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Female Farmers Come of Age
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Locavore LINGO
What All the Food Labels Really Mean
July 2016 | Greater Mercer County, NJ | NAMercer.com natural awakenings
July 2016
1
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contents 6 newsbriefs
10 healthbriefs 15 globalbriefs
14 18 ecotip 22 fitbody 23 inspiration 24 wisewords
16
26 healingways 28 greenliving 30 consciouseating
32 healthykids
34 naturalpet
18
42 resourceguide
advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 609-249-9044 or email Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.
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.
20 REAL NEWS
THAT MATTERS Independent Media Tell Us the Truth
by Linda Sechrist
22 ZEN GOLF
Master the Mind to Master the Game by Aimee Hughes
24 LIZA HUBER ON
20 26
HEALTHY MEALS AND HAPPY KIDS Start with Homemade, Organic Baby Food by Gerry Strauss
26 MAKE TIME
FOR DOWNTIME Chilling Out Revives Body and Soul by April Thompson
32
28 SOIL SISTERS
Female Farmers Come of Age by Lisa Kivirist
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NAMercer.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAMercer.com or fax to 609-249-9044. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.
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Greater Mercer Mercer County, County, NJ NJ NAMercer.com NAMercer.com Greater
30 LOCAVORE LINGO
What All the Food Labels Really Mean by Judith Fertig
32 MOM’S KITCHEN
COUNTER COOKING SCHOOL
34
Kids That Learn to Cook Grow Up Eating Healthier by Jen Haugen
34 COOL CHOW Icy Treats for Hot Summer Days by Sandra Murphy
letterfrompublisher
“S
ummertime …and the living is easy.” Fireflies and barbecues, sand in your toes and lemonade, feasting on garden herbs and veggies, summer breezes and starry nights, the laughter of playing children and waves crashing on the shores of lakes and seas. It’s summertime and the living is easy. If it isn’t, it should be. In the July issue of Natural Awakenings magazine, we welcome summer with open arms. With some sound advice by author April Thompson who reminds us to Make Time for Downtime. We work hard and we need this time to renew. Summer vacations are not just ritual, but so very important for our well-being. April writes that in a research survey of 20,000 working folks; nearly 60 percent said that they were “physically exhausted, emotionally drained, distracted and lacking purpose.” Wow. Take a break. Renew yourself this summer by simply resting when you can—close your eyes, read a book, lie in a hammock and study the trees; let your mind wander; mediate. Whatever it is you do to relax, make sure you “schedule” plenty of downtime this summer; revive your body, nourish your soul. And speaking of meditation, who knew Zen could help your summer golf game. NA contributor Aimee Hughes take us out on the fairway and shares tips from Joe Parent, author of Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game, who teaches golfers to be present in the moment, not unlike the teachings of Zen and other contemplative spiritual traditions. A beautiful way to nourish your soul is through gardening. It’s quiet, contemplative and meditative and, bonus, you can feed your family, friends and neighbors with the bounty. Also in this issue of Natural Awakenings, we have an illuminating and thoughtful Green Living story “Soil Sisters: Female Farmers Come of Age” written by NA contributor Lisa Kivirist about how women have played a vital role in farming over the centuries including helping to feed Americans during the first and second World Wars; the Women’s Land Army of America during World War I and the Victory Garden era of World War II. Continuing in the tradition of women famers before them, young women farmers in their 20s and 30s are bringing a new spirit of vibrancy and vitality to the fields; the female farming movement. On the subject of food, we hope you relish features on the lexicon of healthy foods in Conscious Eating; a Q&A with actress Liza Huber (daughter of soap opera icon Susan Lucci) about healthy kids eating healthy meals in Wisewords; and speaking of Healthy Kids, Jen Haugen’s “Mom’s Kitchen Counter Cooking School” brings it home with her piece that shows kids who grow up learning how to cook end up eating healthier. There’s much more to explore in this issue of Natural Awakenings; enjoy the journey. “Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly. “One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~ Hans Christian Anderson Happy summer!
Lori Beveridge, Owner/Publisher
contact us Owner/Publisher Lori Beveridge
Managing Editor Dave Beveridge
Proofreader Randy Kambic
Design & Production Jason Cross Stephen Blancett
Franchise Sales 239-530-1377
Phone: 609-249-9044 Fax: 609-249-9044 NAMercer.com Publisher@NAMercer.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the publisher. Call for details. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
natural awakenings
July 2016
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newsbriefs First Summer for Breathe. Yoga Studio in Hamilton
Do you have a special event in the community? Open a new office? Move? Recently become certified in a new modality?
B
reathe. Yoga Studio just celebrated their fourth month of operating. “It has been a fantastic journey and we are grateful for all of the support we continue to receive from our community,” comments owner Kaitlyn Rodriguez, who is also offering a new student special rate of $25 for two weeks of unlimited classes. “We will continue to expand out into our community of Hamilton, Lawrenceville and Robbinsville.” Breathe. Yoga was developed on a leap of faith by Rodriguez, knowing that she wanted to share her knowledge of yoga and all the positive benefits that living a mindful life can foster. She Kaitlyn Rodriguez started her journey 10 years ago with aches and pains all over her body. “After taking two yoga classes I was hooked. I loved the way yoga challenged me mentally and physically, and how it felt like I was floating out of the room with no aches, no pains, and not a care in the world afterwards,” comments Rodriguez. “We offer two to five classes a day including Men’s Yoga (Broga), Kids Yoga, Lunch Hour class and Yoga Outdoors in Mercer County Park. Most of our members are beginners that have pain in their back, who couldn’t touch their toes and thought ‘I can’t do that, I’m the most inflexible person,’” adds Rodriguez. Rodriguez summarizes, “It’s great to see beginners realize what their bodies are capable of. Yoga relieves tensions in the body, strengthens the body physically, mentally and emotionally as well as increasing flexibility, balance, and stamina. Yoga practice also attributes to anti-aging, stress relief, weight loss, lowering blood pressure, and balancing the hormones.” Location: 3257 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton. For more information, call 609-3372288 or visit BreatheYogaHamilton.com. See ad on page 40.
The Real Dirt on Farmer John Film Showing and Discussion
News Briefs We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item. Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you throughout the process. We’re here to help!
609-249-9044
Publisher@NAMercer.com 6
Greater Mercer County, NJ
C
onsider viewing and discussing the award-winning film The Real Dirt on Farmer John, directed by Taggart Siegel, at 6:30 p.m. on June 21 at the Collingswood Library. The event is presented by GMO Free NJ. Through the extraordinary life of Farmer John, explore the intimate connection between the culture of the land and the culture of the creative expression of the human being, and how they inform and enrich each other. Discuss your own connection with the source of the food on your table and quite possibly how it effects the world around you. Refreshments will be available. Location: Collingswood Library, 771 Haddon Ave., Collingswood. For more information, visit GMOFreeNJ.com. Register by calling 856-425-2221 or emailing RSVP@GMOFreeNJ.com.
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West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market: Growing Together Since 2004
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life! Eliminate problems like overeating, Smoking or Stress … Forever! Private & Group Counseling Corporate Programs Available
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he thirteenth year of the West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market (WWCFM) kicked off on May 7 at the Lower Vaughn Drive Commuter Parking Lot in West Windsor. What started in 2004 with eight farms and one baker has grown to include 16 regional farms along with 12 artisan food and natural product vendors. Weekly community groups, live music, cooking demonstrations and special events round out the Saturday morning experience. New this season, the WWCFM will accept SNAP EBT offering a wide assortment of food access to the community at large. Shoppers using food assistance should visit the Market Information Tent to swipe their Families First EBT card to obtain market tokens for shopping throughout the marketplace. Also, several farms accept FMNP and Senior FMNP vouchers for fruit and vegetables. In addition, the market will continue to offer the popular Market Bucks tokens for shoppers short on cash; simply swipe any major credit or debit card and receive tokens to spend at any farm or vendor as cash while saving ATM fees. Joining the WWCFM this year is Fields Without Fences, an herb and perennial farm bringing healing herbal salves, elixirs and teas; Squirrel and the Bee, offering delicious bakery items free of grain, gluten, dairy and refined sugar, and LoRe Pasta, providing fresh pasta from locally sourced grains. Find seasonal, locally grown fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, pastured meats and poultry, cheese, milk and farm fresh eggs, woven fiber products, breads, baked goods, flowers, bedding plants, honey, prepared foods, soap, sauces, jams, pickled vegetables and wine. Breakfast and lunch selections include savory and sweet crepes, unique egg sandwiches and fresh-pressed juice. Knives, scissors and lawn tools can be sharpened at Nice and Sharp on a weekly basis. Wind down from stress with a biweekly massage by Gail Laboard’s The Touch That Heals.
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Location: Southbound side of the Princeton Junction Train Station. Farm hours: Saturday through Thanksgiving, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. For more information, call 609-933-4452, email WWCFM@yahoo.com or visit WestWindsorFarmers Market.org.
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July 2016
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coverartist
newsbriefs 31 & Main Farmers’ Market Brings Local, Healthy Food to Ewing
C
ampus Town kicked off the inaugural season of the 31 & Main Farmers’ Market located at Campus Town on June 12 in Ewing. Organized by Campus Centers, LLC, an affiliate of The PRC Group, based in Long Branch, it’s open to residents of Ewing and surrounding communities as well as to the students and faculty of The College of New Jersey. Items available at the market feature a variety of conventional and organic fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, honey, mushrooms, cheese and gluten-free baked goods. Vendors include Cherry Grove Farm, Z Food Farm, Pineland Farms and Fulper Family Farmstead. Additional vendors will be added over the next few weeks, so check out the website for up to date information regarding the market. In addition, cooking demonstrations, health screenings, nutrition counseling and physical fitness activities are some of the events that’ll be held.
Strawberry Jerry LoFaro After ruling out his initial career choices of paleontologist, zoologist, baseball player and Good Humor ice cream man, Jerry LoFaro parlayed his lifetime interest in dinosaurs and other animals, fantasy, art history and literature into a successful career as an illustrator. His art—always striking and often humorous—has been featured on book covers for major publishers and in advertising and promotional campaigns for clients including Nike, Disney, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel and TIME magazine. Celestial Seasonings has commissioned LoFaro to create tea, coffee and seasonings package designs, even entrusting him to update the company’s famous icon, Sleepytime Bear. Recently, he was honored with a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators. “Superficially, I’d describe my work as realism,” says LoFaro. “However, much of what I’ve done in content is conceptual, with surreal flourishes.” Prior to 2002, he worked primarily with acrylics; now, he uses Photoshop to create digital art. LoFaro also treasures the rural beauty of his New Hampshire surroundings and confides, “My life revolves around walking out to my studio in the woods, listening to great music and being creative.” View the artist’s portfolio at JerryLoFaroDesigns.com. 8
Greater Mercer County, NJ
Location: 1928 Pennington Rd., Ewing – adjacent to The College of New Jersey’s Campus Town. Hours: Sun., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 30. For more information, call 609-577-5113 or visit 31MainFarmersMarket.com.
Jersey Fresh Love is Back and Even Better
S
ecretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher wants Jersey Fresh fans to show their Jersey Fresh Love once again this year. Last year, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) launched its Jersey Fresh Love social media campaign to encourage Jersey Fresh produce fans to share photos of where they get their New Jersey-grown fruits and vegetables, how the produce is being used and their favorite farms to visit. Each week, the NJDA team gathered some of their favorite photos into an album on Facebook. People liked, commented and shared their love of the photographs. In addition, Fisher announced that the social media campaign has a few exciting changes this season. “Jersey Fresh Love was a success last year, with hundreds of fans submitting thousands of photographs from all over New Jersey,” he says. “This year, to show our appreciation to all who participated, as well as say thanks for the ongoing support of local New Jersey farmers, markets, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and products, we are adding a new element to the campaign. In 2016, Jersey Fresh Love will become a contest and participants can win prizes.” The department is again looking for people to share their love of Jersey Fresh through photos—posting images of all things Jersey Fresh, whether it be favorite fruits, vegetables or dishes; a local farmer, farmers’ market or roadside stand; a favorite restaurant that serves Jersey Fresh dishes; a visit to a New Jersey winery; or picking your own farm or agri-tourism activity. Participants can enter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #JerseyFreshLove or upload images on the new #JerseyFreshLove Contest tab on the Jersey Fresh Facebook page, FB.com/JerseyFreshOfficial. Also, new this year, people are encouraged to vote for their favorite photos. For more information, visit NJ.Gov/Agricutlure.
