March 2017 by Nicole Miale

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

EAT FOR WELLNESS

P L A N E T

FREE

How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

Thumbs-Up

ON FATS Good Fats Boost Brain Health and Metabolism

HOLISTIC EYE CARE Soothing Remedies for Pet Allergies March 2017 | Greater Hartford County Edition | www.NAHRT.com natural awakenings March 2017

Tired of being OVER medicated,

OVER fatigued, OVER weight? Then your immune system needs our help. Proven Results Restore your health with a customized wellness program delivering a 95% success rate. Strengthen your immune system and rediscover your youth while losing weight, regaining your energy, and enjoying clearer skin. Reduce or eliminate your prescription medications and live a life free of pharmaceuticals.

before

after

“I am 74 years old, 5’5”, in less than 8 months I lost over 50 pounds of body fat and am back to my high school weight and no longer need blood pressure medication. Now I have the energy and vitality that I had lost through the years.” ~ Louida West Hartford, CT Southwick, MA Easthampton, MA

Experienced Professionals The professionals at Alternative Health know personally about health struggles and have transformed their own lives and health with this same program. They’ll provide you with the daily support and encouragement you need to quickly feel the difference as your body begins healing itself naturally.

CALL 860-218-2838 TODAY to schedule your 90 minute consultation to determine your health needs.

A $120 VALUE

% SUCCESS RATE!

Yoga - Feel Younger Today Your Body Will Thank You. As a regular part of your life, yoga will keep you feeling young and healthy with increased flexibility, better balance, improved strength, relief from chronic pain and a more active life.

Your Heart and Soul Will Too. Yoga also provides

stress relief and a deeper self-awareness for increased mental focus, lowered blood pressure, reduced emotional eating and a more joyful life.

NEW STUDENT INTRO Unlimited classes for 30 days

YogaCenterCollinsville.com/young

10 Front Street, Collinsville (Canton) Located in historic, downtown village across from LaSalle Market 2

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

natural awakenings

March 2017

letterfrompublisher A positive difference in hunger, cravings and energy levels when gluten is eliminated indicates a condition of gluten intolerance. ~ Fiona McCulloch, Naturopathic Doctor contact us

Publisher Shawn Cole Publisher@NAHRT.com Editorial and Design Alison Chabonais Gina Croteau Stephen Gray Blancet Steve Hagewood Erica Mills Julie Peterson Linda Sechrist Kathy Zygmont Advertising and Marketing 860-507-6392 Ads@NAHRT.com Customer Service Hotlines Phone: 860-507-6392 Fax: 860-357-6034 Website: www.NAHRT.com

© 2017 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.

ood. It’s in everything we eat. The fuel for our body forms much of our biochemistry. But not all fuel is created equal. Many times, the real food is adulterated with other substances, which are commonly added during farming, processing and even cooking. I don’t know a single person that doesn’t struggle to make healthy food choices every day. Looking at myself, I know very clearly what I should and should not be eating (and drinking.) The rub is that knowing doesn’t seem to make it any easier to make the right choices every time. And boy, making the wrong choices too often can have a huge impact on health and happiness. This month we dive into one area that has been gaining attention among health professionals – food sensitivity and intolerance. Whether food sensitivities are affecting more people or whether medical practitioners are now recognizing them more often is not certain. But there is growing acceptance that food issues can affect our overall physical, mental and emotional health. A condition called leaky gut has been getting a lot of attention in recent years as a leading suspect of food sensitivity. Experts don’t yet agree on the cause, but it seems to be due to certain chemicals (such as pesticides) or perhaps other compounds in the food we eat that the body doesn’t like. With leaky gut, the body’s immune response is triggered when food particles “leak” past the intestine, which sets off a chain reaction of possible symptoms. If you suffer from recurring symptoms that include upset stomach, pour digestion, low energy, headaches and even strong food cravings, you may be experiencing one or more food sensitivities or intolerances. If so be sure to check out “Fearless Eating” and “Eliminate Three Common Food Sensitivities” to learn more along with how and where to get help. Each month in Natural Awakenings, there are many local naturopathic doctors, clinical nutritionists, registered dieticians and other integrative health professionals who can help. As we head into spring, it’s a fantastic time to begin adjusting your diet and activities. In the Ayurvedic system of health, spring heralds the Kapha season. According the ancient wisdom, there are things we can do to prepare for the change in the season – from what we eat to our daily routines. If you’re interested in delving into Ayurveda and the Doshas that govern our bodies, check out any of the upcoming workshops and retreats scheduled at Yoga Center of Collinsville, Journey of Yoga in Simsbury or any other neighborhood yoga studio offering programs on Ayurveda. Naturally Yours,

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

contents 10 6 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 12 globalbriefs 13 ecotip

19 naturalpet 20 consciouseating 22 healthykids

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

14 FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past Food Sensitivities by Kathleen Barnes

18 ELIMINATE THREE COMMON FOOD SENSITIVITIES

24 healingways

Then Listen to What

25 wisewords

by Holly J. Niles

26 calendar 30 resourceguide 31 classifieds

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings please contact our sales team: Ads@NAHRT.com or 860-507-6392 Our Fax is 860-357-6034 Due dates for ads: the 12th of the month prior to publication

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Submit articles, news items and ideas to Editor@NAHRT.com or call 860-986-6073 Due dates for editorial: the 5th of the month prior to publication

Your Body Tells You

19 NATURAL REMEDIES

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

www.nahrt.com

FOR ITCHY PETS Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies by Sandra Murphy

20 THUMBS-UP ON FATS Good Fat Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Make Us Fat by Judith Fertig

22 SILENCING

CYBERBULLIES

How to Defuse Bad Actors by April Thompson

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit ALL Calendar Events on our website at www.NAHRT.com. Due dates for the calendar: the 10th of the month prior to publication.

24 HOLISTIC EYE CARE Taking the Whole Body into Account by Linda Sechrist

25 DR. JOSEPH MERCOLA On Simple Steps To Well-Being by Judith Fertig natural awakenings

24 March 2017

newsbriefs New Holistic Health Center Seeks and Connects Natural Healers

Greater Vernon Healthfest

op healing practitioners are joining together to create a new holistic health center. The new Bridge Healing Arts Center (BHAC) in Farmington brings together naturopaths, energy healers, acupuncturists, yoga instructors, massage therapists, nutritionists and others specialists. Practitioners of the healing arts are invited to explore this location to grow or launch their practice at an exclusive sneak peek Open House on Thursday, March 23rd from 4 to 8 p.m. “Practitioners of the healing arts understand that a person is made up of interdependent parts that all need to work in harmony,” said Yisroel Rabinowitz, owner of Universal Enterprise LLC and founder of BHAC. “Similarly, independent providers can now synergize with other specialists in the same building to offer patients a comprehensive and convenient treatment plan.” The center’s 8,000 square foot complex is situated on a beautiful and serene seven-acre campus in the Farmington Valley, easily accessible from I-84 near the intersection of Routes 6 and 10. Practitioners can lease any size office suite to fit their needs. The center creates a sanctuary for both practitioners and patients with separate suites, a commercial kitchen, a video recording studio and modern common areas all in a picturesque setting. Bridge Healing Arts Center is located at 304 Main Street in Farmington. To RSVP for the Open House or for more information call 860-710-5504 or visit BridgeHAC.com.

he Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest returns on March 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as one of the state’s largest educational fairs on holistic medicine with about 100 exhibitors and 40 workshops. Many people are interested in holistic practices, but the time needed to research all the options can be overwhelming and confusing. Enter the Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest, held in partnership with the Town of Vernon Youth Services Bureau. The Healthfest is a premier source for exploring natural and holistic medicine and proceeds from the fair benefit Vernon Youth Services programming. Exhibitors and speakers come from all over the state and represent practitioners with reputations for providing scientifically-documented therapies and products. Holistic approaches include green living, chiropractic, yoga, massage, integrative medicine, naturopath, nutrition, hypnotherapy, medical intuition, art therapy, herbs and supplements and natural foods. To support these practices, there will also be crystals, jewelry, books, DVDs, candles, aromatherapies and more. In addition, local restaurant vendors will offer nutritious meals and healthy snack choices. Between practitioners, product vendors, workshops and authors, attendees will gain a greater understanding of how holistic modalities can enhance overall well-being by learning about natural health options and making informed decisions. The Healthfest is held at Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike. Admission is $5. For more information, visit VernonHealthfest.com. See ad on page 23.

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

Naturopathic Office Opens in Windsor

aturopathic Doctor Jaquel Patterson is now providing naturopathic services in Bloomfield. Using natural therapies such as nutrition, homeopathy Jaquel Patterson, ND and herbal therapies, she restores balance and optimizes individual health care needs. She provides care to the entire family, with a focus on women’s health, autoimmune, inflammatory conditions and mental health concerns. A graduate of the University of Bridgeport with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine, Patterson has practiced naturopathic care for more than eight years and specializes in women’s health needs that include endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fibroids, fibromyalgia, irregular and/or painful menses, hypothyroid, pre- and post-menopausal and fertility issues in both women and men. She seeks to find the underlying cause of symptoms and look at each individual as a whole person. Services include dietary considerations, nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, herbal therapies, lifestyle counseling, biotherapeutic drainage and specialty salivary, nutrition and fitness genetic panel testing.

Earth Day Kapha Yoga Retreat in April

day retreat led by Laura Thomas RYT-500 and Anjali Desai CYT will be held on April 23 at Yoga Center of Collinsville. The event will provide a quiet space for attendees amidst their busy lives to reconnect with their inner needs and to the earth as the Kapha season begins. In the Ayurvedic system of health, Kapha season is connected to spring. Participants will leave the retreat feeling ready for the new season with a more balanced, grounded and centered sense of self. The morning schedule will open with a guided meditation and move into a discussion on the Ayurvedic principles surrounding Kapha. A Kapha Flow yoga class will proceed a healthy lunch of Kapha foods that will be provided. In the afternoon, instruction and practice of yogic breathing techniques will prepare attendees for an outdoor walking meditation along the Farmington River. The experience will conclude with a deeply restorative Yoga Nidra session and a closing circle. Located twelve miles west of Hartford near Route 4, Collinsville is a beautiful historic village of Canton and is framed by the Farmington River, Sweetheart Mountain and the quaint village streets filled with restaurants, entertainment and dealers of antiques, arts and crafts. “We’re very excited to bring this experience to Collinsville,” said Yoga Center of Collinsville owner Shawn Cole. “Our newly renovated studio space, and the surrounding scenery of Collinsville, offers the perfect destination for a day retreat.” Retreat attendance will be limited to 40 attendees and registration will open March 20. Yoga Center of Collinsville is located at 10 Front St in Collinsville (Canton.) The retreat runs from 11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $150. To register, call 860-693-9642. See ads on pages 2, 11 and 22..

Dr. Patterson’s office is located at 360 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 301 in Windsor. For more information call 888-8110112 or visit DrJaquel.com.

The sweetest of all sounds is praise. ~Xenophon natural awakenings

March 2017

Share the Gift of Yoga

Deepen Your Practice or Become a Yoga Teacher

newsbriefs Six-Week Meditation Course Begins in April

Josette Lumbruno

Price is $60 for the six-session series. Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy is located at 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305 in Bloomfield. For more information or to register, call the front desk at 860-519-1916. See ads on page 6, 9 and 21.

