Natural Awakenings New Haven/Middlesex Counties - August 2023

Holistic Community Professionals

Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education. We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind and spirit in the communities we serve.

To join Holistic Community Professionals, contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033. Visit our site: HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org

HOLY FIRE REIKI MASTER

Damaris Cruz

Holy Fire is both powerful and gentle, and provides purification, healing, empowerment and guidance.

Tender Loving Reiki

Shelton, CT 203-338-1100

DCruz88@yahoo.com

SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION COACH

Rev. Lauri Ingram

Mindfulness and Meditation teacher

Spiritual Counseling, Sacred Creativity through Cosmic Smashbooking Crystal, Light, Sound Energy Balancing

203-435-5650

Lauri@LauriIngram.com

LauriIngram.com

PSYCHIC MEDIUM

Elizabeth Raver

PhD, Psychology

Psychic Medium

Spiritual Intuitive Life Coach Sessions, Classes, Mentoring

Connect with loved ones/guides

DrLizMedium.com

203-400-9212

RavElizabeth516@gmail.com

INTUITIVE COUNSELOR & HEALER

Gayle Franceschetti

MEd, CHt

Hypnotherapy, Meditations, Reiki/Energy Sessions, Essential Oils, Group Past Life Regression, Individual Past Life Regression, Workshops, Spiritual Power Journeys

Private mentoring & counseling 203-631-7803

Return2love3@gmail.com

Return2Love.com

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

Nicole Klughers

ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center

Rocky Hill & Virtual Visits Your Health Detective. Listens, Takes Time, Finds You Answers. Uses Detailed Testing, Not Guessing. Discovers the Root Cause of Symptoms. 234-222-8362

Hello@DrNicoleKlughers.com

DrNicoleKlughers.com

ENERGY HEALING

Kathy Stalter Owner

Scalar/biophotonic energy field system that creates an environment for cells to recharge and restore, so the body can heal itself.

Sanaré Wellness, LLC

860-600-0106

Kathy@Sanare.life

Sanare.life

Jill Andrzejewski

LMT, RMT, Psychic Massage Therapy

Reiki & Chakra Balancing

Angel Tarot, Oracle Card and Tea Leaf Readings

A Moment In Time Treasures items for self-care and healing workshops and classes

203-909-1108

JillaMomentinTimeMassage@gmail.com

AMomentInTimeMassage.org

PSYCHIC MEDIUM

Heather Gottlieb

Psychic Medium

Group and individual intuitive readings about loved ones, jobs, relationships, past life, Oracle Card. In person and online.

433 Spring St.

Southington, CT 06489

860-899-9211

PsychicMediumHeather@yahoo.com

HeathertheMedium.com

TRANSFORMATION COURSES

Terri O’Brien

Transformational Course Creator

Fear Stomper

Belief Changer

Audio and spotlight courses to transform your mindset, life and productivity.

Terri@MasterJoyandSuccess.com

MasterJoyandSuccess.com

SPIRITUAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Rev. Bradford W. Tilden

MM, CMT, UWT

Starseed support

Universal White Time

Crystal Healing

Sound Healing

Sessions and trainings

860-830-5841

CrystalMusicHealing.com

Linktr.ee/BradfordTilden

NEW HAVEN/MIDDLESEX EDITION

Publisher/ Editor Ariana Rawls Fine

Contributing Writers Renee Edge

Thea Litsios

Linda Cicero

Layout & Production Courtney Ayers Design

Distributor Man In Motion, LLC

Website Chik Shank

CONTACT US

Tel: 203-900-4525 / 888-994-8664

Fax: 203-456-8509

Editorial@NaturalAwakeningsNewHaven.com

Ads@NaturalAwakeningsNewHaven.com

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Distribution@NaturalAwakeningsNewHaven.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

National Editor Sandra Yeyati

Editor Brooke Goode

Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin

Design & Production Gabrielle W-Perillo

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921

Ph: 239-206-2000

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

© 2023 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.

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We have so much to offer in Connecticut with our summer concerts, lake and beach fun, barbeques and family gatherings, cooler forest trails to explore, and more. August brings the peak of summer heat, the last month of summer break and getting ready for the start of the new school year.

We turn to experts in our local community for tips to begin the school year with better nutrition from functional nutrition coach Renee Edge of Edge to Health as well as stress management and mental health tools for teenagers from nutrition coach and behavior change specialist Linda Cicero of Life in Color. Career coach and Kolbe consultant Thea Litsios explores steps to choosing a college major.

In addition, we offer information on navigating back-to-school meal planning with food allergies and sensitivities with delicious recipes to try out. We focus on indoor air pollution, address acne issues with natural treatments and lifestyle modifications, and look at how to create a vibrant blended family with stepparenting. Read about the increased sustainability focus on college campuses as well as how to be a “forever” student. So much interesting information to share with others!

Looking forward to fall, we will have special focuses on wellness travel in September, traditional world medicine in October and eco-living in November. As the school year starts, our September issue will also highlight homeschooling best practices, tips and things to know in Connecticut for parents starting their homeschool journey and those thinking about withdrawing their children as well as businesses that collaborate with the homeschool community. If you know of a local business that could benefit from being a part of these specific editions, please have them reach out to me!

I wish you lots of summer fun this August!

Nature’s Germ Killer Copper can stop germs

before you get sick

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds, flu, and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

made a smooth copper probe with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril where viruses collect.

They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Soon people found other things they could use it against:

Colds and Flu

Covid

Sinus trouble from germs

New research: Copper kills bad germs in seconds.

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened.” That was 2012.

Cold sores or fever blisters

Canker sores that get infected

Mold allergies

Congestion or stuffiness

Drippy nose

Hay fever worsened by bacteria

Strep throat

Pink Eye and Styes

Skin infections

Infected sores

Cuts or wounds getting infected

Thrush and Tongue Infections

Warts

Ringworm

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills germs like viruses, bacteria, and fungus almost instantly, just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about germs. Now we do.

The National Institutes of Health and the American Society for Microbiology vouch for the power of copper to kill germs.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a germ cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommends hospitals use copper for touch surfaces such as faucets and doorknobs. This cuts the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saves lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He

Now he’s gone 11 years without a cold. “I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my CopperZap right away at any sign I am about to get sick.”

After the initial success, he asked relatives and friends to try it.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact with fingers and hands in case you touch things sick people may have touched.

Scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “The viruses started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said Dr. Bill Keevil.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished. Easy to clean or polish.

Made in America entirely of pure US copper. Comes with Directions. 90-day Money-back Guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each with code NATA36

See www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements not evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Sign Up to Exhibit, Speak at Fall Health Expo

Holistic Community Professionals is presenting The 11th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo on October 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. There is a call for exhibitors and speakers for the benefit event.

The expo will feature speakers on the half-hour and a keynote speaker at 2 p.m. There will be more than 75 vendors and readers, free raffles all day, and a grand prize of a Hilton overnight stay with breakfast for two, as well as a free sound healing event from 4-5 p.m.

The Passport to Health & Wellness Expo is a free event to the public with advance tickets available on EventBrite.com. All door proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Health Defense New England Chapter. The Holistic Community Professionals is a sponsor of the expo. Interested vendors can apply online at YourHolisticEvents.com/FairsVendorSpeaker-Application.

For more information, call Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033, email YourHolisticEvents@gmail.com or visit YourHolisticEvents.com. Location: The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, 42 Century Dr, Bristol, CT. See ad, page 19.

Connect in Person with Other Holistic Families

Take some time with your family on Tuesday, August 1, from 6-8 p.m. to meet in person with other holistic-minded people as part of this family summer meeting of Holistic Moms Network’s New Haven County chapter. Enjoy an informal networking time while the kids enjoy the beach at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Conn. In addition, you can find out more about the chapter’s upcoming events and member benefits.

This will be a potluck dinner so bring a dish or two to share as well as your own utensils and dishes. Please also include the ingredient list (if you are making your own food) so those with allergies and/or sensitivities are aware of what is in them.

The mission of Holistic Moms Network, a nonprofit support and discussion network, is to connect parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. It welcomes people wherever they are on their own holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The monthly meetings, open to the public, are held the first Tuesday evening of each month.

For more information, visit HolisticMoms.org or Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven. RSVP for the event on the Events page on Facebook.com/NewHaven or message the chapter on Messenger in order to obtain the exact location at Silver Sands.

Celebrating 30 Years with CT Folk Fest & Green Expo

TheCT Folk Fest & Green Expo returns for its 30th year in New Haven’s Edgerton Park on September 9 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (gates open at 10:45 a.m.). CT Folk engages, entertains and inspires through diverse folk music, while helping to foster a socially just and environmentally sustainable community.

There will be live music all day on two stages plus a Green Expo highlighting over 50 artisans and nonprofits, a Green New Haven Workshop Tent offering workshops and community resources, and multiple Connecticut food trucks. The Green Kids Village offers families workshops, eco-art projects, drum circles, magic shows, yoga, hula hooping and more.

Musicians include Southern Avenue, Maria Muldaur, Dom Flemons, Lara Herscovitch, Beppe Gambetta, The Barefoot Movement, Lizzie No, Sun Queen, Jeiris Cook, The Bargain, Afro-Semitic Experience and Isabella Mendes.

The suggested donation is $20. The CT Folk Festival and Green Expo is located at Edgerton Park at 75 Cliff Street in New Haven, Conn. There are two entrances on Cliff Street and one entrance on Edgehill Road. No parking is allowed in the park. There is on-street parking adjacent to the park, along Whitney Avenue, and in the neighborhoods both east and west of Whitney Avenue. Additional off-Site parking is available at Hamden Hall Day School. Handicapped parking will be allocated among the street parking.

For more information, visit CTFolk.org.

Maximizing Lutein in Green Smoothies

Research indicates that lutein is essential for eye health, suppresses inflammation and offers cardiovascular health benefits. Because the human body cannot make this powerful antioxidant, it is important to include it in the diet by eating dark, leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale.

