February 2023

Sound Healing Workshops in NY

Debbie Hawker-Misra, a certified teacher with The Sound Healing Academy International, is offering a 3 day Level 1 Foundation Certificate workshop

March 24th-26th

at Balance Arts Studio, Midtown,NYC

Learn more and sign up at www.academyofsoundhealing.com. Spaces are limited.

Learn how to work with 6 sound healing instruments for self-care plus therapeutic oneon-one sessions and in groups: Gongs, Tibetan Singing Bowls, Crystal Singing Bowls, Drums, Tuning Forks, and your healing Voice. A 3-day sound vibration intensive to enrich your soul, calm your mind and revitalise your body. Another Level 1 date: April 22-23 & 29-30 at Yoga Life, Port Washington, Long Island

Debbie is a certified sound healing practitioner with The Sound Healing Academy. She has over 20 years of experience across many healing modalities and is a trained classical musician and teacher.

Publisher Claire Byers

Anil Singh

Editor Martin Miron

Contributing Writers Thomas Brenton

Ashley Di Capri

Lisa Poquinto

Joseph Quiroz

Nayda Rondon

Design & Production Kim Cerne

Sales & Marketing Anil Singh

CONTACT US

247 Ehret St., Paramus, NJ 07652 PH: 201-781-5577

Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNNJ.com NANorthNJ.com

Every February, Natural Awakenings participates in the nationwide celebration of Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease, one of the leading cause of death in the U.S. Due to ongoing research, advancements in science and technology are preventing more heart disease through early screenings. The increased awareness of risk factors and lifestyle choices also goes a long way to prevent heart conditions.

We encourage you to analyze your lifestyle, conduct early screenings and do regular exercises to live a heart-healthy life. In this issue, we provide resources to do that. “Nourish the Heart” provides food choices to prevent heart disease, shrink artery plaque and nourish and heal the this vital organ. “Heart-Healthy Kids” sets a course for children’s cardiovascular wellness.

We are now starting to see the days getting longer, a sure sign that spring is around the corner. Without a lot of days with below-freezing temperatures or snow this winter, is was a great season in terms of holiday time returning to somewhat normalcy. Now let’s prepare for a great spring and summer.

Natural Awakenings of Hudson County is your all-season health and wellness resource for body, mind and soul—the physical body and inner, spiritual, well-being. Like us on Facebook and Instagram. Find even more great information in our online edition at NAHudson.com

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©2023 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.

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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.

Northern New Jersey Natural Awakenings publisher Anil Singh and his wife Vartika

Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 50 healthy living magazines celebrating 28 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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THE

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Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

For those that feel stressed, tired, anxious or worried and can’t seem to shut off their mind no matter what they try, an Access Bars session can reduce the noise in their head without having to meditate for hours, releasing disharmonious thoughts and behavior patterns while allowing greater possibilities into their life.

Access Bars is a gentle treatment using light touch on the head. No matter what age, everyone has the potential to benefit greatly from an Access Bars session. Trusted by many, this gentle, innovative energy process is practiced in more than 100 countries with positive results.

Location: Paramus. To preregister (required) or book a private session, call 201-655-3836.. For more information, visit AccessConsciousness.com or citmdrfinn.com. See ad, page 11.

Get Certified in a Breakthrough Stress-Reduction Program

Brett

Cotter, founder of Stress Is Gone, is conducting a 30-hour certification program for the stress-reduction program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays from February 15 through May 10 online via zoom. It guides participants step-by-step in mastering the Stress Is Gone method. The program empowers students to stop stress in seconds; release anxiety in minutes; heal trauma naturally; and stop negative thinking quickly.

An additional 18 hours of training includes attendance at live Stress Is Gone meditation classes and other Live Stress Is Gone training. Certification includes lifetime access to the Stress Is Gone masterclass and three weekly meditation classes that meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. via Zoom.

Cotter says, “Stress Is Gone certification is perfect for people who are ready to break free from stress and anxiety; heal trauma naturally; reconnect to source; embody self-love; and better their own lives and those around them.” The core modality is certified by the American Institute of Stress and the company is accredited by the International Mindfulness & Meditation Alliance.

Cost is $977. Scholarships are available for veterans, first responders, frontline healthcare workers an inner city teachers. For more information, call 833.867.3529, email brett@stressisgone.com or visit StressIsGone.com. See ad, page 7.

Brett Cotter

Dry Salt Therapy Treats Skin Ailments

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that changes the life cycle of skin cells and causes them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful. Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a group of diseases that result in inflammation of the skin. These diseases are characterized by itchiness, red skin and a rash. Acne is a skin disease that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin.

Dry salt therapy has been proven to have a multidimensional positive effect on various forms of dermatitis, including acute symptoms of acne, psoriasis and eczema. Depositing on open skin areas, dry salt particles increase the activity of skin ion channels, stimulating cell growth and regeneration. Dry salt particles balance skin pH, reducing harmful bacteria and inflammation. After a series of treatments, patients show decreased itching, decreased or resolved scaling of the skin, and the drying and healing of small fissures, scratches and other symptoms. Skin and respiratory disease often coexist, and dermatitis is also associated with other issues of the immune system. The effects of inhaled salt particles on the respiratory tract decrease bacteria and improve bronchial drainage, thus decreasing overall toxicity and reducing the likelihood of future outbreaks. The sterile environment inside the salt room, cave or chamber relaxes and modulates the nervous system, freeing the body from the stresses of external stimuli and initiating healing and rebalancing. Multiple studies in Russia have shown salt therapy to be effective in the relief of dermatitis symptoms and of potential long-term benefit as part of a total body approach to healing.