Lara A. Ward, Master Teacher Discover through experiential practice the ancient origins to modern yoga including the postures, sequencing, breath work, relaxation & philosophy. Explore with lecture, discussion and hands on yin, yoga nidra, vinyasa, traditional hatha, gentle, kundalini & restorative yoga. Free Meet & Greet offered this month.

Call or Text Lara at 203-837-0122 A YOGA TEACHER ALREADY? 500 Hour & Advanced Training Programs:

• SUPaddleboard Yoga • Yoga for Seniors & Chair • Sequencing for Fluid Flows • Women's Issues • Love and Devotaion of Yoga

Classes on Sustainable Nutrition Practices Begin in September

one-year certification program begins in September with The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN). TIOSN is reshaping nutrition education by teaching nutrition, soil health, soil re-mineralization, growing food, foraging, cooking, kitchen medicine and overall sustainable health. TIOSN will host an open house Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. All classes are held at Holcomb Farm. Holcomb Farm, 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby. To register or for more information, call Joan at 860-764-9070, email Joan@tiosn.com or visit TIOSN.com. See ad on page 17.

Trainings in Canton, Seymour & WCS Univ.

LotusGardensYoga.com

Hartford County Edition

ntegrative Wellness and Physical Therapy of Bloomfield announces a new six-week meditation course beginning on Wednesday, April 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. Sessions will be led by meditation teacher and mindfulness coach, Josette Lumbruno. “This course will introduce students to meditation practice and give them the tools needed to begin meditation,” states Lumbruno. A mindfulness or meditation practice allows individuals to let go of stress, sleep better, focus better and learn to stay “awake” in the present moment. Lumbruno also explains “Whether you are new to meditation or just need a refresher course, this is for you.” Lumbruno began her practice of meditation in the mid-70s. She is certified to teach individual and group meditation through the Mastery of Meditation Course given by Anmol Mehta.

www.NAHRT.com

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. ~Albert Einstein

The Reconnection

Medicare Accepted

r. Eric Pearl, author of The Reconnection: Heal Others, Heal Yourself, demystifies the healing process. He teaches others (90,000 and counting) how to activate and use what he refers to as an all-inclusive spectrum of healing frequencies. “Reconnection teaches people how to transcend the ego and its judgment, and reach a state of non-judgment observation,” explains Pearl. “Many of the individuals I have taught describe their experience simply as an internal activation of an advanced level of consciousness, in which awareness allows the perception of a multidimensional universe.” Pearl posits that as part of our growth as human beings, stating, “We not only discover that we have become more, we understand that we can’t stand in fear, lack and limitation, and we can only offer ourselves as a vessel for healing for ourselves and others when we reside in oneness and love.” Pearl believes that it is part of everyone’s life journey to discover that they are an empty vessel, born to be filled with spirit. He advises, “By letting go of beliefs that block our ability to deeply understand this, we can harmonically converge with the lives of others at the level where we are all energy, as physics indicates.” For more information on the Online Level I Course and Integrated Combinations with Live & In-Person Level II schedules, visit ReconnectiveHealing. com. Mention the promotional code word AWAKE and receive a 20% discount. See ad, page 3.

Free Seminars

Whether advancing your career as a therapist/healer or working on personal self-improvement, we have a program to suit your needs. Join us for a free seminar to learn more about HFI and all we have to offer.

Wednesday Evenings 6 –7:30 pm

Where: Hartford Family Institute 17 South Highland Street West Hartford, CT 06119

Call to reserve your free seat: (860) 236-6009 www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com/calendar/wednesdayevenings/ natural awakenings

March 2017

Veggie, Fish and Nut Fats Preserve Heart Health

healthbriefs

No Benefit to Cutting Fat in Cheese

Yeko Photo Studio/Shutterstock.com

colnihko/Shutterstock.com

nyone that has struggled to reduce their intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) may have considered avoiding saturated fat in their diets, although the latest meta-study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine now refutes this. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, conducted a test to determine if consuming low-fat versus regular cheeses impacts LDL cholesterol levels. The study divided 139 people into three groups. One ate regular fat cheese, one consumed reduced-fat cheese and one didn’t eat any cheese at all for 12 weeks. Both LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) levels were tested at the beginning and end of the period. Researchers found no significant difference in the LDL levels of any of the groups and no difference between the HDL levels of the reduced-fat and regular cheese groups, suggesting that consuming low-fat versions has no measurable metabolic benefit. An increase in HDL levels among those that abstained from eating cheese altogether was noted.

he five-second rule is a belief that food that falls to the floor can be safely eaten as long as it’s picked up quickly. Researchers from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, sought to test its veracity. Four different food items were tested, including watermelon, bread and butter, plain bread and gummy candy, using four different surfaces—stainless steel, ceramic tile, wood and carpet. Each surface was contaminated by bacteria and completely dry before the scientists dropped each item for one second, five, 30 and 300 seconds. A total of 128 separate scenarios were repeated 20 times each and 2,560 measurements were taken and analyzed for contamination. The results proved that longer contact time resulted in more bacterial contamination, but there were also cases of instantaneous contamination, which disproves the five-second rule. The wet surface of a watermelon yielded the most contamination and gummy candy the least. The surface tests yielded surprising results, with carpet transferring significantly fewer bacteria than tile and stainless steel, while wood floors exhibited varied results.

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

Joe Belanger/Shutterstock.com

The Five-Second Rule Debunked

esearchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, used data from previous studies to discern the association between dairy and animal fats and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in American adults. The study reviewed dairy fat and other fat consumption data using validated food-frequency questionnaires from more than 43,000 men and 175,000 women during three different studies, each spanning at least 20 consecutive years. Of the subjects studied, 14,815 developed some form of CVD, close to 7 percent of the total. The researchers found that replacing dairy foods with foods containing polyunsaturated fats—primarily found in vegetables, nuts and fish—in just 5 percent of a subject’s diet reduced the risk of CVD by an average of 24 percent. But replacing the same percentage of dairy fats with other animal fats increased the incidence of CVD by 6 percent.

How glorious a

greeting the sun gives the mountains. ~John Muir

HTU/Shutterstock.com

Thai Massage - Feel Relaxed Today

Kids Going Online at Bedtime Sleep Poorly

new study from King’s College London has found that children’s use of electronic devices close to bedtime can reduce their chances of a good night’s sleep. Researchers examined 20 existing studies encompassing 125,000 children between the ages of 6 and 19. They found that youngsters using a device within 90 minutes of falling asleep had an increased likelihood of poor and inadequate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Study author Ben Carter, Ph.D., says, “Sleep is an often undervalued, but important part of children’s development, with a regular lack of sleep causing a variety of health problems.” These can include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, reduced immune function and poor diet. Poor food choices and excessive eating can start young, as illustrated in a study from Colorado University, in Boulder, which found a link between sleep deprivation and poor diet choices in preschool children. The Colorado study followed five girls and five boys, ages 3 and 4, that were regular afternoon nappers. They were deprived of their naps for one day, during which their food and beverage consumption was monitored and compared with their choices on a day when their sleep routine remained intact. During the sleep-deprived day, the children ate 20 percent more calories than usual and their diet consisted of 25 percent more sugar and 26 percent more carbohydrates.

Good for Body, Mind, & soul. Blending massage, acupressure, reflexology, yoga, and energy healing, Thai massage improves flexibility, posture and breathing while reducing stress to create a deep sense of peace.

For your First

60-minute Appointment

schedule your Appointment

860-693-9642

yogaCenterCollinsville.com/thai

10 Front Street, Collinsville (Canton) Located in historic, downtown village across from LaSalle Market

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

MASTER OF ARTS Degree Integrative Health & Healing A Holistic & Transformative Education Coursework includes: Nutrition, Stress Management, Homeopathy Art & Music Therapy, Aromatherapy, Naturopathy Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine Energy Medicine & more 2 year program – 1 weekend per month Certificate Programs Available Transformative Coach Training

171 Amity Road, Bethany, CT • 203.874.4252

INFO@LEARN.EDU • WWW.LEARN.EDU

natural awakenings

March 2017

globalbriefs Jessie Eldora Robertson/Shutterstock.com

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

Botanical Breakthrough

Bukhanovskyy/Shutterstock.com

Oregano Oil Proves a Safe Antibiotic for Poultry In many large commercial chicken farms, the animals are fed antibiotics to keep them healthy and fight off infections. But due to consumer demand, McDonald’s has eliminated antibiotics used in human medicine from its entire restaurant chicken supply. Meanwhile, a farm in Pennsylvania owned by Scott Sechler is among the first to rely solely on a mix of oregano oil and cinnamon in the treatment and care of its chickens. In addition to being completely natural, oregano oil supplies the chickens with health advantages, producing a much higher quality of natural chicken in a far more humane method than that attained using antibiotics. Like antibiotics, the oil assists the chickens in battling any infections, reducing the number of birds lost to disease. Bob Ruth, president of another Pennsylvania farming business, has been testing oregano on his pigs for six months to see if it can outperform prescription antibiotics. Related problems arise when animals live in dirty conditions, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses, which can also be triggered by insufficient cleansing of slaughterhouses that must be hosed down and completely sanitized after each act of butchery. He thinks that drugs should not be a requirement if the farmers keep things tidy.

Optimal Wellness in Minimal Time Yoga is a perfect workout for your Body, Mind and Spirit. Gain strength, flexibility, balance and peace. Skip the gym and learn the best way to get the most out of your time. Call 860-680-1482 Today Try Our New Student Trial Mmbership

$50 for 30 days of Yoga Classes

Journey of Yoga Inspiring Health & Happiness

730 Hopmeadow Street • Simsbury, CT • JourneyOf Yoga.com

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

Clean Jeans

Laundry Machines Boost School Attendance Kids in middle schools with attendance problems may simply lack clean clothes to wear. An experiment by the Whirlpool company has taken on the issue with significant results. The Whirlpool Care Counts Program donated 17 pairs of washers and dryers to school districts in St. Louis and Fairfield, California. Kids with attendance problems were asked to bring their laundry to be cleaned while they were in class. Each student had approximately 50 loads of laundry done at school during the year, and more than 90 percent increased their attendance, with at-risk students attending almost two more weeks in class. Whirlpool is now expanding the program. Compared to factors such as economic opportunity, unemployment and institutional racism, laundry might seem inconsequential, but for a 10-year-old facing stacked odds, having nothing clean to wear could be the deciding factor in whether or not they want to face their classmates that day. Seventh-grade teacher Alison Guernsey, in Fairfield, says, “One of my students had more or less withdrawn from school completely. After we started the program, he was more excited about coming and started to actively engage in class. He didn’t feel like an outsider anymore.”

Junior Achievement Take the Kids to Work

The Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation (TODASTW) is holding its annual national event on April 27, offering new toolkits and activity guides based on this year’s theme of Dependability at DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org. The group assists businesses, families, schools and organizations throughout the year initiate their own special work day for children and mentees. Each year, more than 3.5 million American workplaces open their doors to about 39 million employees and their children on TODASTW Day. “Human resources and marketing professionals are typically responsible for creating this day within their companies,” says Carolyn McKeucen, the foundation’s executive director. “We provide templates and automated planning elements to save them time while ensuring success for planners and participants.”

