Natural Awakenings – Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess NY Edition March 2021

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March 2021 | Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

| WakeUpNaturally.com March 2021

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Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

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March 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publishers A seed neither fears light nor darkness, but uses both to grow.

WESTCHESTER/ PUTNAM/ DUTCHESS EDITION

Publishers Dana Boulanger Marilee Burrell

Editors Allison Gorman Dawne Clark Marilee Burrell Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Patrick Floresca Marilee Burrell

Sales & Marketing Dana Boulanger

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ring on the spring! We experienced a double whammy this year, winter and Covid. Finally we’re about to leave the dark, isolating months of winter Dana Boulanger Marilee Burrell and enter the light-filled spring, during a receding pandemic, set to nature’s soundtrack of peepers and birds. This spring is going to be especially sweet.

As a gardener, I find March exciting. I love getting my hands in the dirt. I’ve got my veggie gardens all mapped out. Last fall I planted garlic for the first time, so I already have this new crop in the ground. Because I have small gardens, I mostly buy seedlings, but I can never resist starting some seeds from scratch.

Good soil is dark, rich and porous. It’s teeming with life, and it’s key to growing healthy food. However, conventional farming depletes the soil over time, so the food produced is deficient in important nutrients, and eventually these farming methods turn the land barren. In fact, one third of the world’s land surface is now considered desert.

On top of that, these same farming practices are responsible for almost a quarter of all greenhouse gases. The way we’re growing most food now is not sustainable. The solution is regenerative organic farming, which rebuilds the soil, draws carbon from the atmosphere and produces nutrient-rich food. To understand the scope of this issue, please read “Down to Earth: The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming,” on page 22. Immediately following that article, on page 25, you can find out how to get hands-on experience with the Westchester chapter of the Bionutrient Food Association. Their workshops, held on-site at local farms, teach gardeners of all experience levels how to build good soil.

While signs of life are starting to emerge in nature, the same is happening with local business. A new MOM’s Organic Market has opened in Dobbs Ferry (see page 8), and Mother Earth’s in Poughkeepsie has transformed into Nature’s Harvest, with new owner Omar De La Cruz and general manager David Barillaro (see page 18) putting their hearts and passion into supporting local food producers.

The CBD business continues to expand in our area, with more resources available now than ever before. To learn the newest info about these plant-based healing products, read “Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol: A Primer on the Latest Research,” on page 26. You’ll find a list of local retailers at the end of the article.

Our calendar is starting to grow again too, with more events being planned for the months ahead. Send us your happenings, news and Earth Day events for the April edition, even if they are virtual. And visit our website, WakeUpNaturally.com, for more articles and to submit info or post an event to our free online community calendar. Please join our email list while you’re there. You can also email me news, events and story ideas directly at Marilee@WakeUpNaturally.com.

I’m optimistic about the future and excited to see what our post-pandemic economy will look like, especially with a new focus on sustainability. Hope to see you out and about before too long.

Enjoy the light!

Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

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– Matshona Dhliwayo

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

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global briefs

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Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

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Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 18 NATURE’S HARVEST

OPENS IN POUGHKEEPSIE

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Under new ownership, market expands bakery, deli and local food focus

20 INDOOR EDIBLE GARDENING

Grow Veggies, Sprouts and Microgreens Year-Round

22 DOWN TO EARTH

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The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming

26 HEMP-DERIVED CANNABIDIOL

A Primer on the Latest Research

30 HEALING FROM GRIEF Four Ways to Find Peace

32 JEFF TKACH ON

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REGENERATIVE HEALTHCARE

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34 EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE?

TIME TO START UNPACKING

36 CANINE OBESITY When Doggies Need Diets

38 ON A ROLL

Foam Rollers Ease Pain and Workout Recovery

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 15 eco tip 16 health briefs 17 global briefs 18 local food 20 conscious

eating

26 green living 30 inspiration 32 wise words 36 natural pet 38 fit body 42 calendar 45 planet watch 45 classifieds March 2021

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news briefs

Nature’s Whispers Turns Walks into Workshops

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ichael Gulbrandsen, whose company, Reflections of Nature, builds custommade hiking trails, has founded a new business, Nature’s Whispers, to help people deepen their Michael Gulbrandsen experience of being in a natural setting.

“For years we’ve been teaching our customers how to connect with nature that surrounds their newly constructed trails,” Gulbrandsen says. “Through Nature’s Whispers, I will teach others how to make this connection to Grandmother Earth and its inhabitants. Through our Walkin’ the Trail Workshops, we develop a deeper relationship with nature and feel the healing powers of the forest. Walking in harmony with nature expands your awareness so you can relax and reduce your anxieties and stresses.”

All workshops are held in the forests of the Hudson Valley. The workshop season will start in April with walks at the World Peace Sanctuary, in Wassaic.

According to Gulbrandsen, the most popular workshops are Tranquility Walks, Wisdom Walks and Fairy Walks.

A Tranquility Walk is not a hike or a workout, he says. “We move slowly and silently. We give you a variety of different guided activities, referred to as insights, to help you connect to nature.”

A Wisdom Walk begins by asking nature a question. “That will allow us to see the signs, omens and wisdom that nature is offering us and learn to read them,” he says.

During a Fairy Walk, participants find ideal locations for fairy houses, place decorated doorways there and enhance the area around them.

“You have to pause and take in the magic, slow down your senses,” Gulbrandsen says. “See the forest from the squirrel’s eyes and listen to nature’s whispers.”

For more info, contact Gulbrandsen at 845.489.7250 or walkingthetrail16@gmail. com, or visit MeditativeWalks.com.

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Fable Farm Now Delivers in Westchester

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able, a farm and food hub in Yorktown, has launched a new delivery service to residents in and around Westchester. Orders can be placed through the farm’s website at FableFoods.com/delivery. The online store is updated every Tuesday with the hyper-local and farm-fresh items that are in stock, says owner Tom Deacon.

“For extra convenience you can use our new service to schedule a delivery and have these local, healthy and delicious ingredients delivered right to your door,” he says. Guests can also shop in person at the farm on Friday, Saturday or Sunday or use contactless barn-side pickup.

Fable farm launched in 2015 with a mission to help the community “eat fresh, eat local and eat healthy,” Deacon says. “Since then we’ve partnered with local bakeries, dairy and livestock farms, cheesemakers and more to launch an exciting new market and food hub. We’re grateful for the support for the farm and for all the local small businesses we work with.”

Location: Fable: From Farm to Table, 1311 Kitchawan Rd. (Rte. 134), Ossining, NY. For more information, email info@fablefoods.com or visit FableFoods.com.

MOM’s Organic Market Opens in Dobbs Ferry

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ounded in 1987, MOM’s organic market has grown over three decades to serve several Mid-Atlantic states and DC, with more than 1,000 employees and a culture centered on its “purpose”: to protect and restore the environment. Now this familyowned and -operated grocery store chain has come to Dobbs Ferry.

The new store, which opened February 19, features 10-foot-wide aisles for social distancing; certified organic produce; an extensive selection of bulk offerings, for MOM’s organic market in Dobbs Ferry plastic-free shopping; a Backyard Beekeeping section offering all the tools needed for a home practice; sustainable insect proteins; sustainable fresh and canned seafood; certified organic and sustainable clothing; an expansive health and wellness section; free electric car charging; a recycling center for compost, eyeglasses, cell phones, shoes, corks and household batteries; and no marketing to kids (MOM’s doesn’t allow products that target children with licensed cartoon characters on the package).

In partnership with Sustainable Westchester, MOM’s Dobbs Ferry will be sponsoring a local solar project in Yonkers, to decrease community reliance on dirty energy. During its first month of operations, it has also set aside dates when it will donate 5 percent of its sales to various local environmental nonprofits. Upcoming recipients are the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County (March 5-7) and Greenburgh Nature Center (March 12-14).

Location: 83 Stanley Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY. For more information, call 914.266.0937, visit MomsOrganicMarket.com or check out MOM’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

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The Farm Stand Resumes Free Food Distribution in Dutchess

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he Farm Stand is continuing its mission to alleviate food insecurity in Dutchess County with a food distribution protocol aligned with Centers for Disease Control safety protocols. It will be distributing its free fruits and vegetables the third Friday of each month through the Family Partnership in the City of Poughkeepsie. Prior to Covid, the Farm Stand’s free monthly distribution took place at the PoughGrocery bags lined up for pick up keepsie Trolley Barn.

Pedestrians can pick up a free bag of groceries between noon and 1:30 p.m. They must walk through the North Clinton Street gate of the Family Partnership and exit through the North Hamilton Street gate.

Alternatively, cars can pick up a bag from 2 to 3:30 p.m., using the front entrance of the Family Partnership Center off of North Hamilton Street and exiting through the North Clinton Street gate.

Through the better part of the coronavirus pandemic, the Farm Stand has altered the way it operates free distribution, providing produce through its Food Pantry program at the Family Partnership Center, according to Sarah Salem, director of development for Dutchess Outreach, which operates the Farm Stand.

“As food insecurity rates rise locally and as more community members face barriers to obtaining fruits and vegetables, the need to revisit the Farm Stand program model became necessary. We’re proud to continue to work to expand access to healthier foods throughout our Dutchess County community,” Salem says.

“Dutchess Outreach exists to widen community food security and food sovereignty, increase advocacy and provide emergency relief by offering a range of vital services for those in need to ensure that equitable physical and economic access to safe, nutritious, culturally appropriate and sustainably grown food is available at all times across our community, regardless of income or zip code.”

For more info, call 845.454.3792 or visit DutchessOutreach.org.

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Virtual Lesson Plans Focus on Sustainability

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roundwork Hudson Valley has created virtual programming to help educators empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Lesson plans cover an array of environmental education subjects, from plant anatomy to sustainable lifestyle to emergency preparedness, as well as specific regional topics of interest, such as the sustainable energy modeled by the Science Barge, and the plants and animals along the Saw Mill River.

Programs offered include a Science Barge Tour; Climate Change and You; Botany Breakdown; Garden Friend or Foe; Living River and You; Daylighting the Saw Mill River; Sustainability in Your Home; and Emergency Preparedness. All virtual learning units adhere to Next Generation Science Standards.

A 40-minute program costs $250 ($150 for Yonkers or Title 1 schools). An 80-minute program costs $325 ($200 for Yonkers or Title 1 schools).

Groundwork Hudson Valley is located at 22 Main St., 2nd Floor, Yonkers, NY. For more info, email sciencebarge@groundworkhv.org or visit GroundworkHV.org.

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Free Coaching from AAA Wellness CBD

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s a coach, Elizabeth Pflaum has spent more than 15 years helping people live their best lives, often drawing inspiration from her own journey to share what she’s learned along the way. Having used CBD products to overcome a combination of health and emotional challenges, she’s incorporated CBD into her coaching, and launched AAA Wellness CBD to make the products she has personally found effective available to her clients too.

“Several years ago I found myself struggling with a complicated health challenge and the usual stressors of the sandwich generation,” Pflaum says. “Oddly enough, I began to attract clients who were struggling with similar issues: obesity, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, prematurely aging skin, malaise and depression. I discovered that CBD, when combined with effective coping strategies, active self-care and a variety of individualized wellness tools, proved transformative.”

Through her New York-based online store, AAA Wellness CBD, Pflaum offers a wide selection of products that she’s used with success. They include a full-spectrum CBD and MCT oil tincture, to which she attributes her 50-pound weight loss; a fullspectrum CBD pain cream containing menthol, wintergreen and peppermint oil and natural anti-inflammatories; clean vaping products (no chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals or fillers that can damage the lungs), for anxiety and depression; and clean skincare products that are scented with essential oils and made with “superfood” plant-based ingredients to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, acne, blemishes and premature aging.

For more information, call 914.320.9506, email liz@aaawellnesscbd.com or visit AAAWellnessCBD.com. See ad, page 27.

March 2021

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news briefs

Order Seedlings Now for Spring Planting

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illtop Hanover Farm, in Yorktown Heights, is taking orders now through March 19 for its online plant sale, which includes locally grown vegetable, herb, flower and native plant transplants.

Pickup will be in late April or May. All seedlings and transplants are grown in a compost-based organic Tomato seedlings at potting mix. The fourHilltop Hanover Farm packs have extra-deep cells to give small seedlings a more robust root system, and the three-inch pots are sized for planting into the garden. As with Hilltop Hanover’s produce, the plants are not certified organic, but they are grown using allorganic practices.

“We hope our plant sale will support the thousands of gardeners in our local community, and we encourage all gardeners to donate any extra produce they grow,” says Shanyn Siegel, director of Hilltop Hanover Farm. “Last year, with the help of many volunteers, we donated almost six tons of fresh local produce to multiple food pantries throughout Westchester and Putnam counties. This year we are calling on home gardeners to join us in our efforts to address food insecurity community-wide.”

At the onset on the Covid-19 pandemic, fears about food insecurity surfaced even within typically food secure communities, Siegel says. The limitations of a global, industrialized food system were brought into sharp focus by recurrent empty shelves in grocery stores.

“Last spring and summer, we witnessed a resurgence of home victory gardens and edible landscapes, plus a new or renewed realization of why local farms are essential to a sustainable food system,” she says. “But with an unprecedented surge in demand from farmers and gardeners, seed companies sold out and distribution backlogs caused shipping delays of over a month.”

These limitations in the seed industry are again apparent in 2021.

“Many seed varieties are sold out, and many seed companies have stopped accepting orders until they can catch up on order fulfillment,” Siegel says. “In response, the farmers at Hilltop Hanover have increased their 2021 seedling production and launched this online plant sale.”

Location: Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center, 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights, NY. For more info, call 914.962.2368 or visit HilltopHanoverFarm.org.

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Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

Spring Landscape Conference, ‘Places for Pollinators,’ Streams March 15

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nline registration is now open for The Native Plant Center’s 2021 Spring Landscape Conference, Places for Pollinators: Designing Welcoming Landscapes, which will take place virtually on March 15. Topics will include pollinators’ Aster-©Bonnie Sue--Photography needs and challenges, how to create pollinator habitats through design and native plants, and the movement that’s changing backyards and communities while helping these critical creatures survive.

This event revisits the topics and speakers scheduled for last year’s conference, which was canceled due to Covid 19. While Westchester Community College campus (including The Native Plant Center gardens) remains closed to visitors, the center staff is busy planning for what can be safely done, says its director, Carol Capobianco.

“Our spring landscape conference will be virtual, as will most of our Go Native U classes,” Capobianco says. “Our Native Plant Sale will be by preorder and contactless pickup only, in mid-May. No in-person sale will take place in 2021. We’re working to create an online ordering platform—stay tuned for details.”

A new menu of spring elective classes from The Native Plant Center will allow people to learn about sustainable gardening from the comfort of home. Best Practices for Garden Maintenance, on March 6 (10 a.m. to noon, $57), will focus on creating a thriving garden without the use of chemicals. Fungi in Your Garden, on March 7 (10 a.m. to noon, $57), will explain the role fungi play in a healthy garden and as pathogens, and offer practical tips for using fungi as amendments, growing edible mushrooms and recognizing common fungal diseases and parasites.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden, on March 17 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $83), offers a species-specific, ecological approach to attracting birds through landscaping techniques and native plants that provide food, shelter and nesting sites. Success with Seed Starting, on March 27 (10 a.m. to noon, $57), will explore the fundamentals of seed germination and transplanting—from proper temperatures and the best soils to avoiding pitfalls.

