Natural Awakenings SJ JUNE 2023

Mastering Fatherhood Leadership Skills for Dads Foods That Boost Energy

The Soul of Summer

What Every Man Wants Sexual Vitality at Every Age

MEN’S HEALTH

Passionate about Your Total Wellness

Prevention is the hallmark of good healthcare. As your proactive partner in health, I am devoted to helping you and your family stay healthy. At The Institute for Medical Wellness, we integrate traditional family care with holistic and complementary medicine to treat the whole person for a healthy heart, mind and body. Our balanced, caring approach empowers you to tap into your body’s natural ability to heal by addressing the root cause of illness – not just medicating symptoms.

We o er:

• Direct Primary Care

• Convenient, Same and Next day appointments

• Compassionate, supportive, non-rushed O ce Visits

• Nutrition and Supplement Counseling

• Paleo Diet and Lifestyle Counseling

• Massage Therapy

• Network of private medical and holistic health professionals

Services and Testing:

• Food Sensitivity Testing

• Advanced Wellness Testing

• Omega-3 Testing

• Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for autoimmune disease and the prevention of recurring cancers

Special interests in the Treatment of Inflammatory and Autoimmune diseases such as MS, Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis, Thyroid Disease and more.

Steven Horvitz, D.O. Board Certified Family Practice

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“He’s such a good guy!” How often have you found yourself saying these words about the important men in your life? I consider myself fortunate to have encountered such individuals; those admirable men who consistently and fearlessly speak truth to power. They embody their values, respect, and honor all individuals, and dedicate themselves to establishing a legacy of truth and integrity. Today, let us divert our attention from the prevailing deluge of negative publicity surrounding men’s misconduct and instead illuminate the significance and marvel of that divine-given male energy. Let us pay homage to the good men.

In this month’s edition, I encourage you to peruse our must-read articles on men’s sexual health, shedding light on crucial aspects of this topic. Additionally, explore “Conscious Fatherhood: Building a Better Family,” which provides invaluable insights into navigating the beautiful journey of being a dad. It is essential that we address mental health issues specifically impacting men in our local feature, “Mental Health Concerns for Men: Man Up!” By increasing awareness and understanding, we can strive to promote prevention and provide effective treatment for these concerns.

Lastly, I invite you to read my own article, “Effective Speaking with Boys: Breaking Down the Barriers,” in which I delve into a subject that holds profound personal significance. It is an opportunity for me to share my passions and concerns with you, my cherished readers.

May your life be imbued with radiant and radical love, and may we continue to celebrate the men who exemplify goodness in our world.

In Light & Love,

Publisher Shae Marcus and Brian Gilmartin

Vedic Thai Massage at Excitari

Excitari Wellness Center, in Medford, will again welcome Michael “Mukti” Buck, from the Vedic Conservatory, on October 20 through 22 for a Thai Massage (for Table) Training. Vedic Thai bodywork is a wonderful addition for a massage therapist, yoga instructor or the skill set of other types of healers.

This program will offer techniques and theories to provide a two-hour treatment, with protocols and additional fundamental lessons in supine, side-lying, seated and prone positions. Attendees will also learn Ayurvedic anatomical terminology and marmani, chakra and nadi channel body locations.

Thai bodywork is rooted in Traditional Thai Medicine, which is comprised of five roots: internal medicine (primarily the medicinal use of herbs and minerals), external medicine (Thai bodywork), divinatory sciences, spiritual science and Buddhist medicine (psychological branch). This sacred art provides increased peace of mind for the practitioner as well as the client.

Location: 30 Jackson Rd., Unit D-101. For more information, call 856-885-2990 or email www.Info@ExcitariWellness.com

New Services Available at Halo Wellness Center

Starting June 1, Vitality Infusions and Wellness will be offering their sought-after services at Halo Wellness Center, in Evesham, including intravenous (IV) infusions for fast and precise delivery of nutrients, microneedling for skin rejuvenation and NAD+ therapy to boost energy and cellular health.

“I am so excited to bring these special treatments to Halo Wellness Center,” says Samantha (Sammi) Tucker, MST, BSN, RN, a leading natural aesthetic and functional specialist in South Jersey. “Utilizing IV therapy and other functional remedies to help patients feel and look amazing is the best part of being a functional nurse. We take time to develop personalized health plans with a centered holistic approach to wellness to help clients feel their best, inside and out, without using toxins and additives.”

Says Halo Wellness Center owner Michele Marcinko, “We feel this partnership is perfectly aligned and will provide the community even more options to heal naturally all in one convenient location.”

Location: 968 NJ Hwy. 73. For more information, visit www.ElevateYourHealth.com or www.VitalityInfusionsNJ.com

Michael “Mukti” Buck

Samantha Tucker

Holistic Medical Sound Energy Spiritual Meditation for all levels

Functional Medicine

Functional Nutritional Coaching

Reiki Energy and Sound Healing

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Breathwork and Meditation

Pain Management and Craniosacral Treatment

Aesthetic/Regenerative Medicine

Mediumship Wellness

Special Classes For All and Much More!

Call Today

856-885-2990

www excitariwellness com info@excitariwellness com

30 Jackson Rd, Suite D101, Medford, NJ

Follow us @excitariwellness @excitari

EarthShack is excited to announce EarthShack Outside. We are committed in helping people connect to the natural world outside with local tours to organic farms, beekeeping workshops and more. In addition, we are pleased to introduce our new MiniTugz travel trailer rental to create your own outside adventures.

• Camping

• Fishing

• Hunting

• Exploring

• Base Camp

• Rock Crawling

• and more .

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in | June 2023

Herbs and Spices Promote Gut Health

A 2022 research study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that herbs and spices may be unsung heroes in the quest for gut health. The three-period, randomized, controlled-feeding study involved 54 obese or overweight adults aged 30 to 75 with at least one other risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as elevated glucose or triglycerides.

Participants consumed the same average American diet for four weeks, along with one of three daily doses of spices and herbs—0.5 gram, 3.3 grams or 6.6 grams—which included cinnamon, ginger, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme. Fecal samples were collected at the start of the study and the end of each diet period.

Researchers determined that consuming 3.3 or 6.6 grams of herbs and spices per day increased levels of the Ruminococcaceae bacteria, a major player in the maintenance of gut health. The highest levels of this beneficial bacteria were observed among those that consumed the highest levels of herbs and spices. The scientists recommend further investigation to identify the metabolic implications of their findings.

New Insights on Water Consumption Requirements

We have been conditioned to believe that eight glasses of water are required each day, but new research published in Science found that daily water needs vary based on numerous factors. Researchers studied 5,604 people aged 8 to 96 from 23 countries, measuring their water turnover—the amount of water lost and replaced each day. They found that for most healthy adults, drinking eight cups of water a day is unnecessary because water needs vary depending on age, sex, body size, physical activity level, athletic status, pregnancy, socioeconomic status and environmental characteristics such as latitude, altitude, air temperature and humidity. People that lived in less developed countries had higher water turnover than people from developed countries. While hydration should be prioritized, most people that pay attention to their bodies and drink when thirsty are likely drinking enough water.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Risk of Death

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine determined that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk. The findings were based on a survey of the vitamin D levels and genetic data of more than 300,000 people aged 37 to 73 that participated in the UK Biobank, a large-scale cohort study that began in 2006. Almost 19,000 deaths from all causes, as well as from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, were recorded through 2020.

Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased steeply with increasing concentrations of vitamin D, until reaching 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The odds of death from all causes were estimated to increase by 25 percent for participants with vitamin D levels of 25 nmol/L, compared to those with 50 nmol/L.

Ruslan Huzau/ ShutterStock.com Fran.Vila/ ShutterStock.com

Indian Food Images/ ShutterStock.com

Make Poor Babysitters

Parents are busy people, often juggling multiple commitments. Add a toddler meltdown to the mix, and it is easy to understand why parents may reach for a tablet, smartphone or other screen to calm and occupy the child. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children pay a price for this strategy.

Researchers at the University of Michigan concluded that the frequent use of mobile devices to calm young children may displace their opportunities for learning emotion-regulation strategies over time. The cohort study involved a sample of English-speaking parents of typically developing children aged 3 to 5. The scientists gathered baseline data at the start of the study, as well as follow-up evidence after three months and six months.

The participating parents used a five-point scale to report how often they used mobile devices to calm upset children. At each follow-up, the child’s executive functioning and emotional reactivity were assessed. The study found that the frequent use of mobile devices for calming young children was associated with increased emotional dysregulation, especially in boys, and included rapid shifts between sadness and excitement, greater impulsivity and sudden mood changes.

Fran.Vila/ ShutterStock.com

Open Letter to Pause AI Experiments

A group of leading technology executives, researchers, academics and others from around the world have signed an open letter prepared by the Future of Life Institute calling for a six-month pause on large, human-competitive artificial intelligence (AI) experiments. As of March 31, more than 1,800 CEOs and 1,500 professors had signed the letter.

“AI labs are locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one—not even their creators—can understand, predict or reliably control,” the letter contends. The authors are concerned that “AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks.”

While AI systems grow more powerful, there is no natural law or barrier to technical progress. The letter’s authors and signers are asking all AI labs to pause the training of powerful AI systems so that safety protocols can be implemented to ensure the effects of these systems will be positive and the risks manageable. According to the letter, “If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium.”

Individuals can view and sign the letter at Tinyurl.com/AImoratorium

Plastic Rocks Found on Remote Brazilian Island

Brazilian researchers have discovered rocks formed from plastic debris in the permanently preserved area of Trindade Island, approximately 680 miles off the coast of Brazil. The island is a remote refuge for green turtles, which come by the thousands every year to lay their eggs. The only human inhabitants of the island are members of the Brazilian navy.

The team of researchers ran chemical tests on the rocks, called plasticglomerates, and determined that they were formed when fishing nets were dragged by the current and accumulated on the beach. It is believed that the nets melt when the temperature rises and they become embedded with the sedimentary granules and other debris on the beach.

Dramatic Drop in Arctic Ice Levels

New research published in the journal Nature has found dramatic changes in the composition of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean since 2007 caused by climate change. Norwegian Polar Institute researchers have monitored sea ice thickness in the Fraim Strait (a sea channel connecting the Arctic Ocean and the Nordic Seas that runs between Greenland and the Norwegian archipelago) for the past three decades. In 2007, a “regime shift” was noted in Arctic sea ice composition, from thicker and deformed to thinner and more uniform ice cover.

