Wellspring Issue #7 by The Wellspring

WELL OF YOUTH: TEENS, CAN YOU BE PLAYING TOO MUCH SPORTS?

THE UNTOLD STORY

Of the danger lurking in 50% of American homes Leading expert Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker on the hazards of mold exposure

KIDS’ P ULLO SECTIO UT N PAGE 3 3

EXTINGUISH THE BURN

Natural solutions for heartburn and indigestion

THINK YOGA IS ONLY FOR FLEXIBLE PEOPLE? THINK AGAIN Yael Stromer, RYT, on how yoga can change your life

GRAB A PEN!

GOOD FOOD INSIDE

You don’t have to be a writer to reap the benefits of journaling

ISSUE 7 AUGUST 2016 AV 5776

IN SEASON: ENJOY THE FRUITS OF SUMMER IN YOUR GLASS OF SPARKLING NECTAR-ADE

ISSUE 7 AUGUST 2016 AV 5776

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From the Editor Editor In Chief Shiffy Friedman, MSW, CNWC

Dear Readers, Do you have any memories of September 10, 2011? Probably not. Of September 11, I’d bet you do. Back in the days when I was an English teacher, one of the writing genres I taught my ninth grade students was memoir. In guiding them to write a personal essay that would resonate with their readers, I spent a great deal of time discussing how our strongest memories are the ones accompanied by powerful emotions. That’s the reason, I explained, why the mention of September 11 brings up vivid images in most people’s minds, while September 10 probably does not. It’s the reason why an adult remembers the day she was punished in second grade or the day she won the spelling bee in third. After that lesson, a student approached me in the halls. The keen observation she shared with me was astounding. “Something finally clicked in my head today,” she said to me. “I always wondered why I have such strong memories of when I was six years old—more than from when I was seven or eight. I remember certain details as if they happened yesterday, like the color of my briefcase and where I sat in the first-grade classroom. Only recently did I find out that my mother was very sick then. I guess the child in me remembered something that I didn’t even know because of the tension I must have felt at that time.” Which explains why I never forgot where I was standing when I heard the word “migraine” for the first time. We were young Ohel Tes campers back then, lounging around in the bunkhouse one sticky Shabbos afternoon when a good friend of mine suddenly collapsed into bed. “I have a migraine,” she whispered, pressing her temples tightly. “Can you please shut the door?” she begged. Later, I got some education from her. It was the light that was bothering her at the time. Did a subconscious part of me know something then that I only became cognizant of years later? Was that why it was holding on to that memory so tightly? Just watching a friend’s painful migraine episode was enough of an emotionally intense experience. Today, I have unfortunately joined the temple-pressing migraine club. Migraine headaches are no fun, to say the least. They have this tenacious way of gripping your mind so you can’t think back, ahead, or even straight. Although they are intensely painful, at least they are not guilt-inducing today. For hundreds of years, people believed that migraines result from a woman’s inability to manage her emotions. Citing the statistics that many more women suffer from migraines than men, even medical practitioners followed this theory. Read this issue’s “Tidbits” to learn about the truth regarding these headaches that are painful enough without the added stigma. As the summer comes to a close, take this opportunity to create memories for your children that will always come back to them—memories that are associated with positive emotions like joy, trust, and love. As a smart parent once said to me, “Give your children everything you’ve got. They only have one childhood.”

Shiffy Friedman

shiffy@wellspringmagazine.com

WELL-PUT!

Nutritional Advisory Board Jack Friedman, PhD Moshe Weinberger Fitness Advisory Board LR Wilen, PFC Syma Kranz, PFC Managing Editor Esty Cinner Feature Editors Rochel Gordon Liba Solomon, CNWC Copy Editor Gila Zemmel Food Editor Levia Joseph Creative Directors Miriam Bluming Rivky Schwartz Art Director Chavy Lefkowitz Digital Marketing Goldi Feldman Simcha Nunez Write To Us: 694 Myrtle Ave. Suite 389 Brooklyn, NY 11205 info@wellspringmagazine.com www.wellspringmagazine.com The Wellspring Magazine is published monthly by MaxiHealth Research LLC. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part or in any form without prior written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher reserves the right to edit all articles for clarity, space and editorial sensitivities. The Wellspring Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content or kashrus of advertisements in the publication, nor for the content of books that are referred to or excerpted herein. The contents of The Wellspring Magazine, such as text, graphics and other material (content) are intended for educational purposed only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding your medical condition.

“If you call my piece the untold story, I’ve got news for you. It is,” says Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker of his mission to bring mold-related illness to the fore. Read about the dangers he’s found in mold exposure on page 31.

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Contents

AUGUST2016

WELL INFORMED 13

WELLNESS PLATFORM By Rabbi Hirsch Meisels

WELL ACQUAINTED By Joe Pira, NYS Licensed Optician

TORAH WELLSPRING By Rabbi Ezra Friedman

HEALTH TIDBITS IN THE NEWS By Liba Solomon, CNWC

NATURALLY WELL By Mindy Lewis

FIGURES By Miriam Katz

WELCOME TO THE LAB By Judy Appel

“WHY RESORT TO A BLAND BOARD OF MATZAH OR A SUNKEN PIECE OF CHALLAH WHEN YOU CAN ENJOY THIS?” - LEVIA JOSEPH, SEASONED

PAGE 46

LIVING WELL 26

ASK THE NUTRITIONIST Water Woes By Shani Taub, CDC

IN GOOD SHAPE 1,000 Steps and Counting By Syma Kranz, PFC

COVER FEATURE Got Mold? By Rochel Gordon

HEALTHY HOME HABITS Teething Torture By Batsheva Fine

MONTHLY DOSE Extinguish the Heartburn By Dina Mendlowitz

NEW COLUMN!

FAREWELL 71 8 The Wellspring | August 2016

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WELL OF YOUTH 33

TEENS’ SECTION By Raizy Kleinman

CHILDREN’S SECTION By Dina

62 EAT WELL

SEASONED For Body and Soul By Levia Joseph

NUTRITION FACTS IN A SHELL In Season: Nectarine By Devorah Isaacson

WELLBEING

33 INKWELL 70

DIARY Feeling Human Again As told to Yitty Davidson

CLEAN SLATE By Shiffy Friedman, MSW, CNWC

HEALTH PERSONALITY Yael Stromer, RYT 200 By Miri Davis

ME-TIME Journaling By Shiffy Friedman, MSW

“MOST AMERICANS HAVE DESK JOBS, WHICH LEAD TO POSTURE ISSUES AND TENSION HEADACHES. YOGA WORKS TO REVERSE THE PHYSICAL STRESS THIS PLACES ON THE BODY.” - YAEL STROMER, RYT 200

PAGE 64

August 2016 | The Wellspring 9

Springboard

Letters

Just in Time! [Issue #6: Solving the Mystery of the TwoToned Face]

really be suffering from Lyme disease all these years? She got herself tested about five years ago but the results came back negative, so although she is feeling more lethargic than ever, she never went that route again. Having read the article and learned that people can get negative results but still be infected with other strains of the bacteria, I will urge her to contact Chumy and be tested again. I truly feel that this will be her salvation. I thank you deeply in advance for being the good shaliach! Our family has been so concerned about her wellbeing all these years. Many thanks, Golda S.

Dear Editor:

I read your article on the dangers of sun exposure just in time! We came out to spend a few weeks in the country air last week, and part of what I was looking forward to was that beautiful suntan. To me, it always meant a healthy glow, and I loved the summer look it gave me. Not anymore. What an eye-opener it was to read that sunburns and suntans are one and the same. Thanks for pointing it out! Running out to get some sunscreen, Rikki Grunfeld, Monticello

Was this my sister’s problem? [Issue #5: Lyme in the Limelight] Dear Editor: When I saw that you were covering Lyme disease in the June issue, I perused the pages, curious if anyone could relate to this problem. However, once I started reading the interview with Chumy Klughaupt, an alarm went off in my brain. Could my sister 10 The Wellspring | August 2016

Dried Fruits Are Not That Bad [Issue #2: The Stack on Snacks] Dear Editor: Thank you for a magazine that’s interesting, informative, and free. I would like to comment on the “Teen Talk” column with Perela D. Although I agree with Liba that dried fruits are not as healthy as many people would think, I do believe that those without preservatives, unnatural coloring, unnatural flavors, and corn syrup are still very different from regular candy, especially ones that have less added sugar. Of course, there is still an issue of tooth decay, but the natural benefits of dried fruits paired with the absence of detrimental chemicals make them easier for our bodies to digest. In addition, dried fruits are generally associated with milder cravings, so it’s easier to keep their consumption within limits. Thanks again and hatzlachah with this important project! Shaindy Fried, Monroe, NY

Calories Do Tell Time [Issue #3: Can Calories Tell Time?] Dear Editor: I read your article, “Can Calories Tell Time?” and would like to share my take on the topic. For the past year and a half, I have been working to lose weight. Baruch Hashem, I lost 47 pounds in nine months, but I noticed that over Shabbos I gain from 5 to 7 pounds. I don’t eat much more on Shabbos than I do during the week, and the foods I eat are not more fattening. I think the reason is because on Friday night and Saturday night I go to sleep soon after the meals, and on Shabbos afternoon I take a long nap. Over Pesach, I gained eight pounds. I ate only whole wheat matzah, ate less starch and fats than all year round, and used only olive oil. The only difference was that I went to sleep every night right after the meal, which again I think proves that eating before going to sleep leads to weight gain. Regards, Solomon Schlussel

Finding Solutions in Nature [Issue #6: Solving the Mystery of the TwoToned Face] Dear Editor: I was excited to read the interview you featured with Mr. Weinstock regarding his work in the field of wound care. Ever since he treated our three-month-old baby four years ago, our medicine chest has always been stocked with the natural creams and oils he produces. It’s unbelievable to see how Hashem put every kind of remedy and solution into the natural world. Gitty R., Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Not Only for Hydration [Issue #6: Let the Sun Be All Fun]

Omega-3 Obscurity Dear Editor:

Dear Editor: You featured an article on Maxi Green Energee in the pre-Tishah B’Av edition that discussed its benefits regarding hydration, especially before a fast. I happen to be taking this supplement as per the advice of my nutritionist and I just wanted to let the readers know how helpful it is in boosting energy. After I gave birth to my third child, I felt very fatigued, always fighting to keep my eyelids open. Now that I’m taking this supplement every day, I am much more energetic. Thanks, Y. Paskesz

A Nutritionist’s Suggestion [Issue #6: Post-Pool Hunger Pangs]

I’ve seen time and again in various health sources as well as this magazine that Omega-3 fish oil is crucial for good health, especially brain development. I’m a middle-aged woman who would not mind giving my brain a boost and doing the necessary hishtadlut to prevent cognitive decline. With so many fish oils to choose from, how would I know which one is best for me? I hope you will be able to answer this question. Thanks, Margie Cohen Deal, NJ Editor’s Note: Check out this issue’s Golden Page on page 20 for an answer that is supported by extensive research and clinical trials.

Dear Editor: As a registered dietitian and health researcher, I’m aware of the effects spending time in water has on the body’s metabolism. As the article “Post-Pool Hunger Pangs” by Shani Taub states, it causes the body to lose heat. For this reason, instead of turning to the pantry first, I highly recommend that before people even return to their home from the pool they should first do a quick, short run (or any other exercise) that will warm up their organs and release appetite-suppressing hormones that are otherwise on a break. It’s a very important tip that may help your readers. Janet Muller, RD

Pleasantly Surprised! [Issue #6: Fuel Sources] Dear Editor: When I saw on the cover of the June issue that there was an article on six superfoods that can boost weight loss and improve workouts, I immediately turned to that page. Of course, I was not surprised to see that Greek yogurt and wholegrain foods were on the list, but the nut butter caught me by surprise. I happen to love peanut butter and would be so happy to know that I can eat it for breakfast guilt-free,

but I keep hearing that only almond butter is healthy. Is that true? What’s the difference between the various nut butters on the market? A fan, Faiga R., Brooklyn, NY

Esther Fried, PFC, replies: Dear Faiga R., I was happy to learn that the article on six superfoods that improve your workout was helpful to you.You ask a good question regarding the various nut butters on the market. First, keep in mind that any nut butter must be in its natural form in order to serve as a fuel source. The sugar-laden peanut butters on the market definitely do not contain substantial nutritional value. Second, because nuts are high in saturated fat and calories they must be eaten in small quantities.Two tablespoons, or about two ounces, of nut butter with a wholegrain bread or rice cake is considered a healthy, protein-stocked meal that should not have you concerned about your weight gain or health. In recent years, almond butter was somehow anointed the chosen nut butter among health-conscious eaters, but research reveals that that peanut butter is perfectly healthy as well, with slight nutritional differences. According to the research I’ve read, a healthy amount is perfectly okay with any kind of butter— almond and peanut. One tablespoon of either nut butter contains about 95 calories, 1.5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of carbs, 8 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein. While almond butter does have a slightly higher nutritional value, it is also way more costly. So if you like peanut butter, go for it guilt-free!

invites readers to submit letters and comments via regular mail or email to info@ wellspringmagazine.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to edit all submissions and will withhold your name upon request. We will honor requests for anonymity, but we cannot consider letters that arrive without contact information.

The next issue of The Wellspring will appear iy”H on September 14th.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 11

Well Informed

Wellness Platform By Rabbi Hirsch Meisels

VITAMIN A: MORE THAN SKIN-DEEP RESULTS In this series about vitamins, we will explore the various research-based benefits that each specific vitamin provides the human body.