Offered by The Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College. To register, call 914.606.6830 and press 1. For more info, visit tinyurl.com/28nmsd2w.

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Eggs at Three Feathers Farm

Business Is Booming at Three Feathers Farm

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hile the past year has been beyond challenging for many, one positive side effect has been the increased appreciation for small businesses, as well as for local foods that are produced in a healthy way. Three Feathers Farm, in South Salem, is a perfect example of that trend.

“We have sold a tremendous amount of our grass-fed beef and roaster chickens since Covid hit,” says Jeanine Haberny, who owns the farm with her husband, Joe. “I believe that people have realized how important it is to support local businesses and will continue going forward. Our customers tell me all the time that they love our beef and feel confident knowing where the cows are raised. They have peace of mind knowing that our beef cows are raised here on our farm and are never given growth hormones.”

Their roaster chickens have become so popular that the Habernys plan to raise more of them.

“It has become more important for people to have access to local, high-quality food than it has ever been,” Jeanine says.

Three Feathers Farm offers multi-colored eggs and grass-fed beef year round. Its farm stand, which is open daily, is selfserve, based on the honor system. Fresh eggs are collected every morning and are available in the farm stand fridge. Beef is available to order by phone or email.

For more info, call 914.533.6529, email threefeathersfarmny@gmail.com or visit ThreeFeathers.farm.

Coming Next Month APRIL

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Plus: Climate Change Health Impacts

March 2021

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news briefs

Earth Hour Shines Virtual Spotlight on Sustainability

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WF’s Earth Hour 2021, a “virtual spotlight” focused on sustainability, will take place on March 27, as people across the world are encouraged to speak up for nature by switching off their lights for an hour, starting at 8:30 p.m. their time.

That night WWF will post a video on all their social media pages, and participants are asked to share it to place the spotlight on our planet, the issues we face and our place within it all. WWF has put together a list of more than 20 things participants can do to create a memorable and impactful evening in the comfort of their home.

This first-ever event in the United States started as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney in 2007. Since then, WWF’s Earth Hour has grown to become the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organizations in more than 180 countries and territories to take action for our shared home.

With Earth Hour, WWF is calling attention to its belief that “our relationship with the natural world is dangerously imbalanced. Recently, a series of catastrophic events—wildfires, extreme weather, locust plagues and the COVID-19 pandemic—have shaken the world, and we are still dealing with the unprecedented, tragic socioeconomic, health and humanitarian consequences.

It is clearer than ever that our future and the future of our planet are intrinsically linked and both are under threat.”

Westchester Social Forum Presents Virtual Series

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t 7 p.m. every Wednesday in March, the Westchester Social Forum planning team will host an online series of presentations and workshops on a range of social justice concerns. The goal is to exchange ideas and information, foster solidarity and celebrate the forum’s work to create a more just and equal society.

The series kicks off on March 3 with Justice Roadmap 2021, a legislative agenda designed to address the harms caused by the deeply entangled criminal, legal and immigration systems. On March 10, the forum will present Fund Our Future: How Can NYS Address Our Budget Crisis? This panel discussion features representatives from statewide organizations and coalitions who are advocating for a fairer taxation system to support essential services and avoid budget cuts to public education, health care, mental health services, housing, environmental issues and unemployment benefits.

On March 17, the forum will present Organizing for Health Equity in Our Communities, a panel discussion of the longstanding health disparities affecting people of color, and how healthcare institutions, insurance companies and community organizations are beginning to address them and ensure health equity in Westchester County. The March 24 presentation will be Courageous Conversations about Race among Westchester Teens, an interactive workshop led by teens from the Westchester Youth Alliance in partnership with the Peekskill Youth NAACP Leadership Council. They will describe their journey making sense of institutional racism and segregation in Westchester communities and building bridges through dialogue and activism.

The final event in the series, on March 31, is Moving Beyond Politics and Positions: How to Engage in Productive Dialogue When There Is Controversy and Polarization. Participants in this interactive workshop will practice listening and coalition building skills with people who have diverse points of view.

For more info, visit EarthHour.org.

Walkathon Funds Service Dogs for Autistic Children

On May 15, BluePath Service Dogs will hold its fifth annual walkathon to raise funds to provide service dogs to children with autism.

BluePath’s dogs are trained to help children and their caregivers by preventing wandering and providing safety, companionship and opportunities for independence.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at FDR State Park, in Yorktown Heights, with the walk beginning promptly at 10:30 a.m.

This family-friendly fundraiser is for all ages, and friendly dogs are also welcome.

BluePath Service Dogs Participants can choose between a 1.7-mile or 3-mile loop. The walkathon will adhere to all local and state guidelines, shifting to a virtual format if needed.

​For info and registration, visit WestchesterSocialForum.org.

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Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

Location: FDR State Park, Lot 4, 2957 Crompond Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY. For info and registration, call 845.377.0477, email info@bluepathservicedogs.org or visit BluePathServiceDogs.org.

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eco tip

SUPPORT LOCAL ADVERTISING

Plug and Pedal

The Benefits of Using Electric Bikes Gas-guzzlers are the worst of vehicles, emitting harmful pollutants and using up non-renewable natural resources. An Earth-friendlier alternative for work commutes or pleasurable neighborhood spins is the e-bike, powered by pedaling and an electric motor. Reaching maximum speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour and costing $400 and up, an electric bicycle offers a more scenic and easier ride that gets us to our destinations without trashing the planet.

improvements regardless of whether they used an electric bicycle or a conventional, non-motorized model.

With the power assist, e-bikers were able to cycle at higher speeds and climb hills more easily, which also proved to be highly motivating.

Environmental Benefits

Be visible. Outfit the bike with lights and a bell and wear eye-catching clothing.

Zero emissions. Electric bikes run on clean energy, eliminating the devastating carbon emissions associated with cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles.

Safety Tips Pay attention to traffic. Many car drivers may not expect a biker to reach 20 or more miles per hour.

Ride defensively.

Start slow. Get a feel for the bike’s capabilities at lower speeds before cranking it up.

Long-lasting power. The batteries last for years—much longer than traditional types. They don’t contain lead and can be recycled.

Give it a brake. With the added speed and power, slowing down well ahead of stop signs, lights and road crossings is a must.

Easier on roads. Bikes are considerably lighter than larger vehicles and cause much less damage to infrastructure.

Health-Friendly Commuting

Be careful on the mount and dismount.

An e-bike is about 20 pounds heavier than a regular bike, so a stepthrough frame might make good sense, even for men.

E-bikes are a great way to bring some physical activity to an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. In a 2018 study, Swiss researchers found that commuters enjoyed similar cardiorespiratory

Wear a helmet. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, head injury is the most common cause of death and serious disability in bicycle-related crashes.

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health briefs

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Use Green Tea Extract and Curcumin to Ward Off Oral Cancer

Try Ginger to Lower Diabetes Markers Ginger root (Zingiber officinale), used historically in traditional medicine to treat indigestion and nausea, may also help people with Type 2 diabetes, suggests a new study from Brazil.

Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind study of 103 people with Type 2 diabetes that were taking medications. Those taking 1.2 grams of ginger powder for 90 days experienced a significant drop in the level of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to those taking a placebo.

Early signs of oral cancer can include white patches, sores and lumps inside the mouth, biomarkers known collectively as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD).

To see if two natural chemopreventive agents—green tea extract and curcumin—could reverse these conditions, researchers in India tested 60 people with OPMD, splitting them into three groups. One group was given 400 milligrams (mg) of green tea extract in a capsule, as well as a gel; a second group was given 475 mg of curcumin; and the third received a combination of the first two treatments. After 12 weeks, researchers found that the supplementation had significantly reduced OPMD biomarkers in all three groups, with particularly strong results in the combination group, suggesting a synergistic effect.

APRIL 2021

Coming Next Month

Healthy Home

Plus: Climate Change Health Impacts

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Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

Try Mindfulness to Improve Cardiovascular Health Mindfulness training can lower blood pressure and positively influence behavior that promotes cardiovascular health, report Brown University researchers. The study published in Plos One involved 43 people with hypertension. In eight weekly 150-minute sessions, participants learned mindfulness meditation movements and techniques, including eating food mindfully, while also receiving instruction on hypertension risk factors. By the end of the year, they reported improvements in stress levels, diet, physical activity and alcohol consumption. On average, systolic blood pressure fell by six points and diastolic pressure by one point, a small, but significant improvement.

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global briefs

Fishy Business

Flying High

pyvovarova yevheniia/Unsplash.com

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has urged governments to take action to save the planet’s remaining coral reefs and their attendant fish populations, because collective human impacts are leaving fewer places untouched, with only 15 percent of the Earth’s land mass formally protected and global biodiversity declining at an unprecedented rate. To that end, a new online data platform, MERMAID (DataMermaid.org) helps scientists and management officials collect, organize and disseminate data on reef fish biomass and diversity, as well as the cover of hard corals, fleshy algae and other benthic groups—all identified by ICRI as key indicators of coral reef health, integrity and function.

The newly published 5th Global Biodiversity Outlook and other sources endorsed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services clearly indicate that governments are failing to meet existing global targets for biodiversity and that critical ecosystems like coral reefs will be altered to the point that the biodiversity they harbor, and the services they provide, will be irreparably damaged.

Currently, only 2.5 percent of the world’s reefs are being actively protected.

Economical Carbon-Neutral Jet Fuel

Scientists looking for ways to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere have increasingly focused on the aviation industry, which accounts for approximately 12 percent of transportationrelated carbon dioxide emissions. Installing heavy batteries aboard aircraft is problematic, but a team of researchers affiliated with several institutions in the UK and Saudi Arabia have developed a way to produce jet fuel using carbon dioxide as a main ingredient, as published in the journal Nature Communications.

The process, which uses an iron catalyst with added potassium and manganese, along with hydrogen, citric acid and carbon dioxide heated to 662° F, forces the carbon atoms apart from the oxygen atoms in CO2 molecules, which then bond with hydrogen atoms to produce the kind of hydrocarbon molecules that comprise liquid jet fuel, with water as a byproduct. This is less expensive than converting hydrogen and water into fuel because it uses less electricity. Use of this fuel in aircraft would be carbonneutral because burning it would release the same amount of carbon dioxide that was used to make it. quintin gellar/Pexels.com

Saving Coral Reefs Worldwide

Hot Stuff

The Benefits of Renewable Geothermal Energy

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Due to the ongoing decay of radioactive elements in the Earth’s core, temperatures 4,000 miles below the surface can reach 10,800° F. The molten magma we call lava carries enormous heat to the surface. But despite its enormous potential, geothermal energy supplied just 0.4 percent of U.S. electricity in 2019.

In California, the perimeter of the inland Salton Sea lies several thousand feet above a mineral-rich cauldron of hot water that powers 10 geothermal plants.

The state has emphasized wind and solar power while neglecting the development of geothermal plants, despite possessing our most productive geothermal fields.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology estimated in 2007 that releasing just 2 percent of this untapped resource in sites around the country could supply 2,000 times our overall primary energy needs without needing any improvements in drilling technology. While the first geothermal plants in the 1960s drained reservoirs of their steam or water, binary plants—a new design from the 1980s—allow operators to extract the heat while maintaining the generating potential. Between 2006 and 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy spent only $1 billion on geothermal technology due to falling coal prices, a fraction of what was spent on fossil fuels and solar investment.

March 2021

17

local food

Men on a Mission

Nature’s Harvest Opens in Poughkeepsie

Under new ownership, beloved market expands bakery, deli and local food focus The store’s juice and smoothie bar uses 100 percent organic fruits and vegetables.

Owner Omar De La Cruz working in the deli

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oughkeepsie’s popular natural food market, Mother Earth’s Storehouse, has a new name and a new owner who is doubling down on the business’s community focus with more local products and expanded services.

Like its predecessor, Nature’s Harvest is a natural and organic gourmet grocery store with a vegan and gluten-free bakery and deli and an extensive vitamin center.

Since the store switched names and ownership on October 1, owner Omar De La 18

Cruz and general manager David Barillaro have been focusing on integrating locally made items into their offerings.

“Raw honey from Clinton Corners and grass-fed beef from Lagrange, which is exclusive to us, are just the start,” Barillaro says.

One change to watch will be the expansion of the store’s prepared foods department. While the bakery and deli specialize in vegan and gluten-free items, Barillaro says they also prepare a wide range of conventional items for people who just want clean food.

“We make everything fresh in house, from soups to now our own ciabatta rolls for our sandwiches,” he says. “We will begin selling our own breads and are working on vegan and gluten-free bread recipes to provide alternatives to the packaged breadaisle offerings we already stock.”

In addition to its regular line of house-made vegan and gluten-free cakes and pastries, the bakery also does custom work.

“We love to prepare special orders to be a part of a memorable occasion,” Barillaro says. “There are examples of previous works on our Instagram.”

The store’s juice and smoothie bar, which uses 100 percent organic fruits and vegetables, now has a juice and smoothie club with a punch card that members can use to work toward a free small juice of their choice. And anyone can stop by Nature’s Harvest for a free cup of organic fair-trade coffee or tea—no purchase necessary.

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Nature’s Harvest is just the latest collaboration between Barillaro and De La Cruz, who have known each other and worked together in various capacities for a number of years.

“We met in the coffee industry, and I have worked with Omar in some other ventures,” Barillaro says. “When he let me know his intentions and offered me a role working with him, I jumped at the chance.

Omar is an extremely hard-working, dedicated and focused individual. Bettering this store and continuing to serve this community is his mission.”

The pandemic has been an opportunity for them to show that commitment.

Under their leadership, Nature’s Harvest is continuing to offer curbside pickup to keep customers safe. It also makes deliveries to Lagrange, Hopewell, Fishkill, Wappingers and Poughkeepsie—the only natural and organic store in the area that does, Barillaro says.

“We hope to carry on the tradition of being a beacon of clean food to the area and to serve this community, which we are fortunate enough to be a part of,” he says.

Location: Nature’s Harvest, 1955 South Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY. Store hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Info: 845.296.1069 and NaturesHarvestHV.com.