A new study in the journal Nutrients has found that coconut milk is the most effective plant-based milk to liberate lutein from spinach in green smoothies. The scientists from Linköping University, in Sweden, tested 14 liquids, and only four increased lutein liberation in spinach smoothies. Compared to blending spinach with water alone, coconut milk without additives was found to improve lutein liberation by 42 percent. Improved lutein liberation was also found with high-fat cow’s milk (36 percent), mediumfat cow’s milk (30 percent) and coconut milk with additives (25 percent). Researchers noted that soy milk with and without additives actually reduced lutein liberation by 40 percent and 61 percent, respectively.

Reducing Pain With Music Therapy

A new study in the journal PAIN

Reports conducted by researchers at University Hospitals

Connor Whole Health, in Cleveland, looked at patient outcomes in pain reduction after music therapy. The study examined music therapy interventions provided to 1,056 adults that reported moderate to severe pre-session pain, anxiety or stress. Interventions included listening to live, music-assisted relaxation and imagery, and active music making. After a single music therapy session, the patients reported clinically significant reductions in pain, anxiety and stress.

Additionally, patients receiving a music therapy session in which pain management was a goal were 4.32 times more likely to report pain reduction than those receiving the therapy without such a goal. While music therapy may be an effective, non-drug therapy for acute pain and distress management, additional research is needed to determine which characteristics of music therapy interventions influence pain improvements.

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Where Science and Spirit Meet

Climate Victory Gardens

During World War II, an estimated 20 million Americans planted individual and community “victory gardens” to assist the war efforts by producing more than 40 percent of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the country at the time. As the world faces a different kind of threat today, Green America is encouraging and training people to plant “climate victory gardens” to restore soil health and draw down carbon as a way to help solve the climate crisis.

The project invites people to log their garden on an online map (GreenAmerica. org/climate-victory-gardens), showing the cumulative impact of their effort. More than 20,000 climate victory gardens have already been planted, collectively sequestering approximately 4,740 tons of carbon per year, which is equivalent to eliminating the emissions from driving more than 39 million miles.

The mission of Green America, a nonprofit, is to mobilize and empower consumers, investors, businesses and the marketplace to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Green America provides information on regenerative gardening in down-to-earth terms for beginners and seasoned pros. They also provide resources on related topics, such as organic fertilizers and pesticides, raising chickens, growing food indoors, composting, supporting pollinators and building a rain barrel.

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New Species Found in Deep-Sea Mining Zone

Biologists have discovered more than 5,000 new species of marine life in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), an untouched seabed in the Pacific Ocean spanning nearly 2 million square miles between Hawaii and Mexico. Remarkably, approximately 90 percent of the species are entirely new to science. In a paper published in the journal Current Biology, scientists provided the first list of CCZ species, although most of them have not yet been named or described. The checklist focuses on multicellular ani mals dwelling on the ocean floor.

This research is crucial for assessing the potential consequences of deep-sea mining in the CCZ. The seafloor is rich with cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper and zinc—minerals that are critical for renewable energy technologies. Already, 31 exploration contracts have been awarded to several mining companies. Excavation in the CCZ has not yet begun, and scientists, activists and governments have urged caution until researchers are able to evaluate and better understand the impact that mining would have on this unique marine ecosystem.

Controlling Indoor Air Pollution

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution can be as high as, or even higher than, outdoor levels. Because we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, ambient air quality can impact anyone’s health, but seniors, children and people with health conditions like asthma and heart disease are more vulnerable. Some pollutants come from outside; others originate indoors through cooking, cleaning, smoking, building materials, consumer products and furnishings. Common contaminants include formaldehyde, mold and pollen. Consider these measures to maintain a healthy, fresh-air environment inside the dwelling.

VENTILATE THE HOME

Open non-street-facing windows for 15 minutes every day to let fresh air in. Even if it’s colder or hotter outdoors, indoor air quality will improve, and the temperature will adjust quickly. The best times to ventilate are before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m., when outdoor pollution is lowest. Air quality alerts for particulates from forest fires or heavy smog may indicate skipping ventilation. To expel

pollutants, use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, or position a fan to blow out of a window. Ventilate rooms when painting or engaging in maintenance and hobbies that use noxious chemicals.

FILTER THE AIR

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters fitted into heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems remove pollutants throughout the house, including dust, pollen, mold and bacteria. Portable air cleaners known as HEPA air purifiers can sanitize a single room or area. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/ EPAindoorair

CLEAN SURFACES

To reduce airborne, allergy-causing agents, including dust mites, pollen, animal dander and dust (comprised of dead skin, soil, fungal spores and chemicals), houseclean regularly. Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration and strong suction. Wet-wipe and wet-mop surfaces with reusable, compostable materials like washable cotton, hemp or wool. Avoid petroleumbased microfiber, which releases

microplastics. Mops with bamboo or metal handles are more eco-friendly and longer lasting than plastic types.

AVOID INTRODUCING POLLUTANTS

Remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking in pesticides from green spaces and infectious bacteria from public restrooms, healthcare buildings or foodservice facilities.

Replace chemical-ridden air fresheners, body perfumes and bug sprays with lowtoxicity, DIY or commercial products that use essential oils and plant-based ingredients. Choose cleaning products certified or recommended by Green Seal (GreenSeal.org), EcoLogo (EcoLogo.org) or the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning (Tinyurl.com/EWGclean).

Make sure new furnishings and remodeling materials don’t contain lead, asbestos, flame retardants, volatile organic compounds or perfluorinated chemicals. Choose Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood furniture and Global Organic Textile Standardcertified textiles. For more tips, visit Tinyurl.com/EWGhomeguide .

Childhood Food Allergies, Intolerances and Sensitivities

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR ALL AGES

by Veronica Hinke

It’s back-to-school season, and for students with food issues, meal planning is as important as lining up classroom supplies and extracurricular schedules. Paramount in their minds is to avoid ingredients that might cause unappealing reactions or compromise health, while not stressing about the risks or feeling cheated that they cannot eat the same things as their friends.

Diagnosis

Often, food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances are incorrectly used interchangeably when, in fact, the symptoms, treatments and safety recommendations differ. Consult a physician for a proper diagnosis and a nutritionist for dietary guidance.

FOOD ALLERGIES cause an almost immediate, potentially deadly immune response (anaphylaxis) requiring an epinephrine shot. Symptoms include a drop in blood pressure, narrowing of the airways, rashes, nausea and vomiting. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20 percent of students with food allergies will have a reaction at school. Eight ingredients account for 90 percent of food allergies: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

FOOD INTOLERANCES result from an inability to digest certain foods due to an enzyme deficiency or irritable bowel syndrome. The most common forms of intolerance are caused by lactose, histamine and gluten.

SENSITIVITIES provoke delayed symptoms (sometimes days after eating a problematic ingredient), including diarrhea, rashes, joint pain, digestive problems, fatigue and brain fog. Among children, common triggers are lactose, gluten, grains, legumes, soy, corn and yeast.

Emotional Concerns

According to Karen Raden, an Illinoisbased registered dietician and certified clinical nutritionist, the goal is what she calls “food freedom”: the empowerment of students to make informed choices that feel best for them and their bodies. “Even if a child’s options are limited, it’s important to allow them to make substitutions. The less restricted, the better. It’s not just about the science; there’s a lot of emotion that goes into it, too,” she says.

Dr. Dawn Huebner, a psychologist, author and parent coach in Sacramento, California, says, “There is danger associated with allergies, and anxiety results when you overestimate the danger. In children, this can morph into anxiety about eating with other people or touching things in the classroom. Many parents are intent on making uncomfortable feelings go away, so they end up minimizing feelings, telling their children to simply not worry.”

A better approach, Huebner says, is to acknowledge the child’s reality and empathize with them. “Say to your child in a really direct way, ‘Yes, that’s hard to see your friends eating ice cream or

cupcakes that you don’t get to have.’ Even though there are food substitutions, it doesn’t make up for the fact that a student doesn’t get to be a regular kid, eating what everyone else gets to eat.”

Ready-to-Eat Options

Huebner suggests that parents help their children develop skills to overcome temptation, rather than berating or punishing them for occasionally sneaking forbidden foods. At all times, delicious alternatives should be readily available.

Theresa Diulus, a Texas-based nutrition coach, believes in empowering kids by keeping ready-made foods in clearly marked bins that kids can easily access. She stocks the pantry with gluten-free oatmeal and coconut or cassava flour cake mixes, and stores frozen, gluten-free waffle or pancake batter in batches to save time when a safe and delicious treat is needed.

Food Substitutions

Replacing essential nutrients that might be missing once certain foods are eliminated is another key objective. “If dairy is the problem, for example, we worry about bone health and need to make sure the child is getting calcium from nondairy sources,” Raden explains. “I like to find out what their favorite foods are and modify them. Food issues are more prevalent these days. We’re really lucky now that there are very good substitutes for eggs, dairy and gluten.”

Raden recently adapted a shepherd’s pie recipe by using gluten-free flour and almond milk. For people that cannot tolerate regular eggs, she recommends using a “flax egg” in baked goods, which combines one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water.

Family Meals Made Easy

When they were little, Caroline Somers’ two daughters developed extensive food intolerances and food allergies with inflammation, gastrointestinal bloating and digestive distress. Tasked with reimagining her family’s diet, the president of Suzanne Somers Companies created new versions of her favorite recipes, which will be featured in her upcoming cookbook, Served: From My Family Table to Yours.

“Many people deal with family members who have food preferences or intolerances to foods, and it can turn the person preparing foods into a short-order cook—no gluten for this one; vegan for that one; this one will eat fish but no dairy. It can make your head spin,” says Somers. Her Vietnamese Spring Rolls recipe addresses this predicament by serving the ingredients family-style and inviting each person at the table to assemble their own spring roll according to their food preferences and restrictions.

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style. Learn more at FoodStringer.com.

VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS

To accommodate a family with differing dietary needs due to food allergies, sensitivities or intolerances, this dish is served family-style, allowing diners to assemble their own spring rolls, choosing from the ingredients that fit their food restrictions.