Researchers found that the amount of thick and deformed ice had dropped by half, and they believe the thinning may be irreversible. They link the ice thinning to a rise in Arctic surface temperatures, more energy absorption because of a reduction in reflected light off the sea ice and warmer ocean water. Younger, thinner ice could result in a loss of habitat for Arctic creatures, as thicker, ridged sea ice can be a haven to hide from predators. There are also consequences for humans. Thinner, more level ice is less challenging for ship navigation and, along with less ice and shorter ice seasons, may permit an increase in Arctic maritime traffic.

lazaalaexa/ ShutterStock.com

Greener Grilling

The aroma of tasty treats sizzling on an outdoor grill evokes memories of laughter among family and friends, picnic tables brimming with colorful foods and the joy of running barefoot in the grass. This year, consider adding a few eco-friendly upgrades to America’s favorite summer tradition.

Fuel Source Matters

The biggest environmental impact from outdoor grilling comes from the fuel source. Here is a handy comparison of the options.

n Charcoal briquettes are little chunks of carbon made by baking wood byproducts, sawdust and other additives. Charcoal burns inefficiently and produces caustic smoke before and after the useful temperature for cooking. To reduce the carbon footprint, consider sustainably sourced bamboo or coconut shells to flame up the barbie.

n Gas grills burn fossil fuels like propane or natural gas. On the other hand, they

produce fewer carbon emissions than charcoal, heat more quickly and can be turned off immediately.

n Electric grills may seem more eco-friendly for backyard cookouts, but most electricity is derived from fossil fuels. If the home runs on renewable energy, electric wins. Otherwise, gas grills have a smaller carbon footprint.

n Infrared is the latest in barbecue technology. These pricey outdoor grills can reach high temperatures quickly, use less fuel and cook foods evenly. Because they use electric or gas heating elements that radiate infrared waves to the food, they generally run for less time than other grills. One drawback is that their high temperatures can easily overcook or burn foods, especially ingredients that don’t need high temperatures, like fish, vegetables and other seafood.

Cleaning Is Paramount

Regardless of the fuel source, it is important to keep the grill free of grease and food particles to prevent more smoke. When the grill is still warm, clean the grates with a wire brush. If grates are already cool, scrub with baking soda and water.

Caramelized Fruits and Vegetables

Burgers and ribs may be synonymous with traditional cookouts, but the modern barbecue menu isn’t all about meat. Recipes abound for grilled veggies and fruits that lend a delicious smoky and caramelized flavor to these nutritious foods. Embrace the appeal of slightly charred corn on the cob, browned portobello mushrooms and grill-marked pineapple If meat-free burgers won’t please the crowd, look for certified organic, grass-fed and locally raised meats.

WHAT EVERY MAN WANTS SEXUAL VITALITY AT EVERY AGE

by Carrie Jackson

For men, sexual health is a key, but often overlooked, component of overall wellness. A man in optimal physical shape is able to fully enjoy and participate in sexual activity with an active libido and the ability to sustain an erection. Poor sexual health can lead to depression, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and other troublesome symptoms and conditions.

Fortunately, male sexual function is better understood medically than ever before, and it is more common for men to talk with their doctors and other professionals about topics that seemed taboo not that long ago. New technology is making it easier to diagnose and treat common problems, and it is widely understood that physical, neurological, hormonal, interpersonal and mental factors all play into sexual wellness. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to their overall wellness, men can enjoy a robust sex drive and performance long into their later years.

MAINTAINING LIBIDO AND ENERGY

Eric Plasker, a licensed chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, attests that sexual health does not have to decline with age, and men can proactively counter that myth with mindful lifestyle choices. “If you’re aging in a healthy manner, your libido does not have to decline. By taking part in activities you find fulfilling and nurturing your mind, body and spirit, your sexual energy can stay naturally high,” Plasker explains.

He recommends that people take an energy inventory to assess which activities and lifestyle choices are serving them. “Make a list of all the things you do that help you gain energy and those that drain your energy. This includes the food you eat, hobbies, habits, even people you spend time with. Then see how you can turn the drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic makes you angry, put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift yourself into a more positive state. These shifts will make you more energetic, stronger, more passionate and present with your partners, and you’ll have more energy to be sexual and loving,” he says.

Sexual health depends on a healthy nervous system, and maintaining a balanced flow of hormones and neurotransmitters is essential for proper neurological function. According to Plasker, disease, inactivity and inflammation—especially in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints—can cause a communication breakdown.

“Blockages in the nervous system flow can cause disruption to the sexual organs and lead to a compromised libido,” he explains. “Chiropractic adjustments, combined with regular exercise, will help raise cortisol, reduce stress and open up these pathways in the body. I recommend that patients find an activity they enjoy, such as swimming or tennis, so it becomes an enjoyable part of their routine,” Plasker says.

OPTIMIZING HORMONES

According to Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist in Sarasota, Florida, strong sexual health and desire is a window to overall health. He helps patients reach their sexual potential with a combination of science-based medicine and holistic practices. “The body is one connected system, and great sexual function is an indication that your body is optimized,” he advises.

While testosterone is widely known to affect sex drive, Gapin looks at the interplay of a variety of other hormones, too. Hormone optimization, testosterone therapy and peptide therapy, which utilizes the body’s own amino acids to increase hormone levels, are non-invasive outpatient tools that men can use to analyze and optimize their sex drive.

“The body produces over 50 hormones, which all contribute to regulating biological processes,” he explains. “Low testosterone can lead to weight gain, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and other serious health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men want to optimize their thyroid and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] levels, both of which can lower the sex drive when compromised. Vitamin D helps regulate the gut, which controls the health of the entire body. Neurotransmitters, which help release feel-good endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, are made in the gut and can affect depression, anxiety and other issues that lower libido.”

Gapin stresses that it is more important to think about “optimal” levels of hormones instead of “normal” ranges and encourages patients to move beyond the basic blood tests to assess their health. “Besides sex drive, testosterone also affects cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, fat mass, cognitive health and even longevity, so it’s important to be aware of your own levels,” he says. “Every man is different, and the range in which you feel and perform your best is what’s right for you. With medical advice constantly changing, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the recommended tests. DNA testing, epigenetic age assessments, advanced lipid panels, inflammation markers and thyroid testing can all give insight to how the body is functioning as a whole.”

TREATING PROSTATE CANCER

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is, in fact, the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men that are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

Gapin asserts that preventative and proactive lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk. “New, non-invasive MRI treatments are making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer earlier by highlighting suspicious areas in the prostate and targeting them for biopsy,” he explains, adding that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options.

“Traditionally, patients would have the prostate removed and undergo radiation. However, these procedures come with a list of disturbing side effects. A newer, FDA-approved treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer,” Gapin notes. “HIFU is an outpatient procedure with excellent oncologic outcomes, minimal side effects and quick recovery times.”

INCORPORATING LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS

As an osteopathic doctor and integrative medicine practitioner at the Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarin Forbes looks at the root causes of disease and dysfunction. She, too, considers sexual health an integral component of overall wellness and gives patients the tools to achieve their desired sexual potential. “While every person is different, optimal sexual health usually means that men wake up with a morning erection,

our

desire intercourse on a daily basis and can reach an erection without stimulation or genital contact,” she remarks.

Making mindful choices that prioritize nutrition will naturally improve sexual health. “Nourish yourself with a whole food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients, including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric oxide, the main compound that increases blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its bioavailability to improve blood flow. While getting nutrition from food is ideal, supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and boron can help regulate sex hormones. Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter medicine such as NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”

Forbes also recommends engaging in high-intensity exercises and weight resistance that help increase testosterone and blood flow to the penis. Reducing environmental toxins is another important step, she notes, as plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can rob men of their testosterone, which not only affects blood flow but also libido.

Forbes cautions that while erectile dysfunction drugs work in the short-term, they can produce unwanted consequences. “Viagra does work to help men achieve an erection by stimulating blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause troublesome side effects including headaches, vision problems and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical alternatives can provide good results without undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity shock wave therapy, a non-invasive outpatient procedure, uses targeted sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis and can be done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth in the penis, which can lead to larger and more frequent erections,” she explains.

Forbes says that by having an open dialogue with their medical professionals and exploring holistic treatments, men at any age can feel sexier and more energetic than ever. “Talk about your concerns with your doctor, who may offer referrals to other specialists until the issue is solved. A physical therapist can teach men to strengthen their pelvic floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual therapists help men work through mental and psychological issues, which can be as debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist can offer tools for managing depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido and performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if a man does not feel comfortable talking with their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.

Many factors contribute to sexual health, and every man’s needs and desires are different. By addressing physical, hormonal, neurological and mental wellness with a combination of conventional and holistic treatments, men can experience sexual performance and enjoyment at any age. “There’s more awareness than ever before about sexual health, and men don’t have to compromise this integral part of their overall wellness,” says Forbes.

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Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com

Dr. Mark Hyman

ON LIVING HEALTHY TO 100 AND BEYOND

by Sandra Yeyati

Mark Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader, bestselling author, speaker, educator and advocate in the field of functional medicine. He is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center, founder and senior advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and board president for clinical affairs for The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also the founder and chairman of the Food Fix Campaign, dedicated to transforming our food and agriculture system through policy change, and hosts The Doctor’s Farmacy, a podcast with more than 150 million downloads. Hyman is a regular contributor to CBS This Morning, Today, Good Morning America, The View, Fox and CNN. His latest book, Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life, champions the latest science on healthy aging.

How is the emerging science on longevity changing the way we view aging?

Many things we’ve come to accept as a normal part of getting older are not. Decrepitude, frailty, disease, diabetes, cancers, dementia—these are optional. We can’t change chronological aging, but we can slow and reverse biological aging by influencing the hallmarks of aging, which are these underlying processes that go awry as we get older.

What are the hallmarks of aging?

In my book I wrote about 10 hallmarks of aging, which are all part of one ecosystem of problems. They’re not separate; they influence each other; and they’re dynamic. It’s things like inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, zombie cells,

Photo by Masha Maltsava

shortened telomeres, microbiome changes and epigenetic changes, which are changes in how our genes are expressed. They’re all important, but the most important hallmark of aging is called deregulated nutrient sensing, which means how our body interacts with food and how that influences us for good or bad. Problems with nutrient sensing affect almost all the other hallmarks and make them worse.

How can we address deregulated nutrient sensing?

We have built-in longevity pathways and over 3,000 survival genes, and we can activate this innate healing intelligence at any time. A major way to influence four of these pathways is through food. I call them longevity switches, which we need to learn how to regulate to make our health span equal our lifespan.

The first one is activated by too much sugar and starch, which drives too much insulin signaling, causing diabetes, pre-diabetes, cancer, dementia, heart disease or obesity. When insulin is over-expressed, it causes weight gain, fat storage, inflammation and lots of other problems.