Omar De La Cruz meeting Bennet of Mitten Rock Farm

Eat Well and Be Well

CAFES CHAKRA BOWLS CAFÉ 33 Arlington Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 845.849.0399 chakraBowlsCafe.com

GOOD CHOICE KITCHEN 147 Main St., Ossining NY 914.266.3003 goodchoicekitchen.com

THE FREIGHT HOUSE CAFÉ

609 Route 6, Mahopac NY 845.628.1872 thefreighthousecafe.com

COFFEE COFFEE LABS ROASTERS

Order beans online/ship home 7 Main St., Tarrytown, NY 914.332.1479; coffeelabs.com

FARMERS’ MARKETS GOSSETT’S FARM MARKET

& Gossett Brothers Nursery 1202 Rt.35, South Salem, NY 914.763.3001; Gossettnursery.com

Natural FOOD FARM STORE Z FARMS ORGANIC Open Every Day. 355 Poplar Hill Rd. Dover Plains, NY 917.319.6414 ZFarmsOrganic.com

FARMS FABLE: FROM FARM TO TABLE

1311 Kitchawan Rd, Ossining, NY Sat & Sun 9am-4pm FableFoods.com

HARVEST MOON FARM & ORCHARD

130 Hardscrabble Rd North Salem, NY 914.485.1210 HarvestMoonFarmAndOrchard.com

HILLTOP HANOVER FARM & ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1271 Hanover St, Yorktown Heights, NY 914.962.2368 HilltopHanoverFarm.org

THREE FEATHERS FARM

Grass-fed beef & eggs 371 Smith Ridge Rd, S. Salem 914.533.6529; threefeathers.farm

HUDSON VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

Greig Farm, 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 914.474.2404 Facebook.com/ HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.

HUDSON VALLEY REGIONAL FARMERS MARKET Sundays, 10am-2pm 15 Mount Ebo Road South Brewster, NY

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Foodie Guide

with

JUICE DRINK LIVING JUICE

MARKETS GREENS NATURAL FOODS Briarcliff Manor 97 North State Road Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 914.800.9146

VEGAN SKINNY BUDDHA ORGANIC KITCHEN

159 Lexington Ave., Mt. Kisco 914.358.1666 MySkinnyBuddha.com

Eastchester 780 White Plains Rd. Scarsdale, NY 10583 914.874.5481 Mt. Kisco 666 Lexington Ave. Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 914.864.1274 Somers 57 Rte. 6. (in Baldwin Place) Somers, NY 10505 914.485.8093 GreensNaturalFoods.com

GREEN ORGANIC MARKET 275 S. Central Park Ave. Hartsdale, NY 914.437.5802 FB: GreenOrganicMarket

WHOLE FOODS MARKET 575 Boston Post Rd, Port Chester, NY 914.708.1985

Cucumber Rounds w/ Herb Cashew Cream Cheese and “Lox” Appetizers at Skinny Buddha

1 Ridge Hill Rd, Yonkers, NY 914.378.8090 110 Bloomingdale Rd, White Plains, NY 914.288.1300 WholeFoodsMarket.com

7(1/2) servings in one serving of green juice to go.

914.763.6320; DrinkLivingJuice.com

Gift certificates available!

To place your business listing on this page call 845-593-0065 WakeUpNaturally.com

March 2021

19

conscious eating

Indoor Edible Gardening Grow Veggies, Sprouts and Microgreens Year-Round

by April Thompson

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trellis for vining plants like cucumbers, wiring it up with screw eyes.

Mini-Greens, Major Nutrients Many health-conscious gardeners are drawn to sprouts and microgreens for their nutritional benefits, as they contain as much as 40 times the nutrients as their full-grown counterparts. Sprouts can easily be grown with or without soil, and are eaten before the first tiny cotyledon leaves emerge, whereas microgreens are harvested later, often just before or after the first true leaves, the second pair, pop up.

“Sprouted greens grown at home are the freshest food you’ll ever eat. Being able to grow your own salads is also a lot of fun in the winter, to see the wonderful colors growing on your shelf,” says Peter Burke,

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here’s no need to wait until the last frost date to sow a kitchen garden. Impatient gardeners or those without outdoor space can grow almost anything indoors with a little light and creativity.

“You can start many edible plants from seed on a sunny windowsill, even in late winter.

You’ll be surprised how quickly everything germinates this time of year,” says Zia Allaway, the British author of Indoor Edible Garden: Creative Ways to Grow Herbs, Fruits, and Vegetables in Your Home.

Herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are among the many foods that can be easily grown from seed indoors, according to Allaway. Many fruiting plants that are not self-pollinating, such as cucumbers, need a boost from hand pollination if growing them indoors. Allaway adds, “When growing any plants on a windowsill, rotate them periodically so they grow evenly, as they will turn toward the light.”

While crops like garlic, beets and carrots won’t reach maturity indoors, they can still be grown inside for their tasty, nutritious leaves. To grow garlic shoots, for example, remove the papery outer case and submerge the flat end of a garlic bulb in a container of water, leaving the top exposed to air. Within a few weeks, garlicky-flavored shoots will sprout up that can be harvested and used like chives, advises Allaway.

To maximize space, she suggests growing plants vertically, perhaps by hanging bushy herbs or trailing plants in a window basket. She has also used interior walls to erect a

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the Calais, Vermont, author of Year-Round Indoor Salad Gardening: How to Grow Nutrient-Dense, Soil-Sprouted Greens in Less Than 10 Days.

Burke’s tried and true method is to plant a small amount of seed every day from a mix of sunflower, peas, radish, buckwheat and brassicas like broccoli or kohlrabi, providing a steady supply of his family’s daily dose of greens. While some gardeners grow sprouts or microgreens directly on paper towels or coconut coir, Burke prefers using a storebought, germination soil mix, spread up to two inches deep in reusable trays, watered once a day and grown without artificial light.

Many seeds commonly found in the home pantry can be turned into sprouts and shoots, says Lina Wallentinson, the Swedish author of Sprouts, Shoots and Microgreens: Tiny Plants to Grow and Eat in Your Kitchen.

“Mustard seeds from the spice shelf, whole lentils in all colors, chickpeas and yellow peas can all be easily grown for sprouts and shoots without any special equipment,” she says.

Seeds can be put into wide-mouthed jars, soaked overnight, and then drained and rinsed two to three times a day. Germination of seeds into sprouts, from mung beans to quinoa, can typically take less than 24 hours with this method.

Sprouts and microgreens make great toppers for salads, soups, sandwiches or smoothies, and they can also be cooked.

“Newly sprouted mung and lentil seeds with a short ‘tail’ are perfect to flash-fry and season with soy, chili and a little sesame oil as an alternative to rice or pasta,” says Wallentinson. “Sprouts are also nice to bake with. Like seeds and nuts, they give a good little chew in all kind of breads.”

Whether growing sprouts, microgreens or full-sized plants, Allaway advises home gardeners to make drainage holes at the bottom of the containers to avoid overwatering. “It’s better to underwater than overwater a plant, because once it starts to rot, it’s game over. There is also research showing that a little stress from occasional underwatering can trigger the plant to produce more phytochemicals, which are nutritionally beneficial,” she says.

Green Smoothie Bowl Here’s a recipe that contains both sprouts and shoots.

The buckwheat provides a little extra satiety. Top the bowl with some poppy seeds, grated coconut, nuts and berries.

Yield: 2 bowls Approx. 1¼ cup mild, tender shoots such as broccoli, chia, pea or sunflower 2 frozen bananas 3½ oz frozen mango, diced 2 Tbsp buckwheat sprouts 6¾ oz mild plain yogurt (3 percent) or coconut or almond milk Hemp hearts, poppy seeds, grated coconut, nuts and frozen red and/or black currants, for topping Blend shoots, bananas, mango, sprouted buckwheat and yogurt until smooth using a countertop or immersion blender.

Pour into bowls and top with hemp hearts, poppy seeds, nuts, coconut and berries.

Sprouted Hummus Every Middle Eastern family has their own recipe for hummus. Naturally, there has to be a sprouted version of it, too. With a jar of hummus in the refrigerator, I can always cobble together some kind of dish for lunch or dinner.

Yield: about 6.75 fluid oz (nearly 1 cup) 7 oz sprouted chickpeas (or yellow peas) 1 garlic clove 2 Tbsp tahini 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ tsp sambal oelek ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp salt 4 Tbsp olive oil Put the sprouted peas in a small saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the peas for 10 minutes. Pour off the water.

Peel and finely chop the garlic. Mix the peas in a food processor or with an immersion blender, along with the garlic, tahini, lemon juice, sambal oelek, cumin, salt and oil.

Dilute with some water if the hummus seems too thick.

Option: Turmeric adds a nice yellow color to hummus. But sample the hummus as you add it in—some enjoy the taste of turmeric, others less so. Start with ½ teaspoon per recipe.

Recipes excerpted from Sprouts, Shoots & Microgreens: Tiny Plants to Grow and Eat in Your Home Kitchen, by Lina Wallentinson. Photography by Lennart Weibull.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

March 2021

21

DOWN TO EARTH The Promise of Regenerative Organic Farming

by Sandra Yeyati

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ith its dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, heavy tilling techniques, concentrated animal feeding practices and mono-crops—all designed to maximize yields—conventional farming has come at a great cost. “Conventional intensive farming practices have significant negative consequences for the land and surrounding ecosystems,” says Richard Teague, Texas A&M professor of Ecosystem Science and Management. “By disrupting the natural function of these habitats, the valuable ecosystem services they provide are compromised.”

The way we’re growing food now is not sustainable. “According to the United Nations, we only have 60 harvests left before our soil is completely depleted. Years of conventional industrial agriculture have drained the soil dry of all of the organic matter, all the microbes, that microbiome that brings nutrients to our plants and to our planet as a whole,” says Margaret Wilson, content creation and media relations specialist at the Rodale Institute.

The UN also reported last year that agriculture and forestry were responsible for nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. “Agriculture is a climate-intensive process and conventional practices make that even worse because they’re fossil fuel-intensive,” Wilson says. “They require a lot of machinery to plow fields and distribute pesticides. Fertilizers 22

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are fossil fuel-based. Tillage is a huge part of conventional agriculture, where you’re turning the soil over, and that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.”

One third of the world’s land surface is considered desert, and according to Judith D. Schwartz, the Vermont author of The Reindeer Chronicles and Cows Save the Planet, most deserts are manmade. “If we look historically, we learn that most deserts

were once thriving grasslands or some other kind of ecosystem and became deserts after hundreds of years of poor grazing management or farming that was no longer putting nutrients back into the soil.”

The good news is that deserts can be brought back to life. In the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, where much of the land is degraded, ingenious ranchers have figured out a way to support healthy animals and plant biodiversity. “The ranchers were earning money by managing the livestock holistically in a way that was reviving the ecological function of these lands, so there were thick grasses, birds and butterflies flourishing right next to land that looked horrible—absolute deserts with a lot of erosion, the soil so depleted that it couldn’t hold water,” recalls Schwartz, who visited the area.

Regenerative organic farming holds great promise to rebuild soil, draw carbon from the atmosphere and ultimately grow healthier food. “When you take out the pesticides, fertilizers and intensive tilling, our farming systems trial concluded that regenerative organic agriculture uses 45 percent fewer fossil fuels and releases 40 percent fewer carbon emissions than conventional practices,” Wilson says, adding that a recent Rodale Institute white paper postulated that by transitioning all global crop and pastureland to regenerative management, we could sequester 100 percent of annual carbon dioxide emissions.

As the founder of the Rodale Institute, J.I. Rodale, said, “Healthy soil equals healthy food equals healthy people.” Soil restoration is job one, and we know how to do this. “The goal of regenerative farming is to farm and ranch in nature’s image,” says Gabe Brown, a North Dakota farmer and author of Dirt to Soil. He offers the following six principles to create a thriving, regenerating agricultural ecosystem:

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Context: “There’s a reason bananas do not grow in North Dakota. They don’t fit the context, whereas more spring wheat is grown in North Dakota than anywhere else.

You have to farm and ranch in your context.”

The least amount of mechanical and chemical disturbance possible: “Nature tills with earthworms and burrowing rodents, but it certainly doesn’t till the soil like we do in farming or even in gardening. Tilling is the worst thing you can do if you want to raise nutrient-dense food. Nature aerates the soil with the use of living plants and soil aggregates. Those soil aggregates will only last about four weeks, then new ones need to be formed, and the only way to form them is by not tilling and allowing biology and fungi to secrete substances that help bind sand, silt and clay to form soil aggregates.”

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Armor on the soil: “Nature always tries to cover the soil, whether it be leaves in a forest or decaying plants in a pasture or field. Nature does not like bare soil.”

Diversity: “Where in nature do you see a monoculture? Usually only where man put it or man’s actions have driven it to be a monoculture. Nature is very diverse, so hundreds of different grasses, legumes all growing in harmony. We’ve gotten away from that.

Now we plant monocultures. That’s not the way nature functions.”

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Livestock and insect integration: “Nature does not function properly without animals. Too many people think we have to remove the animals from the landscape.

That’s the worst thing you can do. What’s going to pollinate the plants? The way our rich soils were formed was with large herds of ruminants, grazing the plants. That plant, once grazed, starts sloughing off root exudates to attract biology, to regrow, and then that plant is able to cycle more carbon out of the atmosphere.”

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A living root being in the soil as long as possible throughout the year: “I go out in the spring here in North Dakota, and you’ve got crocuses coming up through the snow. That’s nature’s way of trying to take the solar energy and all of these compounds out of the atmosphere, and through photosynthesis convert it into carbon to feed soil biology.”

March 2021

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Brown waxes poetic when he talks about the amazing results of regenerative farming. “Healthy soil looks like dark chocolate cake.

It’s full of pore spaces. Healthy soil is dark because of the amount of carbon in it. It smells good, whereas unhealthy soil is very compacted. There’s no pore spaces. Water cannot infiltrate into it. It’s a dull, pale color. You can see it, you can smell it, you can feel it.”

According to Wilson, the Rodale Institute is poised to help farmers adopt these principles and make them profitable. “People say regenerative organic isn’t scalable, but through our farming systems trial, we’re proving that you can do this on a large scale.

It might require customization, but that’s why we’re investing so much in providing support and research to farmers to help them navigate that, and we’re seeing that scalability is not a barrier to implementation because so many big companies like Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia are starting to implement these practices because people are demanding it. The market finds a way to make it doable and as long as we keep up our consumer education and show people that this is a benefit to everybody, I think large-scale farmers and corporations that buy their products will respond.”

Last year, Graham Christensen’s father gave him and his brother full control of a 750-acre farm in Oakland, Nebraska, that has been in the family since 1867. Over the decades, the farm has seen many changes, but the biggest transformation is still to come, as the brothers eagerly transition their once conventional operation into a regenerative organic one.

The family began to incorporate a few innovations 12 years ago when they stopped tilling the land and adopted solar energy, but this year they’ll take bolder steps to eliminate their dependence on GMO seeds and chemical fertilizers and pesticides which over the years have reduced organic matter levels in the soil and led to increased and unhealthy nutrient levels in their waterways.

“For the first time, we’ll be cover-cropping 612 acres and expanding habitats for wildlife, especially in some riparian areas, so we can get more roots in the soil and have better filtration and cleaner water,” Christensen explains. “We’re going to produce nutrients by building a biodiverse ecosystem and we’re incorporating animal grazing systems to help us fertilize naturally rather than having to add synthetics like nitrogen and phosphorus.”

They have planted a 100-tree hazelnut orchard that they hope to expand as a tree crop. “That’s going to help us stop soil erosion, store more carbon in the ground, produce another form of income and also be able to fit right into our cropping system, virtually taking out no extra land; just creating a higher layer, so now we’re farming higher in the air.”

