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Searching for Relief from Pain? Dr. Magaziner uses Breakthrough Stem Cell Treatments to Repair Injured or Damaged Tissue
What are Stem Cells?
Stem Cell Treatments:
Stem cells are in people of all ages. Stem cells are the repairman of the body. The most common is known as hematopoietic stem cells. The type of adult stem cells that is most often seen in research as being associated with tissue repair is mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s). These cells usually travel to the injury areas via the bloodstream. If the injured area has a poor blood supply, or the body does not provide a strong response healing will not occur. Areas of poor blood supply include joints, connective tissue, ligaments, and tendon. These are areas typically do not heal well on their own because the body is not able to get enough repair cells to these injured areas. If the injury is not that severe, we are usually able to treat the area with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the bodies own (autologous) stem cells by transplanting the healing cells exactly where they are needed which signals the body to repair the tissues in that area.
The number of treatments necessary to achieve the desired results varies depending upon the injury. Dr. Magaziner estimates most of his patients notice a significant reduction in pain between the second and third treatment, and that usually only 5 to 7 treatments are necessary to alleviate the pain for a significant amount of time. In some cases physical therapy is also needed to increase strength and improve overall function.
The Procedure:
What conditions can be treated with stem cells?
Stem cells are collected by aspirating bone marrow from the back of the patient’s pelvis with a small needle. There is usually minimal discomfort with this procedure since the area is well anesthetized with local anesthetic. Most procedures require about 2 oz (60cc) of bone marrow aspirate. This aspirate contains mesenchymal stem cells, platelets, and other types of stromal cells. The bone marrow is than placed in a special container and with a machine called a centrifuge, bone marrow spins at a very fast speed causing the stem cells and platelets to be separated from the rest of the blood products. It is this concentration of bone marrow ,known as BMAC, that is injected back into the injured area along with PRP (platelet rich plasma). Once introduced back into the body, the stem cells and the platelets release growth factors and signaling proteins that basically tell the stem cells what to become. Stem cells by themselves are not capable of repairing the area. Once activated, the stem cells are capable of many remarkable things. In addition to repairing the damage, the stem cells attract more stem cells to the area to continue the repair process.
%DWARD -AGAZINER -$
Some of the conditions that can be treated with stem cell therapy include: arthritis, back pain, joint pain, shoulder pain, tendinitis, tendon and muscle tears, cartilage and meniscus injuries, ligament injuries, wrist and hand pain, elbow pain, hip and pelvis pain, foot and ankle pain, and TMJ injuries. Stem cell and PRP cell therapy is also being used for wound healing, hair growth and facial regeneration (natural facelift).
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contact us Owner/Publisher Lori Beveridge
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As I sit at my desk writing on a rare quiet afternoon during the early days of the kids’ summer vacation, I still feel loads of to-do’s running around in my head. But I have vowed to myself and my 3 children, ages 9 and 6, that our lives this summer will be slower and less crazy. It got me thinking about my own childhood growing up in Brooklyn. We didn’t have many places to run around aside from the New York neighborhood’s sidewalks and streets. Parks were few and far between and camps weren’t common options like they are for many kids today. But we found endless ways to have fun. I clearly remember shouting cheers on the last day of school, ready to take in all that the summer break had to offer—long days, outside playtime and nobody expecting anything of me except to show up for meals. We jumped rope, played hopscotch, roller skated, rode bikes and made up countless variations of tag. So this summer my children and I plan together each day what we want to do the next day, leaving lots of room to just play around and be. A big lesson I learned returning to school for Masters-level courses and becoming licensed as an early childhood education teacher is that youngsters learn the best and most through unstructured play, starting very early and continuing as they grow. In line with Madeline Levine’s article, “Letting Kids Just Be Kids” (page 22), our family limited camp sessions this year and went with what the kids asked for. It turned out that they want to go to the park, take trips to the beach, catch fireflies, spend time with their cousins and stay up late telling stories around the fire pit. It turns out that their definition of play is the same as mine was when I was a child. We can all have fun reliving our own halcyon days while playing along with our kids according to their lights. Remember the times you loved best as a kid? Share those simple memories and see what your kids make of them, then dive in to those simple pleasures all over again. The possibilities are limitless. To sunny days and warm summer nights,
© 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $25 (for 12 issues) to the publisher. Call for details. Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
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Lori Beveridge, Owner/Publisher
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contents 6 newsbriefs 10 10 healthbriefs 12 globalbriefs 14 ecotip 15 community
spotlight 20 healingways 21 wisewords 22 healthykids 26 greenliving 12 28 consciouseating 30 fitbody 14 32 naturalpet 33 inspiration 34 calendar 37 classifieds 38 resourceguide
advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 609-249-9044 or email LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. Editorial submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.
Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
16 SIX WAYS
TO EAT SAFE
The Latest Facts about Organics, Pesticides, Seeds and More by Melinda Hemmelgarn
20 BANISH ACID REFLUX
Eating Alkaline Can Cure the Burn by Linda Sechrist
21 RELISHING RAW FOOD Supermodel Carol Alt on How Eating Raw Keeps Her Vibrant by Beth Bader
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22 LETTING KIDS
JUST BE KIDS They Thrive on Natural,
Unstructured Fun by Madeline Levine
26 A GREEN NIGHT’S
SLEEP FOR TRAVELERS Pioneers Show the Way
28
to Eco-Friendly Stays by Avery Mack
28 HEALTH RULES
Crazy, Sexy, Savvy, Yummy
by Judith Fertig
calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAMercer.com or fax to 609-249-9044. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.
30 WACKY WORKOUTS
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.
32 PET FOOD PERILS
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More Giggles than Groans by Sandra Murphy
Lurking GMOs May Hurt Our Pets
32
by Dr. Michael W. Fox
33 SAVOR SUMMER Revel in Blissful Indulgence by April Thompson
natural awakenings
July 2013
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newsbriefs Family Fun at the Watershed Butterfly Festival
K Do you have a special event in the community? Open a new office? Move? Recently become certified in a new modality?
ids’ activities, learning stations, nature hikes, hayrides, live music, local food and a butterfly hat and costume parade will enliven the 12th annual Watershed Butterfly Festival, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., August 10, at the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, in Hopewell. The Butterfly Festival is the largest annual educational event at the Watershed Reserve. It is an enlightening day focusing on the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between humans and the natural world. This family-oriented day has grown to be a major regional event, attracting more than 3,000 visitors. The day will feature new and exciting ways in which the Watershed Association is fulfilling its mission to protect the environment and clean water. Join the staff and volunteers at the ‘Shed in modeling ways to participate in the process of keeping our Earth green and providing examples of planetfriendly choices to help support greener living. The festival will feature local crafts and products and this year has expanded to attract additional exhibitors who specialize in many types of art, crafts, music, photography and sculpture. There will be day-long family-oriented activities and workshops, art and entertainment. This year, the Butterfly Festival is proud to present Grammy awardnominated Miss Amy, an American musical fitness entertainer who encourages families to engage in physical activity and to earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award through her musical Fitness Rock & Roll concerts. Miss Amy and her band will present two shows, at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. In addition, The Dadz, a rock ‘n roll band playing a diversity of music that spans the 50s to the current era, will perform in the afternoon. Cost: $10/person, pre-discount or $25/carload. Location: 31 Titus Mill Rd., Hopewell. No pets or alcohol allowed at festival. For more information or to register, call TheWatershed Organization at 609-737-3735 or visit TheWatershed.org.
News Briefs We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item. Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you throughout the process. We’re here to help!
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Beautiful and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life. And everyone deserves a little sunshine. ~Jeffrey Glassberg
Gala Benefit Dinner at Blue Moon Acres Farm
J
oin Chef Scott Anderson from Elements Restaurant in Princeton for a dinner on July 14 at Blue Moon Acres Farm & Market, in Pennington. Beginning at 5 p.m., attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, locally produced beer and wine, live music, and a farm tour, and then a sumptuous meal created by Anderson and the Elements team using Blue Moon’s own certified organic produce and a variety of local foods. The event will comprise a five-star, prefix meal served on tables in the beautiful fields of the lush, 63-acre organic farm. The market will be open throughout the evening with items from event sponsors being sold at a 10 percent discount. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Cost: $125 per person. Location: Blue Moon Acres Farm & Market, 11 Willow Creek Dr., Pennington. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 609-7378333 or visit BlueMoonAcres.net.
Orangetheory Fitness Arrives in West Windsor
O
rangetheory Fitness uses the science of heart rate-based treadmill interval training, the efficiency of indoor rowing apparatus for increased power and the proven concept of weight training blocks to create the fitness level and body you have always desired. An Orangetheory Fitness studio in West Windsor, where the philosophy will be that not reaching workout and weight loss goals are both things of the past, plans to open its doors in mid- to late August. The physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, or EPOC. By providing members with a heart rate monitor and POD, the expert staff can monitor your five-zone interval training sessions that studio owners call the Orange 60. During the 60-minute workout, you will perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12 to 20 minutes of training at 84 percent or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to zones four to five. This program design produces EPOC, which is the workout “after-burn” effect, meaning that the interval training design produces a 200 to 400 calorie increase to your metabolism 24 to 36 hours after your workout. Location: 352 Princeton Hightstown Rd., West Windsor. For more information, call 609-286-3799 or visit OrangeTheoryFitness.com.
Never Glossy. Always Recyclable.
Rutgers Annual Open House and Wine Tasting Festival
I
n 1965, Donald B. Lacey, the extension specialist for the Agriculture School at Rutgers University, researched weather data to select the date for the very first Open House Festival. It was determined that the last Saturday in July is the least likely of all of the Saturdays of that month for inclement weather. Therefore, the festival has been held on that Saturday ever since. Traditionally, the open house features lively and informative tours of Rutgers Gardens, including The Donald B. Lacey Display Garden, that contains spectacular plantings of annual, tropical and perennial flowers, as well as herbs and vegetables. Since education is the key to the Gardens mission, the day also includes Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agents, Program Associates and Master Gardeners from throughout the state participating in Ask the Expert tables. Horticulture experts provide lectures and information on topics relevant to both the homeowner and professional audience. Cost: $7 per person; children 17 and under, free. Rutgers Garden members free. Additional $10 fee for entering the wine tasting area. Location: Cook Campus, Rutgers University, 112 Ryders Lane, North Brunswick. For more information, contact Mary Ann Schrum at 732932-8451 or visit RutgersGardens. Rutgers.edu/events.
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July 2013
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kudos
Pennington Watercolor Artists’ Display
Jim Slaymaker, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist based in East Windsor, provided more than 60 stress-relieving acupressure Jim Slaymaker chair massages to teachers and support staff at Sharon Elementary School, Pond Road Middle School and Robbinsville High School during three days in May. A massage therapist for over 20 years and an acupuncturist/herbalist for the past 10 years, he volunteered his time and energy “knowing that the end of the school year is stressful for the school staff as it is for the students.” “The children of this world are the leaders of tomorrow, and those caregivers that help raise our children are some of the most vital individuals to our present and future,” he says. “Having two beautiful daughters in elementary school, I witness first-hand the wonderful contributions that teachers and administrative staff make in guiding our little ones. I know that these small stress breaks helped to regulate and balance endorphins, bradykinins and interleukins. Making it through the remainder of the year with a little less stress and a lot more joy may just make the difference for these essential caregivers.” Location: 405 Rte. 130 North, East Windsor. For more information or to make an appointment, call 609-6162281 or email Jim@Acupuncture 2Heal.com. See ad on page 11 and CRG on page 38.
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A
s part of its monthly Art on Display program, PEAC Health & Fitness is proudly displaying original works of art from Pennington artists, Linda Bradshaw and Susan Ewart for the month of July. Bradshaw is a watercolor artist who enjoys painting light and shadow on location. Her painting subjects range from landscapes, particularly local barns, to flowers and caricatures. “I tend to pick up and go whenever the light is right,” notes Bradshaw. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from Adelphi University and has done considerable graduate work towards a Fine Arts master’s degree at C.W. Post College. She belongs to the Garden State Watercolor Society, Artsbridge, Watercolorists Unlimited, Artists of Yardley and Artworks of Trenton. Reflections of Lambertville Ewart enjoys paintby Linda Bradshaw ing in watercolors and acrylics, and has been drawn to art since she was a child. Her subject matter includes landscapes, interiors, florals and abstracts. She especially loves reflecting her love for animals in her animal paintings. “My emotions certainly drive my artwork,” she says. “I am often drawn by a strong feeling to paint.” She is a member of the Garden State Watercolor Society, Artsbridge, and Watercolorists Unlimited.
