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DECEMBER 2022 // KISLEV 5783 // ISSUE 83

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EDITOR'S NOTE

A Thousand Glowing Candles

ne night a few weeks ago, I was up with some of my kids, wading through another bout of jet lag. It was just the little ones— the older ones acclimate more easily to the time change (but I guess my kid at heart is still going strong). Seeking a calm yet engaging medium of entertainment for the preschoolers, I went with storytelling. Their book of choice was My Mommy Loves Me (published by Israel Bookshop, written by me) which they can now repeat as a sing-song recital every time we read it. With each of us holding our own book (the perks of having a Mommy author!), we moved through page by page, enjoying a lively discussion on the many ways through which I express my love to them. Given their age, what most appealed to my son and daughter were the vibrant images that bring the text to life. (“Did you also draw these pictures, Mommy?” “No, I just wrote the words.” “Wow, you write like a computer.”) As we inched our way through the pages and the sun began to peak out from under the horizon, the questions and comments kept pouring in. “Look at this pretty bed,” my son exclaimed. “And the curtains,” remarked my daughter, who was born a week before the book went to print (because the publisher kindly waited to include her name in the dedication page). Watching them ooh and aah over the images, I remembered the conversations I had with the

WELLSPRING / DECEMBER 2022

incredible publishing team back then as we were preparing the book for print. How could we depict the mother as most loving and yet most relatable, as present for and devoted to her children but not superhuman? From the content perspective, my concern was to not paint a too-perfect Mommy (which also carried over into the design, characterized by a kitchen counter with a healthy dose of clutter). From the design perspective, as was evident from my kids’ comments, we wanted to depict a child living an idyllic childhood—pretty bed and all—but not that idyllic that kids would get stuck on the unrealistic portrayal.

s writers, editors, illustrators, designers and anyone whose work is made available to the public can attest, we try to be vigilant about not setting a bar that is too high, of generating expectations that aren’t realistic. Especially in the realm of health and wellness, it would be dangerous to convey messages promoting perfection. As much as our goal is to encourage healthy living, it’s also about promoting a healthy perspective on living, of which a critical component is accepting our humanness. We are blessed to have a wide array of contributors whose philosophy is in line with this mindset. Just this week, as I reviewed the tips from our valued contributor Shaindy Oberlander, whose concise bits of wisdom you can now find in the Holistic column, this subject came to the fore. In our conversation re-

garding her advice, Shaindy related—with refreshing candor—that what makes her work with her clients so successful and fulfilling is that she relates to their journey. “It’s a work in progress,” she wrote. “I mean what I say when I write what you read… It is important to practice what I preach even though I understand the science and psychology behind it… Living this way makes my work so much more real as I can get closer to my clients’ struggles and truly feel for them.” So yes, we work hard on our end to churn out health-related content for all of you—but know that all of us on this end can very well relate to your struggles, your challenges, and hopefully, your victories.

ndeed, this is one of the most heartwarming aspects of Chanukah—looking out into the street and watching the candles glisten from the many windows we face. Life pulses in each home, and where there is life there is humanness—ups and downs, struggles and victories. On Chanukah, we choose to celebrate the victories, to focus on how far we’ve come as a nation, how connected we’ve remained to Hashem and His Torah, and how much of His love we’ve felt throughout the ages. When we celebrate together, the joy is tenfold. A freilichen Chanukah to all of you, dear readers,

n a m d e i r F y f Shif WELL- PUT If we recognized how much we don’t know, we’d know a lot more.

Yechiel Schrader, CHC, CCH

WELLSPRING / KISLEV 5783

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2022 KISLEV 5783 ISSUE 83 Our next issue will appear on Wednesday, January 4th iy"H.

WELL INFORMED 10

Springboard

Spiritual Eating

Torah Wellspring

Health Updates

LIVING WELL

FYI

Community

Fitness

Cup of Tea

Serial Diary

DIY

GOING GOAT Cover Feature

WELLBEING

By Esther Retek With Chanukah on the horizon, dairy’s on the menu these days. But which type? The juice on goat’s milk— is it the curative “superdrink” it’s touted to be?

Inner Parenting

OT@Home

90 Tap In

FAREWELL 130 Holistic

SEASONED 8

WELLSPRING / DECEMBER 2022

56 GRATITUDE FOR HEALING Sample By Libby Silberman During the Chanukah season, lehodos lehaleil uleshabeach is more relevant than ever. Can practicing gratitude regularly facilitate health and healing?

FOODS AND STONES Ask the Nutritionist By Laura Shammah, MS, RDN I recently suffered from a very painful bout of kidney stones, which were eventually expelled on their own. The agony, however, was excruciating and I’m willing to try anything to avoid experiencing this again.