Vitamin A for Respiratory Health As the regulator of the epithelial cells, Vitamin A plays a significant role in respiratory health. What’s the connection? Epithelial cells line the cavities and surfaces of blood vessels and organs throughout the body, and are also found in the lungs and intestines. In essence, the lungs and intestines are significantly related to the skin because all three come into constant contact with external substances, and as such are the front lines in defending the body against disease. In other words, the best soldiers that the immune system produces must be put to battle in these regions. Because vitamin A is a major player in the body’s immune system, it is vital for respiratory health. Indeed, research has found that significant doses of vitamin A may even repair the damage done by severe respiratory illnesses like emphysema and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Vitamin A for Digestive Health The epithelial cells lining the intestines help fight against bacteria and food-borne illnesses. High doses of vitamin A, which regulates the production of these cells, are thus crucial in maintaining digestive health. Vitamin A may even play a role in curing various intestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, colitis, and ulcers. A study conducted at Harvard University revealed that participants who consumed a significant dose of vitamin A on a daily basis had a 54% lower risk of contracting serious intestinal illnesses than those subjects who consumed smaller doses. Vitamin A for Cancer Prevention Incredibly, research has shown that vitamin A can play a role in preventing the relapse of cancer. In a study that

followed 307 subjects who underwent surgery to remove cancerous growths in the lungs, the participants who consumed 300,000 IU of vitamin A daily for one year had significantly lower chances of relapse than those who did not supplement their diet with vitamin A. Vitamin A contains the unique ability to fight free radicals that enter the body around the clock, which is aids tremendously in warding off various cancers, especially in the male

Because vitamin A is a major player in the body’s immune system, it is vital for respiratory health. reproductive system, the blood, and the skin. Lab scientists conclude that most patients with skin cancer have notably low levels of Retinol (a form of vitamin A) in their blood. Vitamin A for Blood Sugar Regulation In addition to the many benefits that vitamin A provides the body’s organs, it plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels. A study that followed 52 subjects found that those who consumed more than 100,000 IU of vitamin A on a daily basis were better able to digest the sugar they’d ingested than those subjects who consumed less than 80,000 IU. Researchers believe that vitamin A helps the body make better use of insulin, which in turn decreases the sug-

ar levels in the blood. By combatting insulin resistance, Retinol decreases the chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, hypoglycemia, and obesity. Vitamin A Sources In addition to multivitamin supplements, vitamin A can be found in liver, butter, egg yolks, and full-fat milk. (Low-fat milk does not provide the benefits of fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.) Cod liver oil is known to be an excellent source of vitamin A. However, the product that is sold today, I’ve learned from my extensive research, does not contain the original vitamin A and D levels it used to provide. Due to the processing procedure that removes the odor and other impure substances, valuable vitamin content is eliminated. Most manufacturers compensate for the loss by replenishing the vitamin content in the final stages of production with synthetic vitamins. In other words, if you’re purchasing cod liver oil for its naturally rich vitamin properties, note that the vitamins may not all be natural. Today, fish oil is a better source of vitamin A. And for those who are allergic to fish, Maxi Health Research manufactures a supplement that combines vitamin A, vitamin D, and olive oil. I highly recommend this for people who must consume larger than usual doses of vitamin A, such as when struck by infection. In this column, Rabbi Hirsch Meisels, a renowned expert on healthy living, delivers vital health information culled from his years of experience as the founder and director of FWD, Friends With Diabetes. The information was originally transcribed from his lectures on his hotline, Kol Beri’im.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 13

Well Informed

Well Acquainted By Joe Pira, NYS licensed optician

THE EXPERT’S VOICE TO INFORM YOUR CHOICE PROMOTING HEALTH, ONE ORGAN AT A TIME: A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR EYESIGHT EYESIGHT EDUCATION: KNOWLEDGE IS KEY IN MAKING THE IDEAL CHOICE In the last article on the history of eyewear, we discussed that although the advent of polycarbonate lenses provided certain benefits over glass or plastic lenses, the issue of distortion still remained. A lens that is not distortion-free can be a great drawback to vision. Instead of aiding the eyesight, the distorted spots on the lens reduce it. This is especially problematic for people with a lazy eye, because if the eye falls to that spot, the wearer’s vision is compromised. Similarly, a patient with higher astigmatism does not benefit from these lenses because his eye is more sensitive to the distortion. Thankfully, recent advancements in the field of optic lenses have led to the production of 100% distortion free lenses, which is the ideal choice for anyone who is concerned about his vision. There are many different types of distortion-free lenses, such as Trilogy, which is the brand name, and Phoenix. From my experience, however, the average consumer still opts for polycarbonate lenses. Certainly the consumer does not want to compromise his vision. Rather, it is a combination of financial factors and the fact that consumers are simply not aware of the pros and cons of each type of lens. The same phenomenon plays out in regards to myopia. It’s astounding to observe how many parents have taken a more aggressive approach to this condition by putting atropine drops in their children’s eyes. In addition to substantially diminishing vision, this treatment method has not been on the market long enough to reveal the true

ramifications of its use. Who knows how it might affect the child’s eyesight when he’s twelve or eighteen years old? Or perhaps the repercussions will appear at fifty? While the alternative of investing in a better lens may be slightly more costly, the results are

Thankfully, recent advancements in the field of optic lenses have led to the production of 100% distortion free lenses, which is the ideal choice for anyone who is concerned about his vision. significantly more beneficial. When you have a dirty windshield, it’s hard to see the road directly ahead, but if it’s clean, you can see for miles. So how can a parent ensure that their child is receiving the lens that will provide the most perfect vision? Knowledge is key when making that decision. How much does the

consumer know about the various options on the market? Thousands of companies are manufacturing paper towels, but there is Bounty. Many people will spend that extra dollar only to get the brand that they know will do the job. Even amongst the brands that produce distortion-free lenses, some manufacturers offer distinctive qualities. For instance, one distortionfree brand manufactures lenses that are 14% thinner and 27% lighter than standard polycarbonate, 10% thinner and 23% lighter than High Index Plastic, and 25% thinner than conventional plastic. These numbers are huge! Not every distortion-free lens provides that. As an optician, I take the time to speak with my patients about the benefits and drawbacks of the different options that are available to them or their kids. The goal in doing so is to ensure that they will make an informed decision. Eyesight, of course, is infinitely more valuable than a clean counter. By giving the optician the opportunity to explain the various options available, the eyewear consumer will then make an informed decision, ensuring that they are provided with lenses that do the work that they should.

Currently practicing at The Lens Center in Brooklyn, NY, Joe Pira is a NYS ABO, NCLO, and FNAO certified licensed optician. In this column, he shares his knowledge culled from over three decades of experience in the eyewear field.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 15

Well Informed

Torah Wellspring By Rabbi Ezra Friedman

ROLE MODELS IN TORAH AND HEALTH THE EXTENT TO WHICH OUR GEDOLIM GUARDED THEIR HEALTH

FROM THE CONTENT of a letter that the Chebiner Rav wrote to Menachem Tzvi Eichenstein, Rabbi of St. Louis, it’s apparent that the latter had sent the Rav a compilation of his chiddushim, but the Chebiner Rav’s response was long in coming. In the letter he penned several months after he received the kuntrus, the Chebiner Rav requested Rav Eichenstien’s forgiveness for the delayed response, citing an illness as the reason for the delay. “My doctor instructed that I take a break from everything,” writes the Rav, “and so I could not reply sooner.” When a doctor orders the average person to take a break, what does this generally mean to him? He probably won’t carry heavy boxes or engage in strenuous activities. But taking a break from writing? The Rav did not abstain from his activities because he wanted to rest; he did so because he followed his doctor’s order to the T. Indeed, the Rav’s talmid, R’ Peretz Rosenwasser, cited Dr. Kook, a famous doctor who tended the gedolim in Eretz Yisrael, who said, “The Chebiner Rav was my best patient. Whatever I told him to do, he did.” The Rav’s conduct should not be surprising to us. Our Sages understood that the doctor is merely a messenger in leading a person to better health. In order to fulfill the mitzvah of guarding one’s health, they must obey the doctor’s orders faithfully, no matter the consequences. In the same way the Chebiner Rav was scrupulous with every single commandment in the Torah, he practiced this mitzvah with utmost precision as well. The Chebiner Rav’s meticulous observation of the mitzvah to guard one’s health is illustrated by his reaction to being informed by his doctor that smoking cigarettes is detrimental to one’s health. Having previously been unaware of this danger, the Rav had been a heavy smoker. But after his doctor’s warning, he never lit a cigarette again. If you know anything about smoking, you know how excruciating the termination process can be, but the Chebiner Rav had no issue with that. Withdrawal symptoms aside, he followed the Torah’s command and abstained from smoking until his last day. He understood that refraining from doing something that presents a danger to one’s health warrants the same unyielding commitment as refraining from doing a forbidden act.

A Jew once came in to the Chazon Ish on Shabbos to request a berachah for his young son who was unwell. “What does the doctor say?” asked the Chazon Ish. “Because his condition is not that severe, the doctor allowed me to take him back home, but we came to you for a berachah.” The Chazon Ish, a genius in Torah and medicine, took one look at the child and told the father to head to the hospital immediately. “But it’s Shabbos!” the father protested, “and the doctor said it’s okay to wait!” The Chazon Ish went straight to his weekday coat, stuck his hand in its pocket, and removed some coins. Understanding the import of this powerful message, the father took the money and was off to the hospital in no time. This is the extent to which the Chazon Ish, who was stringent with every aspect of Shabbos observance, understood the gravity of preserving one’s health. (Indeed, once the child was admitted and examined, his dire health status came the fore, revealing that his situation was one of pikuach nefesh.) When a grandson of the Chazon Ish, Rav Shmarya Greineman, was a young child, he suffered a burn that warranted the use of a compressor on Shabbos. Rav Shmarya related in his adulthood that the Chazon Ish himself turned on the compressor. There was no question in his mind that this was the right thing to do. Rav Chaim Brisker was known to forbid many people, especially women, from fasting. “People say about me,” he once remarked, “that I’m meikel, lax, when it comes to fasting. The truth is that I’m not meikel. I’m simply makpid, more stringent, regarding the mitzvah of guarding one’s health.” When a sick man protested against eating on Yom Kippur, Rav Chaim asked him, “I don’t understand. If your child would turn eight days old on Yom Kippur, would there be a question in your mind about whether or not to perform the bris because it will lead to chillul Shabbos? Of course not. Pikuach nefesh is much more critical. If there’s a question that the child’s life will be in danger as a result of the circumcision, this mitzvah prevails. So what’s the question here?” Such was the clarity that our gedolim had regarding the vital commandment of guarding our health.

People say about me,” Rav Chaim Brisker once remarked, “that I’m meikel, lax, when it comes to fasting.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 17

Well Informed

Health Tidbits in the News By Liba Solomon, CNWC

WANT TO BE HAPPY? Fill up on Fruits! Recent research published in the American Journal of Public Health suggests that in addition to fruit consumption being the way to a healthy body, eating your five a day is also good for your mind. The study followed more than 12,000 randomly selected Australians who kept food diaries and had their psychological well-being measured. Incredibly, results showed large positive psychological benefits within two years of an improved diet. Research fellow Dr. Redzo Mujcic said, “Perhaps our results will be more effective than traditional messages in convincing people to have a healthy diet. There is a psychological pay-off now from fruit and vegetables - not just a lower health risk decades later.” Levels of happiness increased for each extra portion of fruit and vegetables that a subject consumed, and peaked at eight a day. For those who shunned a healthy diet in the past, the equivalent boost in life satisfaction was compared to that felt by going from being unemployed to finding work. And the emotional boost can happen immediately, according to the study. The study was the first major scientific attempt to explore psychological well-being beyond the traditional finding that fruit and vegetables can reduce risk of cancer and heart attacks. Professor Andrew Oswald of Warwick University says, “Eating fruit and vegetables apparently boosts our happiness far more quickly than it improves human health. People’s motivation to eat healthy food is weakened by the fact that physical health benefits, such as protecting against cancer, accrue decades later. However, well-being improvements from increased consumption of fruit and vegetables are closer to immediate.” The study suggests it may be possible eventually to link this study to current research into antioxidants which suggests a connection between optimism and carotenoid in the blood. Now you have another reason to stock up on those refreshing melons and peaches. Here’s to a happy life!

GOODBYE, CANDY! Protect your child’s heart In a study published in Atherosclerosis, researchers found that curbing your kids’ sugar intake can improve their triglyceride levels (a type of blood fat, or “lipid”) as well as levels of a protein associated with heart disease, known as apoC-III, researchers found. “The blood lipid responses of these children is nothing short of astounding, and unrelated to calories or weight change,” said study author Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, San Francisco. “In order to get this degree of lipid and protein reduction by just eating less, a patient would need to lose one-fifth of their body weight.” The study involved 43 obese children aged 9 to 18 who had at least one chronic metabolic disorder, such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or a marker for fatty liver. For nine days, the children ate and drank as they normally would, with one exception: All sugary foods, such as sweetened yogurt and cake, were replaced with starchy items, including bagels and pizza. Overall, the kids’ dietary sugar fell from 28% to just 10% of their total calories, and fructose dropped from 12% to 4% of their total calories, the findings showed. Blood tests before and after the study period found that cutting kids’ sugar intake resulted in a 33% drop in triglycerides and a 49% drop in apoC-III. The study’s first author, Dr. Alejandro Gugliucci, said that the new study found “that just reducing sugar consumption did a wonderful job in lowering these two key risk factors by 30 to 50%.” The researchers noted that small, dense LDL, the cholesterol tied to heart disease, also disappeared. Now that’s another great reason to turn your child’s upcoming birthday party into a fruit party! 18 The Wellspring | August 2016

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

MORE ON MOM’S SUPERFOOD Breastfed babies may lead longer lives Past research has already revealed that breastfed babies have healthier immune systems, score higher on I.Q. tests and may be less prone to obesity than other babies. Now new research reveals another possible difference in breastfed babies: They may have longer telomeres, which are stretches of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes and protect the genes from damage. Often compared to the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces that prevent laces from unraveling, telomeres shorten as cells divide and as people age, and shorter telomeres in adulthood are associated with chronic diseases like diabetes. The new study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that telomere length in early life may be malleable. The researchers, who have been following a group of 201 children since birth, measured the telomeres of 4- and 5-year-olds, and discovered that children who consumed only breast milk for the first four to six weeks of life had 5 percent longer telomeres, approximately 350 base pairs longer, than those who were given formula, juices, teas or sugar water. If breastfeeding is not an option for you, note that drinking fruit juice every day during the toddler years and a lot of soda at age 4 was also associated with short telomeres. “The idea that breastfeeding may be protective for telomeres is heartening because we don’t know much about what’s going to help protect them in children, besides avoiding toxic stress. And boy, do we want to know,” says Dr. Epel, one of the authors of the study who is a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, and director of the Aging, Metabolism and Emotions Lab.

What You Need to Know About:

ZIKA VIRUS 1. Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. Many areas in the United States have the type of mosquitoes that can spread Zika virus. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and can also bite at night. Thus, the best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites. 2. Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. 3. Zika is linked to birth defects. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is a sign of incomplete brain development. Doctors have also found other problems in pregnancies and among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth. 4. Expectant women should not travel to areas with Zika. The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one neighborhood of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes. 5. Returning travelers infected with Zika can spread the virus through mosquito bites. During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in a person’s blood and can pass from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 19

Well Informed

Health Tidbits in the News By Liba Solomon, CNWC

BUTTERING UP THE BUTTER It’s not as bad as you thought The misunderstood dairy product is often linked to heart disease and risk of death, but research published in Plos One suggests that butter has a more neutral association with mortality. According to researcher Dr. Laura Pimpin at Tufts University and the UK Health Forum, the effects of dairy fats on health are not as negative as saturated fat from other sources. The researchers collected data on butter consumption and health risks from nine previous studies that included a total of 636,151 participants. They noticed that each daily serving of one tablespoon butter had no significant association with heart health. Although these new findings do not mean that butter is healthy, it does tell you that a small amount of butter won’t lead to negative repercussions for your health. Also, it depends on what you eat with the butter, the nutritional experts add. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, dean of the Tufts School of Nutrition Science and Policy says, “Butter is neither the villain it was made out to be, nor a health food. It’s about your other food choices, not about the butter.”

GOLDEN PAGE Updates For the Wise in Years Is Alzheimer’s Prevention Possible? “Use it or lose it,” latest research reveals Iowa State University researchers have identified a protein essential for building memories that appears to predict the progression of memory loss and brain atrophy in Alzheimer’s patients. Auriel Willette, an assistant professor of food science and human nutrition, and Ashley Swanson, a graduate research assistant, say the findings also suggest there is a link between brain activity and the presence of the protein neuronal pentraxin-2, or NPTX2. The research, published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, found a correlation between higher levels of NPTX2 and increased memory and brain volume. Lower levels of the protein were associated with diminished memory and less brain volume. “You’re keeping the machinery going,” Willette said. “It makes sense that the more time spent intensely focused on learning, the more your brain is trained to process information, and that doesn’t go away. That intense kind of learning seems to make your brain stronger.” In patients with Alzheimer’s, the brain’s ability to send messages between cells via neurotransmitters deteriorates. Previous studies have suggested omega-3 fatty acids may help slow this decline. This new rodent-based study supports those findings, and suggests that a diet rich in omegas does not take long to help an ailing brain. In the study, scientists from the Institute of Physiology of the CAS, in the Czech Republic, tested several lipid-based diets aimed at slowing down the progression and relieving the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, according to a post about the research in the Deccan Chronicle. They found that after just three weeks, diets rich in fish oil did not merely slow the decrease in brain synapse speed, but actually reversed it. The findings provide important proof-of-principle evidence that regular intake of specific dietary components may help to prevent some of the key early functional changes that take place in the Alzheimer brain. For people with weak digestive systems, such as the elderly population, the digestion of fish oil can be problematic. Especially those who suffer from Crohn’s disease may have a hard time digesting the oil due to its unpleasant taste and side effects, which includes flatulence, halitosis, belching, and diarrhea. Because daily intake of omega-3 is crucial, the lab specialists at Maxi Health Research have created the only fish oil on the market that has enteric coating, the material that aids in its digestion. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that the rate of absorption of the component n-3 fatty acids in fish oil is up to three times higher when it is administered in the form of a new, enteric-coated preparation. As a result, when the enteric-coated Maxi Omega-3 Concentrate is ingested, the frequency of side effects is reduced, compliance increases, and long-term treatment becomes feasible even for the elderly population or people with weak digestive systems. The Wellspring | August 2016 20

MISCONCEPTION: Migraines are psychological manifestations of women’s inability to manage stress and emotions.

