Natural Nutmeg July 2020 by Natural Nutmeg Magazine/Essential Naples Magazine

July/August 2020

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

The Relationship Between Food, Mood & Behavior in Children

Gina Barbetta MS, RD, CD-N

Managing Stress and Anxiety in Children

Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

We Must Have This Controversial Conversation

Jo Vaccarino, CCT, LMT, MLD-C

4 Easy Ways to Build Your Immune System Jacob Appleton

Healing Trauma & PTSD from COVID-19 Erica L. Wilcox, LPC

9 Tips for Healthy Aging Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

Celebrating 14 Years of Publishing www.NaturalNutmeg.com

First Edition of The CT Healthy Aging Resource coming Summer 2020

An annual edition of Connecticut’s vetted resources of practitioners and businesses that provide services to people 50+ and their caregivers.

June 2020

Healthy Aging Resource Connecticut's Resource For Healthy Aging

Why Relationships Are the Secret to Healthy Aging Aging Well: 9 Scientific Tips for Growing Older The Role of Protein in Healthy Aging Could Perking Up Gut Bacteria Promote Healthy Aging? The Connection Between Depression and Dementia

A Natural Nutmeg Publication

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Helping people navigate these important choices so they can age gracefully and positively is important. Pick it up at our regular locations as well as these other business types: + + + + + + + +

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Assisted Living Facilities PT/Rehabilitation Facilities Adult Day Care Eldercare Planning Firms Compounding Pharmacies Memory Care Facilities Senior & Community Centers Independent Living

Nutrition Specialists Trusted Since 1956 Our Doors Are Reopened For In-Store Shopping!

Looking for direction in these uncertain times? Take the first step. Reach out to Dana and organize your financial life.

• Curbside Pickup • Delivery • Mail Order • In-Store Shopping Every Day 12-7 • Call: 860.646.8178 /860.783.8802

Phone or video appts. available and your first consultation is complimentary!

• Email: orders@cthealthshop.com

Natural

Nutmeg 10BESTof Magazine

Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe 378 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT Reopening In-Store Hours Mon-Sun 12-7 www.cthealthshop.com/pandemic-updates @parkadehealthshoppe

@manchesterparkadehealthshoppe

Shop here. Feel better.

Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® Managing Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor 612 Wheelers Farms Road Milford, CT 06461 203.693.8521 • dana@trinitypointwealth.com linkedin.com/in/danamclaughlin1/

Readers’ Choice

AWARDS

2018 & 2019 WINNER

NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE’S SELECTION METHODOLOGY WAS CONDUCTED THROUGH PUBLIC SOURCES, INCLUDING SUBSCRIBERS WHO NOMINATED CANDIDATES TO VARIOUS CATEGORIES BASED ON NO OTHER SPECIFIC CRITERIA OTHER THAN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. FULL LISTS OF NOMINEES WERE THEN VOTED ON BY SUBSCRIBERS, AGAIN BASED ON NO OTHER SPECIFIC CRITERIA. RANKINGS ARE SOLELY BASED ON THE NUMBER OF VOTES RECEIVED. THE NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE’S 10BEST AWARD RECOGNITION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED BY A CLIENT OR A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT AS A GUARANTEE THAT HE/SHE WILL EXPERIENCE A CERTAIN LEVEL OF RESULTS IF TRINITYPOINT WEALTH OR ANY OF ITS INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVES ARE ENGAGED; NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED AS A CURRENT OR PAST ENDORSEMENT OF TRINITYPOINT WEALTH BY ANY OF ITS CLIENTS. INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE IS NOT A CRITERION FOR THE RECOGNITION AND THE RECOGNITION IS NOT INDICATIVE OF TRINITYPOINT WEALTH’S FUTURE PERFORMANCE. TRINITYPOINT WEALTH DID NOT PAY A FEE FOR THIS RECOGNITION. THE INCLUSION OF A 10BEST AWARD ON THE NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE’S LIST SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY REPRESENTATIVE BY NATURAL NUTMEG MAGAZINE. THE AWARD DOES NOT EVALUATE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED AND THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE MAY HAVE HAD UNFAVORABLE RATINGS. WORKING WITH A 10BEST AWARD WINNER OR ANY INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE IS NO GUARANTEE AS TO FUTURE INVESTMENT SUCCESS.

THE GAME IS NOT OVER. Rotator cuff problems? Tennis Elbow? Golfer’s Elbow? Runner’s Knee? Plantar Fasciitis? Don’t just soothe the pain… FIX the problem. You can heal these conditions naturally! These gels are full-strength, waterbased herbal decoctions. They are NOT smelly, NOT greasy and they have NO Menthol. Centuries of herbal wisdom have gone into these formulations.

Doctor recommended because it works!

MUSCLE HONEY will get your muscles loosened up and ease joint pain before and after the game. BRUISE-STRAIN-TEAR REPAIR will relieve the pain and FIX those injuries with repeated use.

Order online at MyNaturesRite.com or call 800-991-7088. USE COUPON CODE OLD30 FOR 30% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER! www.NaturalNutmeg.com

PUBLISHER'SLETTER

ummer is finally here – what a trip it’s been. Normally, I’m so excited for this time of year because it means warmer weather, fresh fruits and veggies, farm to table dinners, festivals and time spent on the beach or at a lake. This year will certainly be different in that I most likely won’t be traveling much and many events have already been cancelled through fall. There are still many things to be grateful for – one being we just launched our 3rd publication, Essential Naples (www.essentialnaples.com) in Naples, Florida. Yes – in the midst of a pandemic, but we got it off the ground thanks to some amazing holistic practitioners and business owners who saw our vision. And the Natural Nutmeg 10BEST Awards are right around the corner! Our annual reader-nominated 10Best Awards have been a huge hit with thousands of readers voting last year! It brought a ton of awareness for Holistic Businesses and Natural Nutmeg throughout the state and we received amazing feedback from the winners and readers. Many business owners in categories like Natural Product Companies, Spas, and Farm-to-Table restaurants said they just discovered the magazine and didn’t realize their customers were avid readers and fans. Because of this we were able to increase our advertiser demographic and distribution! As a Natural Nutmeg reader, you will have the opportunity to nominate your favorite holistic practitioner or business in 20 categories listed on the full-page ad on the inside back cover. Nominations will take place between Aug. 15th – Sept. 15th through an online survey tool – find the link in the ad. Winners will be announced in late September. We will be showcasing the 10BEST in each category in a special additional issue released in December 2020. This issue will also include articles, ads, business profiles and a holistic practitioner directory that you can keep and use for all of 2021. Don’t miss our great articles this month on healthy aging, natural therapies for anxiety in kids, summer skincare tips, and treatments for stress and anxiety due to COVID-19. And speaking of summer - when is the last time you let loose and had some serious fun? It’s something we all definitely need right now. Can you remember the last time you were on a swing, threw a Frisbee, body surfed the waves at the beach? These are truly life’s greatest pleasures for a kid, why not an adult? With more time to ourselves now, spend time with good friends, play a sport you love, dance with your children, watch a funny movie or jump on that swing. Play is something that we should engage in on a daily basis even if only for a short period of time. It’s summertime – the perfect time to really let loose and enjoy ourselves. Remember, part of the reason we are here in this lifetime is to have all different kinds of experiences, having fun and playing being one of them. You should incorporate play into your life for your entire lifetime. Find one thing you love to do that brings you joy and makes you laugh and do it today! In Health and Happiness,

ur mission is to provide valuable insight, information and resources that will allow our readers to maintain a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle. Natural Nutmeg contains timely information on natural health, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Diane@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com MARKETING DIRECTORS Frances Wall Higgins frances@naturalnutmeg.com Heather Zundel heather@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, ND Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.) Debra Gibson, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Lauren Young, ND DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

A big Thank You to our wonderful writers and advertisers who make this free resource possible! Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw them in

naturalnutmeg.com

In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks. Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-20 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

In This Issue 10 11 13 15 17

How to Survive the Next Pandemic Katy Firisin, ND

The Herbal Treatment for Sleep Apnea Steven Frank

The Relationship Between Food, Mood & Behavior in Children Gina Barbetta MS, RD, CD-N

9 Tips for Healthy Aging Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

Own Your Wealth with Confidence! Caroline Wetzel,

23 24 26 27 29 31

CFP®, MBA, AWMA®

Explore Your Unique Gifts with Agnes Daddona of Intuitive Counseling Diane Hayden, PhD

How Do I Age Gracefully? Richard Fanelli

33 35

37 4 Easy Ways to Build

The Path to Aging Gracefully!

Your Immune System

Marie Mammone, ND

Jacob Appleton

42 The Liberty of Letting

The Garden: We’re in It Together

Go and Leading Free

Pat Heavren, MHSA

CBD’s Minor Cannabinoids & Terpene Blends “Science Made Simple” Rebekah Fernandez

To Your Health, Your Life and Your Future Sharon Sklar

Healing Trauma & PTSD from COVID-19 Erica L. Wilcox, LPC

Managing Stress and Anxiety in Children Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

Sandi Coyne-Gilbert, MBA DM MS Organizational Leadership Program Director, Goodwin University

In Every Issue 6 BUZZ 8 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

38 HAPPENINGS 39 RESOURCES

We Must Have This Controversial Conversation Jo Vaccarino, CCT, LMT, MLD-C

Lifestyle Medicine for Diabetes and Hypertension Mary Tracey, ND

Find more articles and search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com

What's Coming Up in 2020 September • The Natural Home • Natural Treatments for Chronic Pain October • Natural Treatments for Cancer • Mindfulness & Self-Care

November/December • The Epidemic of Diabesity • Brain Health 2020 10BEST/ Essential Living Guide • Stress Reduction • Sleep Optimization

Contact diane@naturalnutmeg.com to feature your business in Natural Nutmeg! www.NaturalNutmeg.com

THE BUZZ Open Safely in the COVID-19 World

r. Henry Sobo, MD, a leader in Integrative & Natural Medicine for nearly 30 years strives to enhance your health and reduce your risk for contracting disease. Our offices are carefully sanitized and cleaned and our staff who have all tested negative for COVID-19, will be wearing protective equipment. You will have your temperature taken before you are seen by the doctor or have any treatment administered. You must wear a mask. If you come to the office without one, we will provide it to you when you enter our facility. Coming to the office is optional. If you prefer to stay close to home, you can receive medical care over the phone. The consultation is scheduled as an uninterrupted medical encounter, just as is done when you are in the office. The status of the health of your immune system may make the difference between contracting a mild illness which quickly passes, versus having a serious medical condition develop. Some of the methods we advise include: Intravenous Vitamin C and Glutathione; this is a powerful immune enhancement tool. Peptides can optimize the functions of the body’s T and B cells; crucial to the body’s ability to fight viruses and other external invaders. Nutrients and herbs; Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium and many of nature's plants can benefit your immune status. Dr. Henry Sobo, MD, is the Medical Director of Optimal Health Medical, LLC in Stamford. For more information, www.drsobo.com or call 203.348.8805. See ad on page 18.

The Richness of Divorce: 7 Steps to Unwind Your Marriage with Love and Grace

his book is about changing the way we perceive divorce and the approach you can take while navigating through this very difficult process. Divorce does not have to be devasting. Instead of perceiving it as a failure, you will find out how to honor the gifts it provides you. You will activate the power of intention to launch into the next phase of your life, navigating your divorce with love and grace. Transform a breakup into a beautiful turning point that leaves you richer emotionally. You will discover how to choose a positive and loving perspective throughout the divorce process, cultivate your wisdom and power by tapping into the Seven Chakras, use effective healing tools to reduce anxiety and stress, and co-parent lovingly for your children’s security. Sylvia Guinan, MBA, CDFA has been a Financial Advisor for over 20 years. She is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and practices yoga and meditation daily. She believes in choosing how we navigate through challenging situations. She has helped many through divorce and believes it does not have to be a sad ending, instead it could be a new positive beginning. 6

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Invest in Yourself – Earn Your Master’s Degree at Goodwin University

any of us tend to put ourselves on the back burner. We may feel that we’re not deserving or that we’re too busy to do something for our own benefit. Fulfilling others’ needs takes precedence over our own, and it’s time for a change. At Goodwin University, we offer graduate programs designed for working professionals in Education, Organizational Leadership, Public Health, and Nursing. We know our students and understand that life is a balancing act. That’s why we offer graduate degree programs that are flexible, career focused, and affordable, with supports and resources when and where you need them. Students come to Goodwin because we break down obstacles to higher education. You will leave here with the skillset, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to be successful as well as the confidence needed to flourish in your career and future endeavors. At Goodwin University, we are invested in the continued success of our students. We believe that you deserve great support services and resources to help you achieve your goals. As a Goodwin graduate student, you will never be left to fend for yourself. We will help you through each step of your journey — academically, personally, and professionally. Fall semester classes start September 8. Contact us today! 800.889.3282. www.goodwin.edu/masters. See ad on page 36.

MIND AND HEART COACHING

Career Counseling with Dr. Sherry Kelly in Connecticut, Florida, and New York Jumpstart your success and mobility in your career with Executive Coaching from Dr. Sherry Kelly. • Boost productivity • Inspire confidence • Promote leadership Begin your new journey by bringing the best out of you in the workplace and energizing your career with the unique power of Positive Psychology. Get results for you and your team!

CALL TODAY at 954.866.7500 or email sherry@mindandheartcoaching.com

THE BUZZ Dr. Artemis Morris Launches New Book for Immune Support

r. Morris is launching, "A Naturopathic Doctor's Guide to Wellness for Immune Support." This book uses the principles of Naturopathic Medicine to provide you and your family with safe and natural ways to protect and enhance your health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently no scientifically approved broad-spectrum antivirals or immunotherapies available to prevent or treat global pandemics. Because of this, it is even more imperative that we do all we can to prevent disease by taking care of ourselves naturally. This includes correcting any nutrient deficiencies which compromise our health, following protocols which support our immune system’s ability to respond to illness, and keeping ourselves out of the hospital by reducing the danger of viral transmission. This approach offers a combination of traditional knowledge and wisdom from holistic therapies alongside the latest breakthroughs in evidence-based medicine as well as clinical experience gained by healthcare professionals. James Maskell, Founder of The Functional Forum and author of the Evolution of Medicine writes, "A passion for truly helping people meshed with booksmarts that drives her intellectual rigour, makes her a wonderful ambassador for her profession. At the exact moment when we are looking for compassionate female leadership, I am really grateful to see Dr. Artemis Morris stepping up to lead her community towards their birthright of health, resilience and vitality. Enjoy the book, share the wisdom with those you care about." A free resource from her book on diet and natural medicines is available at https://drartemis.com/covid-19/ See ad on page 9.

YMCA of Greater Hartford 19th Annual Kids to Camp Golf Tournament to take place July 15, 2020

he YMCA of Greater Hartford will host the 19th Annual Kids to Camp Golf Tournament at Ellington Ridge Country Club on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. The Tournament is an annual fundraiser for the YMCA of Greater Hartford and supports sending youth to summer camp. With Governor Lamont’s announcement that summer camp is able to open on June 22nd, the Y’s top priority is to provide a safe and healthy camp experience that is affordable for families. We know there will be a great desire for kids to get outside, socialize, and be active. Summer camp remains the perfect place for kids to make friends, build confidence and develop character. Now more than ever, parents will have a greater need for financial assistance in order to afford summer camp. By participating in the golf tournament, individuals can help assure that summer camp at the Y remains strong and accessible to all. Last year, the golf tournament raised $90,000 which provided financial assistance to over 300 youth to have a life-changing experience at a YMCA overnight or day camp. The tournament includes a grab-and-go lunch, on-course games and contests including a chance to win a Land Rover. Ellington Ridge and the Y will observe social distancing measures during the golf tournament and will follow guidelines set forth by the CDC and the State of Connecticut regarding golf cart usage, number of players on the course, and social gatherings. To sponsor or participate in the golf tournament or for more information visit www.ghymca.org/golf.

Alexandra Leone, ACC Transformational Coach, Artist & Writer I coach visionary womxn who are ready to level-up their emotional intelligence, confront and integrate their shadow, unleash their purpose and truth, tune in to the wisdom of their body, and become the driver of their own life. Let's meet—at the heart of human change.

Vote Us Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST Holistic Spa When you visit us, all we ask of you is to "Just Breathe". Salt of the Earth is your "Clean Air" Destination. @aly.leone @alexandraleonecoach aleone.coaching@gmail.com

ALEXANDRALEONE.COM

Respiratory Therapy and Energy Healing Currently being offered

Therapeutic Spa 787 Main St. S. • Woodbury • 203.586.1172

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Business Spotlight

a He

pi r it

ore recently, our goal has been to focus on minor cannabinoids and combinations of specific terpenes. For example, hemp oil blends that are dominant in cannabinoids CBG or CBN, such as our CBG dominant daytime blend for example. Along with the Raw Hemp version released in early March, Cannabigerol (CBG) provides an uplifting and invigorating effect along with the addition of lime and orange essential oils promoting alertness, focus and natural flavoring.