SMITTEN Medical Saga As told to Roizy Baum We didn’t need an Einstein to figure it out. Fifteen family members with abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and severe vomiting.

WELLSPRING / KISLEV 5783

SPRINGBOARD

On Cold Weather, Chamomile Tea, Kefir Grains, and More

Stop Bundling Up Issue #82: The Doctor Is In

I was excited to see Dr. Berkovich’s response to the worried mother in last issue’s magazine. Of course, we’re responsible for our health and we shouldn’t be spending too much time in the cold air when our body is sending signals that it isn’t comfortable, but as a big fan of the Wim Hof method, which I was introduced to in these pages, I’ve been awed by how much our body can actually handle—and handle well. According to Dutch extreme athlete 10

WELLSPRING / DECEMBER 2022

Wim Hof (of the Ice Bath fame), who teaches a groundbreaking method of breathing and dealing with extreme temperature, we’re actually doing ourselves and our children a great disservice by bundling up and training the body to fear and resist cold temperatures. In fact, he encourages the cold shower method, in which one deliberately stands under cold running water for a number of minutes while breathing deeply and slowly, as opposed to the shallow, rapid breaths that we’ve become accustomed to taking in these circumstances. This reaction teaches the body to embrace the cold, to stop fighting it, and to

maintain its equilibrium. He explains that it activates our brown body fat, the kind of natural built-in warming mechanism in the body that also keeps animals warm in winter. Since I’ve started following his advice, I’ve found that my body doesn’t resist cold the way it once did. I can spend more time outdoors without being negatively impacted by it. And, as the research already proved, I’ve had less—not more— winter ailments during these last few winters. Yaakov S. Jackson, New Jersey

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Quick Question

SPRINGBOARD

Question: My eight-year-old son’s rebbi called my husband to recommend that he take Ritalin. Our son is a lively, active little boy—but within the range of “normal.” It’s possible that he finds it difficult to sit still for many hours at a time. I’m really reluctant to medicate my child. Is the medication dangerous? What are its side effects? And, most importantly, are there any other natural interventions for us to try to help him remain more calm and focused?

Answer: It’s a good idea to discuss this matter with your son’s rebbi or principal—to find out why they’re recommending that he be put on Ritalin. Ritalin stimulates the brain to make a child more alert and focused. However, it is a medication, after all, impacting one of the body’s most central organs. Its most pronounced possible side effects are heart palpitations and seizures, in some children. You may want to first explore the route of brain gym, brain balancing, and deep breathing, along with natural supplements. I find that most schools are willing to work with the parents and cooperate as long as the child’s issues are being addressed. Regarding supplements, your child may benefit from taking Omega 3, B vitamins, and Focus supplements. In addition, if the family is experiencing a stressful temporary situation at home, such as the birth of a new baby, parents on vacation, or other changes, these circumstances do not warrant the need for medication at all. If the emotional situation is long term, such as issues in the parents’ marriage or with the parenting, medication is also not the ideal solution. Rather, focusing on providing the child with a more stable, calm environment can make all the difference.

Be well, Miriam Schweid, health consultant and kinesiologist

Warm Up the Milk? Issue #82: Seasoned

The chamomile tea latte was a total hit! I had some friends over on Motzai Shabbos and served it. Everyone loved it. I noticed that the recipe said to put the tea bag in boiling water, but it didn’t say anything about heating up the milk. Was it supposed to? We thought it might not be hot enough, so we warmed up the milk and only then blended it—and it was perfect! Meira L. 12

WELLSPRING / DECEMBER 2022

The Levines respond: Thank you for the feedback. We’re glad to hear that you and your friends enjoyed the tea! Regarding the milk, if you like your drink really hot, we’d recommend heating up the milk first or adding less of it.

The Right Setting Issue #82: Cup of Tea

First, I would like to express my

appreciation for your monthly magazine. As soon as I finish reading it, I look forward to the next month’s issue. Regarding the interview with Dr. Judy Ribner, I found myself nodding along as I read the article. There’s so much merit in having a more handsoff birth. Still, I feel that delivering a baby in a hospital setting is safer for both mother and baby. If something goes wrong, chas veshalom, the OR and NICU are right there. A woman could have a very natural and calm birthing experience by using a midwife or doctor who supports her views, or in a birthing center. I

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The Doctor Is In

SPRINGBOARD

Question: My family member was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. All the women in my family are healthy and no one has had cancer before. Should we all start getting tested for cancer, and if so what are the steps?

Answer: I’m sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The prognosis of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer, extent of the spread and other factors. While there is no specific “test” for this disease, there are screens to help detect it. The most common one is called a mammogram. Mammograms are used to identify cancer before any symptoms develop. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment, so early detection is very important. Mammograms use a low dose X-ray of the breasts to look for any abnormalities. If something does look abnormal, further testing, such as an ultrasound or biopsy (taking a small sample of the breast with a needle) may be recommended.

first-degree relative was diagnosed but not before age thirty.

