Issuu

E R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

MINDING THE HEART Why the Heart-Brain

Connection Matters

ONLINE THRIFT CLOTHING STORES BOOM HOW TO MODEL POSITIVE BEHAVIOR TO KIDS THE POWER PUNCH OF PROTEIN SHAKES

February 2022 | Hudson County Edition | NAHudson.comFebruary

2022

YOUR ONE TRUSTED GLOBAL ONLINE DESTINATION FOR

Regenerative Whole Health™ Benefits 24/7 ACCESS

KnoWEwell is a One-Of-A-Kind Platform that centralizes today’s trusted global knowledge, resources and community to Prevent and Address the Root Causes of Chronic Diseases. Find best-matched Vetted Practitioners. Learn from Top Educators and Experts. Access Evidence-Based Resources. Make Meaningful Connections in Community Topic Groups. Explore Funding Help for Outof-Pocket Costs of Practitioner Services.

Invest in Your Optimal Health & Well-Being.

Visit KnoWEwell.com Today and receive 50% Off your first year.

Practitioners Apply: NANJ50221 | Individuals Apply: NANJ50221P 2

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said. By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast. September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.” “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched. Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished. Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses. Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA26. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?” Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives. Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever. The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

February 2022

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

HUDSON EDITION PUBLISHER Claire Byers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tina Woods EDITOR Allison Gorman MARKETING Carolyn Coogan SALES Roger Dubin DESIGN & PRODUCTION Julee Bode

Natural Awakenings Hudson County NJ namaghudson @NAmagHudson

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder COO/Franchise Sales Layout & Design Financial Manager Asst. Director of Ops Digital Content Director National Advertising Administrative Assistant

Sharon Bruckman Joe Dunne Gabrielle W-Perillo Yolanda Shebert Heather Gibbs Rachael Oppy Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Anne-Marie Ryan

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 NaturalAwakenings.com © 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

letter from publisher

The Heart of the Matter

e think of February as the month of hearts and love. And while the connection between the two might seem simplistic and antiquated—it stems from Aristotle’s understanding of the heart as the center of motion, sensation and thought—we’re now learning that there’s real science behind that ancient philosophy. Turns out the heart is more than just a pump that keeps the physical body healthy, and it has more to do with love than mere symbolism. The brain is generally considered to be the center of human cognition, but did you know that the heart has 40,000 neurons and sends more signals to the brain than it receives? Or that the electromagnetic field that the heart generates is about a hundred times stronger than the brain’s magnetic range? According to integrative cardiologist Mimi Guarneri, author of The Heart Speaks, “The heart is a multilayered, complex organ, possessing intelligence, memory and decision-making abilities independent from the mind.” Our feature article, “The Heart-Mind Connection: How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health,” focuses on this amazing interrelationship in a way that you may not have thought about before: the importance of maintaining our emotional health in order to sustain our cardiovascular health. Our heart benefits not only from physical exercise, but also from reduced stress, relaxation, meditation and mindfulness, positive thinking, and an attitude of forgiveness and gratitude. Incorporating these practices into our lives can keep our heart physically strong, significantly reducing the likelihood of heart attack or stroke. So as we enter this month of hearts and love, let’s all try to take a moment and identify a few new ways that we can practice emotional-heart health in our daily lives, or enhance those that we already practice. February can be the start of loving and caring for our heart, so that it stays strong for many years to come. In health and happiness,

Publisher@NAHudson.com

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 15

12 THE HEART-MIND CONNECTION

How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health

15 TRULY MAKING LOVE

Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force

16 LOVE YOUR SKIN

Hilda Demirjian Shares a Culture of Beauty and Wellness through Skin Care

18 SECONDHAND FASHION

Online Used Clothing Stores Good for the Wallet and Planet

20 DAVID PERLMUTTER on the Role of Uric Acid in Metabolic Health

22 FERMENTING FOR FOODIES

Preserving Food and Traditions

25 PARENTS AS ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact Roger at 917-699-6492 or email MrNaturalNYC@gmail.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

ROLE MODELS

How to Help Kids Discover Positive Behaviors

26 POWER UP

YOUR WORKOUTS

A Guide to Protein Powders and Shakes

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Tina@NAHudson.com. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Tina@NAHudson.com. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets contact us at 201-798-3236. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 10 health briefs 11 eco tip 15 healing ways 16 community spotlight 18 green living

20 wise words 22 conscious

eating 25 healthy kids 26 fit body 27 resource guide 30 calendar February 2022

SHOP LOCAL LIVE LIFE UNCORKED Shop: Etsy.com/shop/LiveLifeUncorkedShop Instagram.com/livelifeuncorkedshop/ Connect: @LiveLIfeUncorked Love wine or know someone who loves wine? Shop Live Life Uncorked’s readymade upcycled wine cork and sparkling wine capsule products, or reach out to have something specially made. Live Life Uncorked can preserve corks from special moments or trips for you to remember forever. Offer: 10% discount on Etsy or Instagram use or mention code NATURALAWAKENINGS10

MEOW MINI MART Shop: MeowMiniMart.com Connect: @MeowMiniMart Online cat boutique featuring unique and sustainably made fashion pet collars, home and kitchen gifts, cat toys and wellness products. Charming and sophisticated collections created by artisans and designers who love all animals, especially cats. A percentage of every sale is donated to local cat rescue groups to help pay vet bills. Offer: Now offering local delivery in Hoboken, Union City and Weehawken.

SEAZEN SOAP Shop: SeazenSoap.com Connect: @SeazenSoap Local Handmade natural soap for your skin. SEAZEN specializes in all natural products - soap, skin butter, and CBD products to bring humble luxury to your skin and to create time to indulge yourself and cultivate self-love. Offer: Shower yourself or someone you love this Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day with beautiful and luxurious “Heartfelt” natural soaps . Use LOVE22 to get 10% off your purchases made by February 15.

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

news briefs

Special Valentine’s Offer from NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

s we approach two full years of dealing with the pandemic, many have taken the opportunity to do some serious soul-searching, and many singles have come to the realization that they desire a deeply connected, conscious and loving relationship. To help in their quests, especially during special days this month that usually provide many face-to-face opportunities for potential romance that the health crisis has inhibited, NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com is having a Valentine’s Sale from February 10 through 15 with all subscriptions being offered at 25 percent off of regular prices during this period. The platform, a leading holistic, conscious dating site and a venue for eco-conscious and spiritual singles to meet each other, is not a superficial, “swipedy-swipe” app, but a truly “help singles meet their match” dating site. Each member exerts control over which profiles they view and with whom they choose to initiate contact. The detailed profiles allow members to read and learn about potential matches, which makes meeting someone compatible more probable. Further, its new video dating feature has been well received as it allows members to get to know each other before meeting in person. For more information, visit NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com.

Jungle Juice to Promote Reusable Straws

ungle Juice—the fresh smoothie and juice bar with two Hoboken locations— has announced that it will begin offering reusable straws in an effort to reduce plastic pollution. Customers will be encouraged to purchase the reusable straws and use them indefinitely, rather than taking disposable ones. “One-time-use straws are not biodegradable and remain on earth forever,” the family-owned company said in a statement. “Single-use plastic straws cause our oceans to be polluted, and cause harm to marine animals and birds. In order to reduce our carbon footprint we need to reduce our plastic waste.” The menu at Jungle Juice consists of health-conscious smoothies that use nonfat yogurt, a wide variety of vegetable juices, organic wheatgrass shots, milkshakes with skim milk, and acai bowls. Jungle Juice uses only fresh produce and all-natural ingredients. The goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle, the company says, and the effort to reduce plastic waste reflects that mission on a larger scale. Around 8 million tons of plastic waste are created every year, and Americans use 500 million plastic straws every day. Locations: 1016 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ (201-683-0333); and 417 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ (201-222-5888). For more info, email junglejuicecafe@gmail.com or visit JungleJuiceNJ.com.

Massage Releases Oxytocin, the ‘Love Hormone’

assage doesn’t just make our muscles feel good, says Maria Klejmont, owner of Ariana Day Spa, in Bayonne. It makes our “hearts” feel good too, by releasing oxytocin, known as the love hormone. “Oxytocin increases feelings of social bonding and well-being,” she says. “It also helps increase serotonin and dopamine, making it a perfect choice for your special someone this Valentine’s Day.” Ariana Day Spa offers a variety of massage types, including its signature massage, deep-tissue sport massage and hot stone massage. Gift cards from the spa are a popular Valentine’s Day present, Klejmont says. Customers will also book a spa day for their partner or schedule a couple’s massage session. Because the spa offers esthetic and nail services too, customers preparing for a Valentine’s night out can book a signature facial or mani-pedi. Other services offered include reiki and energy healing. Having worked as a massage therapist for 18 years before opening her own spa, Klejmont says she’s seen the restorative benefits of massage, and she wanted Ariana Day Spa to be a place where men and women could enjoy luxury services at affordable prices. Location: 811 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ. For appointments, call 201437-8118. For more information, email arianadayspa@gmail.com or visit ArianaDaySpa.com.

Sisters’ Pandemic Stress Release Blossoms into PLNTD

isters Danielle and Lauren Gambino were always “plant people,” but when COVID-19 hit, they found special peace in the simple art of indoor gardening. “Reconnecting with nature and ‘greening up’ our city spaces in such a strange and uncertain time was calming and rewarding,” Danielle says. “So we wanted to bring that same feeling to others.” The result is PLNTD, their house plant and apothecary shop in Jersey City. Specializing in self-care, positivity, wellness, unique home decor and, of course, house plants, PLNTD is “an urban oasis and a great reminder that no matter what life throws your way, you can always grow where you are planted.” “We feature a curated collection of exotic houseplants, interesting homewares and thoughtful self-care supplies for personal growth,” Lauren says. “We highlight products from female artists and creators, boosting our community of women in small business. We focus on plant education, wellness and community.” PLNTD now sells gift cards and also hosts PLNTD parties for kids, where every partygoer gets to paint and fill their own clay pot. Location: 16 Erie St., Jersey City, NJ. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Monday. For more information, call 201-918-6363 or visit PLNTDShop.com.

SHOP LOCAL INSPIRED UNIVERSE BOOKS Shop: InspiredUniverse.com Connect: @InspiredUniverseBooks @InspiredUniverse_Books How lucky are we, having a future to see? Through charming rhyme of her new book, New Jersey author, Aleksandra Starling reminds children, teens, and young adults to dream big and follow their hearts. Illustrated by world-renowned artist, Keico Watanabe (www. keicow.com), You’ll Always Find Your Way, is a perfect graduation gift for any age. Starling is the founder of Inspired Universe, a company devoted to children’s health. Her richly illustrated books are designed to make kids laugh while inspiring them to try new things that will become foundational habits for a balanced life. Join the author and the artist LIVE on Instagram @InspiredUniverse_Books or Facebook @keicow on Saturday, Feb 19th, 11am-12pm (add to your calendar) to hear about the inspiration behind this amazing book, take a tour of Keico’s art studio, and have a chance to win beautiful artworks and gifts. Offer: Limited-edition, author signed copies are available on Amazon in February 2022 ($17.99 Hardcover).