Eco-Joe

Making a Cuppa More Planet-Friendly A Gallup poll last year reported that 64 percent of U.S. adult coffee lovers consume one or more cups daily and the average number of cups quaffed each day is 2.7. We can express our affection for both java and the Earth by following these eco-tips. 4 Forego the convenience of single-cup, plastic pod makers like Keurig. As Mother Jones magazine recently reported, only 5 percent of current pods are made with recyclable plastic, and even those, having hard-to-remove aluminum tops, pose recycling challenges. Keurig plans to make all of its pods recyclable by 2020. 4 Many other simpler coffee-making devices maximize energy use by facilitating more servings and reducing waste. Treehugger.com recommends the Moka Pot, a pressure-driven aluminum stovetop brewer; the Chemex Coffeemaker, a funnel-shaped glass unit with a wooden collar; the Canadian wood product Aeropress; an old-fashioned vacuum pot with two glass chambers connected by a thin neck; and a traditional non-electric stovetop percolator. 4 Some coffee farms exploit their workers, paying subsistence wages, damage rainforests and use unsustainable farming practices. Jake Carney, co-founder of TheAlternativeDaily.com, founded Lucy’s Bru, an organic whole-bean coffee that’s exclusively shade-grown under fair trade conditions, sustainably farmed and free of harsh fertilizers and pesticides. 4 Reuse steel and aluminum coffee cans. ChasingGreen.org details how they can make effective dehumidifiers for damp basements when filled with salt; soak paint brushes in thinner solutions; store items in a garage or work space; and serve as a spot lawn or garden seeder after punching holes in the bottom. The website also lists ways that coffee grounds can be used as a beauty, cleaning, deodorizer and dying agent. 4 Use better filters at home. Instead of paper, single-use filters, INeedCoffee. com suggests reusable or unbleached, biodegradable alternatives such as the Medelco cone permanent filter and a French press. 4 For to-go drinkers, many coffee shops and restaurants will pour fresh brew into mugs that patrons bring in. Keeping a clean spoon in the car can save on plastic stirrers.

natural awakenings

March 2017

marlee/Shutterstock.com

Dima Sidelnikov/Shutterstock.com

ecotip

be customized to the individual, typically entails avoidance of allergy triggers. Fortunately, food allergies that trigger such a dramatic, fast, immune response are fairly rare, particularly in adults.

Some More Common Issues

“Most of what we’re seeing today is an uptick in food sensitivities and intolerances, terms that are often used interchangeably to describe foods that are not digested well and can challenge the immune system,” says Solana Beach, California, nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of The Virgin Diet. Newark, Delaware, medical doctor and allergist Junfang Jiao, Ph.D., attests to increased levels of testing for food allergies and sensitivities in recent years. “I can’t say there are more allergies or sensitivities, but more doctors are aware of the wide-ranging symptoms and more people are getting referred for testing,” he reports.

FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past Food Sensitivities by Kathleen Barnes omplaints of digestive upsets, brain fog, headaches, relentless food cravings and unrelieved stress appear to be at epidemic levels these days. “These symptoms may be part of newfound awareness of the wideranging and seemingly unrelated health problems caused by food sensitivities and intolerances, which are different from food allergies,” explains microbiologist Kiran Krishnan, from Chicago.

Food Allergies

Food allergies seem to be plaguing America’s children now more than in the past. We know that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, once standard lunchbox fare, have become a no-no. They’re often outlawed by schools to protect the students that experience 14

Hartford County Edition

extreme peanut allergies. The symptoms of food allergies in adults and children, often including hives, rashes and itching, can range from being annoying to life threatening. For extremely sensitive people, the tiniest fragment of a peanut or a bee sting, exposure to latex gloves or certain medications like penicillin can cause such a sudden strong allergic reaction that it results in anaphylaxis, which makes breathing passages swell shut. If untreated, such extreme allergies can even prove fatal, which is why people with severe allergies carry the antidote epinephrine (adrenaline) with them. Food allergies are diagnosed by blood and/or skin testing under the supervision of a medical professional, usually a doctor of medicine, osteopathy or naturopathy. Effective treatment, which must

www.NAHRT.com

Many experts agree on at least one underlying cause behind the trend—a widely studied condition called leaky gut, characterized by intestinal permeability. Microscopic pinholes in an unhealthy small intestine can allow undigested nutrients to pass through intestinal walls, triggering mild immune responses, inflammation and, potentially, the onset of some diseases. Theories of what causes leaky gut are diverse and sometimes contradictory but experts recommend consulting a medical professional if one suffers from food sensitivities. Each individual is unique, so there is no “blanket solution” for everyone. Dysbiosis: Leaky gut is often caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria, sometimes called dysbiosis, says Krishnan. It can be brought on by the use of antibiotics, antibiotic residues in meats and dairy products or a diet high in sugar and processed foods.

Most interesting, he believes, is the discovery that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer Roundup used on genetically modified (GMO) corn and soy crops, contributes to dysbiosis, as verified by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists in a study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology. They concluded with a plea to world governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods. GMOs: While this issue has been less widely analyzed, a 1996 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin added to Monsanto’s GMO corn crops to kill pests is not destroyed during human digestion. Danish researchers at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University suggested it may damage cells of the intestinal lining. Gluten: “Gluten causes leaky gut,” says Port Jefferson, New York, naturopathic doctor Doni Wilson, author of The Stress Remedy, voicing one side of the controversy based on her review of scientific literature. She’s concluded, “Whether you are sensitive to it or not, gluten increases the production of zonulin, which can result in damage to intestinal walls and cause the cells on the outside of the intestines to set off an immune response to anything that passes through. In this condition, what we’re eating—cheese, milk, eggs, corn, soy—is leaking through the gut lining, triggering an immune response and potentially creating multiple food sensitivities.” Wilson also notes that in her clinical experience, only about half of her patients with gluten sensitivities complain of digestive issues. “I’ve found that gluten causes the immune cells on the outside of the small intestine to affect the nervous system, causing headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia,” she says. Her findings are backed by research from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Celiac Research and Italy’s University of Catania. The same researchers confirm that non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance can also foster depression; a University of Cincinnati study published in the journal Headache links

As a gluten tolerance test, substitute an amount of non-gluten carbohydrates for the same amount of gluten-containing products. For example, instead of two pieces of bread, substitute three-quarters of a cup of brown rice—a rough equivalent in carbohydrate content. A positive difference in hunger, cravings and energy levels when gluten is eliminated indicates a condition of gluten intolerance. ~Fiona McCulloch

gluten and headaches. Other proteins in wheat can be problematic, advises Fiona McCulloch, a Toronto doctor of naturopathy, citing a study presented at the annual European Gastroenterology Conference, in Vienna, last October. The report showed that a family of proteins called amylase trypsin inhibitors can lead to the development of inflammation in tissues beyond the gut, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen and brain. Glyphosate residues can be a factor in gluten intolerance. Although wheat crops produced in the U.S. are not yet genetically modified, many non-organic wheat crops are sprayed with glyphosate to promote rapid drying, according to the Environmental Working Group. Inadequate digestive enzymes: Lactose intolerance is the most common result of missing digestive enzymes like lactase, according to the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. Avoiding milk products may relieve digestive distress for some.

natural awakenings

March 2017

Most experts believe the easiest way to deal with food sensitivities is to stop eating the food in question. The so-called “elimination and challenge” diet, which has been in use for decades, is effective, free and addresses the foods responsible for common food intolerances, says Virgin. Simply avoid the food of concern completely for at least three weeks, then eat a small amount of it and catalog the results. For some people, it may only take a couple of hours for symptoms to return after eating a piece of bread, cup of milk, an egg or bit of tofu. Virgin’s seven-food challenge is a bit more rigorous, but improves feelings of general well-being so readily that many people don’t even want to bring back the eliminated foods because they feel so much better, she says. Her threeweek diet completely eliminates the most common food sensitivity triggers: gluten-containing foods (largely wheat), dairy, eggs, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar and artificial sweeteners. “When I say eliminate these foods 100 percent, I mean it,” cautions Virgin. “You need to give your immune system at least that much time to cool off.” She adds, “You can do anything such as this for just three weeks.”

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Eliminate Items, Then Challenge

Virgin also recommends the elimination diet for weight loss because it helps overcome food cravings triggered by the immune system response and leptin resistance, leveraging the hormone that turns off the body’s hunger signals, a finding confirmed by independent studies performed by Sweden’s Lund University and Italy’s University of Palermo. She’s also documented other positive effects through her own research and experience with participants in her programs, including improvements in energy, focus, joint pain, skin clarity and bloating, all in the designated short time frames.

Other Approaches

People with food sensitivities may be able to tolerate occasional indulgences in their trigger foods once they’ve healed their digestive systems, notes Krishnan. Probiotics can help, especially those encapsulated in spores so they can pass through the barrage of stomach acid and reach the small intestine where they are most needed. NEW VISITORS SAVE $10* TO OUR CONCERTS.

- The folks at The Conduit Center are genuine. They love what they do and it shows. The experiences you will have there are unique, never the same and fulfilling. - Tammi K. WORKSHOPS

STORE

Enter promocode NATAWAKE with your online registration checkout, or mention Ad with phone-in reservation.

SOUND MEDITATION

1227 Burnside Ave #1 East Hartford, CT

860-888-4314

YOGA

MASSAGE

TheConduitCenter.com

*Coupon only valid at The Conduit Center weekly sound meditation concerts. Not valid on special events, or in combination with other promotions or disounts.

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

Krishnan’s research, to be published this spring, showed that half of otherwise healthy young people suffering from leaky gut had a dramatic reduction of symptoms by taking a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus indicus product for 30 days. After the healing period, sensitive people may be able to eat small amounts of certain foods with the assistance of dietary aids and supplements, adds McCulloch. Get dirty: Johns Hopkins University research has shown that kids raised in an excessively hygienic environment experience much higher rates of allergies and sensitivities. University of Wisconsin researchers found that youths growing up in households that are less than obsessively sanitary among four or five other people and dogs will strengthen and challenge their immune systems as they mature. Adults need to challenge their immune systems, too, says Krishnan. Eat organic and fermented foods: A widely varied diet helps spread out the immune system challenges of trigger foods. Organic foods don’t contain glyphosate and other potentially harmful chemicals; fermented foods contain digestive enzymes. Eat prebiotics: Raw onions, garlic, leeks and asparagus are prebiotics. They help feed probiotic bacteria and improve gut health. Block sensitivity triggers: Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume dairy products if they use lactase, the enzyme that helps digest lactose. Similarly, some people with gluten intolerance find they can eat moderate amounts of wheat products with protein supplements like lectin, carb blockers and digestive enzymes that help break down the gluten molecules, according to Virgin. Supplements that might help: Glucomannan (konjac or elephant yam fiber) contributes to a feeling of fullness and stabilizes blood sugar, says McCulloch. She also recommends the amino acid L-glutamine and digestive enzymes to assist in gut healing. Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Food Intolerances Self-Questionnaire by JJ Virgin Answer each question with never (0), seldom (1), sometimes (2) or often (3). 1. I need a cup of coffee or another caffeinated pick-me-up to jumpstart the middle of my morning or afternoon. _____ 2. I crave baked goods, pasta and other high-sugar impact foods. _____ 3. I have difficulty falling asleep or I awake during the night feeling anxious and struggle to get back to sleep. _____ 4. My bowel movements occur infrequently (less than one a day), which can sometimes be painful and involve straining. _____ 5. My mood can change swiftly and I take out my crankiness and irritation on coworkers and family members. _____ 6. I want to lay my head down on my desk mid-morning or afternoon because I have little motivation to remain productive. _____ 7. During meetings or conversations I zone out and struggle to concentrate for long periods of time on my work. _____ 8. After eating a big meal, I’m hungry and craving more of what I ate several hours later. _____ 9. Doing routine and important tasks takes all the energy and initiative I have. _____ 10. Even as an adult, I struggle with acne, rashes or blotchy skin, even though I use expensive skin cream. _____ 11. I head to the bathroom or step outside after a meal because of gassiness, bloating or other uncomfortable gut issues. _____ 12. The smell of a scented candle, perfume and detergent bothers me. _____ 13. Walking or moving around can create cramping, achiness or joint pain. _____ 14. I develop headaches that prevent me from enjoying the moment and leave me scrambling for a pain reliever. _____ 15. Even though I don’t have other cold/flu symptoms, I suffer from a scratchy throat or sinus trouble. _____ 16. I eat all the right foods in moderation, exercise religiously, and yet struggle intensely to lose every pound. _____ Total Score: ______