Most doctors recommend that annual mammograms start at age forty. However, some women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and may benefit from more frequent and earlier mammograms. Women with a first-degree relative with breast cancer should start screening mammography ten years before the

Depending on how closely related you are to this family member, your doctor may recommend annual screening mammograms for you and other women in your family.

Although most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, you should be aware of important risk factors. These include certain genetic mutations (like BRCA), having a strong family history of cancer or a first-degree relative with a genetic mutation, having had radiation to the chest in the past, prolonged periods of time without childbirth, and going through menopause later in life. Women at high risk may need additional screening with ultrasound or MRI. Some of these risk factors are stronger than others, so each person’s case should be discussed with her primary health care provider. All women should have a risk assessment before age thirty.

Refuah sheleimah to your relative, and may we only share good news. Rebecca Gamss, MD, Diagnostic Radiology Member, JOWMA preventative health committee

know a few friends who did it this way and they were very happy with the outcome. May we all be zocheh to health and mazel. Libby G. Monsey, New York

What An Experience Issue #82: Cup of Tea

Thanks for an informative interview with Dr. Judy Ribner. I understand

WELLSPRING / DECEMBER 2022

that Wellspring does not promote or endorse the views expressed in Cup of Tea, but I just want to put it out there how pleasant and calm my recent home birth experience was. As a low-risk woman, I opted to give birth this way and the entire process was just simply beautiful. I loved that I was in my own space, that the focus was just on me and my baby, and that the atmosphere was so relaxed and tranquil. I did choose to go away immediately after I gave birth, because I felt it was important for me to recuperate away from the rest of the family, but those initial

few hours at home were very special. Much appreciation for a fabulous magazine, Name Withheld Upon Request

Not the New Norm Issue #82: Cup of Tea

I consider myself quite a health nut and I’m proud of it! I love your magazine and I usually implement

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Question:

I’m concerned about my child’s protein intake. She is really picky and will only eat a few foods, most of which are not proteins like chicken or fish. What can I do? Should I use a protein powder?

Answer: We as a society are overly concerned with protein. My theory is that fat was villainized in the ’80s and carbohydrates have been “evil” since the ’90s. What’s left? Protein. So we get to fixate on it. (Fiber too!) There isn’t a need to fixate on any single macronutrient—or micronutrient for that matter. Kids meet their needs over the course of a few meals or even days, but not usually in a single meal. Pushing for them to consume a balance of foods at any one meal could add to mealtime pressure, which is known to reduce the appetite. They will likely eat less overall if you push! It’s wise to keep these two facts in mind: First, most kids will meet their protein needs without effort. Protein is in almost everything we eat. Second, kids (and adults) don’t actually need the amount of protein we think they do. A fouryear-old child will meet his protein needs with an egg, a glass of milk, and a piece of cheese. A serving of pasta has as much protein as an egg! If you’re concerned, touch base with a pediatric registered dietitian who can discuss both your food and the atmosphere around your food. A healthy relationship with food will last a lifetime! Yaffi Lvova, RDN Yaffi Lvova, RDN, is a dietitian and food enjoyment activist who encourages positive nutrition through writing, speaking, and Nap Time Nutrition, her video blog and podcast. Find out more at babybloomnutrition.com.

WELLSPRING / DECEMBER 2022

Pediatric Nutrition

SPRINGBOARD

some ideas after reading each issue. Regarding the article on homebirth, here’s my plea: Please don’t make home birthing sound like the new norm. The matter is not so simple. I have very pleasant labors in a hospital with no medical intervention. Hospitals and doctors respect your wishes if you act polite and respectful—I’m talking from experience. Delivering at home may seem nice in theory but in reality it is not responsible. Unfortunately, things could go wrong such as a drop in the baby’s heart rate, hemorrhaging after birth, or a change in the baby’s position. Midwives at a home birth are not equipped to deal with such complications. Home birth is intended for when everything works out just fine, but who can guarantee us that? Etty P. Airmont, New York

Out and About Issue #82: Cover Feature

Many thanks for a publication that has enriched my life in too many ways to count. I found the feature on the clock changes to be fascinating—it’s always nice to learn something new—and the sentiments of the “summer girls” really resonated with me. I literally took Rivka’s advice and ran with it: This entire week, I’ve made it my business to do a quick morning stroll every day. Instead of relying on my email grocery list or on my postwork grocery stop, I did a brisk walk to the supermarket and back just to get the basics for the day, and most importantly,

T. Habertal Passaic, New Jersey

ISO Kefir Grains Issue #81: Sample

Thank you for a well-researched and engaging Sample on kefir and its health benefits. I’m convinced! I’ve asked around in search of a kefir starter but so far have been unsuccessful in obtaining the grains. Would you have any leads on where I can get grains from? Thanks, Mindy M. New Jersey

Libby Silberman responds: For starters, you’re in good company. A good number of readers had the same question. There does seem to be a shortage of kosher kefir grains in the NY/NJ area. If anyone in the tristate area has kefir grains and is willing to share, please contact info@wellspringmagazine. com so we can help readers who want to make kefir get started. If you are located in Israel and would like kefir grains, you can contact me directly by sending an email to libby@wellspringmagazine. com.

