is the loss of volume and moisture, which can be offset by proper internal hydration, healthy nutrition and good moisturizers. “People can make new collagen well into their 80s and even 90s,” he says. Deterioration is the loss of skin tone and elasticity that can accompany stress, poor diet and lack of exercise. Noodleman recommends regular exfoliation of skin on the face (an economical home facial with baking soda and water or eggs is high on his list) and dry brushing the whole body. He also notes that new laser treatments, acupressure facelifts and other spa treatments can help temporarily minimize wrinkles and bring back a youthful glow. It’s not hard to be vibrant, healthy and energetic at any age if one is living a healthy lifestyle. “I feel like I am 30. I expect to feel that way for the rest of my life,” says the 60-something Teitelbaum. “Of course, I’m not at the beach in a Speedo,” he quips. “Who wants to look 20? There is also a certain beauty in age.” Kathleen Barnes is a freelance writer, book author and blogger. Her most recent title is 10 Best Ways to Manage Stress. Learn more at KathleenBarnes.com.
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Dry brushing stimulates oil production, circulation that tightens skin and lymphatic drainage for detoxification and improved immune function. It also exfoliates. Using a moderately stiff brush with a long handle, start with the feet and vigorously brush eight long, smooth strokes in each of the listed areas, always brushing toward the heart: Soles of the feet Tops of the feet Calves Shins Both sides of lower legs Upper thighs Inner thighs Backs of thighs Buttocks Lower back Sides (love handles) Belly Breasts (very gently) Chest Palms of hands Forearms, front and back Upper arms, inside, outside and back Upper back and shoulders Neck (brush toward the face in this instance only) Face (use a softer cosmetic brush or similar device) Source: Teresa Tapp, an exercise physiologist and nutritional counselor, in Safety Harbor, FL
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Coffee Klatch Redemption New research from the Harvard School of Public Health confirms that drinking two or three cups of coffee a day can help deal with the following risks later in life. Alzheimer’s – may slow or stop the formation of beta-amyloid plaque. (University of South Florida, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease) Cancer – antioxidant properties may lower the risk of hormonally related cancers like endometrial, aggressive prostate and estrogen-negative breast cancers. (University of Massachusetts, Nutrients) Diabetes – helpful for short-term blood glucose control; long-term use increases the body’s level of adinopectin, a hormone that assists in blood sugar control and insulin production. (Kyushu University, Japan, Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Heart attack – moderate use has been associated with a slightly lower risk in women. (Tohoku University, Japan, The Journal of Nutrition) Stroke – up to four cups [maximum] a day may lower the risk of stroke. (Kyung Hee University, Korea, metaanalysis, Korean Journal of Family Medicine) Caveat: Excessive amounts of caffeine can also cause health issues, especially as we age. Consult with a health professional to determine usage appropriate to the individual.
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Umeboshi Tea
healingways
Umeboshi plums, termed “the king of alkaline foods”, are a species of apricots from Japan. A pickled fruit, they have a sour and salty flavor. Drinking umeboshi tea alkalizes the blood and works to relieve fatigue, nausea and indigestion while restoring energy. Makes 1 cup. Drink one a day for one month. 1 umeboshi plum, rinse 1 cup purified water ½ tsp Japanese kuzu powder 2 or 3 drops tamari or gluten-free tamari 1. Remove seed from the plum. Cut remaining plum into small pieces or mash. 2. Place plum pieces, water and kuzu in a small sauce pan. Stir or whisk to dissolve the powder. It will look like milk with pink bumps. 3. Stir while heating at medium temperature for 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid turns clear and appears a little thicker. Turn off heat. 4. Add tamari drops and stir gently. Drink while hot. Source: Recipe courtesy of Brenda Watson.
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S PRING DETOX Gentle Natural Cleansing Works Best by Linda Sechrist
T
o secure optimum performance, maximize lifespan and maintain the warranty of vehicles, knowledgeable drivers follow the regular maintenance needs recommended in the owner’s manual. Similarly, many health practitioners, integrative physicians and chiropractors suggest that periodically cleansing the body’s inside works—flushing toxins and enabling the digestive process and organs like the liver and kidney to rest and reset—aids in maintaining, restoring and optimizing health. Whether seeking a dramatic cleanup and clearing out or a simple tune-up, a natural, detoxifying cleanse eliminates accumulations of unwanted substances. Doctor of Chiropractic and Nutritionist Linda Berry, of Albany, California, and Brenda Watson, ReNew Life founder and a certified nutritional consultant from Clearwater, Florida, are recognized authorities on the subject. Berry’s Internal Cleansing and Watson’s series of six books on digestive health that began with Renew Your Life stress that the process may be both
a missing link in Western nutrition and a key to returning Americans to health. They both believe that specific medical concerns—including allergies, arthritis, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders and body pains—are directly related to toxicity, which responds well to gentle detoxification. Their suggestions for reducing the overload based on 60 years of combined experience include eliminating pro-inflammatory processed foods, alcohol, coffee, refined sugars and bad fats; increasing daily intake of healthy, organic, fiber-rich foods; and gently cleansing at least twice a year, using a natural approach.
How to Begin
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the onset of spring and fall suggest appropriate times for internal cleansing. Although strictly protein drink fasts are not encouraged, a minimum of 20 grams of high-quality protein should be consumed daily. Read labels and pick a sugarless protein powder.
“Eighty percent of cancer cases are caused by environmental and food carcinogens.” ~ National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences A simple one-day, weekend or seven-day cleanse for experienced or inexperienced individuals begins every morning with a total body dry skin brushing prior to showering, and then drinking a minimum of 10, eight-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. This includes a tasty green juice drink, followed by an eight-ounce glass of water for breakfast, lunch and a healthy afternoon snack. Watson’s favorite green cleansing recipe consists of liquefying one-and-a-half cucumbers, two stalks of celery, half a Granny Smith apple, a handful of spinach or any other type of green vegetable, a few sprigs of parsley and a tiny piece of lemon. Then, an hour after breakfast and lunch, sip a cup of herbal tea, take two or three capsules of spirulina and two capsules of omega-3. For dinner, liquefy one teaspoon of red miso paste in eight ounces of hot water and add five sprigs of wakame seaweed. “To fight hunger during the day, drink more water with lemon or ginger, warm herbal tea or green juices,” advises Watson. To increase fiber intake, Berry suggests placing ingredients in a VitaMix or the more affordable NutriBullet, which pulverizes everything added, even whole flax seeds. Juicers, which are harder to clean after using, separate the liquid from the fibrous pulp, which human intestines need to create at least two daily bowel movements. Add oat or rice bran, citrus pectin or other natural fibers as a bulk agent. A natural, non-chlorinated water enema using simple home apparatus available at local stores can also be incorporated into the regimen, as necessary, “An enema [initially] affects only the intestine’s lower third, so hold in the room-temperature water for five to 15 minutes, if possible,” suggests Berry.
What to Avoid
Safe, over-the-counter solutions for colon cleansing generally promote colon health and can nicely supplement a fast. Avoid products that contain senna leaf and cascara sagrada, which are potent laxatives. Watson and Berry don’t recommend rigid “crash and burn” cleanses, such as those consisting solely of protein drinks or raw juices or lemon juice and water with maple syrup and cayenne pepper. “It’s better to cleanse gently with fresh green juices with meals consisting of brown rice and either raw, lightly steamed or roasted vegetables,” counsels Watson. “Any detox program, if followed by eating whatever you want, not only doesn’t work, it has consequences,” adds Berry, who strongly advises easing back into a sensible diet after a cleanse. She notes that one client became ill from breaking her detox with a meal of barbeque ribs and beer. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. She writes on why we are better together at ItsAllAboutWe.com.
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A NEW DAY A NEW APP
inspiration
Listening to Inner Wisdom
5
INSTINCTS TO HEED
by Dr. Judith Orloff
L
istening to our instincts can help us stay safe and deal better with life-or-death decisions. Making the most of the wisdom of this inner voice also enables us to live a more satisfying life in the moment. How do we choose which gut feelings to trust? Here are five messages we’ll be glad we paid attention to.
“Something feels wrong in my body.” Listening to our body’s subtle
signals is a critical part of exercising an intuitive sense. The body is a powerful intuitive communicator, delivering early warning signs when anything feels off, weak or just not right, so that we can address it sooner, rather than later.