Integrative Holistic Psychiatry d in

The Largest Plant-Science Boutique in the Country Brings High Standards and Education to a Growing CBD Industry

David London, M.D. 567 Vauxhall St. Ext. #218 Waterford, CT 06385 (860) 443-5822 www.davidlondonmd.com

Following the release of CBG came our CBNplus, a CBD Nighttime blend with an extract rich in Cannabinol (CBN). This contains just as much CBN as our Neuro contains CBG. However, unlike water soluble, CBNplus is oil based, enhancing delivery of this brilliant blend of extracts and essential oils in a sustained manner, guiding into deep sleep for nights that leave you rejuvenated at sunrise. CBNplus is available in two popular flavors orange or blueberry in broad and full spectrum. Working alongside the US Department of Agriculture we have finally released our first line of USDA-Certified Organic hemp oil supplements. Standards and requirements for this certification are rigorous with an emphasis on crop and handling standards our certification confirms that: • the land used to harvest all ingredients has had no prohibited substances applied over the last three years. • soil fertility and crop nutrients have been managed through tillage cultivation practices and cover crops supplemented by animal and crop waste. • crop pests, weeds and diseases have been controlled to physical mechanical and biological control practices. • our production process does not make use of genetic engineering ionizing radiation and sewage sludge.

Dr. Katy

The USDA Organic certification process does not allow for terpene isolates or terpene mixtures to be used during formulation. In order for someone to recreate its standard terpene profile and successfully achieve the entourage effect, desired they had to rely on plant products that have been approved by the USDA. SunMed PowerTERP is a blend of three essential oils that over deliver. When combined, Black Pepper, Copaiba, Balsam, and Juniper Berry provide us with our 7 essential terpenes and hundreds more!

Firisin

ND, MSPT

VOTED

Seal or no seal, all SunMed products are Non-GMO, crafted from organically grown hemp farmed in the USA. This decision to develop a product line with full guidance from the US Department of Agriculture is based on their desire to support the cycling of on-farm resources and assist in promoting ecological balances and conserving biodiversity. Your CBD Stores will continue to offer SunMed’s Non-Organic tincture as we understand that our customers may already enjoy their current formulation and taste. Submitted by Rebekah Fernandez, Manager & Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Educator of Your CBD Store, 59 Tolland Turnpike in Manchester, Facebook: @yourcbdstoremanchesterct 860.791.8368 manchester465@cbdrx4u.com. See ad on page 13. 8

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

ONE OF “Experience & expertise in naturopathic medicine.” 2600 Post Road, Suite L2 Southport , CT 06890

475.999.2032

10 BEST

NATUROPATHS

IN CT 2019

Business Spotlight Effectively Combat Stress and Anxiety with Nutrition that Restores Well-Being

n our current climate of pandemic threat, social isolation, economic instability, and political and social unrest; stress and anxiety levels worldwide are rising to new heights. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in thirteen people globally suffers from anxiety. A recent study cited by NBC News reported that one in six Americans are on anti-depressants or other psychiatric medications. Statistics published by Citizens Commission for Human Rights, a watchdog of the psychiatric industry, claim that 78,195,307 people from babies to the elderly alone are currently taking one or more psychiatric medications. More than 550,000 are ages five or younger. Over 67,000,000 are over 25. The annual costs associated with major depression in the U.S. are estimated in the billions, comparable to the costs associated with coronary heart disease. It is expected that depression will become the second leading cause of disability worldwide in the next decade and the most costly of all illnesses. Treating diagnosed mental disorders with anti-depressants and other psychiatric medications carries the liability of a long list of potential side effects, ranging from irritation and mental confusion to violence, suicidal thinking, organ failures and death. Additionally, over the past decade, there has been a spike in the number of hospitalizations and deaths attributed to misuse of prescription opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl, and Benzodiazepines like Xanax. It was reported that onethird of the 23,000 people who died from overdosing on prescription drugs were taking Benzodiazepines for anxiety. As our global culture reels from the current crises and additional stresses caused by rising pollution levels, proliferation of GMOs in foods and medicines and concerns about the safety of 5-G wireless and mandated vaccines, more people are beginning to search for safe, natural solutions and a return to mental and physical balance and well-being. A Desperate Father's Solution More than 20 years ago, engineer Anthony (Tony) Stephan was desperate for a solution after his family was ripped apart by mental illness. His wife had committed suicide and shortly after, two of his children were showing the same symptoms. After a two-year journey of diligent search, trial and error, and prayer, Tony developed

EMPowerplus, a formula of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that helped his children in a way that traditional medications never could. Word spread quickly and hundreds of thousands of people have been helped in the years since. EMPowerplus has accumulated a resume of clinically-tested validations without equal in the nutritional field: 36 vitamins, minerals and amino acids, 35 independent medical research studies, 30 million dollars in independent research, and 23 years of testimonials and success. Recent technological advancements have made EMPowerplus even more powerful and effective. The inclusion of a proprietary delivery system, "Direct to Mouth (DTM)" technology, facilitates the absorption of the micro-sized particles sublingually. The latest version, "EMP Lightning Stiks," is packaged in short paper tubes that can be easily torn open and the powder poured directly onto the tongue, without need of liquids to wash it down. The product is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, has 0 calories and 0 sugar, and comes in natural fruit flavors that kids enjoy. Over the past 23 years, the original EMPowerplus formula, which was developed to help people cut their dependence on psychiatric medications, has evolved into a formula that everyone at any age can benefit from taking. People taking any version of EMPowerplus commonly notice positive benefits, including more energy, mental alertness, calmness, more cheerful, greater physical and mental well-being. In a planet suffering from nutrient-depleted topsoil and GMO crops, EMP Lightning Stiks can provide essential balanced nutrition to help restore physical and mental well-being. To facilitate distributing EMP Lightning Stiks, Tony and his business partner, Scott Malone, established a new company, Renova Worldwide, that opened its doors in May, 2002 and has already developed customer bases in 20 countries. James Justice is a former massage therapist and instructor, with over 40 years experience in the natural health field. He has an MA degree from the University of Florida and has written three produced films. He lives in Clearwater, FL. 323.377.8612 jasjustice@aol.com flourish.renovaworldwide.com. See ad on page 14.

Download a FREE excerpt at

drartemis.com/covid-19/ drartemis.com info@artemiswellnesscenter.com

James W. Osborne, MS, LPC Counseling Services

EMDR, AC T

Psychotherapy

..............................

JWOsborne.MS.LPC@gmail.com 860.384.4971 363 New Britain Rd. Laurel Plaza Kensington, CT 06037 www.NaturalNutmeg.com

How to Survive the Next Pandemic By Katy Firisin, ND

n the midst of a pandemic we are surrounded by uncertainty. Many have lost loved ones, lost jobs or businesses, are experiencing financial stress, or barely survived those last few weeks of homeschool with little ones at home. The information about the pandemic is confusing. Fear and anxiety have most certainly taken center stage, while our health has been pushed aside. This seems to be our modern human response to a crisis, taking care of ourselves is the thing we are most willing to sacrifice. Our health is our most valuable asset and the ability to survive a pandemic lies deep in the body’s strength. Terrain Think of your body like a garden. When you want a seed to grow you prepare the soil. You till the earth, make sure it is a sunny spot, has plenty of water, probably turn in some compost or some organic manure. This is the “terrain”. If something goes wrong, there is something wrong with your soil, the pH, the nutrients, the irrigation. The conditions need to be optimal. In the same manner, the “terrain” of the body will determine what will grow, good or bad. A healthy individual, with proper nutrition, pH, and hydration will create an inhospitable environment for an invader. If the virus or bacteria alone made one sick, then every person who comes in contact with it would be affected in the same way. Maintaining optimal conditions in your “garden” will help you to thrive and keep out the bugs and weeds. Operating with this clear understanding empowers you, thereby decreasing the fear and anxiety in this or any pandemic. 10

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Chronic Disease We know that chronic health conditions increased potential complications and even mortality in some individuals that had Coronavirus. These chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, stress and even Vitamin D deficiency are known to increase our susceptibility to sickness. These chronic diseases rooted in inflammation and toxicity alter the “terrain” and create an environment where a bacteria or virus can thrive. Conventional approaches to chronic and lifestyle diseases involve management and control of symptoms rather than the actual improvement in health. Naturopathic medicine focuses on moving the body in the direction of health rather than seeing a condition as stagnant. Addressing these chronic conditions should be the absolute first thing on your to-do list. Dig Deeper Most great scientific discoveries happen as a result of someone questioning the status quo. Geniuses have been labeled charlatans only to be proven right posthumously.In the face of the current health crisis, many have turned to taking Vitamin C and zinc while others have taken enough elderberry to turn purple. That is what the average Google search will tell you to do. Now is the time to question the status quo of your health and take a step beyond the Google search. Empowering your body by changing the “terrain” is truly the way to survive the next pandemic. Food intolerances lead to toxemia which leads to inflammation and disease. Vitamin D levels are correlated to

many disease states. Probiotics impact our microbiome, the health of our gut and our immune function. Cortisol levels that result from stress impact almost every system in the body from decreasing blood flow to digestion, to our sugar metabolism, to our hormone levels. Thousands of health resources online (that haven’t been taken down) will cite things like Vitamin C and Zinc to boost immunity. However, challenge yourself to dig deeper to find out where your specific “terrain” needs to be adjusted. Work with a professional to find your food intolerances or have your Vitamin D levels checked and work to optimize the numbers. Gut healing and addressing chronic sources of inflammation and early signs of disease are critical for creating a “terrain” that no bug will want to call home. Taking zinc and Vitamin C forever is not going to prevent or cure the disturbances to your vitality leaving you vulnerable. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes the importance of health and terrain, not just for the sake of health, but because optimal health allows for higher levels of thought and creativity. The best thing to do to survive the next pandemic is to optimize your terrain and health now before the next health crisis is upon us. Dr. Katy Firisin is a naturopathic physician and owner of Coastal Natural Medicine in Southport. Her practice emphasizes individualized treatment, gut health, food intolerances and optimizing “terrain”. Call 475.999.2032 or visit www.coastalnaturalmedicine.com for more information or to schedule an appointment. See ad on page 8.

The Herbal Treatment for

Sleep Apnea By Steven Frank

leep apnea is one of the most common sleep disturbance problems in America. It ruins the sleep of 25 million Americans with likely millions more undiagnosed sufferers. The condition prevents the sleeper from entering REM and Delta sleep causing them to become anxious, cantankerous and tired during the day. There are very serious health consequences of prolonged sleep disturbance and deprivation. When diagnosed, the patient is told to lose weight, drink less alcohol and quit smoking. Beyond that, surgery is offered, though it is painful and has provided only limited success. Dental mouth-pieces can be difficult to sleep with and long-term effects on tooth alignment are questionable. Another common option is CPAP. This is a forced air mask, worn during sleep, that insures proper inhalation. Experience has shown that 60% of patients are not able to tolerate the mask and ultimately discontinue using the equipment. Some users develop respiratory infections from the mask. Finally, there is an herbal and natural approach that we can explore. What Causes Sleep Apnea? Before we evaluate the “solutions”, let’s consider what is causing the condition. When we begin to fall asleep, we move from stage one (drowsiness) into stage two sleep. Stage two sleep is the transition stage before entering REM (rapid eye movement). REM sleep is where we dream. Dreaming is critical to a good night’s sleep. When we enter stage two sleep in preparation for dreaming, muscular activity is inhibited (blocked). It is

called “reduction of muscle tonus”. This is a function that occurs primarily to keep the dreamer from physically acting out the movements of their dreams. The first problem is that the inhibition of signals from the brain tends (inadvertently) to reduce the signal that tells the diaphragm to breathe. In some individuals, upon entering stage 2 sleep, the breathing will actually come to a stop (Sleep Apnea means cessation of breathing.) As breathing becomes shallower, the blood oxygen level drops and the carbon dioxide levels rise. In a young and healthy individual, this would elicit stronger and deeper breathing from the physiological control system that regulates these activities. In an older individual the respiration reduces in intensity and the blood oxygenation drops. This is where the safety back-up system comes in. When the blood gas levels get too far imbalanced, the brain intervenes and causes the body

to make a large and immediate inhalation. This causes a large pressure differential in the pharynx and literally sucks the sagging-soft palate into the airway. This obstructs the air flow and causes a loud “SNORT” partially or fully awakening the subject. Most times, the subject is not fully awakened and thus isn’t aware that this is even happening. It still disturbs their sleep enough so that they return to stage 1 sleep. Upon awakening or returning to stage 1 sleep, the inhibition causing the reduction of muscle tonus for entry into stage two sleep is released and respiration begins again in a somewhat normal manner. As the subject starts to drift off to sleep again, they move into stage two, the muscle tonus drops, the soft palate sags, the signal to the diaphragm diminish and the cycle repeats. The resulting snorting awakenings typically occur every 1 to 5 minutes or so.

On...Nutrition & Reflux in Children... “No infant or child need suffer with painful reflux. Safe and natural options exist.”

HolcareNutrition Vicki Kobliner, MS RD | vicki@holcarenutrition.com

3 Hollyhock Rd. • Wilton, CT • 06897 • 203-834-9949 • holcarenutrition.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Solutions for Sleep Apnea

· Certiﬁed Shamanic & Shapeshifting Practitioner · Registered Yoga Teacher: Gentle, Mixed, Shamanic · Certiﬁed Hypnotherapist & Regressionist · Spiritual Counselor, Mentor, Reader · Host “The Sacred Journey” TV Show · Workshops, Children’s Circles, Energy Healing · CT Justice of the Peace: Nature Inspired Ceremonies · International Retreats & Cruises: Shamanism, Yoga, & Psychic Development

Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine Specializing in Naturopathic/Integrative Oncology and Chronic Disease

Vote for us for Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST Naturopath

Now Offering IV Nutrient Therapy

We are not what we eat, but rather what we absorb. Now offering IV nutrient therapy with the delivery of vital minerals, nutrients and vitamins directly into the blood stream. We use protocols specific to your nutrient needs, which are designed to enhance metabolism, support immunity, and replete nutrient deficiencies, optimize health and physical performance. Benefits include: • Immune support • Energy enhancement • Disease prevention • Metabolic support. • Improved healing and recovery

Call 888.655.8489 to schedule an appoitment today! Dr. Yvette M. Whitton, ND • Adonai Optimal Health and Wellness, LLC 11 Woodland Rd. 2nd Fl. Madison, CT • FB: HealthUnltd • adonaiohw.com

Live Your Best Life Brigitta Jansen MS CDN Certified Nutritionist

917.975.1784 info@jansennutrition.com

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

• • • • •

Reach your Ideal Weight Reduce Inflammation & Pain Lower Blood Pressure & Sugar Eliminate Food Sensitivities Heal your Gut

If your breathing was sufficiently deep enough, then you would not make a rapid inhalation, suck your soft palate into the airway and snort; disturbing your sleep. The appropriate solution is to accentuate (increase) the ability of the brain to communicate with the diaphragm so that you breathe deeply and steadily throughout the night. Sure it is beneficial to strengthen the muscles of the soft palate. Yes, it is advantageous to reduce muscular tension in the neck. Both of these things will make a noticeable improvement in the condition. In fact, some foods like wheat products and cheese should not be eaten near to bed time as they can cause congestion which aggravates the condition. However, the most dramatic impact can be made by the administration of just a few common herbs. Lobellia when used in small doses, acts as a respiratory stimulant. It has been used for thousands of years to treat respiratory conditions. This herb, when taken before bed, can actually increase the quiescent level of respiration sufficiently so as to avert the dangerous drop in blood oxygen level that occurs upon muscular inhibition. It can maintain deep steady breathing throughout the stage 2 sleep period. Thyme has traditionally been used to enhance pleural activity. It actually improves the ability of the lungs to exchange CO2 for oxygen and makes an excellent contribution to maintaining sufficient respiratory amplitude. Chamomile aids the subject in relaxing and Cramp Bark helps the upper trapezius muscles to relax. This combination of herbs taken before bed has been demonstrated to relieve sleep apnea in most cases. Steven Frank has been researching respiratory infection therapy for 15 years, holds three patents in this area and has conducted research at the Institute for Tuberculosis Research, National Jewish Hospital and Klearsen Corporation. His work was presented to ANMA in 2006. He can be reached for comment at stevef@NaturesRiteRemedies.com. See ad on page 3.

The Relationship Between Food, Mood & Behavior in Children

By Gina Barbetta MS, RD, CD-N ental health disorders among children and adolescents are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions. This can cause distress and problems in getting through the day. Among the more common diagnosable disorders in children are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression. The rate of mental health disorders in children continues to rise in the United States (US) as well as many other countries. In fact, the prevalence of depression among US adolescents has increased by 30% over the last decade. It is estimated that one out of five adolescents has a diagnosable mental health disorder, and nearly one third show symptoms of depression.