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D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Capital City Farm, in Trenton, has been awarded a Smart Growth Award from New Jersey Future. Only projects that represent some of the best examples of sustainable growth and development in the state have been recognized with Smart Growth Awards. “Capital City Farm is a great example of how land in an area that might not yet be ready to support market-rate development can be put to innovative, productive use,” says Andrew Hendry, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Utilities Association and a New Jersey Future trustee, who chaired the Smart Growth Awards jury. “This small plot will bring big benefits to the community it serves—not just healthy food, but nutrition education, job training and opportunities for community collaboration. On all those levels, the project is a clear winner.” An urban farm in the heart of Trenton, “Capital City Farm offers access to healthy produce and is a home for wellness education, micro-enterprise development and arts and culture,” says Capital City Farm Coordinator Allegra Lovejoy. “The project has been supported and lauded by Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson and Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes as a major asset to the city and county, and for its residents, social service agencies and businesses.” Capital City Farm is well on its way to becoming a green oasis that can nourish the mind, body and soul. New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together concerned citizens and leaders to promote responsible land-use policies. The organization employs original research, analysis and advocacy to build coalitions and drive land-use policies that help revitalize cities and towns, protect natural lands and farms, provide more transportation choices beyond cars, expand access to safe and affordable neighborhoods and fuel a prosperous economy. Location: Escher St., Trenton. Farm hours: Tues., 9:30 a.m. to noon; Thurs., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 609-250-2573, email CapitalCityFarm@drgreenway.org or visit CapitalCityFarm.org.
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down a hill than up, but the view is from the top. ~Arnold Bennett
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609-235-9030 Solutions for Healthy Living natural awakenings
July 2016
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healthbriefs
New Technique Can Correct Learning Disabilities
K
Neurotoxins Identified in Everyday Items
R
esearch published in the British medical journal The Lancet has newly identified six neurotoxins: manganese, fluoride, chlorpyrifos, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene or PERC) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). Manganese exposure is found in welding and high-octane gas fumes, among other sources; fluoride is used in many municipal water supplies, glass etching and chrome cleaners. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate contained in many pesticides, including Dursban and Lorsban. While DDT has been banned from insecticides within the U.S., it is still contained in other agents, including petroleum distillates. DDT is also still used in some areas to spray for mosquitoes. PERC has often been used in dry cleaning and for degreasing metals. PBDEs appear as flame retardants and to make electronics, household goods, building materials, polyurethane foams, plastics and more. The same researchers previously identified lead, methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, arsenic and toluene as neurotoxins. The neurotoxin label means they affect the nervous system and can cause neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, attention deficit disorders, dyslexia and others.
10
Greater Mercer County, NJ
inesiology has been used with thousands of children and adults worldwide to correct attention deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia and other learning disabilities by removing stressors that interfere with efficient processing and learning. Applying principles of the Learning Enhancement Advanced Program (LEAP), developed in Australia by Susan McCrossin, BappSc and Charles Krebs, Ph.D., kinesiology practitioners use specialized training and skills to help clients activate and link communications between the gestalt and logic sides of the brain. This enables those that generally display gestalt-dominant processing to easily take in, understand and retain information, easing the Linda Gross, EdM day-to-day frustrations of learning and living. If you or your children struggle with poor memory, poor reading, attention and comprehension problems, test anxiety or stress, consider visiting a practitioner that specializes in these areas. Treatments can alleviate stress, increase attention and concentration, improve memory and enhance learning in all areas of life. The energy-balancing techniques employed are designed to remove stressors from the learning process and to link the communication between both sides of the brain. Kinesiology benefits include increased attention and concentration; improved reading, comprehension, information retention, spelling, arithmetic and logical skills; alleviated test anxiety; easier learning; more natural, unblocked repressed emotions, engendering positive results in and out of school; erasing frustration associated with everyday learning and living; and fostering greater overall confidence. Source: Linda Gross, EdM, a state-certified reading specialist with expertise in diagnosing and remediating dyslexia for children and adults, is also certified in brain integration programs utilizing applied kinesiology (muscle testing), and attests to being the only practitioner in the tri-state area offering the unique approach of Integrative Education. She combines her extensive academic background with holistic kinesiology programs in order to provide an “integrative solution� experience that ensures success for clients. Locations: 3804 Church Rd., Mt. Laurel, and 36 Nutmeg Pl., Newtown. For more information, call 856-452-1449/215-801-4020, email Info@LindaGrossEDM.com or visit LindaGrossEDM.com. See ad on page 35.
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ADHD Meds Weaken Kids’ Bones
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new study announced at the 2016 annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shows that drugs prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can weaken bones in children during a time of critical growth. This study tested 5,315 kids between 8 and 17 years old and compared the results to a subgroup of 1,967. Each child was given a bone mineral density scan on the femur, femoral neck and lumbar spine. The children taking ADHD medications of Ritalin, Focalin, Dexedrine, Strattera and Vyvanese had lower bone mineral density in the femur, femoral neck and lumbar spine. At least 25 percent of the youngsters taking these medications were categorized as having osteopenia. According to a 2014 Express Scripts study, prescriptions of ADHD medications to children in the U.S. grew by 36 percent between 2008 and 2012.
Osteopathy Alleviates Low Back Pain
M
ore than 600,000 people undergo surgery for back pain every year, yet back surgery is often unsuccessful. Safer manual therapies provide a viable alternative, according to recent research. A study of 455 people with low back pain found that osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT) helped with their symptoms. The research, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, gave each patient six osteopathic manual therapy sessions or a placebo treatment over a two-month period. Patients were tested before and a month afterward to assess the success of the treatments, using pain severity and mobility as the main criteria. The research showed that those that started with higher disability scores of 17 or more prior to therapy had significantly less pain and more mobility. Patients with scores of seven or greater also improved, but not to the same degree. Lead researcher and Osteopath Dr. John Licciardone says, “Subgrouping patients according to chronic low back pain intensity and function appears to be a simple strategy for identifying patients that can attain substantial improvement with OMT. From a cost and safety perspective, it should be considered before progressing to more costly or invasive interventions.”
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healthbriefs
Calcium Pills Don’t Build Bone Health
R
esearchers reporting in the British medical journal The Lancet, analyzed 44 studies on calcium supplementation or dietary calcium and bone fractures and concluded, “Dietary calcium intake is not associated with risk of fracture and there is no current evidence that increasing dietary calcium intake prevents fractures.” Qualifying studies included more than 44,000 people. A different meta-study from New Zealand’s University of Auckland, also published in The Lancet, reviewed 59 clinical and observational studies of calcium and bone density. The meta-analysis compared the effect of calcium doses of 500, 800 and 1,000 milligrams per day and found that bone density improvements ranged between 0.6 and 1.8 percent throughout the body during the first year of supplementation, but did not increase over time. They concluded that the improvements in bone mineral density from calcium supplements were small and that results mirrored the increases seen from dietary sources, suggesting that neither method significantly improves bone health.
Energy Drinks Harm the Heart
I
n addition to alertness, energy drinks may also trigger abnormal heart rhythms and increased blood pressure. Researchers from the School of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California, tested 27 healthy adults. The volunteers were split into three groups—one drank two cans of an energy drink per day, another consumed the same amount of a drink with Panax ginseng and the third a similar-tasting placebo beverage. The subjects were given cardiovascular testing before and after the trial. After three weeks, the group imbibing the energy drinks had a significant increase in abnormal heart rhythms and higher blood pressure. The ginseng and placebo groups saw no change in their heart conditions. Sachin A. Shah, a doctor of pharmacy and professor at Pacific’s School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, says, “Our findings suggest that certain energy drinks may increase the risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm when consumed in high volumes. While we wait for more data, some consumers should exercise caution and not blindly follow the buzz.” The Center for Science in Public Interest, a consumer health advocacy group, has reported that as of June 2014, 34 deaths have been associated with energy drinks.
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. ~Walt Disney 14
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Colorful Produce Slows Cell Aging
A
new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition finds that an increased intake of carotenoids, powerful antioxidants found in plantbased foods, is associated with slower aging. The research tested 3,660 U.S. adults and measured blood levels of five common carotenoids: alphacarotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, combined lutein/zeaxanthin and trans-lycopene. The researchers found that those with levels that were in the highest quarter had 5 percent to 8 percent longer telomeres compared to those with the lowest quartile of carotenoid levels. Telomeres are located at the ends of DNA chromosomes and get shorter as we age. Longer telomeres indicate greater longevity. Carotenoids are found in the yellow-to-red pigments in many yellow, red and orange foods. They are also contained in green foods where chlorophyll shields the yellow-red color. Alpha-carotenes are present in carrots, cantaloupes, mangoes, kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Beta-carotene is found in some of the same foods, and also tomatoes, apricots and watermelons. Beta-cryptoxanthin is found in papayas, apples and orange peels. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in some of the same foods, along with kiwifruit, grapes, oranges, zucchini and squash. Some of the highest levels are in corn. Lycopene is in tomatoes, watermelons, papayas, apricots and other redto-yellow foods.