YIELD: 24 SPRING ROLLS (6 ENTREE SERVINGS, 10 APPETIZER SERVINGS)

1 8-oz package of 8¾-inch rice spring roll wrappers (24 wrappers)

1 bunch Thai basil (or Italian basil), leaves only

1 bunch fresh mint, leaves only

1 bunch fresh cilantro, leaves only

3 cups coconut jade pearl rice (recipe below)

2 mangoes or papayas, pitted, peeled and sliced into long, thin strips

4 Persian cucumbers, julienned into long, thin strips

6 carrots, julienned into long, thin strips

¼ cup crispy ginger (recipe below)

1 head romaine lettuce, thinly sliced

1 head red leaf lettuce, thinly sliced

2 cups sesame ginger vinaigrette (recipe below)

1 cup peanut sauce (recipe below)

Sriracha to taste

COCONUT JADE PEARL RICE

1 15-oz bag (2¼ cups) Lotus Foods Jade Pearl Rice (or jasmine rice)

1 14-oz can unsweetened coconut milk

1¼ cups water

Pinch of sea salt

Do not rinse the rice. Combine rice, coconut milk, water and salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve. Can also be prepared in a rice cooker with the same ratios

CRISPY GINGER

1 palm-sized piece of fresh ginger

½ cup toasted sesame oil

Peel the ginger and thinly dice it. Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced ginger and fry until golden brown—approximately 6 to 8 minutes—stirring frequently to brown evenly. Transfer the crispy ginger to a small serving bowl with a tiny spoon.

SESAME GINGER VINAIGRETTE

1 cup toasted sesame oil

¾ cup rice wine vinegar

¼ cup tamari (or soy sauce)

2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

1 Tbsp dried hot mustard

Combine all the ingredients in a jar with fitted lid. Cover and shake until well combined. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

PEANUT SAUCE

½ cup creamy peanut butter

1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, pressed

2 Tbsp palm sugar

2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce

1 lime, juiced

1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 Tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 to 3 Tbsp warm water

Heat the peanut butter in a medium bowl in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Add the ginger, garlic, sugar, chili sauce, lime juice, vinegar, tamari and sesame oil, and whisk to combine. Add the warm water to thin the sauce to desired consistency. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

To assemble a spring roll, dip one rice wrapper completely in a shallow bowl of warm water for about 5 seconds. Remove and spread flat on a plate or chopping board. Place basil leaves down the center. Continue to top the single strip with mint, cilantro, a thin layer of rice, mango, cucumber, carrot, a few pieces of crispy ginger and lettuce. Do not overstuff.

Fold up the bottom first, then fold over one side of the wrapper, tucking and rolling the filling into a compact cylinder, leaving the top end open. Serve the rolls with bowls of sesame ginger vinaigrette, peanut sauce and sriracha. Repeat to make desired number of rolls, using any combination of ingredients.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Caroline Somers.

photo by Caroline Somers

TURKEY BURGER BENTO BOX

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

BURGERS

1 lb ground turkey

¼ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp avocado oil

SWEET POTATO “BUNS”

1 large sweet potato, peeled and sliced into ⅓-inch slices

2 to 3 Tbsp avocado oil

In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey and spices until mixed well, but don’t over-mix. Wet hands and divide mixture into 8 equal portions, then form into patties. Pat down really flat, as they will plump up when they cook.

Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy cooking pan over medium heat, then add avocado oil and swirl pan to cover the bottom. Add the meat patties and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165º F, approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

For the sweet potato buns, heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy cooking pan over medium heat, then add avocado oil and swirl the pan to cover the bottom. Add the sweet potato slices and cook until golden and tender but not mushy, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side.

To assemble the bento box, place two burgers in the largest compartment and add fresh veggies and fruits to the smaller compartments.

ASIAN GLAZED CHICKEN WITH BROCCOLI

This recipe uses gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for the glaze and rice flour instead of gluten-containing white flour to lightly coat the chicken, helping to keep the meat juicy and tender.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 to 2 chicken breasts (depending on size), cut into 1-inch pieces

¼ cup rice flour

½ tsp salt

2 grinds of fresh pepper

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1-inch section of ginger root, peeled and chopped

1 scallion, sliced

1 broccoli crown, chopped

ASIAN GLAZE

1 Tbsp gluten-free tamari

1 tsp rice wine vinegar

½ tsp toasted sesame oil

2 tsp honey

In a bowl, combine the rice flour with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in the mixture and set aside. In a large, nonstick pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil on medium high heat and add the ginger and white part of the scallions, quickly stir frying for 1 minute. Add the broccoli and continue cooking until slightly tender. Remove from the pan to a platter.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally until lightly browned on all sides. Meanwhile, stir together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Once the chicken is cooked, add the glaze to the pan and cook for 1 minute to thicken it. Add the broccoli and remaining green parts of the scallions and combine to heat through. Serve over rice or noodles.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Chicago-based pastry chef and cookbook author Gale Gand.

photo by Gale Gand

photo by Theresa Diulus MPH

Recipe and photo courtesy of Theresa Diulus.

5 Snack Mistakes Parents Make

By Renee Edge

Food has a significant impact on attention, behavior and mood.

When we get that phone call from the school about our child’s misbehavior, it can often be frustrating and overwhelming. Children are more likely to find success in school when the child feels good physically and emotionally. A cranky, crabby child complaining of a headache or stomach aches, or about to throw a tantrum, always throws a wrench into the day. When thinking about a child experiencing those challenges in school, it can certainly be easy to overlook one of the simplest solutions: what the child is eating during the day.

This is a problem that can be solved with a few simple changes to your snack selections to make the day better for you and your child, improving your child’s attention, behavior and mood.

Here are five snack mistakes parents commonly make which can make a child’s behavior worse.

1. PROCESSED SNACKS CONTAINING MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common food additive which is intended to intensify and enhance umami flavors in sauces, broths, soups and other foods. Glutamate is a natural excitatory neurotransmitter found in our brains

which allows messages to zip between our neurons. Foods containing MSG increase the amount of that neurotransmitter in our brains. MSG intake damages the nerve fibers and causes neurological challenges like anxiety, depression, disorientation, dizziness, hyperactivity, light-headedness, loss of balance, mental confusion, migraine headache, mood swings, panic attacks, rage reactions and other behavioral problems in children.

Avoid the pre-packaged foods as much as possible. MSG is found most often in fast food, seasonings, soups, dressings and condiments, chips, frozen foods, and instant noodle products. MSG may also be hiding under these other names: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, soy extracts or protein isolate.

Choose instead fresh fruits or vegetables, dried fruit, nuts or seeds, or look for an alternate version of the same snack.

2. SNACKS WITH ARTIFICIAL FOOD DYES

The most popular food dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. These three make up 90 percent of all the food dye used in the U.S. and are banned in several other countries. For children who have sensitivities to food dyes, consuming

them often results in behavioral changes such as irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbance. They can also impact memory and learning. They can even cause changes to the neurotransmitters in the brain and changes to the brain structure.

Instead look for foods that use natural vegetable dyes. There are a lot of great dyefree options out there to match with all of the traditional snack foods and candies your kids might be craving.

3. SNACKS HIGH IN SUGAR

Our brains were built to crave sugar. It is an intense source of energy that is easy for our bodies to use. When sugar hits our brains, dopamine is released. Dopamine is a brain chemical released by neurons and can signal that an event was positive. Dopamine can lead to feelings of euphoria, bliss, and enhanced motivation and concentration. This is why initially, after your child receives a sugary treat, they seem calmer and happier.

But then all that sugar hits the brain and impacts two parts of the brain: the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. It impacts the inhibitory neurons responsible for controlling your impulses, which is why your child seems to be acting without thinking. It also impacts the hippocampus, causing brain fog, depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, memory loss and fatigue.

While the argument can be made that sugar doesn’t actually make children hyper, it definitely impacts the parts of the brain that are responsible for helping your child with decision-making, impulse control and delaying gratification.

There are plenty of low sugar snack choices you can grab if you plan at home. Instead of going for the cookies, grab one of these choices: GoGo Squeeze packs, low-sugar fruit snacks or fruit leather, Kind bars, beef sticks, nuts, veggie straws or veggie chips, popcorn, trail mix (ones with nuts and dried fruit, not chocolate), sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.

4. SNACKS CONTAINING DAIRY

Dairy-based snacks present a challenge on two fronts. First, the ones kids most often choose as a dairy-based snack are squeeze yogurts, which are full of sugar. You may be thinking that a cheese stick is a safer option as it has no sugar, but

many children struggle to digest casein in dairy, or lactose, the sugar in dairy. If your child is lactose-intolerant or allergic to the proteins found in dairy, you may see changes in mood and behavior. Children can become aggressive, cranky or irritable.

Children with leaky gut may have challenges with the protein in dairy not being fully broken down, but instead forming a compound called casomorphines. The protein structure is like morphine. These proteins get absorbed into the bloodstream through the gut; they cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to opiate receptors in the brain as well along the gastrointestinal tract. When this occurs, kids can’t seem to follow multiple step instructions and once they seem “off,” there is no reasoning with them. There are many dairy-free alternatives, including products made from almonds, cashew, coconut, rice and soy, which can be considered in place of cow milkbased options to eliminate casein and lactose from your child’s snacks. There are even dairy-free chocolate and ice cream products. A great thing to consider is the vegan alternatives to your child’s favorite milk, yogurt or cheese.

Choose instead fresh fruits or vegetables, dried fruit, nuts or seeds, or look for an alternate version of the same snack.

5. JUICE, MILK OR SODA WITH A SNACK

Children often complain of being thirsty when eating a snack, so we pack them a juice box, jug of milk or soda to accompany their snack. Each of those choices provides a high dose of sugar in proportion to the amount of liquid you are drinking. However, soda ranks the highest on its impact on the body and behavior.

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Among teens, those who drank soft drinks more frequently had higher scores for aggression. Children who drank four or more soft drinks per day were more than twice as likely to destroy other people’s belongings, get into fights and physically attack people. Children who drank high levels of soda were more likely to exhibit withdrawn behavior and attention problems.

Water is important for detoxification and removal of waste, maintaining blood volume, and brain health as 73 percent of the brain is water. A dehydrated brain causes headaches and impacts clarity of thinking. So do your children a favor and pack them a bottle of water for their next snack.