Horse Lover by Susan Ewart
Location: PEAC, 1440 Lower Ferry Rd., Ewing. For questions about the Art on Display program, contact Christine Tentilucci at CTentilucci@PEACHealth Fitness.com, or visit PEACHealthFitness.com.
Innovative Pain-Relief Pad at RWJ Holistic Fair
P
eople are looking for holistic ways ever more increasingly to improve their health and soothe ailments. “Many that suffer from shoulder, knee or neck pain or even carpal tunnel syndrome can find relief through use of the Feel Better Seeded Pad,” attests creator of this product, Michelle Gordon, who will be displaying it on July 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert Wood Johnson Wellness Center’s Holistic Fair in Hamilton. “The Feel Better Seeded Pad provides temporary pain relief for those suffering from muscle spasms, burns, headaches, inflammation, Renault’s syndrome and more,” continues Gordon. “The pads can be used for both cooling and heating use, as well as for general relaxation.” The product is available in many different sizes, styles and print patterns, all which are made of 100 percent cotton and filled with 100 percent of American grown organic flax seed. Flax seeds emit natural oil, so when heating it in the microwave, the product becomes a moist heating pad, and the oils never dissipate according to Gordon. Location: Robert Wood Johnson Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton. For more information on the product, visit Gordon at the event, email JustFor YouByMich@aol.com or visit TheFeelBetterSeededPad.VPweb.com.
Mercer County Independence Day Fireworks Display Schedule Mercer County Freedom Festival Fireworks
Princeton Fireworks
Saturday, June 29 Freedom Festival is one of the first Independence Day celebrations in the state every year. This large festival is held in Mercer County Park in West Windsor Township. It is an all-day event that features a wide range of activities for the entire family. Some of the featured music will be: Little Mac & the Peoples Champ, Bigg Romeo, the Amish Outlaws and the Mercer County Symphonic Band. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 3 Run by the nonprofit group, the Spirit of Princeton, at the Princeton University sports fields, next to the Stadium. The grounds open at 7 p.m. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the field.
Hamilton Township Fireworks Wednesday, July 3 Hamilton sponsors a community celebration with a concert and fireworks at Veteran’s Park. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and features the Jimmy Buffett cover band, Jimmy and the Parrots. There will also be face painting, sand art and food vendors. The fireworks follow the concert at 9 p.m. The rain date is Friday, the 5th.
Trenton Baseball & Fireworks Thursday, July 4 & Friday, July 5 The Trenton Thunder Baseball team will take on the Omaha Storm Chasers at the Mercer County Waterfront Park in Trenton at 7:05 p.m. on July 4th. The fireworks will commence after the game.
Lawrence Township Concert & Fireworks Friday, July 5 Lawrence Township will celebrate Independence Day with a concert and fireworks at Rider University. The concert featuring Kindred Spirits will start at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Happy Birthday, America!
natural awakenings
July 2013
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healthbriefs
Stone Fruits Keep Waistlines Trim
A Bevy of Berry Benefits
S
ome favorite summer fruits, like peaches, plums and nectarines, may help ward off metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions including high blood sugar levels and excess fat around the waist that can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. A study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research, presented at the American Chemical Society’s 2012 National Meeting & Exposition, reported that pitted fruits contain bioactive compounds that can potentially fight the syndrome. According to food scientist Luis CisnerosZevallos, Ph.D., “The phenolic compounds in the fruits have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties… and may also reduce the oxidation of the bad cholesterol, or LDL, which is associated with cardiovascular disease.”
Kudos for Kale
T
he U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new food pyramid, MyPlate (ChooseMyPlate.gov), is based on its 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, aimed at helping people make better food choices. Fruits and vegetables should comprise half our “plate”, and dark green veggies are the USDA’s top choice of nutrients. Kale leads the list of helpful leafy greens for many reasons. Like its cousins in the Brassica family—broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and collards—kale is a lowcalorie, nutrient-dense powerhouse of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C. Per calorie, kale contains more iron than beef and more calcium than milk, and it is better absorbed by the body than most dairy products. A single serving (about one cup, chopped) provides 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, plus two grams of protein. The versatile veggie—it is tasty steamed, braised or baked—is also a rich source of both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Best of all, kale is a “green” green, high on the sustainability scale. Growing one pound of kale uses about 23 gallons of water; raising a pound of beef necessitates more than 2,400. Sources: USDA.gov; VegSource.com
Iced Tea has Issues
I
t is peak season for iced tea, but this warm-weather favorite may not be the ideal choice to counter dehydration. Iced tea made from black tea contains high concentrations of oxalate, one of the key chemicals that lead to the formation of kidney stones, a common disorder of the urinary tract that affects about 10 percent of the U.S. population. “For people that have a tendency to form the most common type of kidney stones, iced tea is one of the worst things to drink,” reports Dr. John Milner, an assistant professor with the Department of Urology at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. While all black tea contains oxalate, dietitians note that people tend to imbibe more of it when it’s on ice than when it’s hot.
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D
electable strawberries serve up some sweet health benefits. Studying the effects of strawberries on cardiovascular health, heart disease and diabetes, scientists at the University of Warwick, UK, discovered that extracts from the fruit activate a protein called Nrf2, which increases antioxidant and other protective measures in the body and helps decrease blood lipids and cholesterol that can lead to cardiovascular problems. The scientists plan to continue their research in order to identify the most healthful varieties of strawberries, how they are best served or processed and the amount to eat for optimum benefits.
Healthy Metal
I
n the United States, healthcareacquired infections (HAI) result in 100,000 deaths annually and add an estimated $45 billion to healthcare costs. Common HAI microbes that often contaminate items within hospital rooms include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycinresistant enterococcus (VRE). Few strategies have been clinically proven to reduce the spread of these infections, but copper’s antimicrobial properties are promising. According to a recent study published in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, placement of bed rails, tables, IV poles and nurse’s call buttons in intensive care unit hospital rooms reduced the number of HAIs in patients by more than half.
Nature’s Own Sports Drink
I
f Mother Nature chose an ideal sports drink for light-to-medium exercise, it might be coconut water, the clear liquid found most abundantly inside young, green coconuts. That’s the conclusion reached by Indiana University Southeast lecturer Chhandashri Bhattacharya, Ph.D., in presenting his research to the American Chemical Society. “Coconut water is a natural drink that has everything your average sports drink has and more,” says Bhattacharya. “It has five times more potassium than Gatorade or Powerade. Whenever you get cramps in your muscles, potassium will help you get rid of them.” A 12-ounce serving of coconut water may also help balance the typical American diet, which is too low in potassium and too high in sodium derived from excess salt; individuals consuming such diets tend to have twice the risk of death from heart disease and a 50 percent higher risk of death from all disease-related causes. Coconut water is also high in healthful antioxidants.
RESTORE
your health with Acupuncture, the fastest growing health care method in America. Specializing in treatment for Pain, OBGYN, Cancer Support & Wellness
SpeciaL Receive a Complimentary Treatment When You Purchase 5. Call for details.
Jim Slaymaker, L.AC 405 Rte. 130 N • East Windsor
609-616-2281
Jim@Acupuncture2Heal.com Acupuncture2Heal.com
A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.
Plasticizer Undermines Heart Cell Functioning
~William Arthur Ward
T
he chemical DEHP, a phthalate used widely in household plastics, may change how rat heart cells use energy, according to a new study by George Washington University, in the District of Columbia. By shifting heart cells to depend on fatty acids as an energy source more than usual, DEHP may ultimately increase the longterm risk of heart attack and heart failure. The findings raise concerns about similar effects of plasticizers in humans. Earlier work from the same research team reported that DEHP causes irregular rhythms in cultured heart cells. DEHP is frequently used for medical blood bags and tubing and is found in foods packaged in plastics, especially fatty foods like milk products, oils and fish or seafood.
Help Us Serve You Better
Pre-Pregnancy Diet May Alter Genes
I
t’s common knowledge that a mother’s diet during pregnancy makes a measurable difference in the health of her child. Now, new research suggests that what a mom eats before becoming pregnant might be important, too. According to a study in the online edition of The FASEB Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, the foods eaten by a group of non-pregnant female mice chemically altered their DNA, and these changes were later passed on to their offspring. The DNA alterations, called “epigenetic” changes, due to an inadequate maternal diet dramatically reduced the animals’ ability to metabolize many essential fatty acids that are essential to health.
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July 2013
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A NEW DAY A NEW APP
globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Locavore Aid
A Handy Atlas for Eating Local Strolling of the Heifers, a Vermontbased local food advocacy group, has released its second annual Locavore Index, tracking the availability and use of locally produced foods and ranking states based on their committed support. Using recent data from multiple sources, the index incorporates farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) operations and food hubs in its per capita comparison of consumer interest in eating locally sourced foods, known as locavorism. The top five states for accessibility of local foods are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Iowa; the bottom five are Florida, Louisiana, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. The organization’s Executive Director, Orly Munzing, says the purpose of the index is to encourage local food efforts by supporting farm-to-school programs, urging hospitals and nursing homes to purchase local foods and asking supermarkets to buy from local farms. View the ranking of every state at Tinyurl.com/LocavoreIndex.
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Animal welfare organizations serving cities around the country are discovering that shopping malls are ideal places to find forever homes for needy pets. At the Coronado Mall, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Darlene Arden teaches volunteers to clicker-train cats and dogs to make them more adoptable. The SPCA in Cattaraugus County, New York, sets up a highly successful location for adoptions and raising donations in the Olean Center Mall every holiday season. The Collier County Humane Society, in Naples, Florida, turned a defunct pet shop in the Coastland Center mall into a thriving adoption center staffed by volunteers. Some shelters motivate the public to embrace and encourage the technique of trap/neuter/release (TNR) as a way to control feral cat populations. Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of the Found Animals Foundation, states, “We launched the groundbreaking Michelson Prize and grant program aimed at developing a non-surgical, single-dose sterilizing agent for cats and dogs. This type of product will help shift pet population control from lethal to non-lethal methods by dramatically reducing the number of pets coming into shelters.” Learn more at FoundAnimals.org/ pet-spay-neuter.
Bee Careful
Honeybee-Killing Pesticides Banned in Europe Colony collapse disorder, a mysterious ailment that has been killing large numbers of honeybees for several years, is expanding, wiping out 40 to 50 percent of the hives needed to pollinate many of America’s fruits and vegetables. Some beekeepers and researchers cite growing evidence that a powerful class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, which hinder the bees’ brain learning function and leave them unable to make the connection between floral scents and nectar, could be a key factor. Although manufacturers claim the pesticides pose no threat to bees, a recent British honeybee field study found enough evidence to convince 15 of 27 EU member governments and the Executive European Commission to support a twoyear ban on three of the world’s most widely used agricultural pesticides in this category, starting this December. The action followed a European Food Safety Authority report in April that indicated these toxins pose an acute risk to honeybees. Source: Voice of America
Johnny Appletree
One Life Yields Two Forests Jadav “Molai” Payeng spent 30 years single-handedly planting a 1,360-acre forest in his native India. The extraordinary, yet humble, eco-conscious farmer stands as a shining example of what one person can accomplish to make the world a better place. Now he is planning on devoting his next 30 years to planting another forest. Payeng makes a living in the forest he planted, rearing cows and selling milk in the nearest town with his wife and three children. He says, “I feel sad when I see people felling trees. We have to save the nature, or else we all will perish.” In 1979, when Payeng was 16, he began planting vegetation to transform the landscape after seeing wildlife perish from exposure along a barren sandbar near his home in northern India’s Assam region. Decades later, the lush ecosystem he created is now a safe haven for a variety of large and small species that include birds, deer, rhinos, tigers and elephants impacted by extensive habitat loss. Source: Treehugger.com
Hands Off
Protecting a Natural Laboratory The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is working to preserve a tract known as the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), a world-renowned freshwater research facility in Northwestern Ontario that takes research out of the lab and into the environment, where scientists can isolate the effects of specific pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Over the past four decades, research conducted at the ELA has provided scientific evidence of the environmental effects of acid rain, phosphorous and other pollutants that has informed policy around the world. With new pressures like climate change and poorly understood emerging contaminants such as chromite, nanoparticles and endocrine disrupters, the logic for continued support is strong. IISD President and CEO Scott Vaughan emphasizes the mission is to be an independent, world-class research facility for freshwater ecosystems science, maintained “in the public domain and in the public interest.”
