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HEALTHY

LIVING

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GRILL ON!

sizzling summer fare

FOOD AS THE BEST MEDICINE PET-HAPPY KIDS

How Animals Help Kids Thrive

EFFECTS OF AGING ON SLEEP What You Can Do About It

July 2021 | New Haven-Middlesex | NaturalNewHaven.com

July 2021

Dr. Tom O'Bryan Chief Health Off icer, KnoWEwell

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letterfrompublisher “It’s time to return back to the way we used to eat, before the food industry ruined food.” ~Food Matters

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A little more than a century ago, before the advent of industrialization, more than half of the United States population were farmers, who lived a very modest life in rural communities. Most farm work was done with human or animal labor. Today, the number of farmers has dropped to 2% and most live in urban spaces where they have limited access to food in its natural form. The enablers of industrialized food have included: trends toward the discovery of inorganic chemical inputs, mechanization, specialization, consolidation and market concentration (EcoSystemsUnited.com). Rapid urbanization, the pursuit of productivity and the retailing of Westernized products—dominated by very powerful corporations— have contributed further to the industrialization of food. All of this has led to a significant shift in dietary patterns in the Western world. Americans are now eating more foods heavy in salt, free sugars and fats, known as the Standard American Diet (SAD) and not nearly enough fruit, vegetables and other dietary fiber (e.g. whole grains). Almost half of the 700,000 Americans, who have died from heart disease, stroke or Type 2 diabetes eat the Standard American Diet, making it a primary risk factor. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a large percentage of these diseases could be avoided with dietary modifications and by changing lifestyle habits (e.g. being more physically active and cessation of smoking). For me, the two biggest quality of life enhancers have been regular exercise and a plant-rich diet. I cannot emphasize enough how much that has made a difference! Our July issue, themed Food as Medicine and Ethics of What We Eat, is a very informative, educational and helpful guide for eating healthier, more sustainably and ethically. Included in our feature article are online references to help you track your vegetable and fruit intake. Our Green Living article offers tips on urban gardening for those, who live in the city, particularly those, who live in communities with no grocery stores nearby. Now that the summer outdoor grilling season is here, get the facts on grilling, along with some delicious, healthy and sustainable grilling recipes in our Conscious Eating section. Getting adequate sleep is also vital in order to feel healthy and balanced. As we age (I speak from firsthand experience), many of us experience more challenges in this area, which can potentially lead to a built up sleep deprivation. I suffered from this during my menopause years, due to frequent hot flashes throughout the night. Fortunately, this resolved soon after I made dietary changes and amped up my exercise routine. Kate Bender, an adult nurse practitioner at Fernwood Holistic Health in Westbrook, provides information in this month’s Healing Ways article, to help those, who are struggling with sleep identify the cause and improve sleep hygiene. As our world continues to open up, more public holistic events are being scheduled after a long pandemic-induced hiatus. Explore our News Brief and Community Calendar sections to find out what’s happening in your area. Our intention with every issue of Natural Awakenings is to guide and inspire you to have more personal power with regard to your wellness. Enjoy our great reads, local resources and happenings in the pages ahead—And please share a copy of your magazine with your loved ones. They’ll be glad you did! Wishing you all a joyous Independence Day!

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 12 FOOD AS MEDICINE

The Healing Power of Nutrition

GROWING FOOD SECURITY

The Benefits of Urban Gardening

18 PET HAPPY

How Animals Help Kids Thrive

20 THE EFFECTS OF

AGING ON SLEEP

What You Can Do About It

22 SIZZLING ON THE GRILL

Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

25 PETER SINGER

on Ethical Eating

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DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 10 health briefs 11 global briefs 16 green living 18 healthy kids 20 healing ways 22 conscious

eating 25 wise words 26 calendar 28 classifieds 29 resource guide July 2021

news briefs

Passport to Health & Wellness Expo Features Holistic Community

he Passport to Health & Wellness Expo will be held July 18, from 10am to 4pm, at the Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. The benefit holistic fair, presented by the Holistic Community Professionals, will feature speakers on the half hour and a keynote speaker at 1pm, with 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 drum healing closing ceremony on the patio. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with vendors and exhibitors as they learn about available resources to help promote healthy living and overall well-being. Visitors will have the chance to gain inspiration by visiting the booths and participating in the scheduled events. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Eric Secor, Ph.D., ND, MPH, MS, L.Ac., Dipl Ac, NCCAOM, on the topic “COVID 19—A Year in Review and Hope for Our Future.” Secor oversees clinical, educational and research for the Department of Integrative Medicine at Hartford Health Care. He actively participates in patient care, education of physicians, staff and patients and conducts independent research on a variety of modalities that impact public health. He will be speaking at 1pm in the Atrium. The Passport to Health & Wellness Expo is a free event, and any door proceeds will be donated to the CT Children’s Medical Center (ConnecticutChildrens.org) and Hartford Hospitals Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa fund (AngiesSpa.org). All funds will be used directly for patient care and will be matched to the maximum allowed by the grants for each organization. Natural Awakenings is proud to be a member of The Holistic Community Professionals and a sponsor of the expo. Interested vendors can apply online at Tinyurl.com/SpringExpoVendors. For more information, call Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033, email YourHolisticEvents@gmail.com or visit PassItOnLLC.com. Location: The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton, 42 Century Dr, Bristol. See ad on page 19. KCC_bc_final_vendor2.pdf

10/25/15

8th New Age & Craft Expo in November

he New Age & Craft Expo, which will be held November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Windham in Southbury, is currently seeking vendors and speakers for the event. The day will be filled with creative and spiritual enlightenment. Vendors from the tri-state area will be on hand, as will a dozen readers skilled in past lives, angels, crystals, palms, astrology and more. Attendees can also bring a photo of a pet to receive a pet reading. Other experiences include having your aura photo taken, drum circles, Reiki sessions, soothing massages and dynamic speakers. It’s the perfect opportunity to do some holiday shopping for crystals, natural oils, candles, Tibetan singing bowls, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, soaps, spiritual art, handbags and much more. Admission is $6 or $5 with a coupon in the event’s ad. For more information, interested vendors can call 203-733-6560 or email Cryour87@yahoo.com. Location: Wyndham Southbury, 1284 Strongtown Rd., Southbury, CT. See Mark Your Calendar ad on page 26.

Summer Vibrational Courses at Braulttree Wellness Center

he Lemurian School of Intuitive Natural Healing (LSINH, pronounced “listen”) is an original healing modality co-created by Bradford Tilden, his Universal White Time Master Guides and the consciousness of Ancient Lemurian Priest-healers working through Lemurian Seed

11:26 AM

Final Journey, LLC

(Pet Euthanasia Service)

Kristen Klie, D.V.M. and Associates

(203) 645-5570 www.finaljourneyllc.com

CMY

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news briefs Crystals. They all saw a need to integrate sound into the teachings of crystal, energy and lightwork in order to truly anchor and manifest the higher vibrations of light into your bodies and onto the planet. Tilden is offering the two levels this summer at the Braulttree Wellness Center in Higganum, Connecticut. They must be taken in order. Level 1 is scheduled for the weekend of July 10-11 and Level 2 for August 28-29. Each course costs $350. There is a 20% discount if you register for both. In addition, the powerful Level 1 Universal White Time Energy Healing will be offered July 30-August 2 at the Braulttree Wellness Center. This class is a huge step in your energy and your spiritual evolution with three initiations that open to you the equivalent of 850 hours of meditation and healing work. It utilizes all time as one unit to heal past, present and future; it works with the forces of unconditional love and divine light. The Level 2 class will be offered next year. Now is a good time to embark upon your healing journey to prepare yourself to go further. Tuition is $450. For more information and to register, call Bradford Tilden at 860-830-5841, email Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com or visit BraulttreeWellnessCenter.com. See ad on page 30.

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Are You Having Headaches, Neck or Jaw Pain?

eadaches, neck and jaw pain may often be related and, as such, it can be difficult to identify the source of pain. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle therapy that offers relief for many people. Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, located in Branford, Connecticut, offers complimentary

screenings either in-person or via phone. Each person is unique; the path to being pain-free must be individualized and consider all of the contributing factors. Call to schedule a screening when it is convenient for you. For more information, call 203-315-7727. Location: Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, 500 East Main St., Ste. 310, Branford, CT. PhysicalTherapyGuilford.com. See ad on page 19.