As you pack your child’s lunch box this school year, consider the above tips to make it a healthier one.

Renee Edge of Edge to Health focuses on how food impacts physical health and brain function, and how that impacts behavior, learning, and the ability to form and sustain connections. She has a bachelor’s degree in child development and a master’s degree in special education. Connect at 860-681-3427 or EdgetoHealth.com.

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THE MINDFUL BACKPACK

STRATEGIES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH IN TEENS

By Linda Cicero

It’s the first day of school. Backpacks are packed and ready to go with new pens, pencils and fresh notebooks. Kids are excited to see their friends, but heading back to school can also bring stress and anxiety for many teens.

“Some of the common triggers of stress in teens might be anxiety to perform well in academics such as getting into a good college, peer pressure, interpersonal relationships or body image issues,” states Sakshi Khurana, research fellow at Harvard’s Weisz Lab for Your Mental Health.

These stressors are not unfamiliar to teens (or parents), but it can be argued that the level of stress experienced by teenagers has escalated, mirroring the surge in reported mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and disordered eating/ eating disorders.

During adolescence, teens’ thoughts, emotions, interactions and bodies undergo significant changes. It’s a shift from childhood to adulthood, a time of self-care. This can be overwhelming as they navigate

physical, biological, and emotional needs—a challenging task for developing brains.

So, what is the best way to support your teen during what can be incredibly confusing, at times overwhelming, and incredibly important years?

In an article on LynnLyons.com, licensed clinical social worker Lynn Lyons suggests that one of the most important things that parents, caregivers, teachers and mentors can do is to help let teens know that worry is normal. “Teens need to hear that they are supposed to be anxious! Expecting to be calm and relaxed during such a time of change is unrealistic…If a teen believes that staying calm is the goal, they›ll avoid taking risks, stay where they are most comfortable and never build up their own sense of confidence,” Lyons states.

Helping teens to understand that rigid mindsets like perfectionism, or the thought that there is only one way to live or succeed, are fallacies is important reassurance for them to understand that they are accepted, loved and supported for who they are.

And, if you are a parent or mentor of a teen, there is always opportunity to turn inward and assess your own inner schemas and constructs that you may be projecting onto your teen. Children often model after behaviors and beliefs that they experience from parents and mentors.

Encouraging and guiding your teen to create tools and strategies in the moment of heightened stress or anxiety, or feelings of immense loneliness or frustration, is a key way to help teens build emotional resilience and intelligence. Help your teen build a “Mindful Backpack” to take with them wherever they go so that they can feel more confident in themselves. Here are science-backed suggestions.

Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, soothing the nervous system and providing a sense of grounding and tranquility. Box breathing is a fairly popular and easy-to-learn mindful breathing technique. Sit comfortably in a chair with your feet on the floor and hands in your lap.

Inhale slowly through the nose for a count of four, allowing the air to fill your belly. Hold it at the top for four, exhale slowly through the mouth for four, and, as you breathe out, visualize a healing blue or white light washing over your body. To complete, hold the breath at the bottom for a count of four. Repeat this exercise four times.

Box breathing or any other mindful breathing can and should be done throughout the day. It can help to calm us down in the moment of heightened emotions; by practicing multiple times a day, we continuously soothe and train our nervous system, helping to keep a more steady state and mind in totality.

Try a grounding breathing practice with your teen every morning before they go to school and every night before they go to bed. Put on some gentle meditation music and just breathe.

Stop, Drop & Roll

This “take on the go” technique is great for teens to learn and use to support themselves when difficult moments arise throughout their day.

Stop: When you feel a heightened emotional response, simply stop. Give yourself a moment to pause, collect yourself, and take a deep breath in and out.

Drop: Next, drop into yourself and observe what you are feeling. Do you feel any tension? Is it in your shoulders or jaw? Do you feel warm? Cold? Tingles? Butterflies? Simply observe, breathe and allow yourself to feel your body experience the emotion, without judgement. Remind yourself that you are human, having a human experience. This type of self-compassion is crucial to developing self-acceptance and confidence.

Roll: Once you have calmed down, roll into the next step of your day or the conversation from a place of calm.

Review this technique with your teen. Try having them recall a recent time where they had difficulty controlling their emotions. Share an experience of your own as well. By sharing your vulnerable moments, your teen will feel safe and seen to do the same.

Mindful Eating

It’s important to seek balance, not perfection, when choosing meals. Mindful eating is about finding balance and nourishing your body, not about being perfect. However, it is critical to understand that what we eat and how we eat are crucial to our total health, including our mental health. Over consumption of added sugar, processed food, unhealthy fats and artificial additives have been linked to mood swings, and increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

Eat a good breakfast: Breakfast plays a pivotal role in setting the stage for the day’s energy and mood. Items like bagels, cereal or even plain oatmeal can be tasty, but are not nutrient-dense. They cause a big glucose spike and large surges of dopamine when eaten without adequate protein, healthy fat or fiber. Protein and fiber are essential in regulating our nine key hunger hormones and stabilizing blood glucose levels.

A protein-centric breakfast, such as eggs and avocado on toast with berries or a piece of fruit, will provide your teen with the right mix of protein, healthy fat and fiber while providing energy for both their brain and body.

Eat slow and limit distractions: Invite your teen to sit down with you and try eating mindfully. Ask each other what you taste, describe the texture of the food, the aroma. Chew slowly and mindfully. It may feel a little awkward at first, but have fun with it. Research shows that taking at least 20-30 minutes to finish a meal allows more time for your body to release the necessary hormones that promote satiety. Avoid eating on the go as much as possible.

Cook together: Encourage your teen to explore cooking by choosing recipes from around the world. Exposing kids to different flavors and ingredients is a great way to grow their confidence in the kitchen. Cooking together creates closer bonds. You can also use the time to listen, share and talk with your teen.

Look for the Signs

We cannot talk about teen health without discussing the current rise of disordered eating, especially in young girls. According to a recent meta-analysis published by JAMA Pediatrics, one in five kids around the world show signs of disordered eating and/or eating disorders. There are not exact causes of eating disorders, but various factors can contribute to the development of these disorders, such as depression, anxiety, the desire for control, societal pressures, family influences and cultural expectations.

It is very important for parents to become familiar with the signs, which can

include significant weight fluctuations, excessive focus on body shape and weight, avoidance of meals, distorted body image, changes in eating patterns, and withdrawal from social activities.

In her book, Befriending Your Body, Ann Saffi Biasetti, Ph.D., LCSW, speaks to her own journey and recovery from anorexia and her research with patients. “Any disordered eating is an attempt to feed the soul and to connect to a deeper place within. It is a search for love, both to be loved and to love, starting with oneself and another, connection to oneself and another, acceptance of oneself and others as well as a return to what feels like a wholeness of self or ‘home’,” she states.

Supporting your child through an eating disorder can be difficult as a parent. It’s important to understand that it is not your fault and knowing the best way to support your child through treatment is not always easy, but vital to their recovery. Be patient and tell them you love them no matter what happens, educate yourself on eating disorders, and maybe join an eating disorder support group.

If you suspect that your teen is struggling with disordered eating, reach out to your doctor right away. To learn more about disordered eating, visit Feast-Ed.org

Linda Cicero is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and behavior change specialist with 12 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Through her health coaching practice, Life in Color, she supports women in overcoming burnout, prioritizing their well-being and nutrition, and pursuing their aspirations from a place of wholeness. Connect at LifeinColor.online.

Acne Antidote

TOPICAL AND DIETARY ROADMAP FOR HEALTHY SKIN

by Sheila Julson

Whether it’s a wedding day or job interview, nothing puts a damper on the moment like an outbreak of acne. It can be embarrassing and compromise selfconfidence, but natural treatments and lifestyle modifications can keep those breakouts at bay.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million Americans annually and roughly 85 percent of 12- to 24-year-olds. Dr. Julie Greenberg, a naturopathic doctor and founder of the Center for Integrative & Naturopathic Dermatology, in Los Angeles, notes that the prevalence of acne in this country leads people to wrongly conclude that it is a normal part of being human. “In fact, studies of indigenous cultures throughout the world do not find any acne in their populations. Acne is a disease of the Western lifestyle,” she asserts.In essence, acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and redness. It is prompted by the overproduction of sebum, an oil produced by the sebaceous glands to lubricate hair follicles. Symptoms

can be aggravated by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, excess hormonal activity or stress.

Dietary Solutions

“The pathways that trigger acne are the same pathways that trigger inflammation. If you’re having acne on the skin, that generally means there are moderate to high levels of inflammation in the body, so that should be addressed,” says Saya Obayan, a board-certified integrative dermatologist at Skin Joy Dermatology, in Austin, Texas. She recommends keeping a food journal for six weeks to identify inflammatory foods that noticeably trigger an acne response and eliminating them from the diet. Many of the culprits are part of the Standard American Diet, including animal protein, wheat and sugar—foods that can increase sebum production, and thus generate acne.

Dr. Steven Daveluy, associate professor and program director for the Wayne State University School of Dermatology, in Dearborn, Michigan, notes that dairy spurs acne, as well. “Dairy contains an amino acid called leucine, which stimulates oil production and affects the skin cells to cause clogged pores. It also influences the insulin pathway, which can affect hormones,” he explains.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hormonal acne develops when hormonal changes increase the amount of oil the skin produces. This scenario is particularly noticeable in teens going through puberty and in both perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Greenberg approaches acne like she would any other inflammatory disease— by focusing on the gut microbiome. She recommends consuming at least 35 grams of fiber per day, eating a diverse array of fruits and vegetables, limiting meat consumption to four-ounce servings and eliminating or reducing alcohol, sugar and wheat to support microbiome health.

Stress Relief

Obayan notes that stress aggravates any inflammatory disease, including acne. Meditation, exercise or regular

walks can help calm the mind and lower stress. She also recommends herbs like ashwagandha to lower cortisol, a stress hormone that can trigger acne.