The transition is not without its risks, Christensen adds. “Farms like ours have been heavily subsidized by the federal government to ship our grain to other countries. What we’re trying to do now is produce more small grains and hazelnuts for a regional market and reintroduce livestock to the land—not in confinement—so we can focus more on feeding people in our local community and in Omaha or Lincoln or Kansas City or Des Moines.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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farm resources

Bionutrient Food Association Welcomes Gardeners

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estchester residents wanting to grow their own nutritious food can get help through the Westchester Chapter of the Bionutrient Food Association—a group of gardeners, farmers, families, nutritionists and chefs who believe that good soil produces nutritious food, healthy people and a clean environment.

“The BFA’s mission is to improve the quality of the food supply. Organic is a good start, but it does not guarantee nutrition,” says BFA gardening group visiting private farm in Bedford.

BFA leader Ellen Best. “We meet at small Westchester farms and observe the techniques of farmers and backyard gardeners. We keep in touch with a newsletter, online presentations and in-person workshops whenever possible—things like how to create good soil, what and when to plant vegetables, even how to grow and harvest all year round.”

Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome to join, she says. Those who are new to gardening can learn how to start a garden quickly and easily at almost no cost, and where to get help as it grows.

For more information, visit Bionutrient.org. To sign up for the BFA newsletter and to receive announcements about upcoming events, email westchesterbfa@gmail.com.

Hudson Valley Farmland Finder Matches Farmers with Land

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s small farms continue to play a big role putting food on tables in the Hudson Valley, farmers and landowners are connecting through a secure online database, the Farmland Finder, created by the Hudson Valley Farmlink Network, a partnership of 15 organizations overseen by the American Farmland Trust. The database lists farmers, farmers looking for land, and farm properties in 13 counties, including Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess.

In addition to helping match farmers with land, the Farmland Finder website includes information about workshops and networking events for farmers and landowners. It also offers resources regarding leases, financing, taxes, insurance and other topics helpful to small farmers.

The Hudson Valley Farmlink Network, comprising both agriculture and conservation groups, was established to help farmers find land, develop farm succession plans, conserve their farms and prepare their land for farming. It offers information, training, networking and one-on-one assistance.

For more info, email hvff@farmland.org or visit HudsonValleyFarmlandFinder.org.

Dutchess County Develops FarmFriendly Guidelines

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utchess County has launched a new effort to make its communities more farm friendly, with two publications to help municipalities plan and zone for agriculture. It’s also hosting a free virtual series, Farming in Dutchess.

The Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development has released the inaugural edition of its new publication, Blueprint: An In-Depth Look at Planning Issues. The first issue, Fielding Farm-Friendliness Through Planning and Zoning, explores how communities can integrate farm-friendly practices into local land-use documents. A new eNewsletter, Food for Thought: Supporting Urban Agriculture Through Planning and Zoning, from the Dutchess County Planning Federation, focuses on how communities can support agriculture in and around cities, villages, town centers and large residential neighborhoods or subdivisions.

The virtual series, hosted by the Dutchess County Agricultural Advisory Committee, will cover social and land-development pressures (March); agriculture education (April); local food, farm markets and stores (May); and food security (June).

“Dutchess County is truly an incredible place to farm, and the work we are doing for Dutchess County agriculture is so very important,” says Matt Sabellico, committee chair. “It gives me a deep sense of accomplishment knowing we are working to aid established farms, as well as up-and-coming ones, to be successful, and it all begins with knowledge. Getting relevant information into the hands of farmers, municipal staff, and members of the public gives the Dutchess County agriculture community the tools necessary to not only survive but thrive.”

For more info, visit DutchessNY.gov/ Departments/Planning/agriculture.htm.

More local Natural Awakenings news at WakeUpNaturally.com March 2021

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green living

Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol A Primer on the Latest Research

by Sandra Yeyati

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ver since the Farm Bill of 2018 legalized the commercial production of hemp, U.S. sales of cannabidiol (CBD) have exploded onto the scene with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of vendors popping up around the country. CBD, a cannabinoid, is abundant in the hemp flower. “By law, hemp is defined as a variety of cannabis plant that has less than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid that induces a high,” says Shannon Livingston, a cannabis consultant for Florida Gulf Coast University, in Fort Myers.

Proven Benefits of CBD: “The enthusiasm for CBD is soaring above the actual scientific evidence,” says Peter Grinspoon, M.D., a leading medical cannabis expert and primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. “What’s known is that it helps with childhood epilepsy, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a CBD drug for that. It is believed, and there’s good animal data and some human data to suggest, that CBD helps with chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.”

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Anxiety Under Study: A clinical trial examining a high-CBD, low-THC (the psychoactive component) sublingual custom formulation for patients with moderate to severe anxiety is being conducted by Staci Gruber, Ph.D., director of Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery at McLean Hospital, in Belmont, Massachusetts, and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “In the open label phase of this study, we’ve seen a rather dramatic and precipitous drop in symptoms of anxiety and depression after four weeks of treatment. We’ll see if this holds in the doubleblind phase, which is underway now,” she explains.

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Entourage Effect: Gruber notes that this customized formulation is a full-spectrum, whole-plant formula, saying, “You often seem to get a bigger bang for the buck using a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum (whole plant minus THC) product, rather than just a single extracted compound.” The process she’s describing is called the entourage

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March 2021

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Hemp Industries Association Expands with Northeast Affiliate

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ew York’s chapter of the Hemp Industries Association—the hemp industry’s oldest trade organization and the only one that is member led and focused—has been approved for expansion as the northeast region affiliate of the HIA. With the expansion, the NYHIA will be rebranded as North-EastHIA.

“The North-EastHIA will support New York’s and adjacent states’ hemp farmers and industry participants, especially in light of the recently adopted Final Rule, which will have a high impact on New York’s CBD retailers and consumers,” says Shira Adler, president of North-EastHIA, founder and CEO of Synergy by Shira Adler, and author of The ABCs of CBD: The Essential Guide.

“The current bifurcation of the hemp industry means part of it will now be run under the Department of Health, while industrial hemp will remain under the Department of Agriculture and Markets,” she says. “With such a tricky landscape and ongoing changes that affect CBD nationally, the North-EastHIA will proudly serve to educate, support and connect anyone in the industries—whether consumer, wellness practitioner, retailer or farmer.”

For more information, visit NYHIA.org and TheHIA.org or contact Shira Adler at The1ShiraAdler@gmail.com. See ad, page

effect—an assumption that all elements of the cannabis plant, working together, are most effective. “I believe there’s a significant role for terpenoids, flavonoids and other cannabinoid constituents of the plant, in addition to the big two (THC and CBD), and I have a grant to look at that very question,” she says.

Experts agree that the best approach is to start low and go slow.

How to Start CBD:

Experts agree that the best approach is to start low and go slow.

“With experimentation, the patient will know what works for them,” Grinspoon says. “When CBD doesn’t work with my patients, the next step is to add a little bit of medical cannabis; it often takes a very little dose to help them with their sleep or their chronic pain.” Medical marijuana has been legalized in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

Route of Administration:

“When you smoke or vape, it’s an almost immediate onset, which is helpful for breakthrough pain, nausea and anything you want to treat immediately, but the effect is very short-lived,” Livingston explains. “For chronic pain, you might take a capsule or the patch that will last six to eight hours. If you want to fall asleep, a sublingual will work. For a skin condition, you might rub an oil on your skin. It’s really about the time of onset, how long you need it to last and what you’re treating.”

Ensuring Quality Control:

“Choose CBD providers that are certified for good manufacturing practices; conduct batch-specific, third-party testing on all of their products; and provide certificates of analysis directly from those labs. These tests can detect the presence of heavy metals, bacterial or microbial life, mycotoxins and pesticides, and also provide cannabinoid potency and terpene profiles,” says Grace Kaucic, senior communications and content manager at Bluebird Botanicals, a CBD company in Louisville, Colorado.

Our Built-In Cannabinoids:

In the mid-1990s, researchers discovered the endocannabinoid system of receptors and neurotransmitters throughout the body, which uses cannabinoids that our own bodies produce. “This system is believed to control homeostasis, the body’s ability to regulate itself and maintain normal functioning,” Grinspoon says, adding that he believes this system will become central to medicine over the next few years as more research is conducted.

Research is Ongoing:

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for cannabis science,” Gruber says. “There’s every reason to be optimistic about the potential of harnessing and exploiting the benefits of cannabis and canna-

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Choose CBD providers that are certified for good manufacturing practices. binoids in ways that may still surprise us, but to be cautiously optimistic. It is not a panacea. It will never be one-size-fits-all.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

Local CBD Resources AAA Wellness CBD Scarsdale, NY 10583 914.320.9506 liz@AAAWellnessCBD.com aaawellnesscbd.com CBD Live Natural A Division of Custom Candle CO. Bedford Hills, NY 914.705.1111; CBDLiveNatural.com Natural ReLEAF 758 N Broadway White Plains, NY 10603 914.881.9185 NaturalReleafNYC@gmail.com TheNaturalReleaf.com Synergy by Shira Adler ShiraSynergy.com Shira@ShiraSynergy.com; @ShiraSynergy Your CBD Store 222 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco, NY 914.276.5409 YourCBDstoreMtKisco.com March 2021

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inspiration

HEALING FROM GRIEF Four Ways to Find Peace

by Jasmin Jenkins

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hen I was 13, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At 15, I was at her graveside, navigating my first experience with the other side of love: loss. Ten years later, my beloved and only brother died tragically as a result of PTSD and untreated addiction. In a word: suicide. Where my mom’s death silenced me, my brother’s death pushed me into a deep pursuit of healing.

In the nine years since then, I have committed to discovering the light side of grief, to identifying and embracing the invitations that lay within its deep layers. What I’ve come to learn is that grieving is actually a renewal state—a cycle of releasing and reconnecting. The tears and sadness are, quite literally, just a more fluid connection to love. These are the four invitations I’ve found within the grief:

1 The invitation to pause

When someone we love dies, our whole world changes in an instant and forever. And with this disruption, there is an opportunity for sacred inquiry that arrives as we pause and honor the absence of our loved one: the impressions they made on our lives, what we will miss about them, how we will continue to celebrate their lives and what their story taught us.

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The invitation to connect with our breath

kissedbythegods/Pexels.com

With the intensity of emotions surrounding loss, breath can serve as our anchor. Simply remembering to close our eyes and breathe allows us to stay grounded in our body, mind and spirit. In the TED talk “Breathe to Heal,” Max Strom explains how certain patterns of breathing can actually change how we feel.

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3The invitation to feel

Elizabeth Kübler–Ross taught us about the five stages of grief, but since everyone’s story and process is so unique, there is ultimately no linear order of the stages. If an emotion arises, allow for it. Feelings, after all, are just information about the state of our heart. The more we can give ourselves permission to be with where we are in our grief, the more at peace we will be in our process.

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4The invitation to heal

Healing is a verb requiring action and commitment. We have to allow for the pain to heal, also remembering that in doing so, we must keep our hearts open. We have to ask for help when healing, because most of us can’t heal in isolation. Therapists who specialize in grief, online grief courses, bodywork and support groups can help us move forward.

Zen Buddhism reminds us that the obstacle is the path. By exploring these invitations, we arrive at the truth that grief is actually a sacred pathway into a deeper connection within our hearts.

Jasmin Jenkins is a Los Angeles-based integrative grief guide and the founder of Fall Up, which supports people navigating the spectrum of grief. Learn more at WeFallUp.com.

Dwyer & Michael’s Launches Hudson Green Funeral Services

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wyer & Michael’s Funeral Home, which serves Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, along with the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island, has formed a sister company, Hudson Green Funeral Services, dedicated solely to offering eco-friendly funerals.

“From graveside ceremonies in a natural burial ground to cremation with biodegradable and living plant urn options, our team is fully versed on all the requirements of a green funeral,” says Manager Michael V. Carpinone. ​ A green funeral service minimizes negative environmental effects by forgoing formaldehyde-based embalming, skipping concrete vaults, rethinking burial containers and maintaining and protecting the natural habitat, Carpinone says.

“Choices can be made at each step of the death-care process to limit waste, reduce the carbon footprint and even nourish the local ecosystem,” he explains. “We’re here to guide you and continue to provide the highest standards and affordable services for our community and to the families that we serve.”

Dwyer & Michael’s Funeral Home has been in business since the 1940s and has been owned by Carpinone’s father since 2018. Both Carpinones are funeral directors licensed in New York State.

Location: Hudson Green Funeral Services, 90 N. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY. For more info, call 914.848.4140, email info@ hudsongreenfuneral.com or visit NewYorkGreenFunerals.com See ad on this page.

March 2021

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wise words

Jeff Tkach on Regenerative Healthcare

by Patricia Trenchak

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or over 70 years, Rodale Institute— a pioneer of the organic food movement—has championed the concept of farming without herbicides and pesticides by funding and supporting scientific studies and education. Now entering his fifth year with Rodale Institute, Chief Impact Officer Jeff Tkach is committed to upholding the legacy of the Institute’s founder, J.I. Rodale, who believed that healthy soil equals healthy food equals healthy people. According to Tkach, farmers and healthcare professionals need to embrace a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health, and Rodale Institute is here to bridge the gap between these two industries by unlocking the transformational power of regenerative healthcare.

How did your personal journey lead you to explore regenerative healthcare?

In 2016, I experienced a tremendous health collapse in my own life. I went through six conventional medical doctors and $50,000 in medical bills. I had been a highperforming businessperson up until that point, and found myself on medical leave, bedridden and unable to work. I sought out a doctor who practiced something called functional medicine, which focuses on finding the root of whatever caused the breakdown in health. After numerous 32

tests, it was discovered that I had chronic Lyme disease. The doctor explained that there was nothing he could prescribe that was going to instantly make me better.

Through my work with him, I had to look at my body as a whole system and came to realize that food is medicine. Ultimately, alternative modalities like acupuncture and IV [intravenous] therapy, as well as food healed me.

What is regenerative healthcare?

It is a system in which farming and healthcare work together focused on a prevention-based approach to human and environmental health. Instead of using toxic chemicals to farm, regenerative healthcare aims to prevent disease through an organic, plant-based, whole-foods diet.

Regenerative healthcare begins on farms that work in harmony with nature. At Rodale Institute, we see ourselves as a human health organization, not an agricultural organization. We use agriculture as a tool to promote human health. Our goal is to build the first brick and mortar facility in the world, called the Regenerative Health Institute, that will connect medical doctors and farmers. The facility will be a 333acre certified organic farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, that will provide innovative research on the links between farming and human health. We’re going to be doing scientific research that demonstrates the

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link between soil health and the health of people, and we’re going to educate and train tomorrow’s doctors to become more literate in agriculture and to understand how they can use food as medicine.

How can we harness the power of regenerative organic farming to foster good health?

The current mode of farming is systemically broken, and farmers need to move in a healthier direction. The science is showing that elements in pesticides and herbicides are known carcinogens that are wreaking havoc on our immune systems. They are ubiquitous in our air and drinking water.