Standard Treatment The standard treatment for mental health disorders include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and medications. However, there is a growing interest in alternative approaches to prevent and manage these disorders. Researchers concluded that the diets of some people with mental health disorders lack in key nutrients for brain well-being. Studies show that replenishing these nutrients can play an important role in treating mental health disorders. The fast growing approach that uses food and supplements in the treatment of mental health conditions is known as nutritional psychiatry.

treat, or improve depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, ADD/ ADHD, autism, addiction, and eating disorders. The scientific community is beginning to see how food is strongly linked to brain health/mental health. Diet Patterns Nutritional focused studies show that diets that contain highly processed foods, along with high sugar and fat content are linked highly with ADHD symptoms and depression in children and adolescents. Recent large studies in adults demonstrate that individuals with consumption of better quality diets such as a whole food, plant-based diet or Mediterraneanstyle diet are less likely to have depression. These diets are high in omega-3 fatty acids (from fish), monounsaturated fat (from olive oil) and natural folate and other B vitamins (from legumes, fruits, nuts and vegetables). Intuitively, it would make sense to begin these dietary habits early in life for mental health benefits over the life span. One theory hypothesizes that children and adolescents with mental health

issues self medicate with specific food choices, many of which are unhealthy and devoid of nutrients. However, it is equally as possible that the influence of early eating habits and nutritional intake has an important impact on mood and behavior. There are known biological pathways that may have an impact on mental health in children and adolescents that are potentially affected by diet quality. First, a poor quality diet that is lacking nutrient-dense foods may lead to nutrient deficiencies that have been associated with mental health issues. Dietary intake of adequate vitamin D, B vitamins, folate, zinc, and magnesium is associated with decreased incidence of depressive disorders. Inadequate dietary omega-3 fatty acids (or imbalance between the ratio of dietary omega 6 to omega 3 ratio) are related to anxiety disorders and ADHD and behavioral problems. In fact, supplementation of fish oil may help to alleviate ADHD symptoms, anger, impulsivity and aggression, in addition to improving academic performance. Metabolism/metabolic systems including immunity, oxidative processing, regulation

Nutritional Psychiatry Nutritional psychiatry is a relatively new field and the research has been studying the link between diet and risk of mental health conditions and treatment for about ten years. The research produced in the past decade is extremely compelling. A growing body of evidence suggests that nutritional treatment may help prevent, www.NaturalNutmeg.com

of brain protein levels may be impacted by dietary intake and have a known association with depression. It is important to note that consistent evidence has shown that higher quality diets (i.e., those higher in nutrient-dense foods) and diets high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates are each independently related to depression, suggesting the possibility of the body’s different pathways.

PLANT BASED STEM CELL NUTRITION StemEnhance® ULTRA

Building Extraordinary Lives®

• Naturally increases the body’s adult stem cell migration • Reduce Inflammation • Benefits the Immune System • Mood Enhancement • Increases Physical Energy All Natural – Safe & Effective – Affordable Options Thousands of satisfied customers the world over.

ASK FOR OUR SPECIAL OFFER Immunity Packages!

*100% guarantee *Discounts available *Aﬃliates welcome

Ordernow.cerule.com 1-800-838-1373

As the evidence mounts, it’s clear that what your child puts in her mouth impacts her mood and behavior. If you are interested in how nutrition, lifestyle and supplements impact you or your child’s mental health, consider seeking the guidance of a licensed professional, such as a Registered Dietitian – Nutritionist, who is well versed in Nutritional Psychiatry. Gina Barbetta MS, RD, CD-N is a Registered Dietitian – Nutritionist with over 25-years of experience. She has over 15 years of experience in the nutrition management of pediatric clients. She is the owner of Nourish by Gina, LLC located at the Red Barn in Durham – New Earth Holistic Therapies & Art Center. Gina uses an integrative, personalized approach to manage adult and pediatric nutrition issues. She integrates a variety of nutrition therapies including whole foods, therapeutic - grade supplements and mind body modalities into her practice. For further information call 203.206.3873 or email nourishbyginallc@gmail.com. Most insurances accepted.

DID YOU KNOW THAT

ARE OFTEN THE ROOT CAUSE OF

TOXINS

INFLAMMATION? Toxins drive neurological, metabolic (including weight gain), immune and cardiovascular illnesses – not to mention any disease ending in “itis”. We have the knowledge and technology to help your body heal itself. For 25+ years, our patients have enjoyed remarkable success with naturopathic treatments which cleanse, detox, nourish, repair and balance. Contact us for more:

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

DrMar v i nSc hw ei t z e r. c o m 2 0 3 . 8 4 7. 2 7 8 8

Tips for Healthy Aging By Donna Bunte, MSOM, LAc

e are all aging but we are also living longer lives so it is important to keep our body and mind as healthy as possible. Here are a few tips to help us get the most out of those years.

fective way to calm the mind. Tai chi and qigong are ancient techniques using slow moving exercises and breath work to slow the heart rate, become mindful of the body and get out of your head.

1. Be Active. It doesn’t need to be a marathon. Even walking is great for physical and mental health. Keeping active will keep us fit and will allow us to be independent to do the things we want to as we grow older.

7. Herbal Medicine. Ashwaganda is an adaptogen which helps manage stress, boosts brain function, lowers blood sugar and cortisol levels. ECGC found in green tea fights inflammation, boosts memory, lowers cholesterol and risk of stroke, helps type 2 diabetes, and weight loss. Curcumin found in turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb which helps with arthritis, IBS, and auto-immune responses. Gingko is known as the brain and memory herb and can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Get Enough Sleep. According to Chinese medicine, it is important you go to sleep before 11 pm since the liver and gallbladder do their work from 11pm-3am. It has been proven that we experience the deepest part of our sleep in the beginning of our sleep cycle. This is called Slow Wave Sleep (SWS). During this time less cortisol is produced, allowing us to fully rest and recover. 3. Eat Whole Foods. It is best to have a diet of fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains along with some fish. These foods create an alkaline state in the body which we need to stay healthy and fight disease. Foods such as processed foods, red meat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates create an acidic environment which can cause inflammation, disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. 4. Stimulate Your Brain. Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise in the US. Using your brain to learn new things has been shown to slow cognitive decline. Start a hobby, learn a new language, play bridge or do crossword puzzles. Anything that interests you and keeps your mind active.

8. Vitamins. Here are a few important vitamins to keep us young and healthy. • Calcium: in an absorbable form like calcium lactate or calcium citrate are the most absorbable. Calcium carbonate like that found in antacids is not really absorbable. Foods with calcium: hard cheese, unsweetened low fat yogurt, leafy greens such as collard greens, spinach and kale; seeds such as chia, sesame, poppy and celery; beans especially wing and white beans; lentils; sardines and canned salmon; almonds, tofu and edamame; amaranth grain

• B12: helps make blood and nerve cells. We can find this in foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. • Vitamin D: we need this to absorb calcium and can get it from the sun but we absorb less as we age so a supplement is a good idea. We can get some from salmon, sardines and mackerel. • B6: we need this to make energy and to fight germs but we make less as we age. Chickpeas as well as fatty fish and liver are great sources of B6. • Magnesium: helps us to stay calm, prevent muscle cramps and constipation and helps make protein and bone. • Probiotics: since most of our immune system is in our gut we need to keep our gut flora at optimal levels to fight infection and keep our digestive system functioning properly. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, Kombucha, and some yogurt or kefir have various levels of probiotics and supplements and are a good choice. • Omega 3s: These essential fatty acids are important for brain, eyes, and can protect against Alzheimer’s. An important benefit from omega 3 is inihibiting or reversing inflammation such as arthritis, IBS and other autoimmune disease. We can find this in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.

Botanical Therapy + Naturopathic Wellness Center

5. Get Involved in the Community. Whether it is volunteering or becoming part of a club or a committee, being a part of a group can create positive feelings and prevent depression and loneliness. Make friends and keep them. 6. Manage Stress. Find some tools to remove or relieve stress from your everyday life. Meditation is a very efwww.NaturalNutmeg.com

• CoQ10: an antioxidant which is important for energy production and protection from cellular damage.

LIVING SOURCE llc Healing, Coaching and Education for Life

• Zinc: Used to fight infection and inflammation and for eye health. The best source of zinc is delicious oysters.

FOR INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Introductory 90-minute sessions $50 for NATURAL NUTMEG readers.

9. Stay Positive. A positive attitude changes the way we perceive the world around us. It changes our cells and our chemistry. Be grateful and write it down in a journal. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that the glass is half full. My favorite is remembering to smile because it actually creates positive hormones in your brain. Smile to others but most importantly smile to yourself every day.

Call 203.444.4424 to book yours! OFFER ENDS 7/31/2020

260 Amity Rd Suite 7, Woodbridge, CT • 203.444.4424 • www.livingsource.us

WE ARE CURRENTLY OFFERING VIRTUAL CLASSES

Please sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with all studio news! SACRED RIVERS YOGA ALLIANCE TEACHER TRAINING We are a registered 200 and 300 Hour School with Yoga Alliance. (First in CT! Graduating teachers since 2004 )

Submit your application by August 10th ,

with this ad, and be entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship! Begin in July, August or September. We oﬀer a ﬂexible, revolving, modular program.

NOMINATE US FOR NATURAL NUTMEG’S 10BEST YOGA STUDIO

Sacred Rivers Yoga & Allied Health Therapies 28 Main Street, East Hartford • 860.657.9545 • www.sacredriversyoga.com

Donna Bunte of Donna Bunte Whole Health is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Chinese medical practitioner in Stamford CT. Since 1995 Donna has been helping busy people manage their stress, diet, and health concerns using coaching, nutrition, herbal medicine and mind body techniques in order to reach their health goals. She is available for virtual coaching sessions and is seeing patients in her office in Stamford with safety protocols in place. Donna is teaching qigong and meditation on Zoom and Facebook live regularly. Reach out to her to join one of her classes. Please nominate for 10BEST Nutrition and Chinese Medicine. 203.253.9885 health@donnabunte.com donnabunte.com facebook.com/ donnabuntewholehealth See ad on page 18.

The Natural Choice - The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center Caring Integrative Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing

We can help you get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments, therapies and cutting-edge diagnostics. Adam Breiner, ND Brain Health Lyme Disease

David Johnston, DO Osteopathic Medicine Cranial Osteopathy

David Brady, ND, CCN Fibromyalgia Thyroid Conditions

Elena Sokolova, ND Oriental Medicine Female Health

Naturopathic Medicine Hyperbaric Oxygen Neurofeedback Neurotherapies PRP & Stem Cells Altitude Contrast O2 Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy Phototherapy

Osteopathic Medicine Cranial Osteopathy Nutritional Assessment Zyto OligoScan (Micronutrient/Heavy Metal) IV Therapy Natural Hormone Therapy Thermography

Energy Medicine Electrodermal Screening Homeopathy Allergy Desensitization Detoxiﬁcation PEMF & BEMER Ionic Foot Baths Colon Hydrotherapy

Whole-Body Medicine, LLC

The Natural Approach for Optimal Health

501 Kings Highway E., Ste 108 | Fairﬁeld, CT | 203-371-8258 | WholeBodyMed.com 16

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Own Your Wealth with Confidence!

By Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, MBA, AWMA®

his year dynamic health, economic, and financial developments have tested the strength and resolve of people around the world. In February, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a high of 29,551 and the S&P 500 reached a high of 3,386. A little more than a month later, both had fallen by over 30%. Investors have experienced a variety of emotions as they have watched the values of their accounts change rapidly and significantly. While it is impossible to predict with certainty either when or how much investments will rise or fall, it is possible to control pieces of your financial picture with conviction. Through careful decision and deliberate action, you can experience financial confidence and own your wealth even in times of uncertainty. Cover Your Immediate Needs Remember what flight attendants say as you prepare for your long-awaited vacation? “In the event of an emergency, put on your own oxygen mask first.” The same principle applies for your finances. For you to continue being the strong person you are for your family and friends during tumultuous times, it is essential that you ensure your own finances are in order. As part of covering your immediate financial needs, consider: • Reviewing your expenses • Categorizing your cash outflows into “needs” versus “wants” versus “wishes”

• Prioritizing your immediate spend on only your needs, if required • Managing your emergency savings; if you tap into them, prioritize replenishing them as quickly as possible • Continue paying off your debts; if you pause any payments with your loan servicer, understand all terms, including whether interest will be accrued and when revised payments are required Focus on the Long Term While it is unsettling to watch the value of your investments change day to day, retain attention on why you are investing in the first place. You are putting cash to work in the financial markets today with the expectation that it will grow over time. There are inherent risks to investing, like the value of your individual holdings going up and down. That is why great care is necessary when investing to answer the following questions: • For what purpose or future expenses do you want to invest your money? • When do you need to access your money to pay for the future expenses? • How much variation in the value of your money between now and when you need to access it can you handle? When you answer these questions at the beginning of your investment process, you understand the risks that you are

taking with putting your money to work. Revisiting these questions when markets are volatile reminds you of the calculated risks you’ve taken and why. As a result of focusing on the long term and investing with intention, you have greater capacity to experience relative calm in market uncertainty, remain invested in the markets, and benefit from growth in your investments over time, as markets recover. Take Advantage of Financial Planning Opportunities Keep in mind that the markets are like many business and life cycles. There inevitably will be ups and downs. Market downturns – while upsetting to experience – are not rare events. Since 1980, for instance, there have been: • 12 Corrections: declines of 10% or more • 8 Bear Markets: declines of 20% or more that have lasted at least two months • 5 Recessions: declines in economic conditions for two or more successive quarters When you are an informed and prepared investor, you build into your financial plan that volatility will happen. You may not know when it will take place, or how severe it will be, but you expect that it will occur. As a result, when the downturn does transpire, you can use the situation as an opportunity to enhance your personal finances. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Online Mental Heal� Counseling Safe. Effective. Private. Convenient.

We help hurting people heal.

Our team of mental health and wellness experts are here to support and guide you through the tough stuff. You are not alone.

Vote Us Natural Nutmeg’s 10Best Holistic Psychotherapy

Call 860.266.6098 or email

Erica L Wilcox, LPC FOUNDER, WILCOX WELLNESS, LLC Truth Seeker. Silence Breaker. Soul Igniter.

Help@wilcoxwellness.com. for more information on video therapy options.

92 N Summit St Southington, Ct • 06489 • 860.266.6098 • wilcoxwellness.com

Over the past few months, my team and I have helped clients use this lower interest rate environment and depreciated asset values to their advantage. For instance, we have: • Refined clients’ investment portfolios in tax-efficient ways • Utilized tax-loss harvesting techniques in clients’ accounts where appropriate • Guided clients through ROTH conversions • Re-evaluated and refined charitable gifting strategies • Advised clients on how to best manage their liabilities, including refinancing mortgages • Provided clients perspective on how various federal relief packages impact them

Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine is Here! PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatments & Adult Stem Cell Therapy Dr Henry Sobo offers these cutting edge technologies: PRP

Stem Cell Therapy

A natural and safe, non-surgical • for joints & arthritis – used by method for healing: professional athletes and their doctors. • Hair Restoration • Stem cells are also being researched and • Arthritis/Joints used for many degenerative conditions• Erectile Dysfunction ask Dr. Sobo if this is right for you. Other Conditions Treated by Dr. Sobo • Food Allergies • Alzheimers/Dementia • Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia • MTHFR • Hormonal Health • Weight Loss • Natural Thyroid • Anti-Aging Medicine • Diabetes • Cardiovascular Disease

Call for your

to see if these new, safe, and natural therapies are for you.

Join me virtually for stress relieving qigong on Fridays at 10 am.

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

10BEST Integrative MD

FREE CONSULTATION

Proven solutions to boost immunity and relieve stress naturally.

203/698-0793 - 203/253-9885 c. health@donnabunte.com www.donnabunte.com

Vote Dr. Sobo for

Nominate me for Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST Coach or Nutrition

Wherever you are on your financial journey, regardless of the latest news headlines, you have choices. You can experience a quality of life now and, additionally, set yourself up for financial success in the future. If you’re ready to navigate life’s inevitable uncertainties with confidence in your financial decisions, I’m right here. Let’s schedule a one-time complimentary thirty-minute financial consult via ZOOM. We’ll talk about how you currently manage the different pieces of your financial picture, observations I have around your approach, and whether my team might be able to assist. Now is your time to own your wealth. Caroline Wetzel is one of Natural Nutmeg’s 2019 and 2018 10Best Winners for Business/Life Coach. Caroline is a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) and Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor with Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC. Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC and Procyon Institutional Partners, LLC (collectively “Procyon Partners”) are registered investment advisors with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This article is provided for informational purposes only and for the intended recipient[s] only. This article may also include opinions and forward-looking statements which may not come to pass. Information is at a point in time and subject to change. Procyon Partners does not provide tax or legal advice. See ad on page 36.