Poisoned Poisson Fish Rendered Scentless by Pollution
Fish living in lakes tainted with metals are losing their sense of smell, prompting worries about dwindling populations, because when dissolved metals contact fish nostrils, their neurons shut down to protect the brain. Fish use their sense of smell to navigate murky waters, find mates and food, and avoid predators. The effect of metals has been linked to impaired reproduction and growth, but this secondary, “covert toxic” effect is described by Keith Tierney, a University of Alberta assistant professor, this way: “If you can’t smell food or avoid predators, you’re more likely to die.” The good news from Canadian researchers, as reported in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environment Safety, is that such harm to fish can be reversed. When study co-author Greg Pyle, a professor at Alberta’s University of Lethbridge, and his research team relocated yellow perch from Ontario lakes contaminated with mercury, nickel, copper, iron and manganese to a cleaner lake, the fish regained their sense of smell within 24 hours. Most of the contaminated lakes involved have a metallic mix, making it hard to determine precisely which pollutants are to blame. Copper is high on the list of suspects; its agricultural and manufacturing use has more than doubled in the United States over the past three decades, according to the Copper Development Association. Source: Environmental Health News
natural awakenings
July 2013
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ecotip
globalbriefs
Green Kitchen
Composting Boosts Sustainability A 2012 report from the National Resources Defense Council notes that just 3 percent of uneaten food in the United States is composted, and landfill scraps account for 23 percent of all methane gas emissions. Composting, the process of decomposing organic matter into a nutrient-rich material, is an easy way to turn food scraps, lawn clippings, garden trimmings and other waste into natural garden fertilizer. Its relatively loose composition allows nutrients to pass into the soil quickly, and the practice reduces discards to landfills. Compost material is not limited to what’s left on a plate after dining. Expand contents to include peels, cores and husks from fruits and vegetables generated during meal preparation, egg and nut shells, tea leaves and coffee grounds, bread, crackers and pet food. Fruit and vegetable seeds won’t decompose in cold conditions, however. (Learn more about green gardening at GreenLiving.National Geographic.com.) Now, plates and cups made of sugarcane or corn, plus oil- and plantbased packaging, can also be added to the list. Pending legislation in California would allow products meeting certain criteria to bear “compostable” or “biodegradable” claims on packaging. Manufacturers of compost bins are responding to increased consumer interest with convenient options. In addition to traditional plastic or metal containers and wood-sided bins, new high-quality, enclosed, compost tumblers offer quicker processing time, protection from animals and less odor. Advanced models include automatic, electric, indoor composters. (See more at EarthEasy.com/grow_compost.html.) Live composting in the form of vermiculture, or worm composting, teaches care for creatures and ecosystem sustainability. Food scraps feed worms, which then produce nutrientrich castings (excreta). (Learn more at GrowOrganic.com and RedWorm Composting.com.) 14
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Dangerous Duo
Neotame is the New Aspartame NutraSweet, a formerly Monsantoowned company, has developed a new version of Aspartame, called Neotame. It’s 3,000 times sweeter than table sugar and about 30 times sweeter than Aspartame. Not yet available directly to the public, Neotame is used to sweeten commercially processed foods, but is not required to be listed on package labels of non-certified organic foods. Neotame is more stable at higher temperatures than Aspartame, so it’s approved for use in a wider array of food products, including baked goods. One of the byproducts created when our bodies break down these sweeteners is formaldehyde, which is extremely toxic even in tiny doses. In the U.S. National Library of Medicine, which contains more than 11 million medical citations, Neotame research fails to include any double-blind scientific studies on toxicity in humans or animals. Nutrition expert Dr. Joseph Mercola notes that individuals experiencing side effects from Aspartame or Neotame can file a report with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at Tinyurl.com/FDASafetyReports. Source: Mercola.com
Wonder Weave
Natural Fiber is Stronger than Steel Nanocellulose, a material derived from tree fiber and some grain stalks, could now potentially be sourced from blue-green algae in sufficient quantities to cost-efficiently create ultra-thin media displays, lightweight body armor, a one-pound boat that carries up to 1,000 pounds of cargo, and a wide range of other products. R. Malcolm Brown, Jr., Ph.D., a biology professor at the University of Texas at Austin, presented his team’s findings at an American Chemical Society conference as a major step toward “one of the most important discoveries in plant biology.” Brown’s method uses genes from the family of bacteria that produces vinegar and secretes nanocellulose. The genetically altered algae, known as cyanobacteria, are entirely self-sustaining. They produce their own food from sunlight and water and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offering a natural way to reduce this major greenhouse gas. Brown says bacterial nanocellulose can be used to create ballistic glass, aerospace materials or even wound dressings, because it retains its stiffness and strength even when submerged in liquid. Its most obvious application would be in paper, cardboard and display industries. Source: TheVerge.com
communityspotlight
Johnson Chiropractic Center Adjusting Life for the Better by Gayle Wilson Rose
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e rely on myriad machines for enhanced convenience every day: cars and buses transport us to and from various destinations, and air conditioners keep us cool and comfortable. Regular maintenance is essential to keep these devices working efficiently, whether it’s an oil change every few months or adding Freon to a hard-working cooling unit. Dr. Adam Johnson, principal at the Johnson Chiropractic Center, explains that the human body is quite similar. It also requires regular maintenance to stay in top form. That can be as simple as daily teeth cleaning or ongoing chiropractic care. He says, “Many people seek chiropractic care in response to an injury or severe pain. I provide positive solutions to many patients in this way. But I take a whole body approach with patients to create health through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modifications. He continues, “My patients see me regularly to maintain their wellness. For pain issues, I seek to identify the root cause and correct it.” These approaches give credence to his business’s motto: Adjusting your life for the better.
Tools of the Trade
Another distinguishing point of his practice is the focused attention Dr. Johnson provides his patients. Because he works as a solo practitioner, his patients don’t get passed around from one doctor to another. Simply walking into Johnson Chiropractic Center and being greeted warmly and personally sets a subtle relaxation process in motion.
Dr. Johnson makes his patient’s comfort a high priority. He has treated a 6-month-old infant, and a 98-year-old patient has been seeing him regularly for 48 years. He clarifies, “I don’t believe chiropractic care is a cure-all. But I do believe it’s an integral component of wellness.” He collaborates with a group of Monroe area doctors for ongoing, integrated treatment plans that help patients restore and maintain health. To stay in-step with leading-edge chiropractic care, Dr. Johnson recently added a digital X-ray machine to his wellness arsenal. It enables his patients to significantly lower their radiation exposure; image quality is positively impacted, too. X-ray images go straight from capture through a USB cable to a computer screen. This high-tech imagery leads to better diagnosis and treatments—all done quickly and in the comfort and privacy of Dr. Johnson’s office. “Tools such as this enable patients in pain to avoid masking drug therapies and invasive surgeries so common in non-chiropractic treatment modalities.” A spinal traction table is another tool that Dr. Johnson frequently uses to treat the all-too-common ailments of herniated (bulging) discs and spinal stenosis. The table aids in stretching and opening discs and nerves with the use of a belt that pulls down on the problematic disc and draws it back in-line with the spine.
Community Outreach
Dr. Johnson spends three months every spring working in Monroe community
Dr. Adam Johnson outreach. In his 13 years in practice, he’s been an invited regular fixture at St. Peter Hospital’s annual health fair. The event’s healthcare practitioners focus on education and reach hundreds of people, especially those in retirement communities. The extensive resources on the Johnson Chiropractic Center’s website are other tangible examples of Dr. Johnson’s public service interest. One can also find lots of general information on chiropractic care for making better health and well-being decisions, making the site especially valuable. A quick registration allows prospective and current patients to receive monthly Healthy Living e-news, obtain savings on future office visits and gain access to a vast library of wellness resources. For example, website visitors can view a video library with links to focused bodywork instruction; wellness and lifestyle tips on sound nutrition; and advice on selecting the right pillow and mattress. All content is designed by Dr. Johnson to effectively direct patients on their lifelong path to wellness. Location: 315 Forsgate Dr., Monroe. For more information, call 732-521-0679 or visit JohnsonChiroCenter.com. See Community Resource Guide listing on page 38. Gayle Wilson Rose is a freelance writer and marketing/brand consultant. She can be reached at JustGayle@gmail.com.
natural awakenings
July 2013
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Six Ways to Eat Safe
The Latest Facts about Organics, Pesticides, Seeds and More by Melinda Hemmelgarn
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ot fun in the summertime begins with fresh, sweet and savory seasonal flavors brought to life in al fresco gatherings with family and friends. As the popularity of farmers’ markets and home gardening surges onward, it’s time to feast on the tastiest produce, picked ripe from America’s farms and gardens for peak flavor and nutrition. Similar to raising a sun umbrella, learning where food comes from and how it’s produced provides the best protection against getting burned. Here’s the latest on some of the season’s hottest food issues to help families stay safe and well nourished.
Local Organic Reigns Supreme
Diana Dyer, a registered dietitian and garlic farmer near Ann Arbor, Michigan, observes, “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local, and that’s kind of the same thing.” Purchasing local foods whenever possible has many merits, including shaking the farmer’s hand, asking about farming methods and developing sincere relationships. Buying local also supports the local economy and contributes to food security. Yet “local” alone does not necessarily mean better. Even small farmers may use harmful pesticides or feed their 16
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livestock genetically modified or engineered (GM, GMO or GE) feed. That’s one reason why the smartest food choice is organic, with local organic being the gold standard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification label ensures that strict national organic standards—prohibiting the use of antibiotics, hormones and GM feed and ingredients—have been met. Plus, organically raised livestock must have access to the outdoors and ample time on pastures, naturally resulting in milk and meat with higher levels of health-protecting omega-3 fatty acids. Still, organic naysayers abound. For example, many negative headlines were generated by a recent Stanford University study that questioned whether or not organic foods are safer or more healthful than conventional. Few news outlets relayed the researchers’ actual conclusions—that organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria; children on organic diets have significantly lower levels of pesticide metabolites, or breakdown products, in their urine; organic milk may contain significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids; and organic produce contains higher levels of health-protecting antioxidants. Jim Riddle, former organic outreach coordinator at the University of Minnesota, in Lamberton, explains that organic farming methods are based on building and improving the soil, promoting biodiversity and protecting natural resources, regardless of the size of the farm. Healthier ecosystems, higher quality soil and clean water will produce healthier plants, which in turn support healthier animals and humans on a healthier planet.
Pesticide Problems and Solutions
Children are most vulnerable to the effects of pesticides and other environmental toxins, due to their smaller size and rapid physical development. Last December, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement that asserted, “Beyond acute poisoning, the influences of low-level pesticide exposures on child health are of increasing concern.” The organization links pesticide exposure to higher risk for brain tumors, leukemia, attention deficit disorders, autism and reductions in IQ. Because weeds naturally develop resistance to the herbicides designed to kill them, Dow AgroSciences has genetically engineered seeds to produce crops that can withstand spraying with both the systemic herbicide glyphosate (Roundup), and 2,4-D, one of the active ingredients in Agent Orange, used as a defoliant in the Vietnam War. The latter is commonly applied to lawns and wheat-producing agricultural land, even though research reported in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives links exposure to 2,4-D to birth defects and increased cancer risk. Dow AgroSciences’ new GE seeds await regulatory approval. Eric Mader, program director at the Portland, Oregonbased Xerces Society for the conservation of invertebrates and pollinator protection, warns that broad-spectrum pesticides kill beneficial insects along with those considered pests. Mader recommends increasing the number of beneficial insects, which feed on pests, by planting a greater diversity of native plants on farms and in home gardens.
Demand for GMO Labeling
Despite California’s narrow defeat of Proposition 37, which would have required statewide labeling of products containing GMOs, advocates at the Environmental Working Group and the Just Label It campaign are pushing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nationwide GMO labeling. Responding to consumer demand, Whole Foods Market recently announced that it will require GMO labeling in all of its U.S. and Canadian stores by 2018. Filmmaker Jeremy Seifert’s powerful new documentary, GMO OMG, should give the movement a major push, as well. The 2013 film explores the danger in corporate patenting of seeds and the unknown health and environmental risks of engineered food. Seifert says, “I have a responsibility to my children to hand on to them a world that is not poisoned irreparably.” As for the promise that GMOs are required to “feed the world,” he believes it’s a lie, noting that it’s better to “feed the world well.”
Seed Freedom and Food Choice
Roger Doiron, founder and director of Kitchen Gardeners International, headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, celebrates Food Independence Day each July Fourth. Doiron believes that growing, harvesting, cooking and preserving food is both liberating and rewarding, and patriotic. More than 25,000 individuals from 100 countries belong to his nonprofit network that focuses on re-localizing the world’s food supply. Food freedom starts with seeds.