THE TRUTH: Neurologists are very clear that migraines are a real, debilitating medical condition related to temporary abnormal brain activity. The fact that they may be more common for some women during certain times of the month has nothing to do with emotions.

For centuries, doctors explained migraines as a woman’s problem caused by emotional disturbances like hysteria, depression or stress. “Bizarrely, the recommended cure was marriage!” says Dr. Anne MacGregor, the lead author of the British Association for the Study of Headache’s guidelines for diagnosing and managing migraines. While that prescription may be far behind us, the misconception that migraines are fueled by a woman’s inability to cope persists. Among the 36 million people who experience migraines in the United States, the affliction is three to four times more common in women than in men. It’s the reasons behind them that have a way of getting twisted. Dr. MacGregor, who is also a neuroscience professor at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, says that hormonal changes related to the monthly cycle do play a role in migraines for some women. But excess emotions are not that trigger. Rather, MRI data backs up the belief that it is a shift in hormones starting a chain of events which activate neurons in specific parts of brain and send out signals which other parts of the brain interpret as pain. Hormones are just one piece of the puzzle. Lights, smells, alcohol, and certain foods are among the hundreds of environmental factors that can trigger migraines in people with genetic predispositions for them. Research suggests that there’s a genetic component to at least 50 percent of migraine cases. Networks in the brain that control the so-called volume of all the sensory information entering it — such as light, odors and pain — become activated either spontaneously or by an environmental trigger. Because the brain is so interconnected, this volume control also affects nausea, spatial equilibrium, thinking and vision, among other areas. If you’re one of those migraine sufferers who retreats to a dark room, know that it’s not the light, per se, causes the migraine; it only activates those networks. The same story goes for factors like stress, anxiety and depression. Dr. William B.Young, a neurologist at the Jefferson Health Care Center in Philadelphia, says, “When you let someone (maybe yourself) get away with thinking of migraine as caused by a trigger,” he wrote, “it either makes it your fault (you ate that cheese after all) or hopeless (you can’t control the weather).” So when your next migraine happens, go for the Excedrin guilt-free. It’s not your fault and it will be over very soon.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 21

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

WHAT’S CAUSING YOUR MIGRAINES?

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Well Informed

Naturally Well By Mindy Lewis

Calm Kids: An Oxymoron No Longer Summertime provides abundant family time, giving you a chance to observe your kids from up close, to get to know them on a deeper level. Is “calm kid” an oxymoron for you? Are you finding it hard to imagine how your child will slide back into the school desk and sit there for seven hours straight? Yummie Calm™ may be just what he needs to keep his brain focused, tension-free, and calm. Yummie Calm™, which was developed based on the findings of the studies done by Dr. Carl Pfeiffer, combines the best players in the nervous system game: inositol, L-Taurine, and vitamin C, as well as L-Theanine, to support restful sleep, relaxation, and brain development. Having a calm brain is the first step toward proper behavior and focus. L-Theanine decreases anxiety by increasing levels of dopamine and GABA in the brain. It also improves test performance without the agitation caused by caffeine. In a study published in the Journal of the Agricultural Chemical Society, researchers have found that L-Theanine changes brain waves as measured on EEG, promoting the relaxed and alert state associated with alpha waves. That makes this nutrient unusual because it can sharpen mental focus and calm anxiety at the same time.

What is inositol? A member of the B vitamin family, it supports the nervous system. It can effectively treat panic, OCD, and anxiety. In a 2001 study published in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, researchers found inositol to be just as effective in treating panic disorder as a popular antidepressant, and participants tolerated it well even at massive doses of up to 18 grams per day. However, when inositol is taken on its own, it does not operate as effectively as when it is combined with other brain-boosting nutrients. L-Theanine is a water-soluble amino acid found mainly in green and black tea, and to a lesser extent in mushrooms. It constitutes between 1–2% of the dry weight of tea. Passing through the blood-brain barrier within 30 minutes of ingestion, it is used for stress relief, the treatment of anxiety, improved concentration and focus, and the treatment of minimal cognitive impairment. It is said to generate creativity, a state of wakeful relaxation, and higher learning via the ability to ignore distracting information during the performance of complex tasks.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that interfere with the brain’s functions, and plays a pivotal role in the brain’s chemistry and the adrenal glands. Large doses of this vitamin induce a tranquilizing effect that decreases anxiety.

L-Taurine is a vital amino acid found in the synthesis of proteins. It supports the heart, the nervous system, and the modulation of intracellular fluids. L-Taurine increases glycine and GABA to calm the brain, and it also protects the brain by reducing the harmful effects of excess glutamate, as reported in a 2002 article in the Journal of Physiology. One condition that interferes with proper brain function is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. The percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and 11% in 2011.

Do you wish you were a child when reading about the appealing benefits of Yummie Calm™? Here’s the good news: the adult version of this wonder supplement is Relax to the Max™.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 23

Well Informed

Figures By Miriam Katz

STATS ON MOLD GROWTH THE TRUTH ABOUT TOXIC MOLD

6,000

million

of all structures have damp conditions that may encourage mold growth

people in the U.S. suffer from chronic sinusitis, the majority due to an immune response to fungus, according to Mayo Clinic researchers

European adults participated in a study that found a relationship between mold and depression

worst American cities for mold allergies are Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona

cases of asthma are attributed to mold exposure in the home

$76.6

4.6

30-50%

million

spent in the U.S. annually on environmental illness in children

1 10 in

cases of asthma among children is linked to water damage in the home

â&#x20AC;&#x201A; The Wellspring | August 2016 24

24-48 hours

1,000+

100,000+

allergy symptoms are associated with mold growth, including nasal and sinus congestion, headache, and skin and eye irritation

the amount of time it takes for mold to start growing in ideal conditions, such as after a leak

types of mold and mildew have been identified by scientists inside houses in the United States

kinds of mold in existence

69-73Â°F the ideal temperature in the home for mold prevention

54%

or below the ideal humidity level in the home for mold prevention

August 2016 | The Wellspringâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; 25

Living Well

Ask the Nutritionist By Shani Taub, CDC

WaterDoWoes I really need to drink eight cups of water daily?

I’m an enigma even to myself. I don’t have a hard time sticking to a healthy food plan, preparing and eating healthful foods, and even maintaining a decent exercise regimen all week long. My issue is with hydration. At my weight, I’m supposed to drink about eight cups of water every day, but I just can’t do it. On most days, I forget to drink, taking a few sips here and there only when my throat is parched. But even when I remember, I gag when I think about downing all that blandness. I see that I’m not losing weight despite my otherwise healthy lifestyle and I’m wondering if this aversion might be the reason for it. Is drinking water that important? If so, how can I make it more pleasant? At War with Water

Shani answers:

I’m happy for you that the majority of healthy living tasks come easily to you. You’re off to a great start. However, hydration is crucial for weight loss and health. From a health point of view, water helps maintain the balance of body fluids, energize the muscles, and is vital for skin and kidney health. Regarding weight loss, water’s benefits are also significant. At zero calories, water may increase calorie burn and it reduces appetite. It keeps the body “well-oiled” and at an optimal level of functioning. Interestingly, when you drink cold or hot water, your body has to expend energy to maintain its normal temperature of 98.6˚ Fahrenheit, so that alone burns calories. Sometimes, all a person needs to do is drink the recommended amount of water to lose those stubborn pounds.

The Wellspring | August 2016 26

In the summer, drinking water may be easier for some people, because heat causes thirst. But for people who don’t drink water easily, the heat of the summer can end up hindering weight loss. Humidity makes the body retain water, which may even cause weight gain. So, yes, drinking water is vital for health and weight loss. It’s a must. If you don’t enjoy drinking water, I would advise you to take a pitcher of water and fill it up with sliced lemons and limes. These citrus fruits will add a burst of delicious, natural flavor to the water. Keep the pitcher in the refrigerator for a refreshing, guilt-free thirst quencher all day long. Some clients tell me that they don’t like to drink clear liquid all the time. If you prefer drinking colored water, dilute a raspberry tea bag in hot water, place it in a pitcher filled with cold water, and keep it in the refrigerator. Another great way to ensure that you get your eight cups

Research reveals that the body misinterprets thirst as hunger. of water a day is to drink two in the morning and another two before every meal. When you’re hungry, it’s easier to get the water down. It’s interesting to note that many clients complain about excessive hunger in the summer. Research reveals that the body misinterprets thirst as hunger. You may also crave additional fruit for this reason. Although you think you’re hungry, you may in fact be thirsty. If you drink the proper amount of water that your body needs, you will not experience these misinterpreted hunger pangs and you will give your body what it needs to shed those unwanted pounds.

Wouldn’t it be fun to get a peek into your fellow dieter’s life? Here’s some inside information I gathered from my clients regarding the healthy eating challenges and perks that summer engenders. Riva, 43: The free time I have in the summer ensures successful weight loss. I am able to prepare every meal calmly, making smart choices along the way. I can then sit down to eat and enjoy my food in peace. The lack of pressure helps me do amazing work.

Toby, 29: When I’m off from work, I have no schedule and that’s bad for me. I find that I don’t stop nibbling and I’m spending too much time in the kitchen. The days are so long that I end up entertaining myself with food. It’s so hard to succeed in the summer!

Gitty, 36: I’m always hungry in the summer. It’s so much harder for me to stay committed to my plan.

Sara Leah, 32: During the winter, I keep forgetting to drink the recommended eight cups of water every day. In the summer, this part of healthy living is a breeze. Who can forget to drink in 90-degree weather?

Shani: It was interesting for me to observe that the season that’s easiest for one person to lose weight can be the most challenging for another. To those who find the lack of structure in the summer hard, I suggest that they create a schedule. Stick to a plan of eating breakfast at 10, lunch at 1, and supper at 6. And don’t play around with the rules!

Please send your questions to the nutritionist to nutrition@wellspringmagazine.com. Shani Taub, CDC, has been practicing as a certified nutritionist in Lakewood for almost a decade, meeting with clients in person and on the phone. She also owns the highly popular Shani Taub food line, which carries healthy, approved, premeasured foods and delicacies sold at supermarkets and restaurants.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 27

Living Well

In Good Shape By Syma Kranz, PFC

1,000 steps and counting… Why Being Active Is Good For You During the summertime, it’s not that hard to be on the go. But what happens as this glorious season winds down? When the swimming pool and walking paths are a distant memory, it becomes easier to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Should that be a reason to bring an end to your activity? You’ve probably heard that logging 10,000 steps daily can help you control your weight and keep you healthy. But if you have an office job, spend a lot of time in the car, or are constantly pressed for time, aiming for that number can seem overwhelming—if not downright impossible. This does not mean that you should resign yourself to being a couch potato. While getting 10,000 steps is a great goal, upping your current activity level by just a little—say, an additional 1,000 steps—has solid health perks, as well. What’s more, almost anyone can tack on this seemingly small amount of movement to their daily activities. Take a second to consider the math and you’ll see that it really does add up: 1,000 steps is the equivalent of about a mile. When added to your schedule on a daily basis, this is an extra 365,000 steps a year. That’s nearly 180 miles of extra movement, and it will absolutely change the way you look and feel. Here are some of the perks that come with moving just a little more:

Your heart won’t have to work so hard. Simply going from being sedentary to engaging in even modest levels of activity dramatically improves your health and begins decreasing your risk of heart disease. Movement makes your muscles better able to pump blood throughout the body, so your heart rate comes down.

You’ll slash your stroke risk. Extra activity directly reduces your chances of having a stroke. It also helps keep your blood pressure in check— which further reduces your stroke risk. Double win!

Your cholesterol levels may improve. Got high LDL, the “bad” kind of cholesterol? Taking an extra 1,000 steps a day may be enough to make a difference. When you move more, you burn up cholesterol and other lipids in your bloodstream so they have less of a chance of invading and damaging your blood vessels.

The Wellspring | August 2016 28

You’ll stress less. Stresses of all kinds crop up all the time. Taking a short, brisk walk may really be the best way to clear your head and lift yourself out of a sour mood. The physiological reason is twofold: When you exercise, your body produces feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Physical activity also decreases levels of cortisol—a stress hormone that can make you feel lousy and raise your risk of a slew of mental and physical health problems.

Your bones will get stronger. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, any type of weight-bearing activity can strengthen your skeleton and fight osteoporosis. Why? Placing weight on your bones makes them work harder. That pressure stimulates cells called osteoblasts, which can turn into brand-new bone cells.

You may lose weight. Okay, so 1,ooo extra steps won’t necessarily lead to drastic weight loss, but over time there’s a payoff. Taking an extra 1,000 steps means you’ll torch about 50 more calories a day, or 350 a week. In about 10 weeks, you’ll be able to notice a drop in weight.

To reap any—or all—of these benefits, you’ll need to make extra activity a regular thing. One thousand additional steps a day really add up, but consistency is key. Some easy ways to make it a habit include walking to the supermarket and back, marching around while you’re talking on the phone, and taking the garbage to the farthest dumpster on the block!

Syma Kranz, PFC, is a certified aerobics, Pilates, and Barre instructor, as well as the fitness director at Fusion Fitness in Lakewood, New Jersey. What started out as a small exercise class in her home catapulted into a popular gym that prides itself with tzanua, professional instructors and an appropriate atmosphere with lyric-free music and proper attire. Syma specializes in training women to integrate fitness into their busy lives, paying special attention to proper form and alignment and specializing in core and pelvic floor strengthening.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 29

Living Well

â&#x20AC;&#x201A; The Wellspring | August 2016 30

Cover Feature By Rochel Gordon

The Untold Story How mold exposure can wreak havoc in your body “We liked everything about the bungalow,” recalls Ita Samuels of the summer home she went to check out four years ago. “It was in decent condition and offered the space that we needed for our family of seven.” On her way out, however, Ita’s eye caught a black spot on the wall, which she immediately recognized as mold. “I turned to the manager of the colony and said that I would only take the bungalow on the condition that the mold would be removed. He nodded his head in an assured manner, and we agreed to rent the bungalow for the summer.”

he vacation started off wonderfully for Ita and her family. While the kids frolicked in the sun and inhaled the fresh mountain air, Ita had the opportunity to take a break from her stressful work routine. After about one week, however, her one-year-old son developed a severe cough, which was followed by a fever. When things didn’t clear up on their own, Ita took the baby to the pediatrician, but the prescribed ten-day antibiotic regimen did nothing to stop the cough. “This repeated itself three times over the course of the ten weeks of that summer,” recalls Ita. “We tried antibiotics again and again, but to no avail. Finally, after the third round, the pediatrician told me that the problem seemed to be mold-related.” Indeed, the doctor was on the mark. The manager hadn’t followed through on his promise to eliminate the mold in the Samuels’ unit. Until deep into the next winter, little Tzvi’s cough did not subside. Even a visit to the pulmonologist failed to provide answers. And unbelievably, Tzvi’s cough has returned every spring since. The ramifications of mold exposure, Ita learned, are not simple. Is Ita worried about her child’s wellbeing? “The pediatrician told me that his issue is not of concern,” she says. “But I did become concerned when his cough seemed to be linked to his difficult behavior at school this year, for which he was sent home.”

