Natural Nutmeg June 2010

June 2010

Free

Natural

Nutmeg

Connecticut's Resource For a Healthy, Active, Sustainable Lifestyle...Naturally

From Patient to Respant Bernie Siegel, MD

Andropause: The Male Menopause Desmond Ebanks, MD Pediatric Lyme Disease Tom Moorcroft, DO

Eco-Destination: The EPIC Hotel, Miami Integrative Manual Therapy for Lyme Disease and Immune Deficiency

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June 2010

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June 2010

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Much more than an all natural, fluoride-free, great tasting toothpaste... comprehensive oral health in a tube

PerioBiotic™ Toothpaste What makes PerioBiotic™ unique?

• PerioBiotic™ Toothpaste contains Dental-Lac™, a patent pending1 functional lactobacillus dental hygiene probiotic2. Research on DentalLac™, a specific Lactobacillus paracasei strain, demonstrates its ability to kill off harmful strains of oral bacteria including streptococcus mutans3, a significant contributor to dental caries, tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Like probiotics in the human intestinal tract, beneficial flora in the mouth are critical to maintaining an oral environment conducive to healthy teeth and gums.

PerioBiotic™ Toothpaste and other DFH Products are available exclusively through health care professionals. For more information, you can contact the following HCPs in Connecticut: • Dr. Frank Aieta ND, West Hartford 860-232-9662 • Alternity Healthcare, LLC, West Hartford 860-561-2294 • Caskey Wellness Center, Middlebury 203-758-1765 • Desert Light Health Associates, Bloomfield 860-761-2489 • Eclectic Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC, Newington • 860-665-1254 • Glastonbury Naturopathic Center, Glastonbury • 860-657-4105 • Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center, Kensington • 860-829-0707 • Dr. Robban Sica, Orange 203-799-7773 • Natural Health and Healing, LLC, Avon 860-677-4600 • Porzio-Hawley Chiropractic, Southington 860-384-0374 • Tamara Sachs, MD, New Milford 860-868-9565 • Thiele Chiropractic Life Center, Manchester 860-864-8003 • Alison Birks MS, RH, Woodbury 203-263-4868

• And…PerioBiotic™ Toothpaste contains two active ingredients that have been shown in research to promote dental and oral health via their cavity-fighting abilities: xylitol4 and calcium glycerophosphate.5,6

What’s not in PerioBiotic™ does matter...

The ingredients not found in PerioBiotic™ Toothpaste, which are found in most other toothpastes include: fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and saccharin. Also, this product is not harmful if swallowed as it does not contain fluoride.

Available in refreshing Fennel and Spearmint Flavors 118 grams (90 ml) Suggested Use: Apply PerioBiotic™ Toothpaste onto a soft bristle toothbrush. Brush thoroughly after meals for at least 1 minute. Spit out the excess solution, and for maximum benefits do not rinse to allow longer contact of the natural ingredients to the teeth and gums. The remaining solution is not harmful if swallowed as it does not contain fluoride. Brush 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by your health care professional. Flossing is recommended along with regular use of PerioBiotic™ Toothpaste.

References: 1. United States Patent Application # 20080118444; Hsu; Ching-Hsiang; et al.; Lactobacillus paracasei-containing product; May 22, 2008 2. The efficacy and safety of ADP-1 (Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-33) for periodontal pathogens, a placebo-controlled trial; Ching Ria Chen; GenMont Biotech, Inc. August 17, 2007 3. Lactic acid bacteria from healthy oral cavity of Thai volunteers: inhibition of oral pathogens; Sookkhee S, Chulasiri M, Prachyabrued W.; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University; J Appl Microbiol. 2001 Feb;90(2):172-9.

4. Xylitol in relation to the incidence of dental caries; Scheinin A.; Int Z Vitam Ernahrungsforsch Beih. 1976;15:358-67.

5. Calcium glycerophosphate and caries: a review of the literature. Lynch RJ; Int Dent J. 2004;54(5 Suppl 1):310-4.

6. Cariostatic activity of calcium glycerophosphate in hamsters: topical vs dietary administration; Pianotti RS, Ambrozaitis JD, McNamara TF; J Dent Res. 1976 Nov-Dec;55(6):1092-6.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Inside This Issue

Contents

Departments

8 Newsbriefs 6

Nordic Pole Walking Nancy Hinchey 8

Prescription for Living Bernie Siegel, MD 11

Pediatric Lyme Disease Tom Moorcroft, DO 15

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Integrative Manual Therapy for Lyme Disease and Immune Deficiency Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PT., IMT.,C 22 Andropause: The Male Menopause Desmond Ebanks, MD 26

Healthy Family Dr. Lauren Gouin, ND 38 KnowyourHerbs Lisl Meredith Huebner 39

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Healthy Cooking Chad Carns 42

Eco-Destination: The Epic Hotel, Miami Deb Percival 28

Community Resources 43

Want to Help the Environment? Start Small...

Service Your Septic 32

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Supplements101 Michael Dworkin, P.D.,MS Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

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Community Calendar 47 NaturalPlanet Deb Percival 54

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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, complementar y and alternative medicine, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, and the products and services that support good health.

PUBLISHERS Dr. Diane Hindman Chris Hindman Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING SALES Dr. Diane Hindman Chris Hindman advertising@naturalnutmeg.com STAFF WRITER Nancy Hinchey nancy@naturalnutmeg.com WEBMASTER Matt Milunic - Matt@iComDesign.com ADVISORY BOARD Deanna M. Cherrone, M.D. Desmond Ebanks, M.D. Ann Aresco, N.D. Richard Duenas, D.C. Moshe Laub, D.C. Tom Moorcroft, D.O.

Natural Nutmeg Magazine P.O. Box 447, Avon, CT 06001 Ph. (860) 217-1239 Fax (860) 217-1721

© 2007-10 by Natural Nutmeg. All rights

reserved. Although some 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 articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

PUBLISHER'Snote

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ummer is here and hopefully all of you are getting a chance to get outside with your families and pets to enjoy this gorgeous weather! Our focus this month is on Lyme disease, which is something we should all be concerned about as we spend more time outside.

Dr. Tom Moorcroft writes a timely article about Lyme disease and how it affects children. Many children develop sleep problems as well as GI disorders and psychological symptoms. And Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo teaches us about Integrative Manual Therapy as a treatment program for Lyme disease. As Lyme disease is growing in incidence, there are many other immune illnesses that are manifesting in our communities today as well.

Dr. Desmond Ebanks educates us on “male menopause”, otherwise known as andropause and the great debate about whether men go though a psychological and physiMagazine ological change that is similar to menopause in women. Many doctors use the term andropause to describe the age-related hormone changes in men. And Bernie Siegel, MD teaches us to speak up and become a problem patient, so that we become identified as a person and not by a room number or disease. Thus, we will be far less likely to have a fatal or non-fatal medical error while being cared for.

Looking to add some fun to your exercise routine this summer? Don’t miss the Nordic Pole Walking article written by Nancy Hinchey and Dr. Helene Pulnik. Nordic Pole Walking can burn as much as 450 calories in one session and it’s a true total body workout.

Do you think an eco-friendly hotel means sacrifice? Think again and read our latest article on Eco-Destinations by Deb Percival about the EPIC Hotel in Miami. It’s green green green, but all you’ll feel is pampered pampered pampered.

Don’t miss the free community symposium, “Caring for Our Children Naturally”, on June 5th at CenterIMT in Bloomfield. Visit www.centerimt.com for more information and to register.

Wishing you health and happiness,

A Charter Member of the Slower Network. For information go to slowr.com In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks.

All issues are available for digital download at NaturalNutmeg.com Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers.

With wide distribution throughout central Connecticut, the Litchfield Hills, and the shoreline. Please call for a location near you.

Call us at (860) 217-1239 if you would like copies for your place of business. www.naturalnutmeg.com

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Newsbriefs Tolland County Relay For Life

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elay For Life of Tolland County - Join millions of other American Cancer Society Relay For Life participants across the country in the fight against cancer. Relay teams representing families, friends, neighborhoods, clubs, civic and religious organizations, schools, and corporations will join the fight to find a cure for cancer by celebrating survivorship and taking turns walking around the track throughout the 24 hour event on June 11-12. Teams are encouraged to enjoy the great music, food and camaraderie of the carnival like event.

At last year's first Relay For Life of Tolland County we had 27 teams participate and we raised $67,340! With your help we can make this year's Relay For Life of Tolland County even more successful! Our Relay Committee Members encourage everyone to join them in making this Relay one to remember.

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's largest signature event as well as the most successful national fundraiser. Nationwide, Relay For Life raised $405 million in fiscal year 2007 in more than 4,800 communities with more than three and a half million participants celebrating 500,000 cancer survivors.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. This year marks the beginning of our celebration of 25 years of Relay For Life®. We hope you will join us to mark this milestone and the successes we’ve achieved together during the last 25 years!

For more information about Relay For Life, please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or online at www.relayforlife.org. For information about how to get involved with the Relay For Life of Tolland County please contact either Event Co-Chair Danielle Bolliger at (860) 454-7251 or Laureen Curley at (860) 871-7298. You can also check out the Relay For Life of Tolland County website at www.relayforlife.org/tollandcountyct.

Epiphany Will Celebrate Its Second Anniversary

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group of practitioners who provide complimentary sessions of integrative therapies will celebrate their second year of service to the community on June 2nd. These therapists volunteer their time to provide knowledge about multiple therapies that may improve well-being and decrease stress, anxiety, and pain. These 20 minute experiential sessions are provided in both Canton (6-830pm) and Southington (1-3pm) on the first Wednesday of the month except January and July.

The therapies vary by location and may include craniosacral therapy, therapeutic touch, reflexology, transformational healing, shiatsu, reiki and spiritual counseling.

The group was started by Karen Kramer, a holistic nurse who has received an M.A. in Experiential Healing from the Graduate Institute. Carol Weaver, L.M.T. is the Volunteers Coordinator. See iahp.com/karen-r-kramer for more information.

Ravenswood Natural Health Celebrates Grand Opening Week

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avenswood Natural Health’s week-long Grand Opening schedule is filled with daily events for everyone. Starting on Saturday, May 29, the store opens at 10:00a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the grounds. Near-daily raffles of gift baskets and gift bags are just part of the fun. Manufacturers’ reps will be at the store throughout the week to chat with customers. Product demos and samples will fill up most days. On June 5, from 12:00 to 3:00, local author Tammy Banks will sign her latest novel. Because more events are being added, keep up with the updates on www.ravenswoodnaturalhealth.com or drop by the store at 1606 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury for a chat.

For more information contact Sara Thornton at Ravenswood Natural Health, 1606 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT, 860-264-1587.

Open Wed. & Fri. 9:30 – 5:30; Thurs. 10:00 – 6:00; Sat. & Sun. 9:30 – 4:30; closed Mon. & Tues.

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New England Nightingales Home Care Service llc

Helps Seniors and Those In Need Maintain Independence and Quality Of Life

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ith baby boomers approaching retirement, and many serving as caregivers for their own elderly parents, the need for in-home healthcare services has never been greater. New England Nightingales Home Care Service, LLC, provides high quality in-home support services for senior citizens and others needing assistance to maintain independence and quality of life. New England Nightingales specializes in caring for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Founded by Cynthia Ebanks, RN, New England Nightingales provides exceptional daily care delivered by trained and certified professionals. The home care company specializes in homemaking services for chronic and stable conditions, medication reminders, transportation, monitoring client safety and 24-hour care. New England Nightingales services the elderly, accident care victims, new mothers and people recently released from the hospital.

Cynthia is a registered nurse with 25 years experience in patient care. She is certified by the Alzheimer Foundation of America as a qualified dementia care specialist, the highest dementia certification, which enables her to train others. She is also certified in case management and is a disability management specialist. Cynthia founded New England Nightingales in 2006 to address the urgent need for non-medical short- and long-term care. Far too often she saw elders overwhelmed by the demands of keeping a home and families overwhelmed with caring for aging relatives.

New England Nightingales Home Care Service, LLC is located at 406 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut. For more information please call 860.676.778 or visit www.newenglandnightingales.com. See ad on page 41.

The Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO)

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he Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities (CABO) has been a strong presence in CT since its inception in 2007. CABO is in the business of building relationships with corporations, small-medium sized businesses and non-profits alike, who all have a focus on building a more inclusive lgbt and lgbt-friendly business environment. With a state-wide reach CABO is able to connect all levels of members to build a stronger, healthier and more inclusive CT business atmosphere.

CABO is a state-wide organization and is proud to introduce regular monthly networking events in the Hartford area. CABO has had a strong New Haven membership base since 2007 and has recently kicked off membership drives in all 8 CT counties to enhance business opportunities state-wide. Membership demographics show that 41% of CABO corporate members and sponsors are in Hartford County, while 53% of small business members are located in New Haven County. CABO is looking to build a stronger presence in the Hartford area by building relationships with businesses who are looking to partner with CABO that add value to the entire Connecticut community.

For more information on how you can become a member of CABO and build a better business environment visit www.thecabo.org.

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ZUM AGE AN LIV UP

Looking for More Fun, Fitness and Friends?

Try Nordic Pole Walking

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id you know that Nordic Pole Walking is the fastest growing health sport in the United States? Since the mid ‘90’s, Nordic Pole Walking (NPW) has been sweeping Europe with over 10 million people enjoying this low impact sport. Under the guidance of Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck, of Naples, Florida, a graduate of sports medicine, NPW is now spreading across the U.S. It’s a total body workout that's fantastic for weight-loss, and great for your body and mind. It will keep you fit, toned & healthy.

This activity can be enjoyed by almost everyone, regardless of age, weight or gender. If you can walk, then you can Nordic Pole Walk. Nordic Walking is a great fitness workout for people who are looking for a fun physical activity and maximum health benefits combined with convenience. You can do it anytime and anywhere; the beach, sidewalks, mountains, and yes, even in the ice and snow!

With as little as 30 minutes 3 times a week, Nordic pole walkers realize they can reach their fitness goals by shedding those unwanted pounds and living a healthy lifestyle. A 30 minute walk at an easy pace burns 150-200 calories. NPW can burn as much as 450 calories in the same time. NPW offers the optimal combination of both aerobic and muscle exercise for the entire body. This exercise program is great for those who can no longer take the steady pounding of running or jogging on their joints, but want the same health benefits of a full workout.

Taking a class and warming up While the technique is very easy to learn it is suggested that you enroll in a class with a certified instructor. Dr. He-

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lene Pulnik, owner of Glastonbury Naturopathic Center and Wholistic Spa is a Certified Professional Nordic Pole Walking instructor. A session starts with a thorough explanation and demonstration of NPW by Dr. Pulnik, assisting in the proper fit of the poles to your height and demonstrating the proper use of the poles for maximum benefit for your walk. “Posture is very important, "she explains." Participants need to stand upright and keep the poles behind you, not in front like ski poles.” Warming up the body and a proper cooling down is very important with exercising. Students take three deep breathes, or as Dr. Pulnik explains, “we are waking up the body by getting the good oxygen up to the brain.” Other exercises include simple stretches and lunges which warm up your entire body, head to toe, shoulders and neck. Another aspect of proper Nordic pole walking is incorporating the proper arm swing and learning to push off the poles properly. Learning these movements will add to the benefit of your walk. And now you are ready to go, explore your neighborhood, greet your neighbors and enjoy nature.

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A Total Body Work Out How can incorporating Nordic walking poles into your fitness routine offer you all these health benefits? Many physiological studies have confirmed that cross country skiing is the most effective physical exercise for cardiovascular improvement and strengthening of all body muscles. Nordic pole walking burns up to 46% more calories than exercise walking without poles. It also helps to promote improved posture, improved muscle tone, which helps reduce the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

It has a reduced impact on your joints by improving distribution and production of synovial fluid. Participants realize reduced lower back pain, increased weight loss, increased mobility, and decreased body fat stores. Hikers discovered they could walk more powerfully with a pair of Nordic poles, which often reduced hip, knee, and foot pain, and backpackers found relief from painful backs when using poles. Individuals with physical limitations have also found that walking with poles can aid balance and facilitate walking.

NPW techniques are easy to learn and use. The poles used for Nordic Pole Walking are shorter than those recommended for cross country skiing and are adjustable to maintain the proper height for your workout. Nordic walking poles are made of lightweight material and come with removable rubber booties for use on hard surfaces and hardened metal tips for trails, the beach, snow and ice.

German engineered for ergonomic comfort and safety, the Nordixx poles used in Nordic Pole Walking are superior due to the specially designed wrist straps, which provide for the upper body workout. You walk using your usual stride, so there are no new techniques to learn.

Weight Loss and Burning Body Fat So often people focus on weight loss when they should focus on fat loss.

If you want to lose weight you have to burn body fat. To do that you have to exercise muscles for a long period with your heart beat frequency 120- 140 beats per minute. This is using 65-70% of your maximum heart beat frequency.

With NPW you exercise 90% of your

muscles and automatically enter the fat burning zone. And you not only burn fat while walking but also up to 12 hours after your session. NPW changes the biochemical process in your body by realizing moderate muscle growth, improvement in the mobilization of fat cells and metabolism. Dr. Schwanbeck’s book includes an in-depth chapter with the formula to calculate how many hours necessary in order to lose weight, or burn the fat.

Nordic Walking increases your heart rate, oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure without increas-

ing your perceived rate of exertion.

You don't feel like you're working any harder but, in addition to working your legs, you're experiencing a full range of motion that engages the abs, arms, shoulders, upper chest and back muscles. Clinical reports indicate that this type of exercise may prove beneficial in a broad range of conditions, including arthritis, back pain, cardiac syndromes, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, obesity, osteoporosis, repetitive stress injury, thoracic outlet syndrome, depression, mood disorders, and more. According to studies reported by the Nordic

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Academy of Australia, research groups concluded that pole walking is a safe form of rehabilitation for heart patients.

Start up Costs Nordic Pole Walking is not an expensive sport to get started. All you need to invest in are adjustable poles; good walking shoes, a fanny pack for your water and you are good to go.

Think of all of those elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and other pieces of fitness equipment, which are gathering dust in basements, closets and garages.

Nordic Poles are very portable; you can take them with you on vacation, to work for a lunch hour walk, or on business trips. You can maintain your fitness schedule since you can bring Nordic Poles anywhere. NPW techniques are easy to learn and use. There are many advantages to getting outside and enjoying the fresh air, and seeing the sites as you go along. There is no set time as you set your pace, your own stride, your own duration and the frequency of when you go out to enjoy this sport. You wear your normal street clothes, no special outfits to buy, and it is easy to grab your poles, change your shoes and head out for a

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walk at any time. Even during lunchtime during your workweek.

“Morning walking is a great way to start your day”, said Dr. Pulnik. Get your walk in during the cool of the morning, before your day kicks in and spend some time on yourself. You will feel great and your brain is clear from all that good exercise and gives you another perspective on the day ahead.

Join the Club Nordic Pole Walking is a great way to meet new people and enjoy nature. Currently Dr. Pulnik is offering Basic Nordic Pole Walking classes at the Center, and establishing a local walking group that would meet and encourage each other while enjoying the great outdoors. So what are you waiting for? If your goal is to lose weight, improve your general fitness level and even build some muscle, give Nordic Pole Walking a try.

For more information on this exciting new fitness sport, please contact Dr. Helene Pulnik ND, at Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 860-657-5105, or email: glast.naturopathic@sbcglobal.net. See ad on page 12, 18. Submitted by Nancy Hinchey.

Prescription for Living

by Bernie Siegel, MD

From Patient To Respant

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nfortunately doctors and health professionals, in general, do not study success. We are far more likely to consider an unexpected recovery to be due to the treatment or a spontaneous remission. However, I have learned from my experience with patients and by asking them, “Why didn’t you die when you were supposed to?” that they always had a story to tell. I can recall, as an intern, realizing that the seniors, with hip fractures, who were noisy and demanding didn’t develop pneumonia and die while the submissive, quiet seniors who never raised their voice or caused a problem had a much higher mortality rate.

By speaking up and becoming a character or problem patient you become identified as a person and not by your room number or disease and, therefore, are far less likely to have a fatal or nonfatal medical error made while being cared for. The word patient derives its meaning from submissive sufferer. That is not a good thing to be when hospitalized or receiving medical treatment of any kind. You need to be a respant, or responsible participant if you want to heal and survive.

We now know from studies how one’s emotions and personality affect survival rates. I was criticized years ago for speaking about many things; no one had researched because no one believed they made sense, which are now scientific. Simple things like laughter affecting the survival of cancer patients and loneliness affecting the genes which control immune function are now proven to be true by studies. The fact that women live longer than men and married men live longer than single men with the same cancers, is not about female hormones or sleeping with them, but about relationships and meaning in your life. Survival behavior and an immune competent personality are not an accident or luck.

Those in the mental health field are far more likely to be aware of this because of what they see happen to their patients.

When people have a sense of meaning in their life, express anger and emotions appropriately in defense of themselves, ask for help from family and friends, participate in their health care decisions, say no to what they choose not to do, find time to do what they enjoy and to play, use their feelings to help them to heal their lives and do not live a role but an authentic life they will always do better than expected. I would add that a spiritual faith and not seeing the disease as God punishing them also plays a role, as well as, their desire and intention to survive. Disease is a loss of health, not punishment, and your health is to be looked for as you would seek to find your lost car keys.

I found a large part of the problem was that people were afraid to take responsibility and participate because if they didn’t get well that would mean they were a failure. Decades ago I invited one hundred cancer patients to attend a support group and live a longer better life. I expected them to bring friends and family members and that I would have hundreds of people to deal with.