Get Your Non-GMOs Here Reading labels is always a good practice. We can also rely on trusted sources to help us sort out suspect products from the natural whole foods that we know are good for us. Here’s a short list of websites and associated apps to help make food shopping a bit easier. n CenterForFoodSafety.org; Tinyurl.com/getCenter
ForFoodSafetyapp n Fooducate.com; Tinyurl.com/getFooducateGMOapp n NonGMOProject.org; Tinyurl.com/getNonGMO
Projectapp n NonGMOShoppingGuide.com; Tinyurl.com/get
ShopNoGMOapp n Also take action at Buycott.com: Tinyurl.com/get
BuycottGMOapp
Saving and trading heirloom, non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds is becoming as easy as checking out a library book. Several libraries across the country are serving as seed banks, where patrons check out seeds, grow crops, save seeds and then donate some back to their local library. Liana Hoodes, director of the National Organic Coalition, in Pine Bush, New York, is a fan of her local Hudson Valley Seed Library. The library adheres to Indian Physicist Vandana Shiva’s Declaration of Seed Freedom and makes sure all seed sources are not related to, owned by or affiliated with biotech or pharmaceutical corporations. In addition to preserving heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, each seed packet is designed by a local artist.
Finicky about Fish
Grilled fish makes a lean, heart-healthy, low-calorie summer meal. Some fish, however, may contain chemicals that pose health risks, especially for pregnant or nursing women and children. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, which is toxic to a baby’s developing nervous system. Both the EPA and local state health departments post consumption advisories that recommend limiting or avoiding certain species of fish caught in specific locations. For several decades, Captain Anne Mosness, a wild salmon fisherwoman, operated commercial fishing boats in Washington waters and from Copper River to Bristol Bay, Alaska. She worries about the threat of pollution from industrial aquaculture, plus the effects of genetically engineered salmon on wild fish populations, coastal economies and ecosystems. Mosness explains that AquAdvantage Salmon, a product of AquaBounty Technologies, was created “by inserting a growth hormone gene from Pacific Chinook and a promoter gene from an eel-like fish called ocean pout into Atlantic salmon.” She questions the FDA approval process and failure to address unanswered questions about the risks of introducing “novel” animals into the food supply, as well as related food allergies and greater use of antibiotics in weaker fish populations. “The salmon farming industry already uses more antibiotics per weight than any other animal production,” comments Mosness. The FDA’s official public comment period on GMO salmon closed in April, but consumers can still voice concerns to their legislators while demanding and applauding national GMO labeling. GMO fish may be on our dinner plates by the end of the year, but with labels, consumers gain the freedom to make informed choices. Consumers can also ask retailers not to sell GMO fish. Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Whole Foods have all committed to not selling GMO seafood. natural awakenings
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Antibiotic Resistance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotics are one of the greatest public health achievements of the past 100 years. However, one of the most critical public health and economic issues we currently face is the loss of these drugs’ effectiveness, due in large part to their misuse and overuse in industrial agriculture. Dr. David Wallinga, senior advisor in science, food and health at the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy, says that about 80 percent of all antibiotics are given to farm animals for two reasons: to prevent illness associated with living in crowded, stressful and often unsanitary conditions; and to promote “feed efficiency”, or weight gain. However, bacteria naturally mutate to develop resistance to antibiotics when exposed to doses that are insufficient to kill them. Wallinga points out that antibiotic-resistant infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), cost our nation at least $20 billion annually and steal tens of thousands of American lives each year. Most recently, hardto-treat urinary tract infections (UTI), were traced to antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria in chickens. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria exist in our environment, but are more likely to be found in conventionally, rather than organically raised meat and poultry, which by law must be raised without antibiotics. Consumers beware: the word “natural” on food labels does not provide the same protection. The good news is that according to Consumers Union research, raising meat and poultry without antibiotics can be accomplished at minimal cost to the consumer—about five cents extra per pound for pork and less than a penny per pound extra for chicken. Melinda Hemmelgarn, aka the “Food Sleuth”, is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and radio host at KOPN. org, in Columbia, MO (FoodSleuth@gmail.com). She advocates for organic farmers at Enduring-Image.blogspot.com.
Food Supply News Sources Antibiotic Resistance n Healthy Food Action: HealthyFoodAction.org n Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: iatp.org n Keep Antibiotics Working: KeepAntibioticsWorking.com n Meat Without Drugs: MeatWithoutDrugs.org n Not in My Food: Tinyurl.com/NotInMyFoodNoAntibiotics Fish Food Safety n Center for Food Safety: CenterForFoodSafety.org n Food and Water Watch: FoodAndWaterWatch.org n Food Sleuth Radio interview with fisherwoman, Anne Mosness: Tinyurl.com/FoodSleuthRadioAnneMosness GMOs n GMO Food Labeling: JustLabelIt.org n GMO OMG: GMOFilm.com Local/Organic n Eat Local: Simple Steps to Enjoy Real, Healthy and Affordable Food, by Jasia Steinmetz: TableOfTheEarth. com/eat-local-simple-steps n Organic Farming Research Foundation: ofrf.org Pesticides n Safe Lawns: SafeLawns.org n Xerces Society: Xerces.org/mission Seed Freedom and Food Choice n Kitchen Gardeners International: kgi.org n National Center for Home Food Preservation: nchfp.uga.edu n Seed Libraries: NewDream.org and Tinyurl.com/StartLocalSeedLibrary n Seed Matters: Tinyurl.com/SeedMattersCommunityProject
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Mercer County Farmers’ Market Directory Treat your locavore palate to garden-fresh produce at these local markets, join a CSA or food co-op, or visit area farms to see who grows your food and where it comes from.
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Bordentown Community Farmers’ Market 207 Crosswicks St, Bordentown 267-210-0748 June thru September 25 Wednesdays, 3-7pm
Capital City Farmers’ Market
Come Visit Our Farm
East State St, Trenton 609-393-8998
July 11 thru October 24 Thursdays, 11am-2pm
Hightstown Farmers’ Market Memorial Park, Hightstown June 21 thru August 30 Fridays, 5-8pm
Pennington Farmers’ Market 101 Rte 31 S, Pennington 609-737-0867 June thru October 26 Saturdays, 9am-1pm
Princeton Farmers’ Market 55 Hinds Plaza, Princeton 609-924-8431 May thru November 21 Thursdays, 11am-4pm
Robbinsville Farmers’ Market Rte 33 and Rte 526 corner, Robbinsville June thru September
Check our web site for upcoming events, classes, and farm store hours.
www.cherrygrovefarm.com 3200 Lawrenceville Rd. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Mondays, 3-7:30pm
Trenton Farmers’ Market 960 Spruce St, Trenton 609-695-2998
Open Year Round Summer Hours: May thru October Tues – Sat, 9am-6pm, Sun, 10am-4pm
West Windsor Farmers’ Market Vaughn Drive (Princeton Jct. Train Station), West Windsor 609-933-4452 May thru November 28 Saturdays, 9am-1pm
Make your community a little GREENER … Support our advertisers For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community source: the350project.net natural awakenings
July 2013
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healingways
Banish Acid Reflux Eating Alkaline Can Cure the Burn by Linda Sechrist
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early everyone has some reflux, the upward backflow of the stomach’s contents into the esophagus connecting the stomach with the throat, or even up into the throat itself. When it occurs more than twice a week, reflux can progress from a minor irritation causing heartburn to gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. When the throat is most affected, it’s called laryngopharyngeal reflux, or LPR. Untreated, LPR can damage the throat, airway, and lungs. If left untreated, GERD can damage the digestive system and cause precancerous Barrett’s esophagus or even esophageal cancer. “In the United States, the prevalence of esophageal cancer has increased 850 percent since 1975, according to National Cancer Institute statistics,” says Dr. Jamie Koufman who has been studying acid reflux for three decades as part of her pioneering work as a laryngologist, specializing in treating voice disorders and diseases of the larynx. She is founding director of the Voice Institute of New York and the primary author of Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure. Koufman prescribes combining science, medicine and culinary arts to treat the ailment, which she mainly blames on the acidification of the American diet, along with increases in saturated fats, high-fructose corn syrup and agricultural pesticides. Consider that almost all bottled or canned foods have an acidity level of 4 or lower on the pH scale—a key measurement in medicine, biology and nutrition, and significant in Koufman’s clinical research and conclusions from examining upwards of 250,000 patients. “Soft drinks are the major risk factor for reflux,” she notes. A single statistic from the American Beverage Association highlights the
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problem: In 2010, the average 12-to29-year-old American consumed 160 gallons of acidified soft drinks, nearly a half-gallon a day. “Trends in the prevalence of reflux parallel soft drink consumption over time, especially in young people,” says Koufman. She clarifies that the term “acid reflux” is misleading because the problem centers on the digestive enzyme pepsin, which is manufactured in the stomach to break down proteins into more easily digestible particles. It is activated by the acid in high-acid foods. “If there is no protein around that needs digesting, pepsin can gnaw on the lining of your throat and esophagus,” explains Koufman, who is a professor of clinical otolaryngology at New York Medical College. She has seen many reflux cases misdiagnosed as something else. “It’s common for doctors to mistake reflux symptoms of hoarseness, postnasal drip, chronic
The wrong foods can eat us.
throat clearing, trouble in swallowing or sore throat and cough for asthma, sinusitis or allergies.” She adds that heartburn and indigestion are sometimes treated with over-the-counter antacids, which are ineffective for these. Koufman helps her patients, including professional singers, to overcome acid reflux with a two-week detoxification program consisting of a low-acid, low-fat, pH-balanced diet. “For two weeks, avoid acidic foods (nothing below pH 4),” she advises. “Eat fish, poultry, tofu, melons, bananas, oatmeal, whole-grain breads and cereals, mushrooms and green vegetables. Refrain from fried foods, chocolate and soft drinks. Basically, consume nothing out of a bottle or a can, except for water.” She remarks that reflux is definitely curable by following a proper diet, although it can still take up to a year for a person to become totally symptom-free. Noted Integrative Physician Andrew Weil agrees with Koufman’s recommendations. He suggests developing an exercise and relaxation strategy, because stress and anxiety worsen reflux symptoms, as well as increasing fiber intake by eating more whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of purified water. Keep a log to track foods and beverages that worsen symptoms, and avoid alcohol and stimulants like caffeinated beverages and tobacco that irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Weil also suggests ingesting a slippery elm supplement according to label directions, which can help heal irritated digestive tract tissues, and chewing a tablet of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) or taking a half-teaspoon of a DGL supplement powder before meals and at bedtime. Reduce doses after symptoms are under control. “For most people, there is probably a middle road—having an occasional glass of orange juice or soda doesn’t cause reflux disease—but if that’s all you drink day in and day out, it’s likely to create a problem. For people with known reflux disease, a period of ‘acid/pepsin detox’ makes good sense,” concludes Koufman. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit her website ItsAllAboutWe.com for the recorded interview.
wisewords
Relishing Raw Food Supermodel Carol Alt on How Eating Raw Keeps Her Vibrant by Beth Bader the past year, she’s been overseeing the U.S. launch of her skin care line, Raw Essentials.
How has your relationship with food changed over the years, and what role has raw food played?
photo by Jimmy Bruch
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arol Alt characterizes the latest stage of her 30-plus-year career as a “perfect storm of busy,” including the launch of her latest book, Easy Sexy Raw, and her roles in Woody Allen’s film, To Rome with Love, and the HBO documentary, About Face, exploring the relationship between physical appearance and the business of beauty. For
“Raw” seems like an easy diet to prepare, but some of the methods can take time and special equipment. What’s a simple starting point? Using a blender, you can make everything from soup to dessert. Start with things like guacamole, salsa and soups. You can also use a pot and hot water (up to 115 degrees) to warm kelp noodles to add to a blended soup. You can make a mousse from raw chocolate and avocado. Also begin to think of a dehydrator as a crock-pot that works while you’re away. It’s a simple option once you are in the habit of using it. Of course, you’ll want to make all kinds of fresh salads.
How do you maintain your raw food plan when you are eating out or in social settings?
I grew up like other kids on Long Island. Mom cooked spaghetti and macaroni and cheese. Dad would sometimes grill a piece of meat until it was dead a second time. On weekends, we ate pizza or Chinese takeout. I never realized broccoli was green, because overcooking turned it gray. One day, I got sent home from a job because they said I was not in “swimsuit condition.” A friend recommended a physician that specialized in raw food diets, which was the first I’d heard of it. So I tried a raw diet, cold turkey, and felt better immediately. Today I eat raw food as an antiaging agent and natural medicine that makes me healthier; it’s also a filler that makes me less hungry. My holistic lifestyle no longer includes any over-the-counter drugs. These days, my system runs efficiently, like an electric golf cart. When I need to go, I go. When I need to stop and sleep, I sleep. The body can work phenomenally well if we just let it.