Farmers are no longer able to control where those chemicals land. They’re leaching into our groundwater, killing the life in the soil and causing major soil erosion.

Ultimately, they’re causing imbalances in nature of mass proportion.

How can you convince people to adopt organic and consider food as medicine?

We need to encourage people to get to know a farmer. There are incredible regenerative organic farmers in our own communities that oftentimes don’t have access to mainstream markets. During the pandemic, we saw a major increase in sales directly from farms to consumers. When the supply chains in the grocery stores broke down, we turned to farmers. That’s profound. As a result of the pandemic, 22 million new gardens were planted in the United States, according to the National Gardening Association. We need to keep that going. It’s very exciting to be a part of this movement as people around the world come to understand the importance of food as medicine. I truly believe that r������������������������������������������ egenerative healthcare ������������������������������ is the key to healing our planet.

For more information, visit RodaleInstitute.org.

Patricia Trenchak writes for KnoWEwell, a Regenerative Whole Health Community platform and a collaborative partner of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. See ad on page 2.

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Emotional Baggage?

Time to Start Unpacking

Belight-shutterstock.com

by Laurie R. Mallis, M.D.

T

o say that the last year has been tough is quite an understatement.

The fact that we have all been in it together may help slightly, but in the larger picture each of us is still left to deal with the effects.

It’s well known that emotional issues, both current and past, have a damaging effect on overall health and well-being.

Any negative emotions—stress, anxiety, depression, anger, fear—cause physiological changes that lead to a weaker immune system, increased inflammation and elevated levels of pain. Finally, western medicine is publicly acknowledging this connection and how it adversely affects physical health, even increasing the risk for certain types of cancer and chronic diseases.

There are many techniques that can help destress the body. One size does not fit all, so it’s important to find the technique that works for you. It’s also important that you enjoy it, or you won’t commit to doing it on a regular basis.

Practice deep breathing. This is one of the most effective ways to quickly ground your energy and calm yourself. If possible, remove yourself from the stressful situation and find a quiet place to sit with both feet

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planted on the floor, hands resting on top of your thighs. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Focus on your breath and nothing else. Repeat this cycle 10 times. This will decrease your cortisol level, slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.

Try an adult coloring book. This is a great way to reconnect the body, mind and spirit.

Do not use a coloring app; this needs to be done the old-fashioned way, using colored pencils or pens and paper. Concentrating on the coloring process activates different areas in the brain that help you relax and recharge.

Take a short walk. When you start feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to break the cycle and walk away. If you’re at home, walk around the house, either inside or outside. If you’re in the office, take a bathroom break or find a quiet place to recharge for a few minutes. This will help your body “reboot” and relax.

Reconnect with nature. The benefits of being outdoors are enormous, and it doesn’t require a large amount of time. Being more

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observant about your surroundings can do a lot to increase the endorphins in your body. If going outside is an issue, consider bringing nature inside by growing some houseplants. Surrounding yourself with beautiful green plants will improve your indoor air quality as well as your mood.

Take a mental vacation. Try a guided imagery meditation that allows you to travel to the beach, lake, mountains or wherever you prefer to go to recharge.

Any of the above techniques can be done in a small amount of time, and if they’re done on a regular basis, the benefits can be remarkable. If you still can’t get adequate relief, consider deeper, longer-lasting qi energy healing treatments—like acupuncture, Reiki and Ondamed Biofeedback—that work on the root cause of an underlying problem.

Laurie R. Mallis, M.D., LAc is the owner of SearchLight Medical, 2424 Route 52, Hopewell Junction, NY. For more information, call 845.592.4310 or visit SearchLightMedical.com. See ad, page 9.

Intuitive & Healing Arts ASTROLOGY Pam Cucinell Phone, online & in person 917.796.6026; InsightOasis.com

ENERGY HEALING Elizabeth Pasquale, CST, NLP Bemer, Cranial, Lymph, NLP At home, office or remotely WellOnTheWay.org; 607.351.7024

Synchronicity Psychics/Crystals Candles/Tarot/Sage 1511 Route 22 Brewster @synchronicityny 845.363.1765 SynchronicityNY.com

PSYCHIC MEDIUM Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique 12 West Main St, Pawling, NY 845.493.0432 AngelAuraBoutique.com

ENERGY MEDICINE

Dreaming Goddess Hosts Aura Photography and Rocks with Rhi

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reaming Goddess, a specialty gift shop in Poughkeepsie, offers a range of classes and events designed to empower spiritual and personal growth, providing a safe haven for participants to connect with a community of fellow seekers. Founder Rhianna (Rhi) Mirabello leads several free weekly events but also hosts paid readings and services, such as 15-minute aura photography sessions on March 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each $35 aura photography session at Dreaming Goddess includes a simple overview of the process; a personal scan printed out in color; a short interpretation of the individual’s chakra and aura size, shape and color; and an emailed 23-page report.

The store’s free weekly events, currently held live on Facebook, include Rocks with Rhi at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Midweek Rhi-View at noon Wednesdays; and #DGLIVE Crystal Sales at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Rocks with Rhi explores stones from the store’s collection, as Mirabello chooses a different stone each week and explains its healing qualities, some history and folklore, and ways to incorporate it into daily life. Midweek Rhi-View is a regular check-in with Mirabello, who discusses various topics, such as manifestation how-to’s, self-care and astrology, as well as personal musings and current events.

#DGLIVE Crystal Sales showcase a curated variety of polished crystals along with stones and minerals in their natural, raw state. “I allow my intuitive sense to choose items from our extensive inventory to enhance and expand your live experience,” Mirabello says.

Location: Dreaming Goddess, 44 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. For more info, call 845.473.2206 or visit DreamingGoddess.com.

Bernadette Bloom, MI Energy Healing & Teacher 239.289.3744 theesotericbloom.com

INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALING

Celestial Touch Laura Schek, Psychic Medium, Reiki Master 7 Arch St, Pawling, NY 845.244.1767 celestialtouchllc.com

QIGONG

The Temperance Center Merrill Black, LCSW Reiki Master/Instructor Light Body Quantum Healings 914.793.2600 TheTemperanceCenter.com

In Balance Concepts Qigong. Tai Chi. Meditation 2505 Rt. 6, St. 108, Brewster 845.803.1992 Inbalancetaichi.com

INTUITIVE HEALING

Anne H. Bentzen, MSOT Jikiden Reiki Teacher/ Practitioner West Harrison, NY 914.588.4079 balancing4life.com

White Lotus Grace Intuitive Healing, Readings & Dance Millbrook + Virtual Sanctuary 845.677.3517 whitelotusgrace.com

NATURE & FOREST THERAPY Nature’s Whispers Guided Meditative Walks thru Nature Dutchess/Putnam/Westchester 845.489.7250 MeditativeWalks.com

NEW AGE STORES The Soul Connection Crystals. Jewelry. Books. More 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor, NY 914.737.HEAL; soulconnectionshop.com

REIKI

Edit Babboni, CHC, RYT 200 Reiki Healing.

Health Coaching. Yoga.

61 Lakeview Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 917.721.2529 yoga.zengarden@gmail.com

WELLNESS BOUTIQUE The Healing Collective NY 267A Central Ave. White Plains Shop & Heal: 914.236.HEAL thehealingcollectiveny.com

To market your business call 845-593-0065 March 2021

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natural pet

CANINE OBESITY When Doggies Need Diets

by Julie Peterson

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year ago, Leroy became exhausted lifting his furry head. Today, he has energy to run, chase and play, thanks to his owner helping the 11-year-old Shiba Inu lose 14 pounds. Leroy was adopted last May by Peter Nguyen, a facilities coordinator in Bellevue, Washington. Back then, Leroy weighed 56.4 pounds—twice the recommended weight. Nguyen found a holistic veterinarian to provide an integrative support plan to remove him from danger.

Overweight dogs are at risk for joint problems, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease and more. According to a 2018 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 55.8 percent of dogs (about 50 million) in the U.S. are either overweight or obese. The APOP also reports that most of the owners of these dogs don’t realize or are in denial about this important fact.

Determining Appropriate Weight “A dog that is a perfect weight, you can feel the ribs, but not see them. And you have an abdominal tuck when you look from the side. From above, right in front of the hips, you can see the waistline,” says Leroy’s veterinarian, Jackie Sehn, at Mercy Vet, in Mercer Island, Washington. She points out that the dog must be touched to feel the amount of fat, especially in long-coat breeds.

This evaluation can be done at home using the online Body Condition Score chart at PetObesityPrevention.org. The American Kennel Club also has a weight chart for dozens of breeds that can help determine an initial goal weight, although ideal weight can vary among individual dogs.

willie cole/AdobeStock.com

Doggy Diets

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Debbie Hensel, who fosters dogs, took in a morbidly obese 13-year-old Chocolate Labrador for the Mr. Mo Project, in Cary, North Carolina. Under her care, the pet went from 108 to 81 pounds within nine months. “Since Bruce was an older dog and overweight, the first thing we did was start him on a joint supplement with turmeric and a prescription diet food. In the beginning, I withheld some of his food and used it as treats throughout the day,” says Hensel. Every four to six weeks, Hensel decreased Bruce’s food intake.

She also divided up portions to feed him four times per day to help him feel full. “Portion control is important,” agrees Nguyen. “Leroy has a habit of wanting to eat more. I think he

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has a hard time knowing how much food he really needs.”

But the problem isn’t just eating too much. Pet owners are often feeding the wrong foods. “It is the quality sometimes more than quantity. Health doesn’t come from processed food,” says Sehn, adding that most dry kibble is essentially overprocessed junk food that lacks nutrients and contains fillers.

Fortunately, refrigerated and frozen dog food has made it easier to feed organic, fresh, nutritionally balanced, raw food which is based on a dog’s ancestral diet.

Raw food is also available dehydrated.

Treats, if included, should satisfy the chewing instinct without adding many calories.

Sehn recommends dehydrated chicken or duck feet, tendons and healthy jerkies.

“Switching to a raw diet helped with Leroy’s weight, but I had no idea it would have so many other benefits,” Nguyen says.

“I noticed that his coat was getting a lot softer and he smelled a lot better.”

Ease into Exercise “Bruce sounded like an elephant falling when he laid down and he couldn’t stand for long,” says Hensel. Indeed, exercise can overburden the heart and joints of an obese dog. At first, Leroy and Bruce both had a hard time just getting up off the floor, so losing weight first was crucial.

As the weight began to come off, they both became more engaged and stamina slowly increased. Hensel started by walking around in the backyard and letting Bruce follow. Their initial walks were to the end of the block. They would stop and rest before going back home. “As he lost weight and his strength improved, our walks got longer,” says Hensel.

Weight loss must be a healthy process.

“Breaking down excess fat takes time,” says Sehn, adding that losing too fast results in muscle loss. Patience and time are key.

“I think Bruce just needed less food and someone that wanted to do things with him,” says Hensel, who has adopted Bruce as her “forever foster dog”.

Julie Peterson writes about health and environmental issues. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Online Advertising on Big Brand Websites ►Custom Targeting ►Hyper-local Geo-targeting ►High Click Thru Rates ►Monthly Reporting ►Results!

Digital Connection NY

Effective Online Marketing Call Dana to get started: 845-593-0065.

March 2021

37

ON A ROLL

Foam Rollers Ease Pain and Workout Recovery

justlife/AdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

v.j.matthew/AdobeStock.com

fit body

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oam rolling— rolling parts of the body on top of a lightweight foam cylinder—targets trigger points or painful knots in muscles and is a valuable tool for reducing chronic pain and enhancing workout recovery. From sciatica to pelvic floor dysfunction, there is a foam roller for almost every condition, including low- to high-density, heated and textured types for massage-like benefits.

Research during the past several years shows that using foam rollers before or after exercise quells fatigue, improves joint mobility, lowers risk of injury and eases muscle soreness. Its effectiveness is attributed to the activation of the central nervous system resulting in better circulation and reduced inflammation.

“Foam rollers are used to relieve tension in the fascia (connective tissue), ‘roll’ out sore muscles and provide a soothing, self-controlled, soft-tissue massage,” says Amber Kivett, owner of Kivett Kinetic Solutions, in Monrovia, Indiana. “They can 38

also be used for proprioception, balance, flexibility, core stability training and most importantly, natural pain relief.”

Freeing the Body Fascia, the body’s all-pervasive connective tissue, tightens like an invisible net from injury and other stresses and can adhere to the underlying muscles, creating pain and restriction. “Foam rolling has the power to change and realign the 12 fascial lines responsible for human movement and support,” says Kivett. “Those same fascial lines also sense and transmit pain and emotion far greater than any nerve or muscle and respond well to foam rolling. There’s an emotional and spiritual release in the body when fascia is compressed and released. That response facilitates a structural change to human alignment and an immediate change in pain levels for all types and causes of pain.”

Foam rollers offer an opportunity for self-care, according to Los Angeles fitness trainer Ashley Borden. “Foam rolling is one of the best ways to troubleshoot your own body, keep it healthy and mobile. Us-

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ing an inexpensive tool like a foam roller not only feels good, but it also connects you to your body. Foam rolling the entire body encourages circulation and an immediate feeling of relief afterwards. My clients who don’t like to work out are usually surprised how good they feel post-rollout and feel encouraged to do more.” She cites research that shows that a dynamic warm-up, paired with the use of foam rollers before and after workouts, amplifies recovery and aids in the repair of muscular micro-tears.

For Rafal Augustynowicz, founder of TeamRAF Fitness, in Kent, England, it’s about counteracting lifestyle stresses. “The foam roller is a beautiful and great tool, especially in the 21st century, when we sit too many hours. It is a great tool to get our mobility and our posture back to normal.”

Recovery, Joint Pain and Sciatica Gently rolling targeted muscles below and above specific joints can help to resolve certain types of pain, including in the knee.

“Many times, when a person has pain in the knee, it’s more than likely they have

tight muscles elsewhere—calves, inner thighs, hip flexors or glutes—and the pain shows up in the knee,” says Augustynowicz. “Foam rolling and using a massage ball have saved me many times when I had a lot of problems with my back, neck, hip and a dislocated shoulder.”

The practice can help ease sciatica, a sometimes-excruciating condition. “Most cases of sciatic pain are caused by tight muscles deep in the buttocks, including the piriformis muscle,” says Kivett. “The sciatic nerve travels through the piriformis, so if it’s tight, it will cause a sensation similar to that of sciatica nerve pain. A foam roller can be used along the back, throughout the buttocks and the legs to relieve tension, soften tissues and calm the nervous system for instant pain relief.”

Kivett, who was introduced to foam rollers during intensive physical therapy after a life-altering accident, found them to be a way to recover from severe fibromyalgia pain.

“My nerves were hypersensitive from the injuries, and I used foam rolling to reboot the ‘software’ in my brain, which allowed me to engage in recovering.”

Foam rolling is an all-around boon, Borden highlights.