Explore Your Unique Gifts with Agnes Daddona of Intuitive Counseling By Diane Hayden, PhD

had the pleasure of having an intuitive reading with Agnes Daddona last month and was blown away by her authenticity, accuracy and just how amazing the process was. This is an excerpt of my reading! First, Agnes invited my angels and spirit guides to work with us on healing and bringing divine guidance. She first asked me my birthday to find the doorway to my soul so she can view my soul history. She quickly had a vision of a river running and an intense feeling that spirit wouldn’t let her go. This meant there will be much movement and transition in my life, the message is that I cannot stay stuck, I must stay moving. I totally resonated with this as I was launching a new magazine in Florida and there were many moving parts! Next, she told me that my inner child is a dreamer with a hugely creative imagination, the most sensitive part of me. You can ask my mother about that – she used to call me a dreamer all the time when I was a kid. Agnes said even in past lives I was always involved in a sophisticated level of creation, I spent many lifetimes teaching all kinds of different subjects. I was also a writer for many lifetimes, and there are books in me now. Totally agree, in fact I have a couple of outlines on my laptop right now for book ideas. She told me most of my lifetimes I was a loner, doing my thing and fighting for people. I have a need for making things right and orderly and I don’t like when things are not the way they’re supposed to be in justice. She looked at my potential for healing abilities and said

I had a tremendous imprint for teaching, but not hands-on healing. I would absolutely agree with that as I’ve always been drawn to speaking and teaching but never to be a practitioner or healer. She said I don’t take failure easy, (spot on there!), so I need to be set on a good path. And this was the kicker – she told me that only in a few lifetimes did I have a family – I was a loner which served me on some level. I have always had that feeling that I spent many lifetimes alone pursuing a passion or career and that it was difficult for me to figure out how to have both career and family. Then, we took a journey through the chakras. Agnes does not do a typical chakra reading, but reads from the highest place to determine your highest potential. She used a pendulum, more for me to see where there were blockages. A blockage is indicated if the pendulum does not move at all or moves in a forward/backward way vs. circular, which indicates the energy is good. 1st chakra relates to foundation and family. There was no movement in this chakra for me which indicates a blockage or sadness that no one would ever know. While many people go into fear or anger, my energy goes into sadness when this chakra is blocked. I would totally agree. 2nd chakra relates to creativity, zest for life, and dreams. Again, there was no movement in this chakra and Agnes told me I was only using 30% of my creative potential. 3rd chakra relates to empowerment, self-esteem, self-worth, and boundaries. Here I had movement back and forth

which indicates a different sort of blockage. She explained that half of my energy was collapsed from being too forceful and then lacking boundaries. I tend to go to extremes – again, I agreed and could even think of specific instances when this was the case in my life recently. She suggested this had to do with my environment and those around me who were influencing me. 4th chakra relates to the heart. Again, I had no movement – I was starting to see a pattern here! Agnes told me I had a huge loving heart, but my heart was closed for protection. She said I have a fear of losing my identity in a relationship, so I only check in a little bit. I was guarding to the extreme and needed to open my heart. She told me that my soul will always pull me to romantic love and trusting and truly melding with someone of a higher vibration. In the past, subconsciously I’ve looked for a lower vibration partner, because then I could be in control, but there was a price to pay. That totally resonated with me. Agnes said this starts with self love and that I was so tough on myself, she said, “I feel like I’m in the army!” We had a good laugh over that as many of my friends have often said I am militant! 5th chakra relates to the throat and your voice. What a shock – this was blocked too. She said, this was a shocker because I’m all about communication, that’s my gift. She told me it was blocked because it was hard for me to ask people for what I really need. I either don’t say anything and expect people to read my mind or I come out like a lion. Sadly, I think this is true too! www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Are you SICK from feeling SICK TIRED of being TIRED Do you go from Here to There with NO Results at all?

6th chakra relates to your intuition or your 3rd eye. Finally – here I had great movement. She told me I have big intuition and make good decisions about my life. I was so excited, until she said, “However, you’re only using 30% of your talent.” More work to be done.

IMAGINE the possibilities of a machine that provides

7th chakra relates to your connection to spirit. I thought for sure this would be clear – but nope! Agnes said I had many questions about the universe and understanding what’s true and what’s not true. I couldn’t agree more with this – especially with what we’re all experiencing now. She told me the energy on the planet is rising so fast that we don’t have time to adjust. We don’t know what to believe because so much is happening. She said I also needed to learn to ask for help and support in connecting with spirit. My mindset is too focused on doing things myself and not needing any help. Yes, this is definitely true.

detailed information on your Cellular Health ~ IMAGINE receiving answers to many years of Health Issues ~

This is possible with the Bio-Tracker system which Bear Walker, Holistic Practitioner helped develop in a project at NASA!

The Bio-Tracker checks the following.... Endocrine System Sinus Circulatory System Stomach Body Organs Fibrous Tissue Inhale Allergies Joints Spleen Carbohydrate Metabolism

Adrenal Glands Thyroid Glands Pituitary Gland Throat Ears Small Intestines Large Intestines Ileocecal Valve Lungs Ess. Fatty Acids Skin

Nervous System Lymph System Liver Heart Gallbladder Urinary Bladder Pancreas Kidney Food Allergies Reproductive System

....and much more if needed!

Then we moved on to Agnes doing a medical scan. This was really amazing. She asked me if I had any problem with my knees. Well, interestingly enough, two weeks prior I was out running and I tripped and fell right on my knees. She said energetically knees are my weakness, and that was something to watch.

~ Bear Walker ~

Next, she pulled five angel cards to complete the reading. Again – no surprises here, the accuracy was amazing and exactly in line with my chakra reading.

Metals ~ Chemicals ~ Bacteria ~ Viruses ~ Hormones ~ Neurotransmitters Mold ~ Vitamins ~ Minerals ~ Candida ~ ATP ~ GeoPathic Stress etc. Holistic Practitioner

3 Waterville Road Farmington, CT 06032

Office visits by appointment only

860-384-1527

www.circleofhealthonline.com

1. Support card: the message - you can’t do it yourself, you need to ask for help. 2. Feminine energy card: the message – open your heart with love and creativity. 3. Imagination card: the message – you have to visualize, put the full plan into pictures to put yourself in motion. 4. Unfinished symphony: the message – you have a soul lesson in relationships. 5. Building foundation: the message - focus on your 1st chakra, build a new foundation for life with the imprints of your new dreams. Agnes ended my session and told me I have amazing potential. Although I might feel like I’m living in a shadow, I will come out of it and the energy is big this year for manifestation and creativity. I have to say Agnes is by far one of the best intuitives I have ever worked with. Her energy is beautiful and loving and she is so passionate about what she does. This was truly a gift for me and I would encourage anyone struggling with life choices or health concerns to reach out to her. She is an angel! Agnes Daddona, MS of Intuitive Counseling – Holistic Spa. Readings, healing sessions, and Angel Workshops are available at this time by phone or via Zoom. To learn more or book online please visit: IntuitiveCounselingLLC.com 860.941.2667 IntuitiveCounselingLLC.com. See ad on page 28.

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

How Do I Age Gracefully?

By Richard Fanelli

hough aging is inevitable, some people find it difficult to deal with the changes that come with getting older. While dreading some wrinkles and sagging isn’t uncommon, there’s so much more to aging…but gracefully? You can either do nothing or you can meet aging head on and keep the signs of aging at bay for quite some time. You can easily deal with your skin, knowing you’ve done something different than most, to protect it and feed it everything it needs to optimize its health and thereby restore your body and skin to its optimal youth. Now that is something you can do “gracefully”. Aging before your time, is a choice in today’s toxic world and staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age. Dr. Stacy Chimento, a leading antiaging expert offers 5 healthy aging tips. These 5 tips will not only make you look and feel youthful, it will keep your skin healthy and it will age well, giving you that elusive, irresistible glow. 1. Apply and Re-Apply “Sunscreen is the cardinal rule for healthy skin. This is a healthy habit that should start very early in childhood to prevent elastosis and aging of the skin. Excessive sun damages the skin and creates free radicals that promote aging and skin cancer,” says Chimento. However, it is critical you do not choose the dime-adozen sunscreens flooding the market as most are toxic.

2. Eat Those Fruits and Veggies “Increasing one’s consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables along with a balanced diet will provide the nutrition for skin health. Having a diet rich in antioxidants helps to promote healthy collagen, fight free radicals, sun damage and improves inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and rosacea,” says Chimento. In my own intensive research I have found on the top of the list are asparagus, avocado, salmon, sardines, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. 3. Slather It Up “Retinoids are topical vitamins that are often used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the production of collagen. They can promote cellular turnover to refresh the skin from old damaged skin, improve acne, oil production, fade dark spots and acne marks. Using retinoids is one of the activities that promotes healthy aging,” says Chimento. But retinoids can be very harsh and cause skin problems. There is a natural solution to this issue. 4. Cold Turkey “Avoid smoking including vaping. Cigarette smoke and vaping contain harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide which displaces oxygen in the skin. The nicotine component reduces healthy blood flow creating a dry and dull appearance of the skin. It can interfere with vitamin C which is an impor-

tant antioxidant in reducing free radical formation,” says Chimento. 5. Hydrate! “Is your skin looking a bit thirsty? The skin should always be in a good pH balance. Dehydrated skin is more prone to inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea, rashes. Many of my acne patients are scared to use moisturizers as they are afraid they will ‘break out’ or make them oilier. If the skin is too dry, then it will make more oil as a response. I love products that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides as they improve texture and restore the lipid barrier of the skin,” says Chimento. A totally chemical free serum and face cream is critical to supply this crucial moisture and introduce optimal skin rejuvenation, without the worry of producing adverse effects from the thousands of industrialized skin creams. Many of us believe Asian people naturally have more youthful skin and generally look younger than other women of the same age. While this is true generally speaking, there are two major reasons. First, Asian skin is oilier due to inner factors. Asians have more oil glands (sebaceous glands) that produce oil (sebum). Oil production is a natural process, making your skin supple and smooth. Second, what makes Asian skin resist aging longer? The secret is that the dermis of Asian skin is thick. The dermis is an important deep skin layer that contains collagen and elastin. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

These are two types of connective cells responsible for supple and elastic skin. The more collagen and elastin you have, the fewer wrinkles you get. It is also interesting to note in a study spearheaded by Boris Paskhover, a facial plastic surgeon at Rutgers University, very dark skinned people are not only born with denser bones in their faces, those bones also don’t break down as quickly, especially the bone between the eyes and the cheekbones. The result - people coming from dark skinned cultures maintain structural support for a longer period, thereby maintaining younger-looking skin for much longer than their lighter skinned counterparts. So the key to other races, mimicking the above hereditary traits, is to use a skin care product which will produce these same outcomes without causing skin problems. The foods you eat are very important no doubt, but for the inner body to make that golden handshake with the outer body, (your skin), a perfectly balanced, all in one serum and skin cream coming from wholesome, organic sources is critical to producing the same effect as darker skin cultures produce naturally.

Experience the Diﬀerence with a Liquid Ayurveda Supplement that is Optimized for Superior Absorption and Health is Achieved at the Cellular Level. ANTI-AGING - HEART - JOINT/MUSCLE - COGNITIVE

NATURAL NUTMEG CUSTOMERS ASK FOR A 15% DISCOUNT AND FREE SHIPPING WITH CODE HAPPY15.

TO ORDER VISIT NARIVEDA.COM OR CALL 928-554-4737

FEEL FREE, MOVE WELL, GET ROLFED! Everything in nature has order and balance. Rolfing helps you get back to your natural alignment after the accidents, injuries and traumas of life. ®

SharonSklarRolfing.com

Call Sharon’s landline for more informaaon at 860.561.4337

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Submitted by Richard Fanelli of Immortal Opulence in Wethersfiedl. For the purest sunscreen take a look at Badger Sunscreen products. For skin serum and skin cream which can produce the above youthful affects, Immortal Opulence is worth a look. It offers a perfect Ph balance, addresses skin issues, is very hydrating, and contains natural Retinoids along with wild harvested compounds from remote areas around the globe. Immortal Opulence can actually assist you with supplying critical nutrients your skin needs constantly, to be healthy and optimize that elusive, irresistible, youthful glow. Go to www. ImmotalOpulence.com to learn more and get a FREE Offer. See ad on page 41.

The Path to Aging Gracefully!

By Marie Mammone, ND

rowing older is inevitable, but aging gracefully can make it an enjoyable journey rather than an experience many of us have come to fear. In a society obsessed with youth, we can develop beliefs that as we age, our lives and health become limited and undergo a decline. This need not be true on any level. You can enjoy prime-of-life vitality at any age by tuning into and taking care of your body, mind and spirit.

and include healthy proteins from fish, organic meats and legumes. Incorporate healthy omega fats of nut butters, eggs, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, fatty fish and fish oils like salmon and sardines, and coconut oil. Additionally, cook with herbs like basil and use savory spices like turmeric and garlic that will add flavor and phytonutrients to reduce inflammation and slow aging. Finally, remember to drink lots of clean water. It keeps your body from premature aging by carrying phytonutrients through your blood to every cell.

meopathy, and stress reduction techniques like meditation and reflection to decrease inflammation, heal and prevent disease, make a difference in the quality of life and promote graceful aging.

The second step is movement, staying in motion as much as possible every day. Walking daily has been proven to decrease stress levels (therefore deceasing blood pressure), keep bones strong, regulate sugar/glucose levels, and help improve sleep and moods, especially on a sunny day. I find walking is the best choice for me, although you may prefer a different type of activity like yoga, gardening, or yardwork. Incorporating your lifestyle and preferences into your daily activities will help to keep you motivated.

The greatest influence on the path of aging gracefully is a joyful heart. Just as an unhealthy physical diet can cause inflammation in the body, so can unhealthy thoughts and words inflame emotional and mental states. Every thought releases some type of chemical. With good thoughts, when we’re feeling happy or optimistic, cortisol decreases and the brain produces serotonin, creating a feeling of wellbeing. Daily reflection, contemplation, meditation, listening to music, reading an enjoyable book, or even watching a comic movie can promote positivity and uplifting thoughts to help connect with joy every day. A positive attitude is very important for mental and emotional health so I recommend seeking out activities that will inspire you to smile, laugh and think positively. Finding personal passions and purpose in life moves us to age with grace.

Where does the path to heathy aging start?

The third step is sufficient sleep to restore health and vitality, physically and mentally. Studies have shown that people who sleep 7-8 hours each night live longer. To achieve adequate sleep, establish a routine to consistently maintain your regular bedtime and wake-up hours. Avoid caffeine within 8 hours of bedtime as well as intense physical activity close to retiring for the night. Short naps, 20 minutes or less, can result in dramatic physical and mental benefits by improving how your metabolism processes.

Dr. Marie Mammone is a Connecticut Licensed and Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor practicing at the Naturopathic and Acupuncture Health Center in Wethersfield, CT for over 20 years. She welcomes working with her clients to maintain and regain their health using her knowledge of a variety of therapies including clinical nutrition, botanicals, homeopathy, acupuncture and much more. For more information, please call today at 860.529.1200 or read more at www.NAHcenter.com.

Diet is the main source of inflammation in the body, so an anti-inflammatory diet protects our immune systems and helps our bodies resist and adapt to the changes that time brings. Eat a healthy diet of fruits (especially berries) and vegetables,

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we become ill. As a Naturopathic doctor, I use natural medicines to stimulate the body’s inherent healing process rather than mask inflammatory symptoms. These include foods and herbal supplements, ho-

We live in a world of instant gratification, so it seems natural to expect a magic pill to sort everything out for us. Aging gracefully is not an instant activity, but rather the long-term result of our daily habits. Keeping in balance is even more essential to longevity and a better quality of life during stressful times. While we navigate the current pandemic circumstances, let’s take this time of distancing and seclusion to think about what taking care of body, mind and spirit really means, and build a foundation of good health that enables optimal physical and mental functioning. One of the biggest challenges we face is stress. Stressors are present in our jobs, our homes, our hurried lifestyles and of course the current events we’re encountering. Stress leads to inflammation, making us vulnerable to illnesses as we age, so it’s critical that we learn how to manage our pressures and challenges in healthy ways. Mindfully reducing our stress levels mentally and physically reduces the resultant inflammation, so our bodies remain younger inside and out, allowing us to age gracefully, regardless of genetics.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

The Garden:

We’re in It Together By Pat Heavren, MHSA

ind a partner,” one of the facilitators said. “When you do, draw an invisible line between the two of you and each take a turn trying to get the other to cross over to your side.” This was the icebreaker exercise that introduced a forty-hour mediation and conflict-resolution certificate training sponsored by the law school of the university near where I live. I registered for the course in the midst of a career change; a couple of years after leaving an executive job in non-profit management and before a dive ahead into the world of alternative healing and neo-shamanic studies, where I landed as a mediator of an entirely different sort, one who parlayed between the visible and invisible worlds. The attendees were mostly attorneys expanding their skills to meet the growing demand for non-adversarial, collaborative alternatives to handling personal, business, and community disputes. Others came from human-resource, civil-service, and advocacy backgrounds. Besides the lone ombudsman, I was the odd one out with no affiliation or title. My only real mediation experience was as a kid, being caught in a tug of war by parents who battled more with silence than shouting before they eventually split when I was twelve. As I looked around for a partner for the icebreaker, my eyes caught the gaze of a friendly guy I’d talked to earlier. He’d recently completed his law degree and was looking to open a family-law practice.