I look for foods that I know will be raw. If I have any doubts, I ask the chef. If there’s any question, I just don’t eat it. There’s a bit of discipline in this. You have to eat on a schedule and make sure you are getting the food you need. I may lunch even if I am not hungry, especially when I know I’ll be dining out later. It’s important to make sure you are not feeling deprived and hungry; otherwise you may find yourself craving things like the bread on the table.
Do you ever miss cooked foods and sometimes indulge? My diet is 75 to 95 percent raw. When you eat raw foods, you feel so much better that you don’t want to eat anything else. My one indulgence is munching on popcorn when my favorite sports team plays.
Do you have any final advice on exploring a raw diet? Relax and have fun trying different things. If you cheat, it’s okay. If you feel deprived in any way, go eat. Above all, enjoy the adventure. Beth Bader is the co-author of The Cleaner Plate Club and blogs at CleanerPlateClub.com.
natural awakenings
July 2013
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healthykids
Letting Kids Just Be Kids
They Thrive on Natural, Unstructured Fun by Madeline Levine
Well-meaning attempts to fill a child’s summer with enriching activities may do more harm than good. Why not let kids just be kids?
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Self-initiated and self-directed play otions of summer as endless free means the child is calling the shots and time—to climb trees, chase firelearning what comes naturally. If a child flies, build a fort in the woods, strums a guitar because he loves it, maybe set up a lemonade stand—have that’s play. When being instructed, the been supplanted in many families by child may enjoy the experience, but it’s pricey summer camps or other highly not the same, because the motivation is structured activities. But unstructured at least partly external. play isn’t wasted time; it’s the work of The American childhood, a vehicle for Thinking back to our Academy of Pediatdeveloping a basic set of life skills. Research own best childhood rics recommends that children play outside as published in Early memory, it won’t be much as possible—for Childhood Research & Practice shows that a class or lesson, but at least 60 minutes a day—yet almost half of children that attend the time we were America’s youth rouplay-based rather than tinely aren’t getting any academic preschools allowed to just be. time outside, according become better students. to study findings reported in the Archives Child development expert David of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Elkind, Ph.D., author of The Power of Outdoor play helps combat childhood Play, maintains, “Play is essential to obesity, acquaints them with their larger positive human development.” Various environment and supports coping skills. types teach new concepts and con Every child is different. But as Dr. tribute to skills, including helpful peer Kenneth R. Ginsburg, a professor of relations and ways to deal with stress.
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pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania and a leading expert on resilience, remarks, “Every child needs free, unscheduled time to master his or her environment.” Play is valuable because it miniaturizes the world to a manageable size and primes kids for learning. Consider the complexities involved in a game of chase. Kids develop social skills in organizing and agreeing on rules, and then participate in the physical and creative actions of the actual activity while resolving conflicts or disagreements during its course—providing a foundation for excelling in school and even the business world. Solitary play also provides problem-solving practice. A young girl playing with her dolls may try out different ways of handling the situation if one of them “steals” a treat from the dollhouse cookie jar before tea is served. Because youth haven’t yet developed a capacity for abstract thinking, they learn and discover more about themselves mainly by doing. Developing small self-sufficiencies gives kids a sense of power in a world in which they are, in fact, small and powerless. This is why kids love to imagine dragon-slaying scenarios. Taking risks and being successful in independent play can increase confidence and prepare them to resist peer pressures and stand up to bullying. Given our global challenges, tomorrow’s adults will need the skills developed by such play—innovation, creativity, collaboration and ethical problem solving—more than any preceding generation. A major IBM study of more than 1,500 CEOs from 60 countries and 33 industries in 2010 found that the single most sought-after trait in a CEO is creativity. To survive and thrive, our sense of self must be shaped internally, not externally. We need to learn and focus on what we’re good at and like to do; that’s why it’s vital to have kids try lots of different activities, rather than immersing them full-time in parental preferences and dictated experiences. Leading experts in the field agree that considerable daily, unguided time not devoted to any structured activity facilitates their investment in the emotional energy required to develop their own identities.
In the end, learnIt is this sense of self Most experts agree ing who we are prithat provides a home base—a place to retreat, that kids should have marily takes place not throughout life. more unstructured in the act of doing, but in the quiet spaces be Ultimately, everyfree time than tween things, when we one must rely on their own resources and structured playtime. can reflect upon what we have done and sense of self or they’ll always be looking for ~ Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg who we are. The more of these quiet spaces external direction and families provide for kids, the better. validation. Mental health workers say that produces kids that take unnecesMadeline Levine, Ph.D., a clinical sary risks, have poor coping skills and psychologist and educator in San Franare vulnerable to substance abuse. cisco, CA, is the author of New York Business leaders say such a tendency Times bestsellers, Teach Your Children produces workers that need too much Well and The Price of Privilege. See time, resources and direction to be MadelineLevine.com/category/blogs. really valuable.
Summer Play
Seven Ways to Let a Kid be a Kid by Madeline Levine Why not make summer fun again? Here’s how.
hang out with family and friends.
4 Follow the principle that regular playtime is vital for everyone.
4 Encourage freerange (not pre-packaged), natural and spontaneous play— like a sandbox in the backyard, blocks and impromptu neighborhood soccer games, instead of an amusement park, elaborate toys and soccer camp.
4 Get in touch with our own playfulness. Kids really do model what they see. Present a picture of adulthood that children will want to grow up to emulate. 4 Tell the kids it’ll be a laid-back summer. Ask them to create a fun bucket list of which activities they want to keep... and which they want to toss. Parents may be shocked by what they say they want to quit doing. Sometimes kids do things because we want them to, and somehow we fail to notice their heart hasn’t been in it. 4 Arrange low-key times with friends and family. This may mean turning down some invitations and setting aside an evening as family night. Make sure kids have regular opportunities to just
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4 Make sure children also have total down time for lying in the grass looking at the sky, or sitting on the sidewalk sharing a stick of all-natural gum with a friend. 4 Show trust in giving youngsters some freedom. Choice is the hallmark of true play. Have confidence that when a child is off on his own and enjoying and directing himself in activities he chooses, that is his “job”. The chances are that whatever innocent activities he’s doing of his own free will are better than any “enriching” activity we might impose on him. natural awakenings
July 2013
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Yard Games Memorable Family Fun by Paul Tukey Given their prevalence today, it’s remarkable that video games have been in existence for just 40 years. What has evolved—children spending an average eight to nine sedentary hours per day in front of a video screen—was not part of the inventor’s plan. “It’s sad, in some regards,” says Ralph H. Baer, “the father of video games” who introduced the rudimentary game of Pong in 1972. “I thought we would be helping families bond together in the living room; the opposite has happened.” For those of us that pine for the era when our mothers would send us outside in the morning with a sandwich in a bag and a canteen full of water—with orders not to come inside until dinner time—it’s gratifying to know an old-fashioned childhood need not be committed to memory. Games, the real ones played outdoors, are alive and well. “One of the great things about the games we played is that most of them are free, or one-time, lifetime purchases,” says actress Victoria Rowell, co-author of a book that offers an antidote to the video game revolution, Tag, Toss & Run: 40 Classic Lawn Games. Families can easily find the makings for all sorts of outdoor family fun. Play tug-of-war with any sturdy rope, or take turns swinging two flexible ropes for a spot of double Dutch, a game brought to New York City from Holland by early settlers. A large elastic band becomes a Chinese jump rope. Tree twigs or small branches work for stickball or double ball, a game played by native peoples on this continent hundreds of years before Jamestown or Plymouth Rock. Larger tree limbs can be cut into eight-to-10-inch sections for use in mölkky, a popular Finnish tossing contest that is gaining favor here (move over corn hole). Several games only require a ball, and many more don’t require any apparatus at all. Think of the copycat games such as Follow-the-Leader or Red Light/Green Light, or the Hide ’n Seek games, Fox and Hound, Ghost in the Graveyard and Capture the Flag. They offer as many variations on a theme as they do hours of exercise, communing with nature, conflict resolution and unstructured, untallied play. We’ll never get all the way back to the time when neighborhoods and the games we played were children’s only babysitters, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give it the old college try. Paul Tukey is co-author of Tag, Toss & Run and founder of SafeLawns.org, which includes outdoor games resources.
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There is always a certain peace in being what one is, in being that completely. ~Ugo Betti natural awakenings
July 2013
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greenliving
A Green Night’s Sleep for Travelers Pioneers Show the Way to Eco-Friendly Stays by Avery Mack
W
“
hen your company motto is ‘true to nature’, you have to follow through,” says Tom Tabler, director of sales and marketing for the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. “We look at everything, from the biodegradable ink pens in the guest rooms to the staff’s summer uniform.” Managers’ sport coats consist of lightweight plastic fibers and rubber from recycled materials. “They breathe fine, are comfortable and look great,” Tabler remarks. Hotel construction adhered to eco-friendly practices. A 100-acre bird sanctuary followed the onsite discovery of endangered golden-cheeked warblers. The 36-hole golf course is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program and deemed the most eco-friendly in the United States by the PGA Tour. The hotel’s four pools and a lazy river for tubing honor the region’s dry climate; water reclamation via closed loop natural catchments and rain retention ponds keep guests afloat
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and the golf course green. Also in Texas, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin has a “zero waste” goal, requiring the recycling of 90 percent of all onsite waste. Shadowboxes above trash cans show guests examples of what is and isn’t recyclable, while unused soap and other toiletries are donated to local women’s shelters. “We have placed sufficient containers, so there’s no excuse not to recycle,” says Kerri Holden, senior director of public relations. “In April, we were at
photo courtesy of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
the 70 percent compliance mark. We hope to reach our 90 percent goal by year’s end.” She notes that after management cancelled weekly dumpster service, only one six-by-six-foot trash container remains. Even worn linens become cleaning rags. The saltwater swimming pool uses soda ash, rather than harsher chlorine chemical treatments. Kitchen scraps are composted and become fertilizer for the hotel’s herb and vegetable garden and flowerbeds. Natural compost bags in guest rooms collect banana peels, apple cores and other organic food waste. At the end of the year, guests that composted during their visit receive a thank-you letter and The Nature Conservancy plants a tree in their name in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most endangered tropical forests (PlantABillion.org). Boston’s Colonnade Hotel, built in the 1970s, grows greener with each upgrade. “We replace systems with the greenest possible solutions,” explains Keith Alexander, director of property operations. Guest room windows have been replaced with filmed and insulating twinned panes to save power year-round. Electrolyzed water is now used for cleaning; a higher pH works as a nontoxic degreaser, while a lower pH turns water into a sanitizer, eliminating the need for chemical cleansers and gloves. Next, the hotel plans to install a large commercial dishwasher that will use electrolyzed water instead of chlorine-based cleaners. California’s Cavallo Point Lodge, near San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, opened in Sausalito in 2008 as the newest national park lodge and the only one with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. It was built in the early 1900s to house Fort Baker’s military families. While renovations have enlarged the rooms, wood door framing maintains the rustic appearance and the wood floors are either original or made from repurposed wood. “We learned a lot while updating the lodge,” says General Manager Euan Taylor. “We discovered that the tin ceiling tiles were painted with lead-based paint. Instead of using harsh chemicals, we froze each tile, gave it a slight twist and the paint fell off.” Unsurprisingly, food for the lodge
restaurant and onsite cooking school is purchased from local farmers. In Big Sur, California, the awardwinning Post Ranch Inn specializes in repurposing materials. Wood from old growth redwood wine casks accent walls in guest rooms. Fallen trees become benches dotting walkways. Dinnerware is made from recycled glass and any broken plates are recycled again. The honey used for a special spa facial treatment comes from 18 onsite beehives. Daily updates on energy savings via the Inn’s 208 kW, 990-panel solar power system can be viewed at Tinyurl. com/PostRanchInnMonitor.
photo courtesy of The Resort at the Mountain
Oregon’s The Resort at the Mountain, in Welches, installed an additional 11,000 indigenous plants throughout its 300-acre property in 2009, in the spirit of the nearby Mount Hood National Forest. The mountain is home to the only ski lodge certified by the Sustainable Travel Institute, using United Nations criteria. “We are a base camp for skiers, hikers, off-road bikers and fly fishermen,” says General Manager John Erickson. “Our ‘field to stream’ menu features northwest products and of course, fish.” The resort’s golf course, following the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, uses natural methods for weed control. “We pull them up,” says Erickson. “Wildflowers get to stay where they are.” Golfers and fishermen volunteer to help keep the course in good shape and the water channels clear for salmon and steelhead. From the golf course, visitors can see the salmon swimming upstream. “Most of the fishermen catch and release,” says Erickson. “We want to be good stewards of the land.”