Cattleya Trianae Spa is located at 5-05 Saddle River Rd., in Fair Lawn. For appointments and more information, call 201-429-3214 or visit CattleyaTrianaeSpa.com. See ad, page 9.

Traffic Congestion on Route 17 Addressed

Agovernment study of a proposed project to improve transportation on a stretch of Route 17 is soliciting feedback from the public. This is the first time in 30 years the county thinks there is an opportunity to make progress on the highway. Motorists (especially residents of Paramus, Rochelle Park and Maywood) will be able to view and submit comments on a proposed project to improve safety, mobility and travel-time reliability on a Route 17 corridor that is rated one of the worst bottlenecks in the state.

A virtual presentation will be available online at Tiny.cc/Rt17BottleneckVPIC until February 2 to view to learn more about the study. The county received an $870,000 grant from the state to refreshen the study and submit it back to the department of transportation for review by the spring after receiving public input.

The proposed improvements include an third travel lanes; replacement of six and four new bridges retaining walls; new exit ramps; new signalized intersections; electric and communications utility relocations; new stormwater management basins; and local street connectivity improvements.

Zinc for Colds and Flu

Mental Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

Add maternal mental health benefits to the well-documented physical advantages that breastfeeding offers to moms and their infants. A systematic review published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that breastfeeding was associated with overall improved maternal mental health outcomes. A majority of the studies concluded that breastfeeding was connected to fewer mental health symptoms. Thirty-six of the 55 articles reported significant relationships between breastfeeding and reduced symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Notably, when breastfeeding challenges arose or when the actual experience of breastfeeding didn’t meet expectations, five studies reported negative mental health symptoms.

The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may have protective effects on mental health due to the release of oxytocin—also known as the love hormone—which is associated with decreased maternal stress levels and anxiety. This suggests that breastfeeding may have immediate, short-term effects on maternal mood. Further research is needed to help provide better personalized breastfeeding and mental health counseling to moms.

Weighted Blanket for Better Sleep

A study published in BMJ Open evaluated the use of zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections (RTI) in adults. As a treatment for colds and flu, zinc reduced symptoms by two days, compared to the placebo. The researchers surmised that of 100 people with upper respiratory infections, 19 of them recovered by day seven as a result of the zinc treatment. Symptom severity appeared to be lower for those treated with zinc—with improvements seen by day three. Those taking zinc experienced an 87 percent lower risk of developing severe symptoms.

In terms of the prevention of colds and flu-like illness, taking zinc was found to have a modest effect compared to the placebo, with one out of 20 infections prevented. Preventive effects were most significant in reducing severe symptoms. Overall, there was evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTI symptoms and shorten its duration. Researchers were unable to clearly ascertain the efficacy of different dosages and delivery (oral or nasal spray).

Weighted blankets may be a non-drug option to help ease conditions like insomnia and anxiety by allowing the body to release more melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) at bedtime.

In a new study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden measured the amount of melatonin, oxytocin and cortisol in the saliva of subjects after sleeping with either a light blanket or a weighted blanket. They found that using a weighted blanket helped naturally increase production of melatonin by 32 percent. There were no significant changes in the levels of oxytocin, cortisol or sympathetic nervous system activity.

Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit—the realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.

~Greg Anderson

Herbal Toothpaste Deemed Safe and Effective

Toothpaste containing certain plant-derived extracts was found to be effective in the prevention or treatment of gingivitis and early-stage periodontitis, according to a study published in Dentistry Journal. The authors noted that people should still get regular, in-depth cleanings and treatments to maintain oral hygiene, and that antibacterial herbal extracts have safer toxicity profiles for human use.

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with a previous diagnosis of gingivitis or initial stages of periodontitis were given an experimental toothpaste or the control toothpaste for a 60-day trial period, during which time they brushed twice daily. The experimental toothpaste contained chemical components and extracts of German chamomile, sage, arnica and echinacea. The control toothpaste contained only chemical active ingredients.

The herbs used in the study showed positive antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial actions. Patients in the experimental group experienced diminished bleeding of the gums and teeth whitening. The indices of gingivitis, general oral hygiene, plaque, tartar buildup and mild periodontitis decreased in both groups over the trial period. While both toothpastes eliminated several bacterial periodontal pathogens, the experimental one was more efficient against several of them.

Put On a Happy Face

According to a new study led by Stanford University and published in Nature Human Behaviour, positioning our facial muscles into a smile can actually cause us to feel happier. Researchers collected data from 3,878 participants across 19 countries, using three techniques:

n Mimicking facial expressions of actors seen in photos

n Moving the corners of their mouths to their cheeks using only their facial muscles

n Using the “pen-in-mouth” technique, which moves facial muscles in a simulated smile shape

The study found a noticeable increase in feelings of happiness from people that mimicked smiling photographs or pulled their mouth toward their ears.

Halotherapy+ Chromotherapy

• Dry salt therapy (halotherapy) is a natural, drug-free treatment that may help combat various respiratory and skin conditions.

• Helps supports the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems.