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

“Eden was the place where self-awareness dawned (along with fear) after eating the forbidden fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was the ultimate metaphor that traced how human beings moved from living in harmony with nature in the land of “And” to the land of “Or,” from which the story of separation has radiated ever since.” - Pat Heavren, MHSA “You go first, Don,” I said, taking a few steps back from the imagined line we had drawn between us. “Sure thing…Well…so Pat, how about coming over here to my side of the line? You look a little lonely over there.” I smiled tolerantly at what sounded to me like a lame pickup line. “Well,” Don said while clearing his throat, “it’s a real great view from over here. I know you can’t see what I see from where you’re standing.” He glanced left and right with an exaggerated look of marvel on his face. “In fact, it’s so wonderful, you really need to see it from my perspective.” Don held out his hand as if to pull me across the imaginary line. I decided to play the role of devil’s advocate. “You know, Don, I’m really happy that it all looks good on your side of the line. But I like it over here. I may pay you a visit

one day, but right now, I don’t want to give up what I have.” After a little back and forth, Don recognized I wasn’t ever going to concede and gave up. Around us, all sorts of negotiations were occurring among our classmates, from the half-comic to the wildly exaggerated. People were breaking the ice and having fun, obviously taking advantage of the permission to act in ways they usually suppressed. One man pulled a wallet out of his suit-jacket pocket and tried to bribe his partner across the line. The various spirits of conflict rose, gleefully liberated, on this makeshift stage in the shadow of a statue of Lady Justice, unleashing the separation stored in the collective DNA of all of the wanna-be mediators in the room. As I prepared to take my turn at the icebreaker task, I knew I needed to go beyond the various charades of seduction, power struggle, logical appeal, bribe, and threat to find another approach. I looked at Don, put my hand in my pretend back pocket, and wrapped my fingers around something invisible. I dropped into a squat and rubbed the pretend item in a zigzag over the highly polished wood floor. I stood up, placed the mimed object back in my pocket where it came from, and smiled across at Don. “What was that all about?” he asked with a dumbfounded expression as he tried to maintain his best bridge-builder, fledgling-mediator tone.

“Well,” I replied, after careful pause to select my words, still trying to digest my own response and surprise at what I did, which seemed to rise from a deeper memory stored in the ancient, collective DNA of the room, “we drew an imaginary line together, didn’t we? So, I just took out an imaginary eraser and erased the imaginary line.” It was an automatic response that came from beyond thought. It was instinctive, like something an animal might do, to rewind and access the point before separation ever began, rather than to cleverly employ habitual approaches that seemed often to repeat history rather than transcend it. I was reminded that day of the mythic Garden story held precious by Judeo-Christian culture. Eden was the place where self-awareness dawned (along with fear) after eating the forbidden fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was the ultimate metaphor that traced how human beings moved from living in harmony with nature in the land of “And” to the land of “Or,” from which the story of separation has radiated ever since. Now it’s sped up to meet us in the garden of 2020, where “we’re in it together” has become the buzz phrase in a year of uncertainty, suffering, protest and imposed change. At this halfway point of summer, maybe it’s time to dig beneath the layers of human-centric falsehood to expose even a peek of the well hidden paradise. Maybe it’s time that the land of And and Or call us home to our rightful place in the garden, without trading the gifts of distinction, difference and self-apart-from-other awareness. Time will certainly tell. But maybe, just maybe, as the sun rewinds and days inch shorter again, 20/20 vision will be restored so we can finally reclaim our rightful place in the garden. After all, we’re in it together. Pat Heavren, MHSA, is a coach, consultant, mediator and educator whose passion is helping others to grow their personal vitality and professional leadership by aligning with the wisdom of the natural world. She is the author of Magic in Plain Sight: When Acceptance is the Healing and is former senior teaching faculty with the Four Winds Society’s International School of Energy Medicine. Pat has led workshops across the US, Canada and Latin America and works worldwide with clients via Zoom from her Woodbridge, CT office. She can be reached at www.livingsource.us and 203.444.4424 for appointments. See ad on page 16.

CT’s Premier CBD Store

Natures Gifts Say goodbye to inflammation based pain

Pain Creams | Tinctures | Gummies Beauty & Care Products | Pet Products A little something for everyone!

Your Friendly Neighborhood CBD Store Across from Marshalls Plaza 304 West Main Street, Avon CT www.NaturesGifts-USA.com |

Ancient Healing with a Modern Approach

Acupuncture can effectively:

Experienced Care for Difficult Cases

STAN BAKER, LAC

Call 860.836.1068 TODAY

Acupuncture of Greater Hartford

91 S Main St, West Hartford, CT 06107 acupuncturestanbaker.com

860-995-4444

Wolfspirit Acupuncture

Acupuncture With 30 years experience in the Oriental Healing Arts, Stan utilizes the major modalities of Chinese Medicine.

Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 10-5

JO-ANN CONNELLY, M.S., RN, LAC

Monthly Wellness treatment to improve immunity and restore balance available

• Relieve pain without the harmful side effects of medication. • Assist with restoring balance and improved fertility. • Relieve digestive disorders. • Help manage anxiety & depression. • Help quit smoking.

Come see our Acupuncture Community Clinic

Jo-Ann is certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Call 860.430.9653

78 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, Connecticut

www.wolfspiritacupuncture.com

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

CBD’s Minor Cannabinoids & Terpene Blends “Science Made Simple” By Rebekah Fernandez

n this amazing world of CBD there has been much talk of our bodies and the wonders of our very own Endocannabinoid System including how receptors in this system interact with Cannabidiol (CBD). While there are more exciting possibilities to continue exploring in these US-Industrial Hemp oil extracts, being a plant-science company places this in a higher category of knowledge. Here, the Florida-based plant-science company, SunFlora breaks down some of the science involved with their popular brand, SunMed found exclusively in over 600 Your CBD Stores nationwide locations. Many companies in the industry are mainly focused on CBD in broad or full spectrum. Few companies are focusing on the best ways to create more synergy with terpene and carrier oil combinations or even minor cannabinoid dominant formulas for specific situations. Synergy, comes from the Greek word “synegros”, meaning “working together”. With synergistic qualities in mind, the blending of these extracts and compounds working together could be just what is needed for nighttime, daytime, or even stubborn inflammation, just to name a few. What are Monoterpenes? Monoterpenes are compounds found in essential oils extracted from plants, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. For example, the main monoterpene in lime and orange essential oils is Limonene, which contributes to the flavor and aroma of citrus fruits. When CBD supplements contain a larger percent of the terpene limonene, you are in for an immediate refreshing kick! Since this terpene is energizing and promotes positive mood, much of our daytime becomes easier. In general, terpenes are highly aromatic compounds in the natural world. Some may even act on our body’s endocannabi-

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

noid system similarly to cannabinoids. The difference is that the body absorbs and uses these compounds in different ways. What is CBN? Cannabinol (CBN) is one compound that we produce ourselves, however, the vast majority do not produce nearly enough, which amongst other things causes difficulty in achieving the necessary stages of sleep. Looking into essential oils as a way to boost terpene profiles towards a desired effect, both lavender and valerian root for example, provide a significant amount of Linalool, a terpene found in over 200 species of plants around the world. Linalool is high in the terpene profile of several Indica strains of the cannabis plant as well. Studies have also identified lavender and valerian root as calming aids great for occasional use as they both promote sleep and relaxation, making a blend like this a perfect way toward better nights. Carrier Oils In terms of carrier oils, let’s not forget medium chain triglycerides (MCT). These are small fat molecules within fractionated coconut oil that assist with delivery and reproducible dosing. That is why quality CBD blends contain MCT as their carrier oil of choice. Going Green Going green has a different meaning with USDA-Certified Organic CBD supplements! What is the big deal? Well, first things first; “Going green” in this context does not mean what you think. Top quality extraction processes retain more of the plant which contains more compounds as well, such as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green molecule found in plants that absorbs sunlight during photosynthesis and converts it into energy. When a properly sourced and extracted hemp oil is green in this way, going green, means MORE...of the plant.

In terms of USDA-Organic Certified hemp oil extract, very few CBD companies have entered this realm. Extracts that are Non-GMO and crafted from organically grown hemp farmed in the USA are the best start to decent quality and standards. The decision to use full guidance and work alongside the US Department of Agriculture could be based on a desire to support the cycling of on-farm resources and assist in promoting ecological balances while conserving biodiversity. That being said, some companies may choose to stop here rather than undergo the year-long process of becoming USDA-Organic Certified. Those who proudly bear the symbol of USDA-Organic Certification reflect the highest standards. Requirements and standards for this certification are rigorous, with an emphasis on crop and handling standards. The USDA-Organic certification serves as a reassurance that the land used to harvest all ingredients has had no prohibited substances applied in the last 3 years. This further ensures that soil fertility and crop nutrients have been managed through tillage, cultivation practices and cover crops supplemented by animal crop waste. In addition, this confirms that crop pests, weeds and diseases have been controlled through physical, mechanical and biological control practices. Finally, certification means that the production process does not make use of genetic engineering, ionizing radiation and sewage sludge. Knowing this makes being USDA-Organic certified mean so much more. Submitted by Rebekah Fernandez, Manager & Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Educator of Your CBD Store at 59 Tolland Turnpike in Manchester Facebook: @yourcbdstoremanchesterct manchester465@cbdrx4u.com. 860.791.8368 See ad on page 13.

To Your Health, Your Life and Your Future By Sharon Sklar

n our new reality, school at home is out for the summer; restaurants, beaches, camps and local pools are or aren’t open. We have started the re-entry from the shut-down we experienced from COVID-19. We are facing loss or change of routine, emotional uncertainty, shifts in financial resources, food availability and new awareness of the inequality of the racial divide. Then, add on the political stress. We, as a society, have become overstressed and overloaded. We wear our face masks, stay socially distant and go about our lives with the threat of COVID-19 as our constant companion. We are used to the routine by now because since mid-March we have been doing this dance. We live with this new way of being, conscious of the consequences and dutifully doing what we can to support ourselves, our families and deepen our ties to our communities. Alone/together. Under times of stress and fear we develop ways to adapt. Not all of them are healthy or good for us. Are you bingewatching? Eating out of control? Not sleeping? Obsessive thinking? Internet shopping? I have written about changing the way we see this pandemic, about herbs that support your immune system and great stretches to start your day. It’s now time to go deeper and take stock of what is happening within our own selves. It is time to look at the inner and outer structures of your own life. It is time to change thoughts of how we live.

your approach to fear? Just because you think something, doesn’t mean it’s right. “Don’t believe everything you think, 80% of your 60,000 daily thoughts are negative and 10% are repetitive,” says Nancy Burger, noted researcher and author. I got stuck recently, since the pandemic, with the idea that my Rolfing® practice would never reopen or be the source for my life’s work again. Instead, following Nancy’s suggestion, I re-framed that thought into, “After 40 years of loving my work, literally decades of experience, I have much more to contribute and I’ll be fine.” A huge weight lifted and my energy picked up. I was set free to do mountains of yard work, repaint the deck and every window sill in my home and office. I sleep well because I put in a full day doing all these projects I didn’t have time for before because my practice was so busy. It is now summer and I trust that when you are reading this column, my Rolfing® office is thriving and I am doing the work I love again. Helping

people realize their full, natural, innate movement which creates freedom and balance is truly what I do best! Shifting thoughts is a powerful tool. Taking a stand releases that concept of victimization and puts you back in charge. About eight to ten weeks into the pandemic, we all experienced a slackening of the rules enticed by “quarantine-fatigue”. Spring became glorious, the weather beckoned us to be outside. We marched for equality and human rights. We became united. Mark Urban, an ecologist at the University of Connecticut said, “Social interventions have by far the most important effect.” We must find those ways that nurture our souls and keep us mentally and physically awake, alive and thriving. Here are some tips to champion your well-being: 1. Drink more water and try to limit the use of stimulants like sugar, caffeine and alcohol.

The accumulated stress of our collective situation brings mental, physical and spiritual obstacles. From earliest childhood, we are taught to be courageous and live without fear which is difficult to do at this time. But, what about re-framing www.NaturalNutmeg.com

2. Create a schedule and stick to it. Wake at a certain time, eat at certain times.

Agnes Daddona, MA

9. Use this time to take a stand, make a difference. Look at your life and values and become a better person.

3. Include daily outings for much needed sunlight and breaks from less than acceptable makeshift offices.

20+yrs. experience

4. Move on a daily basis; walk, run, dance, swim, just get your body moving!

SERVICES:

5. Eat fresh foods including lots of vegetables and fruits. Grow a garden, shop at local farmer’s markets, shop the outer aisles at the grocery store for more food staples and fewer overprocessed foods.

Certified Psychic Medium Healer

Intuitive Readings, Life Coaching Spiritual Healing, Angel Workshops

HEALING TECHNOLOGIES:

Crystal Bed, DNA Technology Amethyst BioMat, Aura Photography SERVICES ARE OFFERED IN PERSON, BY PHONE OR ZOOM

To learn more or schedule a session please visit: IntuitiveCounselingLLC.com Holistic Spa Intuitive Counseling LLC 39 E Main St, Suite 1, Avon, CT 06001

6. Get yourself out of your normal routine by giving to others. Volunteering at a local food bank, walking someone’s dog or helping an elderly neighbor with shopping, yard work or just a check-in will make a huge difference. 7. Learn to be quiet and listen. 8. Limit your news intake, be informed but not glued to every word.

Our world is suffering right now and there will be light after the darkness. Use your voice to create change around you. Self-regulate and become that person you want to be without the distractions that often accompany our hectic, crazy lives. Develop strength and resilience, live that change, take that stand, expand your world view. I am available if getting your body into balance and harmony and living a freer more physically comfortable life is on your new to-do list. Sharon Sklar is in her 39th year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. State licensed and the only Rolfer in Central CT, Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced and reduce chronic pain. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. www.SharonSklarRolfing.com. See ad on page 22.

860.941.2667

Fertility Oasis "The place to fulfill your dream of becoming a parent, naturally." Preconception Care, Regulate Female Cycle, Improve Female/Male Fertility, Fertility Acupuncture Dr. Nicole R. Kerr, ND, LAc 857 N. Main St Ext Suite 1, Wallingford CT 06492 www.fertilityoasis.com (203) 265-0459

Your paragraph text

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Healing Trauma & PTSD from COVID-19 By Erica L. Wilcox, LPC

rauma and Post-Traumatic Stress are not easy topics to talk about. They are backed by decades of stigmatization and misinformation. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the discussion, education, de-stigmatization of mental health and trauma are needed now, more than ever. This work is important to me because people do fully recover. It is not until we are able to put words and meaning to our experience that we begin the process of trauma recovery. Trauma is the thief of safety and connection. Its sidekicks are doubt, fear, numbness, avoidance, and anger. They bust through the front door of your mental, physical, and spiritual home armed to strip you from the world you once believed was safe, predictable, and manageable. Trauma can be a ruthless thief, entering quickly and violently, taking whatever it desires. Or, it can be a robber that surveils; takes one thing at a time when you are not looking, and it is not until later that you finally notice that your most prized possessions; your relationships, sleep, emotional control, energy, appetite, thoughts, concentration, and joy have all been stolen. Where there is trauma, there is always loss. COVID-19; like 9/11, mass-school shootings like Sandy Hook, and devastating natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, is a communal trauma. While the specific impact may be different for each person, we are experiencing it together. The effects are far-reaching on internal (the way we think, feel, and believe) and external (the way we relate and connect to others and our world) levels. It is embedded with significant grief and loss. One of the first questions I ask my clients related to COVID-19 was, “What have you lost so far and what are you afraid to lose?” Answers that I have received include feelings of safety, certainty, control, financial stability, health,

death of a loved one, freedom, and of course, social connectivity. The unique, but not impossible, challenge with COVID-19 trauma and recovery are that things that are compromised right now are the very things that are required for healing.

If people could just think their way out of trauma and PTSD, they would have acted upon it. Healing from trauma must include brain and body-based therapies and learning how to safely reconnect with the self and others.

Definition of Trauma

COVID-19 has set the stage for an upsurge in symptoms of PTSD for our community and the world at large. I personally dislike the terminology of “disorder” when it comes to Post-Traumatic Stress as it pathologizes very expected and normal responses to abnormal and painful experiences. Instead, I would rename it PostTraumatic Stress Re-Order as the brain and body are forced to reorganize the way that they operate.

Trauma is not synonymous with PTSD but PTSD is always a result of trauma. Many of the clients that I have worked with seek therapy because they are feeling depressed, anxious, or generally overwhelmed and are not aware that their pain is trauma-based. World renowned trauma expert, Dr. Judith Herman, states in her book, Trauma and Recovery, that “traumatic events are extraordinary, not because they occur rarely, but rather because they overwhelm the ordinary human adaptations to life.” A widely accepted definition of trauma is that it is any event(s) that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Definition of PTSD PTSD develops when someone has experienced a traumatic event(s) and through no fault of their own, the brain and body get hijacked. The event(s) have become so overwhelming that the nervous system is unable to process and the memories get stuck. The system is overloaded like the internet during a Black Friday 90% off sale on televisions, and parts of you will start to shoot up (anxiety, fear, irritability) and eventually, shut down (depression, feeling numb, dissociation, inability to concentrate). The experiences remain in “trauma time” so that even when there is no life or death threat right in front of you, your nervous system and brain are telling you that there is. Polyvagal theory, developed by Stephen Porges, PhD., teaches us that PTSD is biologically based, experienced in the body, and is primarily healed through social connectivity and body awareness.