More Sustainable Hotels While many hotels are implementing energy- and water-saving measures and recycling, some are taking even more Earth-friendly steps in their operations and services. Best Western Plus Boulder Inn, in Boulder, Colorado, is solar powered and supplies bicycles for guests. Forty 1° North, in Newport, Rhode Island, provides in-room electronic newspaper delivery via iPads, saving 700 pounds of waste per month. Hyatt at Olive 8, in Seattle, Washington, has an 8,355-square-foot living rooftop that provides an urban habitat for birds, bees and butterflies and reduces storm water runoff to city sewers. The InterContinental New York Times Square has two green rooftops that feature low-maintenance, droughttolerant plants to help regulate the building’s temperature. A resident beehive produced 40 pounds of locally sourced honey in its initial harvest. Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco, in Portland, Oregon, offers guests a 50 percent discount on parking for hybrid cars, plus complimentary electric car charging. Shore Hotel, in Santa Monica, California, offers a Green Concierge program with information on local farmers’ markets, eco-friendly shopping and fair trade espresso spots, plus access to hybrid taxis, bicycles and walking tours.
In the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York, the Hotel Skyler, a former temple and theater, the third hotel in the U.S. and 10th in the world to achieve Platinum LEED certification, is heated by a geothermal gas pump and outfitted with salvaged architecture. Element hotels [in Colorado, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas] offer green kitchens, spa baths, in-room recycle bins, magnetic guest room door signs, electric vehicle chargers, in-room filtered tap water and bikes to borrow. Chicago’s Hotel Felix, built in 1926, has gone so green that even its sculptures are made from reclaimed materials. Houston’s Magnolia Hotel provides bus passes for employees. In Massachusetts, the Inn at Field Farm, in Williamstown, and the Inn at Castle Hill, in Ipswich, are owned by a statewide land trust and nonprofit conservation organization, The Trustees of Reservations. The Omni Hotel, in Dallas, is the largest gold-certified LEED hotel outside Las Vegas. Pennsylvania’s Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia relies on microturbines to provide 100 percent of the daily hot water needs and 15 percent of heating requirements. The W Austin Hotel uses only recyclable containers—no Styrofoam is allowed.
Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the Earth, the air and you. ~Langston Hughes
Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com. natural awakenings
July 2013
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consciouseating
Health Rules Crazy, Sexy, Savvy, Yummy by Judith Fertig
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n summer, when many fruits, herbs and vegetables are at their peak, it makes sense to harness their power for the family’s benefit. “Some people flock to plant-empowered living for better health, others because of their spiritual beliefs, to support animal welfare, respect the environment or best of all, because it tastes great,” says wellness activist Kris Carr, a documentary filmmaker, New York Times bestselling author and the educational force behind KrisCarr.com. Carr joined the wellness revolution after being diagnosed with a rare disease. It proved to be the incentive she needed to change her eating habits and find renewed power and energy. Her new book, Crazy Sexy Kitchen, with recipes by Chef Chad Sarno, celebrates the colors, flavors and powers of plants that nourish us at the cellular level. Her main tenets include a focus on: Reducing inflammation. Inflammation is caused by what we eat, drink, smoke, think (stress), live in (environment), or don’t do well (lack of exercise). At the cellular level, it can lead to allergies, arthritis, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, digestive disorders and cancer, according to Victoria Drake, Ph.D., of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State Univer-
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sity, who culled the latest research (LPI.OregonState.edu/ infocenter/inflammation.html). Creating an acid/alkaline balance. “Tilting the pH scale in the alkaline direction is easy with a diet filled with mineralrich plant foods,” says Carr. It also means minimizing meat, dairy, sugar, eggs, commercially processed foods, coffee and alcohol. Drinking produce. Green juices and green smoothies are ideal. “They are the most important part of my personal daily practice, one that I will never abandon,” Carr notes. Carr and her husband, Brian Fassett, whom she met when he edited her documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, share the juice and smoothie making responsibilities. “We make enough to have two 12-ounce servings of green drinks a day. Our recipes are often guided by what’s available in the fridge,” she advises. The secret is a three-to-one ratio of three veggies for every piece of fruit. Kale reigns in their home. The dark leafy superfood is especially suited for smoothies, salads and sautés. They like kale’s generous helping of vitamin K for maintaining strong bones. Carr’s Crazy Sexy Kale Salad is dressed with vinaigrette that includes flax oil, which she notes is high in omega-3s to promote healthy brain function. It’s also a well-known antiinflammatory food. “Make sure to buy cold-pressed, organic flax oil in a dark bottle and store it in the fridge,” she advises, “because light and heat may turn the oil rancid. I like Barlean’s brand, but there are many other quality flax oils available. Since it is sensitive to heat, I use it mostly in salad dressings and smoothies.” Carr maintains that, “By decreasing the amount of acidic inflammatory foods while increasing the amount of healthy and alkaline plant foods, you flood your body with vitamins, minerals, cancer-fighting phytochemicals, antioxidants and fiber.” This supports the body in maintaining and repairing itself. She further points out, “Once your body repairs, it can renew. That’s big-healer medicine. You might as well get a business card that reads: self-care shaman.” Award-winning cookbook author Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLifestyle.blogspot.com.
Easy Summer Recipes “Many of my recipes have been influenced by cultural experiences, twists on favorite childhood meals or newly discovered ingredients,” says Chef Chad Sarno. “The strawberry smoothie is among Kris Carr’s favorites. Few dishes have proved to be as timeless and widely beloved as the kale salad.”
Strawberry Fields Smoothie
Enjoy the nostalgic tastiness of strawberry milk sans moo juice or powdered junk. Strawberries are phytonutrient factories, supplying the body with a bounty of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients. Yields 2 servings 3 cups cashew or nondairy milk of choice 2 cups fresh strawberries 1 Tbsp lemon zest 1 small orange, peeled 1 banana 1½ cups loosely packed spinach
Crazy Sexy Fridge Foods Each week, Kris Carr stocks her fridge with what she considers “whole, plant-based deliciousness.” One of the biggest secrets of eating healthy, she says, is being prepared. “Always keep a well-stocked arsenal of healthy ingredients at your disposal,” she advises. “At the very least, you’ll always be ready to whip up a green juice or smoothie.” n Canning jars filled with
n Flax oil
n Flax bread
ready-to-drink homemade smoothies and green juices
n Kale, parsley, spinach,
cauliflower, cucumber, bell peppers and citrus fruits
n Vegan buttery spread n Vegan mayonnaise n Raw sauerkraut n Vegan sausages n Cacao powder
Blend all ingredients until smooth in a high-speed blender.
Crazy Sexy Kale Salad
Kale is the king of leafy veggies and rules this prevention-rocks salad. Serve it solo with a favorite cooked grain, or wrapped in nori or a gluten-free tortilla. Crown this kale creation by adding chopped fresh herbs or favorite diced vegetables. To be fancy, serve the salad wrapped in a cucumber slice. Yields 2 to 3 servings 1 bunch kale, any variety, shredded by hand 1 cup diced bell peppers, red, yellow or orange ¼ cup chopped parsley 1½ avocados with pit removed, chopped 2 Tbsp flax oil 1½ tsp lemon juice Sea salt, to taste Pinch of cayenne, to taste 1 cucumber Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Massage and mix using both hands to “wilt” the kale and cream the avocado (takes just a minute or two). Then serve. For a fun touch, cut a thin lengthwise slice of cucumber and create a circle to outline each serving of salad, stitching the ends of the cucumber slice together with a toothpick. Place the salad in the cucumber ring and then serve. Source: Adapted from Crazy Sexy Kitchen: 150 Plant-Empowered Recipes to Ignite a Mouthwatering Revolution, by Kris Carr with Chef Chad Sarno.
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July 2013
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fitbody
Calendar A wonderful resource for filling your workshops, seminars and other events.
WACKY W ORKOUTS More Giggles than Groans by Sandra Murphy
What do bikini-clad gorillas, hoop dancing, aerial silk acrobatics, anti-gravity yoga and Pilates on the water have in common? They are among the most enjoyable ways to burn calories and increase strength.
Two styles available: Calendar of Dated Events: Designed for events on a specific date of the month. 50 words. n
Calendar of Ongoing Events: Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week. 25 words. n
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On the Run
In Mankato, Minnesota, runners and walkers dressed like gorillas, many embellished with bikinis, tutus and football jerseys, take part in the annual Gorilla Run to benefit the nonprofit North Mankato Miracle League and Fallenstein Field, a fully accessible softball field for children with mental or physical challenges. This year, a local DJ dressed as a banana led the pack of 600 gorillas through the 2.4-mile course, raising $30,000. Next April, pro athletes and other volunteers will again pitch in to set the pace for other cities that want to ape their act. Travis Snyder’s family-friendly Color Run, founded in Draper, Utah, and launched in Tempe, Arizona, in early 2012, has caught on in more than 100 U.S. cities as a way for novice runners to have a stress-free, untimed, fun day. Sixty percent of the participants have never
run a 5K (three-plus miles) race before. Staff and volunteers throw brightly colored cornstarch on the runners at regular intervals, making the finish line a virtual rainbow. The larger runs boast thousands of participants. There are only two rules: wear a white shirt at the starting line and finish plastered in color.
On the Water
For anyone looking for a unique water workout, Tatiana Lovechenko, founder of Fort Lauderdale Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), has an answer. “We have paddleboard boot camps and sunrise and sunset tours, on the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway, based on conditions. Safe and eco-friendly LED lights, our latest innovation, let us see the fish below and make sure boats see us at night.” Their SUP manatee tour is particularly popular. “This endangered species congregates in less-traveled waterways.
They often come up out of the water to look at us,” says Lovechenko. “We’re not allowed to touch them and must stay alert in case they bump the boards and dump us into the water. They’re gentle, but immense.” If basic SUP isn’t enough, onboard yoga or Pilates can be added. “It’s easy on the joints for those with knee or ankle problems,” Lovechenko advises. Regardless of the level of experience, “Yoga paddleboarding naturally calls for a calm mind, steady breathing and attention to balance. With Pilates, working out on a board in water that’s 10 to 20 feet deep activates a different set of muscles.”
ments (Tinyurl.com/Hoopnotica Lessons). Instructional DVDs and classes are available to revive and enhance childhood hooping abilities. “Hooping spans genres from classical to hip-hop, tribal to lyrical, depending on who’s spinning the hoop and what’s spinning on the turntable,” says Jacqui Becker, Hoopnotica’s director of content development and lead master trainer, in Brooklyn, New York. “When I carry a hoop around town, people light up. It’s like walking a puppy, but an even better workout, with no cleanup.”
Dancing in Air
Dancing on Land
Hoopnotica, on a roll here and in Europe, reintroduces play into physical fitness with fresh, fun, expressive move-
Aerial silk classes take exercising to new heights. Cirque du Soleil-style and more elegant than rope climbing, students don’t have to be in peak shape to start. “Just show up and want to learn,” says international performing aerialist Laura Witwer, who teaches how to climb fabric attached to steel rigging 16 to 25 feet high in New York City spaces. “We work close to the floor for beginners,” she explains. “They learn to climb, then to hang upside-down, and then tie knots. We’ve had all body sizes, shapes and ages in
class; it’s a great way to stretch and add strength.” Yoga can also take to the air with anti-gravity classes that position participants in fabric slings or hammocks that relax joints and help the body realign itself. Christopher Harrison, founder and artistic director of AntiGravity Yoga, in New York City, is a former worldclass gymnast and professional dancer on Broadway, two professions that are tough on the body. “As an aging athlete whose passion continued, but whose body had been ripped apart by numerous surgeries, yoga healed and rejuvenated my mind and body,” he remarks. “In order to take pressure off the joints, I took my performance company from tumbling off the ground to hanging up into the air by inventing apparatus that allowed us to fly.” Whether by land, sea or air, adventurous souls are discovering new ways to recharge mind, spirit and body. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StlSandy@MindSpring.com.
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naturalpet
Pet Food Perils Lurking GMOs May Hurt Our Pets by Dr. Michael W. Fox
L
ike a canary in a coal mine, dogs serve as sentinels, drawing our attention to health hazards in our shared home environment and in the products and byproducts of the food industry.