New Book Focuses on Inspirational Journey Through Juicing

eanette George Dias (aka JinSu) is a local wellness activist, creator of JinSu Ceramics, wife and mother of four in Connecticut. One of her daughters, who suffered from autoimmune issues, started Dias on a journey toward questioning the reasons for so much illness in children. It led her to see the part played by the changes in food origins, processing and consumption from seed to plate. Dias infused stories inspired by family members around the world, her knowledge of plants and her own intuition into this new informational and actionable e-book focused on the power of plant-based medicine through juicing. The Intuitive Juice Feast by Jeanette George Dias is now available for purchase at JeanetteGeorgeDias.com. “This book on liquid nourishment was birthed from the Ayurvedic teachings of seasonal consumption. I have laid out

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an array of recipes to enable the reader to choose ones based on season, mood, energy and intention. These recipes were designed to offer insightful experiences with food that is vibrant, stimulating and calming,” said Dias. “My grandmothers from India and Iran taught me about plants and the blessings of the unseen world. For someone who was told she would go blind years ago, my body’s other senses became even more important. Listening, feeling or doing nothing were the calm my body needed to find its own message. This book is the outcome of that journey of silence, stories and vision that led me to fine-tuned, intuitive and informed choices. I have created these recipes to be tantalizing to the palate and nourishing for the body as well as to encourage you to follow your own intuition with plant-based healing.” For example, the cleansing Dandelion Damaka, with apples, celery, ginger and parsley added in, focuses on the dandelion’s detoxification and vitamin-rich properties. The warming, energetic Jhatka (Sweet Spicy) includes apple, lemon, ginger, turmeric, jalapeno and dulse while Pink Lemonade cools with cucumber, apple, beet and lemon.

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For more information on new recipes and blog posts, and to order this new e-book, visit JeanetteGeorgeDias.com or follow on Instagram at @theintuitivefeast.

Discover Other Holistic Parents: Bring a Mug and DIY Recipes

Relaxation Therapy Chakra Balancing Aura Readings

203.500.6950 DISTANCE REIKI AVAILABLE

AUGUST Coming Next Month

Boost Happiness & Well-Being

Plus: Back-to-School Wellness Tips

New Haven/Middlesex

n July 20 at 7:30 p.m., Holistic Moms Network’s New Haven County chapter will host a virtual Bring a Mug meeting. Enjoy some tea at home, relax and have fun getting to know other holistic-minded people in the local community during the chapter’s monthly meeting. Have questions about holistic living, local resources or helpful tips? We will discuss topics of interest and resources based on the questions submitted by attendees. The discussions we have at this annual July meeting are always thought-provoking and filled with the group’s amazing resource-sharing learning and experiences. In addition, join us to prepare your family for time in the great outdoors and summer relaxation. For the DIY part of the meeting, you will get recipes from Frontier Co-op Wholesale that you can make at home The supplies can be found on Frontier’s website as well as at local stores. One perk of being a New Haven County chapter member is the monthly purchasing of wholesale goods from the member-owned Frontier Co-op, including natural and organic herbs, spices, baking goods, essential oils, laundry products, and other goods. 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 the third Tuesday of each month. While they usually take place in person at the Woodruff YMCA in Milford, Connecticut, the monthly meetings are currently offered through Zoom. For more information, visit HolisticMoms.org or Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven. RSVP for the event on the Events page on Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven to find the link to the meeting.

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Holistic Community Professionals HCP

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. Visit our Site: HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org

Coaching & Workshops Torin Lee TL Coaching /Zen Events MyPathForward.net 860-861-9038 torin@zenevents.net TorinLee.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 Return2love3@gmail.com Return2Love.com 203-631-7803

Medical Intuitive/Shaman Past Life Regression Therapy Spirit of the Lotus Robin Barros IMT-C, CSC, CPLC Hands-on Healer Medical Intuitive Shaman/Medium Spiritually-Guided Coach Advanced Soul Coach (R) Holographic Sound Healer 5 Gavin Drive, Columbia CT Robin@SpiritoftheLotus.org SpiritoftheLotus.org

CBDa 10xPure TM Earleen Wright CBDa 10xPure TM is known for its healing power over CBD alone. We are the only company that has CBDa. Contact Earleen Wright 203-215-3222 EarleenWright@gmail.com EarleenWright.myctfo.com

Lightworker Bradford W. Tilden, MM, CMT, UWT Remote journey and coaching sessions Workshops in Crystal & Sound Healing Professional certification courses In Universal White Time (UWT) Energy and Gemstone Healing 860-830-5841 Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com CrystalMusicHealing.com

Naturopathic Physician Vis Wellness Center Dr. Nicole Klughers ND, PharmD, MSAc Naturopathic Physician Acupuncture Provider Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine info@DrNicoleKlughers.com DrNicoleKlughers.com 234-2-ACU-DOC

Holistic Healer Indigo’s Path Adriana R. Russo MA, CHT, CCH, CHLC Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Intuitive Body/Mind Coaching For transformative health and healing 203-510-8932 Indigopath2020@gmail.com IndigosPathWellnessCT.com

LMT, RMT, Psychic Jill Andrzejewski LMT, RMT, Psychic Massage Therapy #9900 Reiki & Chakra Balancing Angel Tarot & Oracle Card Readings A Moment In Time Treasures items for self-care and healing Workshops and classes 203-909-1108 jillamomentintimemassage@gmail.com AMomentInTimeMassage.org

Wellness Center The Red Barn in Durham Janice Juliano, MSW, LCSW Holistic Psychotherapist Coordinator MassageTherapy Nutrition / Yoga / Reiki / Sound Healing Professional Photography / Art Classes 860-559-6151 352 Main St, Durham TheRedBarninDurham.com

We Welcome You! To Join Holistic Community Professionals contact: Shirley Bloethe: 860-255-8844 HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org 9 July 2021

Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood

health briefs

Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Saffron, harvested by hand from the stigma of crocus (Crocus sativus L.), has long been used in cooking, dying and fragrances, and a new study also verifies its traditional use for lowering depression. European researchers gave 56 people with poor moods, anxiety or stress either 30 milligrams a day of saffron extract or a placebo for eight weeks. Those getting the saffron reported feeling less depressed and having improved social relationships, and their urinary crocetin levels correlated with a change in their depression scores.

Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life

heart disease, a weakened immune system, reproductive issues and gastrointestinal conditions. 10

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Two readily available natural strategies— sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Researchers from the UK University of Edinburgh examined records of 2,474 U.S. counties from January to April 2020 to compare numbers of COVID-related deaths to levels of UVA rays from the sun. They found that people living in counties with the highest UVA levels had on average, a 29 Either sidepercent lower chance of dying from the coronastepping an virus. They ruled out the vitamin D factor by not argument or including counties with UVB levels that would resolving it on produce the vitamin. Repeating the analysis in the same day England and Italy produced the same results. pays off quickThe researchers theorized that nitric oxide rely by halving leased by the skin when in sunlight may reduce the reactivity the ability of that virus to replicate. level—negative A second study of 2,884 high-risk health“aftertaste”— care workers in five European countries and the that day and U.S. found that every additional hour of sleep often erasing reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection by 12 any darkened percent. However, insomnia, disrupted sleep emotional and daily burnout are linked to a heightened response the risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus, following day, having more severe symptoms and a longer say University recovery period, reports the researchers in BMJ of Oregon researchers. Based on surveys of more than 2,000 people Nutrition Prevention & Health. People that had reporting their emotional ups and downs during an eight-day period, problems like difficulty falling or staying asleep the researchers found that when people feel they have resolved an or regularly using sleeping pills were 88 percent argument, the emotional response associated with that disagreement more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than is significantly reduced or even eliminated. Stress reactivity has been those without such issues. found to significantly reduce lifespan, studies show, and is linked to

Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. The natural process of rock weathering provides a proven method of capturing carbon from the atmosphere and putting it into the soil, where it may remain for centuries. Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, says, “Soil can be part of the solution set. It will not save us, but it can help to put us on path to negative emissions.” Field testing has been conducted for a year with positive early findings. Iris Holzer, a Ph.D. student at the University of California-Davis, has seen a doubling of the rate of carbon capture in soils with rock amendments compared to soils without. Excess carbon speeds up the greenhouse effect, which causes rising temperatures and other challenges to global security, food production, economic growth, infrastructure and human and ecosystem health. Over a five-year period, crushed volcanic rock added to agricultural soils across the globe could remove 2.8 billion tons of carbon.

Local Veggies

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Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change

Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert

Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”. Patients will no longer be greeted after waking up from surgery with ham, cheese, milk and eggs, the same foods that may have contributed to their health problems. The family-owned private hospital emphasizes the health benefits of vegan diets, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. The hospital says deciding factors included the World Health Organization classification of processed meat consumption as carcinogenic, as well as the role that animal agriculture plays in spawning diseases and pandemics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that three out of four new or emerging infectious diseases in humans come from animals. The American Medical Association passed a resolution in 2017 requesting U.S. hospitals promote better health by offering plant-based meals to patients, staff and visitors, and similar recommendations have been issued by the American College of Cardiology. New York and California now have laws requiring hospitals to provide a plantbased option with meals.