The next one is mTOR [mammalian target of rapamycin], a pathway that makes new proteins and builds muscle, but gets overstimulated because of our constant eating and snacking and eating before bed. mTOR needs to be inhibited periodically by intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating to allow autophagy to happen, which is like a recycling and repair crew that comes in at night and cleans up all the damaged proteins.

The other two pathways, sirtuins and AMPK [adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase], sense a lack of nutrients and switch on survival pathways. If we’re constantly eating sugar and starch, then AMPK and sirtuins are overstimulated, and they’re not given a break to activate these pathways.

What is the role of exercise in longevity?

If it were a pill, exercise would basically fix everything. It’s probably the most potent intervention there is, other than calorie re-

striction or fasting, and it works on many of the longevity pathways. The most important type of exercise is resistance training as you get older, because you need to build muscle. Without muscle, you become frail and dysfunctional.

Exercise influences our DNA stability; lengthens telomeres; preserves the genome; affects the proteins; regulates mTOR, AMPK and sirtuins; preserves mitochondrial function; prevents zombie cells; helps with stem cells; reduces inflammation, cardiovascular risk and diabetes; and it’s also really important for becoming insulin sensitive.

What is hormesis and how can it help with healthy aging?

Hormesis is the idea that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The concept is not new. We know that exercise, for example, is a stress on the body, but it actually makes you rebound stronger. When you lift weights or you run, it’s a stress, but you’re getting thinner and stronger. There are other forms of hormesis that activate longevity pathways. Hot sauna therapy reduces your risk of cardiovascular mortality by 50 percent. Cold immersion therapy has many benefits, like increasing dopamine, activating brown fat and regulating metabolism. Fasting is a kind of hormesis, and longer fasts—for a day, three days, a week—are very powerful.

What role does finding community have in this quest for longevity?

The science is pretty clear that the body has innate systems that can be regulated by our thoughts. We now understand the mechanisms by which our social relationships and connections can influence our gene expression and everything from inflammation to insulin resistance to everything else, so building connection with others and building relationships and community is very important.

What longevity strategies do you implement on a typical day?

A lot of this is just habit development and routine. This morning I worked out with my resistance bands for half an hour, took a steam shower and an ice bath, then had a longevity shake with goat whey, creatine, urolithin A and adaptogenic mushrooms. Then I took a walking meeting for an hourand-a-half outside while I was on a call. Tonight, I plan to spend time with friends. I eat pretty simply most of the time. Last night, I had lamb chops, sweet potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, artichokes (which are a great prebiotic food) and some broccoli with lemon, garlic and olive oil. I take my supplements as well. So it’s very simple, very easy.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

Stay Cool and Strong This Summer

by Martha Kein

Ah, it’s finally summer—a time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and to adjust our lifestyle and diet to match the season and connect with nature’s natural rhythms. Try sunlight, yoga, breathwork and, of course, delicious foods to enjoy a cool, strong summer.

SUNLIGHT

Go outside. Sunlight lifts our mood just like serotonin does. Get a quick happiness fix just by going for a walk in the morning sun. The rays also help stimulate the body’s production of vitamin D which aids in the absorption of calcium for strong, healthy bones. Get outdoors in the early morning or later in the day to avoid overexposure to the more damaging effects of the hottest midday summer sun.

FOOD

Summer can be hot and dry, so stay balanced with cooling foods. There are plenty of fresh, delicious choices that will help maintain balance plus keep us both cool and hydrated.

Maintain balance with sweet, bitter or astringent foods

n Sweet foods help calm the nervous system and nourish tissues. Consider fruits, grains, nuts, milk and dates.

n Bitter foods, such as lettuces, spinach, dandelion and aloe vera, help cleanse the liver and tone our organs.

n Astringent foods help us absorb water and tighten our tissues. Think asparagus, legumes, green teas and pomegranates.

Keep cool with fresh vegetables and herbs

n Sweet, juicy fruits help cool our insides. Examples include leafy greens, coconut, cucumber, cantaloupe and watermelon.

n Garnish salads and other dishes with cooling cilantro, parsley and alfalfa sprouts.

n Avoid food and drink that can increase our body temperature like hot drinks, spicy food, alcohol and caffeine.

Stay hydrated with tasty drinks

n Make a homemade herbal tea with fennel, mint, lemon or chamomile.

n Try flavored water. Add a few slices of cucumber, a squeeze of lime or a favorite fruit.

n Experiment with coconut water. It’s hydrating and energizing.

MOVEMENT

Begin each day with gentle yoga stretches and abdominal twists to keep the and core healthy. While exercising, focus on relaxing and cooling positions. Examples include forward bends and seated twists. These types of poses develop flexibility and balance in both mind and body. Summer is a wonderful time to extend savasana, or relaxation pose, in order to relax in stillness.

BREATHWORK

Practice cooling pranayama after exercising. Left-nostril breathing will cool and calm the heat in both body and mind. Try it anytime we feel overheated, overwhelmed or sleepy. Simply block off the right nostril by putting gentle pressure on it with fingers or just the thumb, and slowly breathe in and out through the left nostril.

Our health is our wealth, and summer is a perfect time to adopt any or all of these tips to celebrate our well-being.

Martha Kein is school director of The American Yoga Academy, a world-renowned, online, yoga teacher training school that’s been training and certifying yoga instructors for 30 years, and where all are welcome. For more information or to connect with her, visit www.AmericanYogaAcademy.com

Image by jacqueline macou from Pixabay

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Mental Health Concerns for Men

by Nancy Smith Seigle

“Man up!”

Hopefully, we’re moving far away from this particular parlance while raising up our young boys in today’s culture.

This catch phrase is just one of the many ways we socialized males in our society and reinforced—over too many generations—the expectation that men, in order to be manly and strong, must deny their emotions.

And, that could be why, even now, men are less likely to realize they might be dealing with depression and anxiety … and less likely to seek treatment.

Those that do recognize the symptoms are often too reluctant to ask for help. Admitting vulnerability goes very much against the traditional masculine, tough and stoic image many men still identify with and embrace—an image, unfortunately, propagated through social media and other marketing outlets.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the reasons any person might experience symptoms of depression and anxiety include adverse childhood experiences; a tendency toward neuroticism or responding negatively to stressful events; or a genetic link to a first-degree relative with similar mental health issues.

Leading research suggests women are one-and-a-half to three times more likely than men to be treated for depression and anxiety. Under-diagnosed men, however, that push aside depressive and anxious thoughts and feelings rather than consciously face them, can help explain that gap.

Men also have a greater tendency to manifest depressive and anxious symptoms highly differently:

n Emotional symptoms in men are typically anger, irritability and restlessness.

n Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations and chest tightness, low testosterone, erectile and other sexual dysfunction issues, and digestive issues can also present.

n Cognitive symptoms can include obsessive-compulsive thought patterns, memory problems, racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating.

n Behavior symptoms, like excessive alcohol and drug use, risky behavior and suicide completion are seen more often exhibited in depressed and anxious men than women.

Research also shows the suicide rate among males is approximately four times higher than the rate among females. While men make up about half of the population, they complete nearly 80 percent of the suicides. Further, many studies and surveys over the past several decades show men of all ages and ethnicities are less likely than women to seek help. This unwillingness can harm men’s own mental and physical health and can make life more difficult for those friends and family members who love them.

Eating healthy, trying natural remedies and supplements, practicing meditation, getting regular exercise, improving sleep and finding ways to reduce stress where possible can all go a long way in helping with mild depression and anxiety.

If we think a male friend or loved one may need professional treatment, try showing support by starting a conversation. Just as a broken leg or bad cut cannot heal on its own, a mental health crisis needs immediate attention.

True healing happens only when the men in our lives—our fathers, brothers, sons, cousins, nephews and friends—are free to be vulnerable, to have the courage to seek help and the insight to understand, and to grow into the fine, strong role models we all need to thrive in this life, together.

CLAIRVOYANCE and How It Can Be Developed

by Brandi Van

We use our five senses every day and most likely we never actively think of them. Many may not know that these senses can be manifested into psychic abilities.

With the right techniques and practices, we can connect with spirit using our “clair” senses. These intuitive abilities derive from the French word “claire,” meaning “clear,” and they correspond with our five senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing and sight.

Clairvoyance, or “clear seeing”, is the ability to have a heightened awareness of sight, beyond what the physical eye picks up. People with clairvoyant abilities can see messages from the spirit world through images, visions and symbols in their mind’s eye.

Some people think the word clairvoyant is synonymous with the word psychic, but it’s actually one of the tools a psychic uses to receive messages from the spirit world. Being a medium myself, I know clairvoyance is just one of the many tools I use to receive messages from spirit.

Through practices such as meditation, visualization and working with a mentor, anyone can develop clairvoyance to use in a psychic way. The following are signs that suggest a clairvoyant ability. However, if someone hasn’t developed their ability, they may not recognize the messages they are receiving are trying to lead them to their highest path and best interest:

n Seeing clearly how things fit together.

n Having a deep connection to beautiful things.

n Envisioning plans for the future.

n A sense of direction being on point.

n Having vivid and colorful dreams at night.

n Being a creative person.

n Tending to think in images

n Being a visual person.

n When close our eyes, seeing vivid images with our imagination.

n Thinking we have seen a spirit.

n Being affected by the aesthetics of the room we are in.

To develop clairvoyant abilities, one exercise is to try is to spend time visually looking into the details of something that is in our direct view. Once we see a mental snapshot of what we are viewing in our mind’s eye, try and recreate it with the same amount of detail that we just visually observed.

Once we start developing our clairvoyance, it makes it that much easier for spirit to communicate with us. When we notice that an image or vision pops into our mind that we did not create, we’ll know that message is from spirit. Then the exciting part comes—learning to decipher how that message can lead us to our best interest.

This should be a fun journey so don’t put too much pressure on ourselves.

Brandi Van, a Spiritual Medium and Advisor located in Philadelphia, offers a 90-day, one-on-one mentorship program, Jump Start Your Psychic Abilities. For more information or to enroll in the program, visit BrandiVan.com

Effective Speaking With Boys

WAYS TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS

by Shae Marcus

I wanted to address a topic that has come to my attention, one that holds significant importance in nurturing healthy and open relationships with our children—specifically, the challenges surrounding conversations with our tween boys. I believe that many parents find it more difficult to engage in direct conversations with our sons compared to our daughters, particularly regarding subjects such as puberty, mental health and other important aspects of their lives.

As parents, we all want our children to feel comfortable coming to us with any questions and concerns or simply to share their thoughts and experiences. However, it seems that there may be some underlying barriers preventing these conversations from taking place as easily with our boys as they do with our girls.