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“I’m in danger.” Social conditioning
has helped to create unconscious beliefs that can cause flawed first impressions and ill-advised snap decisions; it’s vital that we check our subjective feelings against mental rationalizations. If some person or situation feels untrustworthy, pause to pay attention, even if the feeling might later be proved inaccurate.
“I want to help.” Evolution has inher-
ently enabled us to quickly “read” faces and other emotional signals. For example, the sympathy instinct nudges us to change the subject when wedding talk makes a newly divorced colleague cringe or general conversation about past rough landings makes an airplane seatmate
nervous—subtle gestures that can make a big difference in another’s day.
“I know how to do this.” When tempted to overthink something we know how to do, try a little therapeutic distraction, such as saying the alphabet backwards when a yoga teacher leads the class into a dreaded handstand. Briefly engaging the mind with something other than the task at hand can leave our instincts free to do their job and enjoy the fulfillment that diligent practice has made possible. “This is it!” Most people have a great “I just knew it was right” story. It might be about the time they first spotted their sweetheart or crossed the threshold of their new house. When intuition signals that we’ve found something or someone truly right for us, the choice often becomes easy. It feels healthy and good, without resistance or conflict. Using our instincts helps lead us to smart choices that improve our quality of life. Judith Orloff, M.D., is the author of the international bestseller Second Sight, upon which these tips are based. An assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California-Los Angeles, Orloff synthesizes the pearls of traditional medicine with cuttingedge knowledge of intuition and energy medicine. For more inspiration, visit DrJudithOrloff.com.
communityspotlight Dolce & Clemente’s Italian Market Tradition of Old World Flavors Continues by Gayle Wilson Rose
A
s a 9-year-old, Joe Clemente couldn’t have imagined how stocking shelves on Saturdays at the family butcher store would shape his life course. Dolce Meats was started in 1944 in Brooklyn by his grandfather who emigrated from Sardinia to the United States; the business was later passed down to Clemente’s father. In 2008, Joe Clemente continued the family tradition in becoming owner and founder of Dolce & Clemente’s Italian Market, in Robbinsville. On early mornings when he arrives at the market to oversee the daily kneading and baking of breads in artesian brick ovens, he thinks about how food and his Italian family traditions have influenced him and his business. On Clemente’s annual journey to Sicily and Naples to investigate new products and food sources, he is tangibly reminded of his cultural roots and the importance of community. “I pour my heart and soul into my family first, but that extends to how I run my business as well,” explains Clemente. He prioritizes sharing his gastronomic knowledge of Italian culinary culture with his employees and believes this sets his market apart. Providing their vast array of freshly prepared salads, 250 cheese varieties, 10 olive oil varieties on-tap and freshly
baked breads, along with handmade chocolates and packaged Italian delicacies is a demanding job, but Clemente loves it. When asked about the handmade pastas in 10 varieties they make fresh daily, he’s quick to describe the five wheat varieties they offer. “We use organic whole wheat flour by General Mills and don’t blend it with other flours. After experimenting with nearly 15 flour types, we’ve found it to be most consistent in quality. It has none of that ‘cardboard flavor’ that is so common with wheat pastas.” He continues, “Our foolproof recipe is all-natural and simple: organic wheat flour, organic free-range eggs and water.” In addition to the freshly made varieties, the market offers several glutenfree pastas in dry and frozen stuffed forms. To sweeten the market’s offerings, they handcraft chocolate delights on-site daily and never include artificial ingredients such as non-whitening chemical blockers often used by mass chocolate producers. Their customers can’t seem to get enough—in the five years since opening, Clemente has twice expanded from his original 3,500-square-foot storefront to now encompassing 8,200 square feet of market space. Even as the business has grown, the strong sense of family and community remains palpable in a visit. He knows most of his customers by name, knows their kids and always stops to chat and share a smile or a new product sample. The reverence for Old World traditions doesn’t stop with the food. “Generations ago, families used to share meals together on a daily basis. That can be challenging with two income families being the norm and with our often frenzied schedules. I like to think that by providing a tasty and healthy handcrafted meal to a family, they are more
likely to sit and enjoy it together as they share their personal values and pass on their own family traditions.” Despite the heavy workload and expansion costs, Clemente stays focused on giving back to the community, attested by the long list of charitable organizations on his website that they’ve supported. About three years ago, he joined a pilot program called Keep It Local Robbinsville, in which 2 percent of participating customers’ purchases are returned to the Robbinsville community. Whether that support results in a new community baseball field or help for a local family in-need, Clemente believes it’s the right thing to do. Last year, $40,000 went back to the community from the 50 small business owners who are part of the program. “It encourages Robbinsville residents to consider the impact of their patronage and it keeps local dollars local,” he says. “It also reinforces independent business owners in their ongoing push-back against massive chain stores. The Keep it Local program is truly a win for us all.” After a visit to Dolce & Clemente’s Italian Market, you might agree that there should be a warning to new customers: So good you may not want to cook for yourself ever again. Location: 2 North Commerce Square, Robbinsville. For more information, call 609-259-0072 or visit DolceAnd Clementes.com. See ad on page 29. Gayle Wilson Rose is a freelance writer and marketing/brand consultant. She can be reached at JustGayle@gmail.com.
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wisewords
Seeking Soulmates Online
for someone like that to meet men. Online dating allows her to essentially create a love life from scratch. The problem is that most people think they can just go online and succeed, without realizing that there’s an actual skill to it. You can’t just shop for a partner the way you can order up other things on the Internet.
Don’t write an online profile that’s full of adjectives, activities and clichés. Telling a story that illustrates who you are is much more enticing. Post a picture taken within the past year, have a clever user name and write initial emails that are funny and confident. I like the idea of flirting with a potentially special someone online, moving from email to the phone and making plans for a real-life date over the course of about a week. That’s a good, organic process. My preference is to meet for drinks on a Saturday night, but it doesn’t have to be cocktails if that’s not your scene. I just like the romantic atmosphere of meeting for drinks because dinner dates tend to be too static and coffee dates are too casual. The goal is not to meet tons of people as quickly as possible. The goal is to build up trust and rapport via email and phone communications, so that when you do go on a first date, it’s comfortable and actually feels like a second date. I encourage my clients to go on real dates, not interviews.
Can you share some tips for singles just starting out?
Many people make a list of qualities they desire in a partner. What do you think should top that list?
Coach Evan Marc Katz’s Advice for Internet Dating by Kim Childs
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atural Awakenings recently launched its own online dating site, which got us wondering… what does it take to find that ideal someone? We decided to call on dating coach Evan Marc Katz, author of I Can’t Believe I’m Buying This Book: A Commonsense Guide to Successful Internet Dating, for advice. Katz, who calls himself a personal trainer for love, coaches successful women in the art of successful dating. He says that while online dating simply makes sense in today’s world, it’s important to do it wisely.
Online dating is nearly the norm these days. What has changed? It’s a perfect marriage of technology and opportunity. There are about 100 million singles in the United States, and everyone has a personal computer and a phone, which allows us to connect immediately with people we’d never meet in the course of our day-to-day life. Think about a woman in her 40s that wants to date and lives in a suburb with kids, has a full-time job and whose friends are all married; it can be hard 22
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What are some best practices once you commit to the process?
I created an audio series called Finding the One Online, in which I share best practices and some key mistakes to avoid. For example, people sign up for online dating for a month and expect to fall in love in 30 days. That’s like being 50 pounds overweight, signing up for a one-month gym membership and quitting after only losing three pounds because you didn’t meet your goal. The process of finding a good match is more like training for a marathon—you can’t log on and manifest a partner right away by talking to everyone on the site in a month’s time. That’s completely unrealistic, and yet it’s the number one reason people fail, because they expect too much too soon and don’t stick around long enough to learn how to use the system.