• Reduces stress and headaches, increases energy and improves sleep patterns.

• Increases lung capacity & reduces physical ailments for adults, children & athletes.

•These sessions are recommended to keep the body healthy and also clear all pollutants and toxins of the lungs during flu, and allergy seasons.

n Trained in Facials for Every Skin Type on Men, Woman, and Teenagers.

n New Jersey State Licensed Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist- 2018

n Area of Expertise ~ Waxing, Microneedling, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peeling, LED Face Mask and Infrared Treatments, Celluma Pro, LED Phototherapy, Super Frecator, High Frequency, Hydrating Lip and Hand Treatment, Antioxidant Lip Treatment, Pressotherapy System and Corporal Treatments.

Healthy Habits for Winter

Winter means snow days, sledding and hot cocoa. It can also mean colds, flu and sinus issues because as our bodies get colder, they need to work harder to heat themselves back up. Here are some ways to boost immunity during the cold winter months to prevent illness.

 Physical activity: The winter season is a great time to get active. Wintertime means less light and more time indoors, so it’s no surprise that many people feel less energetic. But physical activity like cardio, strength training and yoga is healthy and can help us feel more energized throughout the winter months.

 Eat with the season: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 90 percent of Americans don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables. To stay healthy through the winter, we need to improve our diet. Drop salty snacks and sugary treats for more greens and whole foods. Typical winter veggies include carrots and potatoes to keep our immune system healthy in the cold weather.

 Drink plenty of water: We need to drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated. because it helps us to stay healthy and maintain body fluid levels. Water helps to clean our system, remove toxins, carry nutrients to the body cells and help balance body fluid levels.

 Get vitamin D: The “sunshine vitamin”, is essential for maintaining good health

and immunity. It is also required to regulate mood, and it plays a role in bone growth. But because it is cold outside, it may be hard to get the necessary vitamin D to keep moodboosting hormones level. If this isn’t an option, consume foods that are good sources of vitamin D.

 Use Ayurvedic practices: Ayurveda is a traditional medical system that uses natural medicines to improve health and well-being. It has been around for thousands of years, but most people are just now learning about it. Some research says Ayurveda a the guide to surviving winter, and some of the practices have been proved to help avoid or reduce colds or flu.

 Get a massage: In colder months, massage therapy helps bring fresh, oxygenated blood to the whole body, especially congested areas. This warms up muscles and makes blood

flow better. Deep-tissue massages to loosen knots and provide the relaxation needed to beat the winter blues.

 Practice good sleep habits: Just like a good diet, sleep is a non-negotiable factor for maintaining good health. Part of the reason why sleep is so important is because it helps to keep the immune system healthy. Sleep also eliminates the stress hormone cortisol and burns calories. We all have different sleep needs and preferences, but there are some simple things to improve quality of sleep, including avoiding caffeine after 3 p.m. and keeping the bedroom quiet at night.

 Maintain regular hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene during the winter season is key to keeping the spread of germs and bacteria under control, as well as preventing the spread of viral infections. By washing hands frequently, especially if around someone that is ill. Use hand sanitizer if unable to wash hands.

In the winter, there are many precautions that we may take to stay healthy and happy. Go ahead and play with the snow, but be sure to follow all the guidelines and have fun with the weather.

Roman E. Finn, M.D. is a holistic and integrative practitioner of traditional medicine in modern ways. For consultations, call 201-291-0401 or visit citm-drfinn.com. See ad, pages 6 and 13.

FARMERS MARKETS

The Bayonne Farmers’ Market – The market opens from 2-7 pm. and will run every Tuesday at the same time. The market is located on West 23rd Street between Broadway and DelMonte Drive. The Bayonne Farmers’ Market aims to foster “a sense of community by bringing farmers and local businesses together right in our neighborhood.” The goal is to offer a variety of fresh foods to the community.

Downtown Jersey City Farmers’ Market – Mon & Thu through Dec. 4-8pm. The Historic Downtown Jersey City farmers’ market features various NJ vendors and local Jersey City vendors. Operating for over a decade, the Historic Downtown Jersey City Farmers Market, conveniently located by the PATH Train station and Grove Street bus stop in the heart of the historic downtown, it’s the place to get your groceries and treats! Come out and support NJ farms and businesses and get your fresh produce, pies, cookies, flowers and more. 201-547-3554. JCDowntown.org.

Hamilton Park Farmer’s Market – The Farmers’ Market runs weekly through the fall. The hours will be from 4-7pm, Wednesdays in Hamilton Park, 25 West Hamilton Place, Jersey City, easily accessible on foot from Jersey City PATH stations located at Grove Street and Newport. Check the website for a list of vendors and products for sale. GNADF.com/Events/HNPA-Farmers-Market/ HDSID Farmer’s Market – The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District Farmers Market is open year-round, and the summer/fall session, begun in April, runs Mondays and Thursdays from 4-8pm. The location will remain at the Grove PATH Plaza, Newark Ave and Grove St, but will also include the “first green” area of the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall. Check the website for a list of vendors and products for sale. JCDowntown.org.

Hoboken Farmers Market – The Hoboken Farmers Market is open through mid-November on Tuesdays from 2-8pm. It is located between Fourth and Fifth Garden Street on the east side of Church Square Park near the Demarest School. Vendors in attendance will include Union Hill Farms, Roger’s Seafood, Melick’s Town Farm, Circle Brook Organic Farms, Pickle-Licious, Gourmet Dried Fruit and Nuts, and Hoboken Farms.