One possible reason could be societal expectations and stereotypes that have shaped our perceptions of gender roles. It’s true that, traditionally, conversations about puberty and emotional well-being have often been considered more suitable for fathers to address with their sons. This notion, though outdated, may still linger and create a perception that these discussions are somehow reserved for male figures.

Additionally, there might be a certain level of discomfort or unease in even broaching these topics with our sons. The fear of saying the wrong thing, the concern about embarrassing or overwhelming them, or simply not knowing how to start these conversations can contribute to our hesitation. It’s essential to recognize and address these concerns within us to ensure that we create an environment where open dialogue is encouraged.

Societal messages and peer influence play a significant role in shaping our children’s understanding of the world. Tween boys, just like girls, are bombarded with information from various sources, including friends and the media. The danger lies in the fact that this information may not always be accurate or appropriate. By establishing open lines of communication, we can help counterbalance the misinformation and guide them towards reliable sources of information.

In the end, it’s crucial that we strive to break down these barriers and actively foster an environment of open communication with our sons. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

1. NORMALIZE CONVERSATIONS: Make it a natural part of daily interactions to talk about feelings, emotions and various aspects of life. Encourage sons to express themselves without judgment or ridicule.

2. CREATE A SAFE SPACE: Establish an environment where sons feel comfortable shar-

ing their thoughts and concerns. Assure him that he can approach us with any question or topic, and that we are there to listen to and support him.

3. BE PROACTIVE: Initiate conversations on topics such as puberty, mental health, relationships and personal values. By taking the first step, we can help break the ice and show our willingness to discuss these important matters.

4. BE A GOOD LISTENER: Give sons our undivided attention and actively listen to what they have to say. Validate their feelings and let them know that we hear and understand them.

5. EDUCATE OURSELVES: Stay informed about the latest research, trends and developments relevant to each son’s age group. This will equip us with accurate information to address his questions and concerns effectively.

Remember, the goal is to foster a relationship built on trust, where each son feels confident in confiding with their parents. By initiating and maintaining open conversations, we can guide them towards making informed decisions and help shape their overall well-being.

Let us join hands in breaking down these barriers and fostering healthy, open relationships with our sons. Together, we can create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing any topic and know that their voices are valued.

Shae Marcus, publisher of Natural Awakenings South Jersey, is the founder of the Holistic Health & Healing Expos and Mom to two brilliant, yet stubborn tweens, Sarah (12) and Jack (10).

Shae Marcus and Jack

The Replenish Center

by Nancy Smith Seigle

Triple board certified in obstetric and gynecologic, aesthetic and integrative medicines, her dream of taking care of women’s health began at the tender age of 12. “I always knew I wanted to help deliver babies and care for women,” she says. “I knew all through college, medical school and residency that this was the right path for me.”

During her extensive early training and work, however, the doctor’s continued passion and vision for women’s health led her to an important question. “Conventional medicine simply was not working and I began to question ‘Why is it expected—and accepted as normal—that women are still suffering?’”

The answer determined Semple-Daly’s renewed focus and transformed her practice. Rooted in the knowledge that the body is equipped to heal itself, she developed successful treatment protocols for hormone restoration and balance to support wholehealth wellness for both women and men.

While continuing to offer compassionate gynecologic care for women of all ages, The Replenish Center, founded by Semple-Daly in 2005, has been successfully treating patients in all stages and walks of life.

“I see female patients who are just beginning their journey in womanhood to those who are well into their 80s,” Semple-Daly says. From Florida to Maine and even some internationally, thanks to telemedicine access, both men and women are finding obtainable solutions to the many health issues created by their current lifestyle and environment.

“We begin with extensive blood and lab work, followed by a one-on-one, two-hour consultation,” Semple-Daly says. “We discuss how and when symptoms manifest and begin to identify the causes.”

With her background in prevention, integrative and holistic functional medicine, Semple-Daly is able to create a treatment plan specifically designed for each, individual patient. Adrenal fatigue is often the culprit in the body’s ability to pick up the slack for diminishing hormone supply due to natural aging, she explains. “Stress is the number one reason for adrenal imbalance.”

With more than a decade of successfully managing both and men and women using bio-identical hormone restoration therapy (BHRT), Semple-Daly also helps patients with

lifestyle choices, nutritional counseling, supplements, identifying food sensitivities and allergies, as well as skin and scalp disorders including hair restoration and medical aesthetic treatments. Her unique approach to investigating and managing all metabolic and hormonal causes allows her to effectively screen, diagnose and treat many maladies and build a course for prevention for all her patients.

“I may no longer deliver babies, but I get to experience and share the miracle rebirth of so many of my patients who achieve full restoration,” Semple-Daly says. Patients learning to take charge of their own lives and health is key in finding answers to a host of debilitating diseases including diabetes, chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. It can also be the answer to a more enjoyable and fulfilling life.

“I’m seeing a trend of sexual dysfunction,” Semple-Daly says. “Women, as they age, may lose desire, but are still capable. Men are still desirous, but not capable. This disconnect can drive couples apart more than any other issue.”

In addition to treating overactive bladder and incontinence issues, Semple-Daly and The Replenish Center offers Focused Wave Therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to the genitalia to improve blood flow and repair damaged tissues in both men and women who are experiencing sexual dysfunction.

Semple-Daly and the Center also specializes in treating anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, memory lapse, mood swings and weight problems. Many skin conditions may be treated using platelet-rich plasma to induce the body’s natural healing ability.

The Replenish Center is located at 215 Sunset Rd., Ste. 204, in Willingboro, NJ. For more information or to arrange for a consultation, call 856-380-1330, email info@ReplenishHormones.com or visit www.ReplenishHormones.com

Improving the lives of women has been a motivating force throughout Dr. Camille Semple-Daly’s entire career as a medical professional.

Dr. Camille Semple-Daly

Conscious Fatherhood BUILDING A

BETTER FAMILY

by Julie Peterson

Some dads believe they need to work long hours so that they can purchase better things and go on fancier vacations, but research shows that, outside of escaping poverty, money doesn’t buy happiness. Even for children, it’s not about stuff or destinations; it’s about time spent together. Fortunately, there are men teaching men to embrace the fatherhood role and take action in ways that matter most.

“All men desire to be loved, valued, needed and respected, and to know they are leaving a mark on this world. Many men look for this fulfillment in career and hobbies, but this can be found by embracing their role as fathers,” says Ned Schaut, the Hawaii-based author of The Adventure of Fatherhood. He notes that the way fathers choose to live and perform their parental roles can affect a family for generations.

Learning what fatherhood entails isn’t easy for men that grew up without involved dads, which may leave them doubting that they have what it takes to lead their families. “There are endless resources to help us in our businesses or careers, but our society doesn’t get behind the message that strong families matter, that present, engaged fathers matter,” says Chris Smith, founder of Campfire Effect, a coaching business for entrepreneurs in Arizona. “In business, we apply principles around values, culture, leadership and growth, and then we go home and don’t apply these same principles.”

DEFINE VALUES

The lack of fatherhood guidance led Smith to develop Family Brand, an eight-week program designed to strengthen familial bonds and create an intentional family culture. Part of the process involves parents and their kids understanding who they are and defining their values.

The family joins together to come up with a series of statements to hang on the wall as a reminder of their identity and purpose.

Smith Family Brand Statements

n We believe you can be who you want to be.

n Smiths can talk about anything without judgment.

n Smiths are kindhearted.

n Smiths are creators.

n Smiths do hard things.

n Smiths are healthy and active.

n Smiths love and support one another.

Schaut offers a similar lesson plan called Family Core Values, which prompts families to decide where and how to spend their time and money, and to identify what they do and do not want. “It helps us make decisions or have conversations about who we are and how we want to treat others,” he says.

A mission statement hangs on the wall at the home of Ben Greenfield, the Washington-based author of Boundless Parenting: Tools, Tactics and Habits of Great Parents. “It’s a collection of the family values, what the family stands for and holds dear, and what the parents want to pass on to their children,” he explains.

These kinds of value statements help promote positive energy in the home. “If the language spoken at home is limiting and negative, those words become energy that create more of that. We need to use language that is about confidence, kindheartedness and teamwork,” says Smith.

BALANCE PRIORITIES

According to Schaut, “There will not be an equal balance of time in all categories of life.” Fathers need to understand what matters most to them and then dedicate their time, money and energy in alignment with those priorities.

For Smith, his family comes first, and he makes sure that his business revolves around the home. “We always prioritize family, even if that comes at the price of career,” he says.

Photo courtesy of Chris Smith

Greenfield stacks his priorities in this order: faith first, followed by his relationship with his spouse, family, health and business. His time is meticulously scheduled so that he can dedicate quality time to all of his priorities. He regularly involves his kids in his spiritual practice and exercise routines to set an example and instill positive habits.

Time dedicated to each child is a priority in strong families. Each of Greenfield’s kids has monthly one-on-one dates with Mom and with Dad, two-on-one quality time every Sunday and daily check-ins every morning and during family dinners. “We’ve noticed that our kids will open up and talk to us during a one-on-one,” Smith asserts.

DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE

Smith suggests reimagining the way dads approach discipline. “If you tell your kid, ‘What you did was bad,’ it’s hard for them to hear what you say next, because you are attacking them. If we talk about working or not working, you can say, ‘That really doesn’t work and here’s why.’ Kids are then more open to hearing and learning,” he explains.

Discipline needs to be thoughtfully appropriate for each child and each situation. “You have to know and be in tune with your kid,” says Schaut. “When you discipline them, it must come from love and you responding as a dad to the situation, not reacting.”

But talking will never overcome modeling. “What they see you doing is more important than the advice you give them,”

Converting Food to Energy

LEARNING HOW METABOLISM WORKS

by Linda Sechrist

Metabolism is the process by which the foods and drinks we consume are converted into energy. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.

“Metabolic imbalance occurs when the body stores fat but can’t access it or burn it as efficiently,” says Alan Christianson, a naturopathic physician and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet: Repair Your Liver, Stop Storing Fat and Lose Weight Naturally. “In one year, our bodies manage about 1 million calories in and out. We never get exactly what we need on any day, so we must be able to store and release energy in a healthy fashion. However, people get better at storing and poorer at releasing. This is a big part of gradual weight gain and accompanying fatigue.”

Christianson describes good metabolic health as having steady energy levels and maintaining a good body weight. “When there’s too little energy available and the body can’t make energy that well, I see symptoms of metabolic imbalance as mental fatigue and poor memory, less muscular endurance, less recovery from exercise, weight gain and resistance to weight loss,” he explains. “If not addressed, metabolic imbalance can develop into obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

According to Christianson, certain lifestyle choices can throw our metabolism out of balance, including the overconsumption of carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine; frequent snacking and late-night meals; and poor sleep routines. Too much stress creates a hormonal cascade that promotes storing fat instead of using it.