What Scores Mean

18 or above – You most likely struggle with food intolerances that create many unpleasant symptoms and stall fat loss. By removing the seven target foods for just three weeks, you’ll see these symptoms disappear and the scales will start moving again. 10 to 17 – You display some of the symptoms that food intolerances can trigger. You would greatly benefit from eliminating target foods to lose symptoms and those last few pounds. Below 10 – While you suffer few of the symptoms brought about by food intolerances, you could still benefit from the same regimen. Even the healthiest person can take their game up a notch and ditch those last few stubborn pounds. Source: The Virgin Diet, by JJ Virgin

Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition Offering a one-year Certification in Sustainable Health & Nutrition This innovative school integrates the Science of Nutrition with:

Time in the Garden learning to Grow nourishing food and herbs

Moving into the Kitchen to create delicious food

Using Food and Herbs to make Kitchen Medicine

OPEN HOU

SE SATURDA Y, MARCH 25 10am-12pm

Identifying and using nutrient dense Wild Foods in delicious dishes

Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations. Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, family, yourself and the environment.

Now Accepting Applications for 2017-18. Call 860-764-9070 Today! • West Granby, CT • www.tiosn.com natural awakenings

March 2017

example, it is the immune system that creates mucous, chills and achiness in response to the foe. The immune system is trying to capture the intruders and remove them from our body. Mucous, while not necessarily pleasant, is a positive tool that the immune system uses to capture and remove germs. It is known that about 70% of the immune system lives in the gut, which is the gate or barrier where digested foods cross into the blood stream for the body to utilize. The impact of food as a possible immune challenge is significant—since food is eaten often, it’s crucial to know if foods, and which foods, are a challenge for the body.

How does one know if there’s a reaction to food and what’s the best strategy to remove it?

Eliminate Three Common Food Sensitivities Then Listen to What Your Body Tells You by Holly J. Niles, Licensed Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist

any people report being sensitive to food. These sensitivities can cause digestive issues, increased pain and inflammation, headaches, brain fog or other issues. On the other hand, many people don’t notice any connections between food and feelings. Food sensitives are not allergies, but they can create quality of health problems for some. What’s the difference between a sensitivity and an allergy?

The Basics

Food allergies involve a rapid immune response and can be life-threatening. Some common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish. Food sensitivities involve a slow forming immune response, which makes them more difficult to detect. Sometimes, soy, dairy and gluten fall into this category as well as the allergy category. When a person has an immune response to food, it can be a problem for the body and can wear down the immune system. Considering that most people eat three to five times per day, having some reactivity to food can be a constant challenge for the body. The immune system is evaluating everything that comes into the body and deciding whether it is a friend or a foe. When a cold or flu presents in the body for 18

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

Elimination diets are the gold standard to determine and manage food sensitivity. By eliminating the food for 21 to 30 days, a person can reduce any potential reactivity to that food. Often people will have a suspicion that certain foods are a problem for them. Eliminating those foods is the best way to determine if that is true. If the food causing the problem is unknown, the following foods tend to be more reactive. Eliminating these is a great place to start: • Gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and spelt) • Common sources are bread, wraps, cereal, crackers, pizza, pasta, cookies and sauces. • Dairy (from cow’s milk) • Common sources are ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, cheese and butter. • Corn (typically grown with pesticides and often genetically modified) • Common sources are whole corn, corn chips, corn tortillas and popcorn.

Trust Messages From the Body

It’s ideal to totally remove these foods to get bodily feedback. Planning ahead and reading labels helps one be prepared. The good news about eliminating these foods is that overall health can be improved. Some like to eliminate them one at a time for three weeks, but others find the complete elimination process more effective. Some people notice improvements or changes in how they feel within a week. After three to four weeks, the food groups can be added back one at a time, waiting two to three days between each addition. That process can give another layer of feedback, letting one recognize a sensitivity to the foods. Trust the messages the body sends and avoid the foods that are challenging. Foods are very powerful—it’s important to connect with foods and the ways they impact health. Holly J. Niles, MS, CNS, LDN, is a Licensed Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist with 25 years of experience. She is Nutrition Director at Integrative Wellness located at 32 Jerome Avenue in Bloomfield. For more information, call 860-519-1916 or visit IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com. See ad on page 21.

naturalpet

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies by Sandra Murphy

pterwort/Shutterstock.com

Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

ather than routinely giving drugs to dogs and cats to relieve dry, itchy, skin or food allergies, consider more gentle natural alternatives. As with people, knowing what an animal is allergic to is key to finding the right remedy and preventing future outbreaks. With dogs, about 20 percent of itching and scratching can be attributed to food ingredients. Symptoms can show up as early as 5 months or as late as 12 years old, often combined with inhalant or contact allergies. Chronic ear infections are often traced to food allergies. “If a pet is suffering mightily, see your veterinarian for shots or pills for immediate relief. Then ask the vet to allergy test for the specific problem,” advises Veterinarian Laurie Dohmen, owner of Purple Moon Herbs and Studies, in Hartly, Delaware. “This isn’t something you can do yourself. I’ve seen pet owners use what worked for a friend’s dog and make their own pets sicker, despite research and good intentions. What works for one pet won’t necessar-

ily work for another.” While food elimination testing works, it’s a long process that must be done with precision. “If your pet even just nibbles the eliminated food, you have to start all over again,” says Dohmen. Whether commercially prepared or home cooked, the number of ingredients can substantially extend a test period. Each item must be completely avoided for about six weeks for an accurate assessment. Environmental allergies, which encompass everything unrelated to food, range from common grasses to inhaled pollutants. New carpets or rugs, cleaning supplies, a neighbor’s pesticides, dust and pollen are among the culprits that can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms are itchy ears or skin, ear infections, sneezing, runny eyes, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea. Veterinarian Judy Morgan, owner of Naturally Healthy Pets, in Clayton, New Jersey, also uses herbs in her practice to alleviate food and environmental allergy symptoms. “They can be tinctures or poultices; one herb or a

blended mixture. Some are applied externally, some internally.” Giving the proper dosage for the size of the pet is vital. She particularly likes calendula for hot spots, despite its odor, because it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, followed by witch hazel to dry them, and then coconut oil or aloe to soothe and soften affected skin—plus Echinacea to boost the immune system. She uses ginger or peppermint to counteract nausea. “Many people think an allergic pet should be switched to a lamb and rice diet. In some cases, that makes dry, itchy, skin worse,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what they are allergic to before trying out new foods or herbal remedies. Find a holistic vet to work with.” Morgan often prescribes a mixture of herbs for the best results. “I like licorice because it works like a steroid without the side effects. Probiotics help keep gut bacteria and the immune system healthy. Parsley works well for dry, itchy, skin caused by a blood deficiency, or imbalance. “Parsley brings a protein, as well as several vitamins, to the party,” notes Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger in Marysville, Washington. “It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and also great if your dog’s breath needs a freshness boost.” She suggests rosemary and thyme as ingredients in an antibacterial, antifungal salve; she mixes these essential oils with extra virgin coconut oil and beeswax to create paw balm. Morgan reminds us that essential oils can be harmful, even life-threatening, for cats. “If Kitty has itchy skin, lavender tea can be used as a rinse on cooperative cats,” she suggests. “For a less cooperative feline, chamomile tea as a drink or as leaves mixed into the food soothes itches.” Dohmen cautions, “Herbs and other homeopathic remedies or flower essences are medicine and should be given as a prescription by a qualified veterinarian.” Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

natural awakenings

March 2017

Craevschii Family/Shutterstock.com

consciouseating

Thumbs-Up on Fats Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat by Judith Fertig

n an era of too much information, the role of fats in our diet has been a victim of not enough information. Today’s turnaround in nutritional thinking acknowledges natural fats as being vital to heart health and weight loss.

Heart Health Benefit

A recent metastudy in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a journal of the American College of Physicians, concluded that saturated fat does not appear to increase heart disease risk,

meet shana Eat WEll. BE Happy.

YOUR JOURNEY TO WELLNESS BEGINS HERE

YOUR NUTRITION EXPERT AT SHOPRITE OF CANTON

meet shana LEARN HOW TO:

LEARN HOW TO:

Accomplish your health goals

Accomplish your Meet Shana, ShopRite’s Registered Dietitian, providing: health goals

Lighten up your favorite recipes

Lighten up your

favorite recipes • Personal nutrition counseling and motivational wellness support Discover new foods • Free nutrition seminars & classes packed with relevant wellness for better eating tips • neW value-priced organic products & healthy, flavor-packed Wow your kids with Wow your recipes kids with healthy fun foods fun foods • Free KidsFit programs with hands-on nutrition and healthy culinary lessons Discover new foods for better eating

Shana Griffin, RDN,CD-N Retail Dietitian 960-693-3666 shana.griffin@wakefern.com

Shana Griffin, RDN,CD-N ALL FOR FREE! ALL FOR FREE! Retail Dietitian VISIT SHANA TODAY! information 960-693-3666 For more or to schedule aVISIT SHANA TODAY! shana.griffin@wakefern.com

consultation contact: Shana Griffin, RD at 860-693-3666 or email at: shana.griffin@wakefern.com

Owned and Operated by Joseph Family Markets

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

overturning almost 60 years of accepted medical thought. The researchers analyzed data from 76 studies involving more than 600,000 people and found that those that ate the most saturated, or “bad”, fat did not show a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those that ate the least. Note that processed trans fats remain a villain, still deemed a risk to heart health per the metastudy. The misleading information began in the 1950s, when Physiologist Ancel Keys, Ph.D., discovered a correlation between diets high in saturated fats and higher cholesterol levels. Soon, the low-fat diet was born. In 2000, further research introduced the concepts of good and bad fats. More recent analysis confirmed this finding with the refinement that saturated fats increase both types of cholesterol. However, the latest research from the journal BMJ shows that saturated fat does not increase the number of LDL, or “bad”, particles, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Instead, it makes existing LDL particles larger, a fairly benign situation in regard to such disease.