globalbriefs Fish Fried
New Numbers Confirm Global Overfishing
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has been collecting reports for decades on how many fish are caught in the oceans annually. However, those numbers don’t take into account small-scale, recreational and illegal fishing or the bycatch that’s discarded before boats return to harbors. A study published in Nature Communications increases the actual total world catch from 1950 to 2010 by 50 percent. Daniel Pauly, author of the University of British Columbia study, states, “The world is withdrawing from a joint bank account of fish without knowing what has been withdrawn or the remaining balance. Better estimates for the amount we’re taking out can help ensure there’s enough fish to sustain us in the future.” Based on official counts, global catches peaked in 1996 and have declined modestly each year. The decline isn’t due to less fishing or restrictions on certain fish, though. “It’s due to the countries fishing too much and having exhausted one fish after the other,” says Pauly. The findings also emphasize the value of fisheries to low-income people in developing countries. The next steps will require wellinformed action to preserve this critical resource for people and for the planet. Source: Tinyurl.com/OverfishingReport
Toxic Teflon
Scientists Increasingly Find It Dangerous According to a new meta-analysis of previous studies, Philippe Grandjean, of Harvard, and Richard Clapp, of the University of Massachusetts, concluded that DuPont Teflon, used for 50 years to make frictionless cookware, is much more dangerous than previously thought, causing cancer, birth defects and heart disease, and weakening the immune system. Teflon production was phased out in 2006, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found it in the blood of more than 99 percent of Americans studied, because it can be passed from mother to unborn child in the womb. The researchers say that the federal government’s recommended “safe” level, set in 2009, is as much as 1,000 times too high to fully protect people’s health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has yet to set a legal allowable limit for its presence in drinking water. Source: EnvironmentalHealthNews.org
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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Moth Misery
Bright Lights Drive Them to Extinction National Moth Week, held from July 23 to 31 (visit NationalMothWeek.org for podcast), has prompted the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to encourage cities to install motion-sensitive dimming streetlights and is working to designate dark-sky parks that could provide a refuge for nocturnal species. The giant silk moth and other insects pollinate 80 percent of our food crops. In turn, their bodies sustain innumerable birds, rodents and bats. Entire ecosystems rest on their delicate, powdery wings. Only two species of moths are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and three others have gone extinct in the past decade. Many populations are seeing declines of up to 99 percent. Between monoculture crops, pesticides, changing climate, urbanization and decreasing darkness due to artificial lighting, the future of night-flying moths is uncertain. Their only goal is to reproduce, guided to suitable nesting grounds by the shadow of the moon; many moth species do not even have mouths. However, cities now glow brighter than a full moon, and ambient light pollution radiating from urban areas draws moths to their deaths. IDA Program Manager John Barentine says, “Every time a person turns off and shields a porch light on their house, they’re helping.” Source: Sierra Club
GMO-Free Pioneer
New Grain Transport to be Contaminant-Free Large food companies that are switching to non-GMO (genetically modified) soy and corn products must still worry about their ingredients picking up GMO contamination through conventional supply chains. Now, Captain Drake LLC, a North Dakota grain plant, has acquired its own million-bushel terminal with dedicated rail cars used exclusively for GMOfree grains. President Mark Anderson maintains, “We’ll be able to obtain the best non-GMO commodities from three regions: North Dakota, Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada.” In a 2015 Nielsen study of 30,000 consumers, 43 percent rank non-GMO as very important and 80 percent said they would pay more for foods that indicate a degree of healthfulness. Sales of non-GMO products exceeded $10 billion last year and are growing. Anderson explains, “The supply chain needs to be tightened up and moved domestically. We consider this to be another strategic asset for food and beverage clients seeking suppliers committed to guaranteeing the integrity and purity of non-GMO commodities.” Source: Tinyurl.com/NonGMOGrainTerminal 16
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Farm-to-Work
Fresh Veggies Come Direct to Offices Pioneering employers are now offering fresh vegetables to help employees improve their diet—and their health. Tech companies are even hiring professional chefs to prepare healthful lunches and snacks. In Texas, the Farm to Work program is making it easy and affordable for workers to pick up baskets of local produce at the office. Participants aren’t required to pay an initial lump sum or commit to buying every week. Instead, they can sign up to receive produce in any given week. Other groups around the country are also looking into workplace produce delivery programs, and while many use the traditional community supported agriculture (CSA) model, others are experimenting with different procedures. The Farm Fresh Program, in Bellingham, Washington, connects local farmers to employers interested in receiving weekly deliveries. Meanwhile, Farm2Work, in Arkansas, links local purveyors of produce, meat, eggs, dairy, pies, jams and jellies to area employers. New York’s Adirondack Harvest, a branch of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, started by helping a single farmer link to area employers. The next step, says Teresa Whalen, the group’s southern chapter representative, is working to persuade insurance companies to subsidize workplace CSAs in the same way they’re starting to subsidize gym memberships. Source: FarmToWork.org
globalbriefs Recycling Nutrients
Animal Droppings Help Forests Absorb CO2 A paper published in Forest Ecosystems concludes that frugivores, large, fruit-eating animals like toucans, tapirs, curassows and spider monkeys, help to keep the woods healthy by eating fruits and spreading seeds. As traps for carbon and an effective defense against global warming, forests collectively absorb up to 30 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions and store more than 1,600 gigatons of carbon in the soil. “You have a lot of large birds that play a fundamental role for large trees,” says study author Mauro Galetti. “They increase the likelihood that seeds will turn into actual photosynthesizing plants.” However, big, tropical birds are constantly under threat of hunting, poaching and habitat loss; the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources’ Red List notes that 14 of the world’s 16 toucan species, for instance, are decreasing in population. The study found that without the help of high-capacity frugivores, there would be no way for larger seeds to grow into the towering trees that store carbon best. Scientists now want to research individual species to calculate how much each animal’s services are worth in terms of battling climate change. Putting a dollar amount on a species, say Galetti, could be the only way to persuade governments to protect it. Find the study at Tinyurl.com/ForestCarbonReport.
Low-Cost Largesse
Nonprofit Grocery Sells Good Food at Low Prices The biggest challenge to healthy eating in poor neighborhoods isn’t always access to healthy food; it’s whether people can afford to buy it. A year ago, Doug Rauch, former president of Trader Joe’s, opened Daily Table, a nonprofit grocery in Boston, to take action. It gathers nutritious food that would otherwise be wasted and then sells it at low prices. After learning about food insecurity in the U.S. and that approximately 40 percent of the food we grow is thrown out, Rauch decided to address both problems by offering this new option for people that don’t want handouts. The store now has 5,000 members and hundreds of daily customers, with plans to expand to new locations. “The challenge we have in America is that the food system is designed from the farm on up to create calories that are cheap and nutrients that are expensive,” he says. “People on the lowest economic rung get squeezed the hardest.” Rauch partners with vendors to get excess food, such as fruit just slightly too ripe to make it through the standard supermarket system, that chefs turn into readyto-eat meals like prepared salads and soups, or entrées that can cost less than $2.
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ecotip Eco-Beach Blast
Sustainable Ways to Enjoy Sand and Surf When eco-conscious families hit the beach this summer, there’s more to be aware of than just picking up trash like drink containers, wrappers and found litter. Here are some other ways we can enhance our beach and water experiences while upping fitness benefits. Rising water levels and severe weather events have damaged coastlines, so extra care is needed. When setting up a beach spot, stay away from sand dunes and pockets of beach grass that serve as natural defenses against beach erosion. Also watch out for marked-off turtle hatching spots; prime nesting season is May through October, according to the nonprofit Turtle Conservancy. Teach kids not to chase birds. Walk around shorebirds to cause minimal disturbance; it’s stressful dodging danger during meals and wastes precious energy stores. Walking on soft sand is like a weight-training workout, as detailed in Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee’s Barefoot Walking book. Polluting chemicals enter waterways via fertilizer and industry runoff and accidents like the BP Gulf oil spill; don’t contribute more by using sunscreen that contains oxybenzine, which reportedly alters hormone function. The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) maintains an online guide of safe sunscreens. The Huffington Post also suggests that we can make our own by mixing zinc oxide (a sunblocking agent), coconut oil (soothes and conditions skin), beeswax (for waterproofing) and tea tree oil (soothes and repairs skin and smells good). The same care applies to chemical hair dyes, shampoos, conditioners and straighteners. Patronize clean, green salons that use natural hair treatments free of synthetic chemicals, ammonia or para-phenylenediamine (PPD). Or search “nontoxic hair care” online. Plan a visit to coincide with a public volunteer beach cleanup event. Check with national organizations like Keep America Beautiful (kab.org) and local or countywide groups, as well as social media sites for group activities.
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REAL NEWS THAT MATTERS Independent Media Tell Us the Truth by Linda Sechrist
I
n virtually all aspects of life, we are influenced consciously or subconsciously by mainstream media messages. Today, six media giants—Comcast, The Walt Disney Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Time Warner, Viacom and DirecTV—control the vast majority of what we watch on TV and in movies, listen to on the radio and read in books, newspapers and magazines. According to Ben Bagdikian, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The New Media Monopoly, this handful of conglomerates form a cartel that wields enough influence to affect U.S. politics and define social values. Thirty years ago, before many mergers and acquisitions, 50 corporations owned nearly all of American media. Today’s infotainment and rhetoric, misrepresented as news, is leading millions to conclude that these colossal powers do not exist to objectively report the truth.
Mainstream Media’s True Colors
Although a recent Gallup Poll reflects Americans’ lack of trust in mainstream media’s reporting of news fully, fairly and accurately, fair reporting was what HarperCollins, a prominent publisher, expected upon the 2016 release of 20
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New York City holistic psychiatrist Dr. Kelly Brogan’s A Mind of Your Own: The Truth About Depression and How Women Can Heal Their Bodies to Reclaim Their Lives. They were shocked when the book was boycotted. “The New York Times, Dr. Oz and Good Morning America refused to schedule author interviews or write book reviews. There wasn’t a whisper anywhere on mainstream media about my evidenced-based book on how women can holistically recover from depression without a single prescription. HarperCollins was baffled. I was their first credentialed author who spoke out against pharmaceuticals,” says Brogan. So Brogan turned to independent outlets, including print, online and social media, her own website, newsletter lists and word-of-mouth. Her work soon broke through into three of the top bestselling book lists: USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and The New York Times. That example serves as clear proof of the importance and power of independent media to furnish the public with helpful and in-depth information on wide-ranging topics that mainstream broadcast media typically only cover in 30- to 60-second blurbs or not at all.
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Dr. Mark Hyman, chair of the Institute of Functional Medicine and director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, learned Brogan’s lesson early on. “Independent media have been crucial in disseminating my life’s work. Given the misinformation being spread by regular news and government channels about weight and health, we deserve to hear the truth about what’s in our food, toxins in our environment and how we can truly heal our bodies,” says Hyman, a nine-time bestselling author.
Independent Voices
Today’s independent media landscape shifts at warp speed. With 24/7 Internet access to websites, both groundbreaking journalism and grassroots perspectives appear in original articles and blogs. Outlets include independent online radio, TV shows, newspapers, filmmakers and “citizen journalists” armed with smart phones instantly transmitting images and updates via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. From a growing recognition that such media play a vital role in shaping a more informed and engaged citizenry, more attention is again being paid to the need for real news that matters. Breaking the reign of junk food news generators is the mission of ProjectCensored.org, a media research program at California’s Sonoma State University. Billions of dollars are spent annually on webinars, podcasts and e-books exploring health and healing, self-help, spiritual enlightenment and creativity, indicating a reading audience with a hunger for deeper wisdom. Since 1973, New Dimensions Radio, co-founded and hosted by Justine Willis Toms, has featured many of the world’s most respected wisdom keepers. “Guests exclaim how refreshing it is to speak in-depth and at length. Mainstream, commercially based media consistently present sound bites on how things are breaking down and not working, without opening thought to constructive visions for a future that benefits all life and the planet,” says Toms. “Independent media have broken away from dependence on the moneyed interests holding tight reins on the news and information they publish. Because we’re listener-supported, public radio is
free to explore a wide range of timely and timeless topics,” she says. Leaning away from one-sided views gives independent media space to expand people’s perspectives and positive expectations for the future. The seven-time Pulitzer Prize-winning Christian Science Monitor international news organization was established in Boston over a century ago to till human thought and thereby improve human lives via an uplifted journalistic standard. “Its quiet insistence for human rights and against tyranny; for generosity and against selfishness; for intelligence, charity, courage, integrity and most of all, for progress and hope—surely that has helped,” remarks John Yemma, current columnist and former editor. “We work to uncover where progress is occurring, even though headlines proclaim the contrary. There are always two sides to a story,” says Susan Hackney, a senior director with the Monitor, which consistently resists the sensational in favor of the meaningful. Magazines such as Natural Awakenings, Mother Jones, The Optimist and Yes! are likewise stirring up conversations on meaningful issues via larger perspectives with a focus on tangible solutions. They address such areas as the damaging health and environmental effects of genetically engineered food, championed by Jeffrey Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology. “Europe could kick genetically modified ingredients (GMO) out of their food supply because their mainstream media covered the health dangers, while U.S. mainstream media ignored them and kept Americans in the dark. Independent media in the U.S. enable democracy and consumer-inspired transformations of all kinds. Knowledge has organizing power,” advises Smith.