August 2016 | The Wellspring 31

Living Well

Cover Feature

Not Only in Bread The effects of Tzvi’s experience with mold exposure is on a lower scale than most. Mold can cause widespread destruction in the human body. Once the toxic chemicals emitted from mold enter the body, they don’t discriminate but affect multiple systems, leaving the person baffled and at a loss. Everyone knows to discard a moldy slice of bread because of the harmful effects it can have on the body, but most people are not aware about the much greater damage that simple mold exposure can engender. According to Dr. Mercola, there are over 1,000 types of mold that can be found growing in the modern American home. Scientists have classified these molds based on the effect they have on the human body and other organisms. Allergenic molds, on the low end of the danger scale, cause problems only for people with asthma and a predisposed allergy to the specific mold. The next category of molds, pathogenic molds, cause infection in some people, but are extremely harmful for people with a suppressed immune system. The third class of molds, toxigenic molds, produce mycotoxins that can cause serious health effects in everyone. The toxic chemicals in this type of mold can be absorbed into the body when a person inhales them, eats them, or even touches them. Ever left a wet shoe to dry and then returned to find an odor that didn’t impress you? Usually detected by a musty smell or signs of water damage, mold makes its entry into buildings and homes through moisture. Simply put, water drives the growth of mold and bacteria. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees; indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by

means of tiny spores. The spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air. Mold may begin growing indoors when spores land on moist surfaces. This may occur as a result of poor ventilation, after a leak, a flood, or a faulty construction that leads to a buildup of fluid in heating pipes, plumbing, or air

Usually detected by a musty smell or signs of water damage, mold makes its entry into buildings and homes through moisture. conditioning systems. Mold growth is especially rampant in incomplete basements exposed to saturated ground water conditions. Once the initial growth is spurred, mold will continue multiplying. Particularly comfortable in moist, warm areas, toxic mold produces biotoxins that the body cannot process, leading to real illness. The body’s response to the poisons causes such inflammation through the major systems that life for a mold-affected individual can change forever.

Many illnesses are caused by exposure to the interior environment of Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB), another name for places where mold grows. The complex mixture of contaminants present in the air and dust in these buildings forms a toxic chemical stew. While the damage occurs to the internal systems, the sufferer may look perfectly okay. For this reason, many people with mold-related illness will be told that they don’t look sick, while they really are sick inside, and certainly feel it. They might trudge to countless doctors and undergo countless tests only to be told that everything is normal or that they have allergies, when they are suffering from being continuously exposed to toxic chemicals in their environment. Imagine the battle the immune system must fight to rid the body of the toxins that have taken control! Even once mold is removed from the vicinity, the person is left with an immune system that requires rehabilitation, but as long as the exposure continues, there is no chance for recovery to occur. Contrary to popular belief, mold does not only grow in musty old bungalows. It can very well find a breeding space in city dwellings and upscale properties. “If you suspect the growth of mold in your home,” urges Ita, “take the necessary steps to remove it. Inhaling the toxins that mold emits for even a few hours a day places the health of your family seriously at risk.” The upside of Ita’s saga with mold exposure, she relates, is that it has caused her to lead a more health-conscious life. Today, she realizes that the body must be strengthened from within in order to withstand the various elements that can diminish immune response. However, she learned the hard way of the damage that mold can inflict on every system in the human body. continued on page 39

The Wellspring | August 2016 32

ut o l l u P n! o i t c e this s Dear Teens,

OF Y UTH THE HEALTH MAGAZINE FOR YOUNGSTERS

You’re standing at the camp’s program board, looking at your bunk’s schedule for the day. “How many sports can we play in one day?” the kid who loathes sports is bound to whine. “Another game of volleyball? What’s the point?” Sports can actually be great fun. In addition to revving up the spirit and giving you a great time with friends, they also provide the plentiful health benefits associated with exercise. But even for sportslovers, too much of a good thing is no good. In this month’s feature, “Too Much of a Good Thing,” you’ll learn about the hazards of exercise compulsion. As with everything else in life, it’s always a good idea to follow the motto, “Everything in moderation.” Enjoy the rest of your summer,

Raizy

KIDS

TEENS e Exercise iv ls u p m o C : re tu 34 Fea

36 Teen Talk: Hindy’s Height

38 Seria l Diary: E

ntry #7

ISSUE 6 JULY 2016 TAMMUZ 5776

39 Just Wonderi ng 40 Body Language 42

Activities

43 Science Experiment Brought to you by:

Well of Youth

Teen Feature By Raizy Kleinman

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING WHEN EXERCISE BECOMES A COMPULSION How can a good thing turn into a bad one? Essentially, playing sports is a great social outlet and offers a host of health benefits. It increases the body’s production of endorphins, which makes the player feel good and puts her in a happy mood. However, when a sport, or any type of exercise, is performed in a compulsive manner, it not only loses its advantages but also turns into a dangerous activity. Because exercise can

The Wellspring | August 2016 34

be a pleasurable activity, it runs the risk of becoming addictive, which means that the person will want to do more and more of it to get the good feeling. Compulsive exercise, which is also called “obligatory exercise,” is best defined by an exercise addict’s frame of mind: She no longer chooses to exercise but feels compelled to do so and struggles with guilt and anxiety if she doesn’t work out. Injury, illness, an outing with friends, bad weather—none of these will deter those who compulsively exercise. Exercising takes over a compulsive exerciser’s life because she plans her life around it. If you want to play another game of machanayim because you love it so much, that’s normal. But if you want to play another game of machanayim because you feel like you haven’t done enough exercise today even after playing it all day, that’s an issue. So what is considered a healthy amount of exercise? Of course, it’s nearly impossible to draw a clear line between a healthy amount of exercise and too much. The government’s 2005 dietary guidelines, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity for kids and teens on most—if not all—days of the week. Experts say that repeatedly exercising beyond the requirements for good health is an indicator of compulsive behavior, but because different amounts of exercise are appropriate for different people, this definition covers a range of activity levels. However, several workouts a day, every day, is overdoing it for anyone.

When Is Too Much Too Much? Signs of compulsive exercise • Increased tolerance. You need to exercise more often, longer, or harder to get the same buzz or feeling of accomplishment you felt when you originally started out. • Withdrawal. You feel anxious, restless, or irritable if you missed a game or workout. • Lack of control. You’re simply unable to cut down on exercise. • Intention effects. You devote more time to exercise than you originally planned. For example, you run on the treadmill for an hour instead of the half-hour you had intended. • Reduction in other activities. You spend more time on exercise and less time with friends or doing homework. • Continuance. You continue to exercise even if it’s causing physical, psychological, or social problems.

In Moderation: The Benefits of Exercise Here are some advantages of exercise, such as playing sports, when it’s performed in moderation. • Exercise benefits every part of the body, including the mind. Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins, chemicals that cause a person to feel more peaceful and happy. Exercise helps some people sleep better. • Exercising can help you look better. People who exercise burn more calories and look more toned than those who don’t. In fact, exercise is one of the most important parts of keeping your body at a healthy weight. • Exercise helps people lose weight and lower the risk of some diseases. Exercising to maintain a healthy weight decreases a person’s risk of developing certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases, which used to be found mostly in adults, are becoming more common in teens. • Exercise can help a person age well. This may not seem important now, but your body will thank you later. Women are especially prone to a condition called osteoporosis (a weakening of the bones) as they get older. Studies have found that weight-bearing exercise— like jumping, running, or brisk walking—can help girls keep their bones strong.

Sweat It Out! Fun exercise ideas It’s not always possible for teens to hit the gym. Especially when the pressure at school piles on, here are some ways you can cash in on the benefits of exercise without attending an aerobics class: • • • •

Take a brisk walk to school instead of hopping on the bus. Run up the stairs instead of using the elevator. Turn up the music and jog around the house. Use a hula hoop or jump rope to make the workout more exciting.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 35

Well of Youth

TH: HIS MON

Meet: Hindy R. Age: 15 Location: Monsey, New York Favorite exercise: jump rope Favorite junk food: marshmallow fluff Favorite healthy food: green peppers

Teen Talk By Miri Davis

Hindy’s Height:

Short in stature, tall in confidence

Miri: Hello Hindy! What would you like to discuss with the readers of Well of Youth? Hindy: I would like to talk about what it’s like to be shorter than all of my classmates, and probably the kids in the grade under me, as well. Although I don’t officially have a condition like dwarfism, I am far from the five foot mark, making me the shortest kid in the high school. Miri: I am impressed with your confidence. How did you achieve this? Hindy: I give the credit to my parents. I was always one of the shorter girls, although in my childhood it wasn’t as pronounced. Whenever I would come home crying about being bullied or teased, my mother would say to me, ‘Good things come in small packages.’ She didn’t deny that I was short or tell me that the other kids were silly. Instead, she made me feel great about my special qualities, and I felt very cherished.

Miri: Are you the only one in your family that is shorter than average? Hindy: One of my brothers is quite short, but not as short as I am. My mother is also on the shorter side, so it’s probably genetic. When I was younger, we tried certain shots, but I don’t think they helped. We went to many doctors, and we also tried alternative solutions. I’ve always tried to eat healthy because I know that nutrients help us grow, and I sure can’t afford to lose out on even half an inch because of some junk food! Miri: Wow! Does your height affect you at school? Hindy: In my childhood, things were not so rosy. I had to learn to stick up for myself. I remember thinking that I can’t wait to grow up because then I’ll finally be able to wear heels every day. All I dreamed about was growing one foot taller. Miri: So now that you’ve grown up, do you wear heels often? Hindy: (Laughs.) I think I’ve grown in confidence as well, so my height is not so important to me anymore. Now that I’m in high school, the girls are polite about it. Besides for the fact that everyone already knows me and my personality, they are also kind. When we’re standing in a circle and shmoozing, no one will block me from seeing the other girls. Last year, we had a project at school on challenges. Most girls chose to write about major ones like illness or losing a family member. I decided to be original—I always am anyway!—and I wrote about what it’s like to be a head shorter than everyone around me. Girls were impressed with my openness and it started a whole discussion on being open with our issues. I was happy to be the catalyst for this important conversation.

In the Genes? Chandra Bahadur Dangi was declared the shortest human adult ever documented and verified, measuring 21.51 inches. Chandra came to the attention of the media when a wood contractor saw him in his village in the Dang district of Nepal, and he was awarded the title of shortest adult human ever recorded after his height was measured in February 2012. He was subsequently included in the Guinness World Records. Three of his five brothers were less than four feet tall, while his two sisters and two other brothers are of average height.

The Wellspring | August 2016 36

The Nutritionist Weighs In: Growing up, growing strong I am very impressed with your attitude toward your circumstances and the confidence that you exude, Hindy. In your case, it seems that your shorter stature may be a result of your genetic makeup. Genetics play a role in determining majority of everyone’s height, but there are certain steps that every teen can take to facilitate the growth that takes place during this period. During adolescence, the body develops both internally and externally as it prepares itself for adulthood. While the body undergoes various changes, there are several things a teen can do to promote a positive growth spurt, including eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising. No surprises there, huh? Consume a balanced diet. A person will look a lot shorter when having a plump body. Not only that, being fit by eating right

will make you taller and feel better! • Eat plenty of lean protein. Lean protein, such as chicken, fish, and dairy, helps promote muscle growth and healthy bones. Simple carbohydrates such as pizza, cakes, sweets, and soda, are the stuff to stay away from. •Eat plenty of calcium. Calcium, found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, and in dairy (yogurt and milk), helps promote healthy bones. •Get enough zinc. Studies point to a possible link between zinc deficiencies and stunted growth in boys. Good sources of zinc include wheat germ, pumpkin and squash seeds, and peanuts. •Get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D promotes bone and muscle growth in children, and a deficiency has been shown to stunt growth and cause weight gain in teenage girls. Vitamin D can be found in fish, alfalfa, or mushrooms, or in a multivitamin supplement such as Maxi Teen Supreme™, which contains a 30-ingredient combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that play a vital role in adolescent development. Get enough sleep. Sleep is more important for teens than it is for adults. On average,

adults need between 6 to 8 hours every night. Teens need between 8 to 10 hours each night. This is because during the REM cycles you experience while sleeping, the human growth hormone (HGH) is released in the largest amounts. There is your secret tip to growth! No matter how tall or short you are, if you have a good posture, you will automatically appear taller and more confident. Keep your back straight instead of hunching over and spread out your shoulders slightly toward your back. Also, keep in mind that people do not stop growing until they’re well into their twenties. So keep healthy, get plenty of sleep, and be patient! Liba Solomon is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant, who specializes in guiding teens toward leading a healthy lifestyle. She can be contacted through The Wellspring Magazine. To be interviewed for this column about your lifestyle patterns and to hear from an expert on how you can maximize your adolescent health choices in order to develop into a healthy adult, please email us at teentalk@wellspringmagazine.com.

Can Caffeine Stunt Your Growth? Scientific study shows that, no, caffeine does not stunt growth. Caffeine does, however, may prevent you from sleeping soundly and regularly.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 37

Well of Youth

Serial Diary By Sheva Berger

Dear Diary,

August 3, 2007 Let me tell you all about the visit I had at the nutritionist after I learned that I have diabetes. Because my body doesn’t produce insulin on its own to keep my blood sugar level in a healthy range, I have to know which foods and how much of them to eat so that my sugar levels won’t spike. When my mother first told me that we’d be going to a nutritionist, I was secretly nervous about it. Would that mean that I wouldn’t ever be able to eat an ice cream again? Or my favorite chocolate chip cookies? After I sat with the nutritionist for a few minutes, I was relieved to hear that I would not have to say good bye to these foods forever. Instead, I must learn to calculate how many carbs each food contains and then figure out if I am able to eat it at that time. The nutritionist’s name is Nechama, and she has a very friendly face. She told me that she teaches many girls like me how to enjoy their food like they did before. I wished she would tell me who those girls are because it’s so hard to carry this secret all on my own. Could it be that one of those girls is my neighbor or classmate and I don’t even know that we’re doing the same thing? I know that my parents don’t want me to tell anybody about what is going on in my body, and it makes me feel very sad. What’s the big deal about telling my friends that instead of the pancreas producing insulin, I take a shot that does the job for me?