Weight Loss Benefit

Fat doesn’t even make you fat, claims Mark Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in Lenox, Massachusetts, and author of Eat Fat, Get Thin: Why the Fat We Eat Is the Key to Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health. “The theory that all calories have the same impact on your weight and metabolism remains one of the most persistent nutrition myths,” says this practitioner of functional medicine who points out that we’ve been sidetracked by wrong thinking. “Eating fat can make you lean. Healthy cell walls made from highquality fats are better able to metabolize insulin, which keeps blood sugar better regulated. Without proper blood sugar control, the body socks away fat for a rainy day. The right fats also increase fat burning, diminish hunger and reduce fat storage,” he notes. Whole30, a 30-day diet revolv-

ing around clean eating, also emphasizes healthy fats. Devised in 2009 by Dallas Hartwig, a functional medicine practitioner and certified sports nutritionist, and Melissa Hartwig, a certified sports nutritionist, the program aims to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and reset metabolism. The Salt Lake City, Utah, authors of the New York Times bestselling The Whole30 recommend healthy fats to keep us full and rev up metabolism. Recommended healthy fats include coconut milk and oil, avocados, olive oil, organic ghee (clarified butter) and raw nuts. Josh Axe, a natural medicine practitioner and clinical nutritionist in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends the healthy fats contained in avocados, organic butter and ghee from grassfed cows and goats, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds. “Butter’s experiencing a comeback as a healthy fat as its benefits become more widely known,” says Axe. “The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in butter help the brain function properly and improve skin health.” Ghee, an ancient Indian version of butter, is lactose- and casein-free, while being loaded with fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, says Axe. These vitamins are best absorbed by the body when they’re in a fat substance and then stored in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping metabolism and digestion on track, he notes. Ghee’s high level of vitamin K2, best known as a natural blood coagulator, “also helps strengthen bones, while the fatty acids found in it improve digestion and reduce inflammation.”

may consume a greater percentage of healthy fats if the goal is to become a fat burner.” “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and health,” Hyman reminds us. “Low-carb, higher-fat diets work for most people,

but for some, they may not be optimal in the long term.” Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Prime Sources of Healthy Fats Functional medicine physician Mark Hyman suggests that we include four to five servings of fat in our diets every day. “In the last five years, the scientific evidence has been mounting that high-fat diets outperform low-fat diets for weight loss and for revising every single indication of heart disease risk, including abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and inflammation,” he says. Each amount listed indicates a serving size.

Fatty fish (4 ounces of salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna or trout) Avocado (one-half to one avocado) Extra virgin coconut oil (one tablespoon) Organic coconut milk (one-quarter cup) Olives (one-quarter cup) Grass-fed animal butter, clarified butter or ghee (one tablespoon)

Nuts (a handful of walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts or cashews) Seeds (a handful of pumpkin, sunflower of flaxseed) Most plant-based liquid oils (one

tablespoon of olive, safflower, sesame, avocado, macadamia, grape seed or walnut oil)

Aim to eat fats that remain liquid (not solid) at room temperature; it’s a sure sign of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats. Source: Adapted from Eat Fat, Get Thin, by Mark Hyman, M.D.

Healthy Levels of Fat

“If you’re active, about 40 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates, another 30 percent from protein and the other 30 percent from fat in general,” says Axe, adding that this has the added benefit of helping prevent arteriosclerosis. “Some people natural awakenings

March 2017

healthykids

Center study of middle school students found that 43 percent had been targeted, while 15 percent admitted to being online bullies. Meanwhile, students, parents and teachers are combating cyber-aggression with initiatives to make the phenomenon socially unacceptable in schools.

SpeedKingz/Shutterstock.com

Grassroots Action

Silencing Cyberbullies How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson hether it’s a damaging rumor posted on Facebook, a humiliating photo shared on

Instagram or a threatening text, cyberbullying is increasing among today’s youth. A 2015 Cyberbullying Research

Yoga - Feel Stronger Today Get Fit and Blissed. Our Vinyasa yoga, Yogalates and Barre classes get you sweating as you move quickly through poses designed to build total body strength. You’ll leave feeling powered-up and blissed-out!

NEW STUDENT INTRO Unlimited classes for 30 days

YogaCenterCollinsville.com/strong

10 Front Street, Collinsville (Canton) Located in historic, downtown village across from LaSalle Market

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

Tyler Gregory, 23, attended a small, insular high school in rural Ohio where bullying was problematic. As a senior with younger siblings approaching their high school years, he aimed to change the local culture to make bullying uncool. Gregory decided to make a movie to submit to the NO BULL Challenge, a national organization that provides students a platform to develop and disseminate materials that spark dialogue about such troubling issues. Challenges ranged from teaching himself filmmaking and persuading students to participate to mustering the courage to present the project to his school. He achieved the transformation he sought, beginning with 70 students participating in his production. “I appealed to classmates by asking, ‘How do you want to be remembered? Why not choose to be viewed positively, as leaders?’” says Gregory, who later became a spokesperson for NO BULL Challenge. To date, the challenge has received 600 submissions, garnering 23 million impressions through digital and social media, the vehicles of cyberbullies. A recent graduate of Dayton, Ohio’s Wright State University, Gregory has spoken to about 45,000 students in 27 states in school assemblies. Nancy Willard, director of Embrace Civility in the Digital Age, headquartered in Creswell, Oregon, believes that such initiatives, which shift schools from punitive approaches to making bullying incompatible with accepted social norms, are the only way to bring lasting change. “We need to cultivate a climate where being hurtful is contrary to a school’s expressed values. Most young people don’t like to see their

peers being hurtful and admire those that stand up to peers and have them make amends,” says Willard. The educator’s website, EmbraceCivility.org, offers free materials with concrete steps for students and teachers to foster positive school environments.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Cyberbullying isn’t limited to attacks on unpopular kids that lack satisfying peer relationships. It’s seven times more likely to occur between current or former friends and romantic partners than between strangers, according to a study led by Diane Felmlee, professor of sociology at Pennsylvania State University. Felmlee’s research further found that nonheterosexual youth are four times as likely as their heterosexual peers to be cyberbullied, while popular kids are also frequently targeted. Two social dynamics seem to be at work: “One involves individuals that violate social norms, such as LGBTQ youth, and the other revolves around status struggles,” reports Felmlee. “In the latter case, bullies are vying for popularity, recognition and self-esteem. Those with higher social status may be attacked because they’re viewed as competition.” Cyberbullying’s impact can exceed face-to-face aggression, as offensive remarks can spread far and fast, and live online in perpetuity instead of fading away, observes Felmlee. Gregory adds that it can also affect students’ ability to learn when some skip school to avoid tormentors.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

• Yoga • Tai Chi • Pilates • Health Spas • Chiropractic • Energy Work •

Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest Natural Options for Body, Mind and Spirit Saturday & Sunday, March 25 & 26, 2017 10 a.m – 4 p.m.

Vernon Center Middle School 777 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30), Vernon

For events schedule and more info: www.vernonhealthfest.com Admisson: $5 for adults Free for children under 16 with a parent 93 tables of practitioners, vendors and artists plus 40 hourly workshops and demonstrations Produced by The Vernon Youth Services Bureau Proceeds support programs.

Hypnotherapy • Sound Healing • Gems & Minerals • Hyperbaric Oxygen • Meditation • Nutritional Counseling

Most youths don’t report cyberbullying, feeling embarrassed, afraid the situation will get worse or doubtful of remedial action. “Schools need to step up their response to bullying, make it known that it won’t be tolerated, set clear policies and enforce them,” counsels Gregory. Because most bullied youths don’t speak up, parents need to communicate openly with kids and be aware of their online activities, advises Felmlee. Willard notes that it’s also important to address the bullies themselves through understanding their motivation, and then persuading them to accept responsibility and take steps to rectify harm. “This should be about reparation, not punishment.” Gregory’s high school film assures bullies that it’s never too late to make amends. While it can be hard to stand up to bullies, caring peers can easily express support. “Bystanders have the power to change the atmosphere,” agrees Gregory. “Kindly approaching a student being picked on who may feel alone and ashamed goes further than most students realize.” Those affected by cyberbullying also can cut off their aggressors, suggests Gregory. “The ‘block’ button is powerful. Cyberbullies want to see a reaction. Blocking them from social media exchanges or texting takes away their power.”

Biofeedback • Birth Services • Psychotherapy • Cancer Screening • Hydrocolon Therapy • Alexander Technique

Helpful Responses

• Ayurveda • Past Life • Bodywork • Naturopathy • Homeopathy • Acupuncture •

natural awakenings

March 2017

Tuzemka/Shutterstock.com

healingways

Holistic Eye Care Taking the Whole Body into Account by Linda Sechrist

he “old wives’ tale” about eating carrots for healthy vision wasn’t wrong, but fell far short of a holistic approach to eye health. Today’s holistically trained healthcare providers and ophthalmologists believe that properly maintaining the marvelous phenomenon of eyesight requires taking into consideration genetics, diet, toxin exposures, life environments and our belief systems. “The body does not work as a series of parts in isolation, but as a dynamically integrated living system,” says Marc Grossman, a doctor of optometry, licensed acupuncture physician and co-founder of Natural Eye Health, in New Paltz, New York. “The reductionist method of referring each symptom to the domain of a particular specialist, isolated from the whole person, is slowly being replaced with a complementary view of health care that may include acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are beginning to look at each person as an integrated being.” Progressive health providers now consider dietary preferences, general exercise regimens, environmental factors and physical, emotional and mental issues, as well as an individual’s particular symptoms, in determining treatment strategies. “To improve vision, the condition of the whole person needs to be addressed,” says Grossman, whose books include Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision. Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Homeopathic Doctor Edward Kondrot’s practice at Healing The Eye &

Hartford County Edition

Wellness Center, which he founded in Zephyrhills, Florida, embraces traditional and alternative therapies. He uses microcurrent, ozone therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord in treating serious eye disease. Kondrot, the author of 10 Essentials to Save Your Sight, systemically understands the eyes as windows to overall health. For instance, his perspective is founded on the fact that a balanced diet is one of the best preventive measures for maintaining eye health. Systemic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies are easily determined under the scrutiny of his holistic biomicroscope. According to science published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic spinal manipulation may also contribute to normal vision; in one case study, 20 treatment sessions helped an individual recover the function of optic nerves and normal vision. It’s generally accepted that chiropractic adjustment realigning the spinal column allows the nervous system to function properly, reduces tension and frees up the body to better transport blood to locations such as the eyes. Additionally, the second vertebra below the skull contains nerves that affect the eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves and sinuses. Common eye conditions generally develop so slowly that they may not present noticeable symptoms until deterioration has become severe. “Many factors can affect our eyesight,

www.NAHRT.com

including other health problems. Having a family member with eye disease may mean you’re genetically prone to having that condition as well, but living a healthy lifestyle may prevent the gene from being activated,” advises Kondrot. Viewing the condition of the eyes as a reflection of whole body health means that lifestyle and diet choices play major roles. The Vision Diet and supplement program recommended in Grossman’s Natural Eye Care has been shown to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eyes of study participants by five to seven millimeters, which generally equates to 10 to 15 percent. In general, a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and sulfur-bearing amino acids can be helpful. Foods containing such nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes. Other dietary and lifestyle options recommended by Grossman are daily drinking one pint of juice made from mostly green vegetables and drinking eight to 10 glasses of purified water to keep eyes hydrated. Managing stress and doing palming and other eye exercises, such as those found at Tinyurl.com/ComputerEyeStrainExercises, as well as daily aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes, are also beneficial. Additionally, Kondrot’s use of multimodal protocols such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, homeopathy, and detoxification can be applied to reverse visual loss. Kondrot advises that avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions is important. “A study of 113 patients with chronic simple glaucoma showed an immediate increase in pressure in the fluid inside the eye when they were exposed to foods to which they were allergic. Take up meditation, yoga, tai chi or any other practice that helps you manage stress and relax,” he advises. “Some consider glaucoma a stress-related condition.” The best strategy for healthy eyes is to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent significant vision loss. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

wisewords

fiber, with healthy fats such as those in avocados, coconut oil, seeds and nuts. Avoid industrially processed omega-6 vegetableoilslikecorn,soyandcanola.