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR COMMUNITY. LET US HELP YOUR BUSINESS WEATHER THESE TIMES OF CRISIS! CONTACT US TODAY TO ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: PUBLISHER@NAHUDSON.COM

February 2022

news briefs

Breathe 2-22-22 Event Will Harness Global Prayer

eff Primack, who has shared his Nine-Breath method with more than 50,000 people at live seminars, will lead a global breath meditation, Breathe 2-22-22, to send up prayers for peace in unison on what many seers and yogis have long considered a spiritually auspicious day. The event will be livestreamed from a waterfall on Hawaii’s Big Island February 22, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Breathe22222.com. It will also be recorded so participants can view it any time. “From this 30-foot epic waterfall, our collective prayers will travel down the river, into the ocean and around the world,” Primack says. “Using a simple powerful breathing technique, we will all feel God’s divine light in our body at the same time and hold the same prayers for peace within ourselves, loved ones and the global community. The time is now. Let us breathe powerfully together.” Cost: $22. For more information, visit Breathe22222.com.

FIND YOUR

We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members.

TRY FOR FREE!

Visit us at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com 8

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

Children’s Dental Health Has Suffered in Pandemic

uring the pandemic, the negative effects on children’s oral health have been significant, says Poonam Gat, DDS, of Children’s Dental Care, in Union City. With routines upended, children have been snacking more and often neglecting their oral hygiene—plus many families haven’t been able to access regular dental care, she says. Without regular dental visits, small problems often turn into larger ones requiring more extensive treatment, which then feeds kids’ fears of visiting the dentist. “We have good research supporting the role of regular dental care in keeping kids’ mouths healthy,” she says, “so it’s unfortunate that the pandemic interfered with dental care for so many children,” Gat says. She says prevention is key to children’s dental health, and that begins with reducing fear through familiarity. “Ultimately, our objective is to create positive relationships with our patient families and lay a foundation that will carry into adulthood and encourage young ones to value oral health,” she says. Gat is one of three specialists at Children’s Dental Care, which also includes Michael Pagan, DDS, and orthodontist Dr. Homayoun Aminyar. Location: 3700 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Union City, NJ. For more information, call 201-866-3737 or email childrendentalcare.us@ gmail.com, or visit ChildrenDentalCare.us.

Alfalfa Serves Up a Side of Joy

lfalfa, Hoboken’s pop-up turned brick-and-mortar salad startup, is proof that healthy food can be comfort food. On opening its first permanent location on Washington Street in early 2019, the eatery made it through a historically tough economic climate with enough momentum to open a second location, in Santa Monica, California, last fall. Its recipe for success? A broad menu of specialty and buildyour-own salads, breakfast burritos, and soups and broths, with vegan and gluten-free options, plus a cheery selection of gourmet doughnuts. But the not-so-secret ingredient is the joy that’s built into Alfalfa’s business model through special projects, fundraisers and partnerships. With Project Joy, for example, Alfalfa has joined Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) on its mission to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The eatery has also partnered with Sean Johnson, US Men’s Soccer goalie; Carissa Stanton, founder of Brocc Your Body; and Camp Conscious, which aims to empower women to be conscious and present in their mental, physical and emotional state. Whether it’s serving customers or launching new collaborations, Alfalfa’s goal is the same: to inspire healthier communities through balanced food and joyful experiences. Location: 1110 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ. For more information, visit EatAlfalfa.com.

Hudson County ‘Virtual Academy’ to Teach Leadership Skills

artners in Prevention, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to combat and defeat alcoholism and drug abuse in the Hudson County community, will host the Hudson County Staff Development Virtual Academy on March 3 and 4. Participants will learn and practice important job skills, increase their knowledge base, and discover how their own “leadership language” and personal values impact their job success and satisfaction and career aspirations. Topics will include The Language of Your Leadership, Building a Culture of Race Equity at Work, Working Across Generations, Time Management for a Neuro-diverse and Tech-driven World, Budgeting Basics for Program Staff, and Virtual Tools for is The cost to attend this training is $400. a Virtual n World. o ti a bonus, Partners in Prevention is adding a third day of diAs E training, Focus on Prevention, on March 11. Participants will ty un explore important aspects of alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention, including history, effective prevention methods for adults and youth, and substance-use disorders. The cost to attend is $200 for this training, or $550 for both trainings. Registration priority is being given to those who live and work in Hudson County.

R FO

L SA

To register and for more information, contact Jamie Sierfeld at 201-552-2264 or jsierfeld@pipnj.org.

Now Offering

MA NUAL

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE Benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage • Migraines • Fatigue • Water Retention • Autoimmune Recovery • Stress • Pre & Post Natal Swelling • Detox • Chronic Sinus Issues • Lymphedema • Pre & Post Plastic Surgery Recovery • Athletic Injury Recovery • Insomnia

10% off First MLD Massage

201-551-7154

VictoriaReedMassageTherapy.com Instagram: victoriareedwellness

dream

Do you about a meaningful and creative career that you to the community while you work from the comfort of

Victoria Radzinski

Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Personal Trainer

connects home?

Natural Awakenings Hudson County Edition is FOR SALE

If you are passionate about healthy living and enjoy inspiring others to make choices that benefit themselves and the world around them, consider becoming a Natural Awakenings publisher.

To find out more information contact Publisher@NAHudson.com No previous publishing experience is required. Extensive training & ongoing support is provided.

February 2022

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

alenaorsh/AdobeStock.com

Two new studies suggest that the right probiotics can offer relief for the 85 percent of pregnant women with nausea and for the 25 percent of fussy newborns with colic. In the journal Nutrients, University of California, Davis researchers reported on a study in which 32 pregnant women that had nausea, vomiting and constipation took a probiotic capsule twice a day. The overthe-counter probiotics formula contained 10 billion live cultures, mainly Lactobacillus. After 12 days, the number of hours participants felt nauseated was reduced by 16 percent, and they vomited one-third fewer times. Constipation was also reduced. Quality of life markers such as fatigue, poor appetite and difficulty maintaining normal social activities also improved. Examining biomarkers in fecal samples, the researchers found the probiotics increased vitamin E and a bile salt enzyme that helps prevent vomiting and nausea. In a second study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Naples researchers explored whether a particular probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12) could help soothe babies with colic, a common gastrointestinal disorder in the first three months of life that studies have linked to maternal postpartum depression, parental guilt and frustration, drug use and long-term behavioral and sleep problems. They found that the probiotic reduced the duration of daily crying by 50 to 80 percent in the 40 infants that received it once daily for 28 days, compared to a 32 percent reduction among 40 babies receiving a placebo. The probiotic also had beneficial effects on sleep duration and on stool frequency and consistency. It increased gut production of butyrate, which positively regulates intestinal transit time, pain perception, the gutbrain axis and inflammation.

Sugary foods and drinks don’t just expand our waistline and hurt our health, they also harm the environment, according to new research from the University of South Australia. Analyzing 20 studies on the environmental impacts of food consumption, researchers found that nutrientpoor foods like sugar-sweetened drinks, alcohol, baked sweets and processed meats account for 27 to 33 percent of food-related greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Meat, grains and dairy contribute the most emissions, while fruit and vegetables are two of the lowest contributors. In New Zealand, the highest greenhouse gas emitters are meat, seafood and eggs at 35 percent, followed by highly processed foods such as pastries and ice cream at 34 percent. “Discretionary foods have a higher cropland, water scarcity and ecological footprint,” says review author Sarah Forbes. “By 2050, the world’s population is projected to reach 10 billion people. There is no way we can feed that amount of people unless we change the way we eat and produce food.”

suns07butterfly/AdobeStock.com

Try Probiotics to Lower Pregnancy Nausea and Soothe Fussy Babies

Eat Fewer Sweets to Save the Planet

Improve Sleep and Lower Anxiety with Black Cumin Oil Black cumin seeds that come from the flowering fennel plant (Nigella sativa) flavor cuisines from the Middle East to the Far East and have been used for centuries to treat chronic and infectious diseases. In a new study in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, Indian researchers report that 15 volunteers with insomnia that took 200 milligrams of black cumin oil after dinner for 28 days experienced significantly better sleep. They fell asleep sooner, slept longer and recorded increases of 82 percent in non-rapid eye movement sleep and 29 percent in rapid eye movement sleep. Stress and anxiety levels were also dramatically reduced.

margo555/AdobeStock.com

health briefs

eco tip

Purposeful Shopping How Fair Trade Can Change the World increased almost 10-fold between 2004 and 2016, from $939 million to $8.9 billion. Consider these steps to achieve ethical, sustainable shopping:

netrun78/AdobeStock.com

Protect the rights of produce workers. Fair trade bananas, avocados, coconut products and cashews often come from small growers in Africa, Latin America and Asia, where cooperatives ensure them a living wage and better working conditions. These products may cost marginally more, but are readily available at many supermarkets.

Fair trade is an alternative international business model that puts people and the planet first. It is designed to help growers and producers in developing countries achieve sustainable, fair relationships with exporters and consumers in wealthier parts of the globe. It focuses particularly on commodities like coffee, tea, textiles and seafood, and works to ensure sustainable prices, better working conditions and higher environmental standards. According to the Fair World Project, “The fair trade movement shares a vision of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices both at home and abroad, so that everyone through their work can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood.” At least five fair trade organizations certify compliance. While the criteria of each varies, certification typically requires companies to allow a third party to audit their business practices and monitor production to ensure standards are met. Fair trade goods can cost slightly or significantly more than conventionally traded purchases, which may explain why ethical and fair trade products make up only 1 percent of the total market. But the trend is growing: In 2018, sales of fair trade produce in the U.S. rose by 30 percent, with 60 products available. International sales of a major German-based certifier, Fairtrade International,

Protect sustainable tea and coffee farming. On fair trade tea and coffee farms, agrochemicals and genetically modified organisms are strictly prohibited, sustainable farming methods are encouraged and stringent programs for water conservation and proper waste disposal provide environmental stewardship. Protect the oceans with fair trade cotton. Buying clothing made with fair trade cotton means less synthetic apparel, so washing won’t shed microplastics that make their way into the ocean, fish and then our dinner plates. Help build strong communities with fair trade cosmetics. When the shea butter, cocoa butter, sugar and coconut oil used in many skin-care products comes from fair trade producers, a fair price is paid, decent working conditions without child labor are assured and a portion of the money is returned to infrastructure or community projects. Makers of fair trade cosmetics often use vegan ingredients and animal-free testing, as well. February 2022

The Heart-Mind Connection How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health by Ronica O’Hara

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

“D

wayhome studio/AdobeStock.com

oes your wife show you her love?” In a study of 10,000 married men, this question turned out to be revelatory. Among men with high levels of anxiety, a whopping 93 percent that answered “No” developed anginarelated chest pains within five years—nearly twice the rate of those answering “Yes.” This 1976 Israeli study was one of the first to clearly document how emotions affect the physical heart. Today, the research is so vast and compelling that last year, the American Heart Association issued a statement urging that psychological factors be taken into account in cardiovascular care—which may result in doctors asking patients about depression and anxiety as well as testing for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. “What’s on your mind really does affect your heart,” says leading researcher and cardiologist Michael Miller, M.D., author of Heal Your Heart and director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical System. “Our hearts require emotional health in order to maintain cardiovascular health.” Two emerging fields are probing the mind-heart connection: neurocardiology, which studies their neurological interplay; and behavioral cardiology, which examines how psychological and social factors lead to heart disease. Increasingly, researchers are documenting that the brain and the heart form an intricate feedback loop that works neurologically, biochemically and electromagnetically to optimize well-being. What hurts one—be it arteryclogging foods or angry outbursts—can hurt the other. What heals one—be it exercising or a good belly laugh—can heal the other. There’s good news in that, says Miller: “You can heal your heart by actively engaging in positive emotions each and every day.”