Less than a dozen women showed up for the first meeting. I realized I did not know the people I was caring for and their will to live. If you do not grow up with parents who love you and give you mottoes to live by and teachers, clergy and other authority figures who love and respect you then you are into guilt, shame, blame, addictions and self destructive behavior.

Those who showed up became labeled exceptional cancer patients because they were a minority but what they reveal to us is our potential. Difficult patients do not die when they are supposed to. Statistics do not determine their outcome or results.

Those with inspiration who transform their lives and rebirth themselves give their bodies live messages and the body then does the best it can for them. Our bodies love us but if we do not love our life and bodies it sees illness and death as a way to be free of our afflictions. Monday morning supports that with more heart

Wisdom of the Ages presents

Dr. Bernie Siegel “The Art of Healing”

at Farmington Community/Senior Center for an afternoon workshop

June 6, 2010 1pm – 5pm

Bernie will be outlining survival behavior patterns. There will be discussions of love, humor, hope, spirituality, desire and intention and how it all has a role in our lives and our health. It will be a well rounded day with a slide presentation, as well as the opportunity to participate in drawing, guided imagery and answering thought provoking questions about life and its meaning. This workshop is open to all, whether you’re confronting mortality and life’s inevitable difficulties, a loved one is challenged, or you want to learn new ways to be a survivor. Sure to be a day filled with smiles!

Chair Massage available (.50 per minute) by Keith Siegel, LMT, as well as a wide selection of Bernie’s books and CDs for sale.

The Farmington Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave, Unionville, CT Cost: Pre-registered by May 8th ~ $35 (After 5/8, $40) To register: Contact Jane and Keith Siegel at Wisdom of the Ages 1408 Hopmeadow St Simsbury, Ct (860) 651-1172 www.wisdomoftheages.biz www.naturalnutmeg.com

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attacks, strokes, illnesses and suicides. When you let an MD, or Medical Deity, determine whether you live or die you are giving away your power. I have seen people, whose hope was taken away by doctors, commit suicide or go home, climb into bed and die. I have also seen others get damn angry at their doctors and go on to survive for many years or be cured of their disease.

You have to start with a belief in yourself and faith in all the things you incorporate into your life and choose as therapy. I know people who have left their troubles to God and been cured of cancer. A patient of mine, who was a landscaper, after surgery refused treatment for his cancer because it was springtime and he wanted to go home and make the world beautiful before he died.

He lived to be ninety-four and became my teacher. The mind is indeed a powerful thing and not emphasized enough in the medical information we receive during our training. We do not receive a true medical education because it does not contain the tools to help people with their life experience. It is focused on disease and prescribing for them. We do not ask patients how may I help you but rather what is your chief complaint and then we prescribe for them without knowing their life story and why they might be sick at that time..

The mind and body are a unit and communicate with each other. I have yet to meet a medical student who has been told that Carl Jung interpreted a dream and correctly diagnosed a brain tumor. I have had the same experience using dreams and drawings by patients to help me guide them to the proper diagnosis and treatment. When patients become empowered they do not just respond from their intellect but use their intuition too. There are times people do not want chemotherapy and yet draw a beautiful picture of it while those receiving it draw the devil giving them poison. It is not hard to know who will have more side effects.

When you are submissive and let others prescribe for you, you are in trouble. One young woman refused further treatment and when she drew a picture for me she labeled herself as bald, ugly and horrible and the cancer is crying and saying help me because it is going though the same hell she is. She is sticking a spear in her doctor because of what his treatment did to her.

I know a young man who had a high powered water gun in his hospital room and whenever anyone intruded upon his privacy he drenched them. The nurses and intern respected him for it and when he died his water gun became a gift to empower other children. I created a Siegel Kit for all hospitalized patients. In it are a water gun, noisemaker, magic marker and vital signs. The water gun you know about. The magic marker is for anyone going to the operating room to write cut here on one side and not this one stupid on the other. The noisemaker is to get attention when you need it. To quote several patients, “You are guaranteed an hour of uninterrupted silence if you push the call button.” I know a woman who would be dead today if she didn’t have a roommate who went for help when no one responded to her pushing her call button while she was choking on food she had aspirated. The vital signs are not about your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate but about your needs and desires. These are signs you hang on your hospital room door or over your bed telling people what your needs are and how you want to be treated.

I also recommend hanging your baby pictures there too. So when people ask who the cute kid is you answer, “It’s me.”

Last but not least one must also choose the therapy you believe in and you can reprogram your mind and body through guided imagery if there are any conflicts. I know of a case where, after June 2010

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repairing the radiation therapy machine, the radioactive material was not replaced. So for one month people were not being treated and yet the radiation therapist did not know this until their routine inspection of the machine was done a month later. He was telling me how terrible he felt about not treating anyone for a month when I said, “You’d have to be an idiot to not know you weren’t treating anyone. So obviously people had side effects and their tumors shrinking because they thought they were being treated.” His response, “Oh my God you’re right.”

That is why I work at deceiving people into health by working with their beliefs and communicating with them in a positive way rather than listing all the side effects they will have and none of the advantages of therapy. Doctors need training in communication and hypnotic techniques. Wordswordswords can become swordswordswords. We can kill or cure with words or scalpels.

That is why patients need to be respants and keep their power and feel free to change doctors and criticize them in a constructive way. The best doctors are criticized by patients, nurses and family. Why? Because they do not make excuses and learn from their mistakes. Believe me if your doctor or their loved ones have suffered a major illness they are no longer a spectator or tourist.

They are now a native and understand the experience and are a much better health care provider. So love yourself, take responsibility for and participate in your life and state of health. This is not about avoiding dying but about living and its beneficial side effects.

Bernie holds a support group in Simsbury at Wisdom of the Ages the first Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm. Wisdom of the Ages, a special place to nuture your spiritual side. It's filled with items to calm the mind, heal the body & empower your spirit. They also provide massages & monthly meditation classes. Wisdom of the Ages is owned by Bernie's son & daughter- in-law, Keith & Jane Siegel. Located at 1408 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury. Please call for info or to register for Bernie's group. (860) 651-1172, www.wisdomoftheages. biz, berniesiegelmd.com. See ad on page 29.

Bernie also runs a Woodbridge Support Group which meets the Second and Fourth Tuesday evenings of each month at Coachman's Square, Bradley Road, Woodbridge, CT. Contact: Lucille Ranciato at 203-288-2839 or email her at lranciato@yahoo.com.

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Pediatric Lyme Disease

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yme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis tick. This tick is better known by its common name the blacklegged or deer tick. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Cases of Lyme have been reported in all 50 states. Summer is the peak time for people to get deer tick bites. Since symptoms may not show themselves for 1-3 months or more after transmission, it’s important to keep Lyme in mind year round.

The deer tick can be found active during all months of the year, however, peak incidence of Lyme transmission occurs during the summer months. Adult deer tick activity peaks in early spring and again in mid-fall. Adult ticks account for transmission of about 5% of reported cases of Lyme disease. The much smaller nymphal tick, which is about the size of a poppy seed, is responsible for about 95% of cases of Lyme and is most active from mid-May through late August in Connecticut. However, I’ve personally seen nymphs active as late as October.

Nymphal ticks feed for 4 days while adult ticks feed for 5-7 days. The rate of transmission of Lyme from the bite of an infected tick increases over time. Transmission over the first 48 hours is about 12%, however it increases dramatically to 75% at 72 hours and 94% at 96 hours.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that reported cases of Lyme disease are about 10% of actual cases that meet their surveillance criteria. This means that up to 90% of cases that meet these criteria are not being reported.

Currently, over 20,000 cases of Lyme disease are being reported each year in the United States. If unreported cases are as prevalent as suspected, then there are likely over 200,000 new cases per year. This would mean that each year 5 times more people would contract Lyme than HIV/AIDS. Lyme disease has reached epidemic proportions in the Northeastern states, including Connecticut. In 2008, the CT statewide

incidence of Lyme disease was 114 cases per 100,000 people, with some counties reaching a rate of 250 cases per 100,000. If CDC estimates are correct that would mean that approximately 1 in 100 people in CT become infected with Lyme disease each year. Approximately 25% of people who become infected with Lyme are children.

Children and Lyme Disease

Children are more likely than adults to have both exposure and infection because they are outside playing on the ground.

Playing on the swing set that is near the tree line. Hugging the family pet. At times children are resistant to wearing the proper clothing and insect repellent that can help protect them from tick bites. I must admit it is not very cool to walk around in white pants tucked into your white knee-high socks. They also tend not to be very compliant with tick checks. Lyme disease is most common in 5-9 year old children (boys > girls) and young men.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme is a complex, multi-system disease that has the potential to affect every organ system in the body. The most common symptoms of acute Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms, migratory joint and muscle pains, fatigue, headache, cognitive dysfunction (often called brain fog) and migratory paresthesias (a numb or tingly feeling). Some patients experience sound and light sensitivity as well as eye pain. Diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in children is often quite difficult because its symptoms are often insidious and subtle. The manifestations of Lyme disease in the pediatric population are unique and unfortunately often go over looked.

The diagnosis of Lyme disease requires a physician to review your child’s entire health history and perform a comprehensive physical exam. Lyme is a multi-system disease whose symptoms often present subtly. Children may report they feel ok, but

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when asked if they wish they felt better they respond, “yes.” The common Lyme symptoms should be reviewed: Does the child have new onset fatigue or joint pain?

Does the child have swollen joints? Has the child had a rash?

A red rash with central clearing (bull’s eye), called erythema migrans (EM), is diagnostic of Lyme disease. Studies show that 40-69% of people have the classic EM rash; however, physicians report that this rate may be as low as 10%. This rash may not occur at the bite site. Patients may present with multiple EM rashes or other types of rashes. Fifty to seventy-five percent of those infected with Lyme disease do not remember having had a tick bite.

The bacteria that causes Lyme disease seems to have a preference for causing problems in the joints, the brain, the gastrointestinal/digestive (GI) system and the urinary tract. In children, symptoms often include acute changes in personality (especially becoming withdrawn or have poor social skills), hyperactivity, rage, irritability, digestive difficulties, headaches, and anxiety. Children may also have problems with speech and motor skills and perform poorly in school. It is important to note that the ticks that carry Lyme disease can also carry other infections that can cause changes in behavior.

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Many children develop sleep problems, including nightmares. New onset bedwetting may also develop. Daytime urinary frequency is often seen. Some children present with odd skin sensations and others just have discomfort when being touched. If a child is favoring one limb over the other for an unknown reason, Lyme disease should be considered as a possible cause. Children can have difficulty with balance. They can also have swollen large and small joints; evaluation of all the joints, including the spine is a necessary part of the physical examination to determine if the joints are involved.

Children and adolescents often exhibit Lyme disease symptoms in the GI tract.

These include abominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the stool. Gastrointestinal Lyme disease may mimic colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Small intestinal bacteria overgrowth may be present. Co-infections, other illnesses transmitted by ticks, including babesia, bartonella, mycoplasma and H. pylori, have been found in the GI tract.

The nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) is a common target of Lyme disease. Children may present with symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, irritability, headache, photophobia (light sensitivity) and phonophobia (sound sensitivity). Dif-

ficulty concentrating and problems with memory can lead to poor school performance and difficulty learning new material. Children may also develop peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves) that can lead to numbness, tingling or burning sensation. Children may also present with meningitis or Bell’s palsy (inability to control facial muscles on one or both sides of the face). Speech, language and reading delays are common. Difficulty with reading may be due to inability to focus on words on a page due to eye muscle weakness despite the child having normal vision. Difficulty in processing auditory input often appears as a lack of focus leading a child to be misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Some children with Lyme disease develop problems with sensory integration and have a difficult time focusing when they are exposed to multiple stimuli at once.

This leads to confusion and, in turn, often leads to poor behavior.

Psychiatric symptoms are often associated with Lyme disease. Some previously outgoing and gregarious children become withdrawn or reluctant to play.

Happy children may become irritable and sad. Children may have an abrupt change in their mood to the point they are depressed, psychotic, and even suicidal. If this is the case, it is important to consider Lyme disease as well as co-infection with Bartonella henselae.

One common co-infection is Babesia microti. Babesia symptoms include sweats (day or night and often drenching), unrelenting headaches, a burning sensation in the feet and muscle pain. Ehrlichia and

anaplasma are infections that can come on quickly and cause very high fevers, chills and intense fatigue, although they can also present as moderate headache and fatigue.

er tick-borne illnesses. In 2009, tick drags conducted by researchers at the University of New Haven found that a startling 90% of ticks carried Lyme disease and 30% carried Babesia microti.

Making the Diagnosis of Lyme Disease

Treatment of Lyme Disease

The diagnosis of Lyme is often made using the criteria set forth in the CDC surveillance case definition of Lyme disease, including a two step laboratory testing strategy: an antibody screen followed by a confirmatory Western blot. These tests are known to miss 20-50% of patients who have Lyme disease. On its website, the CDC states, “This surveillance case definition was developed for national reporting of Lyme disease; it is not intended to be used in clinical diagnosis.”

Currently there are no blood tests that can tell your doctor that you do or do not have Lyme, they can only tell if you have been exposed to Borrelia. Your clinical condition, supported by blood tests, is the only accurate measure of active Lyme disease. A negative blood test does not mean you do not have active Lyme disease, it means your immune system is not producing antibodies to Borrelia, it is up to your physician to determine if you have active infection. Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis supported by blood tests.

In Connecticut, if your doctor is considering the diagnosis of Lyme disease, it very well may be the correct diagnosis.

Studies have shown that in the Northeast, as many as 70% of ticks may be infected with Lyme and 50% of ticks may carry oth-

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First line treatment for Lyme disease is with antibiotics. Many practitioners recommend treatment for 3-4 weeks only. If the symptoms resolve with treatment then return following discontinuation of antibiotics, patients are often inaccurately diagnosed with a post-Lyme syndrome. The Borrelia spirochete reproduces once every 3-4 weeks. This is very slow in comparison to other bacteria such as those that cause strep throat, which reproduce 30-40,000 times in 3 days. Researchers have found that Borrelia is able to evade your immune system by hiding inside the immune system cells that are coming to attack it.

When threatened, it can roll up into a cyst (similar to an armadillo) and go dormant.

Research has shown that after a period of dormancy, active Borrelia spirochetes can re-emerge from the cyst. Understanding this organism’s complex physiology has led other practitioners to suggest longer courses of treatment. They recommend treatment based upon a patient’s symptoms rather than an arbitrary length of treatment.

With treatment, many patients initially experience worsening of their symptoms due to release of a toxin from within the dying Borrelia spirochete called a Herxheimer reaction. This reaction can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Thankfully there are many nutritional and herbal ap-

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proaches that help clear out these toxins and hasten recovery. There are also several herbs and nutritional supplements that are active against Lyme and may be used in combination with antibiotics to improve outcomes. Supplements that support immune system function are often used in the treatment of Lyme disease.

Protecting Your Family from Lyme Disease: Create a tick-safe zone

Lyme disease is considered a paradomestic disease; approximately 75% of people become infected on their family property. Using landscaping techniques to create a tick-safe zone around your home is one way to decrease your risk. Ticks that transmit Lyme disease thrive in humid wooded areas. They die in sunny and dry environments. Here are some simple landscaping techniques to help reduce tick populations.

• Remove leaf litter and clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edges of lawns.

• Place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration to recreational areas.

• Mow your lawn and clear brush and leaf litter frequently.

• Keep swing sets, decks and patios away from yard edges and trees.

For additional protection, you may want to have your property sprayed to kill ticks. There are systems that combine spraying with bait boxes that place insecticides on the mice that are a necessary part of the tick life cycle (and for passing along

Lyme disease). These systems can decrease the total tick population in your property by 97% and percent of infected nymphal ticks to less than two in as little as 2 years.

Keep ticks off of you and your children.

• Use 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing to help prevent tick bites.

• Permethrin is another type of repellent; it can kill ticks. It can be purchased at outdoor equipment stores that carry camping or hunting gear. One application to pants, socks, and shoes typically stays effective through several washings. Permethrin should not be applied directly to skin.

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks to keep ticks off children’s skin.

Light-colored clothing will help you spot ticks more easily. Tucking pant legs into socks or boots and tucking shirts into pants help keep ticks on the outside of clothing.

If someone will be outside for an extended period of time, tape the area where their pants and socks meet to prevent ticks from crawling under their clothes.

Tick checks are key!

Check your child’s body for ticks after being outdoors, especially in your own yard. Conduct a body check whenever the children come in from outdoors. Search their entire body for ticks. Using a mirror will help you see those hard to see areas.

Remove any tick you find. Parents should remember to lead by example and perform tick checks on themselves.

Tick checks should be performed daily all year round in Connecticut. As Con-

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necticut’s peak tick season is early Spring through mid-Fall, tick checks after any outdoor activity are essential.

Tick removal

Remove a tick as soon as you notice it. Use fine-tipped tweezers to firmly grasp the tick very close to the skin.

With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Then clean the skin with soap and warm water.

Attempt to remove the entire tick. Avoid crushing the tick’s body. Do not be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin, as the risk of transmission of the spirochete at this point is extremely low. Clean your skin with soap and warm water or alcohol, and then contact your physician.

Don’t use petroleum jelly, a hot match or any other products to remove a tick. This will only increase the likelihood of Lyme disease or a co-infection being transmitted.

What should I do if my child is bitten by a tick?

Remove the tick as recommended.

Contact a physician who understands the complexity of Lyme disease immediately.

Lyme disease or a co-infection can be transmitted in as little as 4 hours after a bite, or much sooner if the tick is improp-

erly removed. In other words, children (and adults) should be evaluated by a physician after ANY tick bite; no matter how long the tick was attached.

Does my child have Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease and the associated coinfections can present in a variety of ways.

The key to preventing the long-term complications associated with these diseases is early recognition and prompt, appropriate treatment. Keep in mind that less than 50% of people remember a tick bite or being bitten by a tick and that Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis supported by laboratory data. If you believe you or a loved one may have symptoms consistent with Lyme disease or a co-infection it is important to be evaluated by a physician who understands and deals with the complexity of these diseases on a daily basis.

Tom Moorcroft, DO practices Integrative Family Medicine, including the treatment of pediatric, adolescent and adult Lyme disease, at Origins Of Health in Glastonbury, CT. For more information, please visit his website www.OriginsOfHealth.com or call 860-430-9790. See ad on page 40.

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Nutritional Reflex Technique (NRT)

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nergy medicine is a broad concept, with many definitions, yet is an ever-growing paradigm in current considerations of health. To many, the constructs of energy medicine seem too far-fetched to grasp. It confounds and conflicts with what we have come to consider the “norm.” To many, it is not tangible because it is not a pill or a surgical procedure that leaves a physical reminder. It is difficult for many to realize that the world is not as simple as they would like to believe. For some it is frightening - even threatening - to think other wise. For these individuals it is easier and safer to keep the world in a box that they can understand and explain.

All too often it is said that there is no science to energy medicine. Yet there are limitless natural phenomena continuously occurring all around that we cannot see or feel which we take for granted. We know if we turn on the switch, the light goes on, but we do not see the electricity moving through the wire. We accept the fact that we can hear a song on the radio but no one has ever seen an actual radio wave. The human body is the most amazing machine, albeit with limitless depth and soul, the complexities of which no other machine, however intricate, can ever compare.

In his book, The Body Electric, Robert Becker points out how he studied very small electrical currents in various animals that naturally occurred to facilitate healing. He learned that he could influence this healing process by inducing electric currents. The

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June 2010

human application of his work is the use of micro currents to promote bone growth in non-union fractures. In the Soviet Union, similar work was done on these same “healing currents” in both plants and animals. This work gives strong support to the suggestion that there is much more yet to learn about the healing properties of the human body. This certainly gives credence to the notion that energy medicine does in fact have a “scientific” construct. There just has not been enough proper, honest, nonbiased research to define it…yet.

I was first exposed to Nutritional Reflex Technique (NRT) about three years ago at a seminar. NRT is a non-invasive muscle testing technique developed to pinpoint the possible causes of health imbalances in the human body. Muscle testing in general is a technique in which a test muscle is used to generate a “strong” or “weak” response to a stimulus. It is not muscle strength in the conventional sense of being able to perform various activities. It is the muscle's ability to resist a challenge when being held in a static position. Again, it is not assessing true strength but rather the body's ability to maintain isometric position or the quality of contraction while undergoing a challenge.

The theory based on “Quantum biology” conveys that the human body is a hologram composed of intersecting lines of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) knows as “bio-energy”. Simply stated, the body has within it and surrounding it an electrical network or grid and within this grid there are these EMFs. There is a plethora of research confirming the existence of the human bio-energy field and as our bio-energy blueprint, EMFs function as an archive of all the data pertinent to our wellbeing. These bio-energy centers or points have an intimate relationship with DNA that gives them direct regulatory access to all cellular functions. This strongly suggests that the field is primary to the physical body. Energy dictates matter, a commonly known theory among physicists.

NRT, which was developed by Dr. Gary Lasneski, uses this theory as a means of bringing balance back to the system. The world runs on vibration or frequencies, EMFs. Every elemental atom has its own frequency or EMF, therefore all molecules in turn have their own unique frequencies. If anything impacts the system either positively or negatively, there is a change in the frequencies or EMFs and the changes can be registered in muscular responses. In this manner the practitioner can place compounds such as nutrients, drugs, allergens, etc. in one hand or the other of a client and potentially invoke certain muscular responses. Based on how these responses correlate with specific contact points on the body one can assess the physical needs of the body and how to bring it back into a balanced state of well-being.