Paulus Hook Farmers Market – The Paulus Hook Farmers Market is both a farmers’ market and a CSA pickup spot for local subscribers. It is open through December on Saturdays from 10am-4pm. The Market is located at the end of Washington Street in the Morris Canal State Park next to the Korean War Memorial, in Jersey City. For more information: PaulusHook.org.

Riverview Farmer’s Market – This farmer’s market is held at Riverview-Fisk Park through November. The vendors are between Ogden & Palisade from 10am-3pm. Take a stroll through Riverview-Fisk Park (with NYC views) in Jersey City Heights and enjoy live music, and a variety of awesome vendors like Alstede Farms, Stony Hill Farms, Headquarters Farms, RH Farms, Nature’s Own, and more.

The Southwest Park Farmers Market – This farmers market is brand new to the 2022 season. Like other markets, the new market will offer an underserved neighborhood fresh vegetables, fruits, and baked goods. Where: North side of Observer Highway between Jackson Street and Harrison Street through midNovember Thursdays 2-8pm.

Uptown Farmers Market – The City of Hoboken will host the Uptown Farmers Market every Saturday, from 9am-2pm, under the 14th Street viaduct between Grand and Adams Streets, Hoboken. The market will have a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other local products. Some of the vendors in attendance are Stony Hill Farms, Cotton Cattle, Hoboken Farms, Roger’s Seafood, Pick-Licious, Choc-O-Pain and Paolo’s Kitchen. To add to the fun, there will be live music on some days.

Van Vorst Park Farmer’s Market – Van Vorst Farmers Market, Van Vorst Park, Montgomery and Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, will be open until December on Saturdays, 8am-2pm. This open-air market offers a wide variety of goods, including fresh organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, baked goods,

Discover Life Changing ACCESS BARS® Sessions

The Bars are 32 points on the head that when lightly touched releases old energies that keep you stuck in many areas of your life, allowing for tremendous and easy change.

Lesser-Known Realities about Coronary Plaque/Atherosclerosis

by Robin Leder, M.D.

Your calcium CT study shows significant levels of calcified plaque on your coronary vessels. Before panic sets in, here are some important things to consider regarding that report of elevated calcium:

How much calcium is on each vessel (i.e., how occluded are the vessels)?

When it was introduced, the calcium test results always indicated which vessels were occluded and to what extent. Now, the test often just gives an overall score for all coronary vessels, or simply states which vessels have “some” plaque. It is unclear to what extent specific vessels are occluded.

Is there also fatty, uncalcified plaque present?

This will not be included in the calcium scoring, yet fatty plaque when present blocks vessels the same way as calcified. To find ALL plaque, and all locations, a coronary CT or Virtual Angiogram or an actual angiogram is required.

How much plaque is too

much?

The reason plaque is trouble is that it blocks flow. BUT! By a law in physics called Poiseuille’s law, FLOW is correlated with the open radius of a vessel TO THE EIGHTH POWER! So, even a modest remaining radius, with some degree of narrowing, still permits considerable flow of a liquid, in this case, blood. Hence, a vessel with a 50% blockage still provides quite a bit of unimpeded flow. A separate flow study can be done to pinpoint the actual flow in the coronary vessels.

Is there a way to scrape plaque off rather than bypassing it or pushing it off to the side.

Chelation therapy is an intravenous method of infusing a chemical, EDTA, along with magnesium, to gently wear away calcified plaque. There are other improvements made to vessels that undergo chelation, including improved flexibility.

Which vessels are affected by chelation?

One of the great benefits of this therapy is that it is a systemic treatment. All vessels,

~Advertorial~

large and small, are affected by chelation, and since atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, chelation treats not only coronary vessels, but brain kidney, limb vessels, etc.

Does chelation remove fatty plaque?

NO, but there is another intravenous approach that dissolves the fatty component of plaque if present.

Is chelation safe?

Using protocols that have been developed carefully and used over decades, therapy is safe, tested, and effective. Kidney function is monitored regularly, and over time, as chelation opens kidney vessels, kidney function can actually improve with this therapy. As an additional benefit chelation also removes toxic, potentially cancer-causing heavy metals from the body.

Can someone with grafts/ bypasses already done still do chelation?

Absolutely. It is a wonderful addition. Grafts do not eliminate the ongoing process of atherosclerosis. Chelating on a maintenance basis can keep grafts open, clear at their margins, and functioning, as well as preventing the need for future stents. It is also an excellent preventive measure for those without known problems to maintain low plaque levels.

When necessary, coronary angioplasty or bypass can be nothing short of lifesaving. But even after grafts are placed, the ounce of prevention (or chelation IV bag of prevention, in this case) remains an invaluable component in optimizing long-term outcomes and overall health.

Robin Ellen Leder, M.D., was mentored by Robert Atkins, M.D., author of The Atkins Diet. She has been providing alternative medical care, including intravenous treatments, for more than 30 years at A Better Alternative Medical Center, in Hackensack.

A Communal Space for Women to Flourish at Gaia Goddess

As an ecofeminist brand, Gaia Goddess is committed to empowering the divine feminine in connection with the wisdom and nurturance of nature. Owner Maria Marshall, educated at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design, has a strong background in visual arts.