The things that sustain a marriage are kindness, consistency, compromise, laughter, shared values and trust. Those should be at the top of your list, instead of height, weight, age or income. The problem is that such qualities may not appear in someone’s online profile or even on the first date. Too many couples make decisions based on chemistry, and that can be a terrible predictor of success for a lasting romantic relationship. Connect with a health conscious, environmentally aware, spiritually evolved friend and mate at NaturalAwakenings Singles.com. Reach Evan Marc Katz at EvanMarcKatz.com. Kim Childs is a writer and creativity coach in Boston. Visit KimChilds.com.
communityspotlight
Sorella Day Spa Quality Services in Home-Like Setting by Gayle Wilson Rose
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n 2004, Maria Bevins, who had worked in the spa business for 13 years enjoying a loyal client following, had her hands full as a new mom to a 6-month-old baby. Nevertheless, she had her mind set on being her own, independent success story. That’s when she fearlessly launched the Sorella Day Spa, in Hamilton. A year into small business ownership, her legion of happy clients was growing—she hired her first employee and, just a year later, she gave birth to a second daughter. Bevins didn’t miss a beat and was back to work just five weeks later. Some might call her a wonder woman, but she’s remained humble about her success. Today, this proud mom and business owner employs three manicurists, two estheticians, three masseuses and two receptionists. Bevins speaks reflectively: “I just love my work and my clients. When I started my spa nine years ago, I offered $20 manicures and $40 pedicures and still offer those price points today. Many clients are college students and stay-athome moms who really appreciate this. The quality spa experience her clients receive is what Bevins believes earns their loyalty and repeat business. Sorella Day Spa is set in what was formally a private home, so when clients come through the front door, they may think they’ve walked into someone’s living room. The skin care products delicately displayed in a china hutch reinforce that feeling. Beyond the living room setting, entering the private spa area through expansive French doors brings one into an eclectic, homey oasis. With seven private treatment rooms, two showers and a locker area, it’s an ideal size and configuration for a spa. Sorella’s full range of pampering, relaxation and beauty enhancing
Maria Bevins services include nails, facials, waxing, eyebrow treatments, bridal services and special services tailored for men. However, there are a few things you won’t find at Sorella Day Spa: hairstyling, color and blow-outs. Bevins explains that she doesn’t offer those services because they would interfere with the calm and relaxing ambiance her clients crave and deserve. Neither the smell of color products nor the jarring blare of blow driers disturb Sorella clients as they escape with dreamy skin-enhancing facials or pampering pedicures. Instead, warm tea and the sound of soothing music complement the tranquil atmosphere and experience. As women often have a reluctance to regularly pamper themselves, many visit the spa for the first time when redeeming gift cards from loved ones. Bevins always encourages return visits, especially to clients who get facials, as frequency has a notable impact. With a four- to six-week frequency (or at least with every change of season), clients see optimal results from their skin care treatments. Sorella estheticians advise clients that they can avoid the need for radical anti-aging measures by regularly taking care of their skin through quality home care products
and in-spa services such as collagen facials and microdermabrasion. Sorella Day Spa uses several product lines, but a Bevin’s favorite is Shira, an organic, top-quality line that avoids animal testing and uses recycled packaging. Some soothing and effective ingredients in the Shira line include omega-3 fatty acids, oxygen, seaweed, aromatherapy, glycolic acid, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals. With any skin treatment, a Sorella esthetician consults personally with clients to assess their needs and understand their concerns before recommending the ideal service. One Sorella spa service Bevins loves to talk about is The Party Girl—a special occasion package for gatherings of four to 15 children in the 6- to 12-year-old range. The inspiration for this popular service was Bevin’s daughters; she wanted something fun for their birthdays that was personal and unlike the typical cookie-cutter parties offered by national franchises. The package of mini-manicure and -pedicures includes a personalized theme (princess being quite common), Sorella punch and snacks. Giggles and smiles are abundant. Whichever pampering spa service you might gravitate toward, Maria Bevins and her team at Sorella Day Spa will welcome you with warmth and gratitude and you’ll leave feeling beautiful and radiant. Location: 1220 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd., Hamilton. For more information, call 609-581-7400 or visit TheSorella DaySpa.com or email SorellaSpa@ optonline.net. Gayle Wilson Rose is a freelance writer and marketing/brand consultant. She can be reached at JustGayle@gmail.com.
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~Maya Angelou
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or many, the “Actively engaging who co-authored strong motherMothering & Daughwith my mom has daughter bond tering with her daughseems to suddenly enabled me to balance ter Eliza, gently reunravel when adolesminds mothers, “The my independence with mother-adolescent cence appears. “Parenting is exasperating a dependable bond, daughter relationand wears you out,” ship is asymmetrical. which helps me grow Mothers are responsisighs Heather Thomas, of Houston, Texas, into my true self. Plus, ble for being the adult a mother of three, in the relationship as it allows my mom to their daughters grow including 16-year-old Mary Meghan. up. Understanding know the real me.” Mothers can gain this can be a relief to some comfort in the both of you.” ~ Eliza Reynolds biological reasons for Part of the responthe onset of emotionally charged argusibility of being an adult is to provide ments and repeated curfew violations. a safe psychological and emotional It begins with changes in the brain environment for children without taking caused by an increase in the hormones things personally. The frontal cortex that stimulate girls’ ovaries, and by responsible for making decisions is still age 10 or 11, the hormones become developing in the adolescent brain. elevated to levels comparable to those Weathering mood swings and reactive of postmenopausal women. outbursts, mothers can learn to remain Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of steady, understanding that teens are not Mother-Daughter Wisdom, points out capable of giving back equally because that in addition to experiencing mood their minds have not yet fully matured. swings and temperature changes similar “That’s how teens learn to return to those of menopausal women, girls’ to a calm place, by seeing our mom rising estrogen, unbalanced by proremain steady through our storms,” gesterone, may likewise produce brain Eliza observes. irritability. “It’s no wonder girls are both Powerful Role Models cuddling with and screaming at you in Northrup believes that a daughter’s the same day,” she points out. peers play a large role in her success Nurse Practitioner Sil Reynolds,
fully navigating the teen years, but emphasizes that, “A mother’s influence wins. Be consistent in your loving and clear about rules and boundaries, while encouraging a sense of their own worth and autonomy.” Teenagers are anxious to grow up and do their own thing, but until they have internalized safe and reasonable boundaries, they need someone else to establish them. Northrup reports how teen clients that were given too much freedom… “come in aching for boundaries and feel that their parents don’t care about them. It is the parents’ job to create healthy, though not rigid, boundaries.” What has worked for Heather is to casually join Mary Meghan in her room with an intention to be present and actively listen to her. “I say something simple like, ‘I have missed you,’ and then allow her to open up to me without being critical or judgmental,” she explains. “Sometimes we listen to music or look at outfits in magazines together.” “Girls know when you’re paying attention, and your tone and body language speak louder than words,” confirms Eliza. She also notes that, “How was your day?” doesn’t work as well as the more specific, “How did your test go?” As with any relationship, there are occasional conflicts and misunderstandings, but there’s always potential for repair. Eliza and Sil encourage mothers and daughters to reconnect through the repair process; with heartfelt restoration, the bond grows stronger.
“For households with siblings, this can mean 10 one-on-one minutes a day for each kid. When both parents aren’t under the same roof, technology can help—face time is better than texting, whether it’s through a screen or not.” Some mother-daughter teams enjoy taking dance classes together, having movie dates or pairing up as volunteers. At their weekend workshops, the Reynolds engage in projects and conversations about what it means to invite spirituality and a sense of sacredness into one’s life. Sil sees firsthand how many mothers and daughters are “hungry for spiritual depth.” Heather’s family makes dinners, school vacations and church activities a priority, including a youth program. She says, “Through our church, we are blessed to have caring, Christian adults we trust to help guide and raise our kids and help formulate their morals. It’s a place where it’s okay to question beliefs and share differing viewpoints.” Many moms seek better bonds with their daughters than what they experienced as teens. Heather notes, “I only see my mother a couple times a year, and when I do, I give her an extra hug and apologize [both jokingly and seriously] for my own teen years. Now, having teen girls of my own, I get how hard it is, and I tell her that every time I see her.”
Helpful Activities
Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).
Everyone benefits from regularly scheduled quality time together. Sil advises,
For more information and tools, visit MotheringAndDaughtering.com.
Key Family Communication Tools Avoid the use of absolutes (never, always, everyone, forever) because they leave no room for differing opinions or shared responsibility for problems. For example, replace “always” with “often,” or “everyone” with “a lot of people.” Soften statements by turning heated one-liners into “I” statements. Say, “I feel like you don’t call when you say you will,” rather than, “You never call when you say you will.” Instead of open-ended questions, try a three-word check-in. Both mother and daughter share three words that describe their current emotional state honestly and authentically. Take turns sharing. There is no need to explain why these words were chosen, but it can give both parties a better glimpse into each other’s current state of heart and mind.