Examples of PTSD symptoms include the following: • Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event • Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks) • Upsetting dreams or nightmares • Emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event • Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world (blame, shame, and guilt) • Hopelessness about the future • Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of disturbing experiences • Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event • Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”) • Difficulty maintaining close relationships (problems with safety, trust, connection and communication) www.NaturalNutmeg.com

• Feeling detached from family and friends

Find more articles and search our web archive at naturalnutmeg.com

• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions • Feeling emotionally or physically numb or “checked-out” • Feeling very on edge, hyper-alert or on-guard

Lunch & Learn Live Video Discussions with Dr. Diane interviewing our Natural Nutmeg expert contributors & Support for COVID-19

Natural Nutmeg has launched a new Lunch & Learn video cast interview series. The video casts highlight each guest’s practice/business, further promoting them as experts in their ﬁeld of expertise. If you would like us to promote your practice/business by participating in our Lunch & Learns, please email Dr. Diane at: diane@naturalnutmeg.com for more information. Here are some testimonials about prior guest experiences on the call and the impact it has had on their practice/business. “Dr. Diane certainly knows how to put someone at ease, creating a safe space to share thoughts and ideas. Her questions and added discussion enabled me to discuss what matters the most to me: education of the leaders we need and the role self-growth plays in all of our lives. In Diane’s enthusiastic and engaged hands, our conversation was truly a time I will treasure! I walked away elated for taking this opportunity to share with such an amazing person. I heartily endorse Diane and Natural Nutmeg for offering all of us opportunities for growth and discussion.” ~ Sandi Coyne-Gilbert, MBA, DM, Goodwin University “Dr. Diane Hayden has taken this time of uncertainty and turned it into an opportunity. Reaching to an audience seeking wellness advice amid fears of communicable disease, Dr. Diane came up with the idea of weekly Lunch and Learn discussions with experts in the field of health and wellness. I closed my business as acupuncture is not deemed essential in the treatment of COVID-19, but I had the great fortune to talk about the unexpected benefits of acupuncture with Dr. Diane. Patients, some established and many new, learned about my practice and I look forward to being busy once again when we open for new patients in the near future. Thank you, Diane!” ~ Jessica Peck-Lindsey MS, MAc, LAc, Peck’s Family Acupuncture “It was a pleasure to connect with Dr Diane Hayden at Natural Nutmeg online in discussing the cutting edge information on Traditional Chinese Medicine and COVID-19. Dr. Diane and Natural Nutmeg have been a great support in getting the holistic word out during this unusual time.” ~ Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc, Artemis Wellness Center “Diane is a skilled interviewer. We were able to cover a lot of excellent information. We used the interview on both our social media and website. It’s a great informational tool to refer patients as well as potential patients to listen.” ~ Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, Breiner Whole-Body Health Center “Sharing EFT Tapping on Dr. Diane’s Lunch ’n Learn series was a highlight of my practice during this time of the Coronavirus! The importance of reducing stress to strengthen our immune system is truly imperative, so Thank You for broadening the alternative medicine message that you do so well.” ~ Karen St. Clair, EFT International ACAP “Diane was amazing to work with. She really understood my messaging and target audiences. Diane’s expertise in both wellness and marketing made me feel comfortable sharing my story through Natural Nutmeg’s webinar, as well as advertising.” ~ Dr Sherry Skyler Kelly, Licensed Psychologist

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

• Increased irritability, anger, and even aggression The bad news pertaining to PTSD and COVID-19: Nobody is immune to developing PTSD or related trauma responses such as depression, anxiety, or panic. What we are experiencing is fundamentally noteworthy and significantly impactful. Here is the good news: If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must know that: 1. You are not alone in this (Please, trust me on this one.) 2. It is not your fault (Remember, this is a biological response) 3. There is help available (Trained Trauma Therapists) If you know that you are suffering, reach out to a mental health professional trained in treating trauma. If you are unsure if you feel “bad enough” to reach out for professional help, I still want you to reach out. Do not wait until it gets really bad to ask for help. Mental health therapists are ready, we are accessible via video therapy and we are here to help. Erica Wilcox is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified EMDR Therapist who dedicates her work to holistically helping individuals and groups heal from stress and trauma. She is the Founder and Director of Wilcox Wellness Center for Personal Growth, a private and professional counseling practice located in Southington, CT. Wilcox Wellness provides confidential and compassionate individual, group, family and couple’s counseling for children, teens and adults in addition to state of the art creative therapies such as Equine assisted therapy, Art Therapy, Biofeedback and Wellness based workshops. Subscribe for practice updates and journal prompts at wilcoxwellness.com. Contact by phone 860.266.6098. help@wilcoxwellness.com. See ad on page 18.

Managing Stress and Anxiety in Children By Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA

ife is full of many experiences, both happy and stressful. They are a part of everyday life for both adults and children. Learning how to manage stress is a key life skill. For many children, it can be challenging coping with stressful situations and can lead to anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in children. Stress and anxiety can have many effects on overall health, and they can lead to a disruption in sleep, immunity, gastrointestinal health and more. With all this in mind, there are many ways in which we can help children learn how to handle stressful situations and provide them the support they need to avoid further problems. Decrease Screen Time One of the most prevalent issues in today’s youth is screen time. We all have heard that it is wise to decrease the amount of time our children spend with screens, but why? According to one study, when children and adolescents were exposed to more than one hour per day of screen time, including cell phones, computers and television, it impacted their psychological well-being where they developed lower self-control, more distractibility, became less emotionally stable and difficult to care for, and had a difficult time making friends. Over time, adolescents are more likely to develop depression or anxiety and the need to seek psychological help.

The chemistry within the brain becomes altered where the number of dopamine receptors within the brain decrease over time, leading to addiction. Findings in brain scans have shown atrophy in the gray matter, particularly within the frontal lobe where executive functioning, impulse control, organization and planning are governed. Furthermore, damage occurred in the portion of the brain which is involved in developing empathy and compassion towards others. White matter also becomes compromised affecting connections and communications within the brain. In children whose neurological health is already compromised, such as in ADHD, autism and genetic predisposition to anxiety and depression, screen time must be taken into great consideration when it comes to the health of our children. So, get your children outside spending more time with friends and family. This is far more valuable to their growth and development. Sleep and Exercise Sleep is vital to our mental and physical health. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children ages 6-12 should sleep 9-12 hours per night and teenagers should sleep 8-10 hours per night. Inadequate sleep disrupts the entire hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis causing shifts in the production of serotonin, melatonin, cortisol, GABA and other hormones and neurotransmitters. When excitatory neurotransmitters are on

overdrive they can compromise performance and cognitive function, and the ability to handle stressful situations in a healthy, rational manner. Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress. It is truly the natural way of getting our bodies natural, feel good endorphins released, alleviating those negative emotions associated with stress and anxiety. It has the added benefit of helping us cope with stressful situations with more patience. Adequate Nutrition As Hippocrates said, 'Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.’ I am not a big pill pusher, in my opinion it is much better to receive your nutrients through whole, nutrient- rich foods. There are many nutrient deficiencies associated with anxiety. Magnesium, a mineral found in foods, such as spinach, sunflower seeds, avocados and almonds, plays a role in multiple biochemical pathways within the body. It has a calming effect on the brain by activating GABA receptors. It has been shown to improve sleep, melatonin and cortisol, and decreases hyper-excitability of the central nervous system. Magnesium deficiency can also affect the balance of the gut microbiome, further causing issues with mood; especially since 90% of the body’s serotonin, one of the key neurotransmitters in mental health, is created in the gut. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Centers For Dental Medicine Saving Lives One Smile at a Time :

Why Dr Steven Hinchey? Both he and his staff

Listen to YOU - Non judgmental assessments - Respect for you and your time Are concerned about YOU - Mercury free dental treatment - Mercury safe dental conditions - Mercury removal and detoxification - Biocompatible dental materials - Minimally invasive procedures - Implant tooth replacement - Same day non-metal crowns We want to help YOU get healthy - Financial Flexibility Steven F Hinchey, DMD

860-633-6518 www.dochincheydmd.com

Vitamin D, another common vitamin deficiency, is not only a key player in our immune health, but also our mental-emotional health. Vitamin D receptors located in regions of the brain and the limbic system help regulate mood and behavior. Vitamin D is also involved in the production of dopamine and serotonin. Vitamin D can not only be acquired from the sun, but also from fish like salmon and mackerel. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are required for the production of neurotransmitters. Some of these amino acids include taurine and L-theanine. Consuming adequate amounts of protein daily will help avoid these deficiencies. Methyl folate and methylcobalamin, two essential B vitamins, have been associated with both anxiety and depression as well as other illnesses. These vitamins play a role in the methylation pathway, which supports our DNA, protein methylation, neurotransmitter production and more. Issues with this pathway, known as MTHFR, are common and is known to be linked to mood disorders and chronic health conditions. Zinc is another vitamin that is used within the methylation pathway, thus supporting the production of neurotransmitters and mental health. Herbs There are many wonderful herbs that can be used safely and effectively for children and adolescents. They can easily be taken in glycerine form or consumed in the form of teas, which I personally love. Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, has been used in India for over 5000 years. It is known as an adaptogen where it helps modulate cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine, and mimics GABA, thus helping the body to respond to emotional stress. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial with Oxazepam, it was shown the Passionflower extract is equally effective for generalized anxiety disorder. It helps by working on GABA levels, thereby decreasing anxiety and improving sleep.

Award winning services for skin, hair & body. SALON | SPA | MEDSPA litchfield-spa.com • 860-567-8575 32

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Lemon balm is another nice calming herb that that can be used to help alleviate feelings associated with stress and anxiety. The added benefit of this herb is that it is a good source of antioxidants.

Being Present Supplements and herbs aside, let’s not forget the power of speaking to our children. This is the time for them to learn how to cope with stress and anxiety and carry what they learn through adulthood. It is important for them to recognize what triggers their anxiety and stress. There are therapies that help provide skills needed to manage emotions in a healthy manner, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). According to Kristin Dineen, LCSW at Insight Counseling of Ridgefield, who specializes in DBT, this therapy is extremely beneficial in teaching techniques that focus on mindfulness, acceptance, distractions, self-soothing, and recognizing thinking mistakes, ultimately being very effective for reducing anxiety. Other beneficial mind-body techniques include yoga, meditation, journaling and, one of my other favorites, the Tapping Method. When helping children manage anxiety and stress, we want to be sure to address their emotions and needs. Teaching children how to confront their emotions will set them up for a healthy, balanced life. Dr. Veena Verma-Dzik, ND, FIAMA is a board-certified Naturopathic Physician and certified medical acupuncturist who is highly experienced in treating acute and chronic health conditions. Dr. Verma received her doctorate from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and received further training and certification in Acupuncture and Lyme Disease. Her other specialties include women’s health, ADD/ADHD, GI conditions, mood imbalances, allergies, and fatigue. Each patient she sees receives personalized, individual care involving researchbased treatments and therapies from her own clinical experience and success. The therapies she prescribes include herbal medicine, nutritional therapeutics, homeopathic medicine, low dose immunotherapy, and acupuncture. She works collaboratively with practitioners and therapists in her office at Insight Counseling in Ridgefield, CT. 203.431.9726 www.insightcounsleingllc.com. See ad on page 34.

We Must Have This

Controversial Conversation By Jo Vaccarino, CCT, LMT, MLD-C

t will be uncomfortable, but it’s essential that we have an honest, informed conversation about the proper role of government in a perceived public health crisis. First, shouldn’t we have some criteria that establishes the need for extreme interventions? And second, who can we trust to provide the evidence based information we need to make sensible decisions? When the 2020 statistics are in, it’s quite likely we’ll learn that the knee-jerk reactions from bureaucrats and politicians will have produced a far greater toll on human life than the pandemic itself. For over two months, cancer screenings, pain therapies and other “non-essential” medical services were put on hold. People who were afraid to go to the ER waited too long to address heart attack and stroke symptoms, suicide hotline calls exceeded the previous twelve months and people are still waiting in food lines because they can’t feed their families. We cannot deny that the economy is intricately related to public health. During hard financial times the potential for health neglect, malnutrition, suicide, physical abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse and overdose is significantly increased. Many small businesses won’t survive this year, many jobs will never come back, fear and isolation are causing severe mental anguish, graduates will be starting their new lives in a recession, parents are wondering what kind of schools their children will return to – and all of this is for a virus that will never compare to the number of deaths from heart disease, cancer or even as the 2018 John Hopkins study suggests, medical errors.

“If the natural tendencies of mankind are so bad that it is not safe to permit people to be free, how is it that the tendencies of these organizers are always good? Do not the legislators and their appointed agents also belong to the human race? Or do they believe that they themselves are made of a finer clay than the rest of mankind?” - Frederic Bastiat, The Law Without engaging in a war of statistics or arguing that hindsight is 20/20, let’s examine the evidence we have thus far and begin talking about sensible ways to go forward. We have over six months of data from around the world, and CDC statistics from the past three months in the US pinpoint exactly which populations are vulnerable and which are not. The natural laws of virology have not changed, only the politics have. Since a virus must run out of hosts before it “burns out”, why prolong the potential for natural herd immunity for an infection that is benign for an estimated 97-99% of the population? Whether from natural antibody building or vaccination, the principle is the same – the vulnerable are best protected when herd immunity is high. So, how can we protect the vulnerable in the interim and let the rest of the world return to normal; and what if there is still potential for a major outbreak? For starters, let’s be honest about the arbitrary shuttering of medical and commerce activities. Very few of us were able to completely isolate ourselves for the entire two and half months of “lockdown” in FL. It is likely that our heightened aware-

ness and changes in personal hygiene habits helped us reduce our viral loads or avoid contagion more than any mandated “social distancing measures” did. Even masks are a topic we must logically explore from all angles. For the first four weeks of lockdown we were still being told not to wear masks and yet, mask-less essential workers survived those weeks without a major outbreak among them. So, just from a common-sense observation, how much benefit might masks offer? Is it possible that masks might even be dangerous for many people? Epidemiologists, doctors and respiratory therapists have expressed their concerns. Some tweaks to public policies are still in order, but most “social distancing” measures for the general population still have no concrete data and probably never will. It’s just not one of those things that can be accurately measured or compared because of the arbitrary applications and the variances in human behavior. If future outbreaks are a concern, we should identify and designate COVID centers so that the bulk of our hospitals and medical facilities could continue uninterrupted. We could implement better sanitation practices such as Air/Surface Scrubbers in nursing homes, medical centers and even businesses. Proven effective technology exists and is quite affordable, even to a small business. We could eliminate the need to shutter medical and commerce activities by continuing to protect and isolate the vulnerable with sensible but not draconian measures. For instance, stores could continue to have dedicated hours for senior shoppers, and restaurants could have dedicated sections that are set up for www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Physicians Who Work With Your Body’s Ability to Heal • Low Dose Immunotherapy • Herbal Medicine

• Nutritional Therapies • Homeopathic Medicine • Acupuncture • MTHFR

DR. VICKI SARA BLUMBERG, MD BOARD CERTIFIED IN INTERNAL MEDICINE

DR. VEENA VERMA-DZIK, ND, FIAMA BOARD CERTIFIED NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

• Medically Assisted Treatment for People in Recovery from Opioid Addiction • Certify Patients for Connecticut’s Medical Marijuana Program in Accordance with The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

Provides Support for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Lyme Disease and Chronic Illness

Insight Counseling 105 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877 203.431.9726 • insightcounselingllc.com

those who need to social distance. Schools and colleges could return to normal as statistics demonstrate, and epidemiologists agree, that children and young people are not significantly impacted by this virus. Online classes or special social distancing classrooms could be setup for those students who may be vulnerable or who live with someone at risk. Throughout this crisis, there is no denying that politicians acted to protect their own reputations with a total disregard for the unintended consequences of their actions. Bureaucracies stood in the way of supplies, testing and accurate information. Politicians acted on media hype and projections that turned out to be overestimated by astronomical proportions and then refused to relax their heavy-handed mandates because the media continued to drive the fear deeper into the minds of the populace - every hour of every day. How could politicians contradict the media, or worse – admit they were wrong? If we don’t have these conversations about the facts now that we have statistics available and discuss our future, will mainstream media, bureaucrats and politicians be brazen enough to do this to us again? Or worse – could they mandate some type of medical procedure under the guise of critical protection? Let’s put political divergence aside and talk objectively about the impact from this crisis and the proper roles of individuals, business and government. We the People CAN be trusted with many more decisions than politicians give us credit for.

tsachsmd.com 34

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Jo Vaccarino has been a health freedom activist since 2009 when the federal government became heavily focused on changing healthcare in America. As a former Life and Health Insurance agent and a student of medicine she became concerned that more bureaucratic involvement consistently results in less health freedom. Jo is a wellness specialist (CCT, LMT, MLD-C), an anatomy geek and a libertarian activist who won’t give up the battle to keep the FDA from banning homeopathy, compounded pharma, and natural solutions, as well as fighting for honest food and medicine. Jo recommends supporting the Alliance for Natural Health (anh-usa.org) and connecting with local activists such as Rise Up Now SWFL. Use the hashtags #HealthFreedom and #MaketheFDAadvisoryNOTdictatorial on social media to alert others of bureaucratic intrusions on health freedom.