Topical Treatments

“The things we put on our skin can lead to clogged pores and trigger acne, including makeup and hair products. If you’re getting acne in places where your hair typically touches your face, it could be from a hair product transferring onto the skin,” Daveluy notes. He stresses that makeup should be washed off before bedtime. On the other hand, overscrubbing or washing the face too often can dry out the skin, which also leads to clogged pores and acne.

“While acne should be addressed from the inside out, topical antibiotics can offer short-term relief and keep severe acne under control,” Obayan says. “Glycolic acid can help keep skin smooth and clear by exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, but it shouldn’t be used undiluted on the skin; it can be overly irritating.”

In addition, Obayan recommends topicals like retinol, a nontoxic vitamin A derivative that can help reduce acne, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles. Bakuchiol, an extract from the babchi plant, along with topical green tea polyphenols, licorice extract and neem oil, can all be helpful to reduce acne.

Resist the Urge to Pop Pimples

Mom was right when she warned to leave pimples alone. “People often think that it’s helpful to manipulate your acne, but it can lead to more acne flaring, discoloration and even permanent scarring,” Daveluy advises. “Don’t believe anything on social media that isn’t posted by a board-certified dermatologist. The rest of the skin info on social media is junk and could lead to damage to your skin.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Stepparenting Success

CREATING A VIBRANT BLENDED FAMILY

by Julie Peterson

Blended families are complex and often challenging. A marriage between two people that already have children creates new relationships with individuals that were strangers not long ago. The newlyweds must nurture their own kids while forming new bonds with stepchildren, and the children may need to figure out how to accept a stepparent into their lives, share physical and emotional space with stepsiblings or spend part of their time in their other parent’s home.

It’s a lot to ask. Imagine this through the eyes of a young child or teenager. It might be confusing, frustrating or infuriating. Fortunately, there are methods to knit a blended family into a strong and enduring tapestry.

Beat the Odds

According to Julee Peterson, a California-based therapist at Helping Blended Families, 65 percent of families are blended. It is the new norm. And yet, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 23 percent of second marriages end in divorce after five years and 39 percent dissolve after 10 years. Peterson notes, “Many reputable scholars still project the overall divorce rate for all marriages to be between 40 and 50 percent.”

To avoid becoming part of these statistics, it is crucial to manage expectations before creating a blended

family. “What roles do you see each other playing? How are you going to handle discipline, experience holidays, safeguard your relationship or deal with divorce drama?” asks Christina McGhee, MSW, author of Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids.

See the Child’s Point of View

McGhee, who prefers to be called “bonus mom” by her two stepchildren, cautions parents not to underestimate the amount of stress that blended families experience due to different parenting styles, uncooperative coparents and revolving schedules. “But it’s still possible to create an environment where everybody feels connected and accepted,” she asserts.

“Even very young children pick up on body language and stress,” says McGhee. “Kids can do remarkably well having one household that is grounded, balanced and supportive with parental figures that validate their feelings, shield them from conflict, create opportunities for conversation and remain consistent and predictable.”

Set Practical Boundaries

While it’s OK if a stepchild is not comfortable with a stepparent right away, “the child should have an understanding of the importance of the stepparent in their life, and that the stepparent should be treated with respect,” says attorney Victoria Kelly, a partner at Sefton Kelly Family Law, in Naperville, Illinois.

Although a couple may be excited to embark upon a blended-family adventure, their children may feel pressured into instantly liking or accepting a stepparent. “Kids may feel a loyalty conflict or worry about betraying the other parent if they accept the stepparent,” says McGhee, suggesting that stepparents encourage and support one-on-one time with the other parent. “It’s critical for bonus parents to honor the history that your bonus children have,” she advises. “Part of their lives didn’t include you. Respect that.”

Collaborate With the Coparent

“You have zero control over the decisions that coparents make—what they do, what they say, the rules that they establish,” says McGhee. “But you always have a choice about how you respond and how you engage. Focus on what you can control.”

“It’s important to have an open line of communication with the other parent, but if the other parent is not comfortable speaking with the stepparent, that boundary should be respected," advises Kelly. “All families can benefit from monthly meetings.”

“Often, there are issues that kids are navigating behind the scenes that don’t make it on our parent radar,” McGhee notes, suggesting that parents set up a transition time when children are moving between households, such as a gathering around the dinner table to talk about the things that took place while apart. “Kids need some emotional space to shift gears,” she says. “When they’re with the other parent, keep communication open, so that when the children come back through the door, they don’t get sensory overload.”

Create Memories Together

Will Smith, senior business development manager for Acrow Bridge, in Alabama, raised one biological son and one stepson. He says that each child is different, so every situation needs to be customized to meet their needs. Smith and his wife presented a clear and consistent front when setting long-term values and goals for the kids—expecting the boys to do well in school and go to college—and they leaned in hard to achieve those objectives. Stepparents can gradually incorporate quality togetherness by celebrating holidays, new rituals or even ordinary activities. “My relationship with my stepson grew through a shared interest in sports,” Smith says. “As a family, we played a lot of board games and had some favorite movies. These things became traditions.”

Julie Peterson is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

5 Tips for Choosing a College Major

By Thea Litsios

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” For those ready to choose a college major, the question becomes even more pressing. Although we were asked this question numerous times in our youth, it is never an easy question to answer. For 15-year-old students and older, it is still a difficult question to answer. With interruptions in education from Covid-19 restrictions and online learning for long periods of time, many students are struggling more than ever to decide which college major to choose. With the cost of a college education rising higher and higher, the pressure is on to “get it right.”

With that in mind, here are five tips for helping you choose a college major:

1Do some self-exploration.

We can all fall into the rut of thinking, “I know all about myself,” and we stop seeking. The following questions are designed to assist you in becoming curious about yourself again. Ask the questions with an open mind and a willingness to answer differently than you have before. If writing comes easily, then write away. If you like talking more, then consider recording your answers, or even talking with a friend and recording the conversation.

Allow yourself to dream and fantasize. Don’t limit yourself by “reality.” You’re brainstorming here. You want to get a lot

of ideas down; you’ll edit them later. You might even want to set a timer and get as many ideas down in 3-4 minutes as you can. Make this fun. Don’t make it another homework exercise.

Answer the following questions honestly.

• What do you daydream about doing?

• What activities have you always loved?

• Take a survey of books, TV shows, movies and more that you have read or watched. Are there any common themes?

• What continues to hold your attention, even after a long period of time?

• Who do you admire and why?

2Work with a professional.

You can be assisted in your search for a college major by a professional, either a guidance counselor or a career coach. Getting a different perspective can be helpful. Sometimes all we may need is to become aware of options we didn’t know existed.

Professionals can give you access to assessments that can help you get a clearer picture of your skills, talents, strengths and personality. They are trained to evaluate these assessments and offer options that are in alignment with your personal strengths and desires.

It can also be helpful to have the ear of someone who is not related to you. Family expectations and traditions can sometimes make it difficult to see the best career path for you. An outside, neutral perspective can be helpful in this way.

3Separate your desires from others’ expectations. This tip might apply to some more than others, but if it applies to you, make sure you don’t skip this step. Others’ expectations can come in many forms. It can range from joining a family member’s field, to becoming part of a family business, to following a family tradition. The problem arises when your desires conflict with those expectations. It can also be a problem if you have never allowed yourself to think beyond those family expectations to other options.

Sometimes an individual’s strengths and talents are simply not suited to take

on the expected role. This can cause a lot of stress or the feeling of being trapped. If this applies to you, it becomes important to begin to explore what you desire apart from the expectations of others.

Honest communication is important at this point. A career coach or guidance counselor can facilitate this conversation with family members.

4Think outside the box. If you are feeling particularly stuck, it can help to do something completely outside your comfort zone. Travel or taking a gap year fall into this category. Travel is one of the best ways to expand your view of the world and yourself. If you are someone who has never left the country, then international travel can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. Being outside of the environment that you are familiar with, speaking a different language and being exposed to other cultures is an education like no other.

When you are in a different environment, you see yourself differently. You are outside the box that defines who you are. It becomes

easier to see possibilities that didn’t exist in your hometown.

If you are someone who likes structure, then a gap year can be a great option. There are many gap year programs, both in the U.S. and abroad. Besides structure, they offer you the companionship of your fellow travelers, a focused program and an easier place to land if traveling abroad. Gap years can offer a wonderful way of exploring career ideas that you have been thinking about, but without making a commitment.

5Interview or shadow someone who is doing what you would like to do.

Sometimes we have an idea of what we would like to do, but we don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. One of the best ways to know what a career is really like is to interview or shadow someone who is doing what you would like to do.

Most professionals are very happy to have a conversation with you. Someone more than likely helped them by doing the same thing. Interviewing someone in your desired profession gives you the

opportunity to ask the hard questions. You want to know the pros and cons of a particular career, not just the good stuff.

If it’s possible, shadow someone doing your preferred career. Spending a day with someone in a given profession can give you even more insight. There can be a huge gap between the reality of a career and the image that is projected. For instance, you might be thinking of going into forensic science because of the many crime TV shows about this topic. The TV portrayal of a career and the actual day to day experiences of that career can be wildly different.

Give yourself time to explore some of these five steps. Remember to allow yourself to become curious and to go beyond the preconceived ideas of what you are and what you can do.

Thea Litsios is a career coach and a Kolbe consultant. She helps individuals from high school through mid-life find a career that lights them up. Connect at 203-693-1493 and TheaLitsios.com for more information and to schedule a free 30-minute consultation call.

Eco-Friendly U SUSTAINABILITY

ON THE RISE

AT U.S. COLLEGES

by Carrie Jackson

The halls of higher education are adopting more sustainable practices as students and university stakeholders increasingly understand that their lifestyle choices and daily operations impact the planet. Motivated by the climate crisis and global-warming-related disasters, many students are looking for ways to lower their individual carbon footprint. Schools, too, are implementing Earth-friendly initiatives throughout their campuses while also prioritizing climate-conscious subjects in their curriculums.

According to Julian Dautremont, director of programs at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), “Sustainability education helps attract, retain and motivate

top students and prepares them for responsible citizenship. It catalyzes increased giving and new funding sources, strengthens community relations and facilitates new partnerships. Moreover, sustainability research and education demonstrate relevance in addressing grand challenges and help unify the campus around a shared sense of purpose.”