A conscious creative who uses social entrepreneurism, storytelling and community building to inspire, heal and empower women, she says, “During the early childhood and adulthood phase of my life, I felt I don’t belong here due to traumatic experiences while growing with a single mother. Being intimated by father left a scar on me for life. I felt being responsible and at fault for the pain and suffering and things going wrong in and around me. I felt lost and searched for answers and solutions. In some way, I started believing that all men are like this. Further, I felt abandoned due to early death of my father.”

The GAIA Goddess vision is to provide a sanctuary and empower woman to achieve their ultimate potential. She shares, “After being in marriage in 25 years, I realized that for me to happy and satisfied I need not be what society wants me to be, but be what I want to be. I was separating, but not getting depressed; in fact I was getting awakened. My therapist helped me to deal with years of hurt. I start to feel energy, the vibrations and the tingling sensation of new destiny!”

She started doing reiki and meditation, and founded GAIA Goddess to create an array of educational experiences that appeal to multifaceted modern women in the community. As the system develops, they plan to also support couples and men in their endeavor to discover and heal themselves.

Marshall notes, “We are at the cusp of huge awakenings on planet Earth because everyone has come here for a purpose and reason. We are building a community to prepare for the new, awakened state of lifestyle. We see realization across the globe about our lifestyle choices, and as a result, communities are trying to go back to natural way of living. The acceptance of meditation, yoga and a natural way of life is increasing day by day, and GAIA Goddess wants to spread and prepare communities for the change.”

Membership is free. For more information, email Info@GaiaGoddessLifestyle.com or visit GaiaGoddessLifestyle.com.

Maria Marshall

Alarming Decline of the Hawksbill Turtle

Dispersed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the hawksbill sea turtle helps maintain high coral cover on reefs by removing invasive prey. Their ornate, beautifully patterned shells make them a favorite attraction for snorkelers and divers around the world. But those beautiful shells also make them a target for illegal harvesting to be carved into combs, jewelry and other trinkets. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the population of hawksbill turtles has declined by 84 to 87 percent over the last three generations, and their numbers continue to fall. Illegal poaching is not the only threat facing these turtles. Excessive hunting, loss of coral reef habitats due to warming oceans and acidification, light pollution in nesting areas due to development, marine pollution and fatal run-ins with commercial fishing have contributed to their decline. Conservation efforts are underway in places like Australia and the Caribbean, including working with commercial fishers to develop sustainable, turtle-friendly fishing methods. Laws are in place in many parts of the world to deter and prosecute the illegal trade of turtle products. Consumers can do their part by learning to identify, avoid and report hawskbill shell products. For tips, check out this video by Travel for Wildlife at Tinyurl.com/HawksbillHelp.

Turning Vegetable Waste into Plastic

The World Economic Forum estimates that about 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year and that 98 percent of single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels. So, the prospect of replacing the petroleum in plastic with a plant material is exciting news for the planet and humanity. Toresyoku, a Japanese firm, has developed technology that efficiently removes cellulose (dietary fiber) from plant material for use in plastic production. Using vegetable waste, such as cabbage cores, rice husks, coffee grounds and the leaves and stems of tomatoes and broccoli from local farms, the company extracts the cellulose through hydrolysis (heating under pressure in water) and component decomposition (using enzymes). Not only does the cellulose reduce the use of petroleumbased materials, but it may also increase the strength of the plastic being made for products such as plastic bottles, appliances and car bumpers. The company expects to start operating their factory soon and be able to process up to a ton of plant waste a day. While other companies have been able to extract cellulose from wood chips, Toresyoku’s technology is more efficient and can be done for a fraction of the cost of competing technologies.

Sharks Win!

In a groundbreaking decision, world governments have awarded increased protections to 54 species of sharks at the 19th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). “This decision is the most significant step toward improving global shark management that countries have taken,” says Mark Bond, a biologist at Florida International University and an advocate for the CITES protections. “It will ensure international shark trade is regulated and traceable.”

Sharks and rays, which are fished for their fins and meat, are the second most threatened vertebrate group in the world, with a third of them threatened with extinction. The inclusion of these sharks on the CITES list helps ensure only legal and sustainable trade in fins and meat is taking place. Almost every shipment of shark products will now require a permit to prove that trade meets legal and sustainability requirements. Before the decision, there were few restrictions in place around the globe.

IMPROVING HEART HEALTH

LIFESTYLE METRICS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT HEART DISEASE

by Sheila Julson

Diet and exercise are often cited for preventing cardiovascular disease, but a deeper dive shows that other factors such as sleep, stress management and proper screenings are just as important.

Get Enough Sleep

Dr. Randi Foraker is a professor of medicine at the Division of General Medical Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), and the deputy director of their Institute for Informatics. She co-authored the American Heart Association (AHA) Life’s Essential 8, a prescription of eight lifestyle metrics for cardiovascular health. They include modifiable risk factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure.

Last June, the AHA added sleep to their lifestyle recommendations. “Poor sleep has been something we have suspected as a contributor to cardiovascular health for some time,” Foraker says. “Sleep has been identified recently as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Interrupted sleep is a problem because our body isn’t able to rebuild and recharge if we don’t have adequate sleep. That’s a recent

finding, and the evidence around that is building.”