James Forleo, a doctor of chiropractic and author of Health Is Simple, Disease Is Complicated, recommends the elimination of certain foods that wreak havoc on our metabolism: “The inflammatory agents in much of the food consumed in the Standard American Diet— high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders of metabolic health.”

CORRECTING LIVER FUNCTION

“The key mechanism to correct and maintain metabolic health is helping the liver to function well. Once corrected, it is not difficult to maintain metabolic health if people eat reasonably healthy,” Chris-

Ronman/ AdobeStock.com

tianson advises. “The liver is the main site for storing the body’s fuel. It does this in the forms of glycogen and triglycerides. When things go wrong, there’s too much of one relative to the other. We need some glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates, to burn triglycerides—kind of like how you need kindling to burn a log. The problem is triglyceride buildup in the liver.”

Fixing the liver is the central focus of Christianson’s 28-day metabolism reset. “To correct a fatty liver, you need adequate protein and adequate nutrients, but a low enough amount of total carbohydrates and healthy fats,” he says. “You also need adequate levels of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that we get from the food we eat. My metabolism reset guides you in eating less refined and processed foods, and more real, nutritious food; pairing carbohydrates with protein; exercising; managing stress levels; and avoiding sugar.”

PERSONALIZED DIET PLAN AND NUTRITIONAL COACHING

Metabolic Balance, a German-based company with certified nutrition coaches around the globe, helps people optimize their health with personalized diet plans and follow-up coaching sessions. “The program was created by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine, whose research revealed that every human body can produce all the hormones and enzymes it needs for healthy metabolism. We need to give it the necessary nutrients with the right food, which is precisely what Metabolic Balance does,” says Sylvia Egel, CEO

and director of coaching and education

“Based on an individual’s personal medical history and blood levels, we determine what substances the body lacks to produce all the enzymes and hormones necessary for their bodily functions,” she explains. “The personal roadmap recommends the right combination of foods to keep the various bodily functions in balance. The foods aren’t based on their caloric content, but rather on their essential components such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and the relationship between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”

ARUGULA SALAD WITH MANGO DRESSING

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1½ cup arugula

¼ cup olives, pitted

1 Tbsp chopped shallots

1 mango

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel the mango, remove the flesh from the core and cut into small cubes. Purée the olives with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Purée some of the mango cubes with the dressing and set aside the remainder. Add the shallots to the dressing. Wash, clean and dry the arugula. Mix in the dressing and sprinkle the remaining mango cubes on top. Pair this salad with any protein, such as a fish filet.

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, participation in the Metabolic Balance program led to long-term health improvements due to a high degree of adherence by the participants. According to the researchers, “The emphasis of any dietary program should be set on both the aspect of nutrition as well as the aspect of motivation.”

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

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Straighten Up and Feel Right

TIPS FOR GOOD POSTURE AND A HEALTHY SPINE

by Cristina Parker, PT, DPT

Standing up straight is not just something our parents remind us to do, it also happens to be good for our health. Posture describes the position of the body in space, but the realities of how we stand and move in day-to-day life are much more complex. Healthy postures encourage proper alignment of body structures, while unhealthy postures can lead to a host of issues, including muscle and joint pain, balance impairment and decreased mobility. Awareness of the body’s proper static and dynamic position is essential to maintaining a healthy spine.

THE SPINE AND ITS ROLE IN POSTURE

The body’s main support system is the spine, which consists of three sections. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and connects it to the shoulders, enabling us to turn our heads from side to side as well as up and down. The thoracic spine stabilizes the rib cage, which protects the vital organs. The lumbar spine consists of thicker, more robust vertebrae, as they are the main load bearers and enable us to rotate our bodies and bend forward and to the side.

Muscle tightness or joint immobility can shift the spine out of its ideal positioning, causing postural dysfunction. A recent study published in the journal Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science estimates that 66 percent of the population is living with forward head posture (FHP), a cervical spine dysfunction that occurs when the head moves forward in front of the body. FHP can lead to headaches, migraines and jaw pain. Thoracic kyphosis, a rounded

upper back, reportedly impacts 20 to 50 percent of the population and impairs numerous functions, including digestion and breathing. The lumbar spine is at particularly high risk for joint disease as both lumbar muscle strength and pelvic mobility decrease in sedentary individuals. Low back and pelvic immobility are contributing factors for the estimated 103 million individuals worldwide that live with lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that may cause pain or numbness in the legs.

THREE-STEP PROCESS TO TAKE CONTROL OF OUR POSTURE

STEP ONE: IDENTIFICATION

In her book Rethink Your Position, biomechanist Katy Bowman recommends that we pay attention to a few common signals the body sends out to alert us to an imbalanced weight distribution, including aches in the feet or low back and tension of the shoulders or neck. “Good alignment isn’t about any one fixed position, but a healthy range of positions,” she says. “By focusing less on memorizing postures and more on learning about load on parts of the body, you can optimize your positioning for many different activities.”

Bowman recommends a quick and easy way to self-assess if a postural imbalance is present and, if so, to identify where the imbalance begins: “The body’s joints stack in a vertical line. You can use a plumb line to indicate where your parts are supposed to be. If you take a string with a weight at the end and drop it down from your shoulder, it should line up with the hip, knee and ankle on the way down.”

STEP TWO: CORRECTION

Dr. Krista Burns, co-author of The Posture Principles and founder of the American Posture Institute, recommends a two-minute exercise routine, performed

while standing against a wall, that addresses each segment of the spine. Repeat each exercise five times.

1. Neck retraction: Push the head forward away from the wall as far as possible, then pull it back so the base of the skull contacts the wall. Keep the eyes parallel to the horizon, rather than looking up toward the sky.

2. Posture angel : Stand with the back against the wall, elbows bent and tucked in close to the waist. Keeping the back of the hands against the wall, reach up as far as possible then slowly lower back to starting position. This movement, which is like making a snow angel while standing, should be felt between the shoulder blades when performed correctly.

3. Pelvic tilt : Arch the back so there is a small space between the wall and the lower spine, then tuck in the tail, flattening the spine against the wall and closing that space. This exercise helps initiate movement into the lower joints.

STEP THREE: MAINTENANCE

The key to maintaining a healthy posture is frequent movement, which can include an hourly stretch break or a bi-hourly rangeof-motion routine to move muscles and joints throughout the day. To make postural exercises a habit, physical therapist and integrative health coach Margie Bissinger recommends pairing an exercise routine with something that is already done multiple times a day–for example, mealtime. “People are busy, so it is hard to always dedicate that mental space to awareness of their head or back position,” she states. “When they pair it with something they’re routinely doing, it becomes a habit, and that is when the mental load of the task starts to go away.”

Cristina Parker holds a doctorate in physical therapy. She is a researcher, health content writer, educator and clinician specializing in neurologic disorders, limb-loss rehabilitation and adaptive sports techniques.

ROOT CAUSE

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Barefoot Blessings BASKING IN THE SOUL OF SUMMER

by Marlaina Donato

Summer is a splashy reward after winter wears out its welcome. Spring barely has time to shake blossoms from her hair before we plunge headfirst into summer plans: vacations, barbecues and home improvement. As birds and humans go about their inspired tasks, bees and butterflies dive into their own nectarous agenda. There is no arguing that we all wake up feeling a little bit younger as the days burn longer.

Pulling weeds from the garden, deadheading the zinnias, digging our toes into wet sand and picking up sustenance at the local farmers market bring us back to our primal rhythm. We are more inclined to throw our cares to the wind and lean out of life’s open car window on the way to nowhere in particular. We do not need a plane ticket to exotic shores to find our bliss, only curiosity to explore our own backyards and fall in love with our familiar, well-worn lives.

Timed perfectly, each blossom on the wayside and in the fields has its own hour and medicine. Wildflower wisdom teaches us that we, too, can flourish on seemingly impossible terrain despite fierce opposition from those that do not recognize our value. The blessing of birdsong reminds us that our own survival game can be equally as beautiful when we embody our unique soul-note. Getting up a little earlier can lower our risk of depression and give us a front-row seat to the dew-covered world.

June beckons us to light an outdoor fire on the solstice and watch fireflies fall in love in light codes. At full power, the sun represents the sacred masculine and nature’s resurrection. We are invited to dance with the Green Man, Europe’s ancient symbol of rebirth peering from dappled forests and over church doorways. We are invited to schedule some actual repose into our vacations, even if we just take a holiday at home with a good book under a breezy tree. We are invited to live.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com

Leaps and Bounds

KEEPING CANINE JUMPERS INJURY-FREE

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

D ogs are natural athletes that leap on and off things multiple times a day, usually without incident. That’s why many people don’t realize that, like humans, dogs can sustain injuries, including soft tissue trauma, such as cuts and bruises; back injuries or slipped vertebral discs; sprains; and broken legs.

PREVENTING MISHAPS IN A JUMPER

Most active dogs that frolic outdoors will get the occasional scrape, cut or bruise. These common (usually minor) injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the areas they frequent are safe, contained and hazard-free. Broken legs, on the other hand, are more serious and typically do not result from normal, or even vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Bone fractures are generally caused by a sudden impact or great force to the body, such as being hit by a car or falling a long distance. They are most often seen in older pets and excitable risk-takers. The best way to prevent a dog from breaking a leg is to make sure it is under control at all times, especially outdoors.

GETTING DOGS IN SHAPE TO AVOID INJURIES

Back injuries, slipped discs and sprains, including canine cruciate ligament injuries, often occur in poorly conditioned dogs. For example, if a pup has been indoors most of the winter, its muscles have lost tone and atrophied. This also applies to “weekend warriors” that exercise and play at high intensity with their owners only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Studies show that well-conditioned muscles can begin to lose their tone and strength in a matter of days. This can set the stage for an injury if the activity level suddenly jumps significantly, so start by gradually improving a dog’s fitness level. The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes three times weekly, and as pets age, this amount increases. Aim for 40 minutes of rigorous walking or running every day. Consistency is essential for a dog’s muscles and ligaments to stay strong and resilient. This will keep the dog fit and better able to avoid strains, sprains and other injuries. Warming up before exercise is very important. Walk and encourage the dog to stretch its limbs before engaging in more intense exercise, especially with aging dogs.

AVOIDING CERVICAL DISC AND NECK INJURIES

Cervical disc and neck injuries are often the result of collar strain. Dogs should be trained to walk beside their handler and heel on the leash. However, even the most well-trained dog will occasionally jump forward suddenly, causing the collar to pull tightly against their neck.