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All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital

Rock On

The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in the South Los Angeles suburb of Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Traditional farms are usually only able to harvest crops a few times a year, but because Plenty’s hydroponic farms are free of the limitations of seasonal changes, weather conditions, pests and natural disasters, they can produce food year-round. The crops are cultivated in a clinically sanitary environment with full personal protective equipment for staff, as well as robots to do much of the picking. The first time produce is touched by human hands is when the consumer opens the package. Plenty’s project condenses 700 acres of farmland into a 95,000-square-foot warehouse. Its first vertical farm opened in South San Francisco in 2018, and it maintains a research and development farm in Laramie, Wyoming. By building farms vertically, healthy, quality produce can be grown without harming the environment, especially in urban areas, where land is limited and food insecurity may be widespread. In addition to the vertical plant towers, Plenty uses LED lighting and automation to plant, feed and harvest crops. The warehouses grow plants faster and with more nutritional density with no need for pesticides, using a fraction of the water required by traditional farming. mustbeyou/AdobeStock.com

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Doctors’ Orders

global briefs

July 2021

FOOD AS MEDICINE The Healing Power of Nutrition by Julie Peterson

New Haven/Middlesex

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SAD is a primary risk factor for high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, increased blood glucose and weight gain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These intermediate conditions can lead to full-blown chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, all of which are on the rise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 60 percent of American adults have at least one chronic disease and 40 percent have two or more, making chronic disease the leading cause of death and disability in the country. The good news from WHO is that up to 80 percent of heart disease cases, 90 percent of Type 2 diabetes cases and one-third of cancer incidences could be avoided by a healthier diet, as well as lifestyle changes like stopping smoking and increasing physical activity. A healthy diet is not as simple as cutting out convenience foods, because many people literally can’t stop eating them. Studies have compared the addictive properties of added sugar and salt to those of nicotine and cocaine. “Additives like sugar release opioids and dopamine in the brain. The same neurochemical changes in the brain occur in addictions,” says Claire Stagg, DDS, founder of Health Connections Dentistry, in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, and author of Smile! It’s All Connected, a layperson’s guide that explains the essential connections between the mouth and overall prostock-studio/AdobeStock.com

ating is a basic need, but many Americans are not filling this need with healthful choices. Among the more than 700,000 Americans that die each year from heart disease, stroke or Type 2 diabetes, about 45 percent eat meals heavy in salt, processed meat and sugary drinks, and low in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts, according to a March 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “I fully understand and empathize with people in the public,” says T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the groundbreaking The China Study and founder of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, in Ithaca, New York. Campbell has often stressed that public and professional understanding of nutrition is lacking. The problems with the Standard American Diet (SAD) start with the very ground it is grown in. Large-scale farming in the U.S. has depleted the soil, producing lower nutrient foods. In addition, many foods are processed by manufacturers to improve shelf life, which further destroys nutrients and requires toxic additives. “The default choice, the easy choice, is the inexpensive, highly processed food. Our built environment throughout the country has made it easier to find fast food than a produce store,” says Lisa McDowell, director of lifestyle medicine and clinical nutrition at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

wellness. “People need to be educated, or re-educated, to take ownership of their health by remembering the basic premise that their bodies can be healthy if they get the right nutrients to facilitate and support that basic process.” Campbell agrees that more people need to be educated. A major theme in his latest book, The Future of Nutrition, is how to sift through the conflicting information that exists.

Healthier Helpings As the food industry continues to woo Americans with fast and easy processed foods, there are consumer shifts taking place. “About a quarter of U.S. adults are trying to manage a health or medical condition by making healthy food and beverage choices,” stated the NPD Group consumer research firm in 2019. “Younger adults, ages 18 to 24, are particularly interested in using foods to improve their health.” It turns out that it’s most beneficial to focus on adding what is needed for optimal health, instead of worrying about what to eliminate. As William Li, M.D., counsels in Eat to Beat Disease, “Human nature abhors deprivation.” As president of the Angiogenesis Foundation, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Li advises us to “practice health care at home every day in our own kitchens.” He suggests frequently eating such simple, but disease-defying foods as dark chocolate, walnuts, kiwis, sourdough bread and sauerkraut. “I recommend participating in bigger box stores. They do a great job at making high-quality food available at an inexpensive price,” says McDowell. She also suggests batch cooking and planning meals ahead for the week.

The Power of Plants

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Plant-based eating is finally becoming mainstream, thanks in part to such eye-opening documentaries as Forks Over Knives, Earthlings, PlantPure Nation and Food, Inc. Research backs up the benefits. In a 2019 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Johns Hopkins researchers report that in a 30-year period, people eating a mostly plant-based diet were 32 percent less likely to die from a cardiovascular condition and 25 percent less likely to die from any cause. A 2017 report published in International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases and may protect against certain types of cancers. For treatment, reversal and prevention of chronic disease, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, in Chesterfield, Missouri, recommends eating a primarily plant-based diet containing minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Campbell says that moving to a 100 percent plant-based diet “and staying there for one to three months, provides an opportunity for virtually everyone to finally crave a salad on a regular basis. This is a place wherein people have little or no interest to backslide because their taste preferences have profoundly changed.” As plant-based eating gains momentum, there are more imitation meat products. These foods can be helpful to transition away from meat, but Campbell cautions, “They do not replace July 2021

the whole plant-based foods, even though they are plant-based, because salt, sugar and added oil are usually added.”

Eating by the Colors Eating fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of vibrant colors ensures we get a variety of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends consuming two and one-half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit each day. McDowell suggests including “deeply pigmented fruits and veggies in at least five different colors, so that you’re getting all of the micronutrients and they’re all working together.” Aim to include a couple different foods from each of the following color groups over a week’s time. Infographics and charts are available for download from the American Heart Association (Heart.org), VeganEasy.org, Dr. Ranjan Chatterjee (DrChatterjee.com) and others. Apps such as Eat the Rainbow Food Journal, Eat Five and VegHunter also make vegetable and fruit intake easy to track.

Food to Heal the Planet Eating healthy also means making a choice for the health of the planet. Organic, locavore and small-farm advocates are speaking out against the industrialized U.S. food system with its extensive use of pesticides, poor treatment of animals and lack of regenerative soil management. Organizations like the Rodale Institute, Regeneration International, Kiss the Ground and the Ecological Farming Association are working to train farmers to regenerate soils to not only restore climate stability, but also provide far healthier foods from nutrient-rich soils. “I believe if we have a greater understanding of our local and regional food systems, we will be moving in a more sustainable, intentional and responsible direction for ourselves, our communities and the planet,” says Andrea Bemis, author of the farm-to-table cookbook Local Dirt and operator of Tumbleweed Farm with her husband Taylor in Mount Hood, Oregon. Local food is easier on the planet for several reasons. “Large commercial farms work the soil so intensively that they must use synthetic fertilizers to get anything to grow,” says Brock Hall, owner of Florida Fields to Forks, in Malabar, Florida. Alternatively, cover crops keep nutrients in the soil, requiring less water and naturally sequestering more carbon from the atmosphere. Shorter transit or shipping distances after picking uses less pollution-causing fuel. “Choosing the right food is not only important for our personal health, but also is important for our planet and for our checking account,” says T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study and The Future of Nutrition. “I have come to believe, after being in this discipline for 65-plus years, that our choice of food is the easiest and most important choice we can make to address the many existential problems that we now face.” 14

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Green: Dark greens have cancer-blocking chemicals like allyl sulfides, lutein and indoles, which inhibit carcinogens. They also contain folate for healthy cells and calcium for stronger bones, muscles and heart regulation. Get plenty of asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green tea, kale, kiwi, spinach and green herbs. Blue and purple: Anthocyanins wipe out free radicals, boost brain health and reduce inflammation. Resveratrol can delay cellular aging, protect the heart and reduce risk of some cancers. Add blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, elderberries, figs, grapes, plums, raisins, eggplant and purple cabbage. Red: Rich in lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals, red plants lower risk of certain cancers and boost heart, brain, eye and bone health. Try apples, beets, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, red peppers, tomatoes and watermelon. Yellow and orange: Contain vitamin C, hesperidin and carotenoids such as beta-carotene to inhibit tumors, protect eyes, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system and heart health. Add apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, mango, oranges, pineapple, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tangerines and yellow peppers. White and brown: The onion family contains allicin and beta glucans, which have anti-tumor properties and can help lower cholesterol. Nuts contain healthy fats. Other foods in this group contain blood pressure-regulating potassium and antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, along with digestion-boosting fiber. Choose beans, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, mushrooms, nuts, onions, parsnips and whole grains.