Research into how sleep patterns affect heart health is ongoing. Experts are looking at when people are sleeping, and if it’s broken into three-or-four-hour increments. The demands of each occupation may lead to sleeping during the day instead of at night, or broken sleep that does not always lead to a total of eight hours of sleep.

Stress Management

“Not managing stress well can be linked to insulin resistance, gut issues, high blood pressure and inflammation, which directly contribute to heart disease,” says Charlotte Nussbaum, M.D., a functional medicine practitioner in Medford, New Jersey. “That’s a lifestyle factor that people need to address, and it can be the hardest one to address. Even if you’re dialed in to a healthy diet and exercise routines, you’re not going to keep yourself healthy if you have unresolved stress issues.”

Nussbaum notes that unaddressed childhood traumas can lead to unhealthy stress management techniques and encourages people to consult with a therapist or other practitioner to work through child-

hood traumas to identify and eliminate the stressor. If a job is causing stress, we can’t always change jobs, but using techniques such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness can help. She also recommends bodywork and movement, breathing techniques, biofeedback and going into nature as effective stress-relieving techniques.

Foraker notes that the Life’s Essential 8 framework has specifically called out mental and social determinants of health because these underlying factors can be barriers to achieving ideal cardiovascular wellness. “Mental health can impact depression and be a proxy for nicotine addiction and poor diet,” she says.

Social determinants may include living in a food desert without access to healthy foods. Some people may not be able to achieve physical fitness because they live in a high-crime area, preventing them from being active outdoors. “Social determinants of health are often cost-prohibitive to achieving health goals,” Foraker advises.

Nationwide, nonprofits such as The Food Trust are helping to bring nutritious food to low-income communities. The National Youth Sports Strategy, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, strives to expand children’s participation in youth sports and encourage regular physical activity.

Looking Beyond Cholesterol

Nussbaum observes that while much attention is placed on lowering fat and cholesterol for a healthier heart, what is more important is choosing fats that don’t oxidize easily. When low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is oxidized, it can lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque on the artery walls.

“Seed oils like canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil or corn oil have been promoted as heart healthy, but those are very easily oxidized because they contain linoleic acid, an inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid that can contribute to heart disease,” Nussbaum says. “While omega-6 is an essential fatty acid, we only need a small amount in our diets. Our modern diet has become very high in omega-6.”

Nussbaum advises increasing omega-3 intake to balance the omega-3s/omega-6

ratio. Cold water and fatty fish that is low in mercury such as salmon and shellfish are good sources of omega-3s. For those that don’t eat seafood, marine algae provide omega-3s.

Polyphenols are plant-based foods that boost heart health and immunity. Polyphenol-rich examples include green tea, citrus fruits, hibiscus tea and turmeric. Nussbaum adds that organ meats like liver are high in antioxidants retinol and vitamin A.

Red meat has gotten a bad reputation, but Nussbaum notes how meat is sourced makes a difference. The nutritional quality of a fast-food burger is much different than a cut of beef from grass-fed cows that are sustainably raised; the latter has a very different nutrition profile, along with omega-3s.

Nussbaum cautions that consuming a low-fat diet alone may not lower risk of heart disease, because many low-fat diets substitute fat with carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and insulin resistance—both risk factors for heart disease.

Less Exercise Can Be More

It can be intimidating to start a workout regimen, especially if time is limited. “What’s more important is not being sedentary and finding ways to keep moving,” Nussbaum says. “Even if you have desk job, there are ways to incorporate short bursts of movement into your day. Walking can be helpful.”

She notes that high-intensity interval training—short bursts of intense exercise alternated with low-intensity recovery periods—can be effective for those with limited time. “Some of those workouts are only five to 10 minutes long, but can have just as much benefit as a 90-minute cardiovascular workout.”

Screenings and Advanced Testing Detect Underlying Issues

Dr. Yale R. Smith, a Florida physician who is triple board-certified and an advanced fellow in anti-aging metabolic and functional medicine, says, “There are millions of people walking around with severe cardiac disease that do not even know it, because heart attacks and death from an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can kill someone

without warning, Thus, preventing such an event with specialized testing can allow people to live long lives with loved ones.”

Smith emphasizes the importance of a complete lipid profile. “I see many patients that come to me with incomplete lipid profiles,” he notes. They do not include sensitive biomarkers that go beyond just total cholesterol, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. There’s a misconception that if one’s cholesterol is within normal range, they need not worry about heart disease.

“But someone could have unstable plaque just waiting to burst in a coronary artery that kills the patient,” Smith explains. “When an unstable plaque ruptures in a major vessel, the body senses it as bleeding and sends clotting factors to stop the bleeding, thus creating the heart attack and death. We can look for this with cuttingedge testing.”

Such testing includes Cleerly, which uses artificial intelligence to look within the coronary arteries. It provides actual visualization of the patient’s vessels and pinpoints locations of stenotic lesions, total plaque volume and unstable plaque locations. “This is revolutionary, and allows me to provide vital information to the patient and the interventional cardiologist before catheterization,” Smith says.

The American Heart Association confirms that practicing mindfulness and meditation may help manage stress and high blood pressure, improve sleep and help us feel more balanced and connected, which can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly in a calm place and focusing on breath. Other types include relaxation and Zen, transcendental, mantra and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

The protein unstable lesion signature test looks for cellular markers for high-risk patients and determines risk for plaque rupture. The vibrant health cardiax allows doctors to look at 22 different genes that can contribute to heart disease issues.