A Daughter’s Go-To Guidelines by Eliza Reynolds Don’t give up. When you give up, you are asking your mom to give up on you. Instead of stating, “She’ll never get me or trust me and she’ll always embarrass me,” help her to meet the real you. Stay real. Be authentic and genuine (no BS). If you want to talk, try starting with a simple, “Hey, Mom, I’ve got something I want to talk to you about. Could just the two of us consult for a minute?” Yes, your mom may be eerily on point sometimes, but she can’t actually read your mind (Surprise!). Build the relationship you want and need. It’s the one where you get along. She listens when you’re talking and you want to listen, too. It’s normal for this to take work. When you choose to be half of this two-person team that’s key to your well-being, teenage life becomes easier. I call it the art of daughtering. Just imagine what life could be like if your mom was your greatest ally. Connect with Eliza Reynolds via MotheringAndDaughtering.com.
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May 2013
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Clutter-Taming Tips
Save Time, Money and Sanity by April Thompson
Labels abound: pack rat, clutter bug and hoarder. Just the thought of confessing that our clutter needs conquering can inspire shame, anxiety and dread. It helps to remember that it’s human to accumulate, divine to purge.
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e’re hardwired to be hunters and gatherers and feather our nests, but you have to consider the life energy you spend maintaining all those things. The trade-off is often huge,” says home organizing expert Barbara Tako, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, author of Clutter Clearing Choices. Seventy percent of Americans feel buried under their clutter and can’t decide what to give up, according to an online poll by award-winning organizer Julie Morgenstern, of New York City. She has found that while the clutter may be physical, the process of shedding it is 80 percent mental. “Decluttering is identifying what is obsolete in your life and releasing it to make room to move forward,” advises the author of Shed your Stuff, Change your Life. “Ask yourself, what am I clearing space for—more family time, a social
life or inner peace?” That higher goal is a touchstone for what to keep and what to pitch. Following are common clutter-based roadblocks and tips from professional organizers on how to get around them.
I’m so overwhelmed I don’t know where to start. Tako encour-
ages clients to start with the visible clutter, such as junk accumulated in an entryway, and take 10 to 15 minutes to tackle the area. “People are always surprised by how much they can accomplish in a short time,” she comments. Morgenstern recommends making a checklist, starting with the areas with the most obsolete stuff and the least sentimental attachments. “The first one is the hardest, but you’ll probably find a lot of opened space if you can get through a few areas; then there is a cascading effect as you move forward.”
I know I have too much stuff, but it all has sentimental value. Morgenstern recommends us-
ing tools to manage memories, such as photographing an object that represents a person, and then using that photo as a contact icon on your phone. She suggests considering, “Is this the best representation of that person or time of my life, or just another example?”
I might need this someday.
Tako encourages people to enlist a clutter buddy, “an objective set of eyes who will set you straight when you hold up a skirt that’s out of style.” Morgenstern suggests asking, “What is more important to me… this object I don’t have any immediate need for or the space I’ll have by getting rid of it?”
I don’t have time to declutter now. Morgenstern acknowledges most people are “time-starved”, and cleaning out their closets is the last thing they want to do with precious
free time. Yet clutter costs us time and money because, “You end up losing things, wasting valuable real estate and replacing things you forgot you had,” she notes. It also hinders our ability to focus and process information, because visual clutter divides and competes for a person’s limited attention span, according to a recent study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute. For more motivation, imagine the joy of finding buried treasure. Morgenstern reports that nearly all of her clients find some form of funds, whether uncashed checks, objects with resale value or cash.
I sorted piles a few months ago and now they’re back. Los
Angeles organizer and blogger John Trosko encourages people to be upfront with loved ones about holidays and special occasions, asking that they curtail gifts and instead give non-tangible forget-me-nots like gift certificates or favorite services. Trosko also suggests making a list before shopping and steer-
ing clear of megastores to keep impulse spending in check. Tako and Trosko both discourage purchasing “unitaskers” such as a salad spinner that takes up significant space but rarely get used. Another good rule of thumb is, “one in, one out,” discarding something every time we purchase a new item. Even armed with the best decluttering tips, the process can seem daunting. Morgenstern encourages us to suspend self-judgment while weeding through possessions and keep remembering our higher goals. “Your stuff is a reflection of who you are and what you aspire to,” she notes. “It’s a challenge to get it all in alignment, but an incredible opportunity, too.” To find a nearby professional organizer, contact the National Association of Professional Organizers at napo.net. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
Find Good Homes for Clutter
Y
ou’ve done the hard work of decluttering. Now what? In the past, options were limited to a garage sale or local landfill. Today, we have countless ways to give new life to old things, whether selling them online, donating to charities for a tax deduction, supplying needed materials to schools or returning items to the manufacturers for recycling. Here are some more ideas.
Books: Consider joining the free PaperbackBookSwap.com. Each book mailed between members earns a credit redeemable for other books posted on the site. Or, donate books at BetterWorldBooks.com to help fund world literacy. Clothing: Tried-and-true organiza-
tions like The Salvation Army, Planet Aid and Dress for Success always welcome clothing donations, while public and private clothes swaps present a fun, social way to thin out closets and
zip code to find local retailers that ecycle. Sell working electronics through eBay.com or IOffer.com. Even small items like old phone chargers often sell easily online.
acquire some signature pieces. Attendees bring a minimum number of items that are arranged by organizers by type and size. Then, when the signal is given, participants excitedly rush to try on new-to-them pieces that catch their eye. Meetup.com lists local community swaps; make it a party theme and invite friends.
Electronics: Most communities hold
spring e-waste drives to collect old electronics for responsible disposal and sponsor year-round drop-off sites. Otherwise, search GreenerGadgets.org by
Eyeglasses: Millions of pairs of eyeglasses are discarded annually while millions of people in developing countries need vision correction. Donate old prescription or out-ofstyle specs to a nonprofit like One Sight (OneSight.org) or New Eyes (NewEyesForTheNeedy.org) that will refurbish and send them to healthcare missions around the world. Odds and Ends: What about that
never-used yogurt maker or crimping iron? Local chapters of The Freecycle Network (Freecycle.org) participating in this 9-million-member virtual community facilitate posting any item, large or small, to give away to neighboring members that agree to pick it up at the donor’s door.
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consciouseating
Edible Hormones Health Support for Women by Sayer Ji and Tania Melkonian
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n addition to relieving symptoms of menopause and andropause and helping maintain a normal, balanced hormone system, healthy eating can yield many other benefits. According to U.S. National Library of Medicine research reports, these include weight management, bone health and fertility and natural defenses against breast and prostate cancers and osteoarthritis symptoms. Despite drug-free approaches to hormone health that predate synthesized 20th-century hormone replacement therapy, the pharmaceutical industry has all but vanquished eating appropriately nutritious foods as a means to balancing hormones. Why do people embrace external sourcing when natural internal functioning is the better, less costly and more permanent solution? Even the current bio-identical upgrade of hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may lead to some biological dependency on these substances. Appropriate BHRT should include an analysis of how the individual uniquely metabolizes hormones and functional foods that can help. An edible approach to hormone health provides deep nourishment for glands, enabling increased production of what they lack due to changes associated with age or illness. Healthy eating likewise reduces the activity of excess hormones already in the body, beneficially mimicking their previous function without the unwanted
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side effects. Here are some leading food aids to get us there.
Pomegranate
The resemblance of the inner topography of a pomegranate to an ovary is more than poetic homage. Pre-Renaissance Western herbalists commonly held that a plant food’s visual similarity to a human organ indicated a positive health correlation. Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology on pomegranates by Japanese scientists revealed that the seeds and fleshy capsules within which they are suspended, called arils, contain estrogens structurally similar to those found in mammals. Preclinical results published in Phytochemistry may explain why extracts of these plant-derived bioidentical hormones mimicking estradiol, estriol and estrone are capable of replacing the function of an ovary. A Japanese study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported that female mice whose ovaries had been removed and were later fed pomegranate juice and pomegranate seed extract for two weeks showed reversals in bone loss, uterine weight loss and anxiety.
Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, collard and mustard greens and the root
vegetables kohlrabi and rutabaga contain glucosinolates, which help protect DNA from damage, according to a study published in Current Science. Also, ever-increasing preclinical and clinical evidence shows that consuming cruciferous vegetables reduces the risk of more than 100 health problems, including a wide range of cancers, like those affecting the bladder and breasts.
We Poudly Carry and Prepare the Finest Natural and Organic Selections Since 1944
Flax
Unwelcome symptoms of perimenopause (which can last years before the completion of menopause) can be offset through daily ingestion of ground flax, which can be added to cereals, salads and other foods. Ground flaxseed mixed with dried berries is particularly palatable. As the ovarian reserve of naturally manufactured hormones exhausts itself and prompts an imbalance, flaxseed is particularly effective in rebalancing levels of desirable estrogen metabolites, such as breast-friendly 2-hydroxyestrone. It contains a fiber, lignan, that upon digestion produces two important phytoestrogens capable of stimulating the body’s natural estrogen receptors in cases of estrogen deficiency and blocking both synthetic and natural estrogen when there is excess (as with estrogen-dominant conditions from puberty to menopause). These properties have been confirmed in human clinical studies performed at the University of Toronto’s Department of Nutritional Sciences and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Thus, flaxseed may be considered a source of plant “estrogen” capable of prompting regression of estrogen-sensitive cancers, including those of the breast and prostate. Extremely versatile in culinary applications, combining flaxseed with ground cumin provides a medicinally potent homemade seasoning supporting women’s hormonal health.
Cumin
Cumin—actually a fruit disguised as a spice—has tremendous hormone-modulating properties recently confirmed by findings in Experimental Biology and Medicine. Japanese scientists demonstrated that cumin seeds can inhibit loss of bone density and strength as effectively as estrogen in a female rat model of age-associated osteoporosis. They further found that the cumin seeds did not have estrogen’s weight-promoting and possible carcinogenic effects on the uterus. Imagine the potent hormone-balancing properties of a dinner of steamed rutabaga dressed with ground flaxseeds and cumin with a side of mustard greens with olive oil and pomegranate dressing. It beats a serving of Premarin with a serving of unwanted side effects any day. Sayer Ji is the founder of GreenMedInfo.com and advisory board member of the National Health Federation. Tania Melkonian is a certified nutritionist and healthy culinary arts educator. Learn more at GreenMedInfo.com.
Dolce & Clemente’s is the Premier Italian Specialty Food Store Walking through the front door of Dolce & Clemente’s fills your senses with a delicate aroma of our finely prepared Italian and International Cuisines. Come ask Joe about his Freshest, Healthiest, Home-made Meatballs
Whether you choose to take your selections home, enjoy them here, or have your occasion catered, your palette will be delighted. Homemade Sauces Fresh Cuts of Pasta Daily Lunch Specials Oven Ready Dinners Homemade Hearty Soups Over 250 Hand Cut Cheeses from around the world Imported Antipasto Selections Olives Homemade Sopressata Dry Cured Sausages Hand-Pulled Fresh Mozzarella Freshly Baked Bread, baked right here: Cheese, Olive, Raisin-Fennel, and Seeded Twist are just a few Pastries • Cookies • Cakes Specialty Frozen Fruits Gelatos Our In-House Chocolatier creates Chocolate Masterpieces from Decadent Confections to Fresh Dipped Fruits
Eat In • Take Out Catering Banquet Facilites 2 North Commerce Square • Robbinsville, NJ 08691 DolceAndClementes.com • (609) 259-0072
natural awakenings
May 2013
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fitbody Some are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers but it is love just the same...
A Passion for Pedaling
Hop on a Bike and Go Lean and Green Pearl S. Buck
by Debra Melani
Trading in the car keys for more two-wheeled time could curb many of society’s woes, from spiraling healthcare costs to deepening carbon footprints. Yet, the main reason many bicyclists love going for a spin is that it yields a greater sense of well-being and contributes to a healthier, more rewarding life.
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know it sounds crazy to say that bicycling is a silver bullet for all of these things, but I think it is,” says Elly Blue, 34, author of the recently released book, Everyday Bicycling: How to Ride a Bike for Transportation. Blue’s life was transformed when she made a bicycle part of her daily world; so much so that she now dedicates her writing career largely to the subject.
“Bicycling is just so much more rewarding than driving,” remarks Tammy Strobel, 34, who gained national attention with her husband when they simplified their lives by building a 128-square-foot house. Cycling to work and to run errands was “a huge” piece of their transformation, even after the 30
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couple hauled their tiny abode from Portland, Oregon, (where Blue also resides) to a cattle ranch in California. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans that generally bike to work grew by 43 percent between 2000 and 2008, a statistic that doesn’t surprise Blue. She first tried bike commuting after growing weary of relying on the bus system. “I got hooked on just how good it felt. It’s like flying.” Blue soon found that cycling was also a faster way to commute, restoring control of her schedule, reducing stress and boosting her happiness. Strobel, who adds that enjoying nature and increasing daily exercise are also cycling benefits, says it’s bolstered
Blue suggests finding fellow cyclists her happiness and quality of life. “I don’t Bicycling is fun, safe have to spend time going to the gym,” by seeking riding groups online or parand easier and faster ticipating in charity rides. She observes explains the freelance writer and photographer. “I’m getting my exercise on my bike. I than any other mode that cycling can instill a greater sense of feel healthier and in better shape now.” community, because it’s easier to stop and of transportation. Several studies show dramatic health interact with others. benefits for bike commuters. The Archives of Cycling also makes people greener It saves me money, Internal Medicine reported that when Uniand leaner. It reduces gas and car mainversity of Copenhagen researchers analyzed makes me healthy and tenance costs, while keeping polluting mortality from all causes in 13,445 women above all else, brings vehicles off the road, observes Strobel, who and 17,441 men, they found that non-bike cleared college and other debt by making me joy every day. commuters, even those otherwise physically her life transformation. active, had a 39 percent higher mortality “There are just so many benefits to ~ Elly Blue rate during the 14-year study period than bicycling, and they are all really big things those that biked to work. that contribute to the quality of life,” advis In another study, researchers followed 67,143 women in es Strobel. “It feels so good to be on my bike and just slow Shanghai (of whom more than 75 percent cycled) and found down. In my old life, I was moving at such a fast pace that I those that used bikes had a 20 to 50 percent lower risk of didn’t even notice the change of seasons. With cycling, you earlier mortality than their non-regularly exercising counnotice everything.” terparts. They also boasted reduced rates of diabetes, cancer For biking and other life-simplifying tips, follow both and cardiovascular disease (American Journal of Epidemiolwomen on their blogs: Blue at TakingTheLane.com/blog ogy). Studies published in the Journal of Physical Activity and and Strobel at RowdyKittens.com/archives. Find equipHealth further found that countries with higher numbers of ment specifically designed for women by industry pioneer biking or walking commuters have lower obesity rates. Georgena Terry at TerryBicycles.com. Cycling boons transcend health benefits, expanding social circles for example, Blue and Strobel agree. “I was introduced Freelance journalist Debra Melani writes about health care to a whole new community,” Strobel recalls of her time in and fitness from Lyons, CO. Connect at DebraMelani.com Portland with new cycling friends that she joined for group or DMelani@msn.com. rides and camping trips.
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Discover fresh ways to live an inspired life.
Outdoor Options for Feline Friends Safe Ways to Let Them Explore by Sandra Murphy
W
hile some cats are content to stay indoors, others want to go outside. Even if they remain in the yard, letting them out without a plan can put them in danger. Gently managing a cat’s outdoor experience can instead ensure a consistently safe, enjoyable time without worry or compromising its freedom. A few guidelines will help.
Make the Garden Safe
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Cats love to chew on greenery, so set up a small pot or two or a small flat of grasses. Most cats enjoy munching on oat or wheat grasses and relish treats of fresh catnip and catmint. Marigolds can repel fleas and basil will both ward off mosquitoes and complement family meals. Many plants can be toxic. Veterinarian Jane Brunt, executive director of the nonprofit CATalyst Council, in Annapolis, Maryland, advises: “Make
sure the plants in your garden are safe, in case your cat is tempted to taste anything. Say no to foxglove and lily species, since they’re poisonous to cats.” Find an extensive list of both safe and problem plants at Tinyurl.com/ ASPC-ToxicPlantGuide. Note that aloe vera, asparagus fern, philodendron, dieffenbachia, tomatoes and many varieties of ivy are also among species that can cause consequences ranging from an upset stomach to kidney failure and even death, if ingested.