A Different Kind of Sweet: Living with Juvenile Diabetes

Nechama showed me lots of different foods and how to find out the amount of carbs that they have. It’s actually quite simple: I look at the nutrition facts label that almost every product has and I find the answer right there. She also showed me what is considered a portion. For example, when I eat potatoes from a large plate, it looks like I’m eating less than if I eat the same amount from a small plate. Right after our session, I used to weigh the portions on a food scale to learn how much a portion really is. By now, I already have a basic idea even without the scale. This is the basic setup of my daily meals: At every meal, Nechama taught me, I can have 45 grams of carbs. So, for example, if I eat two slices of whole wheat bread, which equal to 25 grams of carbs, I can still have 15 grams from something else. For a snack, I try to eat between 15 and 20 grams of carbs. The good news is that vegetables and proteins have zero carbs. My mother makes me lots of vegetable soup, which I love. And now that I’m in day camp, I bring along lots of cut up peppers and cucumbers, which I like too. I also like to eat hard-boiled eggs and American cheese, so they make a great breakfast with bread. Because there are so many foods without carbs that I like, I don’t feel deprived at all. Love you, Sheva

In this column, Sheva Berger, today a mother of two, tells about her life with juvenile diabetes. to be continued

The Wellspring | August 2016 38

Dear Kids, When you wash your face at the bathroom sink every morning, you probably take a quick glance at your reflection in the mirror. Which body part do you see most of? You see two eyes, two ears, a nose, a mouth, and—lots of hair. Besides for that ponytail or cropped cut that frames your sweet face, there’s hair on your face, as well. While it’s not that hard to understand why Hashem created eyelashes (to protect your eyes, of course!), did you ever wonder why we have eyebrows? In this issue’s “Body Language,” the spotlight is on hair. The feature will make you see those thin strands all over your body with new, appreciative eyes. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Dina

Fraidy, age 9, asks: My mother took me school-supply shopping at Walmart, and I saw that they sell special scissors for lefties. This was the first time I saw such an item and I was excited about it because I’m a lefty and I have a hard time cutting with regular scissors. Maybe you could answer my question: What makes one person right-handed and one person left-handed? Does it have to do with my brain?

JUST WONDERING

More than 90% of the world is right-handed. But if you’re a lefty, don’t feel alone in a right-handed world. Billions of people live on the globe. So there are hundreds of millions of lefties out there. I am actually one of them, as well! Today, everyone knows that being a lefty is perfectly okay and totally natural. Most left-handed people have healthy and normal brains, just like righties. Many people believe that lefties are more creative or talented than right-handed people, but research hasn’t proven this myth to be true. Scientists aren’t sure why some people turn out to be left-handed, but they have noticed that it runs in families. So they’re pretty sure your genes (DNA) influence whether or not you turn out a lefty. Some products, like scissors, are made to fit snug in your hand. Since most people are right-handed, these products are designed to be used on someone’s right hand. Lefties can learn how to use right-handed scissors and other tools. Many companies now produce left-handed products, including scissors, workshop tools, sports equipment, and even musical instruments. Here’s a tip to make writing easier: Avoid 3-ring notebooks and spiral-bound notebooks. The rings are in the wrong spot for a lefty, making it uncomfortable to write (unless you’re writing in lashon hakodesh!). Use loose-leaf paper or choose a notebook that’s bound at the top instead of the left side. Take pride in your left-handedness. It’s another quality that makes you unique! Have a health or science question you’ve been wondering about? Send it in to us to get an enlightening answer. August 2016 | The Wellspring 39

Well of Youth

Body Language By Dina

Let's Explore Your... HAIR HAIR THERE, AND EVERYWHERE!

When you think of hair, you probably think of the hair on your head. But there’s hair on almost every part of your body. While some of the hair on your body is easy to see, like your eyebrows and the hair on your head, arms, and legs, other hair, like that on your cheek, is almost invisible. Did you ever wonder what role hair plays in your body? Depending on where it is, hair has different jobs. The hair on your head keeps your head warm and provides a little cushioning for your skull. Eyelashes protect your eyes by decreasing the amount of light and dust that go into them, and eyebrows protect your eyes from sweat dripping down from your forehead.

HAIR COMES FROM WHERE?

Whether hair is growing out of your head, arm, or ankle, it all rises out of the skin in the same way. It starts at the hair root, a place beneath the skin where cells band together to form keratin (the protein that hair is made of). The root is inside a follicle, which is like a small tube in the skin. As the hair begins to grow, it pushes up from the root and out of the follicle, through the skin, where it can be seen. Tiny blood vessels at the base of every follicle feed the hair root to keep it growing. But once a hair strand protrudes from the skin’s surface, the cells within it are no longer alive. The hair you see on every part of your body contains dead cells. That’s why you don’t feel any pain when someone cuts your hair with scissors! Do you ever wonder why hair gets oily sometimes? Nearly every hair follicle is attached to a sebaceous gland. These glands produce oil, which makes the hair shiny and a bit waterproof. Sometimes, the glands can pump out too much oil and a person’s hair may look greasy. Time for a shampoo!

HAIR COMES IN MANY COLORS

What kind of hair do you have—black and curly, blonde and straight, or some other combination? One’s hair color is determined by the amount of melanin, a pigment, contained in the hair. A person with brown or black hair has much more melanin than someone with blonde or red hair. Older people lose the melanin in their hair as they age, making their hair look gray or white. Often, a person’s skin color goes with the color of his or her hair. For example, many blondes have light skin, whereas many people with darker skin have dark brown or black hair. When it comes to type, your hair follicles make a difference. Some hair follicles are structured in a way that produces curly hair, whereas others send out straight hair. Follicles also determine if your hair will be thick and coarse or thin and fine.

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW!

You have more than 100,000 hairs on your head, but you lose some every day. If you get scared when you see strands of hair in the sink or shower drain, know that there’s no need to fear. It’s perfectly normal for about 50 to 100 hairs to fall out each day while you’re washing your hair, brushing or combing it, or just sitting still. Don’t worry, new hairs are constantly replacing those that have fallen out. Each hair on your head grows for about two to six years. Then it rests for a few months and finally falls out. It is replaced by a new hair, which begins to grow from the same hair follicle. This cycle of hair growing, resting, falling out, and being replaced helps to maintain just the right number of hairs on your head.

The Wellspring | August 2016 40

10 Things to Think About: Did you ever wonder how long your hair would grow if you never cut it? The answer is that it depends. Every person’s hair stops growing at some point, which means that one person’s hair may grow down to her toes, while another person’s hair would stop growing at the waist—which is long enough!

Did you think your hair was super long at the end of sefirah? Xie Qiuping of China holds the Guinness Record for the longest hair length. She’s been growing her hair since 1973 from the age of 13! When she broke the record in 2004, her hair was 18 feet and 5.5 inches long. That’s almost reaches the height of a giraffe!

The hair on your face grows faster than any other hair on your body. Every strand of hair is one millimeter thick. That’s quite thin!

Everyone’s hair grows at the same rate—about half an inch per month. At that rate, it would take 10 years to grow 5 feet, if your hair will grow that long!

Ever wondered why your grandfather’s beard is white today when in old pictures it used to be dark brown? Getting gray, silver, or white hair is a natural part of growing older, and here’s why. As we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become a more transparent color—like gray, silver, or white—as it grows. Eventually, the hair will look completely gray.

Do you get the goose bumps when you come out of the pool or shower? Goose bumps, which form on skin when the body is cold, are created when muscles attached to hair follicles stand up, which causes hair in these follicles to also stand, creating a heat-trapping layer in the skin. It’s the body’s way of keeping warm!

The few places on the body that don’t have hair are the lips, the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and mucous membranes.

Black is the most common hair color in the world. Red, which only exists in about 1% of the world’s population, is the rarest. Blonde hair comes in a close second, with only 2% of the population.

Hair is more elastic than you think! It can expand by up to 30% of its original length when it’s wet.

CUTTING HAIR TO MAKE IT LONGER: DOES IT WORK?

Were you one of those kids whose mothers kept cutting her hair when she was younger in the hopes that it would eventually reach your chin? Here’s the fact: Cutting your hair does not affect its growth, but it does help avoid split ends, which can work their way up the hair shaft and make the individual shafts thinner, giving your hair the appearance of not growing.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 41

Well of Youth

Children‘s Activities By Chavy

After taking your daily Chewable Kiddievite, you should now have plenty of energy to finish building the other half of this sandcastle. Make sure it doesn’t fall!

For a chance to win a $25 gift certificate at Toys 4 U, write your name on your completed colored activity and send it in to: Maxi Health Win 694 Myrtle Ave, Suite 389 Brooklyn, NY 11205

The Wellspring | August 2016 42

Win $

Last Month’s Winners: Chavie Toder, Lakewood Chaya Gitty Rubin, Williamsburg

Science Experiment By Leah Brach

It’s true that every strand of hair is very thin, but does that mean that it’s also weak? Perform this experiment to see how strong a strand of hair really is!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • A stack of books • A pencil • Some tape • A handful of pennies • A strand of hair

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Step 1. Securely tape one end of the strand of hair onto the pencil. Step 2. Wedge the pencil into the stack of books so that the pencil is sticking out and the hair is hanging down. Step 3. Securely tape one penny onto the strand of hair and see if the hair can hold it. Step 4. Keep taping on pennies to that first penny until the strand breaks. The pile should get thicker and thicker!

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: If you tape the strand properly, you will be incredibly surprised at the amount of weight one thin strand of hair can carry! How many pennies were you able to tape on to the pile? You should be able to reach over ten—even twenty, before it tears. Hair-raising, isn’t it? To make this experiment even more fun, repeat it with a strand of your friend’s hair. Now you can check who has stronger hair!

SMART TAKING CARE OFSOLUTIONS: YOUR HAIR KEEPING YOUR TEETH STRONG

Want to keep teeth and strong? responsible thiscare job of it! Now that you know howyour important hair bones is to your body,The youmineral surely want to takefor good is calcium, which is found in milk, green leafy wash vegetables, andevery also the Health do it The main thing is to keep your hair clean. Some people their hair day,Maxi but others kids’ supplement CalciYum™. 2010hair study Institute of been Preventive just once or twice a week. It depends onAyour andpublished what kindby ofthe things you’ve doing, like Medicine in Copenhagen, Denmark found that low calcium intake is related to an exercising or swimming. increased riskhair, of tooth Theshampoo researchers a population of using 1,602 adults When you wash your use aloss. gentle andstudied warm water. Lather up your found those who reported a greater intake of calcium, primarilycontaining through a fingertips, and rather thanthat your fingernails. You might use a conditioner or a shampoo supplements, had incidences tooth strawberry-flavored conditioner. This can take theless tangles out of of your hairloss. andFour makeofitthese look smooth. But depending chewies enough RDA) well as magnesium, vitamin on your hair, it can contain also make it lookcalcium flat and(the oily.daily Rinse youras hair with plenty of clean water.D,Dry it vitamin to ahelp keep your bones and teethit.as strong as possible! gently withand a towel andK2 use wide-tooth comb to untangle Be kind to your hair—wet or dry—by being gentle when you comb or brush your hair. Don’t yank on knots too hard, and don’t wear your ponytails and braids too tight. This can irritate your scalp. Here’s an easy way to have great-looking hair: Eat a healthy diet. It’s not as weird as it sounds. A nutritious diet helps your body from the inside out!

August 2016 | The Wellspring 43

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Don't miss out on life. See clearly.

continued from page 26

IS MOLD THE CULPRIT? Because mold illness affects multiple systems in the body, a patient can exhibit multiple symptoms. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms on a recurring basis, ensure that you are not exposed to mold. • Brain fog, memory problems, trouble focusing, headaches • Fatigue and weakness • Unexplained muscle cramping, aches and pains in the joints, persistent nerve pain • Numbness and tingling • Eye problems, such as red eyes or light sensitivity • Asthma and sinus problems, such as coughing or shortness of breath • Tremors and vertigo • Digestive issues, such as change in appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain • Metallic taste in the mouth • Temperature regulation problems or night sweats • Excessive thirst and increased urination

COMMON INDOOR MOLDS • Alternaria: Commonly found in your nose, mouth, and upper respiratory tract, this mold can cause allergic responses. • Aspergillus: Usually found in warm, extremely damp climates, and a common occupant of house dust, this mold produces mycotoxins, which can cause lung infections. • Cladosporium: This very common outdoor fungus can find its way indoors to grow on textiles, wood, and other damp, porous materials. It triggers hay fever and asthma symptoms. • Penicillium: This very common species found on wallpaper, decaying fabrics, carpet, and fiberglass duct insulation is known for causing allergies and asthma. Some species produce mycotoxins, one being the common antibiotic penicillin. • Stachybotrys: This is an extremely toxic “black mold” that produces mycotoxins that can cause serious breathing difficulties and bleeding of the lungs, among other health problems. Thankfully, it is less common in homes than the other four, but not rare. It is found on wood or paper, but not on concrete, linoleum or tile.

BREAKING THE MOLD Mold Prevention Tips • Keep humidity levels as low as you can, no higher than 50% all day. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day, with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day. • Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home. • Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have the moisture to grow. • Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding. • Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting. • Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. • Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 45

Living Well

Cover Feature

An Inside View:

Q&A with Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker LEADING NATIONAL EXPERT ON MOLD ILLNESS Ritchie Shoemaker, M. D., is a recognized leader in patient care, and pioneer in the research and education of biotoxin related illness. Treating patients with illnesses acquired following exposure to the interior environment of water damaged buildings (WDB) comprises the bulk of Shoemaker’s daily practice. He has retired from active practice but worked for 32 years as a practicing physician in Pocomoke City, MD. Though retired, he conducts research with collaborators on an international basis. His dedication to his patients and his advancement of medicine through research has been recognized often, including receipt of the Maryland Academy of Family Practice Physician of the Year 2000 award, which was followed by an award as a finalist in the National competition for 2002. AS AN EXPERT ON MOLD ILLNESS, IS THERE ONE ASPECT OF THIS PROBLEM THAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO KNOW? Yes. I have dedicated my life and career to uncovering the link between exposure to the toxic stew found in many of our buildings and homes, and the vast number of catch-all diagnoses physicians often ascribe to patients. Without knowing the true source of symptoms, treatments will usually fail. The illness caused by exposure to damp buildings is complex; any hope for cure comes from sound, rigorous science. I truly feel that it is imperative for patients to learn all they can about the illness, relying on materials grounded in the principles of good science to help them make logical decisions. I have committed my time and resources to providing them with the tools they need to learn and thrive. HOW DO YOU ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM MOLD-RELATED ILLNESSES? We use the concept of the sick patient as a fundamental reason for people to remediate homes, schools, and workplaces from mold contamination. Employers are required to provide a safe workplace. How many people will spend $100,000 to make a cafeteria safe? Probably very few. If a building has one square yard of black mold and the guidelines of mold are above that, the owners might say they don’t have to fix it. I say that they not only have to correct these conditions, but they have to correct the source of the illness and ensure that no mold ever returns. HOW PREVALENT IS MOLD ILLNESS TODAY? In a 2011 paper published by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), researchers showed that 30-50% of buildings in the US are water-damaged. The genetic susceptibility for mold illness is 25%, which means that a quarter of the population will get sick when exposed to mold. Let’s make this calculation. Half of the American population, 160 million people, is exposed to wet buildings. Twenty five percent of that is 40 million. That’s 40 million people at risk of becoming sick! We’re spending billions of dollars on 15 cases of Zika virus in Florida and nothing is being done about this rampant illness. It happens all over. The Wellspring | August 2016 46