The points used in NRT are very specific and a result of over 20 years of research based on Dr. Lasneski’s extensive training in physiology, pathology, human nutrition, herbal medicine and homeopathy. Contacting the body at certain “points” interacts with the energy fields that correlate directly with biochemical responses of the body, including immune, neural, structural, endocrine, detoxification and emotional. Active points will respond to

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stimulus and muscle contraction will fail indicating a problem or area of concern.

If a point is not active, the muscle will not change its function. In this way NRT assesses the points gaining information by mapping which systems may be deficient or dysfunctional. For instance, if the practitioner determines that the liver is weak, NRT can identify the specific underlying cause of this. Is it because of toxins, virus, endotoxins from intestinal issues, hormones, genetic causes or medications? Is it primary or secondary? If I clear up this over here will the liver take care of itself?

NRT gives specific information about energy imbalances in the body allowing the practitioner to treat the core cause. All too often most other muscle testing systems simply end with supplements to support your systems. This leads to treating the patient allopathically, with a focus on symptoms, as opposed to holistically, focusing on the cause. NRT when practiced correctly is a true holistic model.

Experiencing NRT as a patient is very powerful. The dynamic of feeling “weak” or “strong” based on interaction with various points is profound. Most patient experiences with NRT have proven that it is an excellent tool, demonstrating remarkable results. It allows the practitioner to identify very specific combinations using homeopathic remedies, detoxification protocols and precise nutritional support to best help the patient’s individual needs. Progress is easily measurable and equally easy to manage. Of course the best measure for any therapy is always results and patients are most often exceptionally pleased.

The body is an amazing “machine” and helping it to function better is a very rewarding thing. This electrical/muscular relationship is a very real, natural part of the human system. It is not mystical or magical. All forms of muscle testing are simply biofeedback. Energy medicine may be a method to help you to improve your health. Perhaps NRT is a good place to start. Hopefully your energy will flow.

Dr. Steven Oberle is a chiropractor and clinical nutritionist practicing NRT at Center Chiropractic in West Hartford. Bob Guiel MS, ACN is clinical nutritionist and certified NRT practitioner in Hadley, MA. See ad on page 24.

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Integrative Manual Therapy for Lyme Disease and Immune Deficiency

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aving grown up in Connecticut, there was frequent mention of Lyme disease. Today, it is a widespread epidemic. Lyme disease is well known as the most common tick-borne illness in this country. Typical symptoms of this disease include fatigue, achiness, headaches, joint pain, digestive symptoms, and neurologic issues such as muscle weakness.

At the heart of Lyme disease is immune deficiency. Immune deficiency is very prevalent in our culture today. It is a primary cause of many childhood and adult illnesses. The best treatment for immune deficiency is prevention—maintaining an optimally healthy immune system.

nificantly depleted following this course of treatment. The antibiotics target not only the Borrellia bacteria involved in Lyme disease, but in fact, all bacteria, including the important flora in our gut—the ‘good bacteria.’ Without the good bacteria in our gut, we are susceptible to other types of infection. Additionally, whereas the treatment combats the bacterial infection associated with the Lyme disease, it often leaves the person with resultant signs and symptoms. Often, even with a complimentary nutritional program of ‘probiotics’ and other products aimed at augmenting the health of the digestive tract and immune system, the person still experiences discomfort and weakness.

Challenges with Traditional Therapy

Co-Infections

Traditional intervention for Lyme disease includes antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing Lyme disease. However, the challenges with antibiotic therapy are multiple.

If the person is not undergoing any kind of nutritional wellness, they could be left sig-

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Did you know that one tick can transmit multiple infections? The concept of ‘coinfection’ is growing in popularity among the medical community. Whereas Lyme disease was originally thought to be limited to the Borrellia bacteria, there is a growing body of knowledge correlating Lyme disease symptoms and viral infections or even parasite infections. In these scenarios, the tick would transmit another type of bacteria, a virus or even a parasite into the person’s body. Antibiotics are ineffective for viruses and parasites. In these individuals, they often experience continued weakness, joint pain, mental clar-

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ity loss, and many more prolonged symptoms following the antibiotic therapy. With these types of co-infections, it is typically a longer road to recovery.

Integrative Manual Therapy & the Integrated Systems Approach A missing component to the traditional treatment for Lyme disease as well as a compliment to any alternative treatment program is Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT). IMT has been used for many years to support the immune system in individuals dealing with immune related issues such as Lyme disease. IMT may be used to address many core issues at the heart of immune deficiency. IMT practitioners follow the Integrated Systems Approach, a concept developed by Sharon WeiselfishGiammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C, the founder of IMT, over thirty years ago. The Integrated Systems Approach demonstrates that the body is comprised of multiple systems such as the muscular system, the skeletal system, the circulatory system, the nervous system, as well as the immune system.

When a person exhibits a specific symptom, it is often manifested by underlying dysfunction in one of these systems.

Let’s illustrate an example. Consider a person with a frozen shoulder syndrome.

This person would have pain at the shoulder, limited movement, and weakness of the arm. Very likely, they would be holding

their arm in a protective position to avoid injury or added pain. In this example, a typical treatment program would include traditional physical therapy, pain medication and possibly even surgery. All of these approaches are limited to addressing the superficial symptoms of the shoulder.

Using an IMT approach, the practitioner would assess the shoulder region and surrounding tissues using manual diagnostics to determine what system was compromised in the area. With a frozen shoulder syndrome, there may be a nerve impingement of the nerve plexus traveling through the shoulder girdle, there may be scar tissue in the soft tissues of the underarm, or even a bone bruise on the joint surface of the shoulder joint. There are multiple tissues in the shoulder region that could be involved. Once the IMT practitioner identifies what tissues are dysfunctional, they implement IMT techniques to correct the dysfunction. These techniques are specifically aimed at improving circulation to and from the compromised tissue, improving integrity of the tissue, augmenting immunity in the region, and decreasing inflammation. As the symptoms of the shoulder begin to decrease and there is greater potential for function, at that point an exercise program may be integrated to re-educate the shoulder region.

Increased Rise in Immune Deficiency As Lyme disease is growing in incidence, there are many other immune illnesses that are manifesting in our communities today. The recent rise of global pandemic infectious disorders is unprecedented. In the last several years, we have been inundated with news stories on the swine flu, West Nile virus, SARS, NORO virus… The reason for this rise in infectious disorders is hypothesized by many.

Is it because of global warming? Or is it because of increased use of pesticides in our culture? Some claim that it is related to increased synthetic preservatives in our food. There are many possibilities. But one thing is for sure, we need to learn how to accommodate to this new earth. The best way to do this is to optimize our immune system.

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Integrative Manual Therapy for Immune Deficiency There are many ways to augment the health of the immune system. Using IMT along with nutritional wellness can be a very successful program to attain optimal immunity. Consider a person with Lyme disease. Often, the kidneys and renal system are involved as well as the liver, the digestive tract and bowel. The liver is involved in the breakdown of toxins. Our renal system and the bowel are our two primary elimination routes in the body.

When there is a toxic load, such as with Lyme disease and a possible co-infection, the body needs highly functioning routes of elimination for these toxins to exit the body. When these routes are inhibited because of congestion secondary to chronic toxicity, the person lacks the ability to dispose of these toxins. In this common scenario, the body holds onto these toxins. This leads to further problems in the body. A chronic toxic load in the body can lead to joint pain and inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and much more. This toxicity can set the stage for future degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s.

When using IMT for immune deficiency, treatment is often focused on improving circulation to and from the liver to augment the liver’s capacity to break down toxins. IMT also targets the kidneys and bowel to support elimination of toxins. The lymphatic system is another important component of the body’s immune system. Throughout our body, there is a large network of lymphatic vessels that pick up toxins from our tissues and filter them through lymph nodes. As these toxins are broken down,

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they are then sent to our elimination routes via the kidneys and bowel. IMT practitioners may use techniques to promote lymphatic drainage in the body to support this process.

Recovery from Lyme disease can be a very challenging process because of the multiple systems that are involved. Antibiotic therapy has been shown to decrease the effects of Lyme disease in many individuals. But with most, there are resultant symptoms that do not disappear. Using a comprehensive treatment program in addition to the antibiotic therapy, that includes Integrative Manual Therapy, nutritional wellness and dietary intervention, can shorten the recovery process and help the person find optimal health and wellness.

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, P.T., I.M.T.,C. is the Director of Pediatrics for CenterIMT, Center of Integrative Manual Therapy and Diagnostics, headquartered in Bloomfield, CT. She is also the Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT).

Ayelet has taught courses in IMT nationally and internationally for over 15 years. She is in the final stages of her PhD focusing on Autism. See ad on page 39.

Free Symposium on Caring for Our Children Naturally: Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PT, IMT,C will be presenting at a free symposium in Bloomfield, CT on Saturday, June 5, 2010 sponsored

by Natural Nutmeg and CenterIMT. The topic of the symposium is Caring for Our Children Naturally. During this symposium she and two doctors will be speaking on how to raise a child naturally.

The lectures will focus on how to decrease allergies and other common childhood issues related to immune deficiency. Topics such as the current vaccine controversy will be discussed as well.

To register for this free symposium, please call (860)243-5220.

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Andropause: The “Male Menopause”

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n 1980, an 18-year veteran police detective in Ontario with a previously spotless record stole approximately $1000.00 worth of items from the evidence room of his department. He persuaded the judge in his case to spare him a prison sentence, claiming that “male menopause” had clouded his judgment.

Ever since the term “male menopause” was first coined in 1949, there have been debates about whether men go though a psychological and physiological change that is similar to menopause in women. The problem is that menopause literally means “the end of menses,” so it describes the loss of something that men never have. Despite that, men do experience physical changes as they age that, like menopause, are caused by a decrease in hormone production. Unlike menopause, this decrease in hormone production is drawn out over most of a man's adult life. This has lead to a series of attempts to find a better term to describe what is happening. Many doctors use the term “andropause” to describe the age-related hormone changes in men. Irritability, fatigue, depression, reduced libido and erection problems are hallmark signs of andropause.

Andropause can be taken to mean “the end of male-ness.”

More accurately, it should be thought of as a reduction in the production of hormones called “androgens” that produce male sexual characteristics. The chief androgen in humans is testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that makes men, men.

Testosterone production varies throughout a man’s life.

Before birth, testosterone and other androgens drive the differentiation of the embryo into a male baby. In early infancy, testosterone levels rise and then retreat for reasons that are not well-understood. Through childhood, testosterone is very low, but then it increases greatly in puberty. Starting at about age 30, testosterone production drops approximately 1% to 3% a year and this decrease continues until the end of life.

What principally distinguishes menopause from andropause, therefore, is the time scale and rate at which sex hormone production changes. In women, menopause is a distinct life stage lasting 1-10 years. Once menopause is complete, production of sex hormones remains at a steady lower level until the end of life. By contrast, men normally experience no such abrupt change in sex hormone production and the decline of

production continues throughout old age.

Another way menopause is different from andropause is in how it changes fertility. Although there are many women who mistake the appearance of menopause symptoms for the end of fertility, earlier at some point in the perimenopause transition the ovaries will stop producing new eggs and she will no longer be able to become pregnant. In men, however, the production of sperm can continue until very late in life at levels high enough to cause pregnancy.

Despite these differences in timing and fertility, however, there is a real biological change happening in men as they age. While there is not yet any officially recognized diagnosis of andropause, researchers have been defining a wide range of ways the reduction in testosterone affects men, using terms like Symptomatic Late-Onset Hypogonadism (SLOH) and Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM). These terms may be more accurate ways of describing testosterone deficiency that has dropped enough to produce recognizable symptoms.

Testosterone production varies not only with age but also daily and in response to stress. Peak production occurs in the morning decreasing through the day to a valley in the evening.

Testosterone is produced by the testicles and adrenal glands and released into the blood stream where most is bound to proteins called sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and other proteins such as albumin. The SHBG-bound portion is very tightly bound making it unavailable for use by the body, leaving approximately 2% “free” testosterone and 23% loosely-bound “bioavailable” testosterone. When it reaches its target, a small portion of testosterone is converted into a more potent metabolite called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Like menopause, testosterone deficiency is an endocrine condition that causes changes in a man’s metabolism with short and long-term effects in many different organs and systems. The musculoskeletal system shows lower density in the bones and weaker muscles. In the cardiovascular system, testosterone deficiency is associated with atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular diseases. In the nervous system, low testosterone shows up as decreased libido, increased rates of depression and cognitive difficulties. It is also linked to erec-

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25

tile dysfunction, alterations of body hair per and lower body strength and aerobic brain damage or dementia. Declining tesand skin thickness, increased visceral fat, endurance. tosterone also appears to reduce the type of and infertility.

It has been a long-standing belief in thinking called “spatial cognition” – tasks Men with low testosterone levels have the medical community that higher lev- that require attention to objects in threewith Dr. Gene put Ang Dr. Diane Hindman higher risks of osteoporosis and fractures. els of testosterone men and at increased dimensional space like visual perception, As testosterone decreases, deposition of risk for heart disease. The exact opposite object perception, and visual memory. new bone also decreases, reducing bone in fact true – lowered amounts tes- Men with lower levels testosterone also A series of 3is workshops that can be oftaken individually or ofcombined strength and density. Osteoporotic men tosterone increase the risk of heart disease report greater levels of memory problems Sponsored by The Graduate Institute and Natural Nutmeg Magazine given testosterone supplementation re- over normal men. Men that have coronary and other dementia symptoms as they age. duce the rate of bone degradation andto in-theartery disease have lower levels testosJuly 11th: Introduction Shamanic Journey andofthe Power of Thought and Intention Testosterone also appears to both help crease bone density. Fractures, especially terone than men without blocked arteries. protect and heal nerve cells in the brain.

• learn about the shamanic worldview and its relevance for modern times • learn to access your inner guides hip fractures, in the elderly are very dan- No study so far, in fact, shows a relation In laboratory studies, testosterone pro• learn how access non-ordinary states higher of consciousness • discover to from refine yourbyability to of gerous to both mento and women.

Men are between testosterone and coronary techniques tects neurons attack a variety more likely to diechange following hipphysical fracture world artery through disease. Neither does andiscussion, increased and possible toxins.

It also helps heal severed your meditation, group interaction than women. The one-year mortality rate testosterone level from supplementa- nerves and produces other chemicals that 2nd tion & 3rd: Wholeness, following hip fracture for menOct. is double lead toHealing, increased heart disease. This and help Power nerves re-grow after injury. that of women. overturns years of dogma andand leads States to the all these effects on the brain, it is November 6th & 7th: Death, Dying, of With Consciousness As both men and women age, they question whether testosterone supplemenno surprise it is being looked Workshops are 9am -5pm at The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd., Bethany, CT at as a way lose muscle strength. Testosterone is an tation can help men with cardiovascular to treat one of the worst diseases of aging, July 11th - $125; October 2/3 -Fortunately, $250; November 6/7 - $250Alzheimer’s • $555 for all 3(AD). workshops anabolicCost: steroid, which builds muscle, so disease? men with decreased disease AD is character• Lunch is included in theartery registration it makes sense that reduced levels would testosterone and coronary disease fee. ized by progressive loss of higher brain reduce To muscle mass contact: and strength.

The doHindman, show improvement when givenor testosand the deposition of plaque Register Dr. Diane 860-508-0894 emailfunctions drhindmanphd@yahoo.com loss of independence and increased over- terone supplementation. Angina frequen- in the brain. Testosterone and other horTestimonials from Sedona 2010 retreat: all“This frailness we associate withaffected old ageevery are participant. cy and intensity are are reduced, theyand tolerate mones appear to possibly impact this proworkshop has positively Our hearts full, united strong. My spiritual batteries are partly a consequence of this decline of the exercise longer before experiencing chest cess and are being considered as therapies rejuvenated and I have the deepest gratitude for being included in such an uplifting experience! “ JC anabolic effects of testosterone. Older men pain, and have improved mood. Mood for AD. In some laboratory studies, testos“In their quiet nonassuming ways they inspired me to ‘reach new heights’ literally and figuratively. I am still in awe that I with relatively low testosterone levels are and other emotional and cognitive distur- terone significantly reduced the impact of it to the top! this life changing experience! “ CM atmade increased risk of Thank frailty you thanforthose with bances are another group of symptoms that AD on memory loss and the production of higher levels. Elderly men that have higher men and women share and may be related these plaques. testosterone levels have better physical to hormonal changes. The brain produces Another effect of menopause is that capacity as measured by physical fitness testosterone and receptors for testosterone declining sex hormone production reductests. They also are better able to carry out are common in the brain. We are just be- es interest in sex. Men also experience a normal daily activities, like writing, eat- ginning to understand the effects on the decline in sexual desire with reduced tesing, walking, and dressing. Men given tes- brain of late-life testosterone deficiency. tosterone levels. In fact, decreased libido tosterone supplementation have reduced Elderly men in one study that had with no other cause is a standard sympbody fat, increased lean muscle mass, and higher levels of bioavailabile testosterone tom for clinically-significant decreased increased grip strength. They also gain up- did better on tests that are designed to find testosterone. Men with decreased testos-

The Integration of Shamanic Arts and the Outcomes of Intention

The Integration of Shamanic Arts and the Outcomes of Intention with Dr. Gene Ang and Dr. Diane Hindman

A series of 3 workshops that can be taken individually or combined Sponsored by The Graduate Institute and Natural Nutmeg Magazine

July 11th: Introduction to the Shamanic Journey and the Power of Thought and Intention • learn about the shamanic worldview and its relevance for modern times • learn to access your inner guides • learn how to access non-ordinary states of consciousness • discover techniques to refine your ability to change your physical world through meditation, discussion, and group interaction

Oct. 2nd & 3rd: Healing, Wholeness, and Power November 6th & 7th: Death, Dying, and States of Consciousness Workshops are 9am -5pm at The Graduate Institute, 171 Amity Rd., Bethany, CT Cost: July 11th - $125; October 2/3 - $250; November 6/7 - $250 • $555 for all 3 workshops • Lunch is included in the registration fee.

To Register contact: Dr. Diane Hindman, 860-508-0894 or email drhindmanphd@yahoo.com Testimonial from Sedona 2010 retreat: “This workshop has positively affected every participant. Our hearts are full, united and strong. My spiritual batteries are rejuvenated and I have the deepest gratitude for being included in such an uplifting experience! “ JC 26

June 2010

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terone also have more trouble producing or maintaining an erection. Several small studies have shown that testosterone supplementation in older men results in both increases in libido and in a higher sense of well-being and satisfaction.

Weight gain in elderly women is frequently blamed on the hormonal and metabolic changes caused by menopause.

Similarly, decreased testosterone is linked to increased body fat, especially “visceral” fat. Visceral fat is also called abdominal fat or organ fat. It is the fat that is located inside the abdomen instead of just under the skin where most fat deposits are located.

Packed in among and around the abdominal organs, visceral fat is associated with a much greater risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis and premature death.

Any doctor that sees middle-aged men is asked: “Do men have male menopause?” or: “Does male menopause exist?”

Because of the very different ways that men and women’s bodies change the production and availability of sex hormones, these are really the wrong questions. The question that we should ask is: “Should men be evaluated for sex-hormone changes in later life?” The answer to this question is a very firm and unequivocal: “Yes.” Without proper evaluation of androgen levels, many treatable symptoms will go unaddressed. With proper evaluation, men can be treated in ways that will improve general health, longevity, and quality of life.

Unfortunately, most clinicians either do not recognize the symptoms of testosterone deficiency or believe that these symptoms are “normal aging.” When doctors miss addressing testosterone deficiency, they cheat their patients of powerful treatment options.

Complicating evaluation and treatment of androgen deficiency, however, is the difficulty in measuring or defining what is an abnormally low level. Men’s testosterone levels in later life are variable and poorly-defined. Among the issues: there are multiple protocols for testing androgens, each with different reference values, there are different androgen fractions (free testosterone vs. bioavailabile testosterone, etc.) that can mask the amount actually available for use by the body, and the reference standards for the “normal” range are incredibly broad.

The biggest issue in simply using blood tests to determine if a man is testosterone deficient is that the blood levels will vary greatly from one day to the next. Even if

the test is drawn the same time of day on successive days, the blood levels of testosterone can be very different. This is why a full evaluation that considers the combination of clinical symptoms and blood tests is so important.

Just as with estrogen replacement therapy in women, however, there has been a great deal of controversy about possible hormone replacement therapy in men. The chief concern has been worries that testosterone replacement could stimulate heart disease or prostate cancer. Fortunately, the concerns for both negative side-effects appear to be overblown. As said, there is growing evidence that testosterone can help protect the heart from cardiovascular disease.

The case of prostate cancer is a bit more complicated. Many treatments for prostate cancer attempts to reduce testosterone to suppress tumor growth. Obviously, giving testosterone to a man with a prostate tumor is therefore not an option.

The question has been: will testosterone supplements provoke prostate cancer?

Fortunately, the answer appears to be, “No.” Increased testosterone levels are not linked to higher rates of prostate cancer or more deaths from prostate cancer. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Men with higher amounts of testosterone show lower incidence and mortality for prostate cancer, as well as for cardiovascular disease and for all causes of death.