Unveiling the Heart’s Role

In Western medicine, the heart has been downplayed historically as a pump mechanistically taking orders from a bossy brain, but recently, the heart’s role is being reexamined: With 40,000 neurons, it sends more signals to the brain than it receives. As integrative cardiologist Mimi Guarneri, author of The Heart Speaks, puts it, “The heart is a multilayered, complex organ, possessing intelligence, memory and decision-making abilities independent from the mind.” The electromagnetic field it generates is about 100 times stron-

ger than the brain’s magnetic range and can be detected up to three feet away from the body, report researchers at the pioneering HeartMath Institute, in Boulder Creek, California. They found that one person’s brain waves can synchronize to another person’s heart and two hearts can synchronize to each other, which may help explain why people are drawn to or repelled by each other. When the heart’s rhythm pattern becomes erratic and disordered during stress and negative emotions, they report, the neural signals traveling to the brain’s emotional centers also get disrupted, hindering clear thinking and reasoning—which may help explain why we make dubious decisions under stress.

The High Toll of Tough Emotions Although scientists debate whether emotions start in the brain, heart or from physical sensations elsewhere in the body, it’s clear through magnetic imaging technology that it’s the brain’s task to process and regulate emotions via the flow of neurotransmitters through the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and other brain regions. Emotions like anger, fear, grief and anxiety set off a cascade of reactions involving the hormone cortisol and proteins called cytokines, creating an inflammatory response that, if it becomes chronic, can promote the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that can become unstable and rupture, triggering blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks. Surveying 25,000 participants in 52 countries, the landmark INTERHEART Study in 2004 concluded that about 30 percent of heart attacks and strokes are due to psychological factors, and ongoing research supports this finding. DEPRESSION. Adults that are depressed are twice as likely to develop heart disease. In one study, moderate to severe depression quadrupled the death rate in heart failure patients. ANXIETY. Researchers have linked chronic anxiety with a 48 percent increased risk of cardiac-related death over 11 years. It has also been shown to be a risk factor for angina, heart attacks and ventricular arrhythmia. SHOCK. A sudden emotional or physical shock, like a death in the family or an earthquake, can trigger stress cardiomyopathy, known as broken heart syndrome, which resembles a heart attack. ANGER. An episode of intense fury—described as “body tense, clenching fists or teeth, ready to burst”—increases by 8.5 times the risk of a heart attack within the next two hours. LONELINESS. Being socially isolated and lonely is linked to a higher risk for cardiovascular death than hypertension and obesity—alarming information since more than 60 percent of Americans report feeling lonely, left out, poorly understood and lacking companionship, according to a 2020 survey.

Boosting Both Brain and Heart “There’s no damage caused by negative emotions that positive emotions can’t heal,” says Miller. A large body of research has February 2022

shown that cardiovascular disease risk can be reduced by up to half with optimism, a sense of humor, forgiveness, social support, religious faith, vitality, gratitude, altruistic behavior, emotional flexibility and coping flexibility. People that are optimistic are less likely to be rehospitalized or die from heart disease, Finnish researchers report. “For optimal health, maximize the health of both brain and heart. For example, if you eat well and exercise, but are still stressed out, your heart will suffer. Conversely, if you are not stressed out, but overeat and do not exercise, your brain will suffer,” says Miller. Some heart-and-mindhealthy strategies include:

friends, neighbors and co-workers can nurture affectionate ties, but if a human isn’t nearby, even hugging a teddy bear has been shown to release oxytocin—which may explain why 40 percent of U.S. adults sleep with stuffed animals. Owning a dog, but not necessarily a cat, makes us more likely to survive a heart attack, report researchers. MINDFULLY LETTING GO. As studies with police officers, healthcare workers and firefighters have demonstrated, mindfulness training effectively lowers anxiety and depression, even for those in life-threatening situations. “To be present, ever acutely aware of our thoughts, emotions, feelings and how we are choosing to react is critical,” says cardiologist Cynthia Thaik, author of Your Vibrant Heart and the founder of the Holistic Heart Healing Center, in Los Angeles. “Once we are aware of our reaction, the ability to let go—of judgment, doubt, anger, resentment, fear, all our negative thoughts, emotions and feelings—is crucial to our healing process.”

DOING THE BASICS. Exercising a halfhour daily and eating a largely plant-based, Mediterranean-type diet that’s low in saturated fats has been found in numerous studies to lower the risk of both cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Working with health practitioners to get blood pressure, blood sugar and inflammation levels under control, perhaps using supplements or medications, is also a key preventive step.

LAUGHING A LOT. Many of us have a chuckle deficit in our lives: The average 5-year-old laughs up to 300 times a day, the average adult only four. To lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, find ways to laugh long and hard—such as watching hilarious films or videos on YouTube or TikTok. Physiologically, the endorphins released by a hearty belly laugh bind to receptors that release nitric oxide, relaxing

GIVING AND GETTING HUGS. Oxytocin, the “love hormone” released from the pituitary gland during touching and hugging, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and regenerates new heart tissue in animal studies. Proactively reaching out to family,

blood vessels. BREATHWORK. To bring the mind and heart into a healthy, coherent rhythmic pattern, the HeartMath Institute suggests heart-focused breathing, which involves imagining that we are breathing in through the heart as we inhale in a smooth, comfortable manner to the count of five or six, then breathing out for five or six counts while visualizing that the breath is flowing out of the heart. MEDITATION. People that practice meditation are significantly less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, perhaps because it has been shown to lower heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, oxygen consumption and cortisol levels. Alzheimer’s expert Dharma Singh Khalsa, author of Meditation as Medicine, advocates kirtan kriya, a 12-minute, daily meditation that includes chanting, finger movements and visualization. Research has demonstrated that it slows cognitive decline, eases depression and increases anti-aging telomerase activity at a cellular level by 43 percent in eight weeks. YOGA OR TAI CHI. In studies, yoga has been shown to lower inflammation and metabolic syndrome markers linked to heart disease and reduce atrial fibrillation episodes. The slow, graceful movements of tai chi reportedly lower blood pressure and strengthen the hearts of people with heart failure. MUSIC. Whether it involves listening, playing an instrument or singing, music has been shown to lower heart rate, reduce inflammation, enable longer exercise periods, ease anxiety after heart surgery and heart attacks, and help stroke victims regain the ability to speak. Choose music of whatever genre inspires joy and sing along for extra benefit, advises Miller. “If your partner is flummoxed by your enthusiasm for yodeling or your neighbor doesn’t exactly approve of your attempts at arias, kindly inform him or her it’s doctor’s orders,” he jokes in Heal Your Heart.

DrLMSteinberg.com • BiologicalDentistsOfNJ.com

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

healing ways people can take it so seriously and place crippling pressure on having this fantasy Hollywood sex life.”

Aphrodite’s Plate

Truly Making Love Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force by Marlaina Donato

ntimately connecting with a loved one is one of life’s most precious gifts, but it’s easy to lose sight of our innate sensual energy in the maze of the mundane. Through lovemaking, we can harness our life force, and according to abundant research, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, manage pain and improve brain health. A significant correlation also exists between higher ejaculation frequency and a reduced risk for prostate cancer later in life, Boston University researchers report in European Urology. Making love is also good for boosting our natural immunity. College students that engaged in amorous activity once or twice a week—especially with long-term partners—had 30 percent higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A in their saliva, concluded research by Wilkes University, in Pennsylvania.

Stripping Down to Basics A few lifestyle adjustments can do wonders for worn-out romance. Quality sleep itself can be a potent aphrodisiac. Women are more likely to be “in the mood” after a good night’s sleep, even with just an extra

hour of shut-eye, according to a 2015 pilot study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Therapist Kurt Smith, clinical director of Guy Stuff Counseling and Coaching, in Roseville, California, advocates limiting phone use and engaging in non-technological activities. “Phones have moved from being used as a communication device to becoming many people’s connection to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, when used as such, they pose a threat to the emotional connection with our partners,” he says. “With all distractions removed, sit on the sofa, face each other and talk. This suggestion can make many people very uncomfortable, because they have no idea what they’d say to their partner. Actually, talking to your partner without a purpose other than to just listen and connect with each other has become rare.” An element of fun can go a long way in the quest to stay connected. “Approach your sex life like a science experiment or an art project instead of a math problem,” says Jamie Elizabeth Thompson, a holistic intimacy expert in Austin. “It’s an exploration with no one right answer. Attitude is important when it comes to sex because

Feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin all contribute to the pleasure response, and sharing luscious food with a lover can be sensuous, as well as endorphin-friendly. Nutritious foods such as almonds, walnuts, asparagus and avocados support reproductive health, and a dessert of dark chocolate and honeydrizzled fruits like berries, figs and cherries can support libido in both women and men. Nixing excessive alcohol and sugar is also a good romantic investment.

Partnership as Sacred Deep relationship is only possible when we are willing to be vulnerable. “Porn is a drug that people unknowingly use to self-medicate and manage uncomfortable thoughts and emotions,” explains Smith. “Many men have no idea what they’re missing because they’ve never had an emotionally intimate relationship without the negative influence of porn. Porn makes sex self-focused, rather than what it’s supposed to be, which is the intimate connection of two people. Porn is selfish, rather than loving, giving and sharing with a partner.” Thompson attests that lovemaking can help us align with the divine, especially “when people have reverence for the power of their erotic life force. When people open their view of what sex is, it can become an act of worship.” Love prompts us to become more ourselves. “When erotic life force is flowing freely, the body is vital and the system is turned on. When channeled properly, this energy is highly creative,” muses Thompson. “It’s the fuel of your vehicle, the charge of your battery, and when you are full on life force, it organically overflows into service.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com. February 2022

WE LOVE OUR ADVERTISING

communityspotlight

PARTNERS WE THINK YOU WILL TOO!

Hilda Demirjian KEY FOOD 574 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 201-204-4200

LOVE YOUR SKIN Hilda Demirjian Shares a Culture of Beauty and Wellness through Skin Care

WE ARE GRATEFUL! Thank you to our advertisers who make publishing this FREE publication possible each month. They are leaders in our natural living community. Please support them with your business and tell them you saw it in Natural Awakenings!