CAN YOU SPOT MOLD JUST BY LOOKING AT A PICTURE? Yes. Visible mold means a moisture problem exists. Since we have shown how and why moldy buildings can affect how people think, it’s no wonder so many people in the US have a hard time focusing. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE FIELD OF MOLD ILLNESS AND TREATMENT? When I graduated from Duke University Medical School in 1977, I went to practice in a gorgeous rural environment that was medically under-served. In 1996, I got started with the Pfiesteria (dinoflagellate) outbreak that appeared in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. The small, algae-like creatures made fish swim around like they were narcotized, and the people who caught them got sick too. Watermen who worked in the rivers all said that sick fish were particularly prevalent after a rainstorm, especially the fish along the banks of the rivers. Pfiesteria sat at the bottom of the rivers and was perfectly content to eat other small organisms with funny names. They had a great niche in the river until all their prey died off, and that’s when something incredible happened. They changed their whole life form and transformed into fast-moving life forms. As they moved around quickly, they made toxins.They would feed and breed after rain events, injuring the fish with effects that did not self-heal. Many people in the vicinity, but not all who came into contact with those fish, felt awful. People suffered from rashes, cough, cognitive problems, diarrhea and more. They came to me hoping for help, but this illness had never been described before. Who could tell me what I needed to do? No one. HOW DID YOU FINALLY GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MYSTERY? Everything I did failed, until the third person I saw after one big fish kill had an incredibly severe case of diarrhea, as well as other symptoms of illness, like loss of concentration and headaches. At a loss, I gave her a drug, cholestyramine, because it stops diarrhea as it absorbs cholesterol, in the hopes that it would at least stop her dehydration. Two days later, the patient called me up to thank me. I thought she was grateful that the diarrhea had disappeared, but then she

said, “My memory came back and I don’t feel pain in my muscles anymore.” This couldn’t be true, I thought to myself. The cholestyramine doesn’t stay in the body, so how had her other symptoms vanished? That’s when I realized that the drug must have taken out a toxin, clearing her system. So what do you think I did with the next 200 patients? YOU GAVE THEM CHOLESTYRAMINE. Correct. The Washington Post made a big deal about Pfiesteria in 1996-1997. People were scared to eat fish and to swim in the Chesapeake Bay. Hotels in the area were empty. This was a tourist’s nightmare. After a year, the CDC acknowledged the illness when they also came to the conclusion that the rivers were infested with Pfiesteria. From there and on, I was called to various locations where toxin illnesses spread from the watersheds, such as St. Martin’s County, an upscale area in Florida, where people kept getting sick again and again. Meanwhile, as the research unveiled the mechanisms of biotoxin illness, our group showed just how common biotoxin illnesses really are. Cholestyramine was all we knew to use back then; now, we have an entire protocol that gives terrific results. WHEN DID YOU ENCOUNTER MOLD FOR THE FIRST TIME? I saw my first mold patient in 1998. He had all the symptoms of a biotoxin illness and was sick as a dog.The difference was that he had no water exposures, just the mold in his closet. When I administered cholestyramine, it worked for him too. Later, as I realized that the exposure to mold also has an effect on the innate immunity of the body, I started looking at how inflammation from mold activates certain genes and turns off certain others. Innate immune inflammation is an underlying theme in many illnesses. You will find it in diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, heart conditions and countless others. It means that certain genes are triggered by certain factors, including inflammation from exposure to mold. The genes are expressed like they are way out of control. Over the years, everybody who has talked about cholesterol and stroke also talks about inflammation. Now we can show people the inflammation pathways of heart disease, for example. Inflammation is an overwhelmingly common mechanism that affects certain genes. YOU’RE SAYING THAT CERTAIN PEOPLE ARE GENETICALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO CERTAIN ILLNESSES AND THAT MOLD CAN TRIGGER THEIR ONSET. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? Mold that is inhaled is the portal of entry that lets us see the abnormalities of immune response. You hear people say repeatedly that they are ill because of a weak immune system. This is not true! What they are experiencing is an over-activity of the wrong things. The immune system is not underperforming at all. And mold exposure, like biotoxin exposure in general, can trigger that over-activity. When you look beyond the layman’s knowledge and delve into peerreviewed journals, you will find this reality described. Instead

of thinking that eating better and exercising more is the key to good health, people should identify exposures and then correct the inflammation they cause. SO HOW DO YOU TREAT SOMEONE WHO COMES TO YOU WITH AN UNDIAGNOSED ILLNESS? First, I go through his medical history. Then I perform the (visual contrast screening) VCS exam, which is a test of part of the neurologic function of vision. It’s a three-minute, noninvasive eye test that gives me a view into the functioning of the brain. From 1998 to 2006, the CDC fought with me on the effects of mold exposure on the brain. In 2006, they finally did their own experiment. They looked at two high schools, one in a moldy building and the other in a moldfree one, and they found what I told them they would. But nothing was done about the sick kids. It seems that the government is turning a blind eye to this condition, which makes you wonder about the 40 million people at risk. My protocol was published well before then, but the Feds just ignored it. I’ll tell you a story of the government and mold. When we find that someone is sickened from mold, one of the things we can do is a prospective pre-exposure trial. First, we hit the reset button by giving him medications to clear his body from the toxins. Then, with his consent, in order to find out where the mold exposure occurred, we first expose him (now off medications) to his home for three days. If the mold is there, 95% of the original symptoms will reappear in three days! If he’s feeling okay after three days, we send him back to work.After every day at work for three days, we draw his blood to keep track of the inflammation numbers. A few years ago, a local government official came to me with an illness and we did this trial for him. His home didn’t make him sick but when he went back to work, he got sick again. The labs clearly showed that the office building was the culprit. At the same time, someone else in his building developed asthma bad enough to land in the ICU. Because I’m not licensed in his state, I sent him to another other physician in the hopes that he would advocate on the patient’s behalf, but he said that he didn’t want to get involved. How many people could be injured by that workplace? We know it will be about 25%. But nobody bothered to look to see who else was sickened by that shiny new office building. IF IT’S SO RAMPANT AND DESTRUCTIVE, WHY DON’T WE HEAR MORE ABOUT MOLD ILLNESS IN THE GENERAL MEDICAL WORLD? Good question. I am amazed at how the illness goes unrecognized at its source, but just look at how many people are sickened. Just the other night, while looking at national news, I saw ads for medications for fibromyalgia, asthma, IBS and Alzheimer’s. All four of these conditions can be part of biotoxin illness. If you call my piece the untold story, I’ve got news for you. It is. August 2016 | The Wellspring 47

Living Well

Healthy Home Habits By Batsheva Fine

Tried and True Teething Torture:

How can I soothe my child’s pain? I’m a young mother who can benefit from advice from those who’ve been there and done that. My oldest child has recently started the teething stage and I don’t know how to help relieve his pain. I would love to get advice on how to soothe him when he’s in agony.

Rochel Leah, Lakewood, mother of five: My baby is in the teething stage now, so I would like to share what works for us. I wet a clean washcloth with chamomile tea and put it in the fridge for a little while. When I give it to the teething baby, he literally grabs it and starts gnawing. Alternating between sucking, biting, and pulling, the baby keeps entertained while soothing himself at the same time. And chamomile tea is great for all ages!

Bruchie, New Square, mother of three: I feel for you! I wish I could offer a magic trick, but in my experience the best thing is having a lot of patience. I sit with my teething babies on my lap for hours at a time, just rubbing my finger back and forth on their gums. It’s an oldfashioned teething remedy, but it also gives the child a feeling that I care for her and am here to help soothe her pain.

The Wellspring | August 2016 48

Esther, Midwood, mother of five: When there’s a teething baby in our house, you’ll always find spoons in the fridge. (One time, I made the mistake of freezing one and it stuck to my baby’s gums!) I find that because the spoon is chilled, it offers relief. If that route doesn’t work, there are always ways to distract a baby from the pain. Try a bubble bath or outdoor fun.

Sheva, Cleveland, mother of three: Try using Orajel Naturals Baby Teething Gel, which is free of benzocaine, alcohol, and dyes. The main ingredient is eugenol, which is derived from the clove plant and has anti-bacterial and anesthetic properties.

Gitty, Williamsburg, mother of six: The pharmacies and supermarkets sell a cute product that has worked well in our family— a mesh bag that’s attached to a grip. I put chilled, juicy fruit into the bag and give it to the child. As he sucks and bites, he gets the sweet flavor of the fruit and relief for his sore gums. I like to tell myself that he gets some nutrition too!

Smart Solution Maxi Health Joins the Conversation Teething is one sign that your child’s body is developing properly and readying itself to consume the foods it will need to help him grow into a healthy adult. However, in the actual teething phase, the pain and discomfort caused by using his gums may have him clamp his mouth shut when you offer him food. And if he doesn’t eat properly, your baby may lack vital nutrients that may stunt his growth. To ensure that he receives an optimal level of nutrition at all times, squirt the sweet-tasting Liquid Kiddievite™ into his mouth and rest assured that no matter what he does or doesn’t consume, there are over 20 nutritional ingredients now doing their work in his body. Containing the vitamins riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, B12, C, D3, and E, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium, Liquid Kiddievite™ will boost your child’s development in every area. A study performed in Thailand and published in Pediatrics International found that supplementing children with zinc plus a multivitamin may lead to significantly higher height gain. Liquid Kiddievite™ contains unique amino acids not found in regular children’s vitamins. L-Carnitine and L-Taurine support brain function, heart health, and energy levels in both children and adults. It also contains citrus bioflavonoids for antioxidant support. Containing inositol, an added benefit of Liquid Kiddievite™ is that even when your child is teething, he may give you the good night of sleep you’re dreaming of. For the benefits of healthy teeth, give your child Vitamin KD With D3 drops, as well. These drops contain the most active form of vitamin K, the only supplement that provides it in liquid form. Widely sought after by consumers in the know, the VitaMK7® Menaquinone-7 used in this product is the best option for bioavailability and greater stability over time. It offers support for blood clotting, calcium regulation, and it’s an antioxidant too! The vitamin D3 used in this product will give your child what he would get from sitting out in the sun. The unique combination of these two crucial nutrients in one formula will give your child excellent support for proper calcium absorption, which is vital for healthy teeth and bones. August 2016 | The Wellspring 49

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

Kayla, Welcome to the fun world of motherhood! My older child Boro Park, just graduated the teething stage, so that makes me somewhat mother of two: experienced in this difficult phase. I stocked up on tons of fancy teething toys when she first started to teeth at about nine months. Whenever she would start crying, I would offer her one and sing to her as she bit her way to comfort. There were times that nothing worked, but at least she had a prize to show at the end!

Living Well

Monthly Dose By Dina Mendlowitz

EXTINGUISH THE HEARTBURN It’s after midnight and you know that a long day awaits you tomorrow, but the discomfort that you feel from your stomach all the way up to your throat gives you no peace. Acid indigestion is not only an uncomfortable condition, but the excess of acidic chemicals are harmful to the digestive organs, as well. Nearly 60% of adult Americans suffer from some form of gastroesophageal distress and find little relief in commercial remedies, statistics reveal. And although these remedies may provide instant relief, they don’t help restore digestive health for the future.

UNDERSTANDING HEARTBURN

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or peptic ulcer disease, usually presents with the hallmark symptom of heartburn, which is a burning sensation behind the breastbone that sometimes travels up the throat. In some cases, this pain can be severe enough to be mistaken for a heart attack. When you experience the uncomfortable symptoms of acid, what is transpiring in your body? After food passes through the esophagus into the stomach, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closes, preventing food or acid from flowing back into the esophagus. It is when the LES relaxes inappropriately that acid reflux occurs. Contrary to the conventional belief that this condition is caused by an excess of acid, recent research in the field has found that it is usually caused either by a bacteria known as H. pylori, or when the stomach does not produce enough acid. According to Dr. Mitchell Katz, director of the San Francisco Department of Public

The Wellspring | August 2016 50

Health, the medicated solutions for heartburn cause more harm than benefit to the digestive system. By suppressing the amount of acid in the stomach, such medications decrease the body’s ability to kill bacteria present in the food. So what should someone who suffers from mild heartburn do to restore digestive health and ease the symptoms? Maxi Anti Acid™ provides a unique combination of nutrients and digestive enzymes that support digestion and deal with stomach acid, preventing damage in the highly sensitive digestive tract.

MAXI ANTI ACID™

Nutrients Calcium is known to be a popular source of relief for acid indigestion. In fact, it’s the active ingredient in most over-the-counter antacids. A study published in Alimentary Pharmacological Therapy reveals that calcium carbonate neutralizes stomach acid. In addition to firming the foam barrier that protects the digestive system against acid, calcium provides maximum support for delicate esophageal tissues. Instead of cutting down on

acid production, which is important in preventing food-borne illness, calcium simply neutralizes the stomach acid that is harming the esophagus walls and causing pain. However, Maxi Anti Acid™ contains more. Slippery elm bark is another vital ingredient that plays a role in decreasing the pain caused by acid. Slippery elm coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines, and contains antioxidants that can help address inflammatory bowel conditions. It also stimulates nerve endings in the gastroesophageal tract to increase mucus secretion, protecting against ulcers and excess acidity. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adults should consume this vital herbal remedy daily. While marshmallows are by no means a health food, marshmallow root, from which marshmallows are made, is full of health benefits. For centuries, it has been used to treat infections, improve indigestion, and more. According to Dr. Josh Axe, marshmallow root coats the inside of the stomach and prevents acid from causing discomfort and the burning sensation. Yet another important ingredient,

deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), has become synonymous with a strong candy flavor, but the herb itself, Glycyrrhiza glabra, has very different strengths. An adaptogen herb, licorice root grows in Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia, and has been used for thousands of years and dozens of purposes, including as a remedy for “leaky gut syndrome.” A study published in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Glycyrrhiza glabra is effective against functional dyspepsia, including heartburn, nausea, indigestion, and stomach pain. Studies show that DGL stimulates and speeds up the natural protective elements of the digestive system, bringing immediate relief to stomach discomfort. Barley grass is another important nutrient in Maxi Anti Acid™. Barley grass reduces the acidity of the stomach and also aids the healing of peptic ulcers.

Digestive Enzymes Maxi Anti Acid™ also provides the body with the enzymes needed to digest food properly, avoiding the discomfort and other harmful ramifications of indigestion. The lab specialists at Maxi Health Research have carefully combined various digestive enzymes that work together to break down the food from your last meal, ensuring that every food group is tended to with utmost precision. For the breakdown of protein and carbs, Maxi Anti Acid™ contains amylase, bromelain, and papain, which is especially important for the digestion of meat fibers. Lipase breaks down dietary fats into an absorbable form, and protease enzymes break down proteins into smaller proteins and amino acids. With Maxi Anti Acid™ doing its work, everything you eat will pass through your digestive system in the smoothest way possible, leaving you satisfied, healthy, and feeling great.

Marshmallow candies got their name because of their “fluffy” quality, similar to the marshmallow root. Fibrous extracts from marshmallow root swell up in the body to form a soft, gel-like substance. Today, marshmallow is used by holistic practitioners in many of the same ways it was thousands of years ago: to break up mucus, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria naturally.

Put Out the Fire Preventing gastric distress • Try to stay away from processed foods and fast foods. Instead, eat a diet of natural and whole foods. • Research shows that eating apples can lower acid in the stomach. • Always eat dinner no less than three hours before bedtime. • Rather than three large meals, try eating smaller meals and snack between if needed. A smaller meal requires much lower levels of acid to be digested, and is easier on the stomach. • Wait to lie down after eating a meal for 45 minutes to an hour. • Put one to two tablespoons of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink twice a day. • Avoid alcohol, or drink only a small amount. • Limit your coffee intake to two cups a day. GERD and heartburn can’t be treated permanently without probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are absolutely crucial for maintaining the health and correct functioning of your digestive system. When you have enough “friendly” bacteria in your stomach and colon, the bad bacteria are unable to take up residence and wreak havoc on your insides. Probiotics allow food and nutrients to be digested correctly and efficiently, and banish the main cause of acid reflux and heartburn.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 51

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

Nearly 60% of adult Americans suffer from some form of gastroesophageal distress and find little relief in commercial remedies, statistics reveal.