“Family history is a look into the future of your chance of developing heart diseases,” Smith shares. “The genetics of a patient’s family is quite important, and genes can jump a generation. Thus, the patient could have their grandfather’s or grandmother’s genes that can put them at risk and lead to an early death.”

There are natural ways to control and reverse heart disease, Smith points out, but he cautions against over-the-counter, unregulated supplements marketed for improving heart health. A comprehensive workup and cardiovascular health plan should be monitored by a qualified medical doctor.

“Meditation and massage are beneficial to lower stress,” Smith recommends. “Stress and high cortisol levels create a pathway to heart disease, elevated blood pressure and other issues. Thus, anything that can lower stress and create a happy lifestyle will help with heart health.”

For more information, visit Tinyurl. com/55nuk9dm.

RHYTHMS OF THE HEART

IMPROVING MOOD WITH VAGUS NERVE TONING

by Kirby Baldwin

While most people consider the brain to be the power center of the body, the heart is stronger in several ways. In research pioneered by the HeartMath Institute in the 1990s, the heart has been found to be 40 to 60 times stronger than the brain electrically and about 100 times stronger magnetically.

HeartMath studies heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the naturally occurring beat-to-beat changes in heart rate and rhythms, and is a key marker of overall health, resiliency and longevity. HeartMath discovered people could train themselves to improve their HRV and, as a result, their ability to regulate emotions by using breath as a type of biofeedback.

Central to this work is the vagus nerve, a main component of the parasympathetic nervous system that carries signals at an unconscious level between the brain, heart and digestive system. Due to its many functions, particularly controlling mood, researchers have targeted the vagus nerve in treating depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.

According to a 2018 study, “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders,” published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Treatments that target the vagus nerve increase the vagal tone and inhibit cytokine production. Both are important mechanisms of resiliency. The stimulation of vagal afferent fibers in the gut influences monoaminergic brain systems in the brain stem that play crucial roles in major psychiatric conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders. Since the vagal tone is correlated with capacity to regulate stress responses and can be influenced by breathing, its increase through meditation and yoga likely contribute to resilience and the mitigation of mood and anxiety symptoms.”

Vagal tone tells us how well the vagus nerve is functioning, and it is measured indirectly by HRV. A toned vagus nerve can help regulate the nervous system and improve digestion, heart health and breathing rate. It can also counter the body’ s “fight” response and help us relax and bounce back from daily stresses by boosting the “rest-and-digest” response, which also boosts HRV.

Because the vagus nerve is integral to the gut-brain connection, Michael Ruscio, DNM, DC, writes that lifestyle practices that are good for the gut and brain, like diet, exercise and deep breathing, can improve vagal tone. The Cleveland Clinic states

that the vagus nerve can be naturally strengthened through meditation, massage, music therapy and cold-water immersion.

Other non-invasive methods of stimulating the vagus nerve include lightly tapping the chest while holding the breath, as well as light-to-moderate massage in areas near the vagus nerve. Because the nerve connects to the throat, gargling with salt water and laughing have also been proposed as potential interventions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and depression, and there are ongoing studies to expand its use for other health conditions and disorders. This is an invasive solution, as the device is surgically implanted under the skin on the chest.

Bruce Cryer, co-founder and former CEO of HeartMath, says, “We could all use a helping hand to get into our happy place” in these uncertain times. The 40-year wellness leader recently turned to Sensate, a new personal device designed to help people improve HRV and derive calming benefits without the need for

extensive training in meditation or breathing techniques.

Developed by Stefan Chmelik, a physician, Sensate is a palm-sized device that is simply placed on a person’s chest as it emits stressrelieving sound waves directly to the nervous system using bone conduction. Similar to the comfort a person experiences when a purring cat lies on their chest, Sensate causes the chest to resonate sound, which signals the vagus nerve to relax. When used over time, the device can train (or retrain) the vagus nerve to default to this calming state.

In a 2022 study, adults with and without anxiety and depression disorders used Sensate for an average of three and a half months, five to six days per week. After the test period, more than 70 percent of the participants reported low, mild or normal stress levels. More than 65 percent of the participants with anxiety disorder and over half of those with a depressive disorder reported an improvement in their condition.

Chmelik says, “Stress is a ‘global catastrophe’, and with a chronically stressed public, there is no will or ability to address all the other issues facing us. My goal in developing Sensate was to enable people to self-regulate more efficiently. I want to create a tipping point to create a more conscious world. As more people become aware of their breath and its connection to stress, and take advantage of the powerful tools of meditation, breath and other tools like Sensate, hopefully that tipping point is reached.”

Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

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Practicing by donation for nearly 10 years. Questions? Call Bill at 770-990-9191 or visit https://www.distancehealer.me

Heart-Healthy Kids

SETTING A COURSE FOR CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS

by Ana-Maria Temple, M.D.

When a middle-aged, thin adult comes to the hospital with heart attack symptoms, the doctors will ask about family health history; alcohol, drug and cigarette use; current medications; and cholesterol levels. But because the person is thin, they may not question their diet. In reality, the food choices we’ve made since childhood may determine our likelihood of developing heart disease as adults. Heart-healthy diets for kids can establish a healthful baseline and set them on a path to lifelong wellness and longevity.