Gaining Gut Health The gut contains the organs that make up the digestive tract and the gut microbiome, a balance of microorganisms that survive on food. A healthy gut can prevent and heal illnesses in the digestive tract, immune system, cardiovascular system, kidneys and brain. If the gut is burdened with unhealthy foods and digestion is impeded, illness may arise. However, shifting to healthier, plantbased foods can cause a measurable shift in the gut microbiome in three to four days, Duke University researchers report in Nature. Gut health can be enhanced and restored with specific foods: Enzymes to break down food are found in raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts and fresh herbs, and can be destroyed by cooking or processing. These work before the body’s digestive enzymes kick in to improve digestion, eliminate toxins and boost energy. Studies have shown that raw plants also help with weight loss, decreasing cholesterol and reducing inflammation. Probiotics, live bacteria that promote healthy gut flora, are found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, kefir, pickles, miso and cheddar cheese. Prebiotics, undigestible natural fibers that feed probiotics, abound in apples, asparagus, bananas, barley, burdock root, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, oats and onions.

Going Local Whole foods grown locally provide the most nutrition. Michael Pollan, professor of science and environmental journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of In Defense of Food, famously said, “Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” Buying, preparing and eating whole foods may seem laborious at first, but the shift away from “easy foods” can quickly become a way of life as the body begins to feel better. “We hear stories every week about people who have fixed health issues from eating healthy,” says Brock Hall, owner of the Florida Fields to Forks organic community supported agriculture (CSA) farm in Malabar, Florida. He adds that everyone “ought to get closer to your food” by growing it or getting to know organic farmers at local markets, self-pick operations or through CSAs. Healthy eating is about balance. Enjoy comfort foods occasionally, focusing on the bigger picture of more healthful foods overall.

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The Shift in the Medical Field

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“We, as a society, have gotten locked into focusing on disease cure over health care,” writes T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the bestselling The China Study and the recently released The Future of Nutrition. Fortunately, as studies prove that diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and Crohn’s disease improve with changes in diet, the medical community is slowly shifting toward using nutrition in tandem with traditional care to help manage and prevent disease. Unfortunately, says John Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, in Dallas, “The amount of nutritional education in medical school is minimal.” Now, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) is aiming to fill that void by training healthcare teams to prevent and reverse chronic disease through lifestyle behaviors. Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is one example. After a group of physicians and registered dietitians received ACLM certification, it launched a Lifestyle Medicine and Clinical Nutrition program. “The goal is to provide support to individuals and teach them to hardwire best practices that optimize their own personal health and potential,” says Lisa McDowell, program director. The Food as Medicine Institute, in Portland, Oregon, also offers a training program for healthcare professionals and nutritionists to implement community-based nutrition programs. The Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, in Ohio, offers programs that help patients identify genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors to shift health from illness to well-being. The Gaples Institute, in Naperville, Illinois, offers nutritional training and accreditation for medical clinicians, as well as free nutritional instruction online for the public.

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July 2021

Growing Food Security The Benefits of Urban Gardening

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by Laura Paisley Beck

or a lot of Americans, healthy food is scarce. According to FeedingAmerica.org, more than 35 million Americans faced food insecurity in 2019. That number is expected to increase substantially due to the pandemic, which disrupted the food supply chain in ways that most Americans have never seen. The good news is that urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, healthy, organic, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household. A 2013 abstract from Michigan State University published in Agriculture & Food Security states that urban gardens could not only provide healthy food, but also create a more resilient food system. During the pandemic, many people jumped at the chance to put in a garden, and in cities, where available land is limited, creative solutions have emerged. Just about any space could serve as a viable garden, including a spare room, rooftop, shipping containers or an empty warehouse. With hydroponics, no soil is required and with vertical systems, planters are stacked, requiring a small footprint.

Veggies Instead of Lawns Phan Truong, known as A Suburban Gardener on Instagram, turned her entire yard into an organic vegetable garden and invited her Scaggsville, Maryland, neighbors to share in 16

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green living

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the bounty. “I had this table of abundance in front of my house, but people weren’t taking anything! So, I hid in my garden, waiting for neighbors to walk by, and then I’d rush the fence and encourage them to take food,” Truong says. “My husband thought everyone would think we were weird.” Now, instead of getting polite waves from afar, the garden has become a communications hub among neighbors.

Sharing the Abundance When Truong witnessed friends losing jobs and struggling, she was inspired to lend a hand by assisting some of them to plant their own low-maintenance, high-yield gardens to save money on healthy meals.

Once she had assisted people close to her, she decided to expand her reach. “My garden spits out a lot of food. I discovered there are local food banks and charities that collect food. I was surprised that they will take any abundance,” says Truong. Garrett Livingood, a North Atlanta, Georgia, blogger, developed GrowMyCommunity.org where local farmers, growers and community gardens can upload their location and what they offer, so that the locals know where to go for fruits, vegetables, herbs and other healthy eats. According to Livingood, “Forty percent of produce gets thrown out every year, so it’s not that we don’t have enough food, the problem is access.”

Food Security Equals Health Ashlie Thomas, a research scientist known as The Mocha Gardener on Instagram, started gardening for healthy produce and medicinal plants at home in Graham, North Carolina, when family members on limited incomes living in a food desert had been diagnosed with health issues like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. “Imagine having diet requirements that included mostly plant-based food, but your resources are simply not there,” Thomas says. “I didn’t know there was a term for that: food security. There is an increasing population with disease, and food could be the answer.” The problem is particularly prevalent in communities with no grocery stores, forcing residents to buy food at gas stations or drive considerable distances to big-box stores. Thomas observed that choices at these kinds of facilities are often between expensive produce or inexpensive junk food. Healthful food is not available or affordable for all. Thomas believes gardening empowers people to take control of their diet and their health, not only physiologically, but psychologically and spiritually. “It doesn’t just stop at the garden,” she says. “How you treat your body and other people has a positive healthy impact, as well.”

Tips to Get Started Follow local gardeners on social media to get ideas. THINK LOW-MAINTENANCE, HIGH-YIELD. Cherry tomatoes, salad greens, cucumbers and beans are highproducing, low-cost staples.

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FLOWERS CAN BE FOOD. Try violets, pansies, nasturtiums and chives to beautify the garden and the plate. GROW ORGANIC. It’s cheaper and doesn’t harm anyone or anything. “I grow organic because I want to respect my space. I don’t want to control Mother Nature, I want to work with her,” says Thomas. HERB IT UP. Mint, rosemary and basil taste great and can deter pests. Overall, keep it simple. Set up for success with just enough to learn and enjoy a new lifestyle. It can be expanded upon year after year, providing a bounty of nutritious food security.

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Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin. Reach her at LauraPaisleyBeck@gmail.com. July 2021

healthy kids

Pet Happy How Animals Help Kids Thrive

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by Ronica O’Hara

s any parent whose child has begged long and hard for a puppy or kitty can testify, animals are close to children’s hearts. Up to 90 percent of kids are lucky enough to live with a pet at some point in their childhood, and studies show the effects can be profound for their health, character development and well-being. Kids and pets seem to share a deep and special bond. “Kids often recognize a kindred spirit in animals, especially pets. Like children, pets are cared for and nurtured in families by big people who get to make the rules,” says Gail F. Melson, Ph.D., professor emeritus of developmental studies at Purdue University and the author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children. In one of Melson’s studies, 40 percent of 5-year-olds said that they turn to their pets when they feel sad, angry or have a secret to share. Children with pets demonstrate more empathy toward their peers and are less anxious and withdrawn than children without pets, her research shows. A University of Cambridge (UK) study reported that kids were happier with their dogs and cats than with their brothers and sisters. 18

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PETS ENHANCE KIDS’ HEALTH. A study by UK’s Warwick University found that children with pets had more robust immune systems and attended school an extra nine days on average each year compared to those without pets. Early exposure can be optimal: Babies living in homes with two or more dogs and cats are less than half as likely by age 7 to develop reactions to indoor and outdoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites and ragweed, reports a Medical College of Georgia study. Pets can have a measurable impact on children with special conditions. In a University of Massachusetts Medical School study of young people with Type 1 diabetes published in PLOS ONE, those that actively helped care for family pets were 2.5 times more likely to have well-controlled blood sugar levels, perhaps by learning the importance of daily routines. In families with an autistic child, owning a dog reduces stress and significantly improves interactions, benefits that grow over time, report UK University of Lincoln researchers. PETS BUILD SOCIAL SKILLS. According to a large American Humane study, small pets like guinea pigs and reptiles in thirdand fourth-grade classrooms improve students’ levels of communication, cooperation, responsibility, empathy, engagement and self-control. Pets can also train kids to set boundaries. Growing up in Verona, Wisconsin, twins McKenna and Samara Fagan became skillful at stopping their 70-pound golden retrievers and great Pyrenees from jumping on them, stealing their toys or persisting after a petting period had concluded. “As girls, they learned how to create boundaries not just with words, but also with body language and energy,” says their mother, Tia Fagan, a certified conscious parenting and authenticity coach. Now, she says, the 20-year-olds know “how to create and hold healthy boundaries with people.” PETS TEACH RESPONSIBILITY. “A child who knows that every day they will need to walk the dog (if it’s safe), feed the dog (with guidance) or even scoop the yard, will thrive on the routine of care and often will feel a confidence boost because they are taking care of their dog. This is empowering for kids who may not have much control over other things in their lives,” says Antoinette Martin of Cornelius, North Carolina, head veterinarian with the online vet locator HelloRalphie.com.