As dogs leap forward in excitement, they pull all the slack out of the leash and apply a great deal of pressure from the collar to their neck and cervical area, potentially resulting in an injury to the cervical disc or other neck problems. Symptoms can include a hesitance to move or lower the neck to eat or drink, and crying outbursts when the head or neck area are touched. Occasionally there can also be lameness in a front leg with this type of injury. For dogs that habitually pull and whose leash behavior isn’t able to be improved, a harness, Gentle Leader-type head collar or other similar equipment can help distribute the dog’s body weight evenly across the restraint and alleviate the pressure on their neck.

MAINTAINING AN EXERCISE REGIMEN

If a dog’s leg muscles aren’t toned, if its tendons and ligaments aren’t stretched and strong, and if its core muscles haven’t been worked and can’t do a good job holding the frame solidly in place, then a sudden burst of activity, even at home, can lead to injuries. Depending on the geographical location, it is much easier to keep a dog fit during spring and summer months, but the goal should be to keep them exercised year-round. If harsh winters discourage outdoor activities, consider visiting an indoor dog park; exposing them to hydrotherapy or a warm-water dog pool; enrolling them in indoor agility, track training or nose work (a growing sport that encourages dogs to follow their natural hunting instincts); or taking them out on a cross-country skiing adventure.

Veterinarianmal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. To learn more, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

Socially Conscious Investing

HOW TO CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE STOCKS AND MUTUAL FUNDS

by Sheila Julson

“Vote with your pocketbook,” the saying goes, prompting consumers to buy parkas from planet-friendly Patagonia or socks by Bombas, which donates a pair to homeless shelters for every pair purchased. When choosing stocks and mutual funds, a growing number of investors don’t just want to get a good return on their investment, they also seek to support corporations that spread kindness, protect (or do not pollute) the environment and support women, minorities and LGBTQ+ people.

This year, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) reported that environmental, social and corporate governance investing “represents more than $8 trillion in assets under management in the U.S. alone, and people expect the worldwide number to surpass $50 trillion by the end of 2025.”

These types of mutual funds can yield returns akin to conventional funds, says Michael Young, director of education and outreach for the U.S. Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. Some industries, such as oil and gas, may be more eco-challenged than others, but companies can and should make best efforts relevant to their industries, he says, suggesting that investors review a company’s corporate social responsibility report, which provides insight into their environmental and social practices.

Young recommends that new investors start by determining which social and environmental issues matter most to them. From there, tools such as the free US SIF sustainable investing course (ussif.org/courses_individualinvestors) offer an overview of sustainable investing, as well as investment options and strategies. He also encourages a visit to As You Sow (AsYouSow.org/invest-your-values) to help investors find the companies and mutual funds that align with their social and environmental principles, and to steer clear of those that don’t.

“Most people invest in companies through fund structures via retirement plans or online brokerages,” Young explains. “Through As You Sow, they have search tools that help interested investors

determine if they own funds that include companies in fossil fuels, weapons manufacturing or other industries one might not want to invest in.”

Robin Diedrich, the director of sustainable investing for Edward Jones, asserts that their division arose over the past few years as a result of client demand. The analysts in her division evaluate whether the stated sustainability and financial objectives of a fund are actually being met, using vetting tools like Morningstar (Morningstar.com/topics/sustainable-investing). “Morningstar has become much more rigid in their methodology. They’re trying to make sure that what’s being labeled as sustainable is truly that,” she says.

Diedrich advises investors to use the same criteria that they would use with any fund, whether traditional or sustainable. “It’s important that you look at a sustainable fund in that same way, because it is an investment with your money,” she says. “Ultimately, it needs to be driven by clients’ personal choices, as well as their financial goals.”

SUSTAINABLE INVESTING GOES MAINSTREAM

Green Century Funds (GreenCentury.com) is a mutual funds company that engages corporations on behalf of its shareholders to seek specific outcomes. Young says Green Century Funds’ efforts worked with companies like Starbucks, Conagra Foods and Hormel Foods to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains. “There are ways to leverage your dollar to make an impact, because as an individual, you likely couldn’t convince a large corporation to do that,” Young notes.

Ceres, a nonprofit headquartered in Boston, works with investors, companies and capital market influencers to drive action on sustainability issues. It is the co-founder of numerous sustainability enterprises, including Net Zero Asset Managers, a global initiative through which large institutional investors have committed to support net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the economy by 2050 and interim emissions reductions by 2030. Similarly, many pension funds are signatories to the Paris Aligned Asset Owners, meaning that they also support net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Because of the sheer volume of their trades, institutional investors and pension fund managers have a great deal of clout and are able to influence corporate leaders to take environmental stewardship seriously. Their commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions means that corporations are pressed hard by these investors to eliminate emissions by the stated deadlines.

“As the climate crisis has worsened over the years with extreme weather disasters causing multi-billion-dollar losses, disrupting supply chains and affecting corporate business operations, investors have increasingly recognized climate change as a financial risk. Most institutional investors now analyze climate-related financial risks and opportunities and incorporate those risks and related sustainability risks into their decision making,” says Kirsten Snow Spalding, vice president of the Ceres Investor Network.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

SOUTH JERSEY’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Email Publisher@NASouthJersey.com for guidelines. We advise confirming in advance directly with the business or organization.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Magnolia Night Market – 4:30-8:30pm. Also held Aug 4 and Oct 20. Produce, crafts, family fun, kids’ activities, food trucks, beer, wine and live music. 215 Atlantic Ave NW, Magnolia. Tinyurl.com/h8hx3vj8

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Moorestown Day 2023 – 9am-3pm. A day filled with kid-friendly activities, food trucks, music, and plenty of “Shop Local” opportunities. E Main St, Moorestown. Tinyurl.com/mtzf5ybm

Gloucester Township Day – 12-10pm. Rides, games, food, music and fun for the whole family. Spectacular fireworks display at 9:30pm. Veterans Memorial Park, Chews Landing Rd, Clementon. Tinyurl.com/bdh5v3x3

Moonlight Walk – 8-10pm. Join an experienced guide for a night walk in the pines. $5/member, $10/nonmember. Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 W Whites Bogs Rd, #34, Browns Mills. 609-893-4646. Whitesbog.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

Dragonfly Walk – 9am. Join Naturalist Jen Bulava on a walk to observe and discover the fascinating lives of dragonflies and damselflies. Crystal Lake Park, 2401 Axe Factory Rd, Mansfield. Registration required: 609265-5858 or Co.Burlington.nj.us

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7

Becoming Fierce – Wednesdays thru June 21. 6:30-8:30pm. 45-min mental health discussion each week on how to live life fully. Embodying the powerful, passionate, fiery energy that is the authentic expression of every human being. Learn how to follow your own inner guidance and trust yourself. Discussion followed by breathwork, meditation and body movement (yoga). All welcome. $45/class. Must pre-register: 609-744-9445 (text) or Therapy.DeAnnMishler@comcast.net

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Spiritual Night Market and Bazaar –6-10pm. Shop through our artistic and spiritual vendors, meet with mediums and psychics, learn about the metaphysical and more. $10. Flying Buck Sportsman Club, 406 Angelow Rd, Berlin. Pre-registration required: 856-777-5007 or Tinyurl.com/ yeyxm4sk

Mayan Cacao Ceremony – 6:30-8pm. With Kathy Hardies. Explore the Spiritual dimension of the cacao plant through ceremony. More than just “chocolate,” this medicine plant assists us with connecting through the heart, tapping into our intuition, and being absolutely mindful in the present moment. $35. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com

Pull Up to the Table – 8-9:30pm. A safe place where women trying to learn, grow, and go can come together. We meet monthly with specific topics or as an open forum. 37 Clementon Rd, Berlin. More info: Tinyurl. com/3n7rurs9

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

African Drumming Class – 11am-12:30pm. With Tom Reischer’s African Drumming class. Experience the power of sound and the beautiful rhythms. No experience required; all welcome. $35. Excitari Wellness Center, 30 Jackson Rd, Ste D101, Medford. Register: 856-885-2990 or Vagaro.com/ excitariwellnesscenter/classes

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Dragonfly Walk – 8:30am. With Mark Manning. $10. Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 W Whites Bogs Rd, #34, Browns Mills. 609-893-4646. Whitesbog.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

Natural Awakenings Holistic Happy Hour – 5:30-7:30pm. Relax and have fun at this one-of-a-kind outdoor grotto. A perfect setting to eat, drink, and connect with other like-minded holistic business owners! $25 will include one drink and light bites. The Creekside Bar and Grill at The Jug Handle Inn. 1018 Forklanding Rd, Cinnaminson, NJ. Register at https://buy.stripe.com/ cN29CNdL0alLed2bIQ

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

The Reluctant Piney Film Screening – 6:308pm. Come along with author William J. Lewis and watch as he struggles to personally identify with being a Piney and how the term piney has changed and evolved into what it is today. Free. Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 17 Pemberton Rd, Southampton. PinelandsAlliance.org

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

Summer Solstice (at Sunset) – 6:30pm. Celebrate the longest day of the year with a guided walk with Naturalist Gina. Binoculars and cameras encouraged. Rancocas Pointe Trail, 876 Centerton Rd, Mount Laurel. 609-265-5858. Co.Burlington.nj.us

Summer Solstice Celebration – 6:308:30pm. Includes an all-levels yoga class with an extended guided relaxation in savasana. Then make bundles from the abundant lavender on the farm and additional herbs from our own personal gardens. $33 includes yoga, meditation, burn bundle, refreshments and 5mL lavender essential oil. Field and Flock Lavender Farm, 264 Williams Rd, Woodstown. Tinyurl.com/mryuh4dm

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

Barking Lot Sips and Brews – 5:308:30pm. Featuring live music by Opus Soul, food trucks, drinks, and new this year a Corn Hole Tournament. Free admission; entry fees for Corn Hole Tournament and purchase of drink wristband required. Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees. 856-424-2288. awanj.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

Friday Forum: National Pollinator Week – 9am. In celebration of National Pollinator Week (June 19-25), join Naturalist Jen Bulava for a walk around the field edges to look for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Rainbow Meadow Park, 237 Creek Rd, Delran. Registration required: 609-265-5858 or Co.Burlington.nj.us

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Summer Bazaar – 10am-3pm. A monthly outdoor market featuring an eclectic mix of local handmade, vintage and antique goods. Rain or shine. Free. Rancocas Woods, 118 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel. RancocasWoodsEventsNShops.com

Munalome Sound Healing Meditation – 11am-12:30pm. A peaceful and unique blend of live musical song performance mixed with sound healing from acoustic guitars, singing to crystal bowls, handpan, didgeridoo and more. $35. Excitari Wellness Center, 30 Jackson Rd, Ste D101, Medford. Register: 856-885-2990 or Vagaro.com/ excitariwellnesscenter/classes