Dr. Joseph Mercola on

SIMPLE STEPS TO WELL-BEING

Because an indoor, climatecontrolled, sedentary lifestyle may lead to slowly developing chronic disease, what changes

by Judith Fertig

octor of Osteopathic Medicine Joseph Mercola has practiced as a board-certified family physician for more than 30 years. His educational website, Mercola.com, has been the most visited natural health site for the past 12 years, with 12 million unique visitors each month. His three New York Times bestsellers include Effortless Healing.

With today’s overload of conflicting health information—and the temptation to self-diagnose—how can we accurately assess our status in terms of optimal wellness? One of the major principles I strongly embrace is to listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle based on the feedback it’s providing you. The seven clinically proven gauges I advise you to assess now and continue to monitor every six months or so are fasting insulin level (normal is less than five micro-international units per milliliter of blood; ideal is less than three); vitamin D level (normal is 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter); waist-to-hip ratio (ideal for men, 0.8; for women, 0.7); body fat percentage (fitness level for women is 21 to 24 percent; for men, 14 to 17 percent); HDL to total cholesterol ratio (ideally 24 to 30 percent or higher); blood pressure (ideal numbers are 120 over 80 systolic/diastolic without medication); and uric acid level (ideal is three to five milligrams per deciliter).

It is important to get these levels checked, because it is impossible to know without testing.

In your opinion, what is the greatest health risk Americans face today and what can we do about it right now? I’m convinced that for the typical American, the most important health step to take is to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices or artificially flavored and sweetened waters and replace them with pure water. Most people are now aware that sodas are laced with processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, but many don’t know that their favorite sport and vitamin drinks contain these sweeteners plus a host of frightening extras, including toxic chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, phthalates, BPA [bisphenol A] and disinfection byproducts.

What role do carbohydrates play? Carbs are a far dirtier fuel than fat and generate far more reactive oxygen species than fat. Some 70 years of following lowfat diet recommendations has resulted in the vast majority of dieters losing the ability to burn fat as their primary fuel. One of the most powerful strategies to regain this ability is to start a practice of regular intermittent fasting, restricting your eating window to six to 14 hours a day and fast the rest of the day. Of course, you will want to replace a high net carb intake, or total carbs minus

do you suggest we make? Spending time outside with bare feet in contact with the ground even for short periods can yield significant benefits. It’s even better to do it with the sun shining on your bare skin. The Earth is an abundant source of free electrons, and when the sun shines on your skin a vital biological circuit forms that helps transfer energy to water throughout the body, which serves as a cellular battery. Albert Einstein won a Nobel Prize for describing this process, called the photoelectric effect. Reducing the length of time sitting each day and regularly moving is even more important for most of us than getting regular exercise. A good rule of thumb is

to stand up every 15 minutes or so. What can we do better to maintain optimal health? Two-thirds of Americans are overweight. The problems with carrying excess weight are more than aesthetic. At the root of obesity is mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic disorders go hand-in-hand with many of the chronic diseases plaguing Americans in record numbers—including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and cancer—according to numerous studies such as research by the Centers for Disease Control and the Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, at George Mason University. The most potent strategy to address such metabolic dysfunction is to make a strong commitment to reaching and maintaining a personally healthy level of body fat. Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

natural awakenings

March 2017

calendarofevents

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Submit ALL entries at www.NAHRT.com

markyourcalendar IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND AVOID DISEASE FIRST TUESDAY Each Month 6-7:30pm

Learn what causes poor health and how to change your lifestyle and avoid illnesses from the common cold to life threatening disease. Free Alternative Health, Inc 625 New Park Ave, West Hartford Register: 860-218-2838

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Wilderness Survival 101 – 2pm. The Baranski brothers - experienced outdoorsman, animal trackers, campers and nature photographers, lead a program on survival covering everything from your emergency kit to shelter and food. $3 CAS members, $7 non-members. Connecticut Audubon Society, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948 to register.

markyourcalendar MYTHS OF THE ASANA 3-Session Series MARCH 11, MARCH 25, APRIL 8 11am-1pm Learning the stories connected to these postures can serve to bring deeper meaning to a practice. Workshop incorporates storytelling and a physical asana practice. $25 Journey of Yoga 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury

Make & Take Class – Make Essential Oil Aroma Inhaler – 2:30-4pm. Experience certified pure therapeutic grade oils for physical and emotional wellness. Make inhalers using blends for your personal wellness needs: stress, respiratory, sleep, hormone support. $2 per Aroma Inhaler. TFC Health Foods, 230 Farmington Ave, Farmington. 860-471-6164.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 Live Eagle Program – 2-4pm. Meet ‘Skywalker’ the Golden Eagle, the newest addition to the Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education Center. Learn about bald eagles with Brian Hess of the CT DEEP-Wildlife Division. Suggested donation: $10. Connecticut Audubon Society, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948. Trail Wood Sign Dedication & Second Sunday Guided Walk – 2pm. Come for an introduction to the new trail sign network now at Trail Wood. Celebrate, walk and enjoy refreshments around the woodstove. Free. Programs at Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton. 860-928-4948.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16 Qi-Gong: Wellness & Peace For Body, Mind, & Spirit – 7-8:30pm. These calm and relaxing exercises strengthen the flow of the body’s life force, improving one’s health in body and mind while deepening spiritual awareness. Free, non perishable food item encouraged. Sponsor - Alliance for Holistic Living. Hosted at YogaBorn, 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678.

markyourcalendar GONG MEDITATION EXPERIENCE With The Conduit Center SUNDAY, MARCH 19 5:30-7pm The Conduit musicians use instruments such as ancient Himalayan singing bowls and planetary gongs to guide attendants into a relaxed state.

860-680-1482 JourneyOfYoga.com

$32

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 Nature Sketchbook Journaling – 1-4pm. Spend time outdoors on the Bafflin Sanctuary, sketching and painting from nature. Roxanne Steed will teach basic drawing and quick intuitive watercolor techniques. $10 CAS members, $20 non-members. Connecticut Audubon Society, Grassland Bird Conservation Center, 218 Day Rd, Pomfret Center. 860-928-4948 to register.

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville, CT Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Essential Oils 101 Workshop – 6-7:30pm. Learn how pure essential oils can greatly enhance your physical and emotional health - naturally, costeffectively, and without dangerous side effects. Free. TFC Health Foods, 230 Farmington Ave, Farmington. 860-471-6164.

markyourcalendar OPEN HOUSE & TOUR Now Seeking Holistic Practitioners THURSDAY, MARCH 23 4-8pm Tour this new 8,000 square foot center available exclusively for holistic health practitioners. Includes office suites, commercial kitchen and a video recording studio all in a picturesque setting. Free Bridge Healing Arts Center 304 Main Street, Farmington RSVP: 860-710-5504 BridgeHAC.com

markyourcalendar GOING YIN-SIDE OUT A Yin Approach to Yoga FRIDAY, MARCH 24 6:30-8pm Find your balance between softness and strength, ease and effort with Yin yoga – the perfect companion to an active (Yang) yoga practice, and to our busy lives. $27 Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 Community Drum Circle – 6:45-8:30pm. Drum newbies 6:45-7pm, circle 7-8:30pm. Drums provided by facilitator, Mary Ertel. $5-$10 donation. YogaBorn.com, 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678.

APR

markyourcalendar Open House THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION SATURDAY, MARCH 25 10am-12pm Join to learn about or training program and sample delicious food made by our students, sip tasty tea, go on a foray, hear a garden talk and more. Free Holcomb Farm 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby RSVP: 860-764-9070 TIOSN.com

markyourcalendar SPRING CHAKRA CLEANSE SUNDAY, MARCH 26 11:15am-12:30pm Using mantra (sound), asana (poses) and vinyasa (physical movement), this class will assist you in bringing attention to opening and balancing each Chakra. $20 23 Franklin St, Torrington Register: 860-496-1500 SanctuaryPowerYoga.com

markyourcalendar THERAPEUTIC YOGA REIKI AND CRYSTAL HEALING WORKSHOP SUNDAY, MARCH 26 1-3pm Detox the winter months and open to receive new beginnings this spring. Aromatherapy and sound therapy included. $40 Zen: Body + Mind Holistic Healing 91 S Main St, West Hartford 860-517-9322 ZenWH.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 Therapeutic Yoga Reiki and Crystal Healing Workshop – 1-3pm. Detox the winter months and open to receive new beginnings this spring. Aromatherapy and sound therapy included. $40. Zen: Body + Mind Holistic Healing, 91 S Main St, West Hartford. 860-517-9322.

markyourcalendar AGNI - STRENGTHENING THE DIGESTIVE FIRE FRIDAY, MARCH 31 6:30-8:30pm An experiential workshop to build Agni through asana and Agni Sara, which involves the contraction and release of the muscles of the pelvis and the abdominals with breath. $35 Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Eco Yards

Plus: Medical Massage Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for Earth-Friendly Landscaping & Therapeutic Massage

FRIDAY, MARCH 31 Gong & Yoga – 5-6pm. Beginners needed and always feel welcomed. We teach injury free yoga to the inflexibly and reluctant. No experience needed to participate. $20 single class, $40 unlimited classes. 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1 Meditation for Beginners – 10-11:30am. Learn meditation and the Buddhist approach to training the mind. Applying in everyday life will lead to happiness, a sense of purpose and harmony in relationships. $15. Odiyana Kadampa Buddhist Center, 6 Main St, East Hartford. Tickets/information: MeditationInConnecticut.org/beginners.

markyourcalendar LOVING KINDNESS – A BOOK STUDY FOR LIFE FRIDAY, APRIL 7 7-9pm This group meets monthly to study this inspiring book by Buddhist Sharon Salzberg and explore ways to love ourselves more deeply and find a greater sense of connection with others. $29/Session $139/6 Sessions Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

860-507-6392 natural awakenings

March 2017

calendarofevents

markyourcalendar

LEARN TO MEDITATE In 6 Evening Sessions WEDNESDAYS 6-week mindfulness course introduces the practice and tools needed to meditate and to let go of stress, sleep better, focus better and be “awake” in the present moment.