Children with pets demonstrate more empathy toward their peers and are less anxious and withdrawn than children without pets. PETS TEACH THE CYCLES OF LIFE. Because pets have shorter life spans than humans, surveys indicate that about 80 percent of children first experience death when a beloved pet dies, offering a teachable moment for the whole family, says Melson. Veterinarian Michelle Burch’s 3-year-old daughter grieved when the family dog died, but the child was encouraged to express her sadness and was helped by the award-winning book Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant. A year later, “She loves to bring up her dog Baxter to strangers and how he is in dog heaven, but she knows that not all animals will stay on Earth forever,” says Burch, veterinarian for the pet insurance site SafeHounds.com. Difficult as the grief is, it’s still worth it, says Fagan. “Our pets have taught my children that to give and receive love unconditionally is the greatest gift of all and is worth the sadness and pain we feel when they pass.”

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healing ways

The Effects of Aging on Sleep What You Can Do About It by Kate Bender

leep plays a critical role in good health. Despite being well established that most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than one third of all American adults get less than that. As we age, our need for sleep does not decrease. Yet, the challenges to get a good night’s sleep increase. Normal age-related sleep changes include increased snoring, more nocturnal awakenings, and sleepwake phase advancement by which you wake up and fall asleep earlier than you did when younger. Increased snoring is primarily related to weakening of the muscles in the tongue and neck. It can be a sign of sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep). If you wake up feeling unrested or experience daytime drowsiness, talk to your medical provider about getting tested for 20

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sleep apnea with a sleep study. This can be conducted at home or in a sleep lab. Untreated sleep apnea increases risk for motor vehicle accidents (due to drowsy driving), cognitive deficits, moodiness and irritability, depression, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, heart failure, obesity, type-2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and maybe even cancer. If you are avoiding a sleep study because you believe you will be told to manage apnea with a CPAP machine, don’t put it off. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the gold standard of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but it is not the only intervention. When left untreated, the harm to your body from sleep apnea can be severe. If concerned, ask your medical provider about a sleep study. If the snoring of a bedmate leaves you unrested, or sleep apnea has been ruled

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out through a sleep study, consider lifestyle modifications. Weight loss is recommended for a body mass index (BMI) over 30. Losing weight can reduce snoring and other health risks, too. Other changes, such as sleeping with your head elevated, treatment for nasal congestion, and avoiding sleeping on your back to reduce the amount or volume of snoring. Surgical options include removing the tonsils. Consult an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, Throat or ENT doctor) to see if other treatments are right for you or your bedmate. Waking up during the night is common with aging. Pain, menopause or an enlarged prostate may disturb sleep. Chronic pain can be related to arthritis, back issues or nerve conditions such as neuropathy. Getting calm and comfortable for sleep can be difficult when you are in pain. Addressing the root cause of the pain is the most effective approach. Once the source

is identified, it can be more specifically addressed. It may sound counterintuitive, but chronic pain often responds well to regular movement. When you sit around for long periods of time, your body stiffens. And stiffness equals pain. Motion is lubricant for joints, muscles and connective tissues. A regular stretching routine or low-intensity exercise, such as walking or yoga, can have a significant, positive impact on body aches and pains. If an over-the-counter pain medication is appropriate for you, choose a non-PM formula. Most medications with “PM” in the name contain diphenhydramine (or Benadryl.) The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends against using diphenhydramine for chronic insomnia. (Always tell your medical providers about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take.) Lastly, how old is your mattress and/or pillow? If it is hard to answer that question, it is likely time for a new one. If your mattress and pillow are beyond their lifespan, it is not adequately supporting your body while you sleep; this can cause pain. Some causes for nocturnal awakenings are gender specific. For women, menopausal changes can interfere with sleep. Eighty percent of women experience hot flashes, the most common of menopause symptoms. Decreasing estrogen levels cause the body to initiate its cooling mechanisms at much lower temperature changes, triggering a hot flash. More common at night, hot flashes are often associated with interrupted sleep. Sleeping with a fan or in a cool environment can help reduce hot flashes. Losing weight, giving up tobacco and increasing physical activity can also help. For men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a major driver of sleep disturbances. BPH is a common chronic condition starting in the early 40s and becoming even more common with advancing age. Because the enlarged prostate inhibits complete emptying of the bladder, the holding capacity is decreased. Therefore, you need to pee more frequently. Increased exercise and weight loss can reduce BPH and the

associated lower urinary tract symptoms. Avoiding excessive caffeine or increasing citrus juice intake can lower BPH risk. Another natural part of aging is a change or disturbance of circadian rhythms that can advance the sleep-wake phase, making you sleepy earlier in the evening and waking earlier in the morning. Furthermore, older adults are often retired with less of a fixed schedule. This sometimes leads to poor sleep hygiene behaviors that can throw off your circadian rhythms. What is sleep hygiene? It is the term applied to healthy habits that promote good sleep. Good sleep hygiene is important at all ages. With increased sleep challenges that come with advancing age, it becomes more essential. Here are the highlights: n Keep a regular schedule. Have a set bedtime and wake-up time. Avoid daytime napping, especially long or late-in-the-day naps. n Avoid substances that impact sleep. Limit caffeine intake after lunchtime. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. While alcohol is initially sedating, it also inhibits restful sleep. Avoid nicotine as it is a stimulant. n Head to bed with a satisfied stomach. Late-night snacks or large meals just prior to bed as well as going to bed hungry will negatively impact your sleep. n Exercise during the day. Try to avoid vigorous exercise within two hours of bedtime. n Create a quiet, dark and soothing sleep environment. Take time before bed to calm your body and mind. Limiting light exposure is important for circadian rhythms; this includes light from TVs, tablets and phones.

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELLNESS TIPS Plus: Shamanism Today Boost Happiness & Well-Being Benefits of Having a Life Coach

Sweet dreams! Kate Bender, APRN, an adult nurse practitioner at Fernwood Holistic Health in Westbrook, Connecticut, supports and empowers patients to find solutions that improve their physical and emotional health. Connect at 860-661-5824 or info@fernwoodholistichealth.com. July 2021

conscious eating

Sizzling on the Grill Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare by Laura Paisley Beck

The Downside of Grilling Most charcoal and all lighter fluids contain chemicals that create air pollution when burned, harming our health and the environment. Better alternatives are sustainably sourced, organic and natural materials, such as charcoal made from bamboo or coconut shells. Entrepreneur Fred Grosse sought to solve another problem associated with conventional grilling materials: the taste of lighter fluid on barbecue foods. He invented Mojobricks, a carbon-neutral alternative to charcoal designed to impart a smoky flavor to grilled foods. “You’re breathing in 50 percent less particulate matter standing at the grill than if you grill with charcoal or wood,” he says about his bricks made with compressed sawdust from wood mills. “They heat food more efficiently, take up less storage space than bags of charcoal and keep trees growing in the forest.”

What Gets Grilled Matters Americans eat three times more meat than the global average. To meet the immense demand, mass-produced beef is trucked across the nation with dire environmental impacts including cow methane emissions, the burning of fossil fuels for transport and excessive land use. To curtail these impacts, Americans can choose to reduce or eliminate their beef consumption and when they do decide to grill a ribeye or New York strip, choose local, organic, grass-fed beef. Eliminating meat is simple as vegetarian and vegan options are innumerable. “Question what a burger is, and off you go with legumes, root vegetables, mush22

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rooms, cheese or whatever you happen to feel like,” says Martin Nordin, author of Green Burgers. Genevieve Taylor’s new cookbook, Charred, features enticing meals to cook over a flame that include vegetables, spices, nuts, herbs and other inventive ingredients. Amy Lawrence and Justin Fox Burks, co-authors of Low-Carb Vegetarian, have had a dramatic increase in requests for grilled versions of vegetarian dishes, a sign of increasing outdoor cooking trends.

Presentation for the Planet When hosting backyard dinner parties, consider that paper and plastic dinnerware will end up in the landfill. Ask guests to bring a plate and fork or mix and match whatever dish sets are on hand. Another suggestion is to go vintage. “There has already been so much manufactured of everything, we wouldn’t need to manufacture another plate, for example, for another generation or two,” says Morgan Miller, owner of Rewind Decor vintage store in Madison, Wisconsin. With a few adjustments, eco-grilling is easy, delicious and much better for the planet. Marinate locally sourced ingredients, burn as carbon-neutral a fire as possible and serve up delicious food on real plates that friends and family will help wash. Guests will be inspired and follow suit in their own homes. As Grosse says, “Each small difference adds up to big change.” Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin. Reach out at LauraPaisleyBeck@gmail.com.