CONNECT

with our online community at

NAHudson.com

hen Hilda Demirjian moved to the United States 37 years ago, she was surprised to learn that many Americans regularly tanned as a beauty and wellness practice. Having grown up in the Persian culture, where healthy skin was prized and going to hammams (spas) with her mother and grandmother was a weekly routine, Demirjian found the idea of purposely subjecting the skin to sun damage shocking. She was determined to teach people to “love their skin.” “I knew I could educate people about how to take care of the largest organ in the body,” she says. So, after working with surgical lasers for a gynecologist, she switched to aesthetic lasers and opened Demirjian Salons, in White Plains, 24 years ago. She changed the name to Demirjian Laser and Skin Care Center as she expanded her services—not just helping clients practice preventive skin care, but also helping improve the appearance of their damaged skin through a growing menu of natural, noninvasive treatments. “I tell every client, ‘Love your skin,’” she says. “I share my story and then evaluate their skin, letting them know what needs to be taken care of so they can enjoy their life confidently.”

FDA-Approved Laser Treatments Demirjian Laser and Skin Care Center offers men and women collagen treatment for younger-looking skin; treatment to improve the appearance of acne, scars and stretch marks; and treatment of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on the face due to exposure to

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

UVA and UVB rays. All these treatments are performed via laser, which is FDA approved for all complexions, Demirjian says. All skincare products used and sold at Demirjian Laser and Skin Care Center are botanical, non-comedogenic and cruelty free, and come in recyclable packaging. Demirjian says she’s particularly proud of an antioxidant product she created after several years of research and travel: Collagen-Elastin Gel with Green Apple Stem Cells from Switzerland. While anyone can use it to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scars, stretch marks and hyperpigmentation, Demirjian says, it’s therapeutic for cancer survivors and people whose skin has been damaged by cancer treatment. “I lost my grandmother to breast cancer when I was 12, and I used to go with her for chemotherapy. Seeing her thin, purple, prematurely damaged skin made me sad,” she says. “I always wanted to create a product to heal the skin.” The gel is available for purchase at HildaDemirjianSkincare.com.

HILDA DEMIRJIAN LASER & SKIN CARE Love your skin!

8Non-Invasive, Holistic Treatments

Celebrating 25 Years Serving Westchester!

CollaGEN laSEr trEatmENtS aNd SkiN tiGhtENiNG

Effective on the full face, neck and body for: Fine Lines & Wrinkles • Sun Damage • Brown Spots • Skin Tightening • Dark Circles Scars • Rosacea • Acne • Cellulite • Stretch Marks • Turkey Neck • Elbows & Knees Radio Frequency Stimulates collagen internally for younger looking skin. For fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, dark circles around the eyes and mouth, skin tightening and plumping. Before

Before & After

Only one treatment

Collagen & Elastin Hilda Demirjian Gel with Green Skin Care Products Apple Stem Cells Great for ALL Skin Types!

Free Consultations 914-374-1756 • HildaDemirjianLaser.com 34 S. Broadway, Suite 607 • White Plains, NY 10601

‘Their Trust in My Hands’ Running a small business for 24 years, and staying consistent with her mission and passion, has been a challenge, Demirjian says. “I am still in business thanks to our loyal, amazing clients who have put their trust in my hands,” she says. The clients have kept coming even during the past trying year, during which Demirjian has stayed “extremely busy.” “They know they can enter our establishment and not worry about Covid,” she says. “We are taking safety precautions until the pandemic is over. I am looking forward to attending my international seminars sometime soon.” Location: Hilda Demirjian Laser and Skin Care Center, 34 S Broadway, Ste. 607, White Plains, NY. For more info, call 914.374.1756 or visit HildaDemirjianLaser.com or HildaDemirjianSkincare.com.

After

Dr. Juliana Paternina, DPM

70 Hudson Street Hoboken, NJ 07030 1293 Broad St. Bloomfield, NJ 04003

FREE

INITIAL OFFICE VISIT $100 Value

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH FOOT & ANKLE PROBLEMS

X-Ray & Treatment Excluded We are dedicated to providing quality treatment and preventative care for patients of all ages in a convenient and friendly environment, utilizing the latest technology and expertise.

SERVICES:

201-659-5222

FootandAnklePS.com

• Fractures • Sprains • Heel pain • Ingrown toenails • Arthritis • Bunions

• Neuromas • Diabetic shoes • Hammertoes • Custom molded orthotics • Pediatric foot conditions • X-rays on site

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL • WALK-INS WELCOME • MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED • LATE & SAT. HOURS AVAILABLE

February 2022

green living

stokkete/AdobeStock.com

and Australia. Several well-known platforms serve vintage and luxury brand consumers worldwide, offering authentication guarantees to reassure buyers about counterfeits. Among them are Santa Monica-based Tradesy.com, founded by women for women; Parisbased reseller VestiaireCollective.com; and TheRealReal.com, out of San Francisco. Other notable players include brick-andmortar thrift store Goodwill Industries, which has partnered with resale app OfferUp.com to upload their inventories; eBay. com, one of the first online, peer-to-peer marketplaces; and Etsy.com, featuring vintage and upcycled fashion by smaller shops.

SECONDHAND FASHION Online Used Clothing Stores Good for the Wallet and Planet by Sandra Yeyati

he online commerce of used clothing is booming. According to ThredUp.com, a prominent virtual consignment and thrift store, the secondhand market is projected to double in the next five years, reaching a whopping $77 billion. “The pandemic and resulting economic downturn boosted this surge,” says Hyejune Park, Ph.D., associate professor of fashion merchandising at Oklahoma State University. “Stuck at home in 2020, people looked into their closets, found items they no longer wore or wanted and went online to sell and buy clothes to save money.”

Popular Resale Platforms Younger, tech-savvy shoppers are the principle drivers of this growth, and a host of apps and websites are responding to the demand, including UK-based marketplace Depop. com, which caters to cash-strapped Generation Z and millennial shoppers, and Poshmark.com, a leading social marketplace boasting 80 million users across the U.S., Canada 18

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

Brand-Name Manufacturers and Retailers React Many fashion brands are considering or have already formed partnerships with established resale platforms to reach this engaged, younger demographic of shoppers. For example, Gucci is partnering with TheRealReal.com, while Adidas is working with ThredUp.com. In 2021, Poshmark.com launched their Brand Closets initiative, inviting branded manufacturers to interact with their users and opening the platform to sell a combination of used and new fashion. “The fact that all this is happening is an indication that we’re witnessing a new wave of ecommerce,” Park says. “I don’t think it’s a temporary boom. From a retail business perspective, this is a huge trend that will go mainstream and continue to grow.” Other brands are launching resale operations in-house, such as Levi’s Secondhand.Levi.com and fast-fashion giant H&M’s Rewear.hm.com, claiming to provide a sustainable fashion-buying alternative, but Park cautions, “I’m not confident that secondhand fashion can solve the sustainability issues that fast fashion has created over the past decade. Depending on how brands are participating in their resale operations, it could be a greenwash claim—just another way to make sales and reach more consumers.” Notably, H&M’s Conscious Collection that is marketed as sustainably-

made clothing caters to only a small fraction of its customers, suggesting that the company cares less about environmental impacts and more about satisfying a segment of its customer base. In contrast, Park says, Patagonia’s resale program is an enviable environmental example. “Patagonia began running their Worn Wear resale campaign long before this secondhand shopping boom. They educate consumers about how to take care of their gear, offer alteration services and encourage the long-term wear and resale of their clothes,” she explains.

The Secondhand Surge and the Environment ThredUp.com’s marketing materials assert that by extending the life of used clothing, fewer new garments need to be produced, helping to reduce the carbon, waste and water footprints associated with the production of textiles and ap-

parel. In 2021, Manish Chandra, founder secondhand goods to curtail their spendand CEO of PoshMark.com, stated, ing on new clothes or to find better quality “Consumers are prioritizing the impact garments than fast fashion, then it will be that their purgood for the enchases have on the vironment, but if To protect the planet, environment.” they buy and sell Park cautions Park advises, the goal should used clothes in that even though be to buy nothing or buy less. addition to their resale platforms regular shopping tout environas another way mental benefits, consumer behavior will to shop for marked-down products, then ultimately determine whether the online there will be no environmental benefit.” surge makes a positive environmental To protect the planet, Park advises, the impact. In a recent study involving young goal should be to buy nothing or buy less. consumers living in Oklahoma, Park “It’s okay to purchase $10 jeans, but get sought to understand why they were one pair, not five. Don’t have a one-nightchoosing to buy and sell secondhand stand relationship with your clothes. Love clothing online. Their most prominent them, take care of them and wear them motives were saving money and shopping until they’re falling apart.” convenience. “Not many respondents saw this type of Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer consumption as a way to save the environand editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ ment,” she laments. “If consumers buy gmail.com.

Feel the JOY of LOVE again! Join the Largest Online Community of Holistic-Conscious Singles who value Authentic & Loving Relationships Natural Health & Sustainable Living Living a Conscious Life Honoring Diversity

Try for

FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com February 2022

wise words

David Perlmutter on the Role of Uric Acid in Metabolic Health

photo by Peter Russell

by Sandra Yeyati

oard-certified neurologist David Perlmutter, M.D., has written five New York Times bestsellers, including Brain Wash, Grain Brain and Brain Maker. His latest book is Drop Acid: The Surprising New Science of Uric Acid—The Key to Losing Weight, Controlling Blood Sugar, and Achieving Extraordinary Health. A recipient of the Linus Pauling Award for his innovative approaches to neurological disorders and the National Nutritional Foods Association Clinician of the Year award, he has appeared on 20/20, CNN, Fox News, The Today Show, Oprah and CBS This Morning.

What is the most significant threat to our health and longevity today? Metabolic issues like high blood pressure, increased body fat and high blood sugar are at the root of our most pervasive health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, the number one cause of death on planet Earth are chronic degener20

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

ative conditions like Alzheimer’s, coronary artery disease, diabetes and cancer, all of which are fundamentally metabolic problems. Astoundingly, 88 percent of American adults have at least one component of what is called the metabolic syndrome, which means only 12 percent of Americans are metabolically healthy.

What is the basic premise of Drop Acid? The book shows how uric acid elevation, previously thought of only in terms of gout, is the centerpiece for metabolic dysfunction and how you can easily bring your uric acid under control and regain metabolic health. You can test uric acid levels at your doctor’s office or with a home monitor that you can buy online, so this is a powerful new tool to help you be healthier.

What is the role of uric acid in our body? Having elevated uric acid was a survival

mechanism for our hunter/gatherer, Paleolithic and primate ancestors because it allowed their bodies to make more fat to protect them during times of food scarcity. Today, high levels of uric acid are leading to elevated blood sugar, increased production and storage of fat, and high blood pressure. Everything we do that raises our uric acid puts us at risk for these profound metabolic threats to our health.

What foods and beverages should we reduce to control uric acid levels? Alcohol, purines (the breakdown product of DNA and RNA in certain foods) and most importantly, fructose. In the 1900s, we consumed 10 to 15 grams of fructose per day, as opposed to over 70 grams today. The average American consumes 55 pounds of sugar each year. It’s absurd. High-fructose items like sodas, sauces and desserts are absolutely off the table, as is fruit juice, a powerful initiator of high uric acid. Fruit isn’t an issue. There may be five

grams of fructose in an apple, and fruit contains vitamin C, which dramatically lowers uric acid, and fiber, which slows fructose release. High-purine foods are organ meats, shellfish and small fish like anchovies and sardines. There are modest amounts of purines in red meat and chicken. I’m not saying these foods should be avoided; we want people to limit their consumption of chicken, fish and red meat to six ounces a day. With alcohol, the big issues are hard liquor and beer. Beer contains a very concentrated source of purines because it’s made with brewer’s yeast. Though wine contains alcohol, it has polyphenols that help to reduce uric acid, possibly by nurturing the gut bacteria. Research demonstrates that a glass or two of wine is associated with either no change or a minimal decrease in uric acid. Coffee seems to lower uric acid.