Lifestyle Medicine for Diabetes and Hypertension By Mary Tracey, ND

OVID-19 and current events have all culminated into a proverbial stress-test for the American nation. This stress has increased not only on the mental-emotional level of the collective, but has also revealed weaknesses in many social structures, including American healthcare and the nation’s chronic disease burden. This is evident as statistics are starting to reveal that those who are more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19 include older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity and lung disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 20172018 the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults was 42.4%; 40% among younger adults aged 20-39, 44.8% among middle aged adults aged 40-59, and 42.8% among older adults aged 60 and over. Obesity increases risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Nearly half of adults in the United States (108 million, or 45%), have hypertension. Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%), have their condition under control. Additionally about 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart disease, worldwide, are attributable to hypertension. About 32 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes, and 88 million American adults have pre-diabetes. Type 2 diabetes increases risk of developing high cholesterol, heart disease, kidney disease and obesity. The chronic conditions mentioned above are interrelated, arise from similar root causes and can put one at further risk for developing another chronic condition. For many Americans, reducing risk for severe health complications of both the acute and chronic nature starts with awareness, prevention and early chronic disease intervention. Many integrative physicians are knowledgeable and willing to help. It must be called to attention that a disproportionate burden of illness and death has occurred amongst racial and ethnic minority groups in America due to COVID-19, particularly amongst black Americans. Historical and modern issues relating to systemic racism, such as chronic underlying health conditions, health care disparities, and lack of health insurance, all increase the vulnerability of minorities to this pandemic.

Know the Signs and Symptoms Medical evaluation is key in order to be aware of health risks. If possible, schedule yearly visits with a PCP in order to get necessary check-ups. Many chronic diseases are “silent” for many years before they cause overt issues. Some symptoms are more obvious than others. Type 2 diabetes: Frequent infections, fatigue, frequent urination, increased hunger, increased thirst, blurred vision. Hypertension: Headache, chest pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat. Know Your Numbers How does one know he or she may be at risk for developing chronic disease if many of the symptoms may be silent? The answer lies in being familiar with blood work numbers and what risk they may pose. If possible get blood work run at least once per year upon visits with a PCP, request an explanation behind the meaning of the blood work. Keep a binder in order to stay abreast of personal health trends. Numbers to know: Blood pressure, heart rate, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, fractionated cholesterol, Vitamin D3, TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, hormone levels. Stress Reduction Chronic stress has been shown to be associated with prevalence of coronary heart disease, stroke and major CVD risk factors including diabetes, hypertension and smoking. Many integrative physicians will recommend stress reducing techniques and tools to mitigate the havoc stress wreaks on the body. These interventions may include deep breathing, counseling, exercises, herbs, nutritional therapy, homeopathy, acupressure or acupuncture. Try this: 4-7-8 Breathing by Dr. Andrew Weil. Food as Medicine In this world with so many options, it can be difficult to pursue a new health journey. The best way to start any journey is to keep it simple. • Shop the perimeter: Upon entering many major grocery stores it is evident that much of the processed foods are www.NaturalNutmeg.com

positioned in the center of the store, while the nutritionally dense produce and protein options exist in the perimeters.

Realize Your Financial Dreams Make your dreams a reality through financial planning.

Dream it. Plan it. Do it.

Call me for more information (475) 232 – 2713 Advisory Services are offered through Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC., a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, MBA, AWMA® Procyon Partners Vice President | Private Wealth Advisor

• Looking to reduce exposure to pesticides? Start with the “Clean 15, Dirty Dozen” from the Environmental Working Group. • Increase low glycemic foods, decrease high glycemic foods. The glycemic index is a measurement of how much a food increases blood sugar. The higher the glycemic index of a food, the more harmful it is to the cardiovascular system. Increase Exercise

PHYSICIANS COMMITTED TO WELLNESS, EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY & YOU.

Collaborative Natural Health Partners MANCHESTER - WEST HARTFORD - STONINGTON CTNATURALHEALTH.COM (860)533-0179

Physical activity has the ability to lower blood pressure, increase blood glucose control, promote weight loss, and lower stress levels. The addition of both aerobic and resistance exercise into a daily regimen can drastically improve health outcomes (consult with a physician to learn what is individually safe). Tip: Studies show at least 150 min/ week of physical activity is optimal. Start with walking! Start slow and remember health is a journey! Dr. Tracey sees patients in both West Hartford and Manchester at Collaborative Natural Health Partners. She is an in-network provider for most insurance companies and is accepting new patients. For more information or questions, please call 860.533.0179 or visit www.ctnaturalhealth.com. See ad on this page.

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

4 Easy Ways to Build Your Immune System By Jacob Appleton

mmune health has been all the rage lately, and rightfully so. With the Coronavirus circulating, it is more important than ever to keep ourselves healthy and if we do happen to get infected; having a healthy, robust immune system will help us avoid ending up in the hospital. There are many interventions that can help immune function, some are well known like taking Vitamin C, but I am going to focus on some that are completely free. That’s right, you don’t even need Amazon to have access to these remedies. 1. Mindfulness Meditation. Studies show that after an eightweek meditation trial period participants had lower Nf-Kappa Beta. For those of you who haven’t been following the biochemistry of disease, having high levels of this stuff is bad and low levels of it is good. The fact that these participants showed reductions means that their immune systems were working more effectively. For starting a meditation practice, I would recommend using an app. Calm, Headspace and 10% Happier are all great options (See, still no Amazon necessary). For those who don’t want to use an app, you can start by finding a comfortable seat, somewhere you can rest your back but can hold your head up. Holding the head up is important because you want to stay awake during meditation. Once you are comfortable, start to focus on your breath, and let it flow as naturally as possible. The first few times you do it, it will not feel natural but that is OK. As you are focusing on the breath, notice if your thoughts start to wander. Your thoughts are going to wander, and if they don’t during your first meditation try, you should quit your job and become a monk. The key to mindfulness is noticing that you have started thinking (about food, sex, work, your favorite TV show), and just bring your attention back to your breath. That is the essence of mindfulness. You are supposed to think, it is like doing bicep curls for your brain. Each time you bring your thoughts back to your breath, that is a rep. 2. Sleep. It has been established that sleep is another important factor in keeping a healthy immune system. But did you know how important light is in getting good quality sleep? The answer: very important. Light regulates our circadian rhythm, which basi-

cally tells us when we should wake up and when we should go to sleep. Our immune system functions in this way as well. If we don’t sleep, the natural rhythms of our immune system don’t happen. This results in an overactive immune system, which is just as bad as an underactive immune system. I’m sure you’ve heard about the cytokine storms, which are caused by an overactive immune system. Light modulates all of this. Getting good quality light in the morning (sunlight not artificial light), and avoiding bad light a few hours before bed will help you sleep better and help your immune system stay in alignment. “Bad” light is the highly concentrated blue light that comes from our phones, TV screens, and even LED lights. This kind of light tells our bodies that it’s time to be awake, which throws our circadian rhythm off. To combat this, the most important thing is to get sunlight first thing in the morning. Actually, you don’t even need sunlight, just light from outside. First thing in the morning, open up your window and let some of that natural light in. Even better, you can actually go outside (I know, crazy right). The simplest way to eliminate blue light at night is to turn off all of your screens a few hours before bedtime. For people who need to work or like to watch TV at night, there are a few options as well. An app called f.lux modulates your computer's light, making it darker and warmer, so you are being exposed to less blue light. If you want to go the extra mile, there is a company called Truedark, which makes red tinted glasses, blocking out all of the blue light and other junk light, and allows you to use the screens later without the strain. 3. Eat Your Veggies. You should avoid gluten, dairy, soy and processed food like the plague. These are all inflammatory foods and unless you are eating organic, the pesticides they come with add even more inflammation to the mix. These foods cause reactions in the body similar to that of a foreign invader. And who has to deal with that reaction? You guessed it, your immune system. The more taxed your immune system is from dealing with what you eat, the less resources you have to fight off the real invaders. I want to focus on gluten especially. Gluten releases a protein called zonulin, which regulates the cells lining the gut. When www.NaturalNutmeg.com

1414

Tues., Wed., Fri. 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, and Sat. 10-5

For Holistic Studies

Master of Arts Degrees and Certificate Programs 1 weekend per month – 2 years

Enrolling Now! We Have What You’re Seeking...

Vote for Us!

there is excess zonulin these cells become dysregulated. This is called a leaky gut. A leaky gut allows proteins from your food into the bloodstream, which the immune system treats as a foreign invader. This can cause the body to attack itself, because 70% of the immune system is based in your gut. An extreme oversimplification, but that is the basis for autoimmune diseases. Having an autoimmune disease is a major contributor to complications of any viral exposure. When you eat, you are not only feeding yourself, but you are building your immune system. If you build your immune system with high quality veggies, fats and proteins, you build a strong immune system. If you build it with processed foods and oils, gluten, dairy, and soy, it will likely become dysregulated. 4. Light to Moderate Exercise. There is a term called hormesis, which is a stressor that helps us build and grow. That is the main point of exercise. It is a small controlled stressor that makes us stronger. Other types of exercise actually boost the immune system. Taking a walk in the forest has been shown to increase natural killer cells (an important part of your immune system especially when it comes to killing viruses). Another important component of exercise is the ability to stimulate nitric oxide production, which plays a huge role in cardiovascular health. Studies show that exercise increases systemic nitric oxide in the body. In building the immune system, light to moderate exercise is the way to go. While the theory that prolonged intense exercise leads to infection has been proven faulty, the immune system does take longer to recover and strengthen. If you have trouble sleeping, stick to light exercise. The lymph system is our body's “waste tract” where all the things we don’t need get moved through and out of the body. Walking is the most effective way to increase lymph flow and stimulate that system. Exercise helps increase circulation throughout the body (nitric oxide plays a role here). Our white blood cells (a part of the immune system that helps to fight infection) get circulated throughout the body and are able to neutralize infections more effectively. Other types of gentle exercise to consider are Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and stretching. With these four strategies, you can improve your immune health for no cost at all. Implementing one will help with the others. When you exercise, eat healthy, and meditate, you are likely to sleep better. If you focus on sleep, you may have more energy to exercise. All of the body systems are connected; improve one and you improve the others. Stay safe, healthy, and strong!

Our Curriculum is designed for you to… Learn how to Thrive not just Survive in Today’s World. PROGRAMS:

Integrative Health & Healing Learning & Thinking Organizational Leadership Writing & Oral Traditions Consciousness Studies & Transpersonal Psychology Classes are virtual due to Covid-19 during this time.

THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE www.learn.edu • 203.874.4252 Main Campus Bethany - locations throughout CT

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

Jacob Appleton was a member of the varsity tennis team at Kingswood Oxford starting in 6th grade and captain of the team his sophomore, junior and senior years. He became ill the beginning of the fall season of his sophomore year at UConn. He will tell you that although his illness turned his world upside down, it was a blessing because it allowed him to learn the power of food as medicine, the importance of self-care and how supporting his genetics enabled him to jump start his healing. Jacob is currently pursuing a certification in genetics. www.naturalhealthandhealing. net. See ad on back cover.

HAPPENINGS

July/August 2020

UPCOMING

November 14-20, 2020 Tuesday, July 7th

Thursday, July 16th

Live Virtual Q&A with Dr. Tamara Sachs. 8– 8:30 p.m. These Q&As are free of charge and are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 8pm EST. Join Dr. Sachs on Zoom live and get all of your medical and health-related questions answered. Log on to Zoom (https://zoom.us) and enter the Meeting ID #368-813-7211 and the password "eatveggies.

Five Financial Tips for Women in their 50s. Free. Are you a woman in your 50s, ready to positively influence your financial future? Join Certified Financial PlannerTM Caroline Wetzel for a ZOOM where she’ll share five key questions that women in their 50s can use to gauge how ready they are to enjoy a satisfying lifestyle with financial confidence over time. Caroline’s offering the same program three times in one day. Virtual Morning Coffee with Caroline. 10-11am, RSVP & infohttps://tinyurl.com/AMcwcJuly. Virtual Lunch & Learn with Caroline. 12–1pm, RSVP & info https://tinyurl.com/LLcwcJuly. Virtual Happy Hour with Caroline. 5:30–6:30pm, RSVP & info https:// tinyurl.com/HHcwcJuly

Wednesday, July 8th Psychic/Spiritual Development with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30-8pm. The Psychic/Spiritual Development Monthly Study Group will meet virtually via Zoom until further notice. New members welcome! There is a strong connection between spiritual growth and psychic development. Every session starts with a positive, light-filling exercise and includes topics such as palmistry, oracle cards, pendulums, remote viewing, and spirit guides. Reclaim your natural gifts, assist others, and live your life more joyfully! Suggested donation is $10. Preregister at www.thesacredjourney.biz.

Saturday, July 11th WHY at the Hill-Stead Museum. Also, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22. 8-9am. $10 drop in, online pre-registration required. West Hartford Yoga has partnered with the Hill-Stead Museum for outdoor yoga classes! Join Amy on Saturday mornings for a fun, all-levels practice. Bring your yoga mat, towel, and water. Classes are weather permitting, with appropriate personal protection and social distancing. Directions, maps, and additional information at westhartfordyoga.com. info@westhartfordyoga.com Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road, Farmington.

Sunday, July 12th WHY at the Hill-Stead Museum. Also 7/26, 8/9, 8/23. 8-9am. $10 drop in, online pre-registration required. West Hartford Yoga has partnered with the Hill-Stead Museum for outdoor yoga classes! Join Katie on Sunday mornings for a fun, all-levels practice. Bring your yoga mat, towel, and water. Classes are weather permitting, with appropriate personal protection and social distancing. Directions, maps, and additional information at westhartfordyoga. com. info@westhartfordyoga.com. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road, Farmington.

Wednesday, July 15th Repairing the Body Naturally. Free Zoom meeting. Also 7/29, 8/12, 8/26. 9pm. Learn how our bodies repair with our own stem cell system and how we can naturally support that process. Support other modes of natural healing by increasing the number of stem cells circulating in the body and directing them to needed areas. We all have a stem cell system that releases stem cells for repair and immune support. The number of stem cells released decreases with age, but we can boost the release naturally so that our body can repair. Stem cells help us stay healthy by replacing old cells and defending the body from viruses and other intruders. Jenny Young. 707.548.8072 jennyyoung108@gmail.com https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwodO2prD0uHN2qJb3OrRU_RGZ4O9Nth8oT Shamanism with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30-8pm. The Shamanism Monthly Study Group will meet virtually via Zoom until further notice. New members are welcome; no experience needed! In this group, you will develop an understanding of cross-cultural shamanism and become adept at journeying into non-ordinary reality and work with animal allies and spirit helpers, ancestors, and elemental energies. All dedicated and compassionate people who wish to initiate positive change in the world are invited. We will meet on the third Wednesday of every month. Suggested donation is $10. Preregister at www.thesacredjourney.biz.

Saturday, July 25th Increased Confidence Naturally. 4-5pm. Free. Also 8/22. Lori Carpenos will be joined by Del Adey-Jones, transformative coach and radio host of Insightful Conversations, for an hour long conversation on the mechanism behind true confidence, beyond ego and entitlement; always available once you understand how to access it. LORI CARPENOS 860.561.1919, lori@3principlestherapy.com

Wednesday, August 12th Psychic/Spiritual Development with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30-8 PM. The Psychic/Spiritual Development Monthly Study Group will meet virtually via Zoom until further notice. New members welcome! There is a strong connection between spiritual growth and psychic development. Every session starts with a positive, light-filling exercise and includes topics such as palmistry, oracle cards, pendulums, remote viewing, and spirit guides. Reclaim your natural gifts, assist others, and live your life more joyfully! Suggested donation is $10. Preregister at .thesacredjourney.biz.

Wednesday, August 19th Shamanism with Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200. 6:30-8pm. The Shamanism Monthly Study Group will meet virtually via Zoom until further notice. New members are welcome; no experience needed! In this group, you will develop an understanding of cross-cultural shamanism and become adept at journeying into non-ordinary reality and work with animal allies and spirit helpers, ancestors, and elemental energies. All dedicated and compassionate people who wish to initiate positive change in the world are invited. We will meet on the third Wednesday of every month. Suggested donation is $10. Preregister at www.thesacredjourney.biz.