Holistic Health & Wellness Fair – 125pm. Crescent Shriners, 700 Highland Dr, Westampton. Interested exhibitors: Info@Connect2Holistics.com Connect2Holistics.com

MONDAY, JUNE 26

Camp Tails and Whiskers – M-F, June 26-Aug 25. 9am-3pm. Gives animal lovers from 6-13 the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of animal rescue and be empowered to make a difference in the lives of animals. Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees. 856-424-2288. awanj.org

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28

Dual Mediumship Gallery – 7-9pm. Inkie The Guided One and Beth O’Brien are presenting a night of dual mediumship. They

will connect with their angelic realm along with your loved ones to bring forth special messages. Reading not guaranteed. $85. The Venus Moon, 234 Chestnut St, Glendora. Register: Tinyurl.com/ks9x4fr2

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Meditate and Manifest with Crystals –6:30pm. With Kathy Hardies and April Willard. An evening of meditation and manifestation with crystals as we set the intention for grounding, self-empowerment, and amplifying your personal strength and vitality. June’s crystals: Sunstone and Carnelian. $30. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com

PLAN AHEAD

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Yoga and the Quest for the True Self Workshop – Wednesdays, July 12-Aug 30. 6:30-8:30pm. Classes will demystify the philosophy, psychology, and practice of yoga, and show how it applies to our most human dilemmas: from loss, disappointment, and addiction, to the eternal conflicts around sex and relationships. $45/class; $20/reading material/book. Must pre-register: 609-744-9445 (text) or Therapy. DeAnnMishler@comcast.net

I

ONGOING

NASouthJersey.com can help you access the resources you need for help in staying healthy and happy!

SUNDAY

Haddon Heights Farmers Market – Thru Nov 5. 10am-1pm. Held at the corner of Station and Atlantic Ave. HaddonHeightsFarmersMarket.com

Mt Laurel Farmers Market – June 4-Oct 15. 10am-2pm. Live music, food trucks, kid’s crafts, workshops, yoga and more. Rain or shine. Rancocas Woods, 118 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel. RancocasWoodsEventsNShops.com

MONDAY

Monthly Meditation/Mini-Workshop –6:30-8pm. 1st Mon. An open invitation to those who are interested in exploring meditation, energy education/topics and reiki. No experience necessary. $15. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S Main St, Medford. Pre-registration required: 609-975-8379 or TheCenterLifeInBalance.com

WEDNESDAY

Midweek Meditation – 12-12:10pm. Also Fri. The focus of this meditation is love. Each week we will raise the love vibration personally and globally. Treat yourself to a mid-day refresher. Free. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S Main St, Medford. 609-9758379. TheCenterLifeInBalance.com

Marlton Farmers Market – Thru Sept 13. 4-7pm. Locally sourced fruits and vegetables, baked goods, home goods, food trucks, crafts and other great sustainable products. Evesboro Downs Park, 131 Evesboro-Medford Rd, Marlton. MarltonFarmersMarket.com

Hump-Day Hikes – 5:30-7pm. Join us for a brisk guided hike in nature and view the week-to-week changes as the natural world comes alive. Inclement weather cancels. Free. Rancocas Nature Center, 794 Rancocas Rd, Westampton. 609-261-2495. RancocasNatureCenter.org

THURSDAY

All-Level Vinyasa Flow – 9:30-10:45am. With Eric Herman. Tune into your true essence through asanas, breathwork and meditation experiencing a place of peace in the present moment by the end of each class. $10. Live In Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W Merchant St, Audubon. LiveInJoyYoga.com

Yoga Mobility – 2pm. Yoga Mobility is something very different from traditional yoga. It takes the best of many different forms of movement to create a flow within our body. Perfect for seniors and people who are physically disabled. 1st class free; $10/class. Barrel Factory at Whitesbog Historic Farm and Village, 120 W Whites Bogs Rd, Browns Mills. Whitesbog.org

FRIDAY

Mommy & Me Breakfast & Class –9-11am. 1st Fri. Music and movement class with Miss Nikki and Miss Jenn from Nikki Jay Voice Studios. After class The Pop Shop will provide a lite buffet breakfast. $35. The Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Ave, Collingswood. Register: ThePopShopusa.com

Midweek Meditation – 12-12:10pm. Also Wed. The focus of this meditation is peace. Each week we will raise the love vibration personally and globally. Treat yourself to a midday refresher. Free. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance.com.

SOUTH JERSEY’S CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – Integrative Physician looking to share their office space in Voorheers. 856-669-9118.

SATURDAY

Collingswood Farmers Market – Thru Nov 18. 8am-12pm. Held underneath the Patco High Speedline between Collings and Irvin Ave. CollingswoodMarket.com

Burlington Farmers Market – Thru Nov 11. 8:30am-1pm. Burlington County Agricultural Center, 500 Centerton Rd, Moorestown. BurlcoAgCenter.com

Walking Group – 9am. 1st Sat. With Michelle, Teeming Health Wellness Studio. Walking group at one of our local county parks. For more info & location: Meetup. com/Healthy-Mount-Holly

Psychic & Healing Fair – 10am-2pm. 3rd Sat. The fair offers different avenues to healing. Be able to have an intuitive/psychic reading, a reiki session, energy healing or lie on the BioMat. $30/20 mins. A variety of 20-min free talks offered. The BioMat incorporates amethyst crystals, far infrared heat and negative ions to help the body heal and relax. Walk-ins welcome and encouraged. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S Main St, Medford. 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance.com

Volunteer Service Day – 10am-3pm. 1st Sat. Volunteer in outdoor or indoor projects in the village. Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 W Whites Bogs Rd, #34, Browns Mills. 609-893-4646. Whitesbog.org

SOUTH JERSEY’S COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Alternative and Complementary Medicine

MARK JAMES BARTISS, MD

Institute for Complementary & Alternative Medicine

24 Nautilus Dr, Ste 3, Manahawkin

609-978-9002

504 Hamburg Tpk, Ste 202, Wayne

973-790-6363

639 Stokes Rd, Se 202, Medford

609-654-5900

ICAMBartissMD.com

Dr. Bartiss is both conventionally and holistically trained, giving patients the best of both worlds and the freedom to choose.

ICAM’s HEART Program addresses the body’s basic needs in terms of hormone rejuvenation to include adrenal, thyroid, sex and growth hormones as well as the essential neurotransmitters. As an active and founding member of the American Association of Ozonotherapists, Dr. Bartiss is an expert in various forms of bio-oxidative therapies that include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet phototherapy and high-dose vitamin C. These and other powerful therapies are offered by only a few hundred medical practitioners throughout the country.

DR. SEAN C. INSELBERG, DAC, MSC, CNS

Nutritional Wellness Center

1 Cinnaminson Ave, Ste 206 Palmyra, NJ 08065

856-499-2160

NutritionalWellnessNJ.com

Offering simple, effective solutions for optimal health for the whole family. Includes: Functional Medicine testing, Othromolecular energy medicine, Neuro Emotional Technique, Psycho neurobiology, autonomic response testing, Theta Healing.

Ancestral Energy and Pranic Healing

DANA REYNOLDS-MARNICHE, PHD

Shaman-based Qi Channeler, Clairvoyant and Teacher

Mount Meru Holistic Earth Power Healing

856-993-1786

MtMeruHolistic.com/healing-testimonials

Highly trained with 35 yrs experience in mind-body healing, I utilize Korean Chunsu, a 5,000-yrold therapeutic practice, involving the channeling of balanced Heaven-Earth cosmic Qi energy to release negative ancestral patterns from the body and mind. Rapidly restores well-being, addresses anxiety, depression, treats hormonal, immune system and chakra imbalances, alleviates physical pain, rejuvenates body cells and clears toxins. Over time a prevalence of harmony in one’s home and work environment and the ability to manifest abundance and protection become our natural state of being.

Awareness Coaching

MARYANN PINO MILLER, M.Ed. Certified Heal Your Life® Teacher Emotion Code Practitione Consciously Living, LLC

The Center, Life in Balance 45 S Main St, Medford, NJ 856-912-2087

Maryann@ConsciouslyLiving.net

Become aware of your true nature, meet your inner child waiting for your love, become aware of and unload the baggage weighing you down, become aware of the depth of love that exists within you and gain the understanding of the importance of your relationship with yourself and how to foster it.

Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration Therapy

DR. CAMILLE SEMPLE-DALY, DO Replenish Center 215 Sunset Rd, Ste 204 Willingboro, NJ 08046

856-380-1330

Info@ReplenishHormones.com

ReplenishHormones.com

Don’t wait any longer to restore your hormone balance. Symptoms due to menopause, andropause, PMS, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, etc., should not negatively impact your quality of life. Regain your vitality and zest naturally with individualized Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration Therapy (BHRT). Dr. Camille Semple-Daly is board certified in OB/GYN, Integrative and Aesthetic Medicine.

MARK JAMES BARTISS, MD

Institute for Complementary & Alternative Medicine

24 Nautilus Dr, Ste 3, Manahawkin

609-978-9002

504 Hamburg Tpk, Ste 202, Wayne 973-790-6363

639 Stokes Rd, Se 202, Medford 609-654-5900

ICAMBartissMD.com

Dr. Bartiss is among a small group of physicians that pioneered the early “integrated” health care system. As a conventionally and holistically trained physician, he offers the best of both schools of medicine. Dr. Bartiss’ “HEART” Program (Hormone, Endocrine, Adrenal Rejuvenation Therapy) addresses hormone imbalance and focuses on restoring his patients to optimal levels. The simple explanation of this program is that when the endocrine system is balanced, a person is less likely to become ill, overweight and emotionally imbalanced. ICAM patients report an improved quality of life, both emotionally and physically. nasouthjersey.com

~Gary Vaynerchuk

Chiropractor

HARMONIOUS HEALINGS HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE

30 Jackson Rd, D207 Medford, NJ 08055

856-359-6005

DrKevinG.com

Optimize your human potential holistically: functional neurology & kinesiology, stress release & neuro-emotional technique, structure & posture improvement with advanced biostructural correction, biophysics body optimizer.

Counseling and Yoga Therapy

ONE LIFE COUNSELING AND YOGA THERAPY

DeAnn Mishler

609-744-9445

Therapy.DeAnnMishler@comcast.net

DeAnn is warm and grounded; clinical theory is based on attachment and solution focused. She offers a holistic and mindfulness-based approach to therapy to help clients free themselves and live the life they deserve. As a yoga therapist, DeAnn uses yoga to reconnect the mind and body to release the central nervous system from holding past physical and emotional pain that has been stored in the body.