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or most Americans, summer smells like fresh-cut grass and barbecue sizzling in the backyard. Approximately 64 percent of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, but common practices are bad for the environment. Fortunately, many great chefs have the problem covered with delicious alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting methods.

Great Grilling

image courtesy of Justin Fox Burks

1 white onion (quartered and sliced) 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp of The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub 1 cup BBQ sauce 6 hamburger buns

BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw Yield: 6 sandwiches 2 lb Brussels sprouts 1 cup shredded carrot (about one large) 2 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 Tbsp grainy mustard Kosher salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)

Preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes. Cover the grill with a single layer of aluminum foil. Slice the remaining Brussels sprouts in half. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and the onion with the sesame oil, vinegar and BBQ dry rub until everything is coated. Place the Brussels sprouts on the grill for 5 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other side, or until the edges are brown and they’re cooked through. Remove sprouts from the grill and place them into a medium bowl. Pour in BBQ sauce. Using a spatula, toss the Brussels sprouts in the sauce until they’re well-coated. Put the BBQ Brussels aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches. On the bottom part of each hamburger bun, pile on the BBQ and top it with the slaw.

Mix all ingredients in a large food storage container until equally distributed.

The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub (measure all ingredients by volume)

*Dried porcini mushrooms can be found at almost any specialty grocery or ordered online. Turn the dried mushrooms into a powder by placing them in a coffee grinder or food processor and pulsing until no large bits remain.

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2 parts chipotle chili powder 2 parts sweet paprika 2 parts smoked paprika 2 parts granulated garlic 2 parts kosher salt 2 parts cracked black pepper 2 parts cumin 2 parts dried thyme 2 parts dried oregano 1 part cinnamon 1 part ground ginger 1 part light brown sugar 1 part powdered, dried porcini mushrooms*

First, make the Brussels sprout slaw. Thinly slice enough of the Brussels sprouts to have 2 cups. Reserve the remainder of the Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups shredded sprouts with the shredded carrot, mayonnaise, mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well-incorporated. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (Makes about 2 cups of slaw.)

Recipe by Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence of The Chubby Vegetarian blog and cookbooks.

July 2021

Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs Yield: 4 to 6 side-dish servings 1 lb 2 oz bunch of carrots, preferably with the tops on 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp cumin seeds, lightly crushed in a pestle and mortar 1 tsp soft, dark brown sugar 1 tsp dried chili flakes, ideally chipotle chili flakes 1 clove garlic, crushed 1¼ cup ricotta ½ bunch of spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped 1 small bunch of coriander (cilantro), chopped Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle Salt and freshly ground black pepper Trim the tops off the carrots and scrub under running water. Slice in half lengthwise, or into quarters if they are a little larger, to approximately finger-thickness. Fill a pan with boiling water and add a little salt, then set over high heat and bring back to the boil. Once boiling, add the carrots and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain well and tip into a mixing bowl. While they are still hot, add the olive oil, cumin, brown sugar, chili flakes and garlic, and stir well to mix. Cover and leave to marinate for a couple of hours at room temperature.

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Once ready to cook, fire up the barbecue for direct grilling, or preheat a cast-iron griddle pan on the hob. Lay the carrots on the grill bars or griddle and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning regularly, until they are nicely caramelized. If barbecuing, add a few smoking wood chunks or chips to up the smokiness. Use a brush to baste the carrots with any excess marinade from the bowl while turning. Once soft and caramelized, scatter the carrots over a serving plate and dot with heaped teaspoons of ricotta. Sprinkle over the spring onions, chopped pecans and coriander. Finally, add a generous drizzle of olive oil and finish with a good grind of pepper. Serve while still warm. Recipe from Genevieve Taylor’s book Charred. Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

New Haven/Middlesex

NaturalNewHaven.com

wise words

Peter Singer on Ethical Eating

idely considered to be an influential philosopher in the animal rights movement after his book Animal Liberation was published in 1975, Peter Singer is the Ira W. DeCamp professor of bioethics at the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. He has written, co-authored, edited or co-edited more than 50 books, including Why Vegan? and The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter.

Why is food an ethical issue? There are several reasons for making food an ethical issue and changing what we’re eating. One is that producing food has an enormous impact on the environment. About 25 percent of all human greenhouse gas emissions come from food production. It’s also an enormous source of animal suffering. Over 70 billion animals are raised and killed each year worldwide, and the majority of them are in intensive factory farms. Their lives are miserable for most of the time. And finally, factory farms are breeding grounds for new viruses. We’ve had swine flu and avian flu coming out of factory farms. It’s quite possible that the next pandemic will originate there.

Is it unethical to contribute to climate change? It’s impossible to live without contributing to climate change, but it’s unethical to

photo by alletta vaandering

by Sandra Yeyati unnecessarily contribute to climate change when you can live in a way that has a lower greenhouse gas footprint. You could say luxury emissions are unethical while survival emissions are necessary, and so one can’t regard them as unethical.

What are the most important food choices that we can make from an ethical standpoint? Avoiding animal products is probably the first and most important ethical choice one can make. That’s going to dramatically lower your carbon footprint. You will no longer be complicit in the suffering of those tens of billions of factory-farmed animals, and you won’t be contributing to the increasing risks of viruses being bred in factory farms.

Is eating animals all right if they are raised humanely and don’t suffer when they are harvested? If animals aren’t suffering and have good lives, that’s a big improvement from the point of view of the animals, but it doesn’t overcome other problems. Grass-fed cattle may have good lives, but they continue to emit large quantities of greenhouse gases, methane in particular. Is painless killing of an animal that has led a good life acceptable? There’s an argument that it is, that at least they had a life, otherwise they wouldn’t have existed at all, so it’s not wrong. People are going to accept or reject that. There isn’t a clear-cut answer. It’s a complicated issue, so that’s why I tend to focus on the fact that large-scale commercial rearing of animals inevitably causes suffering for them and exploits them. Yes, they can come from very small farms

where animals are looked after and cared for, but it won’t likely happen on a large commercial scale.

Is there a hierarchy of animals that might be ethically okay to eat? I’m not really concerned about all animals in the zoological sense. I’m concerned about sentient beings or animals capable of suffering or enjoying their lives, and I don’t see that as necessarily coinciding with the boundary between plants and animals. So, oysters or clams or mussels, the simple bivalves, are clearly animals in zoological terms, but there’s good reason to believe that they don’t have a sufficiently complicated nervous system to feel pain, and if that’s the case, then I don’t think there’s an objection to eating those animals as long as they are farmed or raised in a sustainable way that doesn’t harm the environment.

Are you hopeful that more people will adopt ethical eating habits in the future? The huge increase in the availability of vegan products pretty much around the world is a great sign of hope, because what we need to do is to reach a critical mass where these products are not only available, but are also comparative in cost with animal products. Once that day comes, I think we’ll get far more people switching, where they really don’t have to change their diet that much, they don’t have to spend that much more and they can avoid all these negative ethical aspects and be healthier themselves. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com. July 2021

calendar of events

THURSDAY, JULY 22

Free Essential Oil Class – 6:30pm-8pm. Help align your mind, body, spirit. Learn to take control of your health with therapeutic grade oils. Free class! On Zoom to register please call 203-6317803, email Return2love3@gmail.com or visit Return2Love.com.

Sound Healing: A Holistic Approach – 9am-11am. Virtual on Zoom. Sound has been used as a tool for healing across cultures for thousands of years. In this highly interactive and experiential workshop, you will learn about stress, how it effects your health, and a holistic way to relieve stress with sound healing. Come and experience the healing vibrations of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. 2 CECs. $50. Register at WomensConsortium.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 10

SUNDAY, JULY 25

Lemurian School of Intuitive Natural Healing 1 – 9am-6:30pm. (Sat, July 10 & Sun, July 11). Learn the fundamentals of ancient Lemurian intuitive crystal and sound healing. In class we work with Lemurian Seed Crystals, gemstone layouts to heal childhood and past life traumas and toning with the voice and crystal bowls. Initiation and Certification. $350. Braulttree Wellness Center, 415 Killingsworth Rd, Ste 9A, Higganum. Contact Bradford at: 860-830-5841, or email: info@crystalmusichealing.com. BraulttreeWellnessCenter.com.

Sonic Alchemy – 2pm-3:30pm. This sound healing meditation concert combines Bradford Tilden’s inspiring piano music, crystal bowls and channeled vocal tones to create a powerful activating, and healing experience. Bring own pillows, mats, etc. $20 Cash at door. Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St, Durham, TheRedBarnInDurham.com. Contact Bradford 860-830-5841 info@crystalmusichealing.com LIVESTREAM access for $4.99 @ Facebook.com/CrystalMusicHealing.