ISSUE 7 AUGUST 2016 AV 5776

IN SEASON: ENJOY THE FRUITS OF SUMMER IN YOUR GLASS OF SPARKLING NECTAR-ADE

The Secret is in the Flour NEW

ITEM!

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve requested WHOLE SPELT FLOUR and we listened to you!

Wishing you a Healthy Shavuos! So many great tasting and healthy choices . . . & Many More to coMe!

For the Body and Soul Dear cooks, Finally! The weeks of mourning have come to an end. In this happy spirit of solace and summer, it’s time to get busy with the preparations for a Shabbos that will fill our hearts with the joy and comfort of Nachamu. Here at Seasoned, we also think about the body—the kind of foods that you’ll feed it in order to feel true happiness. The high that sugar provides is not the answer. Anyone who’s finished a package of licorice can tell you that! Instead, when you consume what your body truly needs—nourishing, tastefilled dishes, it’s a win-win for all. “I’m good all week long, but when Shabbos comes, I crash.” If you haven’t said this comment before, you’ve surely heard it from others. For many women, consuming sugar-laden, unhealthy foods on Shabbos only happens because they’re not properly prepared for the challenge. All week long, cooks are in the kitchen whipping up delicious vegetable soups and salads, but when Shabbos comes around, calorie-stocked dishes are all they see. With healthy recipes at your side, you’ll be armed to take on the challenge and enjoy the pleasure that comes from eating the right foods, at the right time. May this Shabbos be that first proof for you! Gut Shabbos to you all,

-Levia

Sticky Notes: From Our Fridge to Yours Shabbos, Shabbos, Shabbos. It’s meant to be the most beautiful day of the week—why let it become a struggle? I always tell my clients to map out a clear plan on Friday of everything they will be eating at every meal. This way, they know exactly what belongs on their plate and what doesn’t, no matter how enticing the menu is.

LIBA SOLOMON, CNWC

Many people find that shalosh seudos in summertime is their greatest challenge. As always, my first piece of advice is to be prepared, especially when you’re not in your own kitchen. Have proteins like hard-boiled eggs and tuna on hand and fill up on that. Make sure that the salad is cut up before you start getting hungry and consequently face the challenge of choosing to take peppers from the fridge or grabbing the handy cheese balls. If you’re a guest, bear in mind that 99% of hostesses appreciate when their guest makes herself at home. When you’ll ask for a can opener for your tuna, your host will know that you feel comfortable in her home. She’ll gladly help you out! And if you really want that Shabbos afternoon or morning cheesecake, here’s a 100-calorie recipe that I give my clients. Chock full of protein, it’s a great alternative to the other calorie-laden options on the table. 100-Calorie Creamy Cheese Cake 1 cup farmer’s cheese 4 egg whites 1 Greek light vanilla yogurt 6 tsp sweetener Using an immersion blender, blend all ingredients and divide into 4 small pans. Bake at 350˚ F for half an hour and enjoy guilt-free.

SHANI TAUB, CDC

Before I share my recipe, I would like to get the (obvious!) word out that you never lose out when you perform a mitzvah. No matter where you’re at with your weight, know that eating that kezayis of challah or matzah for Shalosh Seudos and Melavah Malkah will not make a dent on your scale. Try it, and see for yourself! This is great dish that I prepare on Friday afternoon as an accompaniment to my slice of whole-wheat challah. If you’re like me and you don’t eat fish, it will make your first course more substantial and nourishing. 2 eggplants, cubed 2 red peppers, cut into strips Spices of your choice (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika) A generous amount of spray oil Bake at 275˚F for about 11/2 hours.

SHIFFY FRIEDMAN, CNWC August 2016 | The Wellspring 55

Eat Well

Recipes By Levia Joseph Styling & Photography By Malky Levine

Blueberry Nectarine Cobbler

This welcome change to the Friday night apple cobbler screams, “Summer!” The delectable flavors of cinnamon, blueberries, and nectarines come together seamlessly in this crispy dish. Enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream or plain. Crumble 1 1/2 cups oats 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2-3 Tbsp maple syrup

Fruit 6 nectarines, cut in small slices 1/2 bag frozen blueberries 2 tsp brown sugar 1/4 cup hot water

For the crumble, blend 1 cup of oats to create oat flour. In a ziploc bag, place blended oats, cinnamon, maple syrup, and the remaining half cup of oats. Seal the bag and mix until well combined. In a bowl, add sliced nectarines and blueberries. Dilute the brown sugar in hot water and add to the fruits. Place fruit mixture in an oven-to-table serving dish or individual ramekins, sprinkle crumble on top, and bake on 350˚F for 35 minutes. Yield: 6 ramekins

August 2016 | The Wellspring 57

Eat Well

Recipes

Fluffy Whole Wheat Challah

Many people are careful to eat wholegrain foods all week long, but claim that mastering the art of baking delicious whole wheat challah for Shabbos is impossible. Why resort to a bland board of matzah or a sunken piece of challah when you can enjoy this? I guarantee that you will never make challah from white flour and sugar again! 4 cups warm water 8 Tbsp fresh yeast (2.5 oz.) 3/4 cup honey 2 eggs 2 Tbsp table salt 1 3/4 cups oil 16 cups flour, divided

In a mixing bowl, add warm water and yeast. Use a spoon to help yeast dissolve. Add honey and eggs, and mix until well combined (2-3 minutes). On low speed, add salt and half of the flour (8 cups). Mix on high for 3-4 minutes. On low speed, add oil and the remaining 8 cups of flour. Mix on high for 5 minutes. Let the dough rise until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour). (Tip: Spray oil onto the inner surfaces of a black shopping bag. Place dough inside and put it in a warm place.) Braid the challah and let it rise for approximately half an hour in the pan. Bake on 350Ë&#x161;F for 50 minutes. Remove challah from pans and let it sit in the closed oven for 15 minutes. Yield: 4 large challahs.

August 2016 | The Wellspringâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; 59

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEET THE UNHEALTHY!

Beets. The king of superfoods. Cleanse your body. Reduce stress. At 60 calories a cup, this marvel of a food is packed with fiber. Studies have shown cancer-preventing nutrients and antioxidants. Infused with a chocolate-like effect to calm and ease the mind, beets are the premier leader of the food pyramid. Live again. Thank us later.

YOUR HEALTH. YOUR TASTE. Find our bags of ready-to-eat beets in your local supermarket.

Eat Well

Recipes

Do the Dip Right These two dips make great accompaniments to your slice of whole-wheat challah. Both stocked with vegetables and low in fat, you can make it a guilt-free first course!

Avocado Hummus 1 cup chickpeas 1/2 soft avacado 2 cloves garlic 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 Tbsp tahini paste 1 Tbsp oil salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.

Smoked Eggplant Dip 1 eggplant 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp tahini paste 1 Tbsp oil 1/2 lemon 1/2 tsp salt

Remove the leaves of the eggplant, leaving the stem intact. Using a knife, poke the eggplant all around. Place eggplant in a microwavable bag (plastic bag) and place in microwave for 5-7 minutes. Ignite a high flame. Using a tong, place the eggplant directly on the fire, 3 minutes on each side. Ensure that the skin gets burnt on all sides. Remove the skin with a knife. (An easy way to do this is to start cutting from the top, near the stem, pulling the skin downward.) Mash the eggplant, leaving it slightly clumpy. Squeeze the lemon on the eggplant, add the rest of the ingredients, and mix well. August 2016 | The Wellspringâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; 61

Eat Well

Nutrition Facts in a Shell By Devorah Isaacson

Here’s the place to check out nutrition labels for the nutrition-laden produce that come in their natural peels-- just so you know what wholesome goodness you’re feeding your family and yourself!

This Month:

Nectarine

Nectarines and summer go hand in hand. Whether you like this fruit rock solid (like I do!) or soft and overripe, it’s a sure staple in your fridge this season. Closely related to the peach, the nectarine has a juicy, fragrant flesh without the fuzzy exterior. This fruit grows on a medium-sized deciduous tree that requires a very cold winter season followed by warm weather for the proper development of its buds. White or pinkish-white flowers appear in early spring, which subsequently develop into attractive fruits by June.

Principle

Nutrition Value

Percentage of RDA

Energy

44 Kcal

Carbohydrates

10.55 g

Protein

1.06 g

Total Fat

0.32 g

Cholesterol

0 mg

Dietary Fiber

1.7 g

Folates

5 µg

Niacin

1.125 mg

Pantothenic Acid

0.185 mg

Pyridoxine

0.025 mg

Riboflavin

0.027 mg

Thiamin

0.034 mg

Vitamin A

332 IU

11%

Vitamin C

5.4 mg

Vitamin E

0.77 mg

Vitamin K

2.2 µg

Sodium

0 mg

Potassium

201 mg

Calcium

6 mg

0.6%

Copper

0.086 mg

Iron

0.28 mg

3.5%

Magnesium

9 mg

Manganese

0.54 mg

2.5%

Phosphorus

26 mg

Zinc

0.17 mg

1.5%

Carotene-B

150 µg

Crypto-xanthin-B

98 µg

Vitamins

Electrolytes

Minerals

Phyto-nutrients

The Wellspring | August 2016 62

• Nectarines are low in calories (only 44 calories per 100g) and contain no saturated fats. They are packed with numerous health-promoting anti-oxidants, plant nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100g raw nectarine fruit is 750 TE (Trolex equivalents), a significant amount. Fresh nectarines also contain small amounts of vitamin C; 5.4 mg or approximately 9% of recommended daily intake per 100g. Vitamin C has anti-oxidant effects and is necessary for the formation of connective tissue. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and harmful free radicals. • Nectarines have small but healthy concentrations of other anti-oxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and flavonoid polyphenolic anti-oxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, and ß-cryptoxanthin. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes. Nectarines are also known to have a diuretic effect, making them a great natural alternative to laxatives.

Peeling a Nectarine Ever tried to peel a nectarine the way you do an apple? Didn’t work, did it? To peel a nectarine successfully, use the same technique as for peaches. Score a small cross at the base, dip in boiling water for just one minute, and immediately immerse in cold water to cool quickly. Then peel away the skin from the cross.

In Your Plate!

- Grill nectarines with a dash of honey for a delicious, satisfying dessert. - How about a refreshing nectarine-mint milkshake? Blend 2 cups milk, 1.5 cups frozen yogurt, 4 chopped nectarines, and 10 mint leaves (or mint extract), and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. - Substitute nectarines for apples in your Shabbos Nachamu crumble for a refreshing change that won’t disappoint. Check out this issue’s Seasoned for a perfect recipe!

Fun in the Kitchen: Sparkling nectar-ade Try this cross between nectarine juice and lemonade for a cooling drink that is perfect for summer fruit! Combine 3 cups water, 2 cups peeled and chopped nectarines, and a drizzle of honey in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Let mixture cool and carefully blend until smooth. Strain the juice and stir in 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup seltzer. Serve in tall glasses over ice. Enjoy!

August 2016 | The Wellspring 63

Wellbeing

Health Personality By Miri Davis

A CUP OF TEA WITH... YAEL STROMER, RYT 200

OCCUPATION: Yoga Instructor LOCATION OF PRACTICE: Teaneck, New Jersey PASSION: Making yoga accessible to everyone by refuting the misconceptions about it SHE WISHES YOU WOULD KNOW THAT: They don’t have to be flexible or in shape to do yoga HOW MANY YEARS ARE YOU IN THE FIELD AS A PROFESSIONAL? I did my training in Israel and got certified in 2014. When I moved back to Los Angeles, and then to Washington Heights, I taught yoga classes at various studios. Having recently relocated to Teaneck, I teach private classes in clients’ homes as well as in my own.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO ENTER THE FIELD OF YOGA? My mom was my inspiration. When I was in high school about six years ago, on many days I would come home from school and occasionally join my mother in her yoga classes. Although I didn’t know why it appealed to me so much, something about the practice resonated with me.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOGA TODAY THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW THEN? After studying in Israel for two years, I earned an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts with a focus in Psychology and Education. I wanted to continue on to grad school because I saw counseling as the path to facilitate healing through connecting with people on a deep level. Once I started to practice yoga more consistently, however, I realized that the creation of self-awareness and the deepening of one’s self-knowledge can be accessed from practicing yoga. When I realized that there was something phenomenally powerful about yoga, I decided to take that route, and four months later I travelled to Israel once again to begin my path to becoming a yoga teacher.

HOW DOES YOGA LEAD TO GREATER SELF-AWARENESS? Yoga is all about becoming aware of the thought processes, about taking the focus from the outside world to the inner world. For this reason, I think it’s a very important practice for teenagers. Adolescents go through significant changes— biologically, emotionally, and mentally. They have to make choices about what to do with their lives. I think that this stage is especially difficult because adolescents look for The Wellspring | August 2016 64

answers everywhere but within themselves. This leads to a lot of confusion and insecurity. Yoga encourages the individual to drown out the voices of the outside world. Developing an awareness of who they are at the core can really help people develop self-confidence and empower them to make their own choices.

HOW CAN THIS BENEFIT OF YOGA PLAY A ROLE IN THE LIVES OF ADULTS? Very often, people develop anxiety and depression because they’re drowning in confusion or self-doubt, wondering how they will be perceived by others. Through practicing yoga, a person develops a stronger sense of self; she learns to identify certain thought patterns, and how those thoughts affect her emotions and choices. It definitely takes time to cultivate, but in my practice, I’ve seen positive changes in people’s self perception, allowing them to become more patient and self-compassionate.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE RESULTS OF YOGA TO EMERGE? Similar to our avodas Hashem, it’s an evolutionary process that makes you feel better and better. It’s not a one-time thing, but a lifetime of investment. However, even after a few classes, people can begin to start deepening their awareness, to notice how their body responds to stress. They then start moving their awareness inward, becoming more conscious of what’s going on within themselves. This initial level of understanding can happen very quickly.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC STEPS OF YOGA? The first thing we do in every class is what I like to call “grounding down.” Once the body is in a comfortable position, we begin to work on our breathing. For the first couple minutes you take the time to transition from what you were doing two hours ago to what you’re doing right now. When a busy mom comes to my class, her mind is still

racing with carpools and grocery lists even when she’s in gym clothes. After a few minutes of deep breathing, her mind begins to drops down and away from the to-do list or from her sick child and suddenly she can allow herself to be in the moment. She’s thinking about the physical sensations that arise from the practice. It’s all about being in the moment.

IN TODAY’S DAY AND AGE LIVING IN THE MOMENT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER. Exactly. Another big part of yoga is mindfulness meditation, which has been very transformative in my own life. Stress is based on either thinking about a future event or about something that happened in the past. It’s rarely about something in the present moment. The practice of learning to be mindful is training yourself to be aware of the moment. It’s more about being and less about doing.

I COULD USE SOME OF THAT PRACTICE! WITH MY WORK AT THE COMPUTER, I AM NOT ONLY BUSY DOING ALL THE TIME BUT I’M ALSO PHYSICALLY UPTIGHT. HOW CAN YOGA FIX THAT?

arthritis, slipped disks, and posture, to name a few. People who have a hard time doing basic physical movements, like going up steps, can see improvement in their bodies from practicing yoga. It also tones and strengthens the body. I worked at a studio in Los Angeles and observed how a woman lost 70 pounds through yoga and other lifestyle changes. On a personal note, my mother has scoliosis and she had terrible migraines all her life. Since she started a yoga routine, her headache frequency has gone down. Yoga is all about stretching and strengthening the musculature in the body. It works to reduce tightness and strain that get locked into the muscles over time that can lead to other health issues and the likelihood of injury during other physical activity. The physical stretching also leads to a good emotional stretch. On the days that I don’t practice, I feel more uptight. Working to stretch my body is a conduit for fostering flexibility of the mind.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING YOGA. WHY DO PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE IN ORDER TO PERFORM THIS PRACTICE?