Thursday, August 20th Financial Planning For (Newly) Single Women. Free. Are you a (newly) single woman, ready to take control of your finances and live the life you want? Join Certified Financial PlannerTM Caroline Wetzel for a ZOOM where she’ll talk about your unique opportunities, how independent women have used financial planning to guide their new lifestyles, and what (newly) single women should prioritize to experience financial confidence over time. Caroline’s offering the same program three times in one day. Virtual Morning Coffee with Caroline. 10–11am, RSVP & info https://tinyurl.com/AMcwcAug. Virtual Lunch & Learn with Caroline. 12–1pm, RSVP & info https://tinyurl.com/LLcwcAug. Virtual Happy Hour with Caroline. 5:30–6:30pm, RSVP & info https:// tinyurl.com/HHcwcAug

A Caribbean Retreat with Lori Carpenos. Begins with your relationship to yourself. We don't want you to worry about anything: All-inclusive resort: Lodging, Food, Drinks, Entertainment, 6 Beaches, 11 Restaurants, transportation from the airport to the resort and all Mental Well-Being programs: $1099 if you sign up before October 1st. lori@3principlestherapy.com. 860.561.1919

ONGOING

West Hartford Yoga Zoom Classes. 7 days/week, varying times; visit westhartfordyoga.com. Varied price structure; visit westhartfordyoga.com. West Hartford Yoga is now streaming 25+ interactive yoga classes each week via Zoom. To participate in these classes, you will need to be able to log in and register via our MindBodyOnline using your email address. Additional information at westhartfordyoga.com. info@westhartfordyoga.com

Tuesdays WHY at the Hill-Stead Museum. 6-7pm. $10 drop in, online pre-registration required. West Hartford Yoga has partnered with the Hill-Stead Museum for outdoor yoga classes! Join Nykki on Tuesday evenings for a fun, all-levels practice. Bring your yoga mat, towel, and water. Classes are weather permitting, with appropriate personal protection and social distancing. Directions, maps, and additional information at westhartfordyoga.com. info@westhartfordyoga.com. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Road, Farmington

Wednesdays WHY in the Parks: Eisenhower Park. 5:30-6:30pm. FREE, but donations welcome. West Hartford Yoga, in cooperation with West Hartford Parks & Pools, is bringing FREE socially-distanced yoga to the parks! Join Katie Wednesday evenings for a fun, all-levels class (weather dependent). Bring your yoga mat, towel, and water. Directions, maps, and additional information at whyintheparks.com. Online preregistration required – capacity is limited. info@ westhartfordyoga.com. Eisenhower Park, 33 Sheep Hill Drive, West Hartford.

Fridays Qigong for Health and Relaxation. 10-11am. $10/session. Qigong to destress and open your energy channels. This ancient Chinese form of exercise will help to calm your mind and nervous system, stimulate your acupuncture meridians and boost your immune system with slow moving exercises, breathing techniques and meditation. Zoom class. Must preregister $10 donation or free to try! Email Donna Bunte at health@donnabunte.com

Saturdays Chen Taiji classes Elizabeth Park. Saturdays and some week days. Times TBA. Classes taught by Stan Baker who has over 30 years experience. Call for more info 860.836.1068. stanbaker27@cox.net.

Sundays WHY in the Parks: Beachland Park. 9-10am. FREE, but donations welcome. West Hartford Yoga, in cooperation with West Hartford Parks & Pools, is bringing FREE socially-distanced yoga to the parks! Join Miranda Sunday mornings for a fun, all-levels class (weather dependent). Bring your yoga mat, towel, and water. Directions, maps, and additional information at whyintheparks.com. Online pre-registration required – capacity is limited. info@westhartfordyoga.com. Beachland Park, 847 Quaker Lane South, West Hartford.

CLASSIFIED

Office space available in professional suite in West Hartford. Perfect for an Alternative practitioner. A lovely space with reasonable rent. Call 860.965.6214 for details.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com 39 39

Community Resources ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 91 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107 860.836.1068 acupuncturestanbaker.com See ad on page 25. Collaborative Natural Health Partners Nick Edgerton, ND, LAc & Diana Zitserman, ND, LAc 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 36.

HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 3.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Dana Mascalo CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® Managing Partner, TrinityPoint Wealth 612 Wheelers Farms Rd.Milford, CT 06461 Office: 203.693.8521 | Fax: 203.693.8524 dana@trinitypointwealth.com See ad on page 3. Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, AWMA® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC 1 Corporate Drive Suite 225 Shelton, CT 06484 475.232.2713 • cwetzel@procyonpartners.net www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-wetzel/ www.procyonpartners.net See ad on page 36.

HOLISTIC COUNSELING James Osborne, MS, LPC, BCPC ProNatural Physicians Group, LLC Berlin, CT • 860.829.0707 pronaturalphysicians.com James Osborne is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, Board Certified PTSD Clinician and a Fellow in the American Psychotherapy Association with over 40 years of clinical experience. I am honored and grateful to receive this recognition for a second year. I thank all who have shared their lives and stories with me See ad on page 9.

HOLISTIC DENTIST Dr. Mark A. Breiner, DDS, FAGD, FIAOMT Fairfield, CT • 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com A recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry, Dr. Breiner treats patients for a myriad of dental concerns including Sleep Breathing Disorders, TMD, Mercury Toxicity, hidden Infections from Cavitations and Root Canals. “If you have unexplained symptoms that won’t go away, the answer could be in your mouth.” See ad on page 14.

40 40

Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg--July/August July/August2020 2020

Dr. Steven F Hinchey, DMD South Glastonbury 860.633.6518 • drhinch@agd.org dochincheydmd.com Thank you to our wonderful patients who trusted our team to care for their improved oral health. Please let your family and friends know that a healthy disease-free mouth will help your overall health – it is all connected – the mouth and the body. And we can help you get there. See ad on page 32.

HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 567 Vauxhall St. Ext, #218, Waterford, CT 06385 Ph: 860.443.5822 Fax: 860.444.0581 davidlondonmd.com See ad on page 8 Allison B. Spitzer, MA Trumbull, CT • 203.218.2200 spitzerhealth.com Therapeutic Coaching and Counseling for children, adults, families, and individuals. Traditional, alternative and creative healing modalities in a cozy, judgement free zone. Practical solutions for stress, anxiety, parenting, depression, and emotional challenges. Change worry into action. Short-term, solution-focused, holistic and hopeful. Comfortable for first timers and those in therapy before.

HOMEOPATHY Abby Beale, CCH RSHom(NA) Homeopathy Healings HomeopathyHealings@gmail.com HomeopathyHealings.com • 413.426.1024 Want to get to the root cause of your chronic symptoms? Homeopathy can relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, women’s issues, headaches, digestive troubles, child behavior problems, and so much more. Contact Abby to see if homeopathic care is appropriate for you. Appts over Zoom and Skype possible.

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. 203.595.0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 27. Joann Dunsing Hypnosis 204 Cherry Street, Milford CT 06460 203.907.7710 • joanndunsing.com I am passionate about enabling you to get the changes you want! This is accomplished by empowering you through the skillful use of NLP Neuro-linguistic programming, EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques also known as Meridian Tapping and the relaxed focused state of Hypnosis. Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860.704.9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATED MEDICINE Collaborative Natural Health Partners Kate Zachau, DO, Julia Vitali, DO, Brad Brooks, DO, Amy Smith-Bassett, nurse practioner 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 36. ProNatural Physicians Group 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 860.829.0707 • www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. 203.740.9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860.354.3304 • tsachsmd.com Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illness by uncovering and correcting the underlying root causes of your health concerns, while remaining respectful of the uniqueness and complexity that make us human. She comprehensively and thoughtfully creates personalized plans explaining why and how each area of your healing will be addressed. See ad on page 34.

LIFE/BUSINESS/HEALTH/ ORGANIZATIONAL COACH Dr. Sonia Manganello, DM, DD, CNC Glastonbury, CT • 860.966.8747 soniamanganello.com Sonia is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Life, and Spiritual Coach, as well as a 4th generation clairvoyant/ medium/healer. She is the author of the Amazon Best Seller, The Perseverance Diet: 12 Steps to Mind Body Nutrition, teacher, successful entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. See ad on page 25.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Dr. Adam Breiner, ND Fairfield, CT • 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Focusing on brain health and Lyme Disease, Dr. Adam Breiner offers cutting-edge therapies that include Hyperbaric Oxygen, Neurocognitive Therapies including sophisticated brain-imaging equipment to evaluate brain injuries and brainwave patterns associated with Metabolic Imbalances, Infections, and Allergies. Conditions treated include Concussions, TBI’s, Stroke, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and more. See ad on page 16. Collaborative Natural Health Partners Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak, Dr Craig Fasullo, Dr. Carolina Padilla, ND, Dr. Carissa Fioritto, ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 860.533.0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com Other locations: 107 Wilcox Road, Ste 103, Stonington, CT 06378 74 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119 See ad on page 36.

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 860.529.1200 • www.NAHcenter.com The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT • 203.847.2788 See ad on page 14. West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT 860.232.9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 22. ProNatural Physicians Group Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Cora Stover, & Dr. Martin Opoku 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 P: 860.829.0707 • F: 860.829.0606 ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com

ROLFING®

NUTRITION

SKINCARE/ NATURAL BEAUTY

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203.834.9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ad on page 11.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 41 N. Main St, Ste 207, West Hartford, CT 860.677.4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover. Optimal Health Medical, LLC Henry C. Sobo, M.D. 111 High Ridge Rd. ,Stamford, CT 06905 203.348.8805 • www.drsobo.com See ad on page 18.

Rolfing®- The Art and Science of Body Change Sharon Sklar, BFA, MsT, Cert. Adv. Rolfer West Hartford • 860.561.4337 sharonsklarrolfing.com Rolfing®-The Art and Science of Body Change. A dynamic 10 session bodywork series that eases pain, improves movement and restructures your body when you feel "out of whack". A hands-on and educational approach which establishes order and balance after life's injuries, stress and accidents. Since 1981. See ad on page 22.

SCHOOLS The Graduate Institute 171 Amity Rd, Bethany, CT 06524 203.874.4252 • info@learn.edu See ad on page 38.

SPAS/WELLNESS CENTERS Imagine Float 290 West Main St., Avon 860.255.7771 • imaginefloat.com

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP Lauri Ingram Hamden, Connecticut • 203.435.5650 www.lauriingram.com Services available in person, and via zoom/skype. Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/interspritual minister, offering spiritual counseling, Crystal Dreaming, Crystal Light and Color Therapy along with workshops and ministerial officiant services.

YOGA/PILATES/ BARRE STUDIO

Immortal Opulence Old Wethersfield, CT 860.712.1933 ImmortalOpulence.com Richard Fanelli, Founder/formulator of Immortal Opulence Anti-aging Skin Cream. Coming from a family of European MDs, Richard was inspired to create this high-performance, anti-aging skin cream. Over 27 powerful ingredients of organic, wild grown botanicals from remote areas around the world. No chemicals ever. Hand crafted in small batches to assure impeccable quality. See ad on page 41.

Sacred Rivers Yoga East Hartford, CT • 860.657.9545 sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500 hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP is the Owner/Director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies and ‘Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body’, a Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 Hour Registered School, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy.) See ad on page 16.

All Natural Skin Care Ingredients • Contains MSM and Emu Oil plus 27 potent ingredients packed with nutrients • Plumps your skin and creates collagen

www.ImmortalOpulence.com

Natural Nutmeg Readers receive a FREE Immortal-C Face Serum with an order of Immortal Opulence Face Cream

www.NaturalNutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com 41 41

The Liberty of Letting Go and Leading Free By Sandi Coyne-Gilbert, MBA, DM MS Organizational Leadership Program Director, Goodwin University

he value that you place on attitude in everyday life makes all the difference in your assertiveness and overall outlook. Being mindful of the way you perceive the world is pivotal. Do you engage in positive self-talk, or do you tend toward self-pity? Sidestepping your perceived hindrances, maintaining your enthusiasm, and empowering your ego are all useful tactics to practice. Confidence at the Crossroads and Leaving Idealism in the Dust Attitude is that magic point where self-assurance intersects with authority. When you can comfortably be your authentic self, commanding confidence can seem like you’re strolling down easy street. But for many, the journey to lead isn’t that simple. When we hold too tightly to the characteristics of other leaders, our viewpoint becomes skewed. Tunnel vision of what leaders do and how they act is limiting, and in that narrow perspective, you forget to make room for yourself. Diminishing Self-doubt and Diving into a Realistic Reflecting Pool Assuming that leadership is a fixed equation will only leave you playing the comparison game. Just like fingerprints, no two leaders are precisely the same. There is no rulebook that great leaders follow, no essential qualities you must possess, and realistically, no “right way” to lead. Believing that we know what a leader looks like only makes it more challenging to gaze into the mirror and see ourselves as one. Competing with the characteristics of another person is a losing battle that allows false expectations to fester and puts your future at stake. By shedding the “I should be…” mentality, you strip yourself of the shackles that have hindered your success, allowing you to lead genuinely free. Leading free is not for the faint hearted. It takes summoning strength and a call for courage. Leading free means forgetting the “could have, should have’s” and instead exploring the “what ifs.” It means embracing your experiences and education, capitalizing on your eccentricities, applauding your assets, recognizing your vulnerabilities, visualizing your victories — and emancipating those unrealistic expectations. What Exactly Are the Liberties of Leading Free? 1. Letting go of your fear of failing. I have a Gaelic tattoo on my leg that translates as “my beautiful mistakes.” I carry it to remind me that it’s natural to make mistakes. If I start to see those mistakes as wrong, I become a victim of my own human experience, but when I frame those errors as positive possibilities, I am more prone to cherish the elite within every encounter. 42

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020

2. Using your experience as expertise. Share your story with people who make you feel safe, as well as with strangers. Reflect on real-life circumstances and offer what you know to be true. Open up to others about the good, the bad, and even the embarrassing — the diamonds and the dirt. Don’t be afraid to dive deep and allocate all that you’ve learned in the marvelous moments and adversity alike. 3. Accepting that, at times, things will not be easy. Leading free means acknowledging differences in opinions. It means accepting others for who they are and letting your curiosity cater to the connection of humankind. Leading free means keeping a progressive perspective while maintaining a propensity to see another’s point of view. Leading free welcomes the possibility of positive conflict and using that friendly friction to propel forward. 4. Interacting and inspiring with intention. Leading free means pointing out the potential in other people, too. It means that the attributes and abilities of others are not a competition, but rather, compliments to the skills and sincerity they bring to a space. Leading free means focusing on and fostering others, intentionally encouraging the unique advantages of those around you. Leading free is not impracticable or impossible. It is merely leading the best you can, beginning where you are, and moving forward. Leading free is graciously permitting yourself to contribute with direction and purpose. The funny thing about leading free is that once you give yourself permission to stay positive and pursue your passions, you inadvertently inspire others to do the same. Sandi Coyne-Gilbert is an accomplished leader with experience in both the education and nonprofit sectors. Coyne-Gilbert specializes in working with adult learners and is enthusiastic about instilling a passion for lifelong learning in her students. Her work with at-risk and marginalized groups provided her with unique insights into the power of education for people in transition. Beyond the educational field, Coyne-Gilbert also has experience in marketing and nonprofit leadership. Most notably, she was one of the driving forces behind the development of the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, MA. Coyne-Gilbert brings her experiences to the classroom as program director for the master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Goodwin University. Are you ready to make a lasting impact? She’d love to hear from you. Call us today: 800.889.3282 or learn more at www.goodwin.edu/ leadership. See ad on page 36.

Readers! We Need You 2020 4TH ANNUAL Reader Nominated Awards

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE PRACTITIONER/BUSINESS IN EACH CATEGORY AUGUST 15TH - SEPTEMBER 15TH

Natural

Nutmeg 10BESTof Magazine

Readers’ Choice

>> BE A PART OF THE ACTION <<

AWARDS

Use the link below to nominate your favorites

https://rebrand.ly/NN10Best2020

2020 10BEST Award Categories 1. Functional/Integrative MD/DO/Dentist 2. Naturopathic Physician 3. Holistic Pediatrician 4. Holistic Weight Loss Center/Specialist 5. Fitness/Personal Trainer 6. Life/Business Coach 7. Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture 8. Yoga/Pilates Studio 9. Chiropractic Physician 10. Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Hypnotherapy Nutrition/RD Health Food Store/Holistic Drug Store Gluten Free/Natural Organic Product Company Holistic Center/School Farm to table/Organic/Vegan restaurant Massage Therapy/Bodywork Holistic Psychotherapy/LCSW/Counseling Integrative APRN/Nursing Energy Healers www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Deanna Cherrone, M.D. Internal Medicine Certified Functional Medicine practitioner

“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?” Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms of: • Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Insomnia • Depression • Stress & Anxiety • Constipation • Allergies • Pain & Inﬂammation • Inability to Lose Weight • Detoxiﬁcation • Food Sensitivities • Mold • Lyme • Leaky Gut • Menopause & Andropause • Thyroid • Genetics Many of our patients are simply looking for someone who will listen.

Natural Health & Healing provides Functional Medicine with emphasis on patient education and self care for optimal health.

Natural

Health & Healing

LLC

We help restore balance so that you can look, feel and function your best.

Get the support you need to achieve optimal health! Health Coach Kathy Beach will help you clarify your health and wellness goals and support you on your journey to achieving them. She will provide insight, inspiration and accountability!

Kathy Beach, NBC-HWC

National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach

Health promoting lifestyle changes addressed include: improving diet, managing stress, maximizing sleep, increasing movement and removing exposure to chemicals we come into contact with on a daily basis.

Health Coaching Programs: • Change Your Eating, Change Your Life Coaching Program • Whole 21 – A Journey Through a Whole Foods Diet and the Mind Body Connection • 14 Day – Renew Cleanse • Cancer Wellness Coaching • Corporate Wellness Programs • Wellness Retreats • In-person or virtual

CALL TODAY: (860) 677-4600 41 N Main Street Suite 207 W. Hartford, CT 06107 • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net 44

Natural Nutmeg - July/August 2020