SUNDAY, JULY 11

Universal White Time Healing Level 1: FriSun July 30th-Aug 1st – Fri: 6pm-9pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Increase your healing abilities with this effective, ground-breaking energy-healing modality that is rapidly gaining recognition. UWT works with the forces of unconditional love, divine light, and all time as one unit. It is a healing that is targeting the problem through time and space. $450. Braulttree Wellness Center, 415 Killingsworth Rd, Ste 9A, Higganum. 860-830-5841. info@crystalmusichealing.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 8

Forage walk with Qi Gong practice: Learn summer wild edible, medicinal plants and mushrooms – 1pm-3pm. This in-person class will be in Middletown. $25. For more information, go to ChiForHealing.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 17 Sonic Alchemy – 7pm-8:30pm. This sound healing meditation concert combines Bradford Tilden’s inspiring piano music, crystal bowls and channeled vocal tones to create a powerful activating, and healing experience. $20. Prepay with Venmo: @ronald-smith-419 required to RSVP. $25 cash at door. Avant Garde Holistic Center, Branford. 203-481-8443, AvantGardeCT13@yahoo.com, AvantGardeCT.com. LIVESTREAM access for $4.99 @ Facebook.com/CrystalMusicHealing.

FRIDAY, JULY 30

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MONDAY, JULY 19 Free Essential Oil Class – 6:30pm-8pm. Help align your mind, body, spirit. Learn to take control of your health with therapeutic grade oils. Free class! On Zoom to register please call 203-631-7803, email with therapeutic grade oils. Free class! On Zoom to register please call 203-631-7803, email Return2love3@gmail.com or visit Return2Love.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 Full Moon Meditation w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8pm. Align w/new energies of this month’s Full Moon. Opportunities for letting go of the old and allowing spiritual energies to reach human hearts and minds. $25. On Zoom, to register, call 203-631-7803, email Return2love3@gmail.com or visit Return2Love.com.

New Haven/Middlesex

GOT EVENTS IN AUGUST?

Share your upcoming happenings with our readers in our community calendar! Submit your calendar events at: NaturalNewHaven.com by July 10.

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ongoingevents

sunday Individual and small group tutoring sessions available for Summer 2021 with professional, experienced educators at CELC Middle School in Branford – Reasonable rates. All subject areas, grades K-9th. Maintain academic skills, rebuild engagement from a “lost” year, develop greater confidence and understanding. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658.

monday Come see CELC Middle School in action – Tours by appointment only! Middle school specialists, 5th – 8th grade. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, robust academics. Limited openings still available for 2020-21. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. For more information, visit CTExperiential.org. Individual and small group tutoring sessions available for Summer 2021 with professional, experienced educators at CELC Middle School in Branford – Reasonable rates. All subject areas, grades K-9th. Maintain academic skills, rebuild engagement from a “lost” year, develop greater confidence and understanding. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. Make the Most of Summer with CELC Middle School Explorers’ Summer Program ages 9 -12 – 9am-3pm. CELC Middle School teams up with Mathnasium of Guilford for The Arithmetic of Architecture! and Debunking Billiard Math! Work with Colombian-born Instructor for Tell Your Story in Spanish to discover the world of native characters by learning about their countries and traditions. Other Summer Program activities include science investigations, local hikes, music, visit to local farm, and more. Limit 10 participants / week. Register now to reserve your spot! To register now: CTExperiential.org/summer-program or contact: mandm@CTExperiential.org or 203-433-4658.

tuesday Come see CELC Middle School in action – Tours by appointment only! Middle school specialists, 5th – 8th grade. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, robust academics. Limited openings still available for 2020-21. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. For more information, visit CTExperiential.org.

Individual and small group tutoring sessions available for Summer 2021 with professional, experienced educators at CELC Middle School in Branford – Reasonable rates. All subject areas, grades K-9th. Maintain academic skills, rebuild engagement from a “lost” year, develop greater confidence and understanding. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658.

Weekly Qi Gong Class – 9:30am-10:30am. Qi gong translates to the practice of moving energy. Qi gong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. There will be brief meditation integrating breathe-work with a combination of chanting, singing bowls, and aromatherapy, and an inspirational reading at the end of each class. $15. For more information, go to ChiForHealing.com. Location: Elizabeth Park in West Hartford.

Make the Most of Summer with CELC Middle School Explorers’ Summer Program ages 9 -12 – 9am-3pm. CELC Middle School teams up with Mathnasium of Guilford for The Arithmetic of Architecture! and Debunking Billiard Math! Work with Colombian-born Instructor for Tell Your Story in Spanish to discover the world of native characters by learning about their countries and traditions. Other Summer Program activities include science investigations, local hikes, music, visit to local farm, and more. Limit 10 participants / week. Register now to reserve your spot! To register now: CTExperiential.org/summer-program or contact: mandm@CTExperiential.org or 203-433-4658.

Open Healing Arts Exchange – 6pm-8pm. (Every 2nd Wed of the month). Gather and experience each other’s unique healing modalities. While featuring White Time Energy and Gemstone healing, we welcome all practitioners and anyone interested in giving and receiving a healing and/or curious about the healing arts. $20. Braulttree Wellness Center, Higganum. 860-344-9573. IntuitivePetCarellc.com.

Weekly Qi Gong Class – 6pm-7pm.Qi gong translates to the practice of moving energy. Qi gong focuses on breath and movement to open up the energy flow in the body. There will be brief meditation integrating breathe-work with a combination of chanting, singing bowls, and aromatherapy, and an inspirational reading at the end of each class. $15. For more information, go to ChiForHealing.com. Location: The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St, Durham.

wednesday Come see CELC Middle School in action – Tours by appointment only! Middle school specialists, 5th – 8th grade. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, robust academics. Limited openings still available for 2020-21. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. For more information, visit CTExperiential.org. Individual and small group tutoring sessions available for Summer 2021 with professional, experienced educators at CELC Middle School in Branford – Reasonable rates. All subject areas, grades K-9th. Maintain academic skills, rebuild engagement from a “lost” year, develop greater confidence and understanding. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. Make the Most of Summer with CELC Middle School Explorers’ Summer Program ages 9 -12 – 9am-3pm. CELC Middle School teams up with Mathnasium of Guilford for The Arithmetic of Architecture! and Debunking Billiard Math! Work with Colombian-born Instructor for Tell Your Story in Spanish to discover the world of native characters by learning about their countries and traditions. Other Summer Program activities include science investigations, local hikes, music, visit to local farm, and more. Limit 10 participants / week. Register now to reserve your spot! To register now: CTExperiential.org/summer-program or contact: mandm@CTExperiential.org or 203-433-4658.

thursday Come see CELC Middle School in action – Tours by appointment only! Middle school specialists, 5th – 8th grade. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, robust academics. Limited openings still available for 2020-21. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. For more information, visit CTExperiential.org. Individual and small group tutoring sessions available for Summer 2021 with professional, experienced educators at CELC Middle School in Branford – Reasonable rates. All subject areas, grades K-9th. Maintain academic skills, rebuild engagement from a “lost” year, develop greater confidence and understanding. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. Make the Most of Summer with CELC Middle School Explorers’ Summer Program ages 9 -12 – 9am-3pm. CELC Middle School teams up with Mathnasium of Guilford for The Arithmetic of Architecture! and Debunking Billiard Math! Work with Colombian-born Instructor for Tell Your Story in Spanish to discover the world of native characters by learning about their countries and traditions. Other Summer Program activities include science investigations, local hikes, music, visit to local farm, and more. Limit 10 participants / week. Register now to reserve your spot! To register now: CTExperiential.org/summer-program or contact: mandm@CTExperiential.org or 203-433-4658. The Caring Network: Free virtual support group through Microsoft Teams for adults who have lost a loved one – 6pm. (Thurs, July 1 & July 15). Bridges Healthcare, 949 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. Information about grief and loss; facilitated open discussion. Adults do not need to register. The group is facilitated by a Bridges counselor and is sponsored by Bridges Healthcare and Cody-White Funeral Home. For more information, please call the Group Facilitator, Brooke Torres M.Ed., at 203 878-6365 ext. 480. or email brtorres@bridgesmilford.org.

July 2021

ongoingevents

friday

Healing Class for Chronic Illness/Pain using Tong Ren Therapy through Zoom – 7pm-8pm. For this class we focus on helping people struggling with chronic illness and chronic pain. Tong Ren Therapy is based on the power of our mind creating energy for healing. Using the hammer technique, we hit points on an acupuncture doll to focus the energy on a person. During the Tong Ren class people will sit and receive energy. 3 things will be tapped on for each person. Group energy healing will be received and we will send distance healing also. This class also utilizes meditation, sound healing, and inspirational readings. $10. For more information, go to ChiForHealing.com. Gemstone Clinic – 7:30pm-9pm. (3rd Thurs of the Month). Come get stoned with us! Experience gemstone treatments for only $10 each and learn about Universal White Time Healing and what it has to offer. $10-20. The Red Barn in Durham, 352 Main St, Durham. RSVP preferred. Bradford: 860-830-5841 or info@CrystalMusicHealing.com.