AASHE advocates comprehensive modifications that make going green easy and second nature. “We recommend that institutions create systems in which sustainability is the default. Long-term measures such as installing low-flow fixtures in bathrooms, using induction stovetops in dorms and having light sensors that turn off automatically in offices make saving energy automatic,” Dautremont explains. “Where individual behavior is a factor, make the more sustainable choices convenient by, for example, providing water bottle filling stations on every floor, installing covered bike parking and storage, or giving each room its own recycling receptacle and providing education and training to make sustainability behaviors the cultural norm.”

Sophomore Anna Ries-Roncalli, an environmental science major at Loyola University, in Chicago, says, “College is often the first time you’re learning how to be an adult and interacting with the world, and it’s important to make sure that your role is sustainable. Colleges have an inherent, built-in sense of community, and prioritizing sustainability comes more naturally when you see that it’s a collective responsibility that impacts others.”

Ries-Roncalli is aware of the impact her food choices have on the environment. “In our country, where we can buy anything we want from the grocery store, we are so disconnected from the food system. Most people don’t see a carton of eggs and think about every step that it took to get it on the shelves or where the farm it came from is located,” she says. To do her part, she brings reusable plates and utensils to the dining hall, takes leftovers home in a multi-use canister and shops locally or at farmers markets whenever possible. While Loyola composts most food waste in the dining halls, Ries-Roncalli volunteers with Food Recovery Network, a student organization that collects and distributes leftovers to local shelters and food pantries.

Michael Hughey, a senior in the environmental studies program at Loyola, takes full advantage of a partnership between the Chicago Transit Authority and Loyola that grants eligible students unlimited use of public trains and buses. “Students can also walk, take their own bike or use a bike share to get around. Not only are they cutting back on their carbon footprint, they’re engaging more with the city on a ground level,” Hughey explains. “We’ve seen the effects of climate change disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. I personally want to mitigate those effects as much as possible and be kind to the planet and my neighbors.”

Cria Kay, program administrator at Northwestern University’s sustainNU, says, “I recommend finding something that brings you joy, identifying what changes you want to see in your life or community, then developing an action you can take that applies your passion to the environmental issue you identified. Even something as simple

as taking a walk to pause and notice the wildlife, water, air and soil around you can be helpful for well-being and getting inspired to take on more sustainable behaviors.”

Amy Spark, the sustainability coordinator at Bow Valley College, in Calgary, Canada, believes that sustainability literacy eventually will be required across all disciplines. “Students in every sector are going to be impacted by climate change. Nurses in our LPN [licensed practical nursing] program are seeing a spike in hospital visits with health issues from increasingly poor air quality. It is important to train future graduates to recognize and deal with the impacts of climate change in their disciplines,” she explains.

Spark encourages students to use their voices. “Human stories move decision-makers, and schools are invested in their students’ overall experience. You don’t need to be an expert, but speak from your experience,” she suggests. “Tell your administrators and policymakers how air quality affects you, or let them know how having more bike lanes would help. If you see something, say something. Report leaky faucets, lights that won’t turn off and other inefficiencies to the maintenance department so proper repairs can be made.”

“Individual behavior change is important, but the single most powerful thing students can do is to advocate for broader change,” says Dautremont. “Students can be enormously influential in campus decision-making, and the impact of such changes generally is going to far outweigh the impact of individual behavior changes.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

LIFELONG LEARNING

BENEFITS OF BEING THE FOREVER STUDENT

by Linda Sechrist

It’s never too late to take an evening drawing class at the local high school, learn a language with the help of an app or get one-on-one tutoring from a piano instructor. Adults of any age can find personal and professional benefits when they engage in what is termed “lifelong learning”. It is a great way to spice up retirement, acquire skills for a coveted promotion, master new technology, express creativity or simply keep the mind sharp. Lifelong learners are generally curious, self-motivated and passionate individuals. Their continuing educational pursuits can lead to mental and emotional benefits, including healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Brain Benefits

In a study published in the journal Psychological Science involving 200 seniors, neuroscientists at the Center for Vital Longevity at The University of Texas at Dallas found that sustained engagement in cognitively demanding, novel activities—

such as learning digital photography or quilting—significantly enhanced memory function in older adults. The researchers were surprised to discover that the control group, which engaged in fun, social activities without learning a new skill, did not perform as well in memory tests.

In a report published in the journal Neurology, Dr. Keith Johnson from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that people engaged in higher levels of intellectual stimulation throughout their lives can delay the onset of memory problems and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, although it does not represent a cure for the illness.

The mind is a use-it-or-lose-it tool, says Dr. Lise Van Susteren, a general and forensic psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. “What better way to use our short-term and long-term memory than to engage in lifelong learning? The older we get, the less likely we are to exercise shortterm memory. We program our phones

with numbers we call regularly. We store passwords and usernames in our computers and never attempt to memorize credit card numbers,” she explains. “We’re not using our brains enough, leaving us open to being replaced by AI [artificial intelligence]. The brain is a muscle to be exercised regularly or like a car that you must keep tuned up.”

Susteren points to a five-year study of London taxi drivers, which found that the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is crucial for long-term memory and spatial navigation, was larger than average in the brains of these cabbies. What’s more, the neuroscientists at University College London were able to show through magnetic resonance imaging that this gray-matter growth occurred over a four-year period after the drivers had memorized an intricate network of 25,000 streets and thousands of routes to tourist attractions and city hotspots. According to Van Susteren, this study suggests that intensive learning can spur the brain to grow over time.

Making Every Day Count

Ingrid Bianca Byerly, director of the Humanitarian Challenges Focus Program and senior lecturing fellow in the Thompson Writing Program, at Duke University, describes lifelong learners as audacious, curious and fun-loving people that passionately seize the day. In a TEDxStGeorge talk entitled “The New Fountain of Youth: Lifelong Learning”, she recounts the invigorating experience of being on the faculty of three Semester at Sea voyages, where she taught undergraduate students and lifelong learners world music and public-speaking advocacy for global humanitarian causes.

“Entering college, you’re asking yourself, ‘What am I going to do for a job and a paycheck?’ and at retirement, you’re asking, ‘What is my purpose, and what am I going to do with the rest of my life for my personal fulfillment and enrichment?’”

Byerly expresses admiration for lifelong learners that pursue life goals, learn to play musical instruments, take art classes, climb mountains or write memoirs, and surmises that the secret to staying young and keeping the mind alive is adult education.

Life-Altering Pursuits

For some lifelong learners, seeking new opportunities and embracing change are compelling motivators. Take Maia Toll, for example. In 2006, she followed a whim to study herbalism with a traditional healer in Ireland. For the elementary school teacher living in Beacon, New York, botanical herbs had only been a hobby up to that point.

“Apprenticing with Eleanor changed everything,” she says of her experience with her Irish-based mentor. “I had the space in my life and money from selling my house. Three months turned into nearly a year, and upon returning home, I continued studying for four more years.”

Toll left her teaching career to become a full-time herbalist and is now the co-owner of a shop called Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Asheville, North Carolina, where she lives. She has taught herbalism at West Chester University in their School of Public Health, led a study program in the Amazon rainforest and written several books, including her latest, Letting Magic In. As she explains, “Lifelong learning can change your life at any age.”

A Greater Commitment to Learning

For 30 years, Jim Walker was a labor representative for the California School Employees Association. He recalls teaching a labor-law class as an adjunct instructor for Los Angeles TradeTechnical College and estimates that about 80 percent of his students were lifelong learners, which he defines as adults between the ages of 30 and 45 that are interested in the subject matter for personal or professional reasons rather than satisfying a requirement for a college degree.

“It was obvious to me that these lifelong learners were more dedicated students than college students. They were like sponges and wanted to absorb everything. Occasionally during classes, it was the lifelong learners that were on their phones googling the subject and updating my facts,” says Walker, who admits that when he had more free time in retirement, he enrolled in meteorology and astrology courses to satisfy longstanding interests of his own.

The Joy of Achieving Milestones

In love with learning and the sense of accomplishment she feels whenever she masters a subject, Doreen DeStefano, of Root

Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, in Fort Myers, Florida, has been earning degrees since 1987. She holds bachelor’s degrees in nursing and exercise physiology, master’s degrees in criminology and public business administration, and doctorates in natural health and nursing practice. “In medicine, there is always something new to learn,” she says. “I think that’s why I chose this field. It’s fun to learn the latest thing.”

Resources

There are numerous opportunities for learning, in person and online.

IN-PERSON CLASSES

n For people that work full time, many cities offer evening classes at high schools, colleges or civic centers on a wide range of subjects.

n Museums and art institutions commonly host demonstrations and in-depth instruction by local artists.

n A neighborhood music store can lead to connections with musicians that tutor burgeoning rock stars.

n For those harboring thespian aspirations, a hometown improv group or regional theater may be holding auditions or offering acting classes.

n Dance studios help people step up their ballroom dance skills.

n Contact a chef or visit a kitchen supply store for cooking lessons.

n A nearby botanical garden or gardening shop may offer howto classes for growing native or pollinator plants.

n Pick up sewing tips at the fabric store.

n If a class is not offered, create a study group that meets at a cafe or park to learn together.

ONLINE LESSONS

n To become proficient in a new language, check out apps like RosettaStone.com and Duolingo.com.

n YouTube.com is an endless source for instructional videos of every variety.

n Visit Ted.com for informative and inspiring TED talks by global experts in their respective fields.

n For students that wish to learn while taking nature walks, a vast world of podcasts awaits.

n For transformational learning, try MindValley.com, UbiquityUniversity.org and Gaia.org.

n Coursera.org offers many streaming courses, documentaries and films.

n Auditing university classes at prestigious, world-class schools is just a click away. Visit these popular sites, many of which offer courses for free: Harvard University (pll.harvard.edu/catalog/ free), Stanford University (Online.Stanford.edu/free-courses), EdX (EdX.org) and The Open University (Open.edu).