Will these lifestyle choices really make a difference? Patients are confronted with a mentality from marketing that you can do whatever the heck you want with your food and lifestyle, and then take a pill. I’ve been to dinner with diabetics who eat the creme brûlée then pop a pill. But pills don’t treat diabetes. They may lower blood sugar, but

they won’t treat the underlying problem, which is that the body isn’t responding to insulin. The moment patients stop the drug, much to the joy of the drug maker, their blood sugars go right back up. You’ve only treated the smoke. You haven’t looked at the fire. This approach of lowering uric acid puts the fire out.

Are you hopeful that more people will make better lifestyle choices? I see a bit of a trend where people are looking for more empowerment. They have greater access to data with wearable devices like continuous glucose monitors or an Oura Ring to tell you how you sleep. By better understanding moment-to-moment how our choices affect certain measurable factors, we’re slowly getting into the driver’s seat and becoming empowered to keep ourselves healthy. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world. ~Jack Layton

Natural Awakenings Editor & Realtor Helping Hudson County Residents Relocate to Central Jersey

Tina is a Zillow Premier Agent and shows homes featured on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor and Redfin.

Tina Woods, Real Estate Agent M: 973.255.0981 • O: 973.310.6816 tina.woods@compass.com tina.woods.nj Tina Woods is a real estate salesperson affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

February 2022

conscious eating

Fermenting for Foodies Preserving Food and Traditions by April Thompson

pixelshot/AdobeStock.com

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

f fermented food is a trend, it’s the oldest one on the planet. More and more people are rediscovering the time-honored foodways of fermentation to promote health, boost flavor and preserve the bounty of the seasons. “There is huge potential to use high-quality fermented foods to enhance our health and well-being,” says Sandor Katz, a so-called “fermentation revivalist”, in Liberty, Tennessee, and the author of several bestselling books on fermentation, including the newly released Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys: Recipes, Techniques, and Traditions from Around the World. Katz caught the fermentation bug after moving from New York City to rural Tennessee in the 1990s and being faced with the “positive problem” of an overly plentiful garden to preserve. He’s since wandered the globe teaching and learning about fermentation traditions, from Korea’s spicy kimchi to Mexico’s funky pineapple tepache drink. Fermentation is defined as the chemical breakdown of a food by bacteria, yeasts or other microorganisms. An estimated onethird of all foods are fermented, including coffee, cured meats, cheese, condiments and chocolate. Pickles and yogurt are traditionally fermented through lactic acid bacteria, while beer and bread are typically fermented through yeast. Kombucha, an ancient tea drink, is made using a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Pascal Baudar, a Los Angeles writer, instructor and self-proclaimed “culinary alchemist,” turned to fermentation techniques to preserve the precious wild ingredients of the fleeting seasons. His books and workshops cover unusual

Fermentation transforms the nutrients in food in several ways, Katz explains. In a process known as predigestion, it breaks macronutrients down into more digestible forms (think proteins turned into amino acids) and renders minerals more bioavailable. Gluten, too, is broken down by fermentation, he says, as are potentially toxic compounds in foods such as cyanide and oxalic acid. The process also releases vitamins B and K and other micronutrients as metabolic byproducts. Fermentation reduces the short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are prone to absorb water and ferment in the colon, causing gas and bloating. Found in wheat, beans and other foods, they can pose digestive problems for people with irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions, says Tayler Silfverduk, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in celiac disease. “The most profound nutritional benefit of fermentation is the live bacteria itself. You are ingesting a rich biodiversity of beneficial bacteria that can potentially improve immune function,” says Katz, an AIDS survivor who considers fermentation an important part of his healing process.

No Starter Required “There is nothing you can eat that can’t be fermented, but the easiest and safest place to begin is with vegetables,” which need no special equipment or a starter like sourdough, kefir or kombucha, says Katz. To make sauerkraut, for example, simply shred cabbage, lightly salt and season it, and submerge it in a jar under its own juices, “burping” it daily for a week to 10 days to release the fermentation gases. Katz and Baudar both like to debunk myths that fermenting foods is difficult or dangerous. “You don’t have to sterilize everything or have precise laboratory control conditions. People have been practicing fermentation for years, and they began before they knew bacteria was a thing. To the contrary, fermentation is a strategy for food safety,” says Katz. While yeast or mold can grow on the top layer that is exposed to oxygen, Katz says “a lot of sauerkraut is needlessly discarded. Most such growth is harmless and normal, and can be skimmed off the top.” Baudar, a University of California Master Food Preserver, has kept foods he’s fermented for up to three years and only once encountered mold. “You need to work with the ferment,” he says. “That means regularly burping it, then shaking or stirring to promote the acidity that prevents bad bacteria from taking hold.” “If it looks or tastes bad, throw it away,” he adds. “Some of my early experiments tasted horrible, but I just took my failures as learning and kept experimenting. The more you understand the

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

Fermented Pickled Carrot Sticks YIELD: 1 QUART-SIZE JAR OF PICKLES 2 sprigs fresh dill 1-2 cloves garlic 2 lb whole carrots 1 Tbsp sea salt 1-2 cups distilled water Wash and peel the skins of the whole carrots. Cut the peeled and washed carrots into carrot sticks. Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Wash and dry 2 sprigs of dill. In a wide-mouth, quart-size jar, pack in the carrot sticks. (Tilt the jar to locate more places to squeeze in the sticks.) Add in the sea salt, then the sliced garlic and sprigs of dill.

photo provided by Tayler Silfverduk RDN

Fermentation with Benefits

fermentation process, the more you can play with it creatively and push the envelope.”

Cover the ingredients with distilled water (Be sure to leave about an inch of free space from the waterline to the opening of the jar.) Place an airtight lid on the jar and let it sit for a week or until the carrots have reached desired taste. Make sure to burp the jar at least every two days while fermenting. Once the carrot sticks have reached their desired taste, place the jar in the fridge for storage. Enjoy. Notes: If using organic carrots, leave the skin on and just wash the carrots very well before chopping into snacking sticks. When burping the jar, use this time to check on fermentation to make sure it’s growing healthy. Look for bubbles on top of the water and along the water line. Seeing mold is a sign that good bacteria is struggling to start a culture and we may need to try again.

nataliya vaitkevich/Pexels.com

culinary territory, like fermented and aged vegan cheeses from acorns and “seaweed” made from fermented broadleaf plantain, a common weed, using methods he’s studied and perfected. “I investigate new and lost flavors, and conserve them as gourmet foods through preservation,” he says.

Courtesy of Tayler Silfverduk, registered dietitian nutritionist. February 2022

Vinagre de Piña (Mexican Pineapple Vinegar) Pineapple vinegar, vinagre de piña, is delicious and super-acidic. Many Mexican recipes call for pineapple vinegar, although it can be used in place of any kind of vinegar. Since this uses only the skin of the pineapple, we are eating the pineapple flesh. This recipe was inspired by a recipe in The Cuisines of Mexico, by Diana Kennedy. YIELD: 2 CUPS/500 MILLILITERS 2 Tbsp sugar Peel of 1 pineapple (organic, because the skin is used; overripe fruits are fine) Combine the sugar with 2 cups/500 milliliters of water in a jar or bowl. Stir to dissolve. Coarsely chop and add the pineapple peel. Use a small plate to weigh down the pineapple and keep it submerged. Cover with a cloth to keep flies out. Ferment at room temperature. Stir daily while the pineapple peels are in it. Strain out the pineapple peels and discard after about one week when the liquid is darkening. Ferment the liquid for an additional two to three weeks, stirring or agitating periodically. Bottle and enjoy. From Sandor Katz’s book, Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2016).

coming in the march issue

Food & Nutrition

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

Rosy Raspberry Soda YIELD: 2, RESEALABLE, 1-QUART-SIZE AND 1-LITER PLASTIC BOTTLES ½ cup/70 grams raspberries Juice from ½ lemon 2–4 Tbsp honey 1 tsp rose water Yeast Combine and blend. Place all the ingredients except the yeast in a bowl with a bit of water and mash together with a fork, or put them all in the blender. Divide between two, 1-quart/1-liter bottles. Top off with warm water. Add yeast. Sprinkle about ¼ tsp bread or champagne yeast into each bottle. Let it sit for a few minutes, then shake the bottles to dissolve and distribute the yeast. Let ferment on the counter. Check the carbonation after a few hours. Bleed carbonation by gently and slowly opening the bottles. Refrigerate when they seem strongly carbonated, generally within six to eight hours. From Sandor Katz’s book, Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2016).

healthy kids

Parents as Role Models

How to Help Kids Discover Positive Behaviors by Sandra Yeyati

ike the familiar adage, “Monkey see, monkey do,” children learn habits, attitudes and values by observing and mimicking their parents. This phenomenon, known as modeling, is a double-edged sword. Sometimes parents unintentionally teach their kids by example to smoke, eat too much candy or bully people. On the other hand, with awareness, planning and strategic modifications, parents can use modeling to instill in their kids good habits, positive attitudes, healthy emotional intelligence and strong self-esteem. “We parent what we know, very often on automatic mode,” says Debra MacDonald, a certified parenting educator at the Center for Parenting Education, in Abington, Pennsylvania. “How many times have you said, ‘I will never say that to my kids,’ and then fast-forward several years, those words are coming out of your mouth. Awareness is your first step.” “Look at how you handle stress or express anger,” MacDonald suggests. “If you slam the table, break something and yell, that’s what you’re teaching your children to do when they’re angry. To teach them constructive ways to express anger—like taking deep breaths or running around the block—you’ve got to employ those tools yourself.” Actions speak louder than words. “To teach your child good values, you have to demonstrate them through your deeds. If you tell your child that they must always be on time for school, but you’re late for work every day, your child hears one thing, but sees another,” MacDonald explains, adding that kids are adept at sniffing out these inconsistencies. Saying, “Eat your spinach,” while regularly gobbling ice cream won’t inspire desired results. When MacDonald’s son was young, she realized she wasn’t setting the right example at the dinner table. “Slowly, over time, I began to improve our family’s lifestyle choices, and now that he’s in college, he knows how to cook healthy meals, practice portion control and clean up after himself,” she boasts.