Come see CELC Middle School in action – Tours by appointment only! Middle school specialists, 5th – 8th grade. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, robust academics. Limited openings still available for 2020-21. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658. For more information, visit CTExperiential.org. Individual and small group tutoring sessions available for Summer 2021 with professional, experienced educators at CELC Middle School in Branford – Reasonable rates. All subject areas, grades K-9th. Maintain academic skills, rebuild engagement from a “lost” year, develop greater confidence and understanding. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658.

saturday Individual and small group tutoring sessions available for Summer 2021 with professional, experienced educators at CELC Middle School in Branford – Reasonable rates. All subject areas, grades K-9th. Maintain academic skills, rebuild engagement from a “lost” year, develop greater confidence and understanding. 28 School St, Branford. Contact mandm@CTExperiential.org or call 203-433-4658.

classifieds ALS SUPPORT

LYME DISEASE

THE ALS ASSOCIATION CONNECTICUT CHAPTER – Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through research & advocacy while empowering people w/Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives w/compassionate care & support. 4 Oxford Road, Unit D4. Milford. 203-874-5050. WebCT.alsa.org.

CT LYME RIDERS, INC. – Founded in 2007 by motorcyclists Sandy Brule & Tony Gargano. A 501(c)(3) non profit public charity aiming to bring awareness to the public about Lyme Disease. Events & info. 860-537-0255, ctlymeriders.com.

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED DISTRIBUTORS WANTED – For monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay at home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors. Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE ON YOUR LIFE’S PATH and are you seeking an ethical intuitive reader to guide you? Feel free to reach out to Claire1@sympatico.ca. A 30-minute reading is $75.

New Haven/Middlesex

HYPNOSIS THERAPY CENTER – There is a meaning behind every ailment and condition people have. It's your body speaking to you. If you are tired of being sick and are ready to help yourself heal, then consider having a Discovery Session so you can learn the cause and 'cure.' Madison. 203-245-6927.

WELLNESS RENTAL OR PARTNER

INTUITIVE READER

MEDICAL/INTUITIVE HYPNOTIST

M E N TA L H E A LT H / W E L L N E S S P R A C T I T I O N E R S – D a y r e n t a l a v a i lable or partner in practice, residential (East Haven) shoreline suburb, 1st floor home built 1900 (1000 sq ft), quaint character, 4 blocks from beach, on bus line, parking, 2 large porches, outdoor waterfall system built in megalithic stone, pricing/ level of involvement negotiable, if interest renting or partnering w/LPCA, Sandy: 203-468-6277.

NaturalNewHaven.com

AUGUST Coming Next Month

Boost Happiness & Well-Being Plus: Shamanism Today Back-to-School Wellness Tips Benefits of Having a Life Coach

community resource guide APPLIED KINESIOLOGY KC CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS Kevin Healy, DC 17 Woodland Road, Madison, CT 203-245-9317 KevinHealy@sbcglobal.net DrHealMe.com

Applied Kinesiology i s a n e u r o logical evaluation to find and treat dysfunction. Different because it addresses 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 6.

EDUCATION CONNECTICUT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CENTER (CELC) MIDDLE SCHOOL 28 School Street, Branford, CT 203-433-4658 mandm@CTExperiential.org CTEXperiential.org

CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) Middle School provides experientially-based education with a personalized approach to learning, designed to empower young people to thrive. Our students come from a variety of towns throughout Connecticut, from families looking for a program that engages and deepens learning, where their children can flourish during these important and impactful 5th - 8th grade years. See ad on page 15.

MASSAGE THERAPIST A MOMENT IN TIME MASSAGE, LLC Jill Andrzejewski LMT #9900, RMT & Psychic 3490 Whitney Avenue, Suite 205 Hamden, CT 203-909-1108 Jillamomentintimemassage@gmail.com AMomentInTimeMassage.org

I use a holistic approach to treat my clients—We work as a team, setting goals to move forward to get you where you wish to be physically, mentally and spiritually. My intention is to empower people to empower themselves. I am an advocate for gentle stretching, crystals and breath work to maintain a feeling of being grounded and calm. Services available: massage, 30-minute sessions for chronic pain management, Reiki, chakra balancing, angel tarot, oracle card readings, couples Reiki, foot baths with hand made all natural herbal ingredients, group events and classes. A Moment In Time Treasures items available for purchase. Sessions available by appointment only.

MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CT THERMOGRAPHY

April Beaman 2 Forest Park Dr. Farmington, CT 212 New London Turnpike Glastonbury, CT 860-415-1150 info@ctthermography.com CTThermography.com 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 for the surface of the body. A thermogram is produced by a highly sensitive, medical infrared camera that accurately maps the temperature variations which are then interpreted by Board Certified physicians known as thermologists. Thermography does not expose the body to radiation or involve contact and is used to aid in the detection of inflammation, disease and cancer. See ad on page 7.

PET EUTHANASIA SERVICE FINAL JOURNEY, LLC

MEDICAL INTUITIVE/SHAMAN PAST LIFE REGRESSION SPIRIT OF THE LOTUS

Robin Barros, IMT-C, CSC, CPLC 5 Gavin Drive, Columbia, CT 860-709-3903 Robin@spiritofthelotus.org SpiritoftheLotus.org

Spirit of the Lotus is a sacred space, warm and welcoming, where you can go for holistic health and healing. Robin uses many modalities to get to the heart of what’s caus-ing you to be in pain, out of alignment or just frustrated with what feels like a block to living your best life. Integrative Manual Therapy, gently helps you release tension from injury, illness or surgery. Intuitive guidance helps you release Physical, Mental & Spiritual baggage, carried for years, lives or generations. As an Advanced Soul Coach & Past Life Coach (R), we clear away inner debris in order to connect you with the wis-dom of your soul. With years of experience and training, you can experience optimal health & wellness.

Kristen Klie, D.V.M. 203-645-5570 FinalJourneyLLC.com

Final Journey, LLC is an in-home euthanasia service for your animal companion that brings comfort and peace during a sensitive and challenging time. See ad on page 6.

PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES OF GUILFORD 500 East Main Street, Suite 310, Branford, CT 203-315-7727 (Phone) 203-315-7757 (Fax) PhysicalTherapyGuilford.com

At Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, we specialize in manual therapy using hands-on techniques to help the body’s natural healing process. We also incorporate traditional programs and modalities to maximize health. 40-minute sessions are conducted one-on-one in private treatment rooms. See ad on page 19.

July 2021

community resource guide REIKI SUSANE GRASSO, RMT 2489 Boston Post Road Guilford, CT 203-500-6950

Stress is the plague of the 21st century and the cause of physical and emotional woes. Because of this, my sessions combine my ability to see auras with Reiki, Theta Healing, acupressure and Sound Vibrational Healing to provide deep relaxation and balance. “Tension out! Wellness in” is more than a phrase. For my clients it is a statement of fact. Distance Healing available. See ad on page 8.

SALT HEALING THERAPY WELLNESS CENTER SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

WHOLE BODY WELLNESS CBD MASSAGE ELM CITY WELLNESS 774 Orange Street New Haven, CT 203-691-7653 ElmCityWellness.com

Elm City Wellness is an independent, womanowned wellness center with a focus on community healing. Services include a variety of skilled massage, CBD massage, community and private acupuncture, Reiki, craniosacral therapy and organic skin care, including signature, microderm and high frequency facials. Skilled therapists specifically tailor each and every session. Our wellness store features local products, candles, wellness supplies and books, smudge kits and a large range of third-party tested, pharmaceutical grade CBD products. See back cover ad.

787 Main St, S Woodbury, CT 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformations, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit.

BUSINESS BLOOMS when you advertise with us.

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New Haven/Middlesex

UNIVERSAL WHITE TIME CRYSTAL & SOUND HEALING CRYSTAL MUSIC HEALING

Bradford Tilden, MM, CMT, UWT 860-830-5841 info@CrystalMusicHealing.com CrystalMusicHealing.com My goal is to empower you to develop spiritually and professionally. I offer sessions and teach certification classes in Universal White Time (UWT), Lemurian Intuitive, Crystal, and Sound Healing, transformational voice coaching, and guided visualization. I use these techniques, and more to help you to obtain authentic expression, empowerment, and transformation. You can purchase personally attuned crystals, through me. My clients and students gain a renewed clarity and a sense of purpose in working with me.

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July 2021

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Natural Awakenings New Haven & Middlesex CT JULY 2021

Articles inside

GROWING FOOD SECURITY

FOOD AS MEDICINE

SIZZLING ON THE GRILL

THE EFFECTS OF AGING ON SLEEP