Most Americans have desk jobs, which lead to posture issues and tension headaches. Yoga works to reverse the physical stress this places on the body. Holding the phone to one ear is another example of a habit that puts a strain on one side of the neck, causing a further imbalance to the spine. In yoga, we look at the body and we find the imbalances, where one side is stronger than the other, and yoga postures often work to correct that. First we use the mind to answer the question of, “Where am I tight?” and then we use body to correct it. It’s all about the mind-body connection.

I understand why people don’t think that yoga is for everyone. Advertisements for yoga classes are always featuring someone doing some kind of really advanced or even an acrobatic pose. This is not indicative of the essence of yoga. I’ve never met a person who was not experiencing some sort of tightness, some tension, or some form of anxiety. There are a plethora of poses that everyone can practice, and every pose can be adapted to the practitioner’s physical ability level. Those that want to develop strength can work on more challenging, longer holding poses, and those that would like to find more opening and ease within the body can work with more restorative poses.

HOW DOES A YOGA CLASS PROCEED AFTER THE INITIAL BREATHING PHASE?

WHY DO PEOPLE ATTRIBUTE YOGA TO A PRACTICE OF AVODAH ZARAH?

There’s a lot of variety in yoga, with different schools of thought of how it should be conducted. I practice Vinyasa yoga, which synchronizes movement and breath. When we’re in a more intense pose, for example, I’ll have my students hold the pose while they use the breath as a vehicle to get deeper into the pose. The tool women use to manage pain during childbirth is their breath, because it helps them find strength from a place deep inside themselves that is more powerful than the pain they’re enduring. The same holds true in a yoga class. No matter how difficult a pose may be, the mind and breathing are that stronger. With this kind of yoga, I show women that they have the power within to achieve what they want to. Deep breathing helps in all areas of life for this reason. Countless clinical studies have shown how conscious breathing lowers high blood pressure, relaxes the body, lowers the heart rate, and can reduce anxiety.

DOES YOGA PROVIDE OTHER BENEFITS? The list of benefits is very long. It can help with improving flexibilty, gaining strength, healing from sprains, digestion,

Yoga originated about 2,000 years ago in India, and there were elements of idol worship in it. However, yoga has evolved tremendously over the years. Much of the yoga practiced here in the West has little resemblance to the yoga of the India, and its goal is focused more on the physical and mental exercise rather than a religious one. You have to know whom you’re practicing with and where she draws inspiration from, but more often than not, it presents no problem.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPART TO THE WELLSPRING READERS REGARDING THE PRACTICE OF YOGA? Yoga is much more than dancing with your hands on the floor and your feet in the air. It is a practice of channeling mental energy, of letting go of stress, and cultivating acceptance for what is. I see it as a physical kind of emotional therapy because it bridges the body and mind. And it’s a very beautiful journey. Close your eyes, focus on the shape of the chest and belly, and take a deep breath in through the nose. Hold the breath for a moment, and then slowly release the breath with a count of five, and walla, you’re doing yoga. It’s as simple as that. August 2016 | The Wellspring 65

Wellbeing

Clean Slate By Shiffy Friedman, MSW, CNWC

Stopping the Pattern of Emotional Eating Why It’s So Difficult If you’re an emotional eater, you may find it hard to understand why you can’t simply stick to a diet plan. It seems so simple. Just eat the right foods, at the right times, and and everything will be all right.. As we’ve discussed previously, when an emotional factor is at play, logic does not always prevail. Although it makes sense for a mature adult to provide her body with the proper nourishment in order to lead a productive, happy life, her emotions can be so overwhelming that they simply sweep any logic off the ground.

Faithful Fix

“I can never eat just one chocolate chip,” a client said to me the other day.

The emotional eater looks at the empty cookie jar and wonders, “Why did I have to do this?” Nearby, on the fridge, hangs the forlorn diet plan she had meticulously followed until five minutes before this bingeing episode. For an emotional eater, food is a psychological tool, a way to avoid feelings that are too intense or anxietyprovoking. So, as long as she doesn’t learn to cope with her emotions in a way that does not involve food, she will not be able to adhere to any diet plan for very long. While things are going smoothly, she may be able to stick to her plan, but when life presents a challenge, she’ll

Self-Talk

One day at a time Part of the hardship of remaining committed to a healthy eating plan is the awareness that this is what you will be doing for the rest of your life. This thought is frightening indeed. The feeling of being chained to something that is not always enticing and easy is not pleasant, and often leads to an overwhelming desire to give up. In order to combat this, learn to tell yourself, “One day at a time, dear.” People who have chosen to lead a healthy lifestyle are frequently asked, “You mean you’ll never have an ice cream again?” And the smart answer is, “Not today.” Can I survive and thrive through this day without that ice cream cone? Sure thing. Tomorrow? I’ll deal with the challenge then. Knowing that you’re doing it step by step provides you the ability to remain focused on the now, rather than feeling dragged into the vast scary prospect of “forever.” The Wellspring | August 2016 66

inevitably turn back to her old faithful fix—food. If you’re using food to deal with feelings, you’ve probably realized that it creates a vicious cycle. Yes, food does give you that fleeting moment of pleasure. It lets you avoid your problems or cares for a while, but when they are left unattended they only grow in intensity. Ultimately, you fill up not only with food but also with an unneeded extra portion of guilt on top of your original issue. It doesn’t take long to realize that one cookie doesn’t do it. You end up needing more and more to fill up the emptiness of living an unexamined life. Does this mean that all emotional eaters have overwhelmingly difficult lives that fill them with anxiety or emptiness? Not at all. The human being is a complex creature. Various parts of our psyche operate together as we go about our day to day lives. Every decision we make is based on many factors stemming from both our current and past lives, including making the choice between fruit and fudge. Once she makes one wrong decision, the emotional eater ends up trying to assuage the original feeling of guilt that that initial choice engenders the only way she knows how— with food. “I can never eat just one chocolate chip,” a client said to me the other day. This does not mean that she is an anxiety-ridden individual. But the very second that the first chocolate chip hits her tongue, she falls into the pit of powerlessness, and from there on she’s busy stuffing more and more chocolate chips into her mouth in her desire to fill up that bottomless cavern. So what is the one and only solution? Food is surely not the answer. It is only a Band-Aid, a quick fix that allows the wound to fester. The only way an emotional eater can break free from this cycle is by analyzing what is happening in her life—to address what she is trying to avoid by eating, and arrive at a new response. In the next installment, we will discuss how to do just that. In this column on emotional eating, Shiffy Friedman, MSW, CNWC, discusses the journey toward a healthy relationship with food from a Torah-based, psychological, and personal perspective.

Well Informed

Vitamin Production Process By Judy Appel

WELCOME TO THE LAB!

The Vitamin Production Process: A sneak peek inside Step five: Tablet Compression After the vitamin blend has been mixed, workers dump it into a hopper, from where it flows to a filling station, and from there to a rotating table. This may be 0.6-1.2m in diameter, or even bigger, and is fitted with holes on its outside edge that hold dies in the shape of the desired tablet (oval, round, animal, etc.). The dies are interchangeable, so the same table can produce whatever shape the manufacturer wishes. After the vitamin powder flows from the filling station into the die, the table rotates and the filled die moves into a punch press. When the upper and lower halves of the punch meet, several tons of pressure are exerted on the vitamin powder, compressing it into a compact tablet. The upper punch releases, and the lower punch lifts to eject the tablet. Some tableting machines have two punches, one on each side, so two tablets are made simultaneously. The rotation speed of the table determines how many tablets are made per minute. The tablets are ejected onto a vibrating belt, which shakes any loose dust off them. Once the tablets are set, they are moved to the coating area. The mixing process at Maxi Health Research contains an extra step that raises the standard of its supplements to a level of its own. Since poor digestion can impair the absorption of carbohydrates and fatsBase as well as many vitamins and minerals, the researchers at Maxi Health have worked tirelessly to create a product that makes every capsule and tablet entirely digestible and maximally potent. Enzymax, a unique and vital digestive enzyme complex of bromelain, papain, amylase, protease, and lipase, breaks down the supplement’s contents into smaller particles so the body can better absorb the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Thanks to this unique blend of ingredients that is crucial for proper digestion, every Maxi Health consumer is ensured the maximum benefits of its supplements.

Coming up in the next issue: Polishing and Inspection When it comes to the vitamin selection, there’s reason for the consumer to be wary. After all, not all vitamins are created equal. The process is complex and necessitates supreme quality control in order to give the consumer the results they anticipate. Maxi Health Research prides itself in providing that—and more, in every single bottle that wears its label. August 2016 | The Wellspring 67

Wellbeing

Me-Time By Shiffy Friedman, MSW

PROGRAM THIS MONTH: JOURNALING (Part 1) I’ve taken to the pen in choosing to author this month’s “Me-Time” because of my passionate take toward writing as a means of self-growth and therapy. To those who are unacquainted with writing, those who find even penning a letter to their child’s teacher an arduous task, note that simple me-time writing is attainable for all. In today’s technological era, especially, this is not that hard to understand. When so much of our communication necessitates writing, be it via e-mail or text messaging, many who would otherwise never resort to writing have been prompted to do so, producing passages they would never have thought would be their own. As a therapist, I’ve not only advised clients to keep journals, but I’ve also conducted workshops on the topic, which I call “InQuell.” In these workshops, I guide writers and non-writers alike to connect to their journals as a means of self-growth, improving their relationships with others, and with Hashem. It is incredibly beautiful to see how women of all stripes and ages find a language through their pen. In his extensive research on the topic, American social psychologist and writing therapy pioneer James Pennebaker found a significant link between what he calls expressive writing and emotional health. He conducted many clinical trials, finding that writing about painful experiences can enhance immune response, reduce recovery time, and promote physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Writing to Heal (2004), the book he authored on the topic, communicates how journaling actually helps trauma victims heal. Indeed, my anecdotal evidence of how helpful writing can be in sorting out the mind and heart is awe-inspiring. After keeping a journal for about a month, one client told me, “I wouldn’t miss a day of journaling at this point. It gives me an opportunity to unload—the good and the bad, and go to sleep feeling lighter.” Even if all is nice and dandy in your life, journaling can be a great asset. As long as you hold on to all those positive thoughts, you’re weighed down by the burden of remembering. How can you possibly allow yourself to forget those memories you want to cherish? By putting them down on paper for posterity, you can loosen up the pressure. Even if your mind forgets, the journal doesn’t. Writing has the unique ability to bring your thoughts and feelings to life on the page in front of you. It has the capacity to transform the internal into an external entity. Instead of carrying around the thoughts and emotions that make you feel heavy and sluggish, how about pouring them out to what I call “your forever best friend”?

What you need: A simple pen and paper, or even pencil and notepad, are all you need to make this me-time activity a true success. You can even carve out this time for yourself when you’re in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, on the bus, or during your lunch break. It’s the time where the focus is on you—your inner world. It’s the free therapy you give yourself by spilling what’s foremost on your mind onto the empty white sheet that you hold in your hands.

The Wellspring | August 2016 68

On a Journey Tips for Journaling Right There are no rules for me-time journaling. The idea is to allow yourself to take it easy in the company of your notebook. However, the following tips will help you make the most of your time together.

Time Write a minimum of twenty minutes per day for four consecutive days.

Do not worry about punctuation, spelling, and grammar. If you run out of things to say, draw a line or repeat what you have already written. Keep pen on paper.

Topic What you choose to write about should be extremely personal and important to you.

Write Continuously

Write Only for Yourself You may plan to destroy or hide what you are writing. Do not turn this exercise into a letter. This exercise is for your eyes only.

Observe the Flip-out Rule If you get into the writing and feel that you cannot write about a certain event because it will push you over the edge, stop writing!

Expect Heavy Boots Many people briefly feel a bit saddened or down after expressive writing, especially on the first day or two. Usually this feeling goes away after a couple of hours, and you will feel lighter and unburdened.

August 2016 | The Wellspringâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; 69

Inkwell

Diary as told to Yitty Davidson

Feeling Human Again

How my constipation agony came to an end

It may seem excessive, to use the word

agony for something so unfortunately common as constipation, but anyone who’s been there knows how excruciatingly painful the situation can be. Ever since I remember, I have suffered from constipation. I remember being absent from high school because I was just in too much agony to sit in a classroom. Of course, the issue wasn’t so serious that I could not move on in life, so move on I did. I got married, had two children, and all this time I continued to suffer. Yes, I drank gallons of prune juice. I tried to eat foods rich in fiber. Still, I spent too many hours in the washroom, and then many more walking around clutching my stomach. One spring day, I was sitting outside on a bench near my house chatting with a neighbor. After a few minutes, I excused myself and asked her if she would mind keeping an eye on my two kids. Clutching my stomach, I made my way to the washroom, where I spent close to half an hour. When I emerged, I was drained from the pain. “Is everything all right?” asked my concerned neighbor, who had kindly looked after my kids all this time. “This constipation is getting to me,” I blurted out. Immediately, she jumped up from the bench. “Wait here,” she said. “I’m going to get you something that really helps.” Two minutes later, she was back out, a bottle of

Super Cleanse Fibermax™ in her hands. “You must try this,” she said excitedly. “I know the whole story with the prune juice and stuff. This works.” I took a skeptic look at the ingredients. Psyllium husk powder, Senna leaf powder, and a blend of fennel seed powder, papaya powder, peppermint powder, buckthorn powder, Enzymax, and acidophilus. How would these natural powders help relax my digestive system and ease my chronic pain? “This supplement will do wonders for your system. It’s full of fiber and natural stool softeners. And my nutritionist told me that Enzymax is a miracle substance that helps the body absorb the supplement. Just take it,” urged my neighbor. So I did. I went back into the house, swallowed three capsules with a cup of water, and waited anxiously for a miracle. As I ate my lunch, I wondered what was happening inside my body. Were things finally about to change? Sometime mid-afternoon, the miracle happened. When it did, I was filled with gratitude at the realization that today I would start to feel human again. When I sat down for supper that night, my husband of six years gave me a confused look. “Where’s the prune juice?” he asked. Ever since he knew me, I’d been drinking a cup before every meal in the hopes to ease the constipation. That night, I did not need prune juice any longer. I had Super Cleanse Fibermax™.

“Is everything all right?” asked my concerned neighbor, who had kindly looked after my kids all this time.

How has your health and wellbeing improved thanks to Maxi Health? To receive a free bottle of the supplement that changed your life, send a summary of your story to info@wellspringmagazine.com. We reserve the right to end this promotion at any time, without notice.

The Wellspring | August 2016 70

It’s not about how much you want it. It’s about how much you’re willing

to work for it.

August 2016 | The Wellspring 71

Summer is personified by serenity and calmness. For those unable to achieve relaxation themselves Relax to the MaxTM and Yummie CalmTM are the perfect remedies. Comprised of a combination of Inositol, Taurine, Vitamin C and L-Theanine, these supplements work within 30 minutes of consumption to help ease stress, reduce anxiety and improve concentration. You can achieve optimum levels of relaxation this summer, and feel your best at all times!

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.

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