“The immediate relief, the muscle definition, the decrease in cellulite, all of these are added benefits.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

MORE ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS what to know before a roll

Amber Kivett: Ideally, it’s best to perform foam rolling right after a light warm-up for five to 10 minutes to increase circulation to the muscles and decrease tension and stiffness. If there is extra time, do a quick three to five minutes of foam rolling after a workout, but preferably after you’ve done your cool-down or some walking. You don’t have to foam-roll the entire body post-workout; just do a quick “scan” of areas that are more sensitive or painful.

For those with high levels of pain, fibromyalgia, MS, autoimmune conditions or an acute injury, I would recommend buying a low-density, soft, foam roller or [one] that vibrates, because soft and/or vibrating foam rollers are gentle to fragile areas.

Ashley Borden: Foam rolling is a valuable tool for the senior population to improve overall body tightness and circulation. Assistance is needed if you have a hard time getting up and down. I would also suggest a non-slip yoga mat and using the softest foam roller first to gauge the pressure. If you feel like you have to hold your breath when you are foam rolling, the surface is too hard.

Rafal Augustynowicz: Never use foam rollers on bones, joints, the spine or armpits; only on the muscle/flesh. Be informed to avoid arteries, etc. If it hurts too much, it’s probably not right. Watch tutorials or go to a professional.

March 2021

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natural awakenings

NETWORK BALANCE FITNESS

YOGA RETREATS

StepWISEnow Strength.Flexibility.Balance Online Classes Available 914.292.0602; Stepwisenow.com

Yoga in the Adirondacks, LLC 2 Coulter Rd, Bakers Mills, NY 518.251.3015;914.556.8258 yogaintheadirondacks.com

FITNESS

Peak Wellness Creates Post-Covid Recovery Program

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eak Wellness, a wellness and detox spa located in Somers, has created a special program for anyone suffering from the lingering effects of Covid-19. Clients will receive a customized assessment along with a private session of multiple wellness modalities to aid in their overall rehabilitation and recovery.

The protocol includes Exercise with Oxygen, a 10-to15-minute guided exercise session with supplemental oxygen, to help heal and rejuvenate the lungs and oxygenate the blood, brain and cells. According to Peak Wellness founder Greg Ribaudo, this technology also boosts energy, immunity, mood and well-being. The protocol also includes a combination of red light, PEMF and Scalar laser therapies designed to boost energy, optimize vascular circulation, and facilitate cellular detoxification and tissue repair. It finishes with an infrared detox sauna to help the body release toxins and recharge.

For clients who have experienced a loss of taste or smell, Peak Wellness offers an olfactory training protocol with essential oils, to speed recovery. Peak Wellness also offers emotional and nervous system support with biofeedback frequency and meditation technologies designed to release trauma and emotional stress from Covid-19.

For a limited time, new customers participating in the post-Covid program will receive three sessions for the price of two.

Location: Peak Wellness, 13 Edgewood Dr., Somers, NY. For more info, call 914.301.3393, email peakwellnessny@gmail.com or visit PeakWellnessNY.com. See ad page 39.

Promote your Fitness Business with Natural Awakenings.

Call 845-593-0065 WakeUpNaturally.com 40

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

Hourglass Women’s Wellness 33 S. Broadway, White Plains HourglassWomenswellness.com 914.831.3800 Peak Wellness Holistic Wellness Coaching 13 Edgewood Dr., Somers, NY 914.301.3393 PeakWellnessNY.com

QIGONG

YOGA STUDIOS BEACON Beacon Yoga Center 464 Main St., Beacon NY 845.440.6452 BeaconYogaCenter.org

CROSS RIVER O2 Living Sanctuary 792 Rt. 35 O2 Living Village 914.763.6320 o2livingsanctuary.com

In Balance Concepts Qigong. Tai Chi. Meditation 2505 Rt. 6, St. 108, Brewster 845.803.1992 Inbalancetaichi.com

DOBBS FERRY Sacred Spirit Yoga & Healing Arts Center 343 Broadway (on campus of South Presbyterian Church) sacredspirityogacenter.org

TAI CHI

KATONAH

StepWISEnow Strength.Flexibility.Balance Online Classes Available 914.292.0602; Stepwisenow.com

Golden Prana Yoga 223 Katonah Avenue 914.984.3408 goldenprana.yoga

TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA Crossover Yoga Project 420 S. Riverside Ave Box #223 914.319.4010 crossoveryogaproject.org

YOGA ASSOCIATIONS Yoga Society of New York Ananda Ashram Monroe, NY 845.782.5575 anandaashram.org Yoga Teachers Association Workshops 2nd Sat. 1:30 pm Via Zoom until further notice ytacommunications@gmail.com ytayoga.com

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MAHOPAC Putnam Yoga 30 Tomahawk Street Baldwin Place 845.494.8118 PutnamYoga.com SOMERS Zen Garden Health Coaching & Yoga Edit Babboni; CHC, RYT 200 61 Lakeview Dr., Yorktown Heights, NY 917.721.2529 yoga.zengarden@gmail.com

VALHALLA YogaShine Kripalu/Meditate/Yoga Therapy 7-11 Legion Drive, 914.769.8745 yogashine.com

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calendar of events Please call ahead to confirm times and dates. Pre-register early to insure events will have a minimum number to take place. To place a calendar listing, email us before March 12 (for the April issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email WPCcalendar@naturalawakenings.com for guidelines on how to submit listings. No phone calls or faxes, please.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 9:3011am. Fridays, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19 & 3/26. An inspiring way to start the day. Gain greater clarity and soul awareness. $25/session.

Golden Prana, 223 Katonah Ave. Katonah.

Info: 914.984.3408; goldenprana.yoga.

Green Squad at Blue Mountain Reservation – 10am-1pm. Volunteers will remove litter at Blue Mountain Reservation with Green Squad volunteer site leader. Blue Mountain Reservation, 240 Welcher Ave, Peekskill. Info: thewpf. org; 914.231.4600.

914 TLC Monthly Networking. See March 17.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

SATURDAY, MARCH 6 Lucky and Magical Crystals for the Month of March – 3pm. A facebook event. Free. Universal Healing Arts. Info: universalhealingarts.com.

Beekeepers Association Meeting – 7pm. Zoom.

Regardless of level of expertise, the goal of this group is to share apiary experiences and knowledge while mentoring or supporting each other. For non-members, there is a drop-in rate of $15. Info: stonykill.org/programs/beekeepers.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3

TUESDAY, MARCH 9

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 9:3011am. Wednesdays, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31.

With Hari Sangat Kaur. In person and on Zoom. An inspiring way to start the day. Gain greater clarity and soul awareness. $25/session. Golden Prana, 223 Katonah Ave. Katonah. Info: 914.984.3408; goldenprana.yoga.

Qi Gong for Beginners – 10-11am. 3/3 & 3/10.

Online class. Led by Jian-Yang Rong. Similar to Tai Chi, Qi Gong consists of gentle stretching exercises that incorporate the mind and the body. Yonkers Public Library. Info: 914.337.1500; ypl.org.

Women’s Wednesday – 7-9pm. Wednesdays in March. Spring cleaning on what does not serve us. $20 per session. First class is free. Zoom event. Info/ register: universalhealingarts.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation –11am12:30pm. Thursdays, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18 & 3/25. With Hari Sangat Kaur. In person and on Zoom. An inspiring way to start the day. Gain greater clarity and soul awareness. $25/session. Golden Prana, 223 Katonah Ave. Katonah. Info: 914.984.3408; goldenprana.yoga.

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6pm, lasts 30-45 minutes. Quit with Quinn addiction cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914.473.2015; quitwithquinn.com.

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Follow Your Heart Part 2 Class – With Bernadette Bloom. Topics will include advanced chakra teachings, spiritual initiations, 7 rays, the eyes and the eyes of the soul. Chappaqua or virtually via Zoom.

Info: 239.289.3744; theesotericbloom.com.

Stress and Insomnia: Breaking the Cycle – 6:157:30pm. With Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician. Free online lecture.

Through the Warner Library, Tarrytown. Registration required: 914.631.7734 or WarnerLibrary.org.

Saw Mill River Audubon’s Bird Chat – 7pm. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. Join local birders and photographers on Zoom for an informal gathering to share sightings and pictures, and discuss local birds and birding places.

Free. Info/register: sawmillriveraudubon.org/chat.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 Guided Sound Meditation – 6-7pm. Led by Cristina Reyes-Schleifer. Participants relax the body and mind, and reduce stress to discover new levels of fulfillment. $5 donation. The World Peace Sanctuary, 26 Benton Rd, Wassaic. Info: text 917.900.7705.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11 Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic – 7-8:15am. T.A.R.A. hosts a mobile cat spay/neuter clinic once a month at their facility in Hyde Park. Dutchess County SPCA. Service is by appointment only. Info: 845.452.7722, x 425.

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6pm, lasts 30-45 minutes. Quit with Quinn addiction cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914.473.2015; quitwithquinn.com.

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

WakeUpNaturally.com

Kidney, Liver, Lymph: Essential Detox Pathways with Dr. Kaushik. See March 23.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12 Are Bees for Me? – 3-4:15pm. Zoom. Stony Kill Workshop with Jorik Phillips from Hudson Valley Bee Supply. Outlines everything from associated costs and time commitment, to dealing with pests and pathogens, to harvesting liquid gold at the end of the season. $5 donation. Info: stonykill.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 Second Saturday Walk at Brinton Brook Sanctuary – 9-11am. No registration needed but social distancing a must and all participants must bring a mask to wear if 6 feet of distance is not possible.

Rain or shine. Meet in main parking area. Info: sawmillriveraudubon.org.

Moving into Stillness – 1:30–4:30pm. With Hunt Parr. Combine yoga asana and pranayama practice with Buddhist mindfulness and compassion meditation methods to downregulate and cultivate a sense of integration. $45 members/$65 nonmembers in advance. Via Zoom. Info: Audrey Brooks: 914.582.7816. ytayoga.com.

Westmoreland’s 17th Annual Sugarfest –2-3pm.

Completely outdoor program taught by experienced Naturalists. Participants learn how to tap trees and have a COVID-safe taste-test to see the difference between 100% maple syrup and imitation syrup. $5. Must register. Info: westmorelandsanctuary.org.

Lunar Sound Bath New Moon in Pisces with Hari Sangat – 4-6pm. With Hari Sangat. Special talk on the astrology of the lunar energies. Then relax, release and renew with the healing sounds of the gongs. In person only. $30. Golden Prana, 223 Katonah Ave. Katonah. Info: 914.984.3408; goldenprana.yoga.

New Moon Event – 7-8:30pm. Zoom event. How to create balance in all areas. $20. Info/register: universalhealingarts.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16 WHN Meeting: Spring Cleaning for Your Business and Life – 7-8:30pm. Webinar Presentation with Katie Corritori. Westchester Holistic Network.

Networking begins at 6:30pm. Free. Pre-registration required: WestchesterHolisticNetwork.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 914 TLC Monthly Networking – 8:30-10am.

Online via Zoom. A morning filled with connection and great conversation with Tribe TLC, a holistic practitioner and wellness entrepreneur networking community that values collaboration, connection and support. Info: 914TLC.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18 Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6pm, lasts 30-45 minutes. Quit with Quinn addiction cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914.473.2015; quitwithquinn.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19 How to Make Your own Crystal Grid – 7:30-9pm. Zoom event. $25. Info/register: universalhealingarts.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20 Finally - the Spring Equinox – 7pm. Join in on zoom to participate in this event and find out what this equinox joyfully means. $20. Info/register: universalhealingarts.com.

Edgar Cayce Workshop on Arthritis – 1-4pm.

With facilitator Jack Rosen. Learn Edgar Cayce’s holistic approach to healing arthritis using remedies; including products to make the blood system alkaline. $20 donation. The World Peace Sanctuary, 26 Benton Rd, Wassaic. Register: Ann Marie Robustelli 845.337.2599.

SUNDAYS MARCH 21 Energy Medicine for the 21st Century Part 2 Class – With Bernadette Bloom. Learn how to heal mental, emotional and physical issues by balancing the chakras. Chappaqua or virtually via Zoom. Info: 239.289.3744; theesotericbloom.com.

Jikiden Reiki 1 Shoden Certificate Class – 10am–5 pm. (3/21& 3/28) Anne Bentzen, teacher.

Original Reiki relieves stress, pain, inflammation, boost immunity. Learn history, how to follow energy and use 1 symbol, receive 3 activations, supervised practice. $350. Class size 4. 137 East Lake St., West Harrison. Info: 914.588.4079; Balancing4life.com.

Guided Sound Meditation with Cristina Reyes-Schleifer. See March 10.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24 A Visit with Carl Safina, Becoming Wild – Zoom. 7-8pm. Opportunity to hear directly from Carl Safina about his latest book, “Becoming Wild.” Zoom space will be limited. Info/register: SawMillRiverAudubon.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25 Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally – 6pm, lasts 30-45 minutes. Quit with Quinn addiction cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914.473.2015; quitwithquinn.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27 Soul-Vival – 9am-3:30pm. One day retreat with Holistic Therapist Wendy Pichardo Valerio and Yoga Instructor Andrea Petroni. Quiet, relaxation time for self-care and restorative practices on a beautiful farm estate. $300. Lunch included. Ryan Family Farm, Lagrangeville. Info: spiritvida.me.

Lunar Sound Bath Full Moon in Libra – 7-9pm.

With Hari Sangat. Special talk on the astrology of the lunar energies. Then relax, release and renew with the healing sounds of the gongs. In person only. $30. Golden Prana, 223 Katonah Ave. Katonah.

Info: 914.984.3408; goldenprana.yoga.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28 Lunar Sound Bath Full Moon in Libra – 4-6pm.

With Hari Sangat. Special talk on the astrology of the lunar energies. Then relax, release and renew with the healing sounds of the gongs. In person only. $30. Golden Prana, 223 Katonah Ave. Katonah.

Info: 914.984.3408; goldenprana.yoga.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23 Saw Mill River Audubon’s Bird Chat – 7pm. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. Join local birders and photographers on zoom for an informal gathering to share sightings and pictures, and discuss local birds and birding places.

Free. Info/register: sawmillriveraudubon.org/chat.

Kidney, Liver, Lymph: Essential Detox Pathways – 7-8pm.With Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician. Free online lecture. Through the Desmond-Fish Public Library, Garrison. Registration required: 845.424.3020 or DesmondFishLibrary.org.

CALENDAR Find and post events at WakeUpNaturally.com March 2021

43

on going events NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 12th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email WPCcalendar@naturalawakeningsmag.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please.

Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our January, April, July & October editions.

the nervous system, heart-centered, developing consciousness, curiosity, and compassion. Lots of individual attention. First class free. Vitalah Simon.

Zoom invitation: 914.769.8745, yogashine.com.

friday

sunday

Doug Wood, produced by Grassroots Environmental Education on WBAI-FM in New York and streaming live around the world at WBAI.org.

GreenStreetRadio.com.

Irvington Farmers Market – 10am-1:30pm. Main Street School parking lot (101 Main St, Irvington.

Info: irvmkt.org.