Protect from Predators
“Never leave a cat outdoors unattended,” says Dr. Cindy Houlihan, owner of The Cat Practice, in Birmingham, Michigan. “During the day, problems can include stray cats, hawks or loose dogs. Another danger is the movement of foxes, raccoons, coyotes and owls close to urban areas where the food supply is more plentiful. Elderly cats are
particularly prone to harm. An enclosure is the best way to keep a cat safe outdoors.” Paris Permenter and John Bigley, bloggers at CatTipper.com, an online magazine for cat lovers, built a “catio” for daytime use by their felines. Located in Cedar Park, Texas, their four rescue cats need protection from coyotes. “It’s attached to our house, like a small screened porch,” explains Permenter. “The cats use an open window that’s fitted with a cat flap for access; we also have a humansized screened door, so that we can go in to clean the room. It’s enriched their lives and given a former community cat a better home, as well.” In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Jane Dorsey, volunteer coordinator for the Cat Care Society, utilizes “habicats” both at the shelter and at home. Because her first cat, Chessie, was an escape artist, Dorsey decided to use a large dog pen (12 feet long by six feet tall) as an enclosure. Stood on end, it attaches to the house and has a weatherproof panel roof. A cat door leads to the kitchen. “Chessie’s personality improved because she was able to decide when to go in and out. For easy cleanup, we used pavers for flooring.” In lieu of safe garden access, experts suggest likewise setting aside a small area inside any enclosure for a pot of plants. Also, pet tents made by Sturdi Products and Kritter Kommunity facilitate more portable enclosures. Houlihan finds that, “In case of a sudden change in weather, the cat can avoid heat stroke or a scary storm.” Then
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there’s the live entertainment factor: “Cats love vertical space, so a cat tree or actual tree limb, properly anchored, can let him have a better view of birds, lizards, toads, chipmunks and squirrels without harming them,” she says. “It’s like kitty television.”
Go for a Walk
A mesh-enclosed stroller allows a cat to ride in safety while the walker burns calories. In case of a sudden noise or loose dog, the cat can’t escape. Houlihan also recalls a patient called Uti (pronounced YOU-tee), that was prone to chewing electrical cords. “His owners now take him outside for a daily stroll; he’s no longer bored and has quit chewing.” Adopted from a local shelter as a kitten, Makai also goes for accompanied walks. Due to heavy traffic near their Baltimore, Maryland, row home, Andrea Martin, a manager with Brand Public Relations, and her husband Nick, use a harness and leash to take her outside. “We often get the, ‘You’re taking your cat for a walk?’ look,” relates Martin, but that hasn’t stopped this adventurous team. “She likes taking a break from being indoors,” she explains. Make sure the harness fit is tight enough so the cat can’t wiggle out of it. With proper planning, any kitty can safely enjoy the great outdoors and the sun on its back. Sandra Murphy is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO.
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calendarofevents
NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@NAMercer.com for guidelines and to submit entries.
Mindful Walking Meditation – 7-8pm. Mindful Walking Meditation Cultivate relaxed awareness and clear observation as attention is brought to the sensation of walking. Learn how focused movement can quiet the mind. Gemma Bianchi, Aromatherapist. Cost $10. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton, Classroom 4. Register: RWJHamilton.org. Princeton ArtWalk – 7-9pm. Free. The Princeton Art Walk allows you to discover downtown Princeton visual arts scene at your own pace. Activities, events and refreshments at venues. Vie for prize with other art lovers while Princeton graduate students quiz the crowd. Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton. For more information call 609-258-3788.
Friday, May 3 Gluten Free Cooking: Avacado – 12:30pm. Free. Whole Foods Market Wellness Club, 3495 Rte 1 S, Princeton. Register 609-799-2919, Princeton WellnessClub@WholeFoods.com or in store. Men in Retirement General Meeting – 2pm. Free. Social group for men. Come and meet other men who are making or have made the transition into retirement. Suzanne Patterson Bldg, 45 Stockton Str, Princeton.
Saturday, May 4 Spring Plant Expo and Market – 9am-2pm. Great varieties of perennials, herbs, tomatoes and native plants for local gardens will be offered to the public. Master Gardeners will assist you in selecting the right plants for your garden conditions. Mercer County Horticulturist will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. The popular Second Hand Sale will offer “gently used” items for purchase. Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Rd, Pennington. Call 609-989-6853 or visit MGOFMC.org. Baldpate Mountain Hike – 9:30am. Free. 7-8 miles, moderate pace. This is a loop hike. The hike site is located about two miles from Washington Crossing State Park and is the highest point in Mercer County. Bring lunch and water. There are no restrooms and rain cancels the trip. Forp more information contact Paul Foged 732- 996-1406, HikerPaul@verizon.net or Beth Compagnucci, 609533-1335, BethCompagnucci@gmail.com. Sheep Shearing – 11am-3pm. Free. Howell Living Farm, 70 Wooden’s Ln, Lambertville. Info: 609-7373299. Visit HowellFarm.org.
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markyourcalendar Dolce Vita Bath Products at Women’s Expo Dolce Vita Bath Products will be available at the Women’s Head to Toe Expo. Products include natural handmade soaps, bath and skin products made with only natural oils and butters.
Thursday, May 2 Art of Happiness: Mental Wellness – 7pm. Free. Mental wellness 101 with Ed Tseng internationallyrecognized consultant on the psychology of peak performance. Tseng teaches a unique understanding that is the secret to mental wellness, and the human experience. These principles have nothing to do with strategies, routines and rituals, and everything to do with the universal power inside each and every one of us. Whole Foods Market Wellness Club, 3495 Rte 1 S, Princeton. Register 609-799-2919, in store, or PrincetonWellnessClub@WholeFoods.com.
Saturday, May 11
May 11 • 9am-3pm Location: Robbinsville High School 155 Robbinsville Edinburg Rd, Robbinsville
Monday, May 6 Yoga with Dig Yoga Studio – 12pm. Free. DIG offers the highest caliber yoga instruction that optimally aligns the body, mind and heart. The DIG team leads by example, making efforts to model what is “life-enhancing” and shed what is not. Whole Foods Market Wellness Club, 3495 Rte 1 S, Princeton. Register 609-799-2919, PrincetonWellnessClub@ WholeFoods.com or in store.
Tuesday, May 7 Read and Pick Program, Vegetables – 9:30 and 11am. Parents and young children (ages preschool to 8) are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about vegetables. A reading of two books about vegetables, then everyone will pick his or her own small container of asparagus. Children will be amazed to see how this crop grows Cost $7.00. Registration required. Terhune Orchard. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. For more information 609-9242310 or TerhuneOrchards.com.
Wednesday, May 8 Mindful Movement, the Feldenkrais Method – 1:30pm. The Feldenkrais Method is an internal journey to rediscover your balance, flexibility and coordination. It’s not about strength or cardiovascular or stretching. It focuses on how you move and finding strategies to reduce effort and increase quality and coordination. Whole Foods Market Wellness Club, 3495 Rte 1 S, Princeton. Register 609-799-2919, in store, or PrincetonWellnessClub@ WholeFoods.com.
Friday, May 10 Spring Flower Sale – 10am-3pm. A garden plant sale which includes unique or difficult plants that will enhance your garden with flower, form or food. All proceeds benefit the Rutgers Garden Student Internship Program. Hort Farm #1, Log Cabin Pavilion, 130 Log Cabin Rd, New Brunswick. Contact Marie Ann Schrum for more info at 732-932-8451, Schrum@AESOP.Rutgers.edu or visit RutgersGardens.Rutgers.edu/classes. Fly Tying 101 Workshop – 7-9pm. Learn about fly tying from volunteers of the Ernest Schwiebert Chapter of Trout Unlimited. After a brief history of the art and purpose of tying, participants will have the opportunity to observe several experts create realistic flies before their eyes and then try it themselves. Cost $10/person. Stony Brook-MillstoneWatershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington. 609-737-7592. TheWatershed.org.