DETOX, DE-STRESS, UNWIND Balance for the Mind, Body and Spirit REIKI I & II TRAINING Instructor: Patricia Overton, B.A., M.A. Member: RMA, IARP APRIL 29 & 30

$60/6 sessions

9am-5pm

Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 34 Jerome Ave, Bloomfield

Learn this powerful, non-invasive healing technique used in hundreds of hospitals across the U.S. Use on self or others. A must for your wellness toolbox!

Beginning April 19 6-7pm

$250 Oure Healing Garden Hebron

markyourcalendar

EARTH DAY YOGA RETREAT SUNDAY, APRIL 23 11:15am-5:30pm Enjoy a blissful day of guided meditation, Ayurvedic learning, yoga asana, yogic breathing, outdoor walking meditation and a deeply restorative Yoga Nidra. Lunch included. $150 Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville

OureGarden.com

markyourcalendar PRENATAL YOGA FOR YOGA TEACHERS with Cyndi Roberts SATURDAY, APRIL 29 1-5:30pm

Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

markyourcalendar PRENATAL YOGA with Cyndi Roberts SATURDAY, APRIL 29

Learn how to teach to pregnant students through better understanding of common modifications needed and contraindications. Part 1 is lecture, Part 2 is participating in a yoga class for pregnant students led by Cyndi and part 3 is review and exploration of your questions. RYTs earn 4 Continuing Education Contact Hours in the Yoga Alliance categories of Teaching Methodology (TM), Techniques, Training & Practice (TTP), Anatomy & Physiology (AP) and a certificate of completion. $62

2:30-4pm Learn how to modify your yoga practice during each stage of your pregnancy. Also learn the things you shouldn’t do in yoga while pregnant. $42

Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville

CREATE A HOME YOGA PRACTICE SUNDAY, APRIL 30 4-6pm Learn how to create relaxation, flexibility and strength by starting a home yoga practice. Guided workshop includes discussion, selfreflection, short sample sequences and handouts. $35 Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

markyourcalendar HYPNOSIS CERTIFICATION COURSE 100-hour Course with Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI MAY 20-27 Open doors to a better future. Not just something different, something that makes a difference. “This course exceeded my expectations! Truly life changing.” – Margaret. Final Registration: $2,489 by 4/20 Mind Matters Hypnosis Center, LLC Branford Call to see if you qualify: 860-693-6448 Info: MindMattersHypnosis.com

A Smile as Sweet as Spring. Find Your Natural Match!

Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Yoga Center of Collinsville 10 Front St, Collinsville Registration Required: 860-693-YOGA (9642) YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Try it for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 28

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

ongoingevents sunday Astrology with Pat Peabody – Afternoons by appointment. See website for details. $35. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-989-1238. Restorative Yoga - All Levels – 9:30-10:45am. A luxurious class with passive postures done over props for a meditative practice allowing you to surrender layers of deeply held tension. Perfect for beginner and advanced yogis. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Yoga for Spiritual Healing – 10:30am. A gentle asana class that includes emotionally healing meditation For those experiencing grief, stress, or anxiety, and seeking a place to practice, relax, and heal. $20. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. Create Financial Freedom with Healthy Products – 4-5pm. Learn how to build a business and create financial freedom for you by distributing natural Aloe Vera nutritional supplements to help others be healthy. Free. Bristol (call for address). RSVP: 860-372-8171. Qigong - All Levels – 5:30-6:30pm. Deep breathing and flowing movements derived from ancient Chinese healing exercises for increased balance, flexibility, muscle and bone strength, immune function, decreased pain and stiffness. $17 drop-in. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

monday Sanctuary Power Flow – 9-10am. Our signature, power vinyasa (flow) class in a heated room. Strong and challenging-a meditation in motion. No preregistration required. $18 drop-in. 163 Albany Tpke, Ste 400, Canton. SanctuaryPowerYoga.com. Complete Strength Class – 9:30-10:30am. Total Strength classes are the #1 priority to burn calories and build lean muscle to boost your metabolism for the long-term. $20. YES Fitness, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington. 860-673-4293. Kundalini Yoga – 9:30-11am. Free. Windham Recovery Community Center, 713 Main St, Willimantic. 860-423-7088 or 860-423-9843 for more info. Sanctuary Open Flow – 9:30-10:45am. Our signature, power vinyasa (flow) class in a heated room. Strong and challenging- a meditation in motion. No pre-registration required. $18 drop-in. 23 Franklin St, Torrington. SanctuaryPowerYoga.com.

Gentle + Restorative Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing. Great for any experience level. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Yoga for Girls (ages 9-12) – 4:30pm. Benefits include increased concentration, a positive self-image, feeling part of a non-competitive group, and having an alternative to tuning out from attachment to electronic devices. $10 preregister. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. Meditate Through the Madness – 6pm. Hosted by Torin Lee. Learn to manage the stress of life through mediation. $10. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. To register: 860-467-6518. Tong Ren Healing Class – 7-8pm. Dr. Ming Wu leads this class focusing on internally healing the body’s energy system by using the collective unconscious. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 860-606-0578. Vinyasa Yoga For Everyone – 7-8:15pm. Classic yoga postures in flowing sequence linked by breath. Learn breathing techniques that keep you invigorated and calm in your daily life. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

tuesday Chair Massage – Treat yourself to a relaxing break. You decide how long. $1/minute. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. Walk-ins welcome or call for an appointment: 860-467-6518. Express Vinyasa Yoga – 6-7am. Touches on all the essentials of the core standing, balancing, and seated postures. Build strength, heat and focus moving through sun salutations linked with breath and clarity. Some yoga experience recommended. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Tai Chi for Kids (Ages 6-12) – 4-4:45pm. Learning the Chinese art of Tai Chi is a great way for children to relax, have fun and strengthen body and mind. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 860-606-0578. Beginners Yoga, Yoga You Can Do! – 4:455:45pm. No experience needed to participate. Lose inches, low impact, instant motivation and fun. $20 single class, $40 unlimited classes. Yoga Born, 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678.

Consortium of Unicorns – 6-7pm. This unique empowerment group will support you while you focus on reconnecting with yourself. Learn what true self worth, self-love looks and feels like. $20. The Beyond Center, 281 Hartford Tpke, Ste 5G, Vernon. 860-899-4700. Reiki Share – 6-8:30pm. 3rd Tuesday each month. Certified Reiki practitioners of all lineages and levels welcome. This is a time to come together with other practitioners as a community, give/ receive Reiki. $10. 47 Upson St, 2nd Fl, Bristol. 860-302-1609. Tai Chi with Dr. Ming Wu – 6-7pm. Learn from a Tai Chi master who has studied the art of Tai Chi for more than 40 years. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 860-606-0578. Turbo Kick Boxing with Mary – 7:15-8:15pm. Extreme aerobic workout is fun and will get you in shape. Great music. Tuesdays are for beginners and Thursdays are advanced classes. $5. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-883-9664. Meditation as a Way of Living with Tom Dest – 7:30-8:45pm. Promoting access to intention from deep inside and heart to heart communication - soft live music. Contemplation on our eternal nature and keys to peace. $15. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 413-822-8486.

wednesday Coffee with Coach – 7am. Early morning session facilitated by Torin Lee, Life Coach. Learn ways to handle stress, navigate change and make each day count. $10. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. To register: 860-467-6518. Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gently held postures for joint health and nurturing. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Yoga for Spiritual Healing – 10:30am. A gentle asana class that includes emotionally healing meditation For those experiencing grief, stress, or anxiety, and seeking a place to practice, relax, and heal. $20. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. Metabolic ZT – 4:30-5:30pm. Our version of a cardio workout. Monitored by individual heart rate, burn calories, get your metabolism revving, and give you the cardiovascular benefits you are looking for. $20. YES Fitness, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington. 860-673-4293. Sanctuary Foundations Flow – 7-8pm. A slower, gentler flow that still incorporates many of the poses from our signature power class. No pre-registration required. $18 drop-in. 23 Franklin St, Torrington. SanctuaryPowerYoga.com.

Open Play! For Ages 10 Months to 5 Years – 1011:15am. Join open play in our creative arts studio. Non-instructional play will include gross motor equipment like tunnels and balance beams, dress up and art projects. Donation of canned good. Imagine Studio, 97 South St, West Hartford. ImagineStudioCT.com.

natural awakenings

March 2017

ongoing events thursday Complete Strength Class – 5:30-6:30am. Total Strength classes are the #1 priority to burn calories and build lean muscle to boost your metabolism for the long-term. $20. YES Fitness, 292 Spielman Hwy, Burlington. 860-673-4293. Move and Groove - Conscious Conditioning with Sandy Byrne – 8:45-10am. Fusing the expertise of conditioning athletes with yogic consciousness, this fun, energetic class will jump-start your metabolism and get your body feeling strong and supple. $16 drop-in, class cards available. River Rock Yoga, 274 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield. 860-757-3339. Bump Day – 10am-6pm. 60-minute prenatal massage or reflexology by Colleen Dumas, LMT and certified in prenatal care. Refreshments, raffle. $40. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. For an appointment: 860-467-6518. Yoga for Seniors – 11am. Yoga asanas tone up the body, keep our internal organs and the hormonal system in balance, and refresh the mind and spirit. Breathing and gentle movements. $20 drop in or class pass/membership. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482. Beginners Yoga, Yoga You Can Do! – 6-7pm. No experience needed to participate. Lose inches, low impact, instant motivation and fun. $20 single class, $40 unlimited class. Yoga Born, 1735 Ellington Rd, South Windsor. 860-432-5678. Belly Dance Classes with Elisheva – 6-7pm. Learn the ancient art of belly dance in this beginner class. All levels and abilities warmly welcomed. $17. Spotlight Dance, Art & Wellness, 45 S Main St, Unionville. Register: 860-967-9424. Blended Style Yoga Classes – 6-7:15pm. Our many styles meet you where you are. Gentle sound allows tuning and awakening improving life and self. Also every weekday. See our website. $5 or $8. Center for Progressive Therapies, 192 Hartford Rd, Manchester. 860-649-9600. Tai Chi & Meditation – 6-7pm. Instruction is focused on empowering Chi and enhancing health and healing of the mind, body and spirit. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 860-606-0578.