The decline in late-life androgen production is a very real and very treatable phenomenon. Unfortunately, 50 years of debate about whether there is such a thing as “male menopause” has obscured these hormonal changes. There is a growing realization that proper evaluation and treatment of testosterone deficiency is both appropriate and beneficial for many men.

For optimal results, I recommend seeking out a physician experienced in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy within a broader program addressing overall lifestyle modification and enhancement.

Desmond Ebanks, MD is a board certified internal medicine physician specializing in age management medicine; a sciencebased approach to preventive wellness, bioidentical hormone modulation and optimizing health for men and women at Alternity Healthcare, LLC in West Hartford, CT. He can be reached at 860-561-2294 or www.alternityhealthcare.com. See ad on page 2.

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Eco-Destination The EPIC Hotel, Miami A Kimpton Hotel: Green Seal Certified

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" want to be eco-friendly, but it’s my VACAAATION.”

Do you think an eco-friendly hotel means sacrifice? Au contraire. Stop whining and go to the aptly-named EPIC Hotel in Miami. It’s green green green, but all you’ll feel is pampered pampered pampered.

This new, 411-room, 30-floor, luxury hotel sits on the waterfront, with views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, and the Miami skyline. Stroll along the waterfront, take a 15 minute walk to Bayside Marketplace, walk to the Arsht Center for Performing Arts, catch a cab to South Beach, go for a sail around the bay, hire a fishing charter right from the hotel’s deep water marina…

Or never leave the building. This hotel is a destination in itself. It was named a Top 25 U.S. Hotel, a Top 10 U.S. Luxury Hotel, and a Top 10 U.S. Trendy Hotel by the Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Awards.

From comfortable rooms, to a 12,000 square-foot spa, the EPIC has it all – balconies, bubble-jet tubs, fabulous dining, friendly staff, infinity pools, a terrace bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center; a 12,000 square-foot spa (that offers everything you can imagine, including cabana massages); complimentary wine hours, and more.

Plus, it’s kid-friendly and pet-friendly.

If You Thought “Cosmopolitan” and “Conservation” Were Strangers, Think Again.

The EPIC is part of the Kimpton ho-

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tel group, and Kimpton has been walking the eco-walk for years. In 1981, they started recycling trash at their first hotel in San Francisco. In 1985, they renovated a second hotel to include a rooftop park.

In 1994, they opened the Eco Floor in another of their hotels. All Kimpton hotels and restaurants began using 100% recycled paper and soy inks years ago. They eliminated Styrofoam, replaced paper cups with ceramic cups, and brought in 100% green (and comfortable) Sealy beds and mattresses. The Kimpton EarthCare® program became mandatory at all Kimpton hotels and restaurants, nationwide, in 2005, as part of their commitment to social responsibility. They’ve received numerous awards for their efforts, including the Condé Nast World Savers Award; the National GeoTourism Award from the Travel Industry and Association of America, and National Geographic Traveler magazine; the Hotel World—Corporate Citizen of the Year award, the Co-Op America Green Business Network Certification, and the Acterra Environmental Award for pollution prevention/resource conservation.

Green Seal Silver Certification The EPIC is a Green Seal Silver Certified hotel. Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that has partnered with the lodging industry to promote environmentally responsible products and practices since 1995. Certification requires an initial evaluation by Green Seal, www.naturalnutmeg.com

including an on-site audit of the property, and annual monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance.

To qualify, the EPIC had to demonstrate sustainable practices in waste minimization; reuse & recycling; energy efficiency; conservation & management; management of fresh water resources; waste water management; hazardous substances; and environmentally sensitive purchasing.

You can read about all of Kimpton and EPIC’s eco-friendly achievements on their web site – kimptonhotels.com. Here are some of the highlights: • Dual-flush toilets and water-efficient showerheads and faucets.

• Towel and linen reuse option.

• Certified towels and linens through Oeko-Tex 100 Standard.

• Phone books and religious books are offered by request.

• Hotel key cards made with 30% post consumer recycled plastic.

• Infrared occupancy/motion sensors control guest room HVAC. • Soaps, shampoos and conditioners use natural ingredients and come from environmentally responsible companies.

• Partially-used shampoos, conditioners, linens, and towels are donated to local charities.

• In-room recycling bins and hotel-wide recycling.

• Washable/reusable mugs are provided for morning coffee service.

• Organic and/or shade grown coffee and tea are provided.

• Internal documents are circulated electronically.

• Everything that must be printed is printed on post-consumer recycled content paper using soy based inks.

• Energy-efficient lighting (T8 and/or T5 fluorescents, LEDs, and CFLs), as well as motion sensors in offices and back-ofhouse areas.

• ENERGY-STAR-rated windows and appliances.

• Low/No VOC paints are used throughout the building.

• Environmentally and Socially Sensitive Purchasing Policy.

• Complimentary and discounted hybrid parking programs.

All Kimpton hotels have a number of “EcoChampions” on staff. Jared Stinnett, Chief Engineer at the EPIC, is one of this hotel’s EcoChampions. “I volunteered because I believe in the cause,” says Jared.

“We are charged with coming up with ideas on how to continually make the EPIC more eco-friendly. As new technologies are developed or become affordable, we embrace them. We’re testing a new, dimmable CFL bulb now, in hopes we’ll soon have a CFL building, and can eliminate incandescent bulbs entirely. We’re also considering using the parking garage roof for rainwater collection.

“I want to make a difference. And my daughter wants me to as well. She’s learning about the environment and sustainability at school. After school one day she looked sad, and said, ‘Daddy, we are ruining the earth.’ That’s enough to inspire anyone.”

Dining “Area 31,” the Italian restaurant on the EPIC’s 16th floor, was named one of the

best new restaurants of 2009 by Esquire Magazine. It serves sustainable seafood from the restaurant's namesake, sustainable fishing Area 31. Seafood is selected based on the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program standards. Organic and biodynamic wines are featured, and only organic meats are served. Area 31’s management is committed to environmental responsibility and minimizing their carbon footprint. They recycle, use energy-efficient lighting and appliances, environmentally friendly cleaning products, flatware made from recycled glass, and much more.

A second restaurant – Zuma – is opening in May. Zuma will feature modern Japanese cuisine, and already has locations in London, Hong Kong, Istanbul and Dubai. According to Eric Jellson, Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Zuma will not only be eco-friendly, but will also outshine the famous Nobu in South Beach.

Wow! If you’re a night owl, check out the River Lounge on the first floor – open most nights until 3 am.

Green Gatherings If you're planning a meeting or event, the EPIC will ensure it’s earth-friendly. Eric reports that they are the first hotel company to make every meeting a green meeting. In addition, their meeting planners can make meetings and events "carbon neutral," by helping you contribute to a clean energy program.

join in their commitment to environmental and social sustainability. To learn more visit kimpton.com.

EarthCare Partners Save 15% Kimpton Hotels partner with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Trust for Public Land (TPL). If you share Kimpton’s eco-friendly values, you can choose to support one of these organizations, and save money, when you stay at a Kimpton Hotel. Go to kimptonhotels.com and click the “Reserve & Preserve” button for reservations, or add TNC or TPL to the rate code box when booking online, or mention the TNC or TPL rate when calling 800-Kimpton for reservations. $10 of your daily room rate goes to the organization of your choice (TNC or TPL) and you will receive a 15% discount for each night of your stay.

There also are buttons on the website that allow you to donate directly to The Nature Conservancy and/or the Trust for Public Land.

For more information go to kimptonhotels. com or epicmiami.com, or call 800-KIMPTON (546-7866).

Author Deb Percival is a freelance writer inConnecticut. E-maildpercival@comcast.net.

Discounts for Like-Minded Companies and Individuals Through Kimpton’s Shared Values Program, they offer discounts up to 20% off their Best Available Rate at Kimpton Hotels across the U.S. and Canada. This is their way of aligning with individuals, companies and organizations that would like to

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Community Spotlight Kensington

Please support these local businesses and practitioners in our community

Wethersfield

New Britain

225 Oak Street, New Britain, CT www.urbanoaks.org • 860-223-6200

Glastonbury

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Rocky Hill

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Want To Help The Environment?

Start Small...

Service Your Septic

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t can be overwhelming to be green. Sometimes it feels like the problems our environment faces are so big that one individual can’t make a difference. Crisis like mountaintop removal in the mid-Atlantic and the oil crisis in Louisiana are discouraging because these problems seem too big for one person to affect change. But there are small things we can do right on our own land to protect our earth.

One of the most important things we can do is take care of our septic systems, which protects our groundwater and our community.

A septic system is a machine that is constantly working. We need to remind ourselves that our septic system is a utility and it needs to be maintained. Because it is buried in the yard, it is often out of sight and out of mind. For those of you who have experienced a malfunctioning septic system, you know that it can make itself known in the most disgusting manner. If you care for your septic system, it can serve

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you and the environment for 20 to 30 years!

Preventing groundwater pollution should be a priority for all homeowners and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their septic system.

Waste from a septic system can migrate into our bodies of water and disrupt the entire eco-system in our own communities. Furthermore, when a septic sys-

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tem fails, inadequately treated waste can reach our groundwater and the bacteria from human waste can cause dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever and other ailments. People die every year from contaminated water and this can be prevented if we take responsibility for what we are putting into our septic systems and the groundwater.

Most people do not know how a septic system functions.

When a good septic system fails, it isn’t the tank that fails; it is the soil that fails. The soil fails because liquid can’t pass through. Liquid can’t pass through soil if it is clogged with solids. So, to care for your septic system, you need to monitor the amount of solids that enter your system. In addition, you need to monitor the household chemicals that enter your system. You also need to monitor what is growing on and around your system.

It is important to pay attention to what solids enter your septic system.

Sanitary napkins, tampons and condoms should never be flushed into your system. Other solids that should not be sent into your system are food scraps. If you have a septic system it is recommended that you do not use a garbage disposal.

If you have a garbage disposal, you need to have your septic tank cleaned more often because there will be more solids in your system. Other solids that should not enter your system are grease, cooking oils, coffee grinds, diapers or kitty litter. Excessive water use is also not good for your system because high volumes of water can flood your system. So instead of doing 10 to 15 loads of laundry on a

Saturday, it’s better to do 1 to 2 loads per day. I know, easier said than done. Also, avoid powdered laundry detergents, as they contain non-biodegradable fillers that can plug your system.

Also, environmentally friendly cleaners should be used as often as possible because harsh cleaners can affect the functionality of your septic system.

Do not use drain cleaners as these can kill the bacteria in your system and disrupt the operation of your tank. Consider using biodegradable alternatives for routine cleaning around the house.

Oxidized bleaches, borax, vinegar and baking soda are less hazardous than non-biodegradable cleaners. There are recipes all over the internet to make your own biodegradable cleaners right at home. Remember that any chemical you put into your system can enter the groundwater.

It is recommended that the only thing you grow over your septic system and leach field is grass. Trees and other deep-rooted vegetation can clog your system. Also, do not ever drive over your system, cover it with hard surfaces such as asphalt, or build anything over your system.

Many people ask whether they need to use a septic maintenance product.

There is no formula to make a septic work better. Most specialists will say these products are anywhere from useless to harmful to your system. All we need to do is pay attention to what goes into our septic systems and properly maintain them to protect our systems and our groundwater.

Keep detailed records of all inspections and maintenance to your septic

system. It is also helpful to keep a sketch of your system at home if you ever need to service your septic system. If you don’t have a sketch, you can call your local Health Department as they should have your system on file.

Pumping your septic tank is the single most important thing you can do to protect your septic system. If you do not pump your tank then the build-up of solids becomes too high and the solids start to move to the drainage field.

This can clog the entire system to the point of needing a new drainage field.

If you ever have a question as to when you should pump your tank, set up an inspection. The National Environmental Services Center recommends you have your septic inspected yearly. Generally, I recommend that if you have not serviced your tank recently, you should have an inspection to determine whether the system is functioning properly and whether it needs to be cleaned. I know that yearly may be a bit ambitious in this economy, but a failed system is much harder on the wallet than a cleaning!

A failing septic system decreases your property value and it typically costs $5000 to $10,000 to replace. A pumping of a 1000 gallon tank is around $275 and can save you money while protecting the health of your family and community.

Start small and service your septic.

If every individual commits to this we can affect big change.

Open House at Kyokushin Karate School Saturday, June 19th 261 Albany Turnpike, RT. 44 Canton, CT 1-877-IKU-DOJO

Learn the benefits of Kyokushin Karate and what makes I.K.U. unique: • Lose Weight & Increase Strength • Endurance, Stamina, Flexibility • Self Confidence, Stress Relief • Family owned & Operated • Full Contact • Children and Adult Classes

www.IkuDojo.org

Submitted by Jason LaChance of Small Town Septic. For more information call, 860-653-TAKE (8253). See ad on page 27 .

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Getting By With A Little Spiritual Help From Your Friends

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any people are on a spiritual journey, seeking to discover who they really are, and what their purpose in life is. There are several modalities to assist the pilgrimage of the soul, including meditation, energy healing, journaling, yoga and Reiki, to name just a few.

With so many choices and opportunities to connect to your inner guide it can get a little confusing and overwhelming. As with any trek involving emotional heavy lifting it is always good to have an experienced guide, a Sherpa for the soul, if you will, who can lead you on the path to a higher awareness.

Dorinda Gay, an energy intuitive, has the skill and connections from “high places” to make your journey to self-awareness a smooth transition, filled with love, care and hope. She has dedicated her practice, Spirit Transitions, to clearing paths that may block the traveler.

As the name implies, Spirit Transitions addresses the connection we all have to our inner spirit and the exploration involved in this contemplative work with your soul. Transition is a part of life, it is

how we learn and grow. Those feelings of lethargy and disconnectedness, along with that nagging sense of self doubt may all be indications that we are not living the life we should. We need to be comfortable in our skin, to feel at home. With deep respect for each client’s needs Dorinda works with her divine guides to bring us back into balance. Her divine guide and muse, Isis,– the Egyptian goddess worshipped as the ideal mother and wife as well as the matron of nature and magic, actively inspires her to reveal what the soul needs for fulfillment.

Your Personal Spirit Team

Everyone has their own spiritual helpers, which include angels, saints, spiritual masters and divine energies eager to help us in our quest. We can establish a stronger connection to our spirit team through meditation, prayer and intentions. As an intuitive guide, Dorinda can assess your inner network of spiritual helpers to assist your journey.

Working with Dorinda, who as a teacher/healer/helper, through experience of walking her own path will help you reach a higher level of support from your team. By assessing these higher powers, she can give you information from your soul but also loving, guiding energy from your “friends in high places” that will help with your transition.

There are many benefits in working with an energy intuitive. Sessions will help you get unstuck by letting go of negative emotions and life patterns. You can expect help to release the past and let go of that fear, anger and sadness that is holding you back. By letting go of emotions and the energetic patterns that no longer serve your purposes, you are creating space to be receptive to love and support from on high.

Feeling loved and cherished is bound to make you feel better, and help you have a more positive approach to life. You are now free and open to live from a place of gratefulness, and openness to the beauty of the world.

Dorinda accomplishes this work with love and humor. With the ability to laugh in the face of chaos and transition, her work calls to the universe that we are ready to stand our ground without fear and filled with love.

Which Path Will You Take?

As with any journey, there are choices

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and challenges, with different paths for the pilgrim to take. Dorinda works with past life regression, intuitive reading, chakra clearing and space clearing for the home, business or your soul using divine guidance. As she states, this is your time in sacred space, a direct line to your guides and the universe to address what your soul asks for in the moment. “My job as energy intuitive is to tell you what They show you and transmit that energy to clear, calibrate and heal the Vibrational You. Why? So You Feel Good.” Sounds like a good game plan, right?

Dorinda is very aware of the effect energy has on our lives. “Energy is the number one language of existence. It is how the universe communicates. We have to relearn the language of energy in order to be in harmony with our world, “she said.

As a Reiki Master, Dorinda has the ability to quickly identify, clear and calibrate large amounts of energy for the purpose of clearing what no longer serves you.

Those who are ready to let go of past lives and negative emotions to have a clear focused mind will appreciate the “spring cleaning” a session with Dorinda generates. The decision now is what level of involvement do you want? Do you want a residential space cleaning, direct communication with your spirit guide, or maybe Reiki instructions?

Spirit Transition offers a wide variety of workshops and sessions to groups or individuals. Along with private sessions there are workshops that include roundtable discussions on 2012, Past Lives and Present Journeys and The Goddess Studio, which connects you to your spirit guides. A new endeavor, Trilogy Healing is a collaboration of Spirit Transitions with two other highly skilled intuitive healers, Sharon Araki, of A Sense For Touch, and Enid Martinez, of The Heart Helix. Envision a dance of intuitive healing on three different levels with the focus on the client’s needs. This is a true display of love, respect, compassion and cooperation. “It’s all about cooperation, not competition. Our egos are left at the door as we focus solely on the needs of the client,” said Dorinda.

Coming Home

Having deep connections to source promote a centered feeling and enable us to advance more harmoniously on our quest. “It’s all about healing the soul and

heart…Our challenge is to live the life our soul wants and create more freedom. We can focus on darkness and shadow or focus on light,” she said. “I am for those that trust in an infinite energy that serves to heal and ascend our souls quickly so we are free to do what we crave most. This is usually discovering our own gifts to serve this world and humanity. Bringing those gifts forward is the most loving thing we can do for ourselves and our planet at this time."

A statement from her web site perfectly describes Dorinda’s approach to being in balance with life. “Just for today (and read this everyday), consider perceiving yourself as the Divine does. Beautiful varying shades of gray, moving between shadow and light. Accepts you for every choice you make and everything you think, feel and do.”

This total acceptance of each person who comes to her for guidance is the cornerstone of her practice. When working with Dorinda, be prepared to be vibrant, happy, and loved. You are on your way home.

Certified Nurse’s Aide Home Health Aide Provider Clare Davies

West Hartford, CT Cell (860) 878-4192 Fully Licensed with 15 years experience in the healthcare field

For more information and to contact Dorinda please go to www.spirittransitions.com.

Submitted by Nancy Hinchey.

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Supplements 101

Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S. Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Natural Remedies To Promote Prostate Health "No man has the power to stop the passage of time. But every man has the power to make aging more healthy and less harmful." ~ Decker Weiss, NMD, FASA

A

re you in your 50s or 60s and starting to think more about your health? Have you experienced any of these urinary problems: increased urinary frequency during the day or night; urgency; hesitancy; straining; dribbling/ difficulty stopping; decreased stream size or force; pain; burning; lower back/pelvic/ hip/upper thigh discomfort; or continued need to urinate after voiding? Has your doctor suggested that you go for regular prostate exams or testing, or perhaps has recommended prostate drugs or surgery?

While a complete discussion of the various potential prostate difficulties, and the numerous complementary alternatives to prostate drugs, is beyond the scope of this article, you might consider some of the plant-derived remedies below if you wish to enhance your prostate health naturally.

Definitions The prostate is a walnut-sized male sex gland that encircles the urethra, the tube through which urine is voided. Contraction of its muscles produces prostatic fluid, which is the principle component of male ejaculate and nourishes sperm. This gland

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is the most common site of disorders in the male genitourinary system (consisting of the kidneys, two ureters leading from the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra), namely: (1) prostatitis [inflammation/ enlargement of the prostate, common in men of all ages and caused by bacterial infection, pelvic tension, autoimmunity (attack of the immune system against the urinary tract), high uric acid levels, or hormonal changes]; (2) benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) [gradual prostate enlargement in approximately 50% of all men over age 50 and 90% of all men over age 70, believed to be caused largely by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production and/or age-related hormonal changes resulting in estrogen dominance over testosterone levels in the blood]; and (3) prostate cancer [the second leading killer of men (especially African Americans), “nearly 100% survivable if detected early,” with risk factors that include a personal history of BPH (due to cancer detection difficulties) or family history of prostate cancer, an animal fat-rich diet, low antioxidant consumption, vasectomy, sexual activity/venereal disease, obesity, physical inactivity, and pesticide exposure]. Early prostate cancer (referred to as T1c) usually causes no symptoms, but those that some men do experience resemble symptoms of prostatitis and BPH, most of which are noted above. Additional symptoms include bloody urine or semen and painful ejaculation. Appearance of

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any of these symptoms warrants a prompt visit to a urologist and/or proctologist, who may conduct one or more of these diagnostic tests: (1) blood test [an imperfect means of detecting cancer (e.g., urinary tract infections can markedly elevate PSA) that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which should be below 4.0 ng/ ml]; (2) urine test; (3) digital rectal exam/ sonogram; (4) cystoscopy (examination of the urethra and bladder); (5) urinary tract x-rays; and/or (6) biopsy (if PSA or rectal exam indicate potential cancer). Ideally, get two or more medical opinions if cancer is diagnosed (some insurance companies require more than a single opinion).

The Conventional Approach Traditional physicians treat BPH with one of two classes of drugs, each of which has the following potential side effects: (1) alpha 1 blockers (e.g., Flomax®, Cardura®) (dangerously low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, stuffy/runny nose, stomach/intestinal irritation) - relieves urinary obstruction by relaxing the bladder neck’s smooth muscles; and (2) enzyme (5-alpha-reductase) inhibitors (e.g., Proscar®, Avodart®) (erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, breast enlargement/tenderness) – shrinks the prostate by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT and reducing the number of receptor sites to which DHT can attach. Multiple

surgical procedures are also often recommended to reduce prostate size (these generally require hospitalization and can cause loss of sexual function for up to one year, bleeding, and continued urination problems for two months).