The Alarm Works Issue #82: FYI

It felt so good to read the bedwetting article with a sense of relief and passive interest, knowing

that our eight-year-old is finally not waking up to wet sheets every morning. Just a few months ago, I’d be desperately getting through the lines, hoping to find a solution to the unpleasant issue. Today, I can baruch Hashem report that he’s moved on. The intervention that worked for us, obviously with the help of Hashem, was the bladder alarm clock. We placed it in our son’s pajamas for about four weeks, after which he started waking up on his own. About two months in, there was no need for the alarm anymore. I hope that parents reading this who are still struggling with bedwetting kids will try this method as well in order to help their child. It’s made such a difference not only to his state of dryness but also his self-esteem. Thanks for a fabulous magazine. Name Withheld Upon Request

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

Any health information, advice, or suggestions published here are the opinion of the letter writer and are not independently investigated, endorsed, or validated by Wellspring. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional or medical practitioner regarding any medical advice, condition, or treatment.

to get some sunshine in before I sat into the office for the day. I’m happy to report that I felt much better than I’ve felt in while.

WELLSPRING / KISLEV 5783

SPIRITUAL EATING By Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS

Are We Doing What We Can To Prevent Illness? A fascinating conversation between the Roman Emperor Antoninus and Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi is recorded in the Gemara (Tosafos in Bava Basra 144b).

Antoninus was embarking on a journey and asked Rebbe to pray for his safe trip. “It should be Hashem’s Will that you be saved from getting a cold,” Rebbe replied. “That’s a prayer?” Antoninus responded in wonderment. “I can add one garment [i.e., put on a sweater, or coat] and the cold will go away.” Rebbe then said, “It should be Hashem’s Will that you be saved from a heat wave.” “That’s a real prayer,” Antinonus confirmed. For as it is written, “There is no hiding from His heat.” The Tosafos cite this exchange as a proof of the famous statement, “Everything is in the hands of Heaven except for cold drafts.” Elsewhere, the Gemara also tells us, “Everything is in the hands of Heaven except for fear of Heaven.” We’re taught that Hashem controls everything in this world but gives man the autonomy to either acknowledge His supreme existence, and therefore have awe and fear of Him, or not. In addition, we understand that all maladies and challenges that come upon us are directly from Divine decree—with the exception of catching a cold. Why is that? The Tosafos explain, “Hashem gave us the knowledge to guard ourselves from colds, and gave us clothes to wear.” The Gemara sources this idea from a verse in Mishlei (22:5): “Cold drafts are snares in the way of a stubborn person;

one who guards his soul will distance himself from them.” The Rashbam learns from here that a stubborn person fails to act appropriately in cold weather, but a sensible person protects himself. How? By wearing proper clothes. Hashem gives us all the basic understanding to identify the varying seasons of nature He created—including cold winter days—and to react accordingly so as not to get sick. We’re not allowed to rely on miracles to guard our health. We have to objectively discern the elements around us and act suitably—and suit up properly. We’re held accountable for not only valuing and safeguarding our own wellbeing, but for setting a proper example for our children. And, as the Rambam explains, this is not just limited to walking outside in shirtsleeves on a cold winter day. He writes in his Commentary to the Mishnah (ninth perek of the Gemara in Bava Basra 144b), “A person who accustoms himself to a behavior that is clearly known to all people to cause sickness, for example habitually eating unhealthy foods, or standing for long periods in the heat of the sun or in the cold air; this judgment is like one who injured themselves with their own hands.” Since that’s not a category any of us wants to be in, our work is to ensure that all the deeds we engage in and all the foods we eat are aligned with the healthy lives we want to live.

Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS, is the founder and director of Soveya and the author of the best-selling book Enough Is Enough—How the Soveya Solution Is Revolutionizing the Diet and Weight-Loss World, available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles and Judaica Plaza in Lakewood. He has worked with thousands of clients around the world and has maintained a 130-pound weight loss for the last 19 years. For more information about Soveya’s programs call 732-578-8800, email info@soveya.com, or visit www. soveya.com.

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