Multiple Health Issues
In the mid-1990s, as genetically engineered or modified (GE, GM or GMO), corn and soy were becoming increasingly prominent ingredients in both pet food products and feed for farm animals, the number of dogs reported suffering from a specific cluster of health problems increased. It also became evident from discussion among veterinarians and dog owners that such health problems occurred more often among dogs eating pet food that included GM crops than those consuming food produced from conventional crops. The conditions most cited included allergies, asthma, atopic (severe) dermatitis and other skin problems, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, recurrent diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion, plus abnormalities in liver, pancreas and immune system functions. People often reported failed treatments and harmful side effects to prescribed 32
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logical, biochemical and immunologic parameters,”concluded Artemis Dona and Ioannis S. Arvanitoyannis, of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the University of Athens Medical School, in their 2009 study on the effect of GM foods on animals. Such problems are caused partly by the inherent genetic instability of GM plants, which can result in spontaneous and unpredictable mutations (Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews). DNA in GM foods is altered by the genetic engineering process; it can be incorporated by gut bacteria and may alter their behavior and ecology in the digestive tract. Likewise, when digestive bacteria incorporate material from antibiotic-
“Look first for the USDA Certified Organic label. Next, look for other words and terms on the package indicating it comprises natural, humane, free-range, grass-fed and GM- or GE-free ingredients. Watch out for chemical preservatives, artificial coloring, byproducts, GMOs, irradiation/radioisotope treatment, hormones and antibiotics. In short, seek out whole organic foods appropriate to the species.” ~ Dr. Michael Fox remedies (e.g. steroids), as well as problems with various manufactured prescription diets after their attending veterinarians diagnosed their animals with these conditions. According to a 2011 study in the journal Cell Research, in engineering crops like corn and soybean, novel proteins are created that can assault the immune system and cause allergies and illnesses, especially in the offspring of mothers fed GMO foods. Diminished nutrient content is a concurrent issue. “The results of most of the few independent studies conducted with GM foods indicate that they may cause hepatic, pancreatic, renal and reproductive effects and may alter hemato-
resistant genes, engineered into patented GM foods crops to identify them, it could have serious health implications, according to Jeffrey M. Smith in his book, Genetic Roulette, and Terje Traavik and Jack Heinemann, co-authors of Genetic Engineering and Omitted Health Research.
What Pet Owners Can Do Look for pet foods that are free of GM corn and soy, and/or organically certified. Pet food manufacturers that use U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic ingredients—and especially those that don’t use corn, soy, canola, cotton byproducts (oil and cake) or sugar beet, which are
inspiration more commonly genetically engineered, or imported rice, which can have GM strains—can legitimately claim “No GMO Ingredients” on their packaging. Information, plus tips on avoiding hidden GMO ingredients are available at NonGMOShoppingGuide.com. Many websites also provide recipes for home-prepared diets for companion animals, including DogCatHome PreparedDiet.com. Let responsible pet food manufacturers know of consumers’ concerns and heed Hippocrates’ advice to let our food be our medicine and our medicine be our food. Enlightened citizen action is an integral part of the necessary revolution in natural agriculture aimed at promoting more ecologically sound, sustainable and humane farming practices, a healthier environment and more healthful, wholesome and affordable food for us and our canine companions. Michael Fox, author of Healing Animals & the Vision of One Health, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees in medicine and animal behavior. Find GMOfree pet food brands and learn more at DrFoxVet.com.
Savor Summer Revel in Blissful Indulgences by April Thompson
F
rom freshly picked cherries to moonlit hikes, summer offers endless free gifts. Its lingering daylight reminds us to step outside, take a deep breath and savor life’s simple joys. “Summer is a time to enjoy the small things in life, which are often the sweetest,” counsels Janet Luhrs, author of The Simple Living Guide and founder of the online Simplicity School (Simplicity Journey.com). “Kids do this instinctively, like seeing who can throw a rock furtherest into the water. I’m happy just having a simple backyard dinner with friends, reading a book in a city park or paddling a canoe.” Here are some summer classics to expand our own “to savor” list. Feast on Earth’s bounty. Make the most of summer’s cornucopia of candysweet berries, rainbow-colored heirloom tomatoes and other natural treats abounding at local farmers’ markets. Get wet. Go skinny-dipping in a hidden creek, run through sprinklers in shorts or swimsuit or round up the neighborhood kids for a trip to a local water park, lake or public pool. Water games like Marco Polo and underwater tea parties never grow old, even for grown-ups. Commune with creatures. Who can resist the winking lightning bugs, flickering dragonflies and songs of an evening insect chorus? Summer immerses us in nature. See how many animals that eagle-eyed friends and family members can spot during visits to area parks and preserves. Read by sunlight. The pleasure of reading heightens with natural light and fresh air. Pick an easy read to take to the beach or a hammock with sunglasses and a glass of herbal sun tea. Celebrate community. ‘Tis the season for free local festivals, picnic con-
certs, open-air movies and state fairs. Invite a friend or make a Dutch treat of it, even organize an informal potlatch block party. Take a day trip. Consider the healthy dose of activities that exist close to home. Delightful discoveries await the curious when traveling by local waterway, walking trail or bicycle path. Map a flexible route, allowing ample time for unexpected stops. Try something new. Summer is a chance to be adventurous. Step into a bright, pastel shirt or tropical sundress, and then revel in the compliments. Move from an indoor exercise routine to a free yoga class in a shady park and test ride a standup paddleboard. Look up. Summer skies offer more drama than daytime TV. Perch on the porch at sunrise, sunset or before a thunderstorm rolls in. On a clear calm night, lie back on a blanket and trace constellations while watching for shooting stars and meteor showers. Capture memories. Gather a pocketful of seashells, press wildflowers from special spots, make breadand-butter pickles from the garden and print favorite snapshots to spark happy summer memories any time of the year. Do nothing. In the midst of so many marvelous options, we can also give ourselves permission to cancel our own plans on a whim and just do nothing. Simple daydreaming can lead to good ideas and inner rhapsodies. Summer is the best time to just be. “Try to not to plan more than one thing in a day this summer,” advises Luhrs. “Otherwise, you’ll end up cutting short activities to rush off to the next thing instead of enjoying what’s already in front of you.” Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
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calendarofevents
NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@NAMercer.com for guidelines and to submit entries.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
markyourcalendar Nutrition for Children Making healthy food choices is a life-long habit that should begin in childhood. Jane Schwartz, RD, Outpatient & Community Education Dietitian with University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro’s Nutrition Program, will lead this fun and educational nutrition lesson for children ages 6-10, accompanied by a parent.
TUESDAY, JULY 2 Heart Saver AED – 9am-12:30pm. The Heart saver AED course teaches CPR, automated external defibrillation (AED) use, relief of choking in adults, children and infants; and use of barrier devices for all ages. Course is for those who have a duty to respond to a cardiac emergency because of job responsibilities or regulatory requirements. Includes a skills test. Cost $60. PHCS Community Education & Outreach, Alexander Rd, Ste 103, Princeton. 888-897-8979.
July 10 • 10-11am Free Lawrenceville Library 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville
Self Defense For Women – 6-9pm. R.A.D. WomenTM is a national self-defense course for women that combine realistic classroom learning with physical defense tactics and risk-reduction strategies. Cost $50. YMCA John K. Rafferty Branch, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd, Ste 100, Hamilton. 609-581-9622.
radKIDS – 12:30-1:30pm. See July 8 listing. Princeton.
THURSDAY, JULY 4
THURSDAY, JULY 11
609-882-9246
Happy Independence Day! See page 9 for firework display schedule. Jubilee at Morven Museum & Garden – 12-3pm. Independence Day celebration. Sign the Declaration of Independence, and partake in colonial songs and ballads. Live music performed by the Riverside Bluegrass Band and refreshments by Oink & Moo BBQ. Admission free. 55 Stockton St, Princeton. 609-924-8144x106.
SATURDAY, JULY 6 Blueberry Bash – 10am-7pm. Celebrate “everything blueberry.” Wander through Pick-Your-Own blueberry bushes, picking a container to take home. Wagon rides, pony rides, children’s games, face painting, music and lots of tasty blueberry treats— blueberry muffins, blueberry cobbler, blueberry tea and blueberry salsa. Admission FREE. Terhune Orchard. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609-924-2310.
SUNDAY, JULY 7 Blueberry Bash – 10am-7pm. See July 6 listing. Princeton.
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MONDAY, JULY 8 radKIDS – 12:30-1:30pm. National program designed to provide children with hope, options and practical skills to recognize, avoid, and, if necessary, escape violence and abuse. radKIDS® is a five-session, activity-based program that includes lectures, safety drills, muscle memory exercises and physical defense techniques. Cost $50. Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center, Princeton North Shopping Center, 1225 State Rd, Princeton. 609-683-7888.
TUESDAY, JULY 9 Tiny Tot Walk – 10-11am. Join Naturalist Pam Newitt for an outdoor exploration of the natural world – enjoy songs, stories, a simple craft and a snack. All children must be walking and accompanied by an adult. Come dressed for the out-of-doors –always take a walk outside on trails. Cost $7/10, member/ non-member. Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Read and Pick Program: Blueberries – 9:30 and 11am. Parents and young children (ages preschool to 8 years) are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about blueberries. Reading two books about berries then everyone will pick own small container of blueberries. Cost $7/child. Staff will explain how blueberries grow and how they should be picked. Pre-registration is requested. Terhune Orchard. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609-924-2310. radKIDS – 12:30-1:30pm. See July 8 listing. Princeton. Self Defense For Women – 6-9pm. See July 2 listing. Hamilton.
Healthy Living Discussion Group – 9:30am. Finding the path to your best health can be a challenging process, amidst competing medical, dietary, environmental and cultural theories. The Whole Earth Center is now pleased to support your wellbeing, by hosting Healthy Living Discussion Groups. Space limited. 360 Nassau St, Princeton. Call 609-924-7429. radKIDS – 12:30-1:30pm. See July 8 listing. Princeton. Sweet and Salty, Reduction in Diet – 6:308:30pm. Free. A chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease often requires a change in diet, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo flavor. Jane Schwartz, RD, Outpatient & Community Education Dietitian with University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro Nutrition Program, will demonstrate simple ways to use fresh herbs, spices and natural sweeteners to enhance flavors without relying on sugar or salt. YMCA John K. Rafferty Branch, 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd, Ste 100, Hamilton. 609-581-9622. Summer Exhibition Party – 5:30-8:30pm. Evening of music, refreshments, and family-friendly activities to celebrate the opening of the summer exhibition. Princeton University Arts Museum, McCormick Hall, Princeton. 609-258-3788. Exploring Greenway Meadows – 6:30-8:30pm. Join Jeff Hoagland for this annual family picnic and stream exploration of the Stony Brook on the property of D&R Greenway Land Trust. Bring your picnic dinner to enjoy on the terrace (drinks and dessert provided) and then explore the brook. Bring shoes for walking in shallow water. Cost $ 5/person. This program does not meet on the Watershed Reserve. RSVP by calling 609-924-4646.
FRIDAY, JULY 12 radKIDS – 12:30-1:30pm. See July 8 listing. Princeton.
SATURDAY, JULY 13 Free Health Screenings – 9am-1pm. Princeton HealthCare System is proud to participate in the West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market. Health professionals will offer free health screenings and information to area residents. West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market, Princeton Junction Train Station, Vaughn Drive Parking Lot (Alexander Road & Vaughn Drive), Princeton Junction.
markyourcalendar 4th Annual Fairy Festival Celebrate the return of Rainbow Fairies, Woodland Fairies and Forest Elves to the Watershed Reserve. Dance around a maypole, create magical crafts, construct villages along the Fairy Trail and play in the stream with the Water Sprites. You are invited to wear your fairy finery!
July 13 • 10:30am-1pm Cost: $5/15, person/family Registration requested, but not required. Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington
609-737-7592 Rutgers Gardens Tour – 2-3pm. Free. Come see what is new at Rutgers Gardens on this introductory tour lead by our volunteer docents. Highlights include the Bamboo Forest, the Rain Garden and the Donald B. Lacey Display Garden. Rutgers Gardens, Hort Farm, 130 Log Cabin Rd, New Brunswick. 732-932-8451. Evening Hayrides – 5-8pm. Free. Howell Living History Farm, 101 Hunter Rd, Titusville. Info: 609-737-3299.