The numerous conventional cancer treatments include various types of surgery (including nerve-sparing surgery), radiation, chemotherapy, and vaccine and hormonal therapies, all of which involve risks and numerous recovery challenges.

Natural Approaches to Prostate Health The nutrients discussed below in order of priority are a few that can help maintain prostate health and are especially indicated if any of the urinary symptoms mentioned above have just begun to develop or are mild. The most supportive natural prostate formulas include all of these (e.g., Life Extension’s Ultra Natural Prostate Formula).

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata sabal) Saw palmetto is a dwarf palm generally found in the southern United States whose red-brown berries have been studied extensively in Europe as a treatment for BPH. It functions like Proscar®, yet can be used with few and rare side effects and no known drug interactions. The recommended dose is 160mg (standardized to 85-95% sterols) twice daily.

Nettle Root Extract (Urtica dioica) For more than a decade in Germany, nettle root extract has been approved for treating BPH. As men age, testosterone converts to estrogen at higher rates. Some unpublished data indicate that nettle root helps support prostate cells, which are sensitive to estrogen’s growth stimulatory effects, against that excess estrogen. Other data suggest that it reduces prostate size by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase.

The recommended dose is 120 mg twice daily.

is essentially unknown, animal research indicates that beta-sitosterol may significantly relieve BPH urinary symptoms by functioning like Proscar® and reducing prostate inflammation. Recent studies suggest that this nutrient may also have some direct anticancer potential.

acid that is also a potent anti-inflammatory. The recommended therapeutic dose to enhance prostate health is 1000-2000 mg of EPA and 500-1000 mg of GLA (including that from food).

Pygeum (Prunus africana bark)

Nutritional supplements and a healthy diet are part of a holistic approach to prostate health. You can increase your risk of prostate cancer by eating too much, eating too much saturated fat, and taking in too many toxins from food and water contaminants. Supplements cannot take the place of a diet rich in omega-3 and omega-9 (e.g., from olive oil) fatty acids, antioxidant-rich berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, goji berries), fiber (e.g., lignans in ground flax seeds/flax oil), and dark green vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower). Ideally, if you have, or want to prevent, a prostate condition and wish to incorporate supplements into your daily regimen, seek the guidance of a holistic practitioner whose expertise is informed by extensive clinical experience.

Twelve double-blind, placebo-controlled pygeum trials support its ability to reduce BPH symptoms. Pygeum bark contains three plant sterols: beta-sitosterol; beta-sitosterone, and campesterol. These components decrease the symptoms of BPH by inhibiting the formation of “bad prostaglandins” (chemical messengers produced by the prostate that affect everything from inflammation to blood pressure) that normally increase as men age.

The recommended effective dosage is 50100 mg twice daily.

Pumpkin/Pumpkin Seed Oil/ Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Pumpkin seeds, found highly concentrated in oil form, contain unsaturated fatty acids that have the diuretic effect of increasing urine flow and decreasing urine retention without reducing prostate size. There are also reports that daily use of pumpkin seed oil can lower PSA. The recommended dose is 2000 mg once to three times daily with food.

The correct doses of EPA and DHA, the omega-3 essential fatty acids (i.e., those that the body cannot manufacture) found in the oil of fatty fish (e.g., sardines, salmon, herring, tuna, and mackerel), can help resolve the inflammation underlying all prostate conditions. (Vegetarian flax oil contains only ALA, which must convert to EPA.) Some authorities maintain that GLA, found in evening primrose, black currant seed, and borage oils, is an omega-6 fatty

Conclusion

Submitted by Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Certification #00203), with J. Erika Dworkin, Dip.C.N./Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (pending). Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester), Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. References are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the natural remedies discussed herein are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Beta-Sitosterol Beta sitosterol, the most abundant phytosterol in the diet that is prescribed for BPH in Europe, is found in various plant foods, including pumpkin/sunflower seeds, soybeans, and wheat germ. Although the means by which it reduces BPH symptoms www.naturalnutmeg.com

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Healthy Family

Dr. Lauren Gouin, N.D.

What are your Knuckles and Knees trying to tell you?

A

chy joints are difficult to ignore whether it be after a good work out or just sitting on the couch on a rainy day. A dull constant reminder that deters you from wanting to move and makes every exertion more difficult can make days feel much longer. When pain like this creeps up, it is easy to become frustrated with your body and feel like it’s working against you.

Joints are a sensitive barometer of the body's overall health, and can become painful with a myriad of conditions, from acute infections to chronic digestive complaints. Any painful joint can have a structural component, but could also involve a systemic dysfunction. It is important to remember that your body wants to create balance and be pain free as much as you do. Pain is an effective signaling mechanism your body uses to make you pay attention to it. Addressing the underlying cause to joint pain can not only help ease day to day tasks, but create better wellness overall in the body.

Many disease states, including underlying causes of joint pain, are a sign of imbalance. Balance is disturbed by some excess or deficiency, and/or a structural dysfunction. If you think of your joints as a seesaw, there can be too much or too little on one side of the seesaw. If the hinge

in the middle of the seesaw is not working properly, there could also be imbalance. Naturopathic medicine's goal is to help the body by removing the obstacles to cure, and restore balance to the body's seesaw.

An Excess of Inflammation Inflammation is probably one of the most frequently used terms in medicine today. Everyday researchers are discovering new forms of inflammation in the body and more ways that it impacts our wellness. Inflammation is essentially an upset immune system, with messengers, known as cytokines and leukotrienes as well as other parts of the immune system, running about with their arms in the air. In some cases this is an appropriate response, such as to a chronic or acute infection. However, inflammation can also come from poor diets, stress and food allergies. Whatever triggers the immune system to become upset, it can manifest in symptoms of autoimmunity, fatigue, allergies or joint pain. A patient with arthritis or joint pain should be evaluated for chronic infection, allergic reactions to foods and environment as well as focusing on ways to improve nutrition and lifestyle, reducing stress and calming the immune system.

Deficiency of Nutrients Many nutrients keep the immune system and therefore inflammation in check.

The Standard American diet typically lacks essential fatty acids, which are oils the body cannot produce on its own, but are necessary for immune regulation. Vitamin D also helps improve immune balance, reducing inflammation and joint pain. Optimal nutrient status can often relieve joint pain and promote balance.

Joints are a unique part of the body, because much of them are fed not by blood and a vascular system like the rest of the body, but from GAGS or glucosamine glycans that are found in the space between the intersecting bones. If this fluid is not nourished from our diets or wear and tear on our joints has depleted it, glucosamine and chondroitin are two supplements that may be considered to improve this deficient but necessary fluid.

One of the best steps a person can take for their health is to listen to their bodies. In a busy world, it is easy to shrug off knee pain or take a medication to reduce the sensation in order to get through the workday. Our body wants to have balance, and pain or discomfort is one of its most effective ways our body has of talking with us. Finding the underlying cause for pain, whether it be infection, allergy, nutrient deficiency or lack of structural competency will balance the body, reduce pain, improve quality of life as well as prevent further manifestations of the imbalance.

Dr. Lauren Gouin is a board certified naturopathic physician with a family practice in Manchester and South Windsor. Dr. Gouin is accepting new patients and is an in network provider for most insurance plans.

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KnowyourHerbs

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG)

A Rose By Any Other Name...

W

hen I told a friend which plant I was considering for the topic of this monograph, his reply was, “Is Rose an herb?” That sealed the deal for me. I guess it’s about time she was acknowledged for the many levels of healing she offers. The enormous jar of pink Rose petals in my apothecary is only a partial testament to the great and varied work she does on behalf of the human species.

Rose is a part of our collective consciousness; people think of her most often when her gorgeous and fragrant blossoms make their seasonal debut in June.

Of course she is also enormously popular in February when lovers share her sensuous blooms in order to bring heart-felt passion into a dreary, dark month. For Rose, kindling love and passion is an easy task that she has mastered long ago.

The Rose, native to Asia and the Middle East originally, has been revered and respected for thousands of years; hundreds of species have been cultivated to capture various aspects of her charms. Some Roses have been bred for fragrance, while others continue to be cultivated for shape, size, and color. Many commercial Roses,

latelies of the Rosa family sport monikers like ‘Dolly Parton’, ‘Tropicana’, ‘Blueberry Hills’ and tend to feature unusual colors or exceptionally large blossoms.

"Once I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: "No good in a bed, but fine up against a wall."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

grown with durability in mind for the florist market, have lost much of their scent, but have developed the refined, elongated shape that we are familiar with, such as the long stemmed red rose.

In the world of Rose gardeners, there can be a bit of snobbery when it comes to antique Roses versus the newer breeds.

The classic Roses that adorn distinguished gardens are smaller, particularly fragrant and can be shrub-like or climbers. Names like ‘Madame Hardy’, 'Comte de Chambord' and 'Yolande d'Aragon' have an air of pretentiousness, whereas the Jenny-come-

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What are usually referred to as thorns on a Rose are actually called prickles, a thorn is really a modified stem, whereas a prickle is an extension or outgrowth of the outer tissue of the stem. The purpose of the hook-shaped pricker is to help the Rose climb toward the light and to discourage animals from browsing, although they don’t dissuade the deer very often.

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

- Abraham Lincoln The petals or buds of the Rosa centifolia or Rosa damascena varieties are

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most often used by herbalists in soothing herbal teas; Roses are frequently paired with Lavender or Melissa to enhance a generous feeling of well-being. The taste of Pink Rose is pleasant and sweet and goes right to the heart. For serums, elixirs, and infused vinegars these petite pink roses produce a jewel-like color to the finished product, have the highest concentration of volatile oils, and offer the most alluring perfume. These are also the varieties used in medicinal aromatherapy.

The most desirable Rose essential oil is from the Bulgarian Rose (R. damascena), although e.o.’s distilled from China Rose (R. chinensis) and Moss or Cabbage Rose (R. centifolia) are also absolutely sublime.

Rose oil is fragile and will deteriorate if the blossom isn’t harvested the very morning it first opens. During its peak season, farmers are up before sunrise to collect the burgeoning flowers still damp with dew. The handharvested Roses are dried straight away, or processed immediately into essential oil.

The highest quality essential oil is steam-distilled (sometimes called Rose Otto), in other words, processed only with pure water. The young flowers are placed in a still and the water beneath is heated to a specific temperature to allow steam to rise through the plant material. The vapor that has passed through the Roses carries traces of the volatile oil and consolidates in a specially designed chamber back into liquid. The liquid will naturally separate into the essential oil and the hydrosol (or rose water) because of the varying density.

It takes approximately 1,000 pounds of rose petals to make an ounce of steamdistilled essential oil.

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Because the cost is so prohibitive, there is great temptation to adulterate Rose essential oil and many products are impure, cut with alcohol, of poor quality, or blended with a very large amount of carrier oil. Frequently, the actual amount of Rose oil in such products is fractional. The market also offers Rose absolute, which is produced with a chemical solvent, often hexane; I personally will only use medicinal-grade, steam-distilled Rose essential oil. A single drop of this wonderful medicinal essence goes a long way and is worth every penny… approximately $300-$500 per quarter ounce (roughly 240 drops).

The divinity of the Feminine is an aspect of her magic and symbols of Rose appear in every culture and religion. In Earth-based spiritual traditions, the 5 petals of the wild rose are representational of the 5-pointed star, a holy symbol. The name of the devotional prayer beads used in Christianity, the rosary, is derived from “rose garden” or “rose garland.” Churches and cathedrals throughout Europe often exhibit elaborate rose windows, complex stained-glass designs that utilize powerfully sacred geometric patterns.

The spiritual medicine of Rose offers peace and stillness; it infuses Love on all levels. Compassion is one of her lessons, starting with empathy for one’s own self.

Quan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion could be likened as a counterpart to Mary, The Divine Mother who is often represented by the Rose. It is said that when Visions of Mother Mary appear to devotees, the scent of Rose accompanies her.

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Research has been done measuring the vibrational frequency in Mega Hertz (MHz) on a variety of essential oils; one MHz equals one million oscillations per second. According to Dr. Marcy Foley, author of Embraced by the Essence, a healthy human body vibrates at around 62-68 MHz, and disease begins at oscillations below 60 MHz; Cancer has a low frequency at 42 MHz. Rose, by far, has the highest vibrational frequency of any essential oil, 320 MHz, compared to the next highest, Helichrysum which oscillates at 181 MHz. It’s reasonable to believe that utilizing this transcendent oil will raise anyone’s frequency!

I often use this magnificent grade of Rose oil in cooking; a few drops in chocolate chip cookies is beyond description, and stirring a little into melted chocolate just before dipping strawberries will result in a confection that approaches a religious experience! I have also created a strawberry and Rose sorbet that tastes exactly like Love. When using Rose oil in cooking, be sure to use only the highest quality steamdistilled Rose essential oil. If it isn’t in your budget, Rose water is frequently available in specialty shops for a modest amount of money (although a reputable Aromatherapist will likely offer a better quality product for close to the same price).

Rose syrups, jams and jellies are delicious and make a fun project for the whole family; kids are especially fond of making flowers into food. Experiment with Rose in your recipes; you may be surprised at how versatile her flavor can be, adding new dimensions to old standards in the kitchen.

Rose hips, the fruit of the rose, are tart and

sweet and rich in Vitamin C; they can be added to herbal tisanes and also make a tasty jam. Combined with Hawthorn, Rose Hips make a safe and effective tonic for the heart.

Rose hip seed oil from R. Rubiginosa or R. mosquetta is used in creams, lotions and other beauty products. The coldpressed oil by itself is lovely; this magical, ruby-hued serum heals burns and abrasions after the initial pain is relieved. I infuse mine in the sun with St. Joan’s Wort to create a facial serum that keeps my skin soft and elastic and reduces wrinkles. It really works, it’s good for you, and it is so much more economical than high-priced facial elixirs found in fancy beauty shops; the simple ingredients make a great deal of sense for the health of the planet too.

You can’t tell me that the “blush is off the rose!”

From the medical benefits and the culinary delights, to the spiritual connotations and historical references, information about Rose could -and has- filled volumes.

Sit with a Rose this summer, inhale her fragrance, peer into her depths and experience the peace she offers. Experience for yourself the myriad of gifts she offers from her heart… to yours.

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“The sweetest flower that blows, I give you as we part.

For you it is a Rose, For me it is my heart.”

- Frederick Peterson Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH, RH -Diplomate Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM), Registered Herbalist (AHG) “Herbalisl” is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. She is available by appointment at The Essence of Being at Johnnycake Mountain, Burlington, CT. www.theessenceofbeingat.com Visit her blog: http://HERBALISL.Blogspot. com Please call 860-673-6863 or email at essenceofbeing@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.

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Healthy Cooking ThEGOuRmETbaChElOR.COm Free recipes, cooking & travel videos!

Celebrity cookbook author Chad Carns introduces gourmet food and wine to home cooks with just a few, basic ingredients!

Scallop Ceviche Spicy Chili Oil Ceviche is just seafood marinated in freshly squeezed citrus juice. The fresh citric acid actually cures the seafood in the similar way as salt cures ham or Lox. Peru claims the birthplace of Ceviche but Ecuador, Panama and Mexico inspired many unique preparations. My version is inspired by the fresh, local ingredients on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. Fresh, sweet scallops pair perfectly with spicy chili oil and the thin radish adds that crunch! It’s a delicious way to spend a sunny summer afternoon at home.

INGREDIENTS 1 2 T 6

1 t

chili, thinly sliced peanut oil large scallops, cut 1/4-inch slices sugar

2 T 1 t 1 t 1 t 1 1 T

Elegantly designed with vivid photography and slick black pages, The Gourmet Bachelor cookbook includes a wine, beer or specialty cocktail pairing for each recipe; an essential wine guide; and 5 simple steps to help you easily prepare meat, seafood or vegetables like a restaurant chef.

lime juice sea salt black pepper lime zest radish, thinly sliced scallions, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS: Gently cook chili in peanut oil on medium-low heat

for 5 minutes. Spread scallops out on a serving platter. Mix sugar and lime juice in a bowl. Pour over scallops. Flip scallops. Top with sea salt, black pepper and lime zest. Spoon chili oil over scallops. Garnish with radish and scallions.

PaIRING: Sauvignon Blanc, France 42

June 2010

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Cookbook is available Now!

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CommunityResources Acupuncture

Stan Baker, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac. 35 Nod Road, Suite 106, Menla Holistic Health, Avon.

(860) 836-1068 Stan Baker is a fully licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner with offices in Avon, CT and Springfield, MA. He has been a practitioner in the Oriental healing arts for 25 years. He specializes in difficult cases including back pain/sciatica, headache/ migraine, allergies, and arthritis. His treatments are holistic incorporating body, mind and spirit. Most people say "I wish I came to you first" after trying years of other unsuccessful therapies. He is also a teacher of advanced Chen Tai Chi, Aikido and Sun Do Mt. Yoga.

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Glastonbury Naturopathic Center Dr.Helene Pulnik, ND LAc. 18 School St., Glastonbury,Ct 6033 (860) 657- 4105, naturopathicwellness.com Dr. Pulnik is a licensed, board certified Acupuncturist and Naturopathic Physician with over 25 years experience as a healthcare professional. She specializes in acupuncture for infertility, womens' health, migraines, anxiety/ stress/insomnia, arthritis, back & neck pain, sciatica, allergies, chronic sinusitis, and more.

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Chiropractic Physicians Center Chiropractic Nutrition & Wellness Ctr. Dr. Steve Oberle, D.C., M.S. 29 N.Main St. W. Hartford.

(860) 521-2929 centerchiropractic.com.

Dr. Oberle is a chiropractor and clinical nutritionist, who combines these two areas of expertise to help patients attain maximum health. Chiropractic treatment helps with back and neck pain, disk and shoulder problems, whiplash, and headaches. Nutritional counseling helps acheive weight loss, increased energy, detoxification, diabetes management, and healthy cholesterol levels.

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Westside Chiropractic 557 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford,CT (860) 523-5833, westsidechiropractors.com Our mission is to provide chiropractic care, naturally based generalist, primary or specialty health care, for persons of all ages. We are committed to educating our patients about their health and wellness and providing them with tools for self improvement. We seek to work in partnership with you to achieve good health and well being in a way consistent with your way of life. Visit our location in West Hartford See ad on page 9.

Chiropractic Physicians West Hartford Chiropractic Dr. Moshe Laub 345 North Main St., West Hartford, Suite 322 (860) 232-5556 Dr. Laub is the founder of West Hartford Chiropractic and Wellness. Dr. Laub’s quest to treat the person as a whole and the underlying cause of disease, inspired him to study Chiropractic in Canada.

He taught Chiropractic at the University of Bridgeport. He then went on to found West Hartford Chiropractic and Wellness, a multidisciplinary practice where he unites the best of alternative and allopathic medicine.

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CNA/Personal Care Asst.

Clare Davies West Hartford, CT (860) 878-4192 Claire Davies is a fully licensed certified nurse's aide with more than 15 years of experience. Offering quality personal care with a personal approach to the young or elderly, male or female. Her work also includes clients in post-op recovery and rehabilitation.

Tasks can also include daily errands. References available upon request.

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Dentist Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 29.

Dr. Kevin Norige, D.M.D. 112 Deming St., South Windsor, CT. (860) 644-0113 See ad on page 17.

Hair Replacement Donyelle McBride Trichologist 133 Park Rd,W. Hartford Ct 860.985.2081 www.mcbridehair.com Donyelle McBride is a licensed Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Hair Replacement Specialist treating male and female hair loss. We use follicle stimulation and DHT blockers to promote hair growth along with a health and wellness approach using nature’s remedies such as vitamin supplements and herbs. Ask about our “Risk Free” 30 day trial for non-surgical hair replacement. Call for consultation! See ad on page 9.

Colon Hydrotherapy Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 18 School St., Glastonbury, Ct. 06033 (860) 657- 4105, naturopathicwellness.com Constance Jones is New England’s senior Colon Hydrotherapist. During her 30 years of practice, she has performed well over 40,000 colonics. Connie is certified through both the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapists (I-ACT) and The National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy. She creates a nurturing, serene, and safe environment, and maintains your utmost privacy and comfort. www.cleanmycolon.com. See our ad on page 12.

Creative Copywriting Karen M. Rider, M.A. 860-638-8140 Karenmrider@comcast.net.

Does your promotional copy align who you are and what you do with the needs of potential clients? Professionally written copy makes all the difference in getting a response from your target audience. Karen Rider, crafts custom copy for print ads, websites, brochures, e-newsletters, press releases and book jackets. Ghostwriting and co-writing services available for articles, interviews and books. Her work appears in local, regional and national publications. View Portfolio at: http://KarenMRider.writersresidence.com. www.naturalnutmeg.com

Health Food Stores Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe The Manchester Parkade 378 West Middle Turnpike Manchester, CT 06040 860.646.8178 M-SAT 8am-9pm • SUN 9am-6pm The Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe is an information- and service-oriented health food store that has served its community since 1956. We are a true oasis for learning and achieving optimal wellness. The owner, Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Cert. #00203), is available for consultation by appointment. Our other staff nutrition consultants provide customers with instore guidance in choosing vitamins, herbs, sports nutrition products, natural body care, natural and allergen-free foods, and life style changes. Many of our products are discounted every day. Ask us about our gym and other special discounts.