Beth DeAntonia, 609-462-6763 DolceVitaBeth@comcast.net DolceVitaBathProducts.com Spring Flower Sale – 10am-3pm. See May 10 listing. New Brunswick. Corn Planting – 11am-3pm. Free. Howell Living Farm, 70 Wooden’s Ln, Lambertville. Info: 609737-3299. Visit HowellFarm.org. Integrated Energy Therapy for Kids – 12-3pm. A chance for parents and kids to learn how to deal with a child’s emotions in a fun, loving way. Kids learn how to connect to their guardian angels to exchange heavy feelings such as anger, fear, shame and sadness for sweetness, calm, worthiness, and unconditional love. Cost $45. Register by May 7. Rosemary & Om, 88 Orchard Rd, Ste 26, Skillman. 732-939-4471. RosemaryandOm.com.
markyourcalendar Watershed Nature Camp Open House Summer is just around the corner! Kids ages 3-16 and their families can meet Camp Director at this final open house before the summer season. Free Registration for Open House is not required.
May 11 • 2-4pm Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington
609-737-7592 TheWatershed.org Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend – 12-5pm. Celebrate Mom on this special weekend. Free tastings for Moms. Whole family is welcome. Terhune Orchard. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. For more information 609-924-2310 or TerhuneOrchards.com.
Sunday, May 12 Happy Mother’s Day! Spring Flower Sale – 10am-3pm. See May 10 listing. New Brunswick. Mother’s Day Wine Trail Weekend – 12-5pm. See May 11 listing. Princeton.
Tuesday, May 14 Next Step Speaker Series – 7pm. Free. How to Outlast Your Retirement Portfolio. Richard Bianchetti, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch. The Next Step Speaker Series is a joint program of the Princeton Senior Resource Center and the Princeton Public Library. Location, Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Str, Princeton.
Wednesday, May 22
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Integrated Energy Therapy (IET)
Eden Energy Medicine Study Group
Basic- and intermediate-level training. IET, also called healing with energy of angels, is a powerful energy cleaning technique that helps you live your soul’s mission on Earth.
Need more PEP, feeling frazzled, looking for a natural method to get the Spring in your Step?
May 18 • 9:30am-5pm
Cost $15/class with certified/experienced teacher & different topic each month
Mindful Movement, the Feldenkrais Method – 1:30pm. See May 8 listing. Princeton.
Cost: $195/basic; $215/intermediate; $410/both
May 22 • 6:30pm
Health Rhythms Drumming – 7-8pm. Group drumming is good fun and good for you. Strengthen the immune system and reduce stress. Drums provided or bring your own. Mauri Tyler, CTRS, CMP. Fee $15. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton, Healthy Cooking Kitchen. Register: RWJHamilton.org.
Register by May 11
Wednesday, May 15
Thursday, May 16 Beekeeping Course – 9am-4pm. This two and a half-day program covers the basics of apiculture by providing comprehensive information and handson experience to help students start, maintain and care for a honey bee colony. Bordentown location. Current wait list, call 732-932-9271 or visit CPE. Rutgers.Edu/Courses. The 12 Principles Discussion – 7-8:30pm. Free, The Mercer Free School. The study of practical tools for creating true abundance in all the areas of your life. Explore how to use and understand the principles, agreements and concepts to improve all the aspects of life, from work and school, to family and with community. Lawrence Branch of Mercer County Library System, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville. For more information call Nobo Komagata at 609-403-2383, email mfs1@insi2.org or visit The12Principles.blogspot.com. Reiki and IET Energy Share – 7-9pm. No experience necessary. Space limited, must register to attend. Rosemary & Om, 88 Orchard Rd, Ste 26, Skillman. 732-939-4471. RosemaryandOm.com
Friday, May 17 Beekeeping Course – 9am-4pm. See May 16 listing. Bordentown.
Saturday, May 18 Beekeeping Course – 9am-12pm. See May 16 listing. Bordentown. Spring Bird Migration at MEG – 9-10:30am. May brings a spectacular variety of birds to New Jersey. Some are passing through on their way further north, while many are returning here to stay for the summer months. Learn where they spent the winter, their nest site preferences, courting behavior, food habits and more. Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Rd, Pennington. Call 609-989-6853 or visit MGOFMC.org.
To reserve your spot:
Siobhan, 609-752-1048
732-939-4471 RosemaryandOm.com
Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com Medicine in Balance, 940 Town Center Dr, Langhorne, PA
Rosemary & Om 88 Orchard Rd, Ste 26, Skillman Back to the River Millstone River Canoe Trip – 9:30am-2:30pm. Adults and older teens only. Join Jeff Hoagland for a paddle on the Millstone River from Griggstown to Manville. Canoe/kayaks are rented onsite and fee covers watercraft, paddle and PFD as well as guide/naturalist and lifeguard services. Registration required. Cost $25-50/person dependent on craft. Call 609-737-7592 for more information. Outdoor Adventures – 10am-12pm. This program requires registration. Cost $10 per program. For ages 6-9. Meet at the Hunt House, Rosedale Park. For more information call Jenn Rogers 609-303-0706 or email JRogers@MercerCounty.org. Family Day: Celebrations Around the World – 10:30am. Free. Day of travel and adventure to explore art, for all ages and from around the world. Family Day offers hands-on activities, live performances, storytelling and a scavenger hunt. Refreshments served. Princeton University Art Museum, McCormick Hall, Princeton. 609-258-3788.
Sunday, May 19 Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) – 9:30am-5mp. See May 18 listing. Skillman.
Tuesday, May 21 Read and Pick Program, Farm Animals – 9:30 and 11am. Parents and young children (ages preschool to 8) are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about farm animals. A reading of two books about farm animals, then everyone will create farm craft activity with wool from sheep. Cost $7.00. Registration required. Terhune Orchard. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. For more information 609924-2310 or TerhuneOrchards.com. Canoe/Kayak Trip – 10am. Free. Begin on the Crosswicks Creek in Bordentown. Paddle to Watson Woods in Roebling Park where we have lunch. Bring lunch and beverage. Meet at Bordentown Beach, end of Park Str., Bordentown. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation, George & Leona at 609-2593734 or Leona@PineyPaddlers.com.
Reiki Sharing Evening – 7-9pm. Trained practitioners are invited to share Reiki with each other. Bring a pillow and a small sheet and blanket. Fee $5. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton, Classroom 4. Register: RWJHamilton.org.
Thursday, May 23 Evening in the Gardens – 6-8:30pm. Join the Gardens Director on a tour of Rutgers Gardens. Discuss and highlight plants that are currently in bloom and provide insights into where and how to grow some of these more unusual plants. Cost $25. Hort Farm #1, Holly House, 130 Log Cabin Rd, New Brunswick. Contact Marie Ann Schrum for more info at 732932-8451, Schrum@AESOP.Rutgers.edu or visit RutgersGardens.Rutgers.edu/classes.
Saturday, May 25 Hay Rides – 11am-3pm. Free. Howell Living Farm, 70 Wooden’s Ln, Lambertville. Info: 609-737-3299. Visit HowellFarm.org. Container Gardening Workshop – 1-4pm. Explore a variety of appropriate containers, soil mixes, and watering and fertilization practices. Bring a container – soil and a number of fun and unusual annuals will be available for students to decorate their own containers at the end of class. Cost $70. Hort Farm #1, Holly House, 130 Log Cabin Rd, New Brunswick. Contact Marie Ann Schrum for more info at 732-932-8451, Schrum@AESOP.Rutgers. edu or visit RutgersGardens.Rutgers.edu/classes.
Monday, May 27 Canoe/Kayak Delaware River – 10am. Free. Paddle 15 miles from Kingwood Access to Lambertville. Lunch break at the Famous River Hot Dog Man’s Restaurant; bring or buy lunch. Paddling helmets required for all paddlers; spray skirts recommended for kayakers. Rentals are not available. Trip is open to current Sierra Club members only. Contact leaders to confirm trip and participation, George & Leona at 609-259- 3734 or Leona@PineyPaddlers.com.