Success Stories
With Fran Korten at its helm, the adfree, subscription-supported, nonprofit Yes! is helping to reframe our biggest issues. “Mainstream media, dependent upon advertisers that would have us believe that we can buy happiness, celebrate stories of the rich and powerful, leaving everyone else feeling small and powerless. Independents can help resist such ways of seeing the world, help people see a different path to suc-
We in America are the best entertained and least informed society in the world. ~Neil Postman, media theorist and educator cess and happiness and perceive themselves as change agents. Together, we share engaging stories of how people are carving out new ways of living that hold the hope of a world more in balance with the living Earth and where everyone’s inherent worth and dignity are recognized,” says Korten. Allan Savory, founder of the Savory Institute and originator of a holistic land management systems approach to recover and preserve sustainable resources, underscores the need for change leaders and independent thinkers. “As we ponder who they might be, we realize it’s not those that discover new, counterintuitive insights, but those that spread the knowledge. The groundbreakers are pioneers like writers, poets, artists, speakers and social networkers. After 50 years of trying to understand the intense institutional resistance to and ridiculing of my work of managing complexity in a simple manner, holistic management is now quickly spreading globally. This is only due to social networking, independent writers and my TED talk that went viral,” observes Savory. Laurie McCammon, change leader and author of Enough! How to Liberate Yourself and Remake the World with Just One Word, contracted with independent publisher Red Wheel Weiser to get her message out. “It’s been building awareness of forbidden knowledge—that we each have unrealized potential to affect reality by changing our thoughts. We can nurture a shift in global culture away from an existing way of life that has bred fear, lack and a belief in scarcity,” explains McCammon. She suggests that to preview a new vision of, “I am enough and have enough,” and, “We are enough and have enough,” we should look to the fertile fringes; small communities of intentional and conscious people actively reinvent-
ing society. “Look at what independent media are reporting on; as well as their unprecedented use of new terms such as organic, wellness, sustainability, permaculture, transition town, sharing economy, social responsibility, biomimicry and the butterfly effect,” says McCammon. The existing worldview, with all of its core assumptions and rules, aims to restrain awakening individual and collective consciousness. McCammon observes, “As long as the ‘old story’ was told repeatedly by mainstream media with conviction, it could command our attention and make us doubt our inner story. Trusting that the outer world had our own best interests in mind meant that there was no need to turn within. This is changing. Thanks to farseeing, courageous and strong enough independent media, there’s been an overturning to a more wholesome story of mind-body-spirit, abundance, innovation, collaboration and cooperation.” Mainstream and independent media coexist like two sides of a coin. Mainstream media’s talking heads tell us how to act and think while independent media invite us to engage, educate and think for ourselves, dig deeper and take action. Without independent media, we would know little about the benefits of the ever-evolving grassroots movement of holistic, alternative, complementary, integrative and functional medicine. Nor would we know the truth about climate change; the health advantages of plant-based diets and community gardens; food deserts and nutrition-related illnesses; the prevalence of environmental toxins; signs of spiritual progress; alternative education; and the benefits of eco-villages to people and the planet. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com. natural awakenings
July 2016
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fitbody
ZEN GOLF Master the Mind to Master the Game by Aimee Hughes
I
“
remember the moment I had what I call my ‘golf game epiphany,’” recalls Steve Hughes, a passionate golfer from Richmond, Missouri. “I realized that my main obstacles were in my head, and from that day on, my golf game changed.” In any athletic or fitness endeavor, the pursuit of excellence unfolds an array of challenges. While golf presents some of the toughest hurdles to improvement, any links enthusiast can better their game by acquiring a champion’s mindset. Applying a few Zen techniques and disciplines adapted from the Buddhist tradition of mindful awareness—which teaches that the mind is everything—can work wonders. Zen Golf master and performance psychologist Joe Parent, Ph.D., of Ojai, California, advises: “The key is finding a way to let the ‘thinking’ mind do all the preliminaries to physical performance—selecting a target, judging the lie, gauging weather influences, etc.—and then letting our ‘intuitive’ mind take over, enabling our body to make a swing that’s free from second-guessing ourselves.” He calls the optimal playing mentality, “Not too tight, not too loose.” It’s the sweet spot that allows us to perform via our best self. Some key techniques
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prepare us to find and reside in this just-right Goldilocks place of being not too hot and not too cold. Developing mental fortitude takes us even further than we can imagine. Mastery is born from discipline, focused attention and a deep core desire to adopt habits and behaviors that will upgrade our mindset. Author of Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game, Parent teaches his students to enter a state that he calls “trusting versus trying.” He teaches a “one stroke at a time” approach, which emphasizes awareness of being in the present moment, as many contemplative spiritual traditions do. When the golfer is deeply engaged in the present moment with just the right level of emotional intensity, free of distractions and worries about future swings, they become integrated with what’s taking place on the course in the here and now to the point of total absorption. In yoga, pranayama, or breathing techniques, are employed to promote relaxation in the mind and body. The Zen approach to golf uses breath work to allow body and mind to make the most fluid and powerful golf swing possible for the player. “The single factor that sets apart the top performers
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in any athletic discipline from the rest of us is their state of mind,” says Craig Perkins, a yoga master and founder of the Yandara Yoga Institute, in Baja California, Mexico. “From all my years of yogic study, there’s one teaching that always sticks with me: If we want to master our game, whether it’s golf, yoga or chess, we must first and foremost master our mind.” Practitioners maintain that, meditation can take our mental game to its optimal level and Perkins believes, “Meditation is the number one practice for cultivating self-trust.” Positive visualization, which can be supported by meditation, is another method champion golfers leverage to improve their performance levels. Parent teaches his students, “Establish a clear image in your mind’s eye, and the body will follow.” Repeating this technique with every shot helps the golfer cultivate the habit of positive visualization by seeing the results. Physical prowess is of little consequence if our mental game is off. Under the intense pressure of a golf match, execution suffers when performance anxiety isn’t kept under control. While many golfers have what it takes to succeed—the requisite native ability, experience, technique and talent—mental hang-ups can cause them to call it a day. Detrimental habits can undermine our self-confidence, as well as our score. The solution lies in pinpointing what’s behind them and applying pertinent Zen techniques to either gradually alleviate or winningly work with them. Hughes, who makes his home overlooking the greens of Shirkey Golf Course, says, “It’s about getting out of your own way. When you’re at one with the game as it presents itself, you know your game will be much better than when your mind is racing off to work issues, family dramas and all the other usual life stuff. When I learned how to establish myself in this present moment awareness, not only did my golf game change for the better, so did the rest of my life.” Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy on the faculty of the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@ gmail.com.
inspiration
Signs That You’ve Found Your Calling by Lissa Rankin
Y
ou may think you’ve identified your calling, questioned it, become disillusioned, left it and then come back to it in a different form. The following clues let you know you’re on the right track. You realize you’ve been training for this since birth. Even the gritty things, the disappointments, regrets and screwups have all been preparation. Major life disruptions and failures were all just teaching essential lessons so that you can become who you’re called to be. You sense ease. In the face of obstacles—such as doors of suspected opportunity that are shut tight or relentless struggles impeding a course you thought was right—it can be hard to tell if your commitment is just being tested or you’ve veered off course. Such hurdles can be part of the growth process cultivating your “inner hero” necessary for the journey. Trust
the sense of movement towards ease, which likely will include supportive synchronicities. Your health may improve. Cravings for unhealthy foods will lessen and you’ll feel more energetic. Old aches and pains might disappear; even chronic illness can fade when you’re focused on your life purpose. You feel strangely peaceful, despite reasons to be anxious. Your soul longs to express what you’re on Earth to express, and when you finally rise into alignment with your calling, your soul does a happy dance. Even if everything else seems to be falling apart and others consider you crazy, you’ll be centered in peace, relieved that you finally know what you’re called to do. The universe rolls out the red carpet. When called to do what is needed for the highest good of all beings, the universe bends over backwards to hand you whatever you need.
No request is too small. Unexpected money flows in and other resources appear just as you’re ready to give up. You’ll know you’re on track, even if it is not quite clear what you’re on track to do. People find you. Few can fulfill a calling alone. Most of us need a tribe to lift us up as we do brave, scary, worldchanging things. When you’re aligned with your life purpose, the right people, including magic-wielding mentors, will find you at the right time, if only you’re courageous enough to be vulnerable about what you’re being called to do. Dr. Lissa Rankin, founder of the Whole Health Medicine Institute, is the author of Mind Over Medicine, The Fear Cure and The Anatomy of a Calling (TheAnatomyOfACalling.com).
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Liza Huber and her four children
wisewords
by Gerry Strauss
Liza Huber on Healthy Meals and Happy Kids Start with Homemade, Organic Baby Food
F
or many actresses, landing a role on the hit show Passions would be a career highlight. For Liza Huber, daughter of soap opera icon Susan Lucci, a successful acting career was one step en route to her calling as a mother, public speaker and entrepreneur. Her inspiration was to launch Sage Spoonfuls (SageSpoonfuls.com) to make it easier for parents to make homemade, organic food for their little ones. It’s all about enabling parents to provide a legacy of health, all wrapped up in love.
How did becoming a parent boost your relationship with organic foods and health? I was raised on a diet of mostly fresh, homemade, food and knew it was something I wanted for my own children. At that point, I knew the basics; that it was healthier and tasted better than store-bought baby food. The more 24
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I learned, the more I became fascinated by how switching to an organic diet positively affects our health.
Why is it vital to introduce organic food during a youngster’s early development? America’s food supply is loaded with more chemicals and GMOs [genetically modified organisms] than ever before. I believe, as many others do, that the rapid rise of food allergies in children is a direct result. Many chemical pesticides and artificial flavors and colors are known to contain carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors and neurotoxins. It is widely believed that even small doses of these common pesticides can have lasting negative effects on a child’s health. I believe that teaching our kids about the importance of fresh, organic food and the potential dangers of a conventionally processed diet helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy choices.
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How do homemade organics and packaged organics differ? Store-bought baby food, organic or not, is processed to have a long shelf life of up to two years. So much of the nutrient content is lost during processing that most manufacturers artificially add it back in, but aren’t obligated to inform consumers. The added nutrients are synthetic and aren’t absorbed by the body the same way as naturally occurring nutrients. The taste, color and aroma of commercial baby food isn’t as appealing. By feeding your baby a steady tasty diet of fresh, homemade, organic baby food, you greatly reduce the risk they’ll grow into a picky eater. Plus, making your own baby food is three to five times less expensive than what is store-bought. Homemade food has a far smaller impact on the environment compared with commercial manufacturing, transportation and packaging. By the time a baby turns 1, they will have eaten from
nearly 700 jars or pouches of storebought baby food that generally end up in landfills, because little is recycled.
Which favorite foods do you love to make for your babies and why? I focus on whole foods. Great first foods include bananas, apples, butternut squash, pears, avocados, peas and sweet potatoes. Once a baby has successfully tried a couple of these, start mixing them together. Banana and avocado, apple and butternut squash, and peas and sweet potato are good combos. They’re loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, easy to make and yummy. Avocados’ healthy fat is also essential to brain development.
What key lessons learned from your mother have you carried forward with your young family? Two lessons really stick with me: “Stay open and leave room for life to surprise you,” and “You can have it all… just not all at the same time.” In my teens and 20s, I was a meticulous planner, disappointed if things didn’t go exactly as I wanted. Amazing things happened after taking Mom’s advice to leave myself open to wonder. Growing up, I saw my mom have an amazing career, yet also be a fantastic wife and mother. Her secret, and now mine, is to prioritize and focus on one thing at a time, whether it’s work, kids or my husband. This way, everything in your life gets 100 percent of your attention some of the time, rather than trying to do everything at the same time, which rarely works.
What’s the best gift a mother can give her child? There’s nothing more important to a child’s overall health and well-being than being raised in a loving, warm environment where they feel safe, loved and important. My deep love for my children guides every decision I make for them. A mother’s intuition is a superpower. Gerry Strauss is a freelance writer in Hamilton, NJ. Connect at GerryStrauss@aol.com.