New Rochelle Farmers Market – 9am-2pm.

Through Nov. 20. Located at Thomas Paine Cottage Museum in New Rochelle. Information: downtoearthmarkets.com.

Rocks with Rhi – 6:30pm. Join Rhianna Mirabello for a half hour lecture on Crystals. The study will change for each week. Free. Facebook Live @dreaminggoddess. Info: 845.473.2206; DreamingGoddess.com.

Virtual Chair YogaShine, Super Gentle, for Senior Adults and Adults with Special Needs/ Health and Recovery concerns – 10-11am.

Gentle and strengthening, calming the nervous system, heart-centered, Kripalu-based, developing curiosity, flexibility, and compassion. Individual attention. First class free. Vitalah Simon. Zoom invitation: 914.769.8745, yogashine.com.

Beacon Farmers Market – 10am-2pm. VFW Hall, 413 Main St. Beacon. Information: beaconfarmersmarket.org.

Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market – 10am-2pm. Year-round indoor-outdoor Farmer’s Market. Pet-friendly. Organic produce, Kombucha, plants, wine, organic coffee and more. Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association, 15 Mt. Ebo Rd. South, Brewster. hudsonvalleyfarmersmarket.org.

Afternoon Tea & Meditation – 1pm. With Diane.

Tea, conversation, guided Meditation followed by messages from tarot or oracle decks, good conversation and fun. Walk-ins welcome or by Zoom. $20.

Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique, 12 W Main St, Pawling. 845.493.0432. AngelAuraBoutique.com.

monday Virtual YogaShine for Adults – 9:15-10:45am.

Kripalu-based, gentle and strengthening, calming the nervous system, heart-centered, developing consciousness, curiosity, and compassion. Individual attention. First class free. Vitalah Simon. Zoom invitation: 914.769.8745, yogashine.com.

Virtual YogaShine for Pre-Teens and Teens – 5-6pm. Gentle and strengthening, calming the nervous system, heart-centered, Kripalubased, developing consciousness, curiosity, strength, and compassion. Individual attention. First class free. Vitalah Simon. Zoom invitation: 914.769.8745, yogashine.com.

PULSE Call of Hope – 8-8:30pm. With Janet Catalina. Monday evening from PULSE Call of Hope to help participants through the Covid Pandemic and envision an even better future for self and the world. Free. Info: Email catalina.janet@gmail.com.

tuesday Functional Strength – 9:30am. Zoom. Class is geared towards seniors or anyone dealing with limitations or injuries but still want to practice and improve strength. $16/drop in. Hudson River Yoga.

Info: 845.797.0640; hudsonriveryoga.com.

Green Street Radio Conversations on Healthy & Sustainable Living – 10am. With Patti and

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Vinyasa Restorative Flow – 7:30-8:45pm. With JoAnne Salomone, CYT. A great vinyasa flow class that incorporates restorative yoga. Open level Class. Via zoom. $10. Contact: Jo-Anne 917.364.1871. Eastchester. thetemperancecenter.com.

wednesday Virtual YogaShine for Adults, – 9-10:30am.

Kripalu-based, gentle and strengthening, calming the nervous system, heart-centered, developing consciousness, curiosity, and compassion. Individual attention. First class free. Vitalah Simon. Zoom invitation: 914.769.8745, yogashine.com.

Midweek Rhi-View – Noon. Live on Facebook. Weekly check-in with Rhianna Mirabello.

Topics range from Manifestation How-To’s, SelfCare Check In’s, or current Astrology to personal musings and current events. Dreaming Goddess.

Info: DreamingGoddess.com..

Winter Market at the Valley –1:30-5:30pm (through-4/7). New indoor Farmers Market inside the Jefferson Valley Mall near the food court. 650 Lee Blvd. Yorktown Heights. Info: Bacebook.com/ TheValleyFarmersMarket.

The Angel Aura Show: The Round Table Live Q&A – 6:30pm. Live Facebook and Instagram stream (and recording later on YouTube) from the spiritual shop in Pawling. Ask mediums questions about the Spirit World. Free. Info: 845.493.0432; AngelAuraBoutique.com.

thursday Evidential Psychic Mediumship Class – 6-7:30pm.

Via Zoom. With Star. For those seeking to unfold and improve their Mediumistic and Psychic Gifts.

Learn to connect with Spirit, give evidential information and messages through various exercises. $40. Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique. Info: 845.493.0432. AngelAuraBoutique.com.

Virtual YogaShine for Adults – 7-8:30pm.

Kripalu-based, gentle and strengthening, calming

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

WakeUpNaturally.com

Gentle Accessible Yoga – 10am. Zoom. Class is geared towards seniors or anyone dealing with limitations or injuries but still want to practice and improve strength. $16/drop in. Hudson River Yoga.

Info: 845.797.0640; hudsonriveryoga.com.

saturday Cold Spring Farmers’ Market – 8:30-1pm. Boscobel, 1601 NY-9D, Garrison. The indoor market.

Info: csfarmmarket.org.

The TaSH Winter Market – 2nd & 4th Saturdays.

9:30-12:30pm, January-April. Outdoors at the Tarrytown Recreation Center Parking Lot. Info: tashfarmersmarket.org.

Hastings Farmer’s Market – 9:30am-1pm. Outdoor winter farmers market with local meat, eggs, produce, fruit, and more. 1st & 3rd Saturdays in the commuter lot across from the Hastings-on-Hudson Metro North station. Info: hastingsfarmersmarket.org.

Pleasantville Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm.

Metro-North. Pleasantville. Indoors for winter.

Info: pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org.

Mamaroneck Winter Down to Earth Farmers Market – 9-1pm. 1/9/21- 4/17/21. Outside the pavilion in Harbor Island Park. Mamaroneck.

Ossining Winter Down to Earth Farmers Market – 9am-1pm. 01/9/21 - 5/1/21. Parking Lot near the corner of Spring and Main Streets, Ossining. Info/ updates: downtoearthmarkets.com Gossett Brothers Farmer’s Market – 9am–1pm.

1202 Rte. 35, South Salem. Info: Gossett Brothers Nursery on Facebook.

Millerton Farmers Market - Winter Season – 2nd & 4th Saturdays. 10-2pm. Millerton Methodist Church, Corner of Dutchess Avenue and Main Street in Millerton. Info: neccmillerton.org/ farmers-market Yoga Teachers Association Workshops – 2nd Sat. Open to teachers and students, members and nonmembers. Via Zoom until further notice.

Info: ytayoga.com. 914.582.7816.

planetwatch

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month, $25 minimum. To place a listing, email content to Dana-NA@ WakeUpNaturally.com. Deadline is the 12th of the month.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY White Plains – Start your own fitness business. Attention all fitness instructors and personal trainers.

We are seeking instructors and trainers that want to start a business in our large and safe facility. Call for more information: 914.831.3800.

March 2021

Astrology with Pamela Cucinell

Do Your Research

Regardless of how in synch negotiations or relationships seem on March 1, prepare a contingency plan. Save important conversations for late afternoon or evening on March 2 to maximize results. Bumps in the road March 3 still drive powerful outcomes; everything flows later in the evening. Prioritize time alone to recharge on March 4. A persistent message can be short-sighted March 5; request facts. Exuberance can distract on March 6, but don’t overexert.

Presence of Mind

Attention to an old wound on March 7 transforms the habit of it. Productivity and focus dominate March 8. Keep alert on March 9 when engaged with accelerated communications. There’s fabulous energy March 10 to wrap up projects and connect with like-minded alliances. Dark of moon on March 11 encourages the release of old business. This continues March 12; make way for new opportunities and visions.

Fresh Take

A powerful Pisces new moon on March 13 invites big transitions; in the morning find a moment to focus on your ultimate vision. No matter how clear the road, keep a moderate pace March 14. A confrontation defines the importance of something or someone March 15. The zone of followthrough on March 16 allows everything to hum; be open to inspiration. A tight

schedule on March 17 ensures productivity. Excellent opportunities March 18 shift dreams into reality.

Spring Promise

Initial conversations on March 19 reveal differences in values. The spring equinox on March 20 indicates a cycle of increased dialogue about compassionate sustainability. Expect pushback March 21; find common ground when a shared meal feeds the soul. Weak links of support gain scrutiny March 22. Stay the course on March 23, but allow play time in the evening. Too many options March 24 fracture productivity; prioritize for best results.

Deep, Delicious Dive

Enjoy creative refreshment March 25. Laser focus hones projects on March 26. Imperfections that appear on March 27 are ripe for decisive revision. Individual expression is essential in relationships under the March 28 Libra full moon. Pressure-cooker conversations on March 29 make or break collaborations. Revelations and reflection deepen awareness March 30. Even if the journey feels too uphill, expect a lovely affirmation in the late afternoon on March 31 Pamela Cucinell offers spiritual insight with a practical twist through astrology and tarot at InsightOasis.com. Discover guidance through her website, private sessions, podcasts and webinars. For more information, contact her at 917.796.6026 or pamela@ insightoasis.com. See ad page 29.

HELP WANTED PART-TIME – If you have a great personality, love working with people and are willing to learn, I have a part time job available in Cortlandt Manor in our crystal shop! Call Shima at 917.279.9577.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT: PT Work from Home.

We are looking to hire a Personal Assistant to the Director of Procurement Services of Northeastern University. We are looking for part time work from home Personal Assistant. It pays $400 per week plus benefits and takes only little of your time. To be considered for this position candidate must be detailed-oriented, a problem solver and is able to work independently, have above-average organizational and troubleshooting skills. Basic computer skills are also essential to this role. Two-three hours access to the internet weekly. Position will require excellent customer service skills orally and we will train the right person. Please contact us for more details. Must be over 24 years of age. Must be efficient and dedicated. If you are interested and need more information contact: Mi.mcnamara87@ gmail.com for more details. Text: 617.586.2587.

VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Stray HELP, a 501c3 cat rescue, needs your skillset: humane trapping, adoption events and marketing among others.

Contact ann@strayhelp.org or call 845.488.5211 for more information.

List Your CLASSIFIED HERE Regional exposure in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess

March 2021

45

community resource directory

BEHAVIORAL OPTOMETRY

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Dana-NA@WakeUpNaturally.com to request our media kit.

ACCOUNTING/TAX SERVICES STERNBACH & ROSE, CPAS 115 E. Stevens Ave, Suite 100 Valhalla, NY 10595 914.940.4449; sandrcpa.com

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE KARLA BOOTH DIAMOND, MAMSAT

Move with ease! The Alexander Technique is an educational method for learning to release patterns of tension that may be causing stress, pain, or poor body usage. Feel lighter and learn to undo compression of the spine and joints.

ACUPUNCTURE SearchLight Medical 2424 Route 52, Hopewell Junction, NY 845.592.4310; SearchLightMedical.com

ASTROLOGY ASTROLOGY INSIGHT

Pamela Cucinell NCGR PAA 917.796.6026; InsightOasis.com Astrology & Tarot with spiritual perspective and a practical twist.

Find your way to flow instead of fight; economy of action leads to a beautiful life. Skype, Zoom and phone. See ad pg 29.

Frustrated with not feeling or looking your best? Let me guide you on your path to better health and well-being. Utilizing: Medical Acupuncture, ONDAMED Biofeedback Therapy, Reiki, Mei Zen Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, weight loss and fertility. See ad pg 9.

AYURVEDA ADDICTION CESSATION

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

QUIT WITH QUINN

Yellow Monkey Village 792 Rte 35 Cross River, NY, and NYC Office: 914.875.9088; Cell: 646.670.6725 Drkaushik.com; drkaushik@drkaushik.com

Quit with Quinn helps people overcome daily addictions and unwanted habits ranging from sugar, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, to overeating and other compulsive habits. All natural, painless, no medications, needles, or hypnosis. 85% success rate. See ad pg 41.

Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health.

Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may includesupplements, diet/ nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: M-F. See ad pg 31.

Briarcliff Manor and Midtown Manhattan Steve.healingny@gmail.com 914.473.2015; QuitWithQuinn.com

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495 Central Park Ave, Suite 301, Scarsdale 914.874.1177; DrSlotnick.com A whole-person, holistic approach to vision care, for all ages.

Specializing in vision therapy and rehabilitation for vision problems which interfere with reading, learning, attention, performance and efficiency. Please visit website for details.

Member: Westchester Holistic Network 153 Main St, Suite J, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 914.649.9565; Awareness-in-Action.com

Our goal is to help people have less anxiety about managing their finances, to maximize their income and run their businesses better. Giving people a stronger financial foundation can absolutely contribute to a better quality of life.

LAURIE R. MALLIS, MD, LAC

SAMANTHA SLOTNICK, OD, FAAO, FCOVD

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

WakeUpNaturally.com

CANDLES CUSTOM CANDLE CO

25 Depot Plaza Bedford Hills NY; 914.218.8357 customcandleco.com Locally made in Bedford.

Hundreds of candles in stock or create your own custom candle. Choose your favorite scent, wax color, wick type and container. All natural soy candles, handcrafted and nontoxic with long-lasting aroma. Shop in stores or on-line. Stores are open 7 days a week. See ad pg 27.

CBD AAA WELLNESS CBD, LLC

Scarsdale, NY 10583 914.320.9506; liz@AAAWellnessCBD.com aaawellnesscbd.com Take back control of your body, center your mind and lift your spirits today. Adopt alternative approaches to wellness with the most luxurious assortment of CBD infused, clean, cruelty free, non-GMO, beauty, wellness, pain management, and clean vaping merchandise on the market today. See ad pg 27.

CATHY PARLITSIS YOUR CBD STORE®

222 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco, NY 914.276.5409 YourCBDstoreMtKisco.com Your CBD Store® is the largest hemp retailer in the US. All of our products are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO and ThirdParty Lab Tested. We offer the highest quality hemp products including CBD Tinctures, Topicals and Water Solubles for people and pets.

See ad pg 27.

CBD LIVE NATURAL

A Division of Custom Candle CO. Bedford Hills, NY 914.705.1111; CBDLiveNatural.com Open 7 days a week. We want our customers to feel their best and know that there is a solution to change their quality of life so that they can live naturally without prescription drugs. Products for People and Pets. Please call for more information. See ad pg 27.

SYNERGY BY SHIRA ADLER™️

COACHING – LIFE MILOR COACHING INC Mili Ristic: 925.705.0789 milorcoaching.com Mila Radak: 914.562.6467 milavita.guru

Change your thoughts, change your results. Are you ready to shift from where you are now to where you want to be? We teach you to create your own movie, to eliminate fear, doubt and worry and help you bring certainty and balance into your life. Your thoughts are powerful.

Bring. Balance. Back.™ ShiraSynergy.com Shira@ShiraSynergy.com; @ShiraSynergy Trusted Since 2011! Modern Alchemy of Cannabinoids and Essential Oils. Infused Aromatherapy, Bliss Butter, and High Mg. tinctures created

by Founder & CEO Shira Adler — internationally vetted CBD Expert, Speaker, Consultant, and Author of “The ABCs of CBD.” See ad pg 28.