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themes
ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@NAMercer.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Adult Martial Arts: Bruce Lee’s Art – 6:30pm. Jeet Kune Do/Jun Fan Gung Fu is the training methods and techniques originally developed by Bruce Lee. Jeet Kune Do incorporates four ranges of defense: kicking, punching, trapping hands and joint locking/grappling. Princeton Academy of Martial Arts, 14 Farber Rd, Princeton. Call to schedule a free individual lesson: 609-452-2208. PAMAUSA.com.
daily Trenton Farmers’ Market – 9am-6pm, Tues-Sat; 10am-4pm, Sun. Closed Mondays. Local specialties, vegetables, organic food, fruits and crafts. 960 Spruce St, Trenton. 609-695-2998. Contact@ TheTrentonFarmersMarket.com.
Meditation Group – 6:45-8:15pm. Free. This group consists of mutually-supporting students of meditation, who are willing to share their practice and pursue their wellness without a “teacher.” Lawrence Community Center, 295 Eggerts Crossing Rd., Lawrenceville. Info: Nobo Komogata 609-403-2383, email mfs1@insi2.org or mfs.insi2.org/meditation.
sunday Hatha Karma Yoga – 8-9am. Donation class. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963. OneYogaCenter.net. Gentle Yoga – 10-11:15am. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-9180963. OneYogaCenter.net.
monday T’ai Chi Chih – 6:30-7:30pm. Joy through movement class, great for beginners. Need better balance, concerned about high blood pressure, quality sleep a challenge? For more information and to learn how to save on class fee, contact Siobhan at 609-752-1048 or email Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com, or visit NextStepStrategiesLLC.com. Class location DestinyArts, 4 Tennis Ct, Hamilton. Rise to the Task Free Dinner – 4-5:30pm. Free community dinner. First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, 320 N Main St, Hightstown. For more info contact Rise office at 609-443-4464. Breast Cancer Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 3rd Tues. No registration required walk-ins welcome. UMCP Breast Health Center, 300B PrincetonHightstown Rd, East Windsor Medical Commons 2, East Windsor.
tuesday Spring Preschool Nature Class – 10-11:30am. Through May 28. Children 3-5 years, learn ABOUT nature IN nature. New topic every week, parents must remain with child younger than 4. Registration required. Cost $10/15 member/non member. Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington. 609-737-7592. TheWatershed.org.
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. Pre-Natal Yoga – 11am. Led by Leslie Hadley. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963. OneYogaCenter.net. T’ai Chi Chih – 8:45-10:15am. 8-week session beginning April 24. Joy through movement class, great for beginners. Need better balance, concerned about High Blood Pressure, quality sleep a challenge? For more information and to learn how to save on class fee, contact Siobhan at 609-752-1048 or email Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com. or visit NextStepStrategiesLLC.com. Class location Energy for Healing, 4446 Main St, Kingston.
T’ai Chi Classes – 7:30-9:45pm. $15/class, drop-in welcome. Led by Frank Malinowski. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963. OneYogaCenter.net.
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.
saturday Pre-Natal Yoga – 11am. Led by Leslie Hadley. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963. OneYogaCenter.net. Soup Kitchen – 4:30-6pm. 3rd Sat. Volunteers arrive at 3pm. Free hot meal served. VFW Post 5700, 140 Dutch Neck Rd, Hightstown. Information: Adrenne 609-336-7260.
thursday 4 Mom’s Networking Hour – 1-2pm. Weekly parenting topics with RWJ Hamilton experts and sharing with other moms. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. 609-584-5900. CPAP Workshop – 6pm. 3rd Thurs. Free workshop provided by the Sleep Care Center for patients with sleep disorders. A respiratory therapist will provide CPAP education, adjust CPAP pressures, refit masks and discuss the importance of CPAP/BiPAP usage. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. 609-584-6681.
SPOT (Safe Place for our Tweens) – 7-10pm. 1st Sat. Allows 9-12-year-old youngsters to “hang out” at the YMCA under the supervision of trained YMCA staff. Basketball, indoor soccer, music, karaoke, swimming, access to the wellness center, video games in our Youth Interactive Center and the snack stand are offered. A Hamilton Area YMCA Membership is not required for participation. Dress comfortably for the activities you wish to participate in. 1315 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd, Hamilton. 609-581-9622 x 21103. Info@HamiltonYMCA. com. HamiltonYMCA.org.
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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To be included, email LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com or call 609-249-9044 to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE Jim Slaymaker, L.Ac
405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor 609-616-2281 Jim@Acupuncture2Heal.com Acupuncture2Heal.com Schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine can safely and effectively relieve chronic pain and stress, restore sleep, boost energy, promote healthy digestion, and support OBGYN issues. Experienced Practitioner since 2004. See ad, page 24.
BODYWORK Siobhan Hutchinson, MA
Holistic Health Practitioner 609-752-1048 NextStepStrategiesllc.com Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesllc.com Enhance balance of Body/Mind/ Spirit through T’ai Chi Chih, Seijaku, Qigong, Reiki and Donna Eden Energy. Clients can choose classes or personalized one-onone sessions for deep relaxation and reducing the effects of stress.
CHIROPRACTIC Pennington ChiropractOR Dr. William Fogler 25 Rte 31 S, Pennington 609-737-2006
ENERGY WORK Rosemary & Om AromaCare & Energy Work
Relax Naturally... Live Peacefully... Ranessa Porter, Integrated Energy Therapy Master-Instructor and Reiki Practitioner 732-939-4471 RosemaryAndOm.com A nurturing space to blissfully, naturally and easily achieve peace, wellness, vitality and joy. Combining soothing scents and power of essential oils with warm, comforting currents of energy work to bolster your lifeforce energy; easing physical pain, shift heavy emotions, relieve stress and even release karma with AromaCare and Energy Work.
HOLISTIC DENTISTS PRINCETON CENTER FOR DENTAL AESTHETICS Dr. Ruxandra Balescu, DMD Dr. Kirk Huckel, DMD, FAGD 11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 PrincetonDentist.com
We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. Please contact us to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 7.
MUSIC THERAPY
Practicing chiropractor in Pennington, located in Pennington Shopping Center. Focusing on increasing wellness and quality of life for a healthy spine and nervous system.
CLEANING SERVICES Bea’s Home Services
NoteAble Measures Music Therapy, LLC 114 Straube Center Blvd Suite K-1, 10, Box H-12, Pennington Info@NoteAbleMeasures.com NoteAbleMeasures.com
Providing music therapy services to people who wish to use music as a means to maintain health and wellness, or for those who need extra support.
NATURAL PRODUCTS ORGANO GOLD INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR Melissa Bridgewater 609-529-5524 UzimaCafe@aol.com Uzima.OrganoGold.com
Natural and organic products including beverages, nutraceuticals and personal care. Contact Melissa Bridgewater regarding her line of Gandoerma products for your everyday uses.
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.
YOGA Higher Power Yoga Studio 439 S Broad St, Trenton 101 S Warren St, Trenton 609-789-8188 HigherPowerYoga.net
Two locations offering drop-in classes suitable for all levels and private lessons. Classes and workshops include Yoga Basics, Natural Beauty, Meditation and Continuing Education for Yoga Teachers.
609-278-5100 BeasHomeServices.com
Over 22 years service offering personable, reliable, and reasonably priced cleaning and housekeeping services. Serving all of Mercer County. Experienced, honest, hardworking employees strive for your satisfactions. Ask about GREEN CLEANING options. See ad, page 31.
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Grow Your Business • Expand Your Earnings Reach Your Target Market with a Resource Guide listing for under $60 per month. CALL NOW! 609-249-9044 • LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com
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try our delicious home-made meatballs in our signature pasta dish Rigatoni Ripi, or our nostalgic dishes like tripe and Baccala Salad. Complete your meal with home-made tiramisu.
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GET INSPIRED
Start your summer with fresh, new sales
Advertise in Natural Awakenings’ June Inspired Living Edition Includes Special Men’s Wellness Guide Conscientious Consumers are Seeking Products & Services such as: • Natural Healthcare Practitioners • Organic Food/Farm Markets • Integrative Physicians • Men’s Natural Products & Services • Natural/Organic Restaurants • Counseling/Therapy • YMCAs & Recreation Centers • Conscientious Travel • Spas & Retreats • Gyms, Fitness & Yoga Centers • Eco-Camping Equipment • Natural Supplements • Wellness Trainers & Coaches • Earth-Friendly Campsites • Workout Gear • Advanced Chiropractic Health • Learning Centers for the Arts • Natural Pet Supplies — and many more leading suppliers and providers
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