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healingways
Make Time for Downtime
Chilling Out Revives Body and Soul by April Thompson
H
ere’s something to add to our to-do list: nothing. Americans today work more hours than ever before, foregoing hard-earned vacation days and spending more time with electronic devices than with friends and family. The temptation and pressure to do more at the expense of needed rest are great, but failing to take time out to recharge our minds and bodies can have serious consequences, according to experts. Downtime is most acutely needed in the workplace. In a survey of nearly 20,000 workers, The Energy Project and Harvard Business Review found that 59 percent of them were physically exhausted, emotionally drained, distracted and lacking purpose. Headquartered in Yonkers, New York, with offices in Europe and Australia, The Energy Project has helped hundreds of businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, create healthier, happier and higher-performing workplaces. The company takes its cues from elite athletes that carefully build 26
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rest and recovery periods into their training schedules. “Just as your body needs sleep and food to function optimally, so does your mind and spirit,” says Annie Perrin, an executive vice president with the project. There’s a mounting body of neurological research to buttress the analogy. Important assimilation of learning and “meaning making” occurs in the resting brain, according to Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Ed.D., associate professor of education, psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and author of Emotions, Learning, and the Brain. When our minds are allowed to wander, they engage a network of interacting brain regions that together are thought to play a key role in building our ability for inward reflection and recollection, known as the default mode network. Immordino-Yang’s research suggests that such activation during restful moments is positively associated with the recalling of memories, envisioning the future and even developing a moral foundation.
“This network seems to be more engaged when we aren’t actively gathering information or working on an external goal,” remarks Immordino-Yang. Zoning out on TV or video games doesn’t produce the same brain benefit because, “It’s about looking inward rather than outward,” she says. The default network does engage when introspection occurs during nurturing social interaction, such as while enjoying a reflective conversation with friends or family. She recommends banning technology and other distractions during periods spent in activities that bring joy and meaning so that we are present in a mindful way. The Energy Project ushers clients through a comprehensive energy audit, using exercises to expose specific personal habits that lead to diminishing returns in both work and play time. In one exercise, workers are asked to rank current incoming emails from one to five, with the highest number equating to, “I need to respond immediately.” Most rate nearly no fives, says Perrin, a realization that has helped many people change their email habits. While change can be hard, Perrin suggests creating new, healthy rituals through repetition, which taps into the brain’s desire for automaticity. For example, she advises workers to schedule “renewal breaks” every 90 minutes after completing a block of high-priority tasks. “If you’ve been sitting, move; if the mind has been active, do something to quiet it, like meditating or simply closing your eyes.” She also suggests finding workers to buddy up with and schedule mutual breaks to help support and hold each other accountable. Immordino-Yang suggests that another practice to maximize the value of downtime is to combine it with exercise. “A walk can be rejuvenating,” she says. “While the body is engaged, the mind is free to wander.” The Energy Project calls on managers to model these downtime activities for their employees. Some companies have instituted policies that limit sending email from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., as well as during weekends and vacations, so staffers don’t feel compelled to read and respond to keep up with work. Setting limits is even more crucial for young people with minds and habits that are especially malleable. “I see teenagers taking their phones into the bathroom or bed to text in the middle of the night. Parents need to put a stop to this,” counsels Immordino-Yang. “The brain needs uninterrupted rest to work at its best.” Learning that being a productive employee or an emotionally available parent requires giving ourselves a break and gives us permission to rest. We find that downtime is not just good for ourselves, but also for our families and workplaces. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.
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greenliving
SOIL SISTERS Female Farmers Come of Age by Lisa Kivirist
M
ore women are becoming farmers, bringing with them a passion for producing organic and sustainably raised fare and transforming America’s food system. The U.S. Census of Agriculture reports that their numbers rose by more than 20 percent between 2002 and 2012, to 288,264.
Historic Roots
“Women have played an integral role in farming for centuries, but in the last 100 years they’ve started to self-organize and be recognized for their important work,” says University of California garden historian Rose Hayden-Smith, Ph.D., author of Sowing the Seeds of Victory: American Gardening Programs of World War I and editor of the UC Food Observer. “During that war, the Women’s Land Army of America, a female-led initiative, recruited nearly 20,000 mostly middle-class urban and 28
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suburban women to enter the agricultural sector as wage laborers at farms, dairies and canneries, often in rural areas, where farmers urgently needed help while the male labor force was off fighting.” Women also helped feed Americans during the Victory Garden era of World War II. “It’s also estimated that more than 40 percent of fruits and vegetables consumed on the American home front then were grown in school, home, community and workplace gardens,” says Hayden-Smith, possibly resulting in America’s highest period of produce consumption ever. When the commercial organic industry launched in the 1990s, women organized to provide overlooked and undervalued perspectives. The wake-up call for Denise O’Brien, an organic vegetable farmer and owner of Rolling Hills Acres, near Atlantic, Iowa, came during the farm eco-
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nomic crisis of the preceding decade. Although still considered “just” farm wives, “It was the women on the farms that had foreseen where things were heading, because they often kept the accounting books, though nobody took their voices seriously,” O’Brien recalls. This launched O’Brien’s agriculture activism: balancing farming, raising children and serving as a national advocate and spokeswoman for women in agriculture in an ecological and just food system. In 1997, she launched the Women, Food and Ag Network to collectively advocate for a stronger voice. “Throughout history, women in agriculture have been relegated to providing assistance, rather than making decisions,” O’Brien explains. “It’s up to us as women to collaboratively support each other while challenging the system.”
Cultivating Change
For her 50th birthday, Paula Foreman gave her life a new chapter. She launched her midlife “second act” in 2007 with Encore Farm, a name that serves as a rallying mantra for her peers. “The name is a tribute declaring that fresh starts and new beginnings can happen at any age,” explains Foreman, now an urban farmer in St. Paul, Minnesota. Embodying this business moxie, she chose to specialize, producing one thing very well: organic dried beans. Relinda Walker, of Walker Organic Farms, outside Savannah, Georgia, represents a cadre of “boomerang” farmers; women that return to the land to continue a family farm with a commitment to organics. Like many farm kids, after college, Walker left to pursue a corporate career in the city. Then the 9/11 terror attack shifted her priorities. “All roads led me to coming back home and growing food,” she says. Launched in 2005, Walker’s farm was one of southern Georgia’s first organic operations, yielding specialty varieties like rainbow carrots in vivid shades of purple, orange and red.
Innovation, independence and vision drive women to use their organic farm ventures to create a livelihood, express themselves and do their part to change how America eats. Future Femme Power
Young women in their 20s and 30s are adding energy, diversity, vibrancy and fresh outlooks to the female farming movement. Lindsey Morris Carpenter runs Grassroots Farm, in Monroe, Wisconsin, a diversified operation of certified organic vegetables and pastured livestock, in partnership with her mother, Gail Carpenter. “A crucial key to farming happiness is being a good neighbor,” she shares. “I call around when I see livestock and pets outside of fences; maintain my fences; share my garlic and potato seed; and always invite neighbors to parties and events, even though they may not attend. Even if others’ personal lifestyle and farming philosophies are radical opposites, we still have our physical location and appreciation of nature in common, and that’s big.” “The women farmer movement is just a toddler,” sums up O’Brien. “We’ve come a long way, but we’re not there yet, especially with representation on the national leadership platform.” It’s easy to support female growers at local farmers’ markets. Cultivating change can be rewarding—and tasty. Lisa Kivirist is the author of the new book Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers and a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. Her family runs the energy-independent Inn Serendipity Farm and B&B, in southwestern Wisconsin.
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ocally grown foods are more likely to have been bred for flavor and nutrition than durability and a long shelf life, says Emily Akins, outreach director for the Kansas City Food Circle, a cooperative that links residents with farmers that grow and raise organic and free-range food. An added benefit is getting to know the farmer and being able to ask the questions—and receive the answers—that are important to us. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that local food sales totaled $12 billion in 2014, up from $5 billion in 2008. They continue to grow.
Organic or Certified Organic Consumers want to know the difference between organics and certified organics. Today’s number of U.S. certified organic operations has jumped nearly 300 percent since 2002 to more than 21,700. Although a certified organic designation might be the preferred index of NAMercer.com
how foods are grown and raised, it is not always possible for certain foods in some climates. Sometimes there’s a tradeoff in buying organic foods in the carbon footprint of its transport to market. According to the Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, in Tampa, Florida, “Organic refers to a specific method of growing and processing foods, and is defined as produce grown, packaged and stored without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or irradiation.” To be considered certified organic under the Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR Part 205, products must meet these standards: ■ No harmful chemicals have been applied to the land for at least three years. ■ Farmers and processors are inspected annually by a certifying agency. ■ Farmers and processors must keep detailed records of practices. ■ Farmers are required to maintain a written organic management plan.
Certified Humane When we buy local cheese, poultry or meat at the farmers’ market, we sometimes see a certified humane notice. One such producer is Baetje Farms, outside St. Louis, Missouri. Their highly regarded goat cheeses offer traceability via a lot number, so buyers can know exactly which milking the cheese came from. In factory farming, which often involves penning or caging animals that never go outdoors, “certified humane” means that this producer meets Humane Farm Animal Care standards: ■ Fed a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones. ■ Provided proper shelter with resting areas and sufficient space. ■ Animals have the ability to behave naturally. Veronica Baetje says her farm’s goats receive organic mineral supplements and locally grown alfalfa hay in addition to pasture grass every day. She adds, “They are free to choose what they prefer to do, whether skip and run up a hill, lie under the shade of a tree, soak up some sunshine or play with their herd mates.”
Wild Food At times, farmers’ markets will offer foraged foods from the wild or wild game.
Sources are listed online at EatWild. com. “Few of us will go back to foraging in the wild, but we can learn to forage in our supermarkets, farmers’ markets and from local farmers to select the most nutritious and delicious foods available,” says founder Jo Robinson, in Vashon, Washington, For example, Dave and Sue Whittlesey, at High Wire Ranch, in Hotchkiss, Colorado, raise bison (buffalo) and elk that they sell both through local stores and at the Aspen Saturday Market. The wild game is 100 percent pasture-fed, non-GMO (no genetically modified feed), gluten-free and not given hormones or any antibiotics unless the animal is sick.
Trusted Sources The land, climate and growing season dictate the best natural farming practices for each area, often described along with their products on farm and farmers’ market websites. Wisconsin’s Dane County Farmers’ Market, in Madison, provides detailed descriptions of farm products and agricultural practices so customers can make informed choices. Sometimes, the type of farm makes a difference. “We are intentionally human scale,” says Virginia Goeke, of Sylvan Meadows Farm, in Viroqua, Wisconsin.
“We choose to husband our land to promote harmony and synergy. We are creating a sustainable farm ecosystem where herbal meadows, prairies, heirloom gardens, orchards, woodlands, and rare breeds of livestock and wildlife flourish.” Sometimes, we’d just like someone else to do the food curating for us. The Kansas City Food Circle requires member farmers to take a pledge to follow certain agricultural practices. “When you buy food from our members, you can rely on the co-op’s pledge that it’s been certified naturally grown or that the farmer has USDA Organic certification,” says Akins. Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, the joint effort of 100 small-scale family farms providing fresh, organic, seasonal produce, in Leola, Pennsylvania, gives similar assurances. The USDA reports that 160,000 farmers nationwide are currently selling to their local markets via farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture organizations, restaurants, groceries and institutions, generating health, social, economic and environmental benefits for local communities. It keeps growing because we keep asking questions. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com.
Healthy Foods Lexicon Grass-fed—Beef or milk cows fed on grass. The benefit is leaner, betterflavored meat and more omega-3s, plus fuller flavors in milk, butter and other dairy products. Heirloom—Older, non-hybrid varieties of produce, including fruit trees, herbs and vegetables. Foraged—Native foods gathered from the wild, rather than cultivated. Examples: wild mushrooms, fiddlehead ferns, mulberries, native pecans, black walnuts and native persimmons.
Heritage breeds—Ancestral breeds of poultry and livestock that often take longer to reach market weight, but have more flavor.
Free range—Poultry raised outdoors where they are free to range over natural vegetation.
Local—Grown or raised within a threehour driving radius of the consumer’s purchase site.