Tackling Childhood Anxiety Through Modeling In his 2021 book, Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD, Yale University Professor Eli Lebowitz offers a scientifically proven parental modeling program called Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Although the goal is to treat a child’s

anxiety, parents meet with a therapist and learn tools to modify their parenting approach in two ways: being more supportive and reducing accommodations. On the support side, SPACE parents learn to show a genuine acceptance and understanding of their child’s distress and to communicate their confidence in the child’s ability to tolerate and cope with the anxiety. The support can be as simple as saying, “I get it. This is really hard. You’re upset, but I know you can handle this.” “Supportive statements aren’t always intuitive for parents,” says Lebowitz, director of the program for anxiety disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. “Sometimes they don’t believe that their child is feeling anxiety. They might think that the child is being manipulative or attention-seeking. Or, when parents do believe that their child is anxious, they want to protect, soothe and reassure them, but by doing these things, parents aren’t communicating their belief that the child can handle it, which is critical to helping them overcome the anxiety.” The second change that SPACE parents learn to make is to gradually and systematically reduce all the accommodations they have been making to help their child not feel anxious, such as sleeping beside a child that is afraid of being alone or not inviting company to the house to avoid upsetting a socially anxious kid. “Research indicates that even though parents are trying to help, accommodations that rush to the rescue tend to maintain or worsen anxiety over time,” Lebowitz says. “I worked with parents of a child who had panic attacks at night and would say, ‘My heart is racing. I can’t breathe. I think I’m going to die.’ Feeling overwhelmed and scared, her parents would rush her to the hospital again and again, even after doctors assured them that she was healthy and didn’t need to come in. From the child’s perspective, when your parents rush you to the ER, that confirms that this is literally an emergency. You feel more worried and scared. When the parents were able to take a breath, give her a hug and say, ‘We know this is uncomfortable, but it’s going to pass, and you’re going to be okay,’ she began to learn that she didn’t need to be afraid of anxiety. She could handle it and didn’t need to avoid it.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com. February 2022

fit body

POWER UP YOUR WORKOUTS a guide to protein powders and shakes by Maya Whitman

rotein, from the Greek proteios, means “primary”, which sums up its vital role in the human body. Its structure of amino acids enables myriad bodily functions, from repairing and building tissues to creating biochemical reactions that form enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters, and maintaining pH and fluid balances. When we fortify our diet with digestible, nutritionally dense, non-meat protein, we also amp up our fitness efforts, enhance immunity and offset premature aging. Whole-food and plant-based proteins like pea, quinoa and chia seeds are also strong allies against Type 2 diabetes, research shows.

The Protein Promise

Whipping up a protein drink before or after a workout can foster muscle and joint integrity, and it can nourish soft tissue after injury. “Protein is vital for muscle synthesis. An individual who exercises at a higher intensity should focus on getting more protein in their diet to aid in better recovery,” says Hannah Davis, a personal trainer and owner of Body By Hannah, in Cleveland, Tennessee. “Protein is also important in overall nutrition to better balance hormones that control hunger, blood sugar and mood.” Dominic Kennedy, a Los Angeles trainer and the creator of The Dominic Effect health and fitness app, concurs. “Protein is considered a ‘macronutrient’, which means we typically need a large amount to stay healthy. Certain protein powders can be very healthy for you and help to build and repair tissue.” The average daily protein requirement for adults is 50 to 70 grams, but can be higher during times of stress, injury, illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Vegan fitness and nutrition coach Karina Inkster, in Powell River, British Columbia, gives a nod to protein shakes for their convenience, but advises, “Just make sure you’re not relying just on protein powder to hit your daily protein.” She highlights the importance of diet diversity with other protein sources like tofu, tempeh, legumes, nutritional yeast, nuts and seeds.

Thirty years ago, heavily sweetened, incomplete protein powders seemed to be the only game in town. “Nowadays, we have countless plant-based options for protein powders—pea, rice, soy, hemp, pumpkin seed, quinoa … the list goes on,” says Inkster. “I like to stick to the basics, as I have a lot of serious food allergies. I go with brown rice and/or pea protein. Single ingredients, no flavors and no sweeteners.” For Kennedy, shakes and powders with sugar and dairy can contribute to bloating and store fat in the body, “which we need to work harder to burn off. I cannot stress the difference this has made in my body once I gave it up years ago. Not only do I look better physically, but most importantly, I feel better on the inside. Sugar is highly addictive and can also 26

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

expressiovisual/AdobeStock.com

Choosing Nutrition, Nixing Added Sugar

communityresourceguide affect your mood.” Davis prefers sourcing her protein requirements from whole foods, but recommends whey-based powders when her clients want a reliable power shake and can tolerate it well. Protein-to-carbohydrate ratio is paramount, especially for those with weight-loss goals or blood sugar instability. Reading labels is important, especially when food intolerances are an issue. Kennedy recommends experimenting with various protein sources. “If you are using whey protein and having trouble digesting it, it may just be a lactose intolerance. Trying one that is plant-based could be a game-changer.” Among Inkster’s clients, brown rice and pea protein powders score high for digestibility and assimilation.

Fortifying Additions

From antioxidant-rich pomegranate powder to blood-sugar-supportive monk fruit and adrenal- and thyroid-nourishing maca, nutritional extras abound. However, Inkster notes that supplemental products marketed as superfoods, including collagen, do not necessarily pack a powerful punch to an already nutrientdense diet. “When we ingest collagen or a vegan alternative, this protein gets broken down into amino acids in the exact same way as any other protein we eat.” Kennedy points to super-green and pomegranate powders as ways to help the body combat chronic disease. “It’s a great way to get more greens and vegetables and in turn, promote a healthy immune system. We could all use more of that.” Davis reminds us that one person’s nutritional ally can be another’s bane. “Supplementation is very personal. I always encourage focusing on a whole foods diet that includes a lot of variety to create a micronutrient balance in the body and then experiment with some supplements to see how they may help.” Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life. Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAHudson.com to request our media kit.

DENTIST LOUIS STEINBERG, DDS, MS

6050 Boulevard E, Ste LE, West New York, NJ 201-662-2020 • DrLMSteinberg.com Biological dentist offering mercury-safe dentistry, Biocompatible Restorative Dentistry and TMJ analysis and treatment. See ad on page 14.

FAMILY

PUMP HOBOKEN

401 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken, NJ Boutique Pilates & fitness studio located in midtown Hoboken, offering smallgroup Pilates, reformer, mat classes and one-onone sessions (virtual until studio re-opens). With a belief that every body is unique, Pump maximizes every workout with dynamic movements that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Strengthen your body and soul and view their virtual schedule.

HEALTHY FOODS

ALPHAKEY CLUB

BUSY BEE ORGANICS

Virtual Based Jersey City, NJ info@alphakey.club • AlphaKey.club

451 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 201-656-5065 BusyBeeOrganics.com

A foundation in reading is the classic predictor of academic success. But there are also certain character traits— like confidence, gratitude, integrity and patience—that are critical to success in the classroom and in life. AlphaKey Club is a holistic educational program and interactive workshops founded by ShalomIsrael Diggs, a Jersey City teacher, dancer and artist, who teaches those foundational qualities right along with the ABCs.

Chef Michelle Berckes and her team make up Busy Bee Organics, which serves nutritious, immuneboosting eats to the local c o m m u n i t y. T h i s h e a l t h supportive, local eatery offers instore specials, a brand-new cafe menu & limited outdoor seating. With choices to accommodate every dietary restriction and allergy, you can expect to find delicious options for everyone organic, plant based, customizable & 100% gluten-free.

FASHION ONE/SOL

1422 Grand Street, Suite 3A Hoboken, NJ 201-809-9401 • BeOneSol.com ONE/SOL is a lifestyle boutique devoted to the wellness scene. It offers beautiful clothing and accessories to add confidence and color to someone’s wardrobe, and is also a unique haven for events, bringing all types of people and their fabulous energy together to experience parts of themselves... variations of wellness that can propel them to truly find “what makes their SOL happy”.

FITNESS PRIME CYCLE HOBOKEN

70 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 201-683-6956 • PrimeCycle.com Prime Cycle Hoboken is now offering more than 25 outdoor classes a week—from early morning to midday to evenings, including Saturday and Sunday mornings—on the Hoboken Little League field, on 5th Street.

BWÈ KAFE

1002 Washington St., Hoboken, NJ 1401 Adams St., Hoboken, NJ 140 River Dr. S, Jersey City, NJ 201-683-0045 • bwekafe.com All three locations serve drink and food menus with several fun and fresh seasonal items. Offering fresh lemonade, housemade lavender coldbrew lattes, green water detox drinks, salads and toasts, bwé kafe is always thinking of creative and tasty drinks to satisfy your health and pallet. They also source and roast their own coffee beans. Order at the door, ahead of time online, or have them deliver right to your home.

CAFE PEANUT

586 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 201-721-6270 CafePeanut.com Funky cafe dedicated to quality foods using locally grown, natural and organic produce. Menu selections include delicious salads, sandwiches, soups, pastries, and artisan coffees & teas.

February 2022

GREEN PEAR CAFÉ

93 Grand Street, Hoboken, NJ 201-659-0940 93 Franklin Street, Jersey City, NJ 201-968-7151 GreenPearGroup.com Green Pear Cafe is Hoboken’s healthy and innovative eating destination offering gluten free dishes, house made soups, nut milks and smoothies.Recently opened Jersey City Heights location completed their menu with European classic cuisine featuring AustroHungarian goulash dishes, wide variety of pickles, linzer desserts and much more. For more information, please visit greenpeargroup.com.

KEY FRESH AND NATURAL

574 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 201-204-4200 Local grocer offering huge selection of healthy products and quality brand names for the entire family. Fresh produce with many organic options, quality meats and poultry, organic baby food, grain-free and natural pet foods, non-toxic cleaning products and much more. Save time shopping in one location and get all your grocery needs met at Key Fresh and Natural. Hablamos Espanol. See ad on back cover.

PLANT BASE JC

370 Pacific Ave, Jersey City, NJ 551-256-3868 • PlantBaseMarket.com An ethical, vegan, zero-waste market and restaurant offering a full-vegan, all-day food menu, bulk groceries, organic produce, homeopathic wellness products, body care products and household products. Plant Base is also a strong community hub, known as “the living room for the hood”, where neighbors come together to share knowledge and ideas.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ANCHOR THERAPY

223 Bloomfield St, Ste. 121, Hoboken, NJ 201-565-2275 • AnchorTherapy.org Therapy is the anchor that holds life together through choppy waters. Anchor Therapy specializes in helping teens and adults through these times. Their experience and professional skills help clients feel better sooner. Call for a free consultation.

ACUPUNCTURE ATELIER

1321 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 201-708-8577 • AcupunctureAtelier.com Acupuncture Atelier offers undivided personalized attention during each and every session. Sara and Samia pride themselves on being unique and adaptable. Tr e a t m e n t s m a y i n c l u d e acupuncture, reiki, aromatherapy, moxibustion, cupping, auricular therapy, as well as ancient Shamanic healing methods.

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

BABY STEPS PEDIATRICS

Dr. Carmen H. Lebron 75 Montgomery Street, Ste. 401 Jersey City, NJ 201-600-4306 • LebronPeds@gmail.com BabyStepsPediatrics.com Carmen Lebron is a fun-loving and creative pediatrician in downtown Jersey City. Our clinical approach is holistic, giving attention not just to medical issues, but integrating all aspects of the social and family environment. Dr. Lebron is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and is a clinical homeopath.