Sound Bath Session – 6:30-8:30pm. 3rd Thursday of the month. Enjoy a monthly group sound bath with Karen Fox, Sister of Sound. Let singing bowls, bells, drums, chimes bathe you in angelic healing vibrations. $20 advance, $25 at door. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. 860-467-6518. Vinyasa Yoga For Everyone – 7-8:15pm. Classic yoga postures in flowing sequence linked by breath. Learn breathing techniques that keep you invigorated and calm in your daily life. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

friday

Chair Massage – Treat yourself to a relaxing break. You decide how long. $1 per minute. Oneida Holistic Health Center, 16 West Rd, Marlborough. Walk-ins welcome or call for an appointment: 860-467-6518. Baby and Me Yoga –10:30-11:30am. Caregivers are invited to practice yoga and bond with baby in this open and nurturing environment. Postures to benefit core strengthening and lower back care. $20 drop in or class pass/membership. Journey of Yoga, 730 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. 860-680-1482.

saturday Morning Express Vinyasa Yoga – 7:45-8:45am. Touches on all the essentials of the core standing, balancing, and seated postures. Build strength, heat and focus moving through sun salutations linked with breath and clarity. $50 for 30 days unlimited classes (new students). Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642. Tai Chi and Qi Gong – 8-9am. Dr. Ming Wu is a Tai Chi and Qi Gong Master who has dedicated his life to teaching others how to live healing and healthy lives. Wu Healing Center, 45 S Main St, West Hartford. To register: 860-606-0578. Sanctuary Power Flow – 9am-10am. Our signature, power vinyasa (flow) class in a heated room. Baptiste influenced, it’s strong and challenging, a meditation in motion. No pre-registration required. $18 drop-in. 163 Albany Turnpike, Ste 400, Canton. SanctuaryPowerYoga.com. Cat Adoption Open House – 10am-4pm. Protectors of Animals. 144 Main St, East Hartford. POAinc.org. Natural Weight Loss Seminar – 10am-12pm. Learn how tasty and vitamin-packed Aloe Vera drinks and supplements help you to lose and manage weight for a healthy, active life. Free. Bristol (call for address). RSVP: 860-372-8171. Belly Dance – 10:45am-12pm. Connect spirit and body through a sensual movement workout. Fusing yoga-based warm ups, belly dance techniques, and a cool-down meditation. Beginners and drop-ins welcome. $50 for 30 days, unlimited classes/new students. Yoga Center of Collinsville, 10 Front St, Collinsville. 860-693-9642.

Hartford County Edition

www.NAHRT.com

community resourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. Create your Community Resource Guide Listing online at www.NAHRT.com. ACUPUNCTURE INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS & PHYSICAL THERAPY 34 Jerome Ave., Suite 305 Bloomfield, 06002 860-519-1916 Info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com

Dr. Chung-Quiros provides acupuncture and Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture to rejuvenate the face, creating a more youthful appearance while addressing overall health for the whole body. See ads on pages 6, 9 and 21.

EDUCATION HARTFORD FAMILY INSTITUTE

Center for Psychotherapy and Healing Arts 17 South Highland St., West Hartford, 06119 203-236-6009 HartfordFamilyInstitute.com

A cutting edge Psycho-therapy & Training Center since 1969. Treatment includes in-depth body emotional work, energy healing, shamanic spiritual healing, illness & trauma work. Training also offered for psychotherapists & healers. See ad on page 9.

HOLISTIC HEALTH ALTERNATIVE HEALTH, INC

625 New Park Ave West Hartford, 06110 860-218-2838 AlternativeHealthSpas.info Restore your health with a customized wellness program to strengthen your immune system. Lose wei-ght, regain energy, improve skin and reduce reliance on prescription medications. See ad on page 2.

GEMSTONE THERAPY INSTITUTE

Your path to better health!

860-646-3063 LearnGem.com Education@GemFormulas.com

Still looking for a way to feel better? is thehealth! groundWe canGemstone help you find Therapy the path to better

YOGA CENTER OF COLLINSVILLE

NUTRITION INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS & PHYSICAL THERAPY

breaking energy modality applying HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY 34 Jerome Ave., Suite 305 you tried just abouttoeverything... gemstone tools initiate A Pain-Free Swing specific is Have Possible Again! Bloomfield, 06002 860-519-1916 and you’re still not getting better? anda sustain greater health. Local Eliminate Chronic Pain and Enjoy Healthy, Active Lifestyle If you suffer from challenging issues like joint pain, headaches Info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com andmen’s practitioner classes. and fatigue, or women’s health issues, allergies and Play Without the Pain beginner Chronic aches and pains can prevent you from enjoying activities and sports but more,your our favorite unique integrative approach can they’re help you. Holly has 25 years experience in See adinflammation on page often caused by treatable conditions including in the7. body, poor alignment of the spine, are be a wellness center specializing in holistic Physical Therapy, and other common issues. These conditions canWe often addressed easily and holistically. natural health. Her approach is to Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) and nutritional wellness. More Energy for Your Game Our team is highly skilled, practicing Physical Therapy If you feel sluggish or tired during your activities, you could be experiencing chronic symptoms. cumulatively for more thanfatigue 250 years! help individuals find practical ways We address common causes like poor joint mobility or circulation and nutritional and sleep deficiencies. We’ll work with you to determine the causes and prepare a plan to re-energize mind. you Our primary focus to enjoy making healthy changes to INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS &yourisbodytoandhelp A Winning Treatment Philosophyfind your way to pain-free health! create wellness. Holly specializes PHYSICAL THERAPY We care for you with a holistic and functional health approach. We focus on discovering the source of your issues, and then we customize a treatment plan according to your exact needs, drawing on Call NOW to schedule your FREE in Functional Medicine and a variety of holistic techniques including manual305 therapy, holistic physical therapy, personal training, 34 Jerome Ave., Suite nutrition and other wellness services. private consultation at our Functional Nutrition. See ads on Bloomfield, 06002 860-519-1916 Your Health is Our Priority Wellness Center! 860-519-1916 We want to get you back in the game and return you to a pain-free, active and fun lifestyle as soon as pages 6, 9 and 21. Info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com possible and for many years to come.

19-1916

ur FREE ation center!

34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002 T: 860-519-1916 | F: 860-986-6756 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305, Bloomfield, CT 06002 info@IntegrativeWellnessandPT.com Info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com • www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com www.IntegrativeWellnessandPT.com

We specialize in using holistic and advanced Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy and comprehensive Nutritional Wellness to find and treat the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. Our team works together to help you achieve pain-free living. See ads on pages 6, 9 and 21.

Medicare Accepted

ZEN: BODY+MIND HOLISTIC HEALING 91 South Main Street, West Hartford Info@ZenWH.com ZenWH.com

Helping you achieve wellness through holistic services including reiki, acupressure, one-on-one therapeutic and prenatal yoga sessions, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy. See ad on page 13.

MASSAGE YOGA CENTER OF COLLINSVILLE 10 Front St., Collinsville, 06019 860-693-YOGA (9642) info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Thai Yoga Massage uniquely blends elements of acupressure, Yoga reflexology, physiotherapy, a meditation to improve posture, breathing, flexibility, digestion and circulation. Muscles are stretched, inner organs toned and emotional and nervous tension is reduced. New client special: $59 for your first 60-minutes massage. See ads on pages 2, 11 and 22.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CONNECTICUT NATURAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS

315 East Center St., Manchester 860-533-0179 CTNaturalHealth.com Receive sustainable and natural solutions for health conditions to address the cause of disease, not only the symptoms. We combine science with the wisdom of nature. See ad on page 15.

10 Front St., Collinsville, 06019 860-693-YOGA (9642) Info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com YogaCenterCollinsville.com

Experience yoga in the vibrant surroundings of historic Collinsville. Morning / evening classes available: Beginners, Gentle, Mixed, Advanced, Yogalates, Belly Dance and yoga for Kids. Drop-ins welcome! New student special: $50 for one month of unlimited yoga classes. See ads on pages 2, 11 and 22.

classified

SHANA GRIFFIN, RDN, CD-N

ShopRite – Joseph Family Markets 46 Kane St., West Hartford 860-233-1713 Shana.Griffin@wakefern.com ShopRite’s registered dietitian is your resource to answer nutrition questions, provide menu ideas and tips to help your family live healthier. Call today for help. See ad on page 20.

WELLNESS CENTER

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit www.naturalawakeningsmag.com/mymagazine.

FOR RENT

THE CONDUIT CENTER

Owen James, Director Manchester/East Hartford 860-888-4314 www.TheConduitCenter.com Conduit musicians use gongs, singing bowls and other instruments for effortless relaxation, and personal growth. Sounds deepen other healing practices like yoga and massage therapy. See ad on page 16.

PART-TIME TREATMENT & CLASS ROOM IN NEW HOLISTIC CENTER – 91 S. Main St., West Hartford at Zen: Body+Mind Holistic Healing. Visit www.ZenWH.com to learn more. Email Info@ZenWH.com for information. SUNNY, SPACIOUS ROOM FOR RENT. Downtown Collinsville. Perfect for a treatment room, office or tattoo studio. Shared bathroom and waiting area. Utilities included. Email: AugustAcresLLC@comcast.net. TREATMENT ROOM / OFFICE FOR RENT. Marlborough – Spacious (157 sq ft), sunny corner office space in suite with chiropractor, massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. Partially furnished. Handicapped accessible. Internet access. Shared waiting room, kitchen and bathroom. Utilities included. $500 per month. 1 year lease. 860-295-1200.

YOGA JOURNEY OF YOGA

730 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, 06070 JourneyOfYoga.com 860-680-1482 Inspiring health and happiness with every individual who steps through our door by offering Beginner, Hot Power, Vinyasa, Gentle, and Restorative classes throughout the day. See ad on page 12.

HELP WANTED MASSAGE THERAPIST – Yoga studio in Canton needs LMT with 2+ years experience for growing massage service. Ideal candidate lives within 15 minutes of Collinsville. Send resume to Info@YogaCenterCollinsville.com.

SERVICES - PETS GOOD DOGG PET SERVICES – Experienced dog training and owner coaching, daily dog care and vacation pet services. Call Chad at 860-966-6016.

natural awakenings

March 2017

Tur� Your Passion Into a Business

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Our publishers ranked us among the highest in franchise satisfaction for our Training, Support, Core Values and Integrity!*

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love! No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 85 markets across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (listed below). Contact us about acquiring an existing publication FOR SALE highlighted in RED*. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Huntsville, AL Gulf Coast AL/MS Phoenix, AZ* Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Boulder/Ft. Collins, CO Denver, CO Fairﬁeld County/ HousatonicValley, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & the Florida Keys Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL Treasure Coast, FL Atlanta, GA Hawaiian Islands Chicago, IL Chicago Western Suburbs, IL Indianapolis, IN Baton Rouge, LA Lafayette, LA New Orleans, LA Boston, MA Worcester, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Wayne County, MI* Western MI Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN* Charlotte, NC

• Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, NC • Bergen/Passaic, NJ* • Central, NJ • Hudson County, NJ • Mercer County, NJ • Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ • North Central NJ • South NJ • Santa Fe/Abq., NM* • Las Vegas, NV • Albany, NY* • Long Island, NY • Hudson Valley W., NY • Manhattan, NY* • Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH* • Toledo, OH* • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR • Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA • Chester/Delaware Counties, PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster/Berks, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA* • Northeast, PA • Philadelphia, PA • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC • Columbia, SC • Greenville, SC* • Chattanooga, TN* • Austin, TX* • Dallas, TX • Houston, TX • North Texas • San Antonio, TX* • South Houston/ Galveston, TX • Richmond, VA • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI* • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico • Dominican Republic

* Existing magazines for sale Start a magazine in an OPEN TERRITORY • • • • •

For more information, visit our website NaturalAwakeningsFranchise.com Hartford County Edition www.NAHRT.com or call 239-530-1377

*Natural Awakenings recently received the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.

• • • • •

Los Angeles, CA Riverside, CA Sacramento, CA San Bernadino, CA Santa Barbara/ Ventura, CA Santa Clara Co., CA Southern, MA Annapolis, MD Baltimore, MD Kansas City, MO

• Saint Louis, MO • Bronx, NY • Brooklyn/ Staten Island, NY • Cleveland, OH • Pittsburgh, PA • Nashville, TN • Ft. Worth, TX • Salt Lake City, UT Inquire about other open areas