Pastured—Livestock raised on pastures instead of factory farms. Traceability—Precise tracking by a farmer that informs the consumer of which chicken hatched a specific clutch of eggs, which farm grew a cantaloupe and which mill boiled down and bottled the sorghum syrup. Wild-caught—Fish that live and are caught in open lakes, streams or oceans. For more current agricultural, market and trade terms, visit LexiconOfSustainability.com. natural awakenings
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healthykids
Moms can change the world by teaching their kids healthy cooking lessons at home and planting an organic garden together. Gardening Together
Mom’s Kitchen Counter Cooking School Kids That Learn to Cook Grow Up Eating Healthier by Jen Haugen
E
nvision walking the supermarket aisles and picking up a favorite pasta sauce and breakfast cereal, then adding favorite fruits and vegetables to the cart. When we think about the grocery brands we buy or our go-to recipes, they tend to begin with one common thread— the influence of our mothers—our first teachers about food and cooking. In their Project EAT study, University of Minnesota researchers found that Mom has the biggest impact on the family’s eating habits and continues to play a significant role in our food choices, brands and how we cook, even influencing our ideas about health itself by their example.
Cooking Together
Most of us learn about cooking from our mothers, and one way moms have a tremendous impact on their children is by collaborating on recipes and cooking meals together. The idea of an at-home “kitchen counter cooking school” doesn’t focus on a hard and 32
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fast course on cooking; instead, it’s a place where family members gather around the counter and cook together. This almost guarantees that meals will be healthier and more fun, affording a sense of ongoing adventure where kids can explore ingredients from around the U.S. and even the world. Consider creating a “United States of My Plate” project by preparing a recipe from each state during the summer, and then rating the recipes based on taste and flavor (startup tools are at ChooseMyPlate.gov). Our senses are engaged during food preparation activities. While chopping red peppers for a recipe, we are noting their appearance, feeling their texture, smelling their fragrance, hearing the sounds of preparation and likely tasting some on the spot. Involving more of our senses as we explore our food makes the whole activity more enticing. It helps to adopt Julia Child’s motto: “Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all, have fun.”
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The freshest ingredients come from our own gardens and produce the most delicious meals. Gardening as a family can change the way everyone looks at food through the simple act of planting, growing and harvesting. Knowing where everything on the plate comes from makes us more mindful of the energy it takes to grow food, and kids will naturally eat what they help grow. Moms can change the world—right in their own yard or patio—with the power of a traditional or urban garden. Just one square foot of organic gardening space can yield half a pound of fresh fruits and vegetables. A 300-square-foot garden can produce 150 pounds each summer; plus it provides a good workout. In 2011, I started a teaching garden at our local supermarket as a means of showing kids how to grow their own food, with the hope that it would also inspire their families. The goal was to plant the seeds for healthier habits that would last a lifetime. During its first four years, 52 percent of the students’ parents noted a more positive attitude about fruits and vegetables exhibited by their own children. After participating in the program, one mother shared her young daughter’s noteworthy query, “Mom, could you go to the store and get me some Swiss chard?” By planting gardens and creating kitchen counter cooking schools at home throughout America, our country could become victorious in ensuring that families are healthier. They will be eating healthier foods, working out in the garden and learning about food in a whole new way, all while connecting in a family activity. Jen Haugen, a registered and licensed dietitian and certified master gardener, is the author of The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden. She blogs at JenHaugen.com.
Voices of Experience Tips from Registered Dietitian Moms
“Giving them choices makes them feel like they’re contributing, and lets them put their own twist on a recipe.” ~Naomi May, Charleston, South Carolina “Teaching someone else solidifies your own knowledge; I knew if her brothers taught my 8-year-old daughter, it would boost their own confidence, too. I always start by teaching about some food they are excited to make on their own. Then I start asking them to help with meal prep. Pretty soon, they have an arsenal of skills and can prepare a meal by themselves.” ~Niki Strealy, Portland, Oregon
“It’s not going to be a Norman Rockwell-like experience. It’s going to be messy, and everything associated with it might take 10 times longer than anticipated. It’s not about the outcome, it’s about the journey. “Allow your children to participate in the cooking process by giving them age-appropriate duties in the kitchen. We’re talking about rinsing produce in the colander, ‘looking’ at cookbooks, stirring, scooping, squeezing and setting the table. As they grow older, give them more to do.” ~Robin Plotkin, Dallas
“Every other Wednesday, each child had to cook dinner. I gave them a piece of paper with fill-in-the-blanks. Every Sunday, they had to turn in their menu so I could go grocery shopping. Now, both my kids cook really healthy meals.” ~Chere Bork, near Minneapolis-St. Paul “Have kids look through kid-friendly cookbooks and scroll through their favorite recipe app. My girls regularly pick out recipes they would like to try for our next meal.” ~Suzanne Farrell, Denver
“Let your kids experiment in the kitchen. My first couple dozen creations didn’t taste good, but I eventually developed a sense of what did and didn’t work. Giving this freedom nurtures a sense of creativity in the kitchen. It’s much easier when spatulas and rolling pins are child-size, like those at CuriousChef. com.” ~Amy Gorin, near New York City “We watch videos together that demonstrate proper techniques. Everyone is designated an ‘official taste tester’.” ~ Jillian O’Neil, New York City Primary Source: Adapted from JenHaugen.com.
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naturalpet
COOL CHOW Icy Treats for Hot Summer Days by Sandra Murphy
I
tasty ways. After removing strings, n 2015, manufacturers of commerfill celery logs with plain yogurt and cial dog and cat foods and treats freeze. To serve, cut into one-bite issued 28 recalls, some for multiple pieces appropriate for a dog’s size. products, due to the potential presAnother easy favorite is fillence of listeria or salmonella bacteria, ing an ice cube tray two-thirds full mold, dangerous levels of cumuwith Greek-style or traditional plain latively harmful propylene glycol, yogurt mixed with diced strawberries inadequate thiamine, elevated levels or whole blueberries of vitamin D, off odors Use the freshest and freeze overnight. or labeling problems cats, omit the fruit (Tinyurl.com/PetFood ingredients, organic For and instead add bits ManufacturerRecalls). and non-GMO (no of mercury-free waterIn response, homemade tuna or salmon treats have grown in genetic modification) packed as a special treat. Add popularity to ensure that pets enjoy safe and where possible; tuna fresh or dried catnip to Kitty’s attention. healthy snacks. or salmon in a pouch catch“Once when fixing “Most summer is safer than BPA- dinner, I dropped a fruits work naturally to piece of frozen yellow cool the body,” advises canned fish. squash and the dogs Cathy Alinovi, co-author dove for it,” says writer Livia J. Washof Dinner PAWsible: A Cookbook of burn, in Azle, Texas, of her ChihuaNutritious Homemade Meals for Cats huas. “Nicki waits for things to hit the and Dogs, in Pine Village, Indiana. floor; Nora showed her game face and “Healthful treats, made from the best won the Squash War.” ingredients, are a good way to take a “Obesity is the number one nubreak from summer heat.” tritional disease affecting our pets, so She suggests taking a refreshing summertime activities that avoid overlook at low-calorie fruits and veggies heating are vital for overall health,” says such as stuffed celery used in creative,
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Veterinarian Jeff Werber, a veterinary medical journalist with a Los Angeles practice. “Proper nutrition is critical— not only to the foods we feed, but to the treats we give.” Twelve years ago, Rick Woodford’s Belgian Malinois/Labrador mix, Jackson, was diagnosed with lymphoma. In order to keep him eating, Woodford shared his own food. Jackson lived an additional four years, in part due to improved nutrition. “Portion control is important,” he says. “What’s right for an 80-pound dog is way too much for a 30-pounder.” Woodford, the author of Feed Your Best Friend Better and Chow, lives near Portland, Oregon. Frosty Paws is a lower lactose version of ice cream for dogs and discriminating cats. Recipes for homemade versions can be found online. The basics are one ripe, mashed banana, 32 ounces of plain or vanilla yogurt and two tablespoons of honey, all mixed in a blender and frozen in small ice cube trays. Variations may substitute goat’s milk yogurt or add a quarter-cup of strawberries, cranberries or blueberries for antioxidants in lieu of the honey. Frozen vegetable broth, primed with added bits of cooked chopped spinach, broccoli, carrots or a small cheese cube, is a hit with dogs. Cats like theirs with tidbits of chicken, turkey or a few shreds of cheese. Using a bone-shaped ice cube tray lets humans know it’s the pet’s treat. “When I was developing frozen treat recipes, my husband came in from the yard one hot afternoon and went straight to the freezer,” says Paris Permenter about John Bigley, co-authors of The Healthy Hound Cookbook, in Cedar Park, Texas, who live with mixed breeds Irie and Tiki. “I watched him eat two helpings of the dog ice cream and then told him what it was. We often share our food with our dogs. It was nice for them to share their goodies with us!” The bottom line for the best summertime treats is to go healthy, be creative, use fresh ingredients, don’t overindulge and stay cool. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.
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Plum and Apple Coolers
photo courtesy of The Healthy Hound Cookbook
One batch makes enough cubes to treat both a large- and medium-size dog.
Frosty Treats for Furry Friends Cooling Recipes Fido’s Frozen Fruit Pupsicles
Transfer frozen cubes to a zip-top plastic bag; stores up to 2 months in the freezer.
4 cups water 1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses (optional) 1 cup fresh fruit (no grapes or raisins), chopped
Source: The Healthy Hound Cookbook, by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
Wash and core all fruit. Blueberries and strawberries are popular with most dogs, while others enjoy melons, peaches and apples. Chop fruit into bite-sized pieces. Mix fruit with water and molasses.
Watermelon Slush Low-calorie watermelon is high in potassium and magnesium plus vitamins A and C; filled with fluid, it helps prevent dehydration. Blackstrap molasses has less sugar and more minerals than other sweeteners.
Source: The Healthy Hound Cookbook, by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
2 cups cubed watermelon, seeds removed ½ cup strawberries 1 Tbsp. blackstrap molasses ½ cup coconut water 1 cup ice
Mango Sorbet
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix.
Freeze the mix in ice cube trays, small tubs or Popsicle molds.
2 ripe mangos, peeled Juice of 1 orange Juice of 1 lime ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
Serve in a bowl as a slushie treat or pour into ice cube trays and freeze.
Add all ingredients to a blender and purée.
Or share a slice of fun. Many dogs love plain watermelon slices. Be sure the animal doesn’t eat the seeds or rind.
Pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze overnight.
Source: The Healthy Hound Cookbook, by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
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(10-lb dog: 1 to 2 cubes; 20-lb dog: 3 to 4 cubes; 40-lb dog: 4 to 5 cubes; 60-lb dog: 5 to 6 cubes; 80-lb dog: 6 to 7 cubes; 100-lb dog: 7 to 8 cubes) 6 plums, washed and pitted 1 Tbsp filtered water, to begin 1 apple, peeled, cored and cut into ¼-inch cubes (no seeds) Purée the plums and water in a blender or food processor. Add another 1 or 2 tablespoons of water if needed. Spread the apples in the ice cube tray and spoon the plum purée on top. Don’t pack, or it will become a denser cube. Freeze for 4 hours. Serve the cubes one by one (outdoors may be best) or in a big bowl. Source: Chow, by Rick Woodford
Ingredients to Avoid Avoid peanut and other nut butters or any ingredient with xylitol, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, coffee and caffeine, onions, chives, garlic, nuts and salty snack foods. Chocolate is also on the no-go list; the darker the chocolate, the worse it is for pets; baking chocolate is the most dangerous. If a pet eats any of these, try to determine how much and contact the family veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. For a full list of foods to avoid, visit Tinyurl.com/ASPCA-Foods2Avoid.
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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.
FRIDAY, JULY 1 Lightweight Backpacking Basics – 7-8:30pm. Free. Do you want to try backpacking but worry about carrying a heavy pack? Join a REI backpack expert who will provide excellent tips on lightweight backpacking techniques. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938. Evening Hayrides – 5-8pm. Free. Hayride last 20 minutes, spanning the lanes of the 130-acre working farm. Also enjoy self-guided tours, picnic in picnic area and join a marshmallow roast. Rides leave every 25 minutes, last ride departing 8pm. Wheelchair accessible, call ahead. Howell Living Farm, 70 Wooden’s Ln, Lambertville. 609-737-3299.