FOOT AND ANKLE PREMIER SPECIALISTS

Dr. Juliana Paternina 70 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ 201-659-5222 • FootandAnklePS.com Dr. Juliana Paternina, is a boardcertified Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgeon. She provides compassionate and comprehensive care for both adult and pediatric patients with any type of foot and ankle needs. She is well known for being thorough and for having a holistic approach. Specialties include dermatologic foot conditions, any foot and ankle deformities including bunions and hammertoes, chronic nerve pain, sports-related injuries including heel pain, fractures, sprains, and treatment of diabetic foot complications. See ad, page 17.

HOBOKEN CHIROPRACTIC + WELLNESS

Dr. Laura Brayton/Dr. Olga Alvarez 113 Monroe Street, Hoboken, NJ 201-792-3544 • HobokenChiro.com Family wellness practice, specializing in pediatrics and maternity, that strongly believe in the body’s innate intelligence and ability to heal itself when blockages to the healing process are removed. Utilizing chiropractic, soft tissue techniques, allergy elimination, nutrition/ supplements, and massage, health is restored and maintained for optimal wellness.

INSPIRED TO HEALTH

85 Maple Street #3L, Weehawken, NJ 201-344-6448 • InspiredToHealth.net Dedicated to helping women destress and lead more healthful lives, Lorraine Giordano offers the following treatments: Quantum To u c h , Q u a n t u m E n e r g y Transformation, Reiki, Quantum Allergy Release, Age Clearing and Energy Medicine. Also specializing in helping women with female reproductive issues and helping them connect to their sacral chakra; an energetic center linked to emotions, self-care, creativity and passion. She also offers Akashic Record readings.

JACQUIE BIRD, SPIRITUAL WELLNESS JacquieBirdWellness.com

Jacquie Bird, Spiritual Wellness offers products and services that, support, guide and empower the individual. She is the author of the 7 Daily Thoughts & Mantras 4 Mindfulness eBook series; the Creator/Practitioner of Stress Busters Guided Meditations; she creates guided meditation as well as meditation music called SoundSoulVibin’ and is the Owner/Creator of the handmade wellness brand MODAL VISIONS, which is rooted in the energetically dynamic properties of gemstones, crystals and copper. Jacquie is also the Creator and host of the podcast Roll With Peace, In Mind. Her entire platform and intent is in mindfulness, personal growth, stress relief and stress management – in essence, how we can live more calm, centered, grounded and meaningful lives.

JC BUMP AND BABY Jersey City, NJ JCBumpAndBaby.com

JC Bump and Baby connects moms through support groups, yoga classes and workshops.

LEAH CRESCENZO

917-525-3477 • HeyLeahC.com Transformative healer who utilizes the powerful tools of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and Hypnotherapy to improve everything from emotional to physical conditions.

LOTUS GENESIS WELLNESS CENTER 7000 JFK Boulevard East Galaxy Mall, Ste. M-15, Guttenberg, NJ 201-210-4764 • LotusGenesis.com

A holistic sanctuary offering a team of healers, therapists, mind-body experts and a naturopathic doctor, who combine various modalities from energy healing, diet and nutrition, to hypnotherapy and body work. Lotus Genesis offers a full line of wellness services, from detox and weight-loss programs, to caring for more complex medical issues. Their unique focus and approach to addressing root causes allows for rapid and long-term wellness.

MIND BODY HOBOKEN

51 Newark Street, Ste. 402, Hoboken, NJ 201-994-3500 • MindBodyHoboken.com Mind Body Hoboken works with individuals, corporate teams and small business owners to find balance in their personal and professional life. Finding the calm and peace in life is essential to balancing out the “fight or flight” response caused by stress. Founder/practitioner Jennifer Araneo utilizes neurolinguistic programming, hypnosis, meditation and reiki to help clients find the Zen in their lives.

MINDFUL PLAY YOGA

646-552-2982 • MindfulPlayYoga@gmail.com Mindful Play Yoga brings out the kid in all of us by working with children, adults & caregivers through mindfulness, play & yoga to see the best in everyone. MPY is committed to inspiring children ages 3 -15 & families to be curious life-long learners.

NALU CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Sura Devi 75 Montgomery Street, Ste. 201, Jersey City, NJ NaluChiro.com Nalu Chiropractic is a holistic family practice with a special focus on Women’s Health and Healing. Providing unique, honoring and gentle care - body alignment for a happier and healthier life. Specializations include: fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, motherhood and pediatrics.

OLEVIA METRY, MD

Family Medicine 108 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 201-656-5688 • Linktr.ee/Dr_Olevia Dr. Olevia Metry is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician who grew up in Florida and has made Hoboken home for 3 years. She’s passionate about preventative medicine, lifestyle medicine, women’s health and diabetes.

RISE COACHING

Kelly Bonell West New York Kelly@YouWillRise.co • YouWillRise.co Serving ambitious professionals who strivie to live their best life, but sometimes get weighed down with stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and that ‘stuck’ feeling. RISE helps clients to close the gap between stagnation and success by expanding what their mind sees as possible, helping them release limiting beliefs, and accelerating their growth. Kelly Bonell is a trained life coach who provides her clients a non-judgmental, inclusive, and trauma informed space to empower them to rise to new heights. Virtual sessions available.

SALVATION WELLNESS

30 Provost St, Jersey City, NJ 551-689-0763 • SalvationWellness.com Salvation Wellness is a multiservice wellness center that offers services such as massage, meditation, yoga classes and sauna sessions. It also sells a variety of personal care products, including CBD bath and body items. Co-founders Celia and Andres Pender have

lived in Jersey City for more than a decade. They both have been dedicated to holistic health studies and deductive, science-based, natural healing for more than two decades.

THE GREEN ROOM

109 14th St, Hoboken, NJ 64 Newark Street, Hoboken, NJ 512 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ TheGreenRoomNJ.com Newly added Jersey City location. Hoboken and Montclair’s first CBD shops that provide both in-person and online shopping. Owner Darek Michael offers education and high-quality products. The Green Room is open Sunday through Thursday 11am-8pm and Fri and Sat 11am-10pm in Jersey City and Monclair.

VICTORIA REED MASSAGE THERAPY

Victoria Radzinski, LMT, CPT 80 River St., 3E-2, Hoboken 201-551-7154 • VictoriaReed.Info@gmail.com ReedWellness.com As a licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer and Yoga instructor, Victoria’s healing and relaxing services reverse the effects of daily stress by repairing damaged muscle tissue to eliminate aches and pains throughout the body. Improve circulation, detoxify your body, and increase mental alertness as you decompress with her carefully designed massages. Victoria’s drive behind her work stems from her observations on today’s lifestyle/living. See ad, page 9.

OUTDOORS A SMALL GREEN SPACE Jersey City, NJ ASmallGreenSpace.com

A Small Green Space is an urban garden design firm, specializing in designing, installing and maintaining small city spaces.

MR NATURAL NYC

Roger Dubin 917-699-6492 • Instagram @MrNaturalNYC MrNaturalNYC@gmail.com My mission is to connect people with the beauty and health benefits of hiking and nature. I share this in my Instagram and practice it by supervising over 60 miles of trails in Harriman State Park and being a hike leader and naturist for the Nature Place Day Camp. I am also the Marketing Director for Natural Awakenings where I help people and businesses further healthy living on a healthy planet. Email me for hiking tips and route suggestions. Find Hikes: NYNJTC.org. Expose your kids to Nature: TheNaturePlace.com.

PETS GALLA WELLNESS

Florentina Galla, Rdh.MS GallaWellness.com Florentina has been using holistic care and reiki healing for decades and now is providing that for pets. She provides pet healing and holistic pet nutrition. She’s using gentle touching if an area is in pain after trauma and to reduce the healing time; she offers customized nutrition and supplement needs to manage stress and weight gain based on the pets need. She is a regular volunteer at North Star Animal Rescue and is the author of Confessions of a Holistic Hygienist in a New Era of Wellness.

HOLISTIC PET CARE

125 Paterson Avenue, Little Falls, NJ 973-256-3899 HolisticPetCareNJ.com Holistic Pet Care of Little Falls provides guidance on optimum diet and environment, and how to minimizing negative elements/toxins to keep your pet healthier and living longer. Holistic and complementary modalities include acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, homeopathy, bach flow remedies, herbal therapies (western, chinese & ayurvedic), nutritional therapy, ozone therapy, cold laser therapy, and reiki for addressing problems and for preventive care.

PAWTANICALS

7622 Broadway, North Bergen, NJ 201-520-3036 • Pawtanicals.com Pawtanicals was established to give pet owners the accessibility of washing their pets without space constraints– as they normally would do at home in their bath tubs. It allows for pet owners to create a stronger bonding experience while simultaneously making their pets feel safe and secure having their owners personally wash them.

coming in march issue

Food & Nutrition

February 2022

calendar of events The Magic Hour; Mile Square Theatre – Streaming on demand through Feb. Mile Square Theatre presents the cinematic filming of its world premiere production of Sarah Weber Gallo/dance theatre’s The Magic Hour. Dancers fling themselves through a scary/happy/sad dreamscape in search of how to be, how to make an impact, and how to fade away in this ecstatic new dance theatre work. The Magic Hour attacks the existential problem of unstoppable time with ferocious energy as the performers grasp at immortality. Winner Best Feature Film – NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival 2021. Free; reserve tickets on line. Mile Square Theatre, 1400 Clinton St, Hoboken. MileSquareTheatre.org. Healing Meditation, Restorative Yoga and Reiki – THC is a favorite space to experience healing through connection, meditation, and movement. We offer guided meditations, Yin Yoga, mat based experiences, rhythm based cycling and expansive workshops to support your healing journey. The Healing Center, 80 River St, Ste 5A, Hoboken. 973-216-2492. TheHealingCenterHoboken.com. Daily All Recovery Meetings – RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program offers emotional support services, education and community-based resources for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a variety of virtual services, this program aims to assist those impacted by the pandemic to better adjust to their new reality, mitigate stress, review options, develop coping strategies, and, if needed, find linkages to agencies, programs, and other resources in their community. All Recovery virtual meetings provide social support for those seeking or maintaining recovery, as well as family members, friends and supporters of those who have been influenced by substance use. See website a list of meetings and registration info. RWJBH.org/treatment-care/institute-for-preventionand-recovery/programs/hope-and-healing/

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Gallery Exhibit: CIRCUS LIVES: Hovering Above, Balancing Below – Through Feb. CIRCUS LIVES: Hovering Above, Balancing Below, by painter Karen E. Gersch, is open in the Upper Gallery of the Museum. In addition to being a painter and illustrator, Gersch is also an accomplished circus acrobat and teacher. See website to learn more about the exhibit and for times. Free with entry. Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken. 201-656-2240. HobokenMuseum.org. Shamanic Sound Journey – 7:30-9pm. In studio & livestream. Leigh Higgins leads a sound immersion for the soul, using vocals and a variety of ancient instruments to shift our inner and outer perspective, helping discover our spirit guides and soul’s path. At the core of this path are experiential practices that lead to a deeper understanding of who we are. By exploring these practices personally and as a community, we learn to access the wisdom of spirit and make changes that enable us to feel fully connected. $25/livestream, $35/in studio. Urban Souls Yoga, 100 Hudson St, Fourth Fl, Hoboken. To register: 201-683-4002. UrbanSoulsYoga.com. Yoga For All Ages: Frontline/Healthcare Workers – Tues, 9am. RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program offers emotional support services, education and communitybased resources for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a variety of virtual services, this program aims to assist those impacted by