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

calendar of events

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

Connect in Person with Other Holistic Families 6-8 p.m. Take time with your family to meet with other holistic-minded people with Holistic Moms Network’s New Haven County chapter. Potluck dinner so bring dishes to share (include ingredient list), your own utensils and beach clothes. Location: Silver Sands State Park, Milford, CT. Reserve for specific location: Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven or Facebook.com/Events/1685151818572029.

Super Full Moon Meditation w/Gayle Franceschetti. 6:30-8 p.m. Align with new energies of this Super Full Moon. Opportunities for letting go of the old and allowing spiritual energies to reach human hearts and minds. $25. On Zoom Questions: 203-6317803, Return2Love3@gmail.com, Return2Love.com.

Sound Healing Meditation . 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Bring a mat, pillow, blanket and water. Rotating weekly topics. $35 or $100 for 4 classes. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

Shamanic Sound Healing Meditation. 6-7 p.m. Every other Thursday. Join Bradford Tilden for a deeply restorative, activating Sound Healing Meditation with his voice and crystal bowls. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. Register: Tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundBrad2023. Walk-ins welcome. $20-$35. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 5-6

Men’s Weekend - “The Invitation.” Taking the challenges you face in a culture of isolation within a community that can offer support, connection, witnessing and brotherhood. Inspire and engage men to access and integrate their authentic power while embracing freedom and self‐expression. Cost: $375. Held at private New Milford island retreat center. Info, RSVP to Jody Grose: 203-731-7755, ReturntotheFire.com, HealingBear11@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

TLC Networking Lunch in Milford. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Opportunity to meet other healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners at Tribe TLC’s networking lunch event in Milford at Stonebridge Restaurant. New Haven County TLC Networking Lunch held monthly on 2nd Tuesday. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

Lion’s Gate Prosperity Activation & Crystal Experience. Noon-1:15 p.m. Join for a special Lion’s Gate Crystal-infused Kundalini Yoga experience with specially integrated crystals! Borrow for the class or buy for home use for $25. Manifest abundance and become a more empowered, stronger, better version of yourself. $44.44. Tinyurl.com/KundaliniLionsGate2023. Registration required. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. 860-830-5841. Info@CrystalMusichHealing.com.

mark your calendar

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO

Sponsored by Natural Awakenings magazine

Sunday, Sept. 17 ● Noon-4 p.m.

Indoor & Outdoor Vendors

VFW Hall Post 574, 7 Northwest Dr., Plainville, CT Readers, Naturopath, Counseling, Books, Natural Balms, Organic Supplements, Replacement Windows, Traveling Farmer, Massage, Tumblers, Clothing, Soaps, CBD, Candles, Sound Healing, Natural Minerals, Handbags, Pain Patches, Salves, Gourds, Health Resources, Healing Modalities, Local Art, Reiki, Jewelry, Balms, Crafts, Travel, Essential Oils, Honey, Syrups, Tinctures, Natural Personal Care Products, Natural Supplements, Crystals, Auricular Therapy, & More! Eventbrite.com/e/Holistic-BenefitExpo-Tickets-623009808107

Sound Healing Meditation . 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Bring a mat, pillow, blanket and water. Rotating weekly topics. $35 or $100 for 4 classes. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

Monthly White Time Healing Circle. 7-9 p.m. Round-robin style healing circle featuring White Time Energy and Gemstone healing. June featured gemstone layout is Connecting with the Essential Being of Light. Facilitated by Bradford Tilden. $30. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. 860-830-5841, Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com, Register: Tinyurl.com/WhiteTimeCircle.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

Reiki Level 3 . 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. With Hilary Rudenauer, Usui and Holy Fire III Reiki Master Teacher, participants will expand upon the skills they learned in previous levels and acquire new ways to work with Reiki energy. $300. 7 CECs available. CT Women’s Consortium, 2321 Whitney Ave., Ste. 201, Hamden, CT. Register: WomensConsortium.Configio.com/pd/856/On-Site-TrainingReiki-3-for-Mental-Health-Professionals.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

Sound Healing: A Holistic Approach to Stress Relief. 9-11 a.m. With Certified Sound Healer Kelvin Young, participants will learn about the impact of stress and how you can relieve it through sound. $55. 2 CECs available. CT Women’s Consortium, 2321 Whitney Ave., Ste. 201, Hamden, CT. Register: WomensConsortium.Configio.com/pd/828/ On-Site-Sound-Healing-a-Holistic-Approach-toStress-Relief.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Crystal Healing Services Open Office Hours. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Experience the power of Crystal Healing services and shop a selection of hand-curated crystals. $10 for 10 minutes for Etheric Crystal Light energy balancing. $20 for 20 minutes of Crystal Dreaming Express session. In person at The Liminal Studio, Bethany, CT. LauriIngram.com/Live-Events. 203-435-5650.

Shamanic Sound Meets Spirit . 4-5:45 p.m. Katie Cavenagh and Kelly McCarthy lead a sound meditation and gallery reading in the salt cave. $99. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Email Katie@FeelYourLight.com for ticket info. Space is limited.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

Sound Healing Meditation . 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Bring a mat, pillow, blanket and water. Rotating weekly topics. $35 or $100 for 4 classes. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Reiki, Salt & Sound. 6:30-8 p.m. Reiki Masters Deborah Page and Katie Cavenagh bring a deeply restorative session in the salt cave. $99. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. Email Katie@ FeelYourLight.com. RSVP required. Space is limited.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

TLC Networking Happy Hour in Milford. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Recharge at a TLC Networking Happy Hour event in Milford at Stonebridge Restaurant. Meet, mingle and connect with other healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners. Tribe TLC is a group of 120+ wellness professionals. RSVP to Beth Leas: 203-856-9566 (call/ text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com.

Shamanic Sound Healing Meditation. 6-7 p.m. Every other Thursday. Join Bradford Tilden for a deeply restorative, activating Sound Healing Meditation with his voice and crystal bowls. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. Register: Tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundBrad2023. Walk-ins welcome. $20-$35. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

For the Love of Rocks. 10-11:30 a.m. Take a close look at rock patterns, texture, color and types, and then enjoy a hike to see the geology of Osbornedale State Park in Derby. This is a family program, open to all ages and levels of geological expertise. Wear good shoes for walking. Bring water and bug spray. Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby, CT. Register in advance: 203-734-2513, Susan.Quincy@CT.gov.

Edible Wild Mushrooms of CT: The 3 Foragers 10:30 a.m.-noon. The 3 Foragers talk about the best edible mushrooms of each season and original recipes at Ansonia Nature Center. There is a 1-hour walk after the presentation to explore the park’s mushrooms. $10/person. Must pay in advance by check, cash or money order to the Ansonia Nature Center at 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia, CT. AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/Edible-WildMushrooms-of-CT-the-3-Foragers.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

Sound Healing Meditation . 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Bring a mat, pillow, blanket and water. Rotating weekly topics. $35 or $100 for 4 classes. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

Lights Out Connecticut: New Haven Bird Club (Adult Program). 7-8 p.m. Craig Repasz, Connecticut Ornithological Association’s Past Conservation Committee chair and past president of the New Haven Bird Club, presents on Lights Out CT!, a campaign to help protect migrating birds from crashing into buildings at night, and steps you can take to protect birds. Free. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia, CT. AnsoniaNatureCenter.org/Calendar/ Lights-Out-Connecticut-New-Haven-Bird-Club.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 25-27

Universal White Time Healing Certification Level 1. Friday (6-9 p.m.), Saturday (9:30 a.m.6:30 p.m.) and Sunday (10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.). UWT is a powerful energy healing modality that works with all frequencies of color and time to grow beyond current limits in life and healing practice. It provides tools and the power to heal yourself and others on a deep soul level. $525. Pre-registration required: 860-830-5841. Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com. Registration deadline: August 23. The Center for Higher Living, 130 Webster Square Rd., Berlin, CT. Tinyurl.com/UWTHL1Register.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 26-27

Father & Daughter Bonding Weekend . This weekend provides fathers and daughters (7‐16-years old) rich, playful experiences that create a bond

mark your calendar

NEW AGE & CRAFTS EXPO

Sponsored by Natural Awakenings magazine

Sunday, Nov. 5 ● 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Come experience a day of spiritual & creative enlightenment

Intuitive Readers ● Aura Photos & Crystals

Tibetan Singing Bowls ● Healings

Handcrafted Jewelry, Soaps, Oils

Reiki Circle ● Spiritual Art

2 rooms of dynamic speakers and much more!

Wyndham Southbury, 1284 Strongtown Rd., Southbury

$6 Admission ● $1 off with this coupon

VENDOR SPACE STILL AVAILABLE

grounds for migratory birds. Join Ranger Evelyn for a walk geared towards adults. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair. Wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather. Free. Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia, CT. AnsoniaNatureCenter. org/Calendar/Migratory-Bird-Walk-Fall-MigrationAdult-Walk.

MONDAY, AUGUST 28

Young Living Essential Oil Class. 6:30-8 p.m. Help align your mind, body, spirit. Learn to take control of your and your pet’s health with therapeutic grade oils. Free class. 36 Cheshire Rd., Wallingford, CT. 203-6317803. Return2Love3@gmail.com. Return2Love.com.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29

Sound Healing Meditation . 7-8:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Bring a mat, pillow, blanket and water. Rotating weekly topics. $35 or $100 for 4 classes. The Red Barn, 352 Main St., Durham, CT. RSVP: Katie@FeelYourLight.com.

and memories! Group challenges, games, stories around the fire, play, island theater, free time, swimming, canoeing. Held at private New Milford island retreat center. Cost: $325. Info, RSVP to Jody Grose: 203-731-7755, ReturntotheFire.com, HealingBear11@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

203-733-6560 ● Cryours87@yahoo.com If

Migratory Bird Walk: Fall Migration (Adult Walk). 8-9:30 a.m. The back-to-school season for Ansonia Nature Center means back to wintering

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

Shamanic Sound Healing Meditation. 6-7 p.m. Every other Thursday. Join Bradford Tilden for a deeply restorative, activating Sound Healing Meditation with his voice and crystal bowls. Relax, recharge and release stress and unwanted energies from your body, mind and field. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat. Register: Tinyurl.com/BridgeSoundBrad2023. Walk-ins welcome. $20-$35. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St., Farmington, CT. 860-404-2578. BridgeHAC.com.

www.sensiband.com

community resource guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 12th of the month prior to publication.