Food Sensitivity Testing

GO WITH YOUR GUT TESTING

609-202-8188

GoWithYourGutTesting.com

The Alcat test is world-renowned and validated by Yale. It determines the cause of inflammation for those with autoimmune, IBS, rashes, infertility and unexplained illnesses. We arrange your blood draw. Get results in 8-10 days. Coaching session included.

Functional Medicine

CHARLOTTE NUSSBAUM, MD Medford Functional Medicine

107 Jamestown Ct, Medford

609-969-4844

MedfordFunctionalMedicine.com

Board-certified pediatrician and internist Charlotte Nussbaum is a founder of Medford Functional Medicine where we partner with people of all ages to reclaim your health.

Healing Modalities

NATURAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT

CENTER OF SOUTH JERSEY

1020 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 110 Cherry Hill, NJ 856-667-6805 • NHICSouthJersey.com

Hypnotherapy

DR. JAIME FELDMAN, DCH

Chairman, Medical & Dental Division, International Hypnosis Federation

214 W Main St, Ste L4 Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-231-0432 • DrJaimeF@aol.com PartsTherapy.com

Dr. Jaime Feldman, one of the pioneers in an advanced technique called “Advanced Parts Therapy,” has been able to unlock the subconscious and remove unwanted behaviors: stop smoking (guaranteed), weight loss, stress, depression, pain and anger management, and more. Outstanding success in curing phobias and deep-seated trauma, and treating the immune system to put cancer into complete remission.

Integrative/Holistic Medicine

DR. STEVEN HORVITZ

Institute for Medical Wellness

Safe, natural solutions for many health problems. Get to the root of your symptoms and heal your body with Nutrition Response Testing. The practitioners at NHIC offer a non-invasive, advanced form of muscle testing for food sensitivities, chemical and metal toxicity, and immune system issues for all ages. Individualized, targeted, “Root-Cause Nutrition.”

Health Counseling

LIESHA GETSON, BCTT, HHC

Health Through Awareness

100 Brick Rd, Ste 206, Marlton 856-596-5834

HealthThroughAwareness.com

Liesha Getson is a Board-Certified Thermographic Technician, Holistic Health Counselor, a Reiki Master and Energy Practitioner. Liesha is a founding partner of Health Through Awareness in Marlton, a cooperative wellness center that provides a variety of alternative services to facilitate healthy living including nutrition and lifestyle counseling, reiki, thermography, infrared detoxification and biopuncture.

110 Marter Ave, Ste 408, Moorestown, NJ 856-231-0590 • DrHorvitz.com

Board-Certified Family Medicine blending traditional family care with a holistic focus and preventive, nutritional and integrative approach. We look for causes and triggers for disease before reaching for the prescription pad. Same and next day appointments are available.

PHILIP GETSON, DO Health Through Awareness

100 Brick Rd, Ste 206, Marlton, NJ 08053 856-596-5834

Health Through Awareness takes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Dr. Philip Getson is a board-certified Family Physician and certified by four Thermographic Boards. He specializes in thermography, an early diagnostic tool for many health conditions including breast health. With the mission of providing a balanced approach to wellness, the center offers diet and lifestyle counseling, thermography, the area’s most unique infrared detox sauna (The POD), reiki, a smoking cessation program, physician standard supplements and ongoing wellness classes.

Integrative Medicine/ Holistic Pain Management

POLINA KARMAZIN, MD

Board certified in Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture

2301 E Evesham Rd, Bldg 800, Ste 219 Voorhees, NJ 08043

856-528-2258 • SouthJerseyHolistic.com

Our practice treats each person individually by addressing the root cause of the problem. Dr Karmazin employs holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, biopuncture, homeopathy and nutritional counselling for a variety of ailments. We also specialize in holistic pain management and do not use narcotics, NSAIDs or steroid injections.

Intuitive Healing

SUSAN COSTANTINO DRUMMOND RM, INTUITIVE MEDIUM

NJBalance at The Center, Life in Balance 45 S Main St, Medford 609-923-3154

Susan@NJBalance.com NJBalance.com

Susan is an Intuitive Medium and Reiki Master. She specializes in intuitively enhancing the mind, soul and physical body with healing energy for your highest well-being.

Medical Skincare and Cosmetics

DR. ANAMARIA NEWPORT, DMS, DMD, MHS, PAC

17 White Horse Pike, Ste 10B Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 856-323-8885

Dr. Newport is a discerning artist, highly experienced master cosmetic injector and renowned dermatology speaker with 10+ years of extensive medical training. Her continuous dedication for skincare, surgery, dentistry, and cosmetic procedures are enhanced by combining the use of the latest technology and her unique homeopathic style. As an artist, she is genuinely passionate about bringing out the unique beauty in each one of her patients. Look no further for your organic skincare specialist, offering the purest treatments achievable with our personalized natural products.

Numerologist

TRACI ROSENBERG, MA Numerologist & Empowerment Coach 609-417-4526

TraciRosenberg@gmail.com

SoulTalkWithTraci.com

Join the region’s leading numerologist as you discover your life’s purpose. Encoded in your name and birth date are your lessons, talents and desires. Traci will help you realize your full potential.

Outdoor Recreation & Pinelands Preservation

PINELANDS ADVENTURES

1005 Atsion Rd, Shamong, NJ 08088 609-268-0189

PinelandsAdventures.org

A nonprofit Initiative of Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Recreational activities include guided/unguided river paddling, camping, hiking and small group history and ecology forest tours.

Physical Therapy

DR. ASHA PANDEY-SMITH, PT, DPT SoulRise Physical Therapy, LLC

912 W Kings Hwy, Haddon Heights, NJ, 08035 856-433-4008

Info@SoulRisePT.com

SoulRisePT.com

Limited by pain? Trouble getting around? Lacking confidence and motivation to accomplish your goals? Be in charge of your health, be your own hero. At SoulRise Physical Therapy, you will be empowered to live the life you want by being the driver of your own health and wellness. We specialize in combining health and spirituality to provide the most well-rounded experience. We treat all orthopedic conditions, with special focus on women’s health and maternal wellness prenatal through post-partum. Book a free consultation today.

Sexual Dysfunction

DR. CAMILLE SEMPLE-DALY, DO

Replenish Center

215 Sunset Rd, Ste 204

Willingboro, NJ 08046

856-380-1330

Info@ReplenishHormones.com

ReplenishHormones.com

Natural, non-invasive procedures for sexual dysfunction affecting one or more of the following: desire, arousal, lubrication, erectile function, orgasm, pain, dryness and satisfaction. The Replenish Center utilizes an integrative and functional approach looking at key factors such as hormone imbalance, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, certain medications and chronic illnesses. Other contributing factors are lifestyle, diet, exercise and stress. The Replenish Center specializes in therapies which utilize your body’s own healing mechanisms. Dr. Camille Semple-Daly is triple board certified in OB/GYN, Integrative Medicine and Aesthetic Medicine.

Sound Healing - Retail

SOULOSOARING

Terry Eldh 917-282-5554

SoulOSoaring.com

SoulOSoaring is the home of sound and energy. Healing frequencies of alchemy crystal singing bowls help to reduce burnout, stress, anxiety and enhances overall well-being. Serving Fairfield County, CT, Greater New York City … and the world. Shop our online store at SoulOSoaring.com

Spiritual Wellness

BETH O’BRIEN

Spiritual Healing Through Guidance

The Center Life in Balance, 45 N Main St, Medford On Angels Wings, 110 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel BethOB67@yahoo.com

Beth, a psychic/medium, can give you spiritual and intuitive guidance from your loved ones. Beth is also a Reiki Master and an ordained minister to officiate your wedding. She also is a paranormal investigator and does private and public homes. She also does house blessings and cleansing.

Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.

~Theodore Roosevelt

Wellness Center

EXCITARI WELLNESS CENTER

30 Jackson Rd, D101, Medford ExcitariWellness.com

A full-service holistic wellness center offering everything from yoga to integrative osteopathic physician services and sound healing to psychic wellness reading and more.

WHITE HAWK HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER

Jennifer Armento, Homeopath PHOM, Clinical Herbalist Tabernacle, NJ 732-778-5023

WhiteHawkHolistic.com

Homeopath and herbal consulting for acute and chronic illness. Offering holistic workshops, homeopathic classes, herbal products, quantum bioscan sessions and a raw food co-op.

Yoga

RISE AND THRIVE WELLNESS YOGA

Terry Veit-Harmening

714 E Main St, Moorestown 609-923-5782

RiseAndThriveWellnessYoga.com

Terry Veit-Harmening is a certified Yoga Therapist, a certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Educator and a brain longevity specialist with the Alzheimer’s Research Association. Yoga Therapy is a holistic approach to health care using postures, movement, stretches, lifestyle choices, relaxation and breathing practices to address your specific issues.

DON’T FORGET: is JUNE 18TH

Women’s Health

PERINATAL HEALTH LLC

Donna Favilla

609-206-9633

PerinatalHealthLLC.com

Looking for support during pregnancy, labor and postpartum?

Perinatal Health offers: childbirth education, HypnoBirthing and Spinning Babies Parent Class, labor doula support, prenatal/ postpartum massage therapy and reflexology services, baby classes.

MICHELLE URBANSKI, CHHP

Balance Blossom Birth

609-614-0604

Hello@BalanceBlossomBirth.com

BalanceBlossomBirth.com

Father’sDay

Father’sDay

Michelle Urbanski is a Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner specializing in supporting women’s health naturally from the inside out, whether you are looking to improve your health or just starting your motherhood journey. She utilizes Bioenergetic Assessment to identify stressors, discover imbalances and create customized nutritional and emotional supports for your women’s health needs. She provides virtual holistic telehealth services specific for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum needs.

Not feeling like yourself anymore?

Gaining weight, no matter what you do?

Tired, have brain fog, moody or “hormonal?”

Dr. Lorraine Maita, the Hormone Harmonizer and Detoxifier, can help you have boundless energy, stable moods, a lean body, sharp, clear mind and balance your hormones so you can feel like yourself again and even better.

If you need support in getting your life back, apply for a free clarity call to see if we are the right fit at https://you.feelgoodagaincourses.com/ foundations-program.

The Feel Good Again

Institute

(formerly HowToLiveYounger.com)

“I want YOU to Feel Good Again”

Our Wellness Team is here for the health & well-being of you and your family. We are driven by passion for life & wellness, and equipped with the knowledge, skills, and technology needed to support your healing, health & disease prevention.

-Picture from Left to Right: Breayannah, Dr. Vadino DAc, Dr. Inselberg DAc, MSc, CNS, Dr. Flay DAc, Samantha