SUNDAY, JULY 14 Dinner on Blue Moon Acres Farm – 5pm. Join Blue Moon Acres with Scott Anderson of Elements Restaurant in Princeton for a dinner on the farm. Locally produced beer and wine, live music, farm tour, and five-star meal using certified organic produce and variety of local foods. Cost $125/person. Portion of profits benefit Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Blue Moon Acres Farm, 11 Willow Creek Dr, Pennington. 609-737-8333.
TUESDAY, JULY 16 Self Defense For Women – 6-9pm. See July 2 listing. Hamilton. Exploring the Night: Bats at Dusk – 8pm. Join nocturnal naturalist Jeff Hoagland for an evening investigation of the world of bats, including a bat count of one of the colonies that resides on the Watershed Reserve. Cost $5/8, member/non-member 5 years and older. Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
markyourcalendar A Midsummer Night in the Garden Participate in an evening stroll through the Mercer Educational Gardens. Visit a variety of gardens where Master Gardeners will share tips and techniques used to keep the gardens beautiful all summer long.
July 17 • 7-8:30pm Cost: $3 donation requested Mercer Educational Gardens 431A Federal City Rd, Pennington
609-989-6830 Pontoon Boat Nature Tour – 1-2:30pm. Mercer County Lake, Mercer County Park. Join experienced naturalist and marina staff for Pontoon boat nature tour. Cost $10/5, Adults/Seniors and children under 12. 609-448-4004.
THURSDAY, JULY 18 Pontoon Boat Nature Tour – 1-2:30pm. Mercer County Lake, Mercer County Park. Join experienced naturalist and marina staff for Pontoon boat nature tour. Cost $10/5, Adults/Seniors and children under 12. 609-448-4004.
FRIDAY, JULY 19 Kayak Tour Mercer Lake – 9:30-11:30am and 1-2:30pm. The lake is home to many native plants and wildlife; Great Blue Herons, Double-crested Cormorants, and aquatic turtles are common on the lake, and Bald Eagles, Osprey and beaver are occasionally sighted. Join Tyler Christensen for a kayak tour of Mercer Lake. Registration required, cost $16/person. 609-303-0706.
SATURDAY, JULY 20 The Life of Trees: Painting and Sculpting Workshop – 10am-3:30pm. Explore how trees have been a central theme in artwork over the ages. Susan Hoenig, instructor at the Arts Council of Princeton, will lead an all-day mixed media workshop. Participants will be instructed on how to create 2D and 3D depictions of trees, as well as guided on a short hike of the Watershed Reserve trails with a Naturalist. Participants should bring a bag lunch and refillable water bottle. Cost $45/60, member/non-member. Register 609-924-8777. Stony Brook-MillstoneWatershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. Evening Hayrides – 5-8pm. Free. Howell Living History Farm, 101 Hunter Rd, Titusville. Info: 609-737-3299.
TUESDAY, JULY 23 Read and Pick Program: Flowers – 9:30 and 11am. Parents and young children (ages preschool to 8 years) are welcome to celebrate everything wonderful about Flowers. Reading two books about flowers, gardens and insects. Everyone will pick own bunch of flowers. Cost $7/child. Terhune Orchard. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609-924-2310.
Butterfly Tea Party – 10:30am-12pm. You are invited for tea with the butterflies of the Watershed Reserve. Learn how and why butterflies are drinking sweet “tea” from flowers. We begin by learning more about butterflies, and then try to catch them with a net for a close up look at their beautiful, but fragile, bodies. Cost $8/12, member/non-member, 3 and up. Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592. Self Defense For Women – 6-9pm. See July 2 listing. Hamilton.
SATURDAY, JULY 27 Into the Night, A Nocturnal Geocache Event – 8pm. Enjoy the fun of geocaching under the stars. Use your GPS and flashlight to navigate through the night to our rendezvous around a fire for some summer refreshments. Adults only please, no children. No pets or alcoholic beverages. Call 609-737-7592, Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington.
MONDAY, JULY 29 Future Farmer Gardening Camp – 9am-3:30pm (M-F). For children ages 8-12 to experience a week of summer gardening camp on the farm. Two identical one-week sessions focus of hands on farming – how the environment impacts farming, how the farmer and nature work together to grow healthy crops and more. Gardening topics will include garden preparation and planting, tool safety, weeding, watering, plant types and harvesting. Terhune Orchard. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton. 609-924-2310.
TUESDAY, JULY 30 Future Farmer Gardening Camp – 9am-3:30pm. See July 29 listing. Princeton.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 Future Farmer Gardening Camp – 9am-3:30pm. See July 29 listing. Princeton. The Edge of Darkness – 7-8:30pm. Join Education Director Jeff Hoagland on an evening walk at the Mountain Lakes Preserve in Princeton to explore the wonders of the natural world during dusk on a summer evening. Discover the intersection between the diurnal and nocturnal worlds as we observe feeding fish and bats as well as singing insects. Bring a picnic meal to enjoy on the terrace at Mountain Lakes House before our walk. Stony Brook-Millstone-Watershed Reserve, 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington. 609-737-7592.
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ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Calendar@NAMercer.com for guidelines and to submit entries.
Discover the Serenity of T’ai Chi Chih – 9-10am. Joy through movement class (six weeks). Need better balance, concerned about high blood pressure, Quality sleep a challenge? Join us for an outdoor class and ask about our other locations. Paradise, 139 Bordentown-Georgetown Rd, Chesterfield. To register call Siobhan at 609-752-1048 or email Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesLLC.com.
daily Trenton Farmers’ Market – 9am-6pm, Tues-Sat; 10am-4pm, Sun. Closed Mondays. Local specialties, vegetables, organic food, fruits and crafts. 960 Spruce St, Trenton. 609-695-2998.
Breastfeeding Support Group – 11am-12pm. Expectant parents will learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, positioning, nutrition, pumping and avoiding common problems. Facilitated by Lactation Consultant. Free. PHC Community Education & Outreach Program, 731 Alexander Rd, Ste 3, Princeton. 888-897-8979.
sunday Hatha Karma Yoga – 8-9am. Donation class. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963. Gentle Yoga – 10-11:15am. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609918-0963.
monday Rise to the Task Free Dinner – 4-5:30pm. Free community dinner. First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, 320 N Main St, Hightstown. For more info contact Rise office at 609-443-4464. Breast Cancer Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 3rd Tues. No registration required walk-ins welcome. UMCP Breast Health Center, 300B PrincetonHightstown Rd, East Windsor Medical Commons 2, East Windsor.
wednesday Bright Beginnings – 10:30-11:30am. This informative, relaxed group is for parents and caregivers of infants. Each week focuses on a different topic of interest to new parents, and guest speakers are occasionally featured. Infants and children under 4 years of age are welcome to attend with the parent or caregiver. $5 payable at door. Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center, Princeton North Shopping Center, 1225 State Rd, Princeton. 609-683-7888. Pre-Natal Yoga – 11am. Led by Leslie Hadley. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963.
friday
saturday
thursday 4 Mom’s Networking Hour – 1-2pm. Weekly parenting topics with RWJ Hamilton experts and sharing with other moms. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. 609-584-5900. CPAP Workshop – 6pm. 3rd Thurs. Free workshop provided by the Sleep Care Center for patients with sleep disorders. A respiratory therapist will provide CPAP education, adjust CPAP pressures, refit masks and discuss the importance of CPAP/BiPAP usage. RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. 609-584-6681. Adult Martial Arts: Bruce Lee’s Art – 6:30pm. Jeet Kune Do/Jun Fan Gung Fu is the training methods and techniques originally developed by Bruce Lee. Jeet Kune Do incorporates four ranges of defense: kicking, punching, trapping hands and joint locking/grappling. Princeton Academy of Martial Arts, 14 Farber Rd, Princeton. Call to schedule a free individual lesson: 609-452-2208. Meditation Group – 6:45-8:15pm. Free. This group consists of mutually supporting students of meditation, who are willing to share their practice and pursue their wellness without a “teacher.” Lawrence Community Center, 295 Eggerts Crossing Rd., Lawrenceville. Info: Nobo Komogata 609-403-2383, email mfs1@insi2.org or mfs.insi2.org/meditation. Energy Work Share – 7-9pm. Third Thursday of month. Provides a place to practice giving and receiving. No experience necessary. Cost $10. RSVP. Rosemary & Om, 88 Orchard Rd, Ste 26, Skillman. Call 732-939-4471, email RosemaryandOm@ yahoo.com, visit RosemaryandOm.com. T’ai Chi Classes – 7:30-9:45pm. $15/class, dropin welcome. Led by Frank Malinowski. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963.
Pre-Natal Yoga – 11am. Led by Leslie Hadley. One Yoga & Wellness Center, 405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor. Info: 609-918-0963. Soup Kitchen – 4:30-6pm. 3rd Sat. Volunteers arrive at 3pm. Free hot meal served. VFW Post 5700, 140 Dutch Neck Rd, Hightstown. Information: Adrenne 609-336-7260. SPOT (Safe Place for our Tweens) – 7-10pm. 1st Sat. Allows 9-12-year-old youngsters to “hang out” at the YMCA under the supervision of trained YMCA staff. Basketball, indoor soccer, music, karaoke, swimming, access to the wellness center, video games in our Youth Interactive Center and the snack stand are offered. A Hamilton Area YMCA Membership is not required for participation. Dress comfortably for the activities you wish to participate in. 1315 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd, Hamilton. 609-581-9622 x 21103.
classifieds To place a Classified Listing, email listing to LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com. Must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Pre-pay $1/word, 20-word minimum. FOR RENT WELLNESS CENTER RENTAL SPACE – Rental space available in Princeton Wellness hub, the Wellness Loft, located next to Whole Earth Center. Great downtown spot, parking, clean, bright, and beautiful. Ideal for therapist, bodyworkers, etc. Join our team of Chiropractors, Hypnotist, Reflexologist, Massage therapist and more. Contact Dr. Jodi Dinnerman at 908-399-3499.
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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To be included, email LDBeveridge@NAMercer.com or call 609-249-9044 to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE Jim Slaymaker, L.Ac
405 Rte 130 N, East Windsor 609-616-2281 Jim@Acupuncture2Heal.com Acupuncture2Heal.com Schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how Traditional Chinese Medicine can safely and effectively relieve chronic pain and stress, restore sleep, boost energy, promote healthy digestion, and support OBGYN issues. Experienced Practitioner since 2004. See ad, page 11.
BODYWORK Siobhan Hutchinson, MA
Holistic Health Practitioner 609-752-1048 NextStepStrategiesllc.com Siobhan@NextStepStrategiesllc.com Enhance balance of Body/Mind/ Spirit through T’ai Chi Chih, Seijaku, Qigong, Reiki and Donna Eden Energy. Clients can choose classes or personalized one-onone sessions for deep relaxation and reducing the effects of stress.
ENERGY WORK Rosemary & Om AromaCare & Energy Work
Relax Naturally... Live Peacefully... Ranessa Porter, Integrated Energy Therapy Master-Instructor and Reiki Practitioner 732-939-4471 RosemaryAndOm.com
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
Trudy Ringwald Country Herbalist & Certified Reboundologist 553 Rte 130 N, East Windsor 1100 Rte 33, Hamilton 609-448-4885/609-586-6187 BlackForestAcres.Net Two locations for the natural connection to live well and eat right. Natural and organic foods, vitamins, supplements, groceries and most important, free consultation.
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.
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 24.
Johnson Chiropractic Center
MUSIC THERAPY
Dr. Johnson uses a whole person approach to wellness looking for underlying causes of any disturbance or disruption and makes whatever interventions and lifestyle adjustments that would optimize the conditions for normal function, accelerating or maintaining your journey to good health.
BLACK FOREST ACRES
A nurturing space to blissfully, naturally and easily achieve peace, wellness, vitality and joy. Combining soothing scents and power of essential oils with warm, comforting currents of energy work to bolster your lifeforce energy; easing physical pain, shift heavy emotions, relieve stress and even release karma with AromaCare and Energy Work.
CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Adam Johnson 315 Forsgate Drive, Monroe 732-521-0679 JohnsonChiroCenter.com
NATURAL SERVICES
NoteAble Measures Music Therapy, LLC 114 Straube Center Blvd Suite K-1, 10, Box H-12, Pennington Info@NoteAbleMeasures.com NoteAbleMeasures.com
YOGA Higher Power Yoga Studio 439 S Broad St, Trenton 101 S Warren St, Trenton 609-789-8188 HigherPowerYoga.net
Providing music therapy services to people who wish to use music as a means to maintain health and wellness, or for those who need extra support.
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Two locations offering drop-in classes suitable for all levels and private lessons. Classes and workshops include Yoga Basics, Natural Beauty, Meditation and Continuing Education for Yoga Teachers.
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