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Holistic Health Centers The Essence of Being at Johnnycake Mountain 184 Johnnycake Mountain Rd. Burlington, CT (860) 673-6863 www.theessenceofbeingat.com essenceofbeing@hotmail.com A holistic health care retreat providing a safe, beautiful and relaxing environment for your mental, physical and spiritual needs. Practitioners Lisl Meredith Huebner Dipl.CH, and John Odlum LMT offer many healing modalities including Medicinal Aromatherapy, Chinese & Western Herbal Medicine, Massage Therapy, Reiki, Quantum Touch™, PlantSpirit Medicine, Auriculotherapy, Weed Walks, Classes, Certification Courses, Meditations and more. See ad on page 18.

Holistic Health Monika Benoit BA Psy, CH, HHP, EFT-ADV CT Wellness Connection LLC 82 Salem Turnpike, 2nd Floor Norwich, CT 06360. 1-888-446-2338 healingwithmonika@live.com www.healingwithmonika.com As a certified holistic health practitioner, Monika specializes in providing holistic solutions for women, children & families. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about her fully customized therapeutic programs, including stress-management for parents, specialized support for childbirth, relief from prenatal discomfort, post-partum healing, help with PMS and relief from menopausal discomfort. Schedule a free consultation on-line at www.healingwithmonika.com & download a free gift! See ad on page 37.

Martial Arts Copper Mountain Aikido 21 Copper Hill Road, Granby, CT 06035 (860)986-3617, cpprmtnaikido@gmail.com Copper Mountain Aikido is a member of Birankai International (North America) under the direction of T. K. Chiba, Shihan. Birankai International is recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan. Copper Mountain Aikido is a traditional Japanese “country-style” dojo offering Aikido, Aikido Weapons, Internal Aiki Training, Iaido (Japanese Sword Art), and Zazen (Zen Meditation). All instruction is conducted by the Certified Chief Instructor licensed under Birankai International (North America). All are welcome!

44 June 2010

Massage Wholistic Spa 18 School Street, Glastonbury 06033.

(860) 657-4105, www.wholisticspa.com.

Dr. Helene Pulnik ND, LAc, Med. Director Wholistic Spa™ is a haven of total wellness.

From the moment you step into our quiet space, we are focused on your complete wellness.

Our treatments at Wholistic Spa™ use the purest natural and organic ingredients, with no toxic synthetic ingredients. We offer organic facials, hand & foot treatments and signature massage services for women, men and couples, featuring EMINENCE Organic Skin Care from Hungary. Inner Health. Outer Beauty™.

See ad on page 18.

Modeling/Etiquette

Natural Products Fortuna Cedar Oil Fortuna Builders, LLC Natural Pest Control for Home, Yard, Hotels (203) 263-0773, www.fortunabuilders.com Cedar oil has been used for thousands of years as nature’s insect repellant. We have dozens of 100% natural, 100% chemical free insect control products for the home, yard, hotels, barns and stalls. All are easy to use DIY products that are more effective and less expensive than chemical products. They pose no health risk to humans, pets, or the environment. Get rid of ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, bed bugs, ants, spiders, and more the completely natural way.

See ad on page 24.

Tian Giri’s Modeling/Acting School 860-442-1234 • tiangiri33@aol.com This school will meet the needs of any individual of any age! Programs will be held in the summer months from 9am to 9pm with 1 1/2 hour sessions, 2 times a week per student for 6 weeks, totaling 18 hours. The topics will include stage and runway, poise and etiquette, public speaking, voice-over for radio or tv commercials, commercial acting, pageant training and portfolio. Photography sessions and four different looks to start your portfolio. This will be done with respectability for all and in a non-smoking forum. There are 9 openings remaining. See ad page 16.

Natural Products Designs For Health 2 North Road, East Windsor, CT 06088 1-800-367-4325, www.designsforhealth.com info@designsforhealth.com For 20 years, Designs for Health has been the health care professional's trusted source for research-backed nutritional products of superior quality. Driven by our "Science First" philosophy, our team of nutritionists and clinical experts utilize both clinical feedback from leading industry pioneers, and sound, scientifically researched literature as the basis for designing our products; all Designs for Health nutritional therapies are designed by health care professionals for health care professionals. See ad on page 3.

Earth Turns All Natural Health & Beauty Products www.EarthTurns.com. 1-800-507-3604 EarthTurns.com prides itself on exceptional customer service. All natural, chemical free health and beauty products at great prices. All of our products are made in America to assure quality. Ships SAME DAY, Monday-Saturday.

See ad on page 18 . www.naturalnutmeg.com

Naturopathic Physicians Advanced Allergy Relief CT Anne Mitchell, ND (203) 265-3546 www.aarct.com North Haven & W. Hartford See ad on page 29.

Connecticut Natural Health Specialists Lauren Gouin, ND 1330 Sullivan Ave., South Windsor, CT (860) 644-2437 www.ctnhs.com Dr. Lauren Gouin is a naturopathic physician with a family practice in Manchester and South Windsor. Dr. Gouin is accepting new patients and is in network with most insurance companies. For more information, contact her at (860)644-2437 or visit www. ctnhs.com. See ad on page 34.

Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 18 School Street, Glastonbury Dr. Helene Pulnik. (860) 657-4105 www.naturopathicwellness.com Glastonbury Naturopathic Ctr. is a multidisciplinary healthcare center focusing on natural alternatives for individuals to achieve and maintain optimal health. Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, LAc. is a board-certified licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist with over 25 years experience as a healthcare professional. Offering Naturopathic Medicine, Colon Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture, Cleansing & Detoxification Programs, Weight Management Programs. See ad on page 12.

Naturopathic Physicians Kensington Naturopathic Medical Ctr. Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington.

(860) 829-0707, drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com Centrally located in Connecticut, Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center provides comprehensive family healthcare. Our team of specialized health professionals is dedicated to facilitating our patients’ optimal health, and offers a wide range of services, including supplementation, homeopathy, acupuncture and Chinese herbs as well as nutrition, holistic health counseling and weight loss/life style changes.

See ad on page 22,30.

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine 301 N. Main St. West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 www.DRAIETA.com Dr. Frank Aieta, founder of West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine, is a board certified licensed Naturopathic Physician who specializes in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease utilizing the most advanced natural therapeutics. He offers a wide range of natural, non-toxic treatments which include: Acupuncture, Spinal Manipulation, Clinical Nutrition, Detoxification, Pain Management, Herbal Medicine and Natural Hormone Balancing.

See ad on page 21.

Whole Health Associates, LLC Dr. Jennifer J. Stagg, Dr. Mark S. Stagg 100 Simsbury Rd., Suite 209, Avon, CT. (860) 674-0111, www.wholehealthllc.com frontdesk@wholehealthllc.com Whole Health Associates, LLC is an integrative family practice offering naturopathic, chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy services. The approach to patient care at Whole Health Associates differs from most other provider’s offices. Every person is addressed on an individualized level, tailoring treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient. Consideration of all aspects of the patient’s life is taken into account. Unique services include comprehensive food allergy and neurotransmitter testing, stomach acid analysis, body composition testing and gentle chiropractic techniques. The doctors are providers for many insurance companies.

See ad on page 33.

Organic / Gluten free Divine Treasures 404 Middle Tpk. West Manchester, CT. (860) 643-2552 Specializing in artisan organic chocolate made with luxuriously healthful ingredients.

Explore vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free selections along with Greater Hartford’s only dairy-free holiday ice cream cakes.

See ad on page 34.

Physicians, M.D. Alternity Healthcare, LLC Desmond Ebanks, MD 639 Park Rd, 2nd Floor, West Hartford, CT (860)748-4064 or (860)561-2294 Alternityhealthcare.com Dr. Desmond Ebanks, founder of Alternity Healthcare, is a board certified Internal Medicine specialist with more than 22 years of experience treating patients. Dr. Ebanks uses a comprehensive evaluation and stateof-the-art diagnostic equipment to expose a patient’s total health picture and develop a customized program incorporating bioidentical hormone balancing, clinical nutrition and exercise counseling and lifestyle modifications. He is the first physician in CT to offer the HeartSmartIMTplus; a non-invasive diagnostic scan endorsed by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. See ad on page 2.

Physicians, M.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC 12 West Main Street, Avon, CT. (860) 677-4600. naturalhealthandhealing.net Dr. Deanna Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, is a board certified Internal Medicine physician who has changed the focus of her practice from traditional Internal Medicine to Functional Medicine. Functional Medicine is a science based approach to health care that involves looking at each patient as a whole being with interconnected systems that function best when they are all in balance.

See ad on page 55.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care 15 Bennitt St., New Milford (860) 354-3304 www.tsachsmd.intranets.com See ad on page 7.

Physicians, Osteopathic Origins Of Health, LLC Jill Moorcroft, DO Tom Moorcroft, DO 844 Hebron Avenue Glastonbury, CT 860-430-9790 www.OriginsOfHealth.com Origins Of Health is a holistic medical center that specializes in Osteopathic Manipulation, including Cranial Osteopathy, Integrative Medicine and Nutrition. Founders Drs. Tom and Jill Moorcroft integrate their personal passion and extensive training as Family Medicine Physicians while working with you to develop a personalized approach to health that stimulates the self-healing forces within. Our goal is to assist you in realizing optimum health while being free to enjoy life and all it has to offer. See ad on page 40.

Psychotherapist

Center for Integrative Healthcare & Healing 533 Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield, CT (860) 243-2224, www.cmgmds.com/cihh.html

Dori L. Gatter, Psy.D., LPC 17 S Highland St West Hartford, CT 06119 203.258.4113

The first of its kind in the country, Connecticut Multispecialty Group (CMG) is a large multispecialty group with its own Integrative Medicine Department. The physician-directed model uniquely blends conventional medicine with complementary therapies.

Over 70 physicians work collaboratively with licensed massage therapists, licensed acupuncturists, certified energy workers, and registered dieticians. The end result is comprehensive model of healthcare delivery that focuses on whole person wellness and optimal health. CMG also features an electronic health record that interconnects all providers and offers portable flash drives with personal health information to all its clients.

See ad on page 41.

Dori Gatter,Psy.D., LPC is trained in a broad palette of therapies, which include: Body Centered Psychotherapy, Reiki, and Mindfulness. She has co-written two books and runs training programs and workshops nationally on Bonding and Attachment. Also an Image Consultant, she started her image consulting business knowing that in addition to needing support for our inner process, we need support to integrate our image with our growth. She has created an entire program for developing the self from the inside out. For more information please check out her website at www.drdorigatter.com or contact her directly either by phone at 860.258.4113 or email dori@drdorigatter.com. See ad on pg. 16.

www.naturalnutmeg.com

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CommunityResources Psychotherapist Soul Support Counseling Nancy M Brockett, PhD, LPC 860.223.2232 West Hartford www.soul-support.org Feeling stressed, confused, anxious or depressed? Imagine yourself breaking free from worries and fear and then confidently doing what you haven't been able to before! We work together from the perspective of the whole self to get to the heart of what’s troubling you. Using painless, drug-free treatments, Dr Brockett helps you uncover and build on your own inner strengths so you can free yourself from negativity and live with more joy in your life.

See ad on page 22.

Spas / Day Spas Wholistic Spa 18 School St., Glastonbury, CT (860) 657-4105, www.wholisticspa.com.

Dr. Helene Pulnik ND, LAc, Med. Director Wholistic Spa™ is a haven of total wellness.

From the moment you step into our quiet space, we are focused on your complete wellness. Our treatments use the purest natural and organic ingredients, with no toxic synthetic ingredients. We offer organic facials, hand & foot treatments and signature massage services for women, men and couples, featuring EMINENCE Organic Skin Care from Hungary. We also offer an array of deeply therapeutic and purifying services to help you achieve optimal health from the inside out!

Inner Health. Outer Beauty™.

See ad on page 18.

Founded in 1992, the CT Institute of Herbal Studies focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers a Certified Herbology Program with a foundation in both theory and clinical diagnosis as practiced in China today.

See ad on page 23.

The Graduate Institute Leslie Cahill Director of Admissions and Recruitment (203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu The Graduate Institute is an accredited institution of higher education that offers Master of Arts degrees in emerging fields of inquiry. Degree programs include: Experiential Health and Healing, Peace Studies, Oral Traditions, Holistic Thinking, and Conscious Evolution. Classes meet one weekend per month and programs are offered in Hartford, Bethany, New Milford, and Stamford, CT. For more information or to find an Information Session near you, call (203) 874-4252 or visit www.learn.edu. See ad on page 16.

Skincare Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon.

(860)284-9730, www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net We are committed to strengthening your overall well-being and skin health through the use of excellent quality products and extraordinary services that produce amazing results. Only natural ingredients are used, including plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential oils! We want you to be "WOWED"!

See ad on page 19.

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June 2010

Clare-ity Brings Peace of Mind! We all want a more balanced and centered life. We want to know what is in our best interest regarding our relationships, our health or the focus of our work. Robin Clare teaches people from all walks of life how to find balance in their lives. With offerings that include The Clareity Method, Akashic Record Reading, Energy Healing and Pineal Gland Activation, Robin will help you to reach “clare-ity” in your life based on where you are currently in your life and where you aspire to be. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Robin at 860-232-3331 or Robin@clare-ity.com.

See ad on page 27.

Yoga Centers

Schools Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies LauraMignosa, NCCH Nationally certified Chinese Herbologist 900 Wells Road (RT. 175) Wethersfield, (860) 666-5064, www.ctherbschool.com.

Robin Clare Inner Wisdom Guide 10 Crossroads Plaza, West Hartford, CT. 860-2323331, info@clare-ity.com

Kula Yoga Center 136 Riverdale Farms,Bldg. 4, 2nd Flr. Avon.

(860) 676-8800, www.kulayogacenter.com info@kulayogacenter.com

Vibrational/Energy Healing Simply Fitness for the spirit, mind and body Priscilla Bengtson, ATP® 122A Naubuc Avenue, Ste 210, Glastonbury, CT (860)632-8434 simplyfitnessonline.com Simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body offers programs and services that help spiritual beings get unstuck in their human experience. Owner Priscilla Bengtson is dedicated to helping people live a joyous and fulfilled life and offers classes and workshops that help people achieve this. Private sessions are offered for intuitive and angel readings, hypnosis, reiki, mandala healing, and health coaching. Psychic parties are also offered in your home or at the center. See ad on page 6.

L.O.V.E. Lightworker of Vibrational Energy LLC Gayle Franceschetti Med,CHt. 36 Cheshire Road Wallingford,CT 06492 203-265-2927 www.return2love.net Gayle Franceschetti is the founder of the L.O.V.E. Institute and is an acclaimed intuitive counselor and healer, Reiki Master, certified Hypnotherapist and past life regressionist. As an open channel for Divine Energy, Gayle integrates the power of universal love, compassion and understanding in all her workshops and healing sessions. Gayle conducts healing and mentoring sessions in person, by phone and hosts a variety of workshops and power journeys throughout the U.S. and around the world. See ad on page 10. www.naturalnutmeg.com

Join us in our spacious, naturally lit studio, overlooking Talcot t Mountain for a variety of classes including Gentle Yoga, Anusara Inspired, Power Yoga, D y n a m i c F l o w, a s w e ll a s P r i v a t e Yoga Classes and Thai Yoga session.

With no membership fee and drop ins welcome, we take the stress out when you walk in the door.

We look forward to having you be a part of our community atmosphere at Kula Yoga.

Merriman Woods Yoga & Life Coaching, LLC Migdalia Merriman Burlington, CT 06013 (860) 675-3684 Offers on going Yoga & Wellness classes, workshops & retreats in Art, Chinese Medicine, Aruveda, Yoga, Meditation and Chakra Balancing with Migdalia Merriman and guest teachers. Visit merrimanwoodsyoga.com for a complete listing of offerings. See ad on page 6.

Sacred Rivers Yoga Paula Scopino LMT, E-RYT 500 IAYT Owner / Director 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033 www.sacredriversyoga.com PH. 860.657.9545 • FAX. 860.657.3161 See ad on page 24.

CommunityCalendar Tuesday, June 1st Beginning Meditation. 6:30pm-8:30pm $50 for series The speed of modern life leaves many of us in need of relaxation from all the stress around us. You will learn basic breathing techniques and will experience different modalities including guided meditations, chakra meditations and meditations with sounds and crystals. 4 sessions June 1, 8, 22 and 29. To register or for more information please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203265-2927, email sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.return2love.net

Thursday, June 3rd Thyme & Season Wellness Talk. “Acupuncture for Infertility and Pregnancy”. 7pm, free, no reservation. Dr.Robin Riterman, ND of Whole Health: Natural Family Medicine.

Acupuncture has been used successfully for centuries to treat infertility and problems during pregnancyDr. Ritterman has been using acupuncture to treat infertility and pregnancy issues for over two decades. At Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden 407-8128 1 mile s. Of Sleeping Giant/QU; 1.5 miles n of Town Hall; ¼ m. North of I-91 Rt.40 Connector. 203-407-8128 Questions? Ask Linda, Certified Nutrition Counselor (M-F 9-5). Our 20th lecture series. 20% supplement Coupon to all attendees.

Developing Your Intuition Series. 6:30pm8:30pm $125 Tap into your innate ability of "knowing". Learn how to "tune in" to your inner voice. Through the use of meditation, sharing and experiential exercises you will begin to master the technique of accessing your creativity and intuition at will. 6 sessions May 27, June 3, 10, 17 & 24, Jul 1 (creative financing available) To register or for more information please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203-265-2927, email sunnispirit@ sbcglobal.net, or visit www.return2love.net.

Tlakaelel: Grandfather of the Grandfathers.

7:00-9:30pm. $20.00. We are honored once again to welcome the world-renowned indigenous Toltec-Mexicali Elder for an evening of deep wisdom and engaging stories of his powerful, fascinating and varied life experiences. His life's work has been the preservation of indigenous cultures and to bring together people of all backgrounds, nations, and colors. He will enlighten us with his vision of Peace and Consciousness and answer your questions attentively. The Essence of Being at Johnnycake Mountain184 Johnnycake Mountain Road: Burlington, CT www.theessenceofbeingat.com To register call: 860-6736863 Email: essenceofbeing@hotmail.com Magical Journey. 7:00 to 8:30pm. Free. Join Life Coach Julie Sochacki on a magical journey in shifting your consciousness and allowing the good things to flow easily into your

life! We will discover how gratitude creates the flow of abundance, identify what's draining you and what's fueling you, and work together to take steps to activate this powerful flow in your life. Passiflora Tea Room and Herbal Shoppe, 526 Main Street, New Hartford, CT. Www.passiflorateas.com.860-379-8327.

Friday June 4th Pineal Activation Certified Training Course.

Thru 6/6. $345. Friday 6-9 • Sat-Sun • 9-4:30pm. Colleen Behan, Certified Instructor. A certified training program is now available in Connecticut. The pineal gland is considered the most powerful and highest source of ethereal energy available to humans. Activation increases telepathy, intuition, spirit communication and an overall sense of connectedness as well supporting the biological functions of the pineal gland such as thirst, hunger, sex drive and the aging process. Each participant will receive a Pineal Activation.

Limit 12 practitioners. To find out more or to register visit www.thespiritoflight.org., The Spirit of Light, 1161 S Broad St., Wallingford, CT. 203-641-3371.

Heart~Mind Wisdom Group Series. 6:30pm8:30pm $175 Clear a path to learn, use, and live from your “heart-mind” in everyday life.

Discussions using the underlying core beliefs of the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, as well as the ancient wisdom of other modalities and experiential activities will lead to a deeper understanding of the belief that by living life with awareness, we are creating the world in which we live. The objective of this gathering is to assist students in rediscovering their Divine authentic self - to reconnect with their core essence - that of unconditional love - where the heart is in direct communication with the soul. Weekend June 4 - 6:30pm8:30pm & June 5 - 9:00 am-4:00 pm (creative financing available) 36 Cheshire Road Wallingford To register or for more information please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203265-2927, email sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.return2love.net.

Yoga for Teen & Tween Girls. 6-7:30 pm. $15.

Playfully explore yoga and tune into yourself and your own creativity! Open up your mind and body and feel freedom to express yourself from the heart. Stretch your imagination and explore through yoga poses and movement, sound and music, color, art, and visualization.

For girls only ages 11 to 15. Preregistration strongly recommended. Www.kulayogacenter.com or 860-676-8800.

Crystal Bowls Sound Healing. 7 - 8:30 pm. $15. Edie Jemiola, RMT, facilitates. Everything in and about our bodies resonates to sound. Sound used with intention can shift the energy in and around the body to help reestablish physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Experience the purity and passion of Edie's voice and quartz crystal bowls. Bring a mat, pillow and blanket.

Offered at Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. www.naturalnutmeg.com

286, Ellington, CT, www.spiritmattersct.com.

Register with Edie: (860) 933-8145.

Qi Gong Intensive I – Part 3 - Qi Gong for Organ Cleansing and Clearing Toxins. 6-8:30 PM. This workshop uses energy channels and five element theory as a framework to understanding how sound, movement, breath and intention can be used to tonify and detoxify our body’s organs. Learn stance, movement, breathing and healing sound techniques to cleanse and detoxify the organs to improve your long term health and well being. CT Institute for Herbal Studies, 900 Wells Rd Wethersfield, CT. Presented by George Hoffman, Silver Dragon Tai Chi & Qi Gong. Fee: $45. Call 860-742-5892 by June 2 to register.

Saturday, June 5th Connecticut Herb Association: Herbfest 2010. A day of celebration and education honoring the many gifts provided by herbs.