Hudson County

NAHudson.com

the pandemic to better adjust to their new reality, mitigate stress, review options, develop coping strategies, and, if needed, find linkages to agencies, programs, and other resources in their community. RWJBH.org. Zoom Meeting ID: 982 7720 3249 Passcode: Yoga.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Fiber Craft Night – Weds, 7-9pm. Fun conversation and working together by Zoom on fiber crafts! Bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, spinning, weaving or whatever craft you’re enjoying at the moment. Register online for the event and you’ll be sent the meeting invite which includes the Zoom code as well as the weekly Theme of the Week. ShopYarnia.com. Bored in the House: Youth Hangout – Weds, 4pm. RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program offers emotional support services, education and community-based resources for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a variety of virtual services, this program aims to assist those impacted by the pandemic to better adjust to their new reality, mitigate stress, review options, develop coping strategies, and, if needed, find linkages to agencies, programs, and other resources in their community. RWJBH.org. Zoom Meeting ID: 947 3214 9652 Passcode: 726468. 929-205-6099.

and anxiety creeping up for months, years, and decades to come. It’s time to make a change. Join registered dietitian nutritionist Rachel Naar in the Mindful Munch Method along with the vast community of people who have consistently and reliably felt food freedom. She will help you debunk and demystify food, draw connections to overall well-being and make life palatable. RachelNaar.Kartra.com. Friday Storytime at the Museum – Fridays 10:3011:45am. Museum staff and other guest readers share stories, rhymes and sing-alongs with children ages 2 to 5 years and their caregivers. The program is open to all on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. $5 donation appreciated. Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken. 201-656-2240. HobokenMuseum.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Media News For/About Kids – Sun through Feb. 6pm. A radio show hosted by a nationwide team of more than 60 youth entertainment reporters, ages 8 to 21, who attend press screenings, press junkets, premieres and red carpets and other media events. They give you the latest news about media for kids, by kids. Before you spend your hard-earned money at the movies, listen to what they have to say. VoiceAmerica.com/ Show/1950/Kids-First-Coming-Attractions.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Workout to Great Music: Zoom Class for 50+ – Tue and Thu through Feb. 7-7:30pm. This event is a fun short fitness zoom class to great music; it’s a start of a new you 2022. Great music workout; you’ll feel good for the rest of the day. Great music. Get your workout clothes on and get ready to move. Eventbrite.com/e/ workout-to-great-music-50-plus-tickets.

Children’s Chess Program – Mon, 4-5:30pm. Play Hoboken also offers an abundance of fun activities including golf, billiards, ping pong, board games, darts and more. Food and beverages are available for purchase and it is a BYOB facility if anyone wishes to bring beer or wine. Pay what you can. Play Hoboken, 1012 Grand St, 3rd, Hoboken. HobokenChess.com.

Hoboken Talks – Feb 3, 10, 17, 24. 7-8pm. The Hoboken Museum offers a live-streamed program - Hoboken Talks! - streamed live on YouTube, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Viewers can submit questions using the chat feature. YouTube.com/User/ HobokenMuseum. See the website for other social media links to bookmark your preferred channel. Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken. 201-656-2240. HobokenMuseum.org. Creative Arts Workshop: Inspiration Trap – Thur. through Feb. 6pm, 7pm and ‪8pm‬. This unique workshop seeks to reclaim our inspiration and imagination, rethink the unthinkable. It is ideal for people working in the creative arts as well as students, entrepreneurs, team managers, corporate leaders and anyone looking to implement their creative vision. Feel free to bring along a personal object, a piece of clothing or even a small piece of furniture to play with during this hands-on experiment in innovative thinking. Please sign up for the sessions on Eventbrite. $30. Issyra Gallery, 300 Observer Highway, Hoboken. HOHA Run – Thursdays, 7:40pm. The Hoboken Harriers Running Club, a diverse group of runners/joggers, welcomes runners of all abilities for a 5.2-mile run. 6th Street & Washington, Hoboken. Libations: Moran’s Pub. Info: HOHA.net.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 The Mindful Munch Method – Fri through Feb. If you were to make a change and achieve harmony between food, mood, and body, you’d be doing cartwheels. You’d feel peaceful and at ease without the fear

Blindness, by Jose Saramago: a Book Club Discussion – 5:30-7pm. A city is hit by a sudden and strange epidemic of “white blindness,” which spares no one. Authorities confine the blind to an empty mental hospital, but their social conventions quickly crumble and the struggle for survival brings out the worst in people. There is one eyewitness to this nightmare who guides seven strangers – among them a boy with no mother, a girl with dark glasses, a dog of tears - out of their prison and through the barren streets, and the procession becomes as uncanny as the surroundings are harrowing. A magnificent parable of loss and disorientation and a vivid evocation of the horrors of the 20th century, by Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago, Blindness has swept the masses with its powerful portrayal of man’s worst appetites and weaknesses - and man’s ultimately exhilarating spirit. Free; register online. Amelia’s Bistro, 187 Warren St, Jersey City. Meetup.com/JC-BookClub/.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Art Classes for Kids – Through Feb. 10am-1pm. Classes take place three days a week – Tues, Thurs, Fri – for fun art making in the Museum walkway. Recommended for ages 2-5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Art materials are provided; adults must wear masks and maintain social distance. Seating available first-come, first-served. Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson St, Hoboken. 201656-2240. HobokenMuseum.org. Blippi The Musical – 6pm. Bringing the energetic and loveable character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engage-

ment and amazing music. Children from the ages of 2 to 7 years old across the world have quickly taken a liking to Blippi’s charismatic personality and innovative teaching lessons! In the live show they will continue to learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along. $29.50-$69.50. New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Prudential Hall. 1 Center St, Newark. 888-696-5722. NJPAC.org.

into mine.” Walk into NJPAC and see Casablanca on the big screen, with live orchestral accompaniment by your New Jersey Symphony, Constantine Kitsopoulos Conductor. Cozy up with a loved one as you savor the beautiful visuals, relive the story of Rick and Ilsa’s love, and experience this classic film. $39-$89. New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Prudential Hall. 1 Center St, Newark. 888-696-5722. NJPAC.org.

Sound Bath Experience – 7:30-9pm. 2nd & 4th Tues. The Sound Bath was created to be a self-care experience to aid in the healing and strengthening of the mind-body connection. The Sound Bath experience targets the physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual components of the mind-body connection by utilizing the amazing healing powers of sound vibrations. These vibrations allow us to release energy blockages and let go of unhealthy patterns. As we shift our vibrations away from harmful lower frequencies, we allow ourselves to transform into the best version of ourself. $35 in studio. Urban Souls Yoga, 100 Hudson St, Fourth Fl, Hoboken. To register: 201-683-4002. UrbanSoulsYoga.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Supporting Students with ADHD – 6pm. The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute invites you to attend their 2021-2022 Special Education Webinar Series. This series will provide students, parents, and professionals with valuable information about trending topics in special education. Each webinar will be 45 minutes in length, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A with our guest presenters. BergenResourceNet.org/News-Events.

The Awesome – 7:30-9pm. This experience pairs ancient practices with modern science to improve and maintain your vital energy flow. The Awesome revitalizes and relaxes by combining QiGong, vigorous breathing, body tapping, and energy flow mediation. The Awesome! allows you to maximize your innate healing abilities as well as release deeply held stress and stagnant energy through a super-fun practice of easy, flowing movements. Join us in the studio or on line this month for a transformative experience that will leave your energy flowing and your heart invigorated! $35 in studio. Urban Souls Yoga, 100 Hudson St, Fourth Fl, Hoboken. To register: 201-683-4002. UrbanSoulsYoga.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Neighborhood Community Dinner – 6-8pm. Join your neighbors from around the Hoboken community for a potluck dinner at Hoboken Housing. The idea is to build relationships, strengthen community, and tear down the walls that needlessly divide. Free, bring a dish. Christopher Columbus Gardens, 455 9th St, the entrance is in the rear of the 9th St building, Hoboken. Rev Matt Lytikainen, 201-754-5271. MileSquare.Church. Casablanca/New Jersey Symphony – 8pm. “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks

Be My Valentine’s Bash: Speed Dating Event – 7-9pm. A low key, sophisticated approach to dating in Jersey. Preferring a ‘less is more’ environment devoid of typical event trappings. Gone are the name-tags, shouting and over-the-top party trimmings. Meeting your special someone shouldn’t be anything but a comfortable and relaxed experience. Creating a private club atmosphere while recognizing our clients are also our product. $44. Grove Square, 116 Newark Ave, Jersey City. EventBrite.com/E/Be-My-Valentines-Bash-NewJersey-Speed-Dating-Singles-Event-Tickets

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 President’s Day Kids Brunch Class – 1-3pm. It’s a brunch party! Kids will be making a breakfast skillet that includes potatoes, eggs, and bacon, and will get to try their hand at making crepes! Kids will learn how to work in the kitchen and come out of these classes

with stronger knife skills by making a winter fruit salad, culinary knowledge, and some baking basics along with expanding their food knowledge. This class is drop off. Classes are nut-free. Recommended ages: 8-14. This class is drop off. $75. Hudson Table Hoboken, 1403 Clinton St, Hoboken, HudsonTable.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Joy Of Breathing – Wed through Feb. 12-12:30pm. The transformational breathing technique works to quickly and effectively allow you to access a deeper, more conscious connection with the body, mind, heart and spirit. Learn to access deep meditative states of consciousness and how to breath naturally and fully with this simple and effective method, and breathe your way to greater health, vitality, peace and joy. Virtual event, free. EventBrite.com. Social Chess Night: Open Play and Beginners – 6:30-10pm. An adult social chess night for all levels, ages 18 and up. Basic instructions for beginners from 6:30pm-7pm. Play Hoboken also offers an abundance of fun activities including golf, billiards, ping pong, board games, darts and more. Food and beverages are available for purchase and it is a BYOB facility if anyone wishes to bring beer or wine. Pay what you can. Play Hoboken, 1012 Grand St, 3rd, Hoboken. HobokenChess.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 End of The Month ChillOut: StressBusters Guided Meditation –1pm. 4th Sun. With StressBusters Guided Meditation, you will learn techniques you can use to reduce anxiety and stress in 30 minutes. Let go of mental stress, anxiety and worry as you immerse in the healing arts of Sound Healing, Visualization and Intention through the soothing tones of the Tibetan Singing Bowls. You only need a comfortable place to sit or lay down, comfortable clothes, bare feet or socks are recommended, and a blanket if you get chilly. Adjust lighting to set a mood of calm and relaxation. $25, virtual. EventBrite.com/E/End-Of-The-Month-ChilloutStressbusters-Guided-Meditation-Tickets.

February 2022

Bring Healthy Home

We offer a large variety of healthy and organic products as well as traditional grocery items and brands Save Time • Save Money • Shop Healthy • Feel Great 574 Jersey Ave. (@ 3rd St.) • (201) 204-4200 • Jersey City 32

Hudson County