Evening Hayrides – 5-8pm. See July 2 listing. Lambertville.
SUNDAY, JULY 3
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
The Path to Financial Freedom – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rte. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.
Guided Aromatic Meditation – 7-8pm. Develop relaxed awareness and clarity. Focus will be guided using breath, aroma and intention attuning by aroma therapist Gemma Bianchi. Cost $10. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.
Happy Independence Day
TUESDAY, JULY 5 Pre-Natal Yoga – 6-7 pm. Expectant mothers will learn how to use gentle postures, stretching, breathing, toning, relaxation and meditation to help them keep fit and feel good during pregnancy. No previous experience necessary; however, medical clearance from a healthcare professional required. Bring a yoga mat or large towel, two pillows or cushions, a yoga tie or a regular tie for stretching. Cost $10. PHCS, 731 Alexander Rd, Ste 103, Princeton. 888897-8979. Bike Maintenance Basics – 7-8 pm. Free. Routine bike maintenance keeps you riding smoothly and prolongs the life of your bike. Learn how to take care of your bike. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.
Blueberry Bash – 10am-5pm. Celebrate everything blueberries. Wander through Pick-Your-Own blueberry bushes and wagon rides, pony rides and more. Cost $5 age 3 and up. Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609-924-2310. Great Stream Exploration: Kunkel Park – 10:30am-noon. Free. Join an SBMWA TeacherNaturalist at Kunkel Park in Pennington for an exploration of life in and around the Stony Brook. Expect to meet a variety of creatures including salamanders, frogs and aquatic insects. Wear old sneakers for wading and bring a water bottle. Nets provided. Registration required. Stony BrookMillstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.
SATURDAY, JULY 2
MONDAY, JULY 4
dance to you. Center for Spiritual Living, 812 State Rd, STE 220, Princeton. For more information call 609-924-8422.
Exploring Stony Brook at Greenway Meadows – 5:30-8:30pm. Join SBMWA Education Director Jeff Hoagland for a family picnic and stream exploration of the Stony Brook on the property of D&R Greenway Land Trust. Bring picnic dinner to enjoy on the terrace (drinks and dessert provided) and then explore the brook. Bring shoes for walking in shallow water. Co-sponsored by D&R Greenway Land Trust; meet at 1 Preservation Place, Princeton. Cost $5/person. RSVP by calling 609-924-4646.
FRIDAY, JULY 8 Refresh Your Run – 7-8:30pm. Free. So, you want to be a runner? Whether starting or getting back on the track, this class will provide training and technique insights to get you in shape and/or prepare for upcoming 5-10K or more. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.
SATURDAY, JULY 9 Abundance Workshop – 9am-1pm. Engage in spiritual practices that reveal God’s abundant life and deepen your faith in God’s promise of abun-
Nocturnal Geocache Adventure – 8-10:30pm. Adults only. Enjoy the fun of geocaching under the stars. Use your GPS and flashlight to navigate through the night for rendezvous around fire for summer refreshments. Cost $10/suggested donation per person. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609737-7592.
SUNDAY, JULY 10 Blueberry Bash – 10am-5pm. See July 9 listing. Princeton. The Purpose of Money is Love – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rte. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.
MONDAY, JULY 11 Kids Healthy Living Summer Program – 9amnoon. Kids age 5-10 learn, play, be creative and meet new friends. Begin day with yoga poses, craft activities and story time related to day’s theme. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. Cost $75/child. PHCS, 731 Alexander Rd, STE 103, Princeton. 888-897-8979. Kids Can Cook: Fun Healthy Cooking – 1-2:30pm. Free. Program for kids age 7-11 demonstrates how to prepare simple, healthy meals, snacks and drinks with an emphasis on reducing sugar and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables.
has been ranked in the best 50 in its size class among 200 companies named in the Franchise Business Review’s 2015 Top Franchises Report. The healthy living magazine was one of five franchise companies cited as best-in-class in the advertising and sales category. To select the top franchises across industries and performance categories, the organization surveyed more than 28,500 franchisees. For more information visit our website: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine or call 239-530-1377 38
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Hamilton YMCA, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd, Hamilton. 888-897-8979. Kids Zumba – 10-11:30am. Get kids ages 6+ moving and dancing to upbeat music. Led by exercise instructor from Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. West Windsor Library, 333 N Post Rd, Princeton Junction. 888-897-8979.
TUESDAY, JULY 12 Kids Healthy Living Summer Program – 9amnoon. See July 11 listing. Princeton. Kids Can Cook: Fun Healthy Cooking – 1-2:30pm. See July 11 listing, Hamilton. Pre-Natal Yoga – 6-7 pm. See July 5 listing. Princeton. Gourmet Camp Cooking – 7-8:30pm. Free. If your camp meals have been lacking, get some insight for putting the gourmet back in you camping experience. Break down components of great meals and learn how to bring them outdoors. Bring appetite for the adventure. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.
drive train and how to inspect, maintain and adjust front/rear derailleurs to ensure smooth ride. Cost $45/65, member/non-member. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.
Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.
FRIDAY, JULY 15
MONDAY, JULY 18
Kids Healthy Living Summer Program – 9amnoon. See July 11 listing. Princeton.
Kids Zumba – 10-11:30am. See July 11 listing. Princeton Junction.
Kids Can Cook: Fun Healthy Cooking – 1-2:30pm. See July 11 listing, Hamilton.
20 Tips for Summer Weight Loss – 6-7pm. Free. Don’t let your weight-loss motivation melt in the sun. Get revved for success with these twenty tips, and leave feeling inspired by Barb Ulrich. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.
SATURDAY, JULY 16 Reiki Level 1 Certification – 10am-6pm. Receive certification upon successful completion of class taught by Pam Jones, RN. Class awards 7 nursing contact hours. Cost $260/person. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.
Lose Weight With Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Through hypnosis, weight loss is easily and painlessly attained. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Cost $49. Empower Fitness for Women, 2495 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. Barry Wolfson 908-303-7767.
Kids Healthy Living Summer Program – 9amnoon. See July 11 listing. Princeton. Kids Can Cook: Fun Healthy Cooking – 1-2:30pm. See July 11 listing, Hamilton.
Exploring the Night: Bat Watch – 8pm. Join nocturnal naturalist Jeff Hoagland for an evening investigation of the world of bats, including a bat count of a colony. Registration required. Cost $5/$8, member/non-member per person 5 yo+. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.
THURSDAY, JULY 14 Kids Healthy Living Summer Program – 9amnoon. See July 11 listing. Princeton. Kids Can Cook: Fun Healthy Cooking – 1-2:30pm. See July 11 listing, Hamilton. Hand-On Bike Maintenance, Drive Train – 6:308:30pm. Your bike’s drive train is key component to efficient riding. Certified bike techs teach about
Pre-Natal Yoga – 6-7 pm. See July 5 listing. Princeton. Stop Smoking With Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Through hypnosis, smoking cessation is easily achieved in a one hour session. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Cost $49. Empower Fitness for Women, 2495 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. Barry Wolfson 908-303-7767.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
Right Plant, Right Place – 6:30-8:30pm. Here’s the right time and place to explore the secret to successful gardening. Stroll through the Annual, Butterfly, Cottage, Herb, Native and Perennial gardens. Rutgers Master Gardeners will discuss how to make the perfect match, considering diverse soils and sun conditions. Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Rd, Pennington. 609-989-6853.
TUESDAY, JULY 19
Shibori Dyeing Workshop – 10am-4:30pm. 15yo+. Workshop mastering scarf dyeing, Japanese patterning (shibori), discharge, turmeric dyeing and surface design, with master fiber artist Lian Sawires. No prior experience needed. Bring lunch and refillable water bottle. Cost $35 material fee payable to instructor. Registration through Arts Council of Princeton. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Evening Hayrides – 5-8pm. See July 2 listing. Lambertville. Ricotta Lunch – 11am-1pm. The introduction to home cheese-making, ricotta is the easiest cheese to make at home. It requires only a few simple ingredients and very little time. It requires only a few simple ingredients and very little time. Cost $70/ person. Cherry Grove Farm, 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. 609-219-0053.
SUNDAY, JULY 17 My Net Wealth is My Worth – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 Summer Tiny Tot Walk – 10:30-11:30am. Children 18-36 months. Head outside with SBMWA Senior Naturalist Allison Jackson. Experience nature with toddler as stories shared, simple crafts made and outdoor exploration. Children must be walking and accompanied by adult. Cost $7/$10, member/ non-member per child. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Health Rhythm Drumming – 7-8pm. Group drumming is good fun and good for you. An evidencebased program, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress. Drums provided or bring your own. Cost $15/person. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.
THURSDAY, JULY 21 Real Dirt on Farmer John – 6:30pm. Free film and discussion. Through the life of Farmer John, explore the connection between the culture of land and culture of creative expression and how
Ewing Structural Bodywork
I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day. ~Vincent Van Gogh
• Deep Tissue Rolf Method Massage for people and canines • Hot stone therapy • Detox body scrub/detox massage
Beth Verbeyst, BCSI, IASI, ABMP 609-731-9576 EwingStructuralBodywork.com The most amazing hour of your week. natural awakenings
July 2016
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Breathe. Yoga is your Local Yoga Studio offering classes 7 days a week. We offer Beginner and Restorative Options, Gentle Classes, Plus lot of Vinyasa Classes. We Have Kids Yoga 3 times a week, and Monthly Workshops.
New Student Special *Unlimited Classes for 2 weeks ONLY $25* YOGA IN THE PARK EVERY MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM
(Located at Mercer County Park Next to the Volleyball Courts)
3257 Quakerbridge Rd Hamilton NJ 08619 609-337-2288 Breatheyogahamilton.com
Perfection itself is imperfection. ~Vladimir Horowitz
they inform and enrich each other. Refreshments available. Collingswood Library, 771 Haddon Ave, Collingswood. 856-425-2221.
by Oaks Integrated Care. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.
FRIDAY, JULY 22
SATURDAY, JULY 30
Butterfly Tea Party – 10:30am-noon. Join the SBMWA Teacher-Naturalists for a lesson about native butterflies and their life cycles. After a tour of the butterfly house, head into the fields to try to catch butterflies in nets. Return for tea party of lemonade, sugar cookies and a story under tent. Adults must stay with children. Cost $10/$15, member/nonmember per child 3-10 yo. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.
Just Peachy Festival – 10am-5pm. Summer on the farm means peaches. Enjoy everything peachy, pony rides, wagon rides, and more. Cost $5/person age 3 and up. Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609-924-2310.
SATURDAY, JULY 23 Honey Harvest – 10am-4pm. Free admission. All of the farm bees will be on their best behavior according to beekeepers. Public invited to meet the queens, drones and workers who are responsible for this year’s crop of clover honey. Help uncap and extract honey, taste and purchase honey. Howell Living Farm, 70 Wooden’s Ln, Lambertville. 609-737-3299. Reiki for Animals – 10:30am-12:30pm. Ethics, animal anatomy, chakras, signs of imbalance and the approaches to Reiki healing for animal companions. Marjy Wienkop, CFTBS. Pre-requisite: Reiki Level 1 Certification. Cost $15. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. Mozzarella From Scratch – 1-3pm. Learn the basics of using rennet to turn milk into cheese in a mozzarella-making demonstration. Then stretch fresh curd into your own fresh mozzarella balls. Cost $70/person. Cherry Grove Farm, 3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville. 609-219-0053.
SUNDAY, JULY 24 Forgiving Myself Out of Debt – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rte. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.