9 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. Pleasant View Farms, 452 South Road, Route 83, Somers, CT 06071. $10 Admission for those over 12 and under 70 – all others free. No pets, please. Workshops, weed-walks, activities for children, information tables, bake sale, food vendors, over 30 craft and herbal vendors. For more information by phone: 860-763-5206 or web: www.herbfestct.com Caring For Our Children Naturally Symposium Presented By CenterIMT and Natural Nutmeg. 8:45am.– 2pm. Healthcare experts will educate parents about the benefits of raising children naturally at this educational symposium, presented by CenterIMT, a progressive healthcare practice, and Natural Nutmeg.

It will focus on common ailments children suffer from including allergies, their cause and nutritional solutions. The symposium will also address the controversy surrounding autism and the benefits of integrative manual therapy, a form of therapy that uses gentle palpation techniques and subtle manipulation, for maintaining a healthy childhood and preventing and correcting common current day issues.

The event will feature lectures, a round-table, a Q&A session and networking. CenterIMT located at 800 Cottage Grove Road in Bloomfield. Space is limited. For more information or to register please call 860-243-5220 or visit www.centerimt.com.

Melissa Harris. 10am - 5:00pm. $110. Internationally published artist, holds MFA & BFA in painting. She combines her ability to teach technique with her background as a professional psychic. Painting and Drawing Outside the Linestm. In a safe and nurturing atmosphere, we will use meditation, visualization and music to go within and discover what would like to emerge. Pre-registration required by June 1st, Merriman Woods, Burlington CT, 860-614-0917 www.merrimanwoodsyoga.com.

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CommunityCalendar Sunday, June 6th The Passion Test. 2-5 pm. $35. Cathy EwingRinker, LCSW, mdiv, facilitates. Passion is the key to your destiny. We'd all like our lives to be purposeful and passionate. Yet four out of five Americans feel unsatisfied, unhappy or unfulfilled. The Passion Test is a simple yet powerful tool for discovering your passions and living your destiny. It will help you uncover the things that are most important to you. Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. 286, Ellington, CT, www.spiritmattersct.com.

Register by June 1: 860-871-9295 x1.

Spirit And Money. 4:30-6:30pm, $30 prior to June 2rd $40 after, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642, www.fulleryoga.com. Learn techniques for turning your God given talents into a revenue stream. Hosted by Cary Bayer author of Prosperity Aerobics.

"Striving for Excellence". 11am - 12:15pm.

Eckankar Worship Service, for all who love God. "Soul strives for excellence more than for perfection. Perfection assumes a state beyond which nothing better can exist. But excellence means being the very best you can at any particular time." Includes music and discussion with fellowship and refreshments. Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT near I-84 Exit 10. Presented by students of Eckankar. 860-346-2226. Eckinfo@ct-eckankar.org. Www.ct-eckankar.org.

New Class! Natural Prescriptions II: Migraines & Fibromyalgia. 1-4pm. $45.00. People frequently ignore their health problems or take suppressive drugs until serious illness becomes inevitable; maintaining balance before symptoms appear is the highest form of treatment. In this workshop, you will learn about the most common patterns of disharmony that cause these conditions and how to correct them using herbs, pressure points and aromatherapy, as well as some suggestions for maintaining optimum health. Lisl Meredith Huebner. The Essence of Being at Johnnycake Mountain 184 Johnnycake Mountain Road: Burlington, CT www.theessenceofbeingat. com To register call: 860-673-6863 Email: essenceofbeing@hotmail.com.

An Enchanting Evening of Crystal Bowls and Restorative Yoga with Jay Schwed and Erika Halford. 7-9:00pm. $30 if you pre-pay by noon, June 5th, $35 at the door. Registration required. Erika and Jay will incorporate passive Restorative Yoga poses with sacred sound, vibration and healing color light therapy to bring this Restorative Yoga class to a deeper and more profound level. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, 860.657.9545, www.sacredriversyoga.com.

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Monday, June 7th The Troutbrook Farmers Market will open and continue every Monday through Monday November 1st. 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. In front of Whole Foods Market, 50 Raymond Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107. Check the Whole Foods Market website for special details each week, from guest chefs, to live music. Www.wholefooodsmarket.come/westhartford.

How to use your Money Mantra. 7:30-9pm, $30 prior to June 3rd $40 after, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642, www.fulleryoga.com Learn the Family Money Lie that has held you back and how to use your secret Money Mantra for abnundance, Hosted by Cary Bayer author of Prosperity Aerobics.

Crystal Toning. 6:30pm-8:30pm $20 Much has been written about the healing power of crystals, which, like sound, have particular vibrations that affect us on many levels. Experience a unique method of healing by combining the energies of crystals with toning, creating an individualized healing experience in a group setting. 36 Cheshire Rd. Wallingford. To register or for more information please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203-265-2927, email sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net, or visit www. return2love.net.

of an “energetic” heart disturbance. The class will cover basic theory as well as herbs and formulas often used in Chinese medicine to help with the disharmonies of the “Heart”.

Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies 900 Wells Road (Rt 175) Wethersfield, CT 860666-5064www.ctherbschool.com.

Wednesday, June 9th Healing in Harmony Night. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. FREE event. Stop by simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body for a healing service. Participants will sit individually with Priscilla and receive a healing. Each healing will be approximately 8 – 10 minutes. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body, 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210, Glastonbury. For more information, please contact Priscilla Bengtson at 860.301.1468 or visit www.simplyfitnessonline.com.

Thursday, June 10th

Tuesday, June 8th

Aroma-Bar!! 7-9pm. $15.00 cover charge.

Experience rare and exotic fragrances from around the world -some you may have never even heard of! Ask questions, sample what you like and bring a friend! This social and educational event comes complete with delicious refreshments such as non-alcoholic “Aroma-tinis” and tasty snacks made with Wisdom of the Earth essential essences–recipes are available!! The Rose/chocolate strawberries are so heavenly that eating them approaches a religious experience. John Odlum & Lisl Meredith Huebner. The Essence of Being at Johnnycake Mountain, 184 Johnnycake Mountain Road: Burlington, CT www.theessenceofbeingat.com To register call: 860-6736863 Email: essenceofbeing@hotmail.com.

Beginning Meditation. 6:30pm-8:30pm $50 for series The speed of modern life leaves many of us in need of relaxation from all the stress around us.. You will learn basic breathing techniques and will experience different modalities including guided meditations, chakra meditations and meditations with sounds and crystals. 4 sessions (June 1, 8, 22 and 29). To register or for more information please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203265-2927, email sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.return2love.net

Vibrational Healing Meditation. 7-8:20 pm. $15. Lisa Burch, LCSW & Marna Walter, RN, RMT, facilitate. Relax with this blend of guided imagery and sound healing with the Tibetan singing bowls. Build your ability to experience the present moment fully, releasing what no longer serves you. Reiki may be offered as time allows and Spirit guides. Bring a mat, pillow and blanket if you wish to lie down.

Offered at Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. 286, Ellington, CT, www.spiritmattersct.com.

Register with Lisa at 860-871-9295 x2.

Chinese Herbology Series. (3 Tuesday Evenings) 8,15, 22. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM $78.00.

8:Introduction to Chinese Herbal Therapy: designed to teach the differences between ”Superior Herbs” and Inferior Herbs, Formulas making theory and some herbs commonly used. 15: Chinese Herbs to Maintain and Regain Health: Learn many ancient herb to help balance the body and learn how to use preventative health teas for the season changes.

22: Chinese Herbs to Calm the Spirit: Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia or even the inability to focus can be symptoms

Holistic Moms Network New Haven Chapter Open House and Kick Off Meeting. 7-9pm.

Free. Non-profit organization connecting parents interested in holistic health. Join us for the new chapter opening. Meets second Thursday of month to discuss a variety of holistic topics. The Depot Meeting Center, 9 Old Route 79, Madison. For more info contact Jennifer: 203.415.5343. Www.holsticmoms.org.

Information Session on the Master of Arts in Holistic Thinking. 4 pm. Please join The Graduate Institute for a free event to learn about its M.A. program in Holistic Thinking, a unique opportunity for cutting edge thinkers and learners. Metropolitan District Training Center (MDC), Conference Room B. 125 Maxim Road, Hartford, CT. Please call (203) 8744252 or visit www.learn.edu/events to RSVP.

www.naturalnutmeg.com

Seed Sounds - The Power of Mantra Meditation and Song. Howard Banow. 7-8:30pm.

Free. One of the simplest, most direct path-

ways of meditation is that of mantra. Mantras are words and seed sounds which act to control and focus the mind in a way which facilitates calmness and the expansion of spiritual awareness. Howard was formerly the director of the Jain Meditation International Center in New York City and founded the Evergreen Center for Stress Management in Canton, CT. Selections of original songs from his collection, Diamond Crystal Mountain and poems from Sweet the Time at the Teacher's Feet will be offered during this evening of meditation, mantra, and music. Passiflora Tea Room and Herbal Shoppe, 526 Main Street, New Hartford, CT 06057. Www.passiflorateas.com.

860-379-8327.

Wordpress 101: Build Your Own Website: Jean Egan. 6:30-8:30. 35. Discover the value and benefit of using wordpress to create your website. In this class, you will follow along with an example site as it's being built. Handouts will be given as a guide for your future reference. Learn how to create your own website: content, images and all, Thousands of free templates available, Basic site-building skills to get you started, No HTML experience necessary! Save hundreds of dollars on building a website!! The Spirit of Light, 1161 S Broad St., Wallingford, CT. 203-641-3371.

Friday, June 11th Focus Your Tai Chi Form Practice (any style).

6:00-8:00pm. This workshop consolidates more than 20 tips gathered from class and workshop notes from more than 18 years of study to guide our bodies to enhance our martial and energetic skills. You may have heard some of them before - but here they all are in one place, at one time, in a form you can use in your daily practice to profoundly improve your Tai Chi. Breathe…more, 68 Hartford Tpke (Rte 30) Tolland, CT – Presented by George Hoffman, Silver Dragon Tai Chi & Qi Gong. Fee: $35. Call 860-875-9642 by June 9 to register.

Saturday, June 12th Whole Running Workshop. 8am – 4:30pm, $125. Jill Perry, World class ultra-marathoner and Jean Skeels, RYT500 will cover breathing technique, running form, speed drills and plyometrics for increased performance, and yoga practice targeted to the needs of runners.

Whole Running is a practice that serves the whole person, ideal for beginning and experienced runners. Pre-register by contacting Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT. 860.657.9545, www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Psychic Saturday. 10:00am - 4:00pm. $20.00 for a 20-minute reading. Do you need guidance on your life, career, or your relationships? Stop by for a private reading and receive guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Intuitive and Angel Therapy Practitioner® Priscilla Bengtson will connect with her guides and angels to provide you with the information you need. Pre-schedule

or try your luck by walking in. Held at simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body, 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call Priscilla at 860.301.1468 or visit www.simplyfitnessonline.com.

Laughter Playshop. 10-11 am. Free will donation. Mylene Poitras, certified Laughter Yoga Instructor facilitates. Release stress and feel " la Joie de vivre." Laughter produces endorphins which counteract the production of stress hormones, appears to optimize the immune system, boosts self-confidence, relaxes muscles, and helps fight chronic pain associated with muscle tensions. This playshop includes deep breathing, stretching, laughtercises and relaxation. Offered at Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. 286, Ellington, CT, www. spiritmattersct.com. Register with Mylene: 860-538-4724 by Wednesday, May 5.

Sunday, June 13th A Morning of Oneness. 9:30-11:30am. $20 suggested donation. The Oneness University has provided us with a catalyst for both personal and collective awakening - come and discover how. Join us for a relaxing morning of conversation, meditation and receiving an energy transfer of Oneness. The energy transfer removes the endless chatter of the mind and brings you fully into the moment where there is only peace and joy. Location: WHSC – 15 Starkel Road, W. Hartford. To register call Enlightened Professionals at 860-232-3331 or http://onenessjun.eventbrite.com Weed Walk: Weather Permitting. 10:00am – Noon. $15.00 Join nationally board certified herbalist, Lisl Meredith Huebner for an informative and entertaining morning of meeting the leafy green neighbors you never knew!

Tour forest and field to identify all manner of useful plants for food, healing and crafts. Come away with a new appreciation of Nature, a renewed connection to the Earth and some healthy ideas for delicious, nutritious and free organic meals for your family and friends. The Essence of Being, 184 Johnnycake Mountain Road: Burlington, CT www.theessenceofbeingat.com To register call: 860-673-6863 Email: essenceofbeing@hotmail.com.

Deb Wadsworth: Emotional Freedom, Intuitive Collage. Fine Artist, Instructor, Lecturer, Bon Vivant, 12:30 - 3:30pm. $65. Join wellknown artist Deb Wadsworth and mix your imagination and intuition with a group of powerful cut out images to create intuitive collage cards. Using your creativity and some discipline your "Story" will be revealed. Everyone, including you, can create fascinating Intuitive Collage cards. Pre-registration required by June 7th, Merriman Woods, Burlington CT, 860614-0917 www.merrimanwoodsyoga.com.

Essence Meditation. 1-3pm. $15.00 Join John and Lisl for a wonderful guided meditation/ journey aided by pure plant and tree essences that help you access profound Inner Wisdom www.naturalnutmeg.com

and integrate that knowledge in order to create a more fulfilling life. Reclaiming your relationship with Nature through the Wisdom of the Plants and Trees is the most direct route back to yourself and the manifestation of your Personal Destiny John Odlum, LMT, CMA; Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), AHG; The Essence of Being; 184 Johnnycake Mountain Road; Burlington, CT www.theessenceofbeingat.com To register call: 860-6736863 Email: essenceofbeing@hotmail.com.

Monday, June 14th Belly Dancing Course. You don’t want to miss this!! 7-8:30 (8 Mondays). $95.00. In this class Trainer Chantal Haracsy will teach the fundamentals of Belly Dancing along with how to clear and balance the 1st and 2nd chakras.

Release fears and blocks around money, relationships, sexuality, survival, grounding, etc.

Learn the art of Belly Dancing, have fun and meet new people. This class builds confidence and sensuality. Beginners are expected. Bring a silk scarf if you have one. Only 10 attendees so register now! The Spirit of Light, 1161 S Broad St., Wallingford, CT. 203-641-3371.

Simplify the Law of Attraction. 7-9 pm. $25.

Cathy Ewing-Rinker, LCSW, mdiv facilitates.

Many people are confused about the Law of Attraction and how to apply it effectively.

This class will explain the LOA in simple terms and give participants clear tools for using the LOA and beginning to create more of what they want and less of what they don't want in their lives. Offered at Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. 286, Ellington, CT, www. spiritmattersct.com. Register by June 10: 860871-9295 x1.

Tuesday, June 15th Yamuna Body Rolling Workshop with Sharon Sklar. 7:00 – 9:00pm, $40. Yamuna Body Rolling is a dynamic self-massage sequence using 4 to 10 inch balls. This workout combines the strengthening and toning of exercise with the release of massage. It improves muscular efficiency and reduces athletic injury by releasing and elongating muscles. For more information visit www.sacredriversyoga.com.

To Register for this workshop contact Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, 860.657.9545.

Wednesday, June 16th Janet Hulme – Bladder Class. Instructor: Marilyn Gross, PT, IMTC. 1:15pm-1:45pm.

Based on the work of Janet Hulme – focus on bladder strength and stability. This class is structured to provide individuals suffering from bladder/pelvic pain with an easy set of functional exercises. No Cost. Centerimt, 800 Cottage Grove Road, Building 2, Blomfield, CT 06002. To obtain additional information or to sign up for this class, please contact Matt Connell-Giammatteo at mattconnell@centerimt.com or by calling (860) 243-5220 x 128.

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CommunityCalendar Open House at The Graduate Institute. 5 pm.

Discover holistic, transformative options for graduate study at an institution dedicated to lifelong learning. 171 Amity Road, Bethany, CT. Please call (203) 874-4252 or visit www. learn.edu/events to RSVP. Crystal Workshop. 12 pm to 2pm, $5.00 per person. Hosted by The Light Within Llc; Glastonbury, CT and presented by Ruth Labbe, RMT. Ruth will explain crystals and their meaning relating to the chakra system. After a very informative lecture with hands on experience with the crystals, all will have an opportunity to purchase some crystal to start working with rock medicine right a way. Please bring a notebook for taking notes. RSVP via phone required within 48 hours of workshop.

With a minimum of 16 people for the workshop. Call The Light Within at 860-659-1790 between 8am-8pm by June 14, 2010.

Meditating with the Masters. 6:30pm-8:30pm $20 Enhance your meditation practice by meditating in the vibration of the Archangels and Ascended Masters. These Divine beings will be guiding and supporting you on your quest in discovering you true authentic self.

By allowing yourself to be in the presence of these Divine beings, you open yourself to higher vibrational changes and heightened clarity. 36 Cheshire Road Wallingford. No previous experience necessary. To register or for more information please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203-265-2927, email sunnispirit@ sbcglobal.net, or visit www.return2love.net.

Business Skills for Holistic Practitioners.

6:30pm – 8:30pm. $225.00 (payment plan available). Whether you are just starting out in business or you’ve been practicing for awhile, this five-part class will help you focus your business and develop a plan for success.

Each week will be a lesson in defining or redefining your practice. Areas that will be covered are developing your brand, creating your mission, marketing your business, and developing a business plan. This class is ideal for massage therapists, spiritual counselors, Reiki practitioners or anyone seeking to start their own practice. Class time has been extended from previous sessions to include newly expanded material. Class runs five Wednesdays June 16th, 23rd, 30th, July 7th and 14th. Held at simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body, 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860-301-1468 or visit www.simplyfitnessonline.com.

Thursday, June 17th Opening Celebration: Apple Rehab Sport & Spa. 5:30–8:30pm. Free. Free wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and music (by the 9-piece horn band “Locomotion”). Celebrate the opening of this unique Healing Center in Avon, that focuses on movement, health and wellness. Free tours - learn about the traditional spa services that are offered, the organic 50

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and natural skincare products, and the clinical side of the business, which features physical, occupational, and speech therapies in a healing spa setting. Located at The Shoppes at 51 East Main St., Avon, CT. (860) 404-2461 for information.

Heidi Olson and Suan Armstrong: 7 - 8:30pm.

Free. Join Heidi Laura and Suan to celebrate the culmination of light. Follow the fire of your heart into a ceremony of sound, color, and movement to illuminate your soul's purpose.

The process will be facilitated with Dances of Universal Peace: sacred chant; a sound mediation with singing bowls, gongs, voice and flute; a Fire ceremony; and all participants creating a summer sound scape with the Suzuki Tone Chimes and magical percussion instruments.

Passiflora Tea Room and Herbal Shoppe, 526 Main Street, New Hartford, CT 06057.

Www.passiflorateas.com.860-379-8327.

An Introduction to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). 7-8:30 pm. Free. Catherine Ewing-Rinker, LCSW, mdiv presents. Experience the power of the Emotional Freedom Technique to release limiting beliefs, eliminate painful trauma memories, overcome phobias and manage physical pain. Sponsored by The Alliance For Holistic Living, part of a monthly series held at different venues East of the Connecticut River to introduce the community to holistic healing modalities, centers and practitioners in the region. Offered at Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. 286, Ellington, CT, www. spiritmattersct.com, 860-871-9295. No advance registration. Www.afhlnow.org.

Friday, June 18th Coyote Talking Circle. 7-9 pm. Free will donation. Ray Hardy, artist/Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran/Reiki Master is offering a talking/sharing/healing circle based on the work of Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, phd of Cherokee and Lakota Heritage (www.mehlmadrona.com) utilizing deep listening, active imagination, dream work, art, storytelling, music and ceremony as well as other traditional practices. Offered at Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. 286, Ellington, CT, www. spiritmattersct.com. Contact Ray Hardy at rayhardy0109@sbcglobal.net, 860-643-8168 to register by Tuesday, June 15.

Gallery Night. 6:30pm – 8:30pm. $45.00.

Join us for an intimate evening of learning about angels and guides and experiencing intuitive readings with medium Priscilla Bengtson. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, medium and psychic intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over. The group is kept small so that everyone receives guidance.

This is a great opportunity to experience connecting to the spirit realm and introducing yourself to mediumship. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Held at simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body, 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210, Glastonbury. To register, please call Priscilla at 860.301.1468 or visit www.simplyfitnessonline.com. www.naturalnutmeg.com

Saturday June 19th Reiki III. 9:00am-2:00pm $250 Further your studies in Reiki w/Certified Usui Reiki Master, Gayle Franceschetti. Learn processes in aura cleaning, body and brain balancing, and working with crystals. 3 additional night sessions for reviews of healing sessions done by participants to be scheduled in class. Master symbol attunements, certifications and materials. 36 Cheshire Road Wallingford. (Creative financing available) To register or for more information or to register please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203-265-2927, email sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.return2love.net Yin Yoga. 2-4pm, $20, Based on the principles of Chinese medicine, Yin Yoga is geared toward opening the energy lines to release long held tension and toxins. Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642, www.fulleryoga.com.

Strengthening the Immune System with Yoga (Ayurveda, the Power of Thought and Your Emotions) with Margo Hennebach, Feldenkrais Practitioner. 9:30am – 12:00pm, $55. This Continuing Education Workshop is the first of a two part series, second part will occur July 17. Open to Health Care Professionals (OT’s, PT’s, RYT’s, LMT’s, Naturopaths, Acupuncturists, etc.). Visit www.sacredriversyoga.com for more information. Pre-register by contacting Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, 860.657.9545 Introduction to Osteoporosis and Osteoporosis Safe Movement in Yoga, with Kate Keefe, OT, RYT. 1pm – 5pm, $55. This Continuing Education Workshop is the first of a two part series, second part will occur July 17. Open to Health Care Professionals (OT’s, PT’s, RYT’s, LMT’s, Naturopaths, Acupuncturists, etc.).