CHIROPRACTIC DR. LEIGH DAMKOHLER, CCSP, LMT

COACHING – EMPOWERMENT JANET CATALINA, MSW,

Certified life coach Member WHN 914.548.8372: pulsemanifestation.com Empower yourself and create what you want in your life. Janet will coach you through this process as well as teach you a powerful technique to help you become a Master Manifester. Please call her to learn more.

ANNE H. BENTZEN

Certified Jikiden Reiki Shihankaku Jikiden Reiki Teacher/Practitioner Custom BACH Flower Essence formulas, Energetic Counseling Locations: West Harrison, Scarsdale balancing4life.com; 914.588.4079 Health requires energetic balance.

Reiki clears stress, reduces pain, inflammation and restores energy flow. Strengthen your immunity.

Relieve anxiety. Depression and insomnia. Learn the original Reiki teachings with Jikiden. Private sessions and small classes. See ad pg 29.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY JOY MATALON LMT, CST Joymatalon.com 914.519.8138 Ossining & Garrison

CranioSacral Therapy with a specialty in Somato Emotional Release and Process Acupressure allows chronic physical, emotional, and spiritual issues to be intimately explored bringing relief from pain and activating a healing process which continues after the session is over.

8 Bacon Place, Yonkers, NY 10710 914.523.7947 Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com

PERSONALIZED treatments designed for YOU by Westchester’s only dually licensed practicing Sports Chiropractor and Massage Therapist. Receive a unique combination of muscle work and adjustments not provided elsewhere. Dr. Leigh can help you move and feel better. Get back to the life you love!

ENERGY HEALING

BERNADETTE BLOOM

Energy Medicine Practitioner, Teacher, Medical Intuitive, Physical Therapist 239.289.3744; theesotericbloom.com Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you exhausted from pain, stress or PTSD? Balance your body’s energies for optimal physical health and emotional well-being with Esoteric Healing, a high vibrational technique from Tibet. See ad pg 11.

FLOATATION THERAPY DOWSER JEANIE PASQUALE PROFESSIONAL DOWSER

MEMBER: Westchester Holistic Network 845.709.5245 dowsing@househarmony.org HouseHarmony.org Protect yourself from EMFs and other negative energies! A professional dowser can block the negative effects of cell phones, satellite dishes, high-tension wires and more. Moved into a new home?

Want to sell? Have unexplained health issues? Call now!

RISE ABOVE FLOATATION 111 East Main Street Mount Kisco, NY 10549 914.241.1900

A Center For Awareness and Relaxation through Floatation Therapy. Create the ultimate Relaxation Response by removing all stimulation from light, sound, and gravity. Choose from three different float environments to find your perfect experience. Appointments available from 10am to 10pm daily. Free Parking.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SUSANNE SALTZMAN, MD

250 E. Hartsdale Ave. St. 22, Hartsdale, NY 400 Rella Blvd. St. 165, Montebello, NY 914.472.0666; HartsdaleHomeopathy.com Looking for a physician with 25 years of clinical practice using natural remedies? Expertise in treating acute and chronic illness in children and adults. Emphasis on homeopathic and functional medicine to decrease dependency on pharmaceutical drugs. If you want experienced, competent, compassionate, and exceptional care.

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HOLISTIC DENTIST

HAIR SALON FRESH ORGANIC SALON SOLUTIONS Hair care, Skincare & Make up 190 Rt 117 By Pass, Bedford, NY 914.242.1928; FreshOrganicSalon.com

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914.214.9678; holisticdentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our web site to learn how we can serve your needs.

See ad pg 3.

A healthy approach to beauty and wellness led by Maureen Toohey, Regional Educator for Organic Salon Systems. The fresh team is committed to making your experience fully complete and satisfying, organically. Receive a gift valued at $75 with your 1st color appointment, when you mention Natural Awakenings.

HOMEOPATHY

INCONTINENCE ADVANCED REJUVENATION CENTERS Liviu B. Saimovici, MD 3020 Westchester Ave., Ste. 306 Purchase, NY; 914.500.9594 AdvancedRejuvenationCenters.com

Emsella is a revolutionary non-surgical treatment that improves incontinence.

Patients sit, fully clothed, on the Emsella chair, nicknamed “Kegel-throne” can stimulate the pelvic floor with electromagnetic energy. One treatment can stimulate the equivalent of 11,000 Kegels. The Kegels can strengthen the muscles that control urinary retention.

SUSANNE SALTZMAN, MD

HEALING CENTER UNIVERSAL HEALING ARTS CONNECTION

Shima Chayvet CEH, MRM, CHHS, CCP 4 Crestview Avenue, Cortlandt Manor, NY 914.737.HEAL; universalhealingarts.com Healing. That’s what happens here. A healing community within a spiritual space that offers zoom classes as well as in person events for Reiki certification for adults and children, Reiki healing, yoga, exercise classes, massage therapy, holistic weight loss, crystal classes, women’s groups and ongoing mini lectures on a myriad of metaphysical subjects. There is also a metaphysical shop open to the public with a variety of crystals, sage, jewelry and so much more. You can also shop at our E-Commerce store. Enlighten your mind, heal your body and nourish your soul.

HERBAL MEDICINE LORRAINE HUGHES

Registered Herbalist (AHG) 263 New Hackensack Road, 2nd Floor Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 lorrainehughes54@gmail.com EmpoweredbyNature.net; 845.416.4598

250 E. Hartsdale Ave. St. 22, Hartsdale, NY 400 Rella Blvd. St. 165, Montebello, NY 914.472.0666; HartsdaleHomeopathy.com Looking for a physician with 25 years of clinical practice using natural remedies? Expertise in treating acute and chronic illness in children and adults. Emphasis on homeopathic and functional medicine to decrease dependency on pharmaceutical drugs. If you want experienced, competent, compassionate, and exceptional care.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK SOULAURAS WELLNESS CENTER

Laura Giacovas,LMT, MS Ed., 4th Dan Master Instructor Taekwondo Briarcliff NY 914.941.2400, soulauras.com Our mission is to enhance wellness and quality of life through Therapeutic Massage and Integrated Holistic Healing.

We are committed to providing an inspired, nurturing environment from which wellness and harmony can be realized.

HYPNOTHERAPY LISA BLEASDALE, C.HT

Certified Hypnotherapist Somers, Ny 914.400.9508; lisableasdale.com Willpower often falls short.

Hypnotherapy taps into the power of the subconscious mind to transform your life by creating positive changes. Lisa helps individuals with stress reduction, addiction, weight loss, smoking cessation, procrastination, overcoming fears, phobias, anxiety, grief, and divorce.

Lorraine offers Individual Wellness Consultations based on the Chinese Herbal Medicine Paradigm which provides a preventative and individual approach to balanced health. Each “unique” individual protocol will include Chinese, We s t e r n , Ay u r v e d i c H e r b a l remedies and Nutritional planning.

MATTRESSES DAVIS FURNITURE

Open Mon-Sat. 10-6 2264 South Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 845.204.9090; DavisFurnitureOnline.com

Do you want a healthier night’s sleep? Visit locally owned Davis Furniture and see their full line of all natural American-made mattresses. For over 90 years they have been giving their customers more, and charging them less. And they’ve once again been voted the best furniture store in the Hudson Valley. See ad pg 9.

Find and post events on Natural Awakenings free Community Calendar and find more local businesses in the free Business Directory at: WakeUpNaturally.com 48

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

WakeUpNaturally.com

MEDICAL MARIJUANA LYNN PARODNECK M.D.

Certified Medical Marijuana Practitioner 914.525.6536; DrParodneck@gmail.com DrLynnParodneck.com Evaluations and Consultations; D r. P a r o d n e c k w o r k s i n compliance with the New York State Compassionate Care Act. She is one of the leading medical marijuana clinicians in New York, with numerous referring specialists and an extensive professional network in the cannabis industry. See ad pg 29.

NATURE & FOREST THERAPY NATURE’S WHISPERS

NUTRITION NUSPECIES

Nuspecies.com 866.624.4117 Westchester. Long Island.

Brooklyn. Jamaica, Caribbean NuSpecies Health Centers provide free health consultations with certified nutritionists/life coaches. We make custom recommendations of our Raw, Organic, Liquid, Natural nutritional formulas and then work with our clients until they achieve their health goals.

See ad pg 5.

PET RESCUE/ADOPTION STRAY HELP

Teaching people how to connect with nature through Walking the Trail Workshops – Wisdom Walks and Forest Bathing. Once a person becomes one with nature; plants, animals and magical creatures respond by giving answers to one’s questions and by providing healing.

Stray HELP: a registered not-for-profit managed by volunteers. Our mission: rescue and care for stray and homeless animals while providing humane education to the community.

Our vital community programs: Trap/Neuter/Return, Spay clinics, adoption and working cat program, colony caretaker support.

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Yellow Monkey Village 792 Rte 35 Cross River, NY, and NYC Office: 914.875.9088; Cell: 646.670.6725 Drkaushik.com; drkaushik@drkaushik.com Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, 0zone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: Monday-Friday. See ad pg 31.

KATONAH PODIATRY, PC

Pamela Hoffman, DPM Glenn B. Weiss, DPM 200 Katonah Ave., Katonah, NY 914.232.8880; Katonahpodiatry.com Foot care for people of all ages.

Board certified holistic podiatrists who use a comprehensive, integrative approach. Customized treatments utilizing the best of today’s technology combined with nutrition and 30 years of experience.

REFLEXOLOGY

Guided Meditative Walks thru Nature Dutchess/Putnam/Westchester 845.489.7250; MeditativeWalks.com

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR

PODIATRY

PO Box 245, Fishkill, NY 12524 845.232.0336, strayhelp.org

PHARMACY-COMPOUNDING LAKE MAHOPAC PHARMACY/ SURGICAL Nagi Wissa, R.Ph., IP, CEO 559 Rt, 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 lakemahopacpharmacy.com T: 845.208.0424; F: 845.208.0425

We are your neighborhood holistic compounding pharmacy, ready to support your health. We offer compounding prescriptions, on-line prescription renewals, supplements, homeopathic remedies, personal care products, fair trade gifts and more. We deliver and we are happy to answer your questions.

LORRAINE HUGHES

ARCB Certified Reflexologist 263 New Hackensack Road, 2nd Floor Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 lorrainehughes54@gmail.com EmpoweredbyNature.net; 845.416.4598 Foot and/or Hand Reflexology sessions are offered with the use of Essential Oils applied to acupuncture points based upon each individual’s presenting pattern. Please refer to Services page on web site for the many benefits of this ancient modality.

REIKI REIKI CLASSES

Cynthia M Chase, LCSW, Reiki Master 860.395.0284; cynthiachase.com cynthiamchase@gmail.com Manifest yourself as a healer; fulfill your life’s purpose! Cynthia offers personalized classes leading to Reiki levels I, II and Master level. Go to patreon.com/ cynthiamchase for details.

RETREATS YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKS

2 Coulter Road, Bakers Mills, NY 12811 518.251.3015; 914.556.8258 yogaintheadirondacks.com Yoga in the Adirondacks is nestled in the valley of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, where yoga embraces nature. Connect your mind, body and spirit and explore your retreat with likeminded people to build a happier and healthier life.

Studio available for your yoga/wellness private group as well.

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TAROT THERAPY

SLEEP DISORDER DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914.214.9678 holisticdentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our web site to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad pg 3.

AMY KOWAL

QUIT WITH QUINN

Tarot readings offer insight on soul development, provide spiritual guidance, present alternatives, and provide clarity to confusing situations. Available readings include: Relationships, Career, Monthly and Yearly Forecasts, Past Life, Twinflames, Starseed, and Soul’s Purpose – all readings incorporate energy healing.

Quit with Quinn helps people lose weight by overcoming addiction to sugar and white flour, and compulsive overeating. After treatment, most people experience indifference towards refined sugar, sweets and treats, leading to easy weight loss.

30 years experience. 85% success rate. See ad pg 41.

Tarot Therapy Remote via Email 646.932.2240; RevivaBody.com

SPA

As Westchester County’s ONLY certified green spa, Balance Day Spa has been in business since 2010. We specialize in all aspects of esthetics, including: facials, peels, waxing, tinting, bronzing, aromatherapy, energy healing and makeup. All organic, all the time.

Addiction-Free Naturally Briarcliff Manor and Midtown Manhattan Steve.healingny@gmail.com 914.473.2015; QuitWithQuinn.com

TOBY TOTALLY LLC

BALANCE DAY SPA

Westchester’s ONLY Certified Green Spa 280 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310, White Plains, NY 914.358.9898; balance-dayspa.com

WEIGHT LOSS

TMJ DISORDER DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914.214.9678 holisticdentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our web site to learn how we can serve your needs.

See ad pg 3.

White Plains, NY 914.328.7777 Tobytotally.com

Weight-loss and wellness using acupressure points and clean food. No special surgery. No pills.

Toby utilizes acupressure points to control hunger and strengthen the digestive system. Most clients lose 5%-10% of their weight in the first ten days.

WELLNESS CENTER SOULAURAS HOLISTIC WISDOM & WELLNESS CENTER

SPIRITUAL CENTER VETERINARY HOSPITAL

CHAPEL AT CROTON FALLS Rev. June Tompkins, Pastor 609 Rt. 22, Croton Falls, NY chapelatcrotonfalls.org

Join a unique monthly Interfaith Sunday at the Chapel at Croton Falls at 10:30am – Enjoy prayer, music, movement and dialogue. Check our FB page for information on upcoming programs or e-mail Rev. June Tompkins at jtgleneidashore1@ verizon.net.

SUPPORT GROUP

EARTH ANGELS VETERINARY HOSPITAL 44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 845.227.P-A-W-S (7297) Earthangelsvet.com

Where East meets West with compassionate care for a holistic approach to your pet’s health.

Offering a wide range of services/ products including wellness exams, nutritional support, alternative cancer therapies, surgery, dentals, acupuncture, CBD products, pet boarding and more on our beautiful 9-acre facility.

See ad pg 37.

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Services 914.962.6402; 800.532.4290 Supportconnection.org

WELLNESS SPA PEAK WELLNESS

Cutting-edge Technologies, Holistic Health Practices, and Energy Medicine are utilized to Supercharge your Immunity, Vitality & Wellbeing with minimal effort and maximum results. Appropriate for all ages and lifestyles.

Look, Feel and Be your Best from the inside out!

See ad pg 39.

Support Connection provides free support services to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Services include: One-onone counseling (counselors are also cancer survivors); Support groups; Educational and wellness programs; Webinars; Social gatherings; Referrals; A national toll-free information and support hotline.

See ad pg 41.

Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess NY Edition

The practitioners of Soulauras are committed to providing an inspired, nurturing environment from which wellness and harmony can be realized. Services: Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork, Auricular Acupressure and Integrated Holistic Healing Services, Yoga, Reiki, Reflexology and Chakra Balancing.

13 Edgewood Drive, Somers NY 914.301.3393, PeakwellnessNY.com PeakwellnessNY@gmail.com

SUPPORT CONNECTION

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510 N. State Rd., Briarcliff, NY Soulauras.com

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