TUESDAY, JULY 26 Pre-Natal Yoga – 6-7 pm. See July 5 listing. Princeton. Lightweight Backpacking Basics – 7-8:30pm. See July 1 listing. Princeton.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27
Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. ~Maya Angelou
Reiki Sharing Evening – 7-9pm. For reiki practitioners only to share reiki with each other. Bring pillow, small sheet and blanket. Cost $5. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) Basics – 7-8:30pm. Free. Learn about SUP and get on board. SUP program offers an overview and necessary equipment. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.
THURSDAY, JULY 28 Taking Care: Body, Mind and Spirit – 9:30am1pm. Free. Food & Mood, Michelle Summerson, RD and Shirley Roberts, MA, LPC. Sponsored
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Fairy Festival – 10:30am-1:30pm. Come to the Fairy Festival on Watershed. Celebrate with the Rainbow Fairies, Woodland Fairies and Forest Elves, join them in a dance around the maypole, create magical gifts, construct villages and play in stream with Water Sprites. Fairy finery and gnome haberdashery is strongly encouraged. Registration requested. Cost$10/person, under 3 free. Registration required. Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609737-7592.
SUNDAY, JULY 31 Just Peachy Festival – 10am-5pm. See July 30 listing. Princeton. The Gift of Giving and the Law of Circulation – 10:30am. Center for Spiritual Living Princeton is a warm, dynamic community of spiritually-minded people. Sunday Transformation Service, followed by refreshments and conversation. Services are held at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 345 River Rd (Rt. 605), Princeton. 609-924-8422.
Plan Ahead TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 Bike Maintenance Basics – 7-8 pm. Free. Routine bike maintenance keeps you riding smoothly and prolongs the life of your bike. Learn how to take care of your bike. REI Princeton Store, 3371 Rte 1, Lawrenceville. 609-750-1938.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 Guided Aromatic Meditation – 7-8pm. Develop relaxed awareness and clarity. Focus will be guided using breath, aroma and intention attuning by aroma therapist Gemma Bianchi. Cost $10. RWJ Health & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. Register 609-584-5900.
taught by Yogi Bhajan. Awake your Kundalini energy. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Ste A, Hamilton. For more information call 609-586-9199
ongoingevents
Prenatal Yoga- 6:45-7:45pm. Release and help alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy with Yoga led by Chris Donga. Cost $90/8 weeks. Breathe. Yoga Studio, 3257 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-337-2288
friday Kids Yoga – 4:15-5pm. Kids age 6-11. 45 minutes of fun and creative movement. Your child will experience better focus and balance while gaining strength and stability internally. They will gain knowledge of how to distress through breath work, mindful movements and meditation. Drop in cost $12. Breathe. Yoga Studio, 3257 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-337-2288
saturday sunday
yoga meditation practice. Cost $10. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Ste A, Hamilton. For more information call 609-586-9199
Spiritual Awakening Service – 10:30 am. If you are looking for a warm, dynamic community of spiritually minded people, we encourage you to come to one of our Sunday Transformation Services and mingle afterwards with refreshments and conversation. The Center for Spiritual Living Princeton holds services every Sunday at the Princeton Masonic Lodge, 354 River Rd, Princeton. 609-924-8422.
Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 9:15-10:30am & 6:30-7:45pm. As taught by Yogi Bhajan. Awake your Kundalini energy. Evans Chiropractic, 3679 Nottingham Way, Ste A, Hamilton. For more information call 609-586-9199.
monday
Yoga in the Park – 6:30pm. Join Breathe.Yoga Studio at Mercer County Park next to the volleyball courts. Cost $10 drop-in. Breathe. Yoga Studio, 3257 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-337-2288.
Yoga in the Park – 6:30pm. Join Breathe Yoga Studio at Mercer County Park next to the volleyball courts. Broga – 7:30-8:45pm. Mens Yoga Cost $10 drop-in. Breathe Yoga Studio, 3257 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-337-2288.
tuesday
wednesday Habits & Happiness Certification – 6-7pm. Series through July 13 with Braco Pobric. Learn scientifically proven methods to become happier, change habits, improve overall well-being and more successful in any area of life. Book included. Series cost $140. Breathe. Yoga Studio, 3257 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-337-2288.
thursday
Healing Meditation – 9:15-10:30am. This class includes a yoga set, pranayam (breathing exercises) meditation with mantra, and teachings on how to use SunnyAd.qxp_Layout 8/9/15 AM Page the technology of mantra2and sound10:51 to deepen your 1 Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 10-11:30am. As
3 Step Qigong – 9:30-11am. Three-step Qigong consists of three exercises, which can be performed in 10 minutes, and will keep you well. The secret to Qigong’s effectiveness lies in the way the exercises are performed. You will learn these techniques over the course of the class. Personal Qigong training is also available for those who prefer a more individual rhythm. Cost $25/person. Registration preferred. Healing Touch Healing Movement, 178 Tamarack Circle, Montgomery. 609-742-3140. Kids Yoga – 11-11:45am & 12-12:45pm. Kids age 4-6/7-11. 45 minutes of fun and creative movement. Your child will experience better focus and balance while gaining strength and stability internally. They will gain knowledge of how to distress through breath work, mindful movements and meditation. Drop in cost $12. Breathe. Yoga Studio, 3257 Quakerbridge Rd, Hamilton. 609-337-2288 Healing Touch, Healing Movement Solutions – Noon-1:30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday. Experience the combination of Qigong and shiatsu to address existing issues such as neck and shoulder discomforts. The instruction will cover both practices that you can use for yourself and for others who would benefit. Cost, donation as Andrzej prefers to give back to the community and desires anyone wanting to attend. Come alone or bring a friend. 178 Tamarack Circle, Montgomery. 609-742-3140.
Transform Your Life – Body, Mind & Heart Would you like to have the ability, knowledge and tools to create the life you desire? Call today to schedule your complimentary 15-minute phone session.
Sunny van Vlijmen
609.275.3881
Holistic Health Consultant, Mentor, Educator
4444 Route 27 North, Kingston NJ 08528 • SunnyvanVlijmen@EFT-Practice.com • www.TreatYourSelfToHappy.com natural awakenings
July 2016
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communityresourceguide
NA Fun Facts: Natural Awakenings
is read nationwide by 3,880,000 people each month.
Natural Awakenings is published in over 90 U.S. markets.
Natural Awakenings
prints 1,552,000 magazines nationwide each month.
Natural Awakenings is read online by 144,000 viewers. each month. The convenient
Natural Awakenings’ iPhone / iPad app is used by 35,000 people & growing.
To advertise with us call: 609-249-9044
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Publisher@NAMercer.com or call 609-249-9044 to request our media kit.
BODYWORK HOLISTIC CONSULTANT Craig Reichert Bordentown 917-280-2648 CraigReichert3@gmail.com
Offering a unique approach to wellness through combined modalities. Active in the Holistic Healing Field for over 20 years, working with clients on Body, Mind, and, Spirit by reducing stress and balancing Chakras through Reiki, Guided Meditation, and Self Hypnosis (Certified Hypnotherapist). Call for a free consultation to discuss your situation. “Now” is the time to make changes and work on mindfulness. Reasonable rates.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN CHERRY STREET KITCHEN
1040 Pennsylvania Ave, Trenton CherryStreetKitchen.com 609-695-5800
Commercial kitchen for chefs and food entrepreneurs with modern, pleasant and ample space for hourly/daily rentals. Large 1-story with 4 cooking bays including bakery, plus cart and pallet storage. Must be friendly, clean, and cooperative. Rte.1 access, borders Lawrenceville.
EDUCATION/SCHOOLS WALDORF SCHOOL OF PRINCETON 1062 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton 609-466-1970 x115 PrincetonWaldorf.org
The Waldorf curriculum, used in 1,000+ schools School worldwide, integrates arts, of Princeton academics, movement, and music, emphasizing social and environmental responsi-bility. The handson approach is screen free.
Waldorf
ENERGY HEALING HOLISTIC CONSULTANT Sunny van Vlijmen 4444 Rte 27, Kingston 609-275-3881 TreatYourselfToHappy.com
Do you want real and lasting c h a n g e ? My p r o f e s s io n a l background of 20+ years in alternative healing and personal development has taught me what works and what doesn’t. If you’re ready for change, schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation, today. See ad, page 41.
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 27.
HYPNOSIS HYPNOSIS COUNSELING CENTER Barry Wolfson 48 Tamarack Circle, Princeton 28 Mine St, Flemington 2 East Northfield Rd, Livingston 3400 Valley Forge Ci, King of Prussia 908-303-7767 • HypnosisNJ.com
With 30 years experience, Hypnosis Counseling Center of NJ utilizes both traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings. Regularly hold adult education seminars, work with hospitals, fitness centers, and individuals wanting to better their lives. Specialize in weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement and public speaking. See ad on page 7.
PRISM HYPNOSIS Dr. Ira Weiner 609-235-9030 PrismHypnosis.com
Do you smoke, feel stressed or in pain, crack under pressure, or want to break unhealthy habits? Contact us and visit our website for healthful solutions that work. See ad, page 10.
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MENTOR NEW JERSEY MENTOR
856-533-4100 MakeADifferenceatHome.com
Our Mentors come from all walks of life, but they share one thing in common. By taking someone into their own home, they all make a difference—whether it’s in the life of a child in need with behavioral or emotional challenges or as a host home for a child or adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities. As a Mentor, you show them through your actions that we all matter and we all deserve to live life to the fullest. See ad on page 35.
NATURAL PRODUCTS BAM BAM BROTH
732-835-2261 BamBamBroth@gmail.com BamBamBroth.com Bam Bam Broth is a paleofriendly, gluten-free bone broth company. Our bone broth is made from locally sourced grassfed, grass-finished beef bones or pasture-raised chicken. Each broth is simmered for a minimum of 36 hours to extract the amino acids, minerals and gut healing collagen. Each broth is simmered with deionized water, organic celery, carrots, onions, garlic, Himalayan pink salt, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and ginger. Beef and chicken broth are available as well as part of our subscription service to save you money. We also offer Paleo-friendly snacks and foods to supplement your health lifestyle.
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
NUTRITION NUTRITIONAL CONSULTANT Claire Gutierrez 194 N Harrison St, Princeton 609-799-3089 Claire@VisanoConsulting.com VisanoConsulting.com
Let me help analyze your current diet thru nutritional assessment and assist you in making necessary adjustments and modifications to eventually achieve optimal health.
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE EDWARD MAGAZINER, M.D.
2186 Rte 27, Ste 2D, North Brunswick 877-817-3273 DrEMagaziner.com
Dr. Magaziner has dedicated his career to helping people with pain and musculoskeletal injuries using state-ofthe-art and innovative pain management treatments including platelet-rich plasma, Stem Cell therapy and Prolotherapy to alleviate these problems. See ad, page 2.
AUG SHARING OUR KNOWLEDGE WITH TODAY’S YOUTH BENEFITS US ALL Help Them Build the Confidence and Skills They Need
PET HEALTH CANINE NUTRITIONAL CONSULTANT Jim Miller 609-586-4815 DogDietGuru@aol.com DietsForLife.net
Diets for Life is helping rewrite the aging model of the contemporary canine. Diet plans (Raw, HomeCooked, Mediterranean, Combo) are based on evolutionary eating and present health status. In-home consultations available. We utilize the latest data when assessing plans.
Advertise your products and services in Natural Awakenings’
Two locations for the natural connection to live well and eat right. Natural and organic foods, vitamins, supplements, groceries and most important, free consultation.
Empowering Youth and Creativity Issue
NUTRITION CHERRY GROVE FARM
3200 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville 609-219-0053 CherryGroveFarm.com
Organic and natural products including farmstead cheeses; Buttercup Brie, seasonal Jacks, Rosedale, Herdsman, Toma, Havilah and Cheddar Curds. Additional products include wheyfed pork, grass-fed lamb and beef, pasture-raised eggs and myriad locally sourced goods. See ad on page 28.
Can You Hear The Buzz? It’s Your Community Calling. Call for information on this amazing low cost listing.
609-249-9044
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July 2016
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