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

KC CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS

Kevin Healy, DC

17 Woodland Rd., Madison, CT 203-245-9317

KevinHealy@sbcglobal.net

DrHealMe.com

Applied kinesiology is a neurological evaluation to find and treat dysfunction, addressing causes instead of chasing pains. Dr. Healy tests if a therapy alleviates dysfunction, finding immediate answers as to which provides the most improvement. Chiropractic, craniosacral, myofascial and acupressure are among the therapies Dr. Healy uses. Generally, no single cure exists as disease and dysfunction typically involve multiple areas of the body. The goal of any therapy— physical, chemical or emotional—is to improve function; a combination of therapies typically yields the best results. See ad on page 7.

CEREMONY OFFICIANT

LAURI INGRAM

The Liminal Studio

696 Amity Rd., Unit B1, Bethany, CT 203-435-5650

Lauri@LauriIngram.com

LauriIngram.com

Ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister, Lauri specializes in custom ceremonies for those who are spiritual, but not religious. Lauri creates meaningful and transformative wedding and commitment ceremonies, life celebrations, and baby blessings events to mark other life events.

COMPUTER SERVICES

THE WORKING COMPUTER, LLC

Gregg Allen

646-320-3639

TWC.in.CT@gmail.com

GTA.earth

Computer slow and glitchy? We can assess your Apple or Windows system, and provide options to repair, upgrade or repurpose your computer. We partner with you for your technology needs, system optimization and backup solutions for a secure and private personal computer setup. We can also help with data recovery. See ad on page 8.

ENERGY MEDICINE

KATHY STALTER

Sanaré Wellness, LLC

Southington, CT 860-600-0106

Kathy@Sanare.Life

Sanare.life

The Future of Energy Medicine is here! This 24-unit Energy Enhancement System creates multiple bioactive, regenerative energy fields, including scalar waves and biophotons, that can assist your body’s ability to repair and heal itself from disease. The body can become capable of rejuvenating and recalibrating itself back to homeostasis. Appointment only.

HEMP WELLNESS

LAUREN MAGEL

Holistic Hemp Wellness

Green Compass Advocate 631-877-0441

LaurenMagel.GreenCompassGlobal.com/ share/191341

Lauren offers small group education sessions and individual consultations to help you identify products to feel your best every day with a full line of USDA-certified organic hemp wellness products, including fullspectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, collagen, skin care, topicals and drink powders. Let’s get you started with a CBD brand you can trust.

HOLISTIC NETWORKING

HOLISTIC COMMUNITY PROFESSIONALS

Shirley R. Bloethe, Executive Director 860-989-0033

HCPinc.org@gmail.com

HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org

DAMARIS CRUZ

Holy Fire Reiki Master 203-338-1100

DCruz88@yahoo.com

TenderLovingReiki.com

Holy Fire® Reiki is a new form of Reiki that was introduced about three years ago. It is both powerful and gentle, and provides purification, healing, empowerment and guidance. Certified by the International Center for Reiki Training, July 2022. See ad on page 21.

LIFE COACHING

CHANNELING YOUR WISDOM COACHING

Lynda Mettler, ACC Transformation Coach, Reiki Master Lynda@YourWisdomCoaching.com

Specializing in Internal Family Systems, Reiki energy and meditation. Guiding clients to transform their inner view to embody self-compassion and trust. Ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure to ignite your spark and unleash your talents? This coaching is for you. Now offering Clarity Coaching, a single session to ease decision-making stress.

MASSAGE THERAPY

A MOMENT IN TIME MASSAGE, LLC

Jill Andrzejewski, LMT, RMT, Psychic 3490 Whitney Ave., Ste. 205, Hamden, CT 203-909-1108

JillaMomentinTimeMassage@gmail.com

AMomentinTimeMassage.org

We partner to set physical, mental and spiritual goals to empower you. I advocate gentle stretching, crystals and breath work to maintain grounded, calm feelings. Services: massage; Reiki; chakra balancing; angel tarot, oracle card and tea leaf readings; group events/classes. A Moment In Time Treasures items available for purchase. Appointment only.

MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

CT THERMOGRAPHY

April Beaman

Main Office: 11 Melrose Dr., Farmington, CT

Satellite Offices: Glastonbury, CT; Hamden, CT; Westport, CT; Hadley, MA 860-415-1150, Info@CTThermography.com

CTThermography.com

HCP

Holistic Community Professionals is an organization of holistic practitioners and businesses focused on improving health and wellness with products and services throughout New England. We also connect consumers with a wide variety of modalities, holistic products, and services as well as offering two expos a year at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. See website for details. See ad on page 19.

CT Thermography specializes in medical thermal imaging, also known as thermography. Thermography is the use and study of thermograms for detecting and measuring variations of heat emitted from the surface of the body. A thermogram is produced by a highly sensitive, infrared camera that accurately maps temperature variations which are then analyzed by Board Certified physicians known as thermologists. Thermography screenings are effective to assess and monitor whole body health and can aid in the detection of inflammation, disease processes and cancer. Furthermore, this health screening tool is noninvasive, radiation-free and does not involve any contact with the body. See ad on page 11.

NURSE PRACTITIONER

KATHERINE DEL PRATO, MSN, FNP-BC

Owner of LK Optimal Wellness

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Special Focus in Functional Medicine

203-439-6796

Info@LKoptimalwellness.com

LKoptimalwellness.com

Looking for a different approach to healthcare with individualized attention? Using evidence-based medicine, Katherine partners with motivated women to heal naturally from fatigue, pain and digestive distress so that they can have improved energy and quality of life. Together, we will identify the root causes to your vague symptoms and restore gut, mood and hormone imbalances. Optimize health and prevent disease!

TRUE HEALTH INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Caroline Braglia MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

7365 Main St., Stratford, CT 203-828-0229

TrueHealthIntegrativeMedicine.com

We focus on patients’ biochemistry, history and symptom root causes to achieve optimal health outcomes, considering factors such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, thyroid function, genetics, sleep, environment, movement and more. Services include bio-identical hormone replacement therapy/TRT (men and women), thyroid optimization, weight loss and peptide therapies using functional medicine. 10% off your first appointment.

SHAMANIC ENERGY HEALING

EAGLE FLIGHT HEALING, LLC

Hamden, CT

203-535-8849

Info@EagleFlightHealing.com

EagleFlightHealing.com

Eagle Flight Healing’s service provides transformative energy work helping clients resolve the traumas, pain, shame and struggles of the past. They experience new selfvalue and mattering, and feel more vitality, happiness and joy with which to enjoy life and dream the future.

TAI CHI

AIPING TAI CHI

Shirley Chock, CCWS

49 Research Dr., Milford, CT 203-795-0203

AipingTaiChi.com/links

Info@AipingTaiChi.com

Discover Aiping Tai Chi, recommended by The New York Times for Tai Chi beginners. For nearly three decades, we’ve been a trusted authority, imparting authentic Tai Chi, Qigong, and internal martial arts. We were founded by the renown Chinese Martial Arts Grandmaster Aiping Cheng and presently led by her disciple, “The Stressbender” Shifu Shirley Chock. Experience our inclusive international community, uniting 150K+ followers of diverse backgrounds, ages and genders on our social media platforms (@aipingtaichi). When you are ready to let go of tension and cultivate resilience, we can teach you how to be strong not hard, soft not weak.

THERMOGRAPHY

B WELL THERMOGRAPHY LLC

Shirley Faith Prendergast, CTT, INHC Milford, Stamford, Southington, Enfield, Guilford and more 203-915-9712

Shirley@BWellThermography.com

BWellThermography.com

Whole health thermal imaging analyzes skin surface temperatures; a trained thermologist interprets areas for further clinical evaluation. Thermography is a radiation-free, non-invasive screening that captures heat images of the breast and body to aid in the detection of cancer, toxicity and inflammation, and to monitor whole body health. See ad on page 19.

TRANSFORMATION COURSES

TERRI O’BRIEN

MasterJoyandSuccess.com

Terri@MasterJoyandSuccess.com

Terri’s specialty is using her fear and hypnotherapy training to produce audio and instructional courses to rewire your internal mindset, tell yourself a better story and stomp our fear. Vastly improve your life and productivity by using these inspirational, creative and confidence-building courses. Visit the MindSHOP on the website to experience the sample audio course, Breathe, Relax and Let Go.

UNIVERSAL WHITE TIME

CRYSTAL & SOUND HEALING

BRADFORD TILDEN, MM, CMT UWT

Universal White Time (UWT)

In person, Zoom sessions

860-830-5841

Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com

CrystalMusicHealing.com

Are you tired and frustrated? Experience the energy and benefits of UWT. Release anxiety, stress and trauma. Receive support for your spiritual development through gemstone healing, energy work, sound and guided visualization. Schedule a free discovery call today! Bradford also offers certification course for energy healers who want to learn grow more.

WELLNESS CENTER

SHIKOBA WELLNESS AND HEALING

Angela Stevens, BA, CH, RYT, RMT 23 Saybrook Rd., Essex, CT

ShikobaEssex@gmail.com

ShikobaEssex.com

We understand that each individual is on their own unique life journey. We foster individualism through classes that meet you where you are. We immerse our clients in wellness, healing and self-discovery, striving to provide inspiration and joy in a nonintimidating environment that ensures all feel at ease. Offerings at Shikoba include yoga, meditation, hypnosis, Reiki, spiritual guidance and healing. Private classes and wellness packages available as well.

WELLNESS PROMOTIONS

REV. SHIRLEY R. BLOETHE

Pass It On LLC

860-989-0033

PassItOnLLC.com

Shirley has the intuitive ability to find just the right referral for anyone looking for health and wellness support. Whether it is a new or existing business owner (or the general public), her extensive resources will likely be a great match for your needs. She also is able to offer low-budget, effective solutions for holistic businesses and practitioners.

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