Visit www.sacredriversyoga.com for more information. Pre-register by contacting Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, 860.657.9545.

Human Relations Training Program – Intro.

9-12pm. FREE. A Program for Life. Whether you are seeking growth within yourself, in your professional life, or in your relationships, this program can provide you with an unparalleled understanding of human dynamics.

This FREE introductory workshop will give you an in-depth look at the Human Relations Training Program, it's curriculum and how you can benefit from it. Change you life Forever. Hartford Family Institute, 17 S Highland St., West Hartford, CT. 860.236.6009. Www. hartfordfamilyinstitute.com Teachings of Abraham Movie and Potluck Supper. 6pm - 9pm. $20.00. Sponsored by CALM: Community for Awakening, Light and Mindfulness. Our evening begins with a community pot-luck supper and then a viewing of the film, Abraham Abroad and a facilitated discussion on the Law of Attraction. During one week in May 2008, Esther and Jerry Hicks

presented a series of workshops in London, Bristol and Dublin. During these presentations the enthusiasm of the attendees elicited from Abraham a flow of ideas which have become central to their teachings. WHSC – 15 Starkel Road, W. Hartford. To register call Enlightened Professionals at 860-232-3331 or http://abrahamcalm.eventbrite.com/ Practitioners Certification TSR: Therapeutic Systematic Realignment. 10am- 5pm $175.00.

An energy technique similar to Reiki, in TSR the body takes the energy and realigns the cells to their original blueprint so the energy can flow as it was intended. Some describe it as an internal massage. It is truly amazing work and a natural progression from Reiki; it enhances other modalities beautifully. Colleen Mancuso is a gifted healer and clairvoyant that had mastered several modalities before developing TSR. The Essence of Being; 184 Johnnycake Mountain Road; Burlington, CT www.theessenceofbeingat.com To register call: 860-6736863 Email: essenceofbeing@hotmail.com.

Sunday, June 20th Gene Ang, Ph.D. Thru 6/21. Will be offering Presence Healing sessions from 9 to 5 pm.

Each session entails a balancing and integration of one’s energy field to bring back wholeness and healing to the mind and body. Gene has trained in a number of different healing disciplines including Pranic Healing, Reconnective Healing/the Reconnection, Shamanic Healing, and Vortex Healing. You can have a custom healing or choose one of the above.

The goal of each session is to move a person forward on their healing path in an efficient and smooth manner. Presence Healing sessions: $150, The Reconnection: $333. Appointments will be in West Hartford, CT. To book an appointment, please call Enlightened Professionals at 860-232-3331 or http://genejun.eventbrite.com/ Screening of The Living Matrix and Reconnective Healing. 6:30-9:30p. $10 There will be an East Coast screening of the "Living Matrix" with a discussion and Reconnective Healing® demonstration following the viewing. Gene Ang, Ph.D. Will facilitate the discussion on how energy medicine is finding its way into popular culture and wellness and the important role of consciousness in healing.

Homewood Suites Glastonbury, 65 Glastonbury Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT. Gene Ang, Ph.D. (805) 410-0756 or gene.ang@gmail. com, www.geneang.com Reconnective Healing and the Reconnection. Also June 21st . Gene Ang, Ph.D will be facilitating Reconnective Healings® and the Reconnection® (requires 2 sessions).

Healing sessions cost $150 and the Reconnection costs $333. Sessions are held at 10 Crossroads Plaza, West Hartford, CT from 9 to 5p on both days. Each session lasts 1 hour.

To make an appointment contact Gene Ang, Ph.D. At (805) 410-0756 or gene.ang@gmail. com, www.geneang.com.

Tuesday, June 22nd What’s your Body REALLY Telling You? 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $45.00. Pain and discomfort are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Physical pain and postural misalignments can be caused by physical, emotional or spiritual factors. Exercise can help, but oftentimes, the problems go beyond the physical body. During this workshop we will explore your body alignment, daily habits, belief systems and emotional triggers to see what may be the source of your pain and discomfort. Working with your energy centers, you will obtain a better understanding of your physical body, along with your bodymind and learn ways to renew your spirit, relax your mind and change your body. Dress comfortably and be ready to move. Held at simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body, 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.simplyfitnessonline.com.

Info Session on the Master of Arts in Experiential Health and Healing. 1 to 3 pm, St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT. Learn about a unique graduate opportunity in integrative health studies. Please call (203) 874-4252 or visit www.learn.edu/events to RSVP.

Thursday, June 24th Evening Prayer/Healer’s Circle. 7pm-10pm, No Charge. Hosted by The Light Within, this meeting is free (donation is accepted), to healers and for those interested in living a spiritual path. Do you want or need to talk about your spiritual path in a safe environment? Do want to talk to others with more experience? This is the group for you. I only ask that what is held in the circle stays in the circle, and to be respectful to all within the circle though other people’s views may differ from your own. The circle must contain a minimum of 4 people and RSVP required. Please let me know 48 Hours in advance of attendance and cancellation. Call 860-659-1790 between 8am to 8pm.

Down to Earth Tools for a Spirited Life. 7:308:30pm. $20. Cathy Ewing-Rinker, LCSW, mdiv, facilitates. There is a shift underway affecting every aspect of life on our planet. By grounding, realigning your energy field and stabilizing your attention points, you will create safety for your physical and emotional bodies, enabling your Spirit, or essential Self, to step out and express passion, certainty and its true creative purpose. Offered at Spirit Matters, 19 Pinney Street/Rt. 286, Ellington, CT www.spiritmattersct.com Register: 860-8719295 x1 by Friday, June 18.

Gonging Bath/Sound Energy Therapy.

Marcey and Brian Hickey. 7- 8:30pm. Free.

Allow Marcey and Brian to take you on a spiritual journey with singing bowls (Himalayan Sound Instruments). The Sound Energy waves of these bowls allow you to heal and/or balance on the Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual level, allowing you a deep sense of www.naturalnutmeg.com

relaxation, clarity, focus and wonderful night’s sleep. Passiflora Tea Room and Herbal Shoppe, 526 Main Street, New Hartford, CT 06057.

Www.passiflorateas.com.

860-379-8327.

Core Stabilization & Strengthening Class. Instructor: Carol Gordon, PT, IMTC. 1:15pm2:00pm. This free class offers the student basic core stabilization and strengthening techniques that can be performed easily at home or hotel room. Perfect for the busy individual with little time to hit the gym. No Cost. Centerimt, 800 Cottage Grove Road, Building 2, Bloomfield, CT 06002. To obtain additional information or to sign up for this class, please contact Matt Connell-Giammatteo at mattconnell@centerimt.com or by calling (860) 243-5220 x 128.

Friday, June 25th Private Channeling Sessions with Sheryl Blumenthal. Thru 6/27. $125 per hour/$85 per ½ hour. Sheryl has remained an avid love of light and is passionate about helping people to journey towards achieving their soul's quest and realizing their true gifts. Through years of counseling individuals and working with groups, Sheryl has remained a clear, strong channel for the Divine, witnessing many BECOME. A private session with Sheryl is an opportunity to be in conversation with both your and Sheryl’s spiritual guides. A recorded tape of your session will be provided. (Location: Private Office – 10 Crossroads Plaza, W. Hartford. To book an appointment, please call Enlightened Professionals at 860-232-3331 or http://sheryljun.eventbrite.com/

Saturday, June 26th Group Channeling with Sheryl Blumenthal.

7:30-9pm. $20 per person. Imagine an evening where like-minded friends gather in community, where each person can receive a personal message from a spiritual guide and then be supportive of others as they receive their personal message. The messages for the entire group are of benefit to all that have the opportunity to hear them. This group session is extremely powerful and transforming, as the pure light and channeling for this event is a gift and based on pure intent. Location: WHSC – 15 Starkel Road, W. Hartford. To register call Enlightened Professionals at 860-232-3331 or http://sheryljun2.eventbrite.com Reiki I. 9am. – 12noon and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. $125.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for selfhealing and healing others. Held at simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body, 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.simplyfitnessonline.com.

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CommunityCalendar Evening Prayer/Healer’s Circle. 7pm-10pm, No Charge. Hosted by The Light Within; Glastonbury, CT. Meeting is free (donation is accepted )to healers and for those interested in living a spiritual path. Do you want or need to talk about your spiritual path in a safe environment? Do want to talk to others with more experience? This is the group for you. I only ask that what is held in the circle stays in the circle, and to be respectful to all within the circle though other people’s views may differ from your own. The circle must contain a minimum of 4 people and RSVP required.

Please let me know 48 Hours in advance of attendance and cancellation. Call 860-6591790 between 8am to 8pm.

Spirit Journeys Gallery Readings. 6:309:30pm. $50. Join Master Clairvoyant Medium, Cathy Camera and Master Intuitive Psychic, Kerri Mitchell for an evening of personal connection to Spirit. As a team Cathy and Kerri will bring forth messages from your energy field and/or loved ones who have crossed over. During this 3 hour event you will not only receive personal messages and guidance, but you will also have your current Animal Totem identified and a Past Life read to you. This circle is very healing and you will experience laughter, tears and amazing connections. Cathy and Kerri have a way of "layering" the readings to build a connection throughout the group. EVERY attendee gets a reading!! Limit 10 attendees. Pre-reg required. Www.thespiritoflight.org. The Spirit of Light, 1161 S Broad St., Wallingford, CT. 203-641-3371.

Saturday, June 26th

Monday June 28th

The Magick of Herbs: Herbal Baths For Your Inner Goddess. 1-5pm. $45.00 Sacred Bathing has provided healing, introspection and nurturing to women world-wide for millennia. Sacred ceremonies, created with specific intention, detoxify residue of past traumas, harmonize the womb, treat illness or pain, deepen intimacy or infuse us with renewed energy. We’ll discuss and create our own sacred baths, enjoy magnificent views and honor our Divine Self with the Water of Life.

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), AHG; The Essence of Being; 184 Johnnycake Mountain Road; Burlington, CT www.theessenceofbeingat.com To register call: 860-6736863 Email: essenceofbeing@hotmail.com.

Group Past Life Regression. 6:30pm-8:30pm $20 Past Life Regression therapy is an effective way to discover the reasons for current fears, recurring dreams and personality tendencies. Through exploration of your past lives, you can learn some of the reasons you are repeating patterns, why you were born into your particular family or why you have certain behaviors. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford.

No previous experience necessary. To register or for more information or to register please contact Gayle Franceschetti @203-265-2927, email sunnispirit@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.return2love.net.

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www.naturalnutmeg.com

Tuesday, June 29th Ergonomics & Body Mechanics Class. Instructor: George Giannoni, PT, GDMT, IMTC. 1:15pm-1:45pm.This class provides the student with the basic essentials for proper body mechanics as well as proper ergonomics throughout daily activity. No Cost. Centerimt, 800 Cottage Grove Road, Building 2, Bloomfield, CT 06002. To obtain additional information or to sign up for this class, please contact Matt Connell-Giammatteo at mattconnell@centerimt.com or by calling (860) 243-5220 x 128.

Walk This Way! 6:30pm. – 8pm. $35.00.

Walking is an everyday occurrence so why would we need to learn how to do it? When you take walking to a higher level for fitness, there are certain subtleties that can help you become more efficient at calorie burning and muscle use. During this workshop, you will learn three levels of walking skills, breathing techniques, proper posture and foot alignment.

Held at simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body, 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.301.1468 or visit www.simplyfitnessonline.com.

Holistic Moms Network. 7-9pm. Free. Nonprofit organization connecting parents interested in holistic health and green living.

United Church of Chester, 29 W. Main St., Chester. Middlesexhmn@yahoo.com. Www. holisticmoms.org.

Ongoingcalendar monday Life-Energy Qigong. 12:10-1:10pm. Sullivan Senior Center, 88 E. Albert St., Torrington.

Focus is on gentle movement, meditation and breathwork. NQA certified instructor Daline Dudley. Call 860-496-8312 for details.

Tai Chi for Health sponsored by Hartford Hospital. 6:30 - 7:30pm. Safe & Effective. Tai Chi is proven to decrease blood pressure, relieve stress, increase balance & prevent falls.

It helps people alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, osteoporosis & diabetes. This program was designed by tai chi AND medical experts. Come & see what it can do for you.

Classes start in March. $160 for 16 classes.

Call 1-800-545-1888 or email: taichiforhealth@live.com. Avon Wellness Ctr. 100 Simsbury Rd. Avon.

Group Acupuncture. Starting May 10. 4:00 – 7:00pm. $25 per session. Come experience an acupuncture session in a community style group environment. Call to reserve your time. Walk-ins welcome. Naturopathic Health Center, 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT. (860) 529-1200 or http:// NAHcenter.com/acupuncture.

HOT Power Yoga, Mondays & Wednesdays 6:15-7:30pm, Fridays 5:45-7pm, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642, www.fulleryoga. com Turn the heat up on your yoga practice!

Women at Midlife: A therapeutic support group. 6:30 -8 pm. Midlife is a time of transition and great possibilities! This group is an invitation to join other women in exploring questions and concerns you may be holding about life purpose, career, menopause, empty nest, intimate relationships. New group forming in April. 6 week series meeting alternate Mondays in Avon, CT. Facilitated by Kathleen Zecchin MA, LPC. For more information, please call 860-306-4199 or kzecchin22@yahoo.com.

tuesday Informational/Open House Sessions for Yoga Alliance Teacher Trainings. Sacred Rivers Yoga is offering informational sessions each Tuesday at 6:45pm in regards to the Weekend and Weekday 200 and 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training programs, all of which are ongoing. You may schedule an alternate time to discuss the programs by contacting the studio. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT. 860.657.9545. info@sacredriversyoga.com.

Power Yoga. 7:30pm, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642. www.fulleryoga.com Enhance your postures and power up your practice with deep breath work and asana.

tuesday Qigong. Starting May 18th. 7:00 – 8pm. $10 per class. Qigong: slow movements accompanied by meditation that helps bring well being and heals the body on many different levels. The theory states that when the Qi flows freely through the body, it breaks down blockages related to stress, injury or disease.

While the main focus is on cultivating healing energy this practice also deepens one spiritual awareness. Qigong exercise systems have been practiced in China since ancient times. Naturopathic Health Center - 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT. (860) 529-1200 or http://NAHcenter.com/

wednesday Holistic Moms Network. Hartford County, CT chapter of a non-profit organization.

Meetings held the last Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm at The Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford. Email hartfordhmn@yahoo.com or visit www.holisticmoms.org.

HOT Power Yoga, Mondays & Wednesdays 6:15-7:30pm, Fridays 5:45-7pm, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642, www.fulleryoga. com Turn the heat up on your yoga practice!

Ct Assoc. of Classical Homeopaths. advanced study group meets every 3rd Wednesday of month, 7-9 PM. Joy Pacitto-860-529-8313.

Training Program Class. 6-7:30. FREE. Hartford Family Institute's Center for Healing Arts Professional Training program or Human Relations Training program. Topics covered are: MIndfulness, Spirituality and Psychotherapy, Quantum Physics, the Origins of Pain and Illness, Buddhist Conflict Resolution, Shamanic work, Energy Healing, Dreamwork, and much more. Visit our website www.hartfordfamilyinstitute.com to learn more. Reservations are required. Hartford Family Institute's Center for Healing Arts. 17 S Highland St., West Hartford, CT. 860.236.6009 Stress relief! Free sessions of Reflexology, TT, CST, Reiki, Guided Imagery, and more during EPIPHANY. Ist Wednesday of the month except January and July. 6-8:30pm. 225 Commerce Drive in Canton. Also in Southington from 1-3pm at 232 Bristol Street. 2/3, 3/3, 4/7. Children welcome. Sessions may enhance learning skills.

Yang Style Tai Chi. 7-8:30pm. Ongoing Yang style Tai Chi classes using a number of short forms including Yang 24 form - George Hoffman, instructor. $72 for 8 weeks. Call 860742-5892 to register. Classes held at CT Institute for Herbal Studies, 900 Wells Rd (Rte 175)Wethersfield. 860-666-5064. www.naturalnutmeg.com

saturday Power Yoga Basics. 9:30am starting June 19, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642. www.fulleryoga.com. If you're tired of being overweight, stressed out, and low energy, this is the class for you!

Basic Pilates. 8:15-9:15am, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park St., 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642, www.fulleryoga. com. Learn the basics of pilates to tone and sculpt your body into better shape. Great for beginners!

Hartford shambhala meditation group offers mindfulness/awareness meditation instruction at no charge Morning Meditation from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. All Day Silent Meditation Retreats from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Once per month we have a longer practice session, including sitting meditation, walking meditation, and a dharma talk or reading. Once per quarter we have an all-day silent meditation retreat. Come for all or part of the day. The location is at the Quaker Meeting House (see address, above). Check our website for dates: http://www.shambhala.org/centers/hartford.

Readings: Angel Card Yearly Spread. Kerri Mitchell. 10am-3pm. $55. Wouldn’t it be great to know what energies are coming into your life over the next 12 months? Wondering what’s in store for you? Master Intuitive Psychic Kerri Mitchell forecasts your upcoming year through the use of Angel Cards and her highly tuned Psychic abilities. The session is broken down into a month by month overview. Kerrie will highlight what’s coming up for you regarding Health, Career, Relationships and Finances. www.thespiritoflight.org. The Spirit of Light, 1161 S Broad St, Wallingford. 203-641-337.

sunday Fuller Yoga Clinics. 4th Sunday of every month starting June 27, 5-7pm, Fuller Yoga, Pilates & Massage, 1477 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford 860-951-9642, www.fulleryoga.com Take your yoga practice deeper while feeling good in your body and aligning with well being!

Women's Temple In Her Name. 10:30-11:45, Collinsville, CT. Suggested Donation $5-10.

(860) 693-9540. www.womenstemple.net.

Meditation for a Peaceful Mind. 10-11:15am. $5 or free for members. In this class, we will listen to, contemplate and meditate on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. These teachings are designed to teach us how to have a peaceful, happy mind all the time. From a peaceful mind comes a peaceful world. Join us any Sunday. OBC is a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit our website for more details and upcoming events: meditationinconnecticut. org. Held at Fuller Movement Center, 1477 Park Street, 2nd floor, Hartford, CT. Kitty Sanders, info@odiyana.org. 860-268-7251.

June 2010 53

Natural Planet

by Deb Percival

A monthly compendium of tips, thoughts, and updates about our shared home.

Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, Or Do Without

P

eople laugh at my cell phone. I’m not very high tech. Blame my parents. During my formative years, when I begged for the newest and the coolest, my whining was met with, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

In my parents’ house, things are only replaced when they’re broken beyond repair. It’s driven in part by frugality, and in part by a feeling of responsibility. They have always worried about throwing things “away.” There is no “away,” and they don’t want to burden future generations with their waste.

And yet, in spite of my early training, I sometimes find myself wanting more stuff. A new cell phone. A single-cup coffeemaker.

A flat-screen TV. I’ve heard that having a flat-screen TV is like having your own movie theater. Cool.

As a friend of mine who has a sublime appreciation for the absurd says, “SERIOUSLY?!”

Do I need my own movie theater? Individually brewed cups of coffee? The latest phone? Obviously not. And yet, I am tempted by item after item. Why? Because there is a part of me that equates having cool stuff with having a high quality of life. And you know I’m not alone.

Recycling Plastics How about those unrecyclable Keurig K-Cups that come with that single-cup coffee maker I thought I needed? Not to pick on them. Look around you. There’s a lot of plastic.

There is a continent of floating toxic plastic garbage in the Pacific. Some reports say it’s twice the size of Texas, some say twice the size of the continental US. Either way, it’s growing right along with population and consumption. It supposedly grows tenfold each decade. The UN Environment Programme estimated in 2006 that every square mile of ocean contained 46,000 pieces of floating plastic, which causes the deaths of more than a million seabirds every year, as well as more than 100,000 marine mammals. Syringes, cigarette lighters and toothbrushes have been found inside the stomachs of dead seabirds, like this albatross, which mistook them for food.

You are not a puppet, are you?

Then don’t shop like one I don’t know who to credit for these two sentences, but I love them. Now, when bombarded with messages that I need new stuff I am (nearly) immune.

As my parents say, if you don’t buy stuff, you don’t have to take care of and store that stuff (in big plastic bins, for example), and perhaps more importantly, you don’t eventually have to throw the stuff “away.”

Recycling Electronics What happens to our old stuff? Where are all the cell phones, televisions, and computers? There is no “away…” http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/01/high-tech-trash/ carroll-text The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that U.S. unwanted electronics totaled nearly 2 million tons in 2005, and 3 million tons in 2006. They also estimate that e-waste is growing at two to three times the rate of any other waste source. I wonder if they actually measured that, or if they simply drew that conclusion after looking at the sales flyers in the Sunday paper!

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June 2010

How is plastic made? With petroleum. “Drill baby, drill,” or live with less plastic? Here are some things to try: http://fakeplasticfish.com/plasticfreeguide/ Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. Growing up, I thought the thing that was most worn out was that saying, but as I look at all the people there are, and all the stuff we have, and all the stuff we think we need, I think perhaps it’s time to reuse it!

Author Deb Percival is a freelance writer in Connecticut. E-mail dpercival@comcast.net.

www.naturalnutmeg.com

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June 2010

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June 2010

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