Studies have demonstrated that the development of coronary atherosclerosis begins in childhood. These findings have been replicated in studies of children of different ethnic backgrounds across the globe. Characterized by the deposition of fatty material (plaques) on the inner walls of arteries, atherosclerosis contributes to heart disease and heart attacks.

The immediate reaction may be to blame genetics for heart disease in young children and assume it is outside of our control, but this assumption

would be wrong. Genetics are only a blueprint. What we eat, how we sleep, our stress level and our exposure to environmental toxins determine how our house is built. “Genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger,” wrote Judith Stern, professor of nutrition and internal medicine at the University of California, Davis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center demonstrated the effects of genetic malleability in a study involving agouti mice that have genetically mutated to produce obese offspring that develop heart disease, diabetes and cancers. The scientists fed two groups of these unhealthy mice different diets. One group ate standard mouse food. The other consumed standard mouse food plus vitamin supplements, including choline, folic acid, B12 and betaine.

The agouti mice mothers that were given a vitamin-supplemented diet produced offspring that were healthy, without evidence

of heart disease or other problems, while the mice that ate a regular diet without nutritional supplementation continued to produce terribly unhealthy mice. What humans can surmise from this study is that parents have the power to alter their children’s gene expression and subsequent heart disease risk.

To raise healthy adults, a child’s nutrition is where to start. As Mark Hyman, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of functional medicine, says, “Chronic disease is a food-borne illness,” and one of the biggest dietary culprits is sugar. It leads to the development of plaque in the arteries and wreaks havoc on the health of Americans. In the 1980s, the low-fat craze prompted food companies to remove fat from foods and replace it with sugar to preserve taste. A whopping 240 sugar alternatives followed, including corn syrup, rice syrup and dextrose.

The liver can process only 24 grams of added sugar per day. Any extra sugar gets turned into fat, which contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In the U.S., adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, according to the American

Heart Association. That’s more than three times the amount the liver can handle.

Parents can begin to shield their children from this dangerous ingredient by steering them away from sugary drinks. We all know that sodas are full of sugar, but even organic juice boxes, sports drinks, flavored waters and coconut waters contain loads of the stuff. Choose water or coconut water without added sugar, and wean kids off of juice by gradually diluting it. Also consider fruit-infused waters or bubbly, carbonated water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Start reading food labels and encourage kids to become sugar detectives. It is not about categorizing food as evil or bad. It’s about learning together which foods and drinks help their little hearts become stronger and more resilient. When they grow up to be heart-healthy, middle-aged adults, they will be thankful.

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Dr. Veber developed a holistic approach to stop your hair loss, improve the overall health of your hair, and regrow the hair you’ve lost.

Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is an integrative pediatrician and wellness educator in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more at DrAnaMaria. com.

Love in the Present Moment MINDFULNESS FOR COUPLES

by Marlaina Donato

Jam-packed schedules and answering the demands of everyday life can trip us up and break the spell of even the most solid intimate partnership. With dulled senses, it is easy and all too common to go on autopilot. Like abandoned gardens, heart-unions can become casualties of neglect and the absence of joy.

Mindfulness—awareness and cultivation of the present moment—has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and deepen our appreciation of what we have. Relationships can expand and strengthen when couples practice the art of being in the “now”. A 2021 study involving 1,360 heterosexual couples published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy indicates that gratitude and forgiveness also contribute to satisfaction, both relational and sexual.

Conscious Hearts

“Mindfulness practice comes in many forms: journaling, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, tai chi or breathwork, to name just a few. By routinely practicing mindfulness, we are able to deepen our own awareness of what we are feeling and how we want to respond to someone we care about,” explains Moraya Seeger DeGeare, in-house relationship expert for Paired, an app for couples.

Maci Daye, the author of Passion and Presence: A Couple’s Guide to Awakened Intimacy and Mindful Sex says, “Even a few minutes a day of mindfulness practice can rewire the brain, build new habits and help us dis-identify from our limiting beliefs, stories and intense emotions.” This is a critical factor

in transcending personal triggers and promoting conflict resolution. She emphasizes that couples often go into fight-or-flight mode because they feel threatened by their partner’s non-verbal behavior or are triggered by old, painful wounds.

Daye, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, notes, “Mindful couples are less attached to being ‘right’ and explore their own sensitivities instead of blaming their partners.” Once “awakened intimacy” is put into practice, couples become interested in each other’s perspectives and team up to heal and grow. In addition to formal training, she suggests bringing presence to all aspects of life. “Couples can engage their senses when they hug, touch or hold hands,” Daye explains. “They can pause to look at each other when they say hello and goodbye. They can slow down and taste their food, savoring every bite. These behaviors also make sexual experiences more sensual, intimate and connecting.”

Taking a few moments for eye contact, the brush of a hand or compassionate interaction can strengthen bonds. DeGeare, who is also a couple’s therapist at BFF Therapy, in Beacon, New York, recommends slowing down together to get in sync. “This could be going for a walk, cooking or listening to the same podcast and talking about it later. It helps the body tune into your partner a bit and connect. The time you spend doing this outside of the bedroom will deepen your connection in the bedroom.” She suggests bringing movement like a shared dance or yoga class into the mix to foster connection, as well as setting “dedicated times to check in through the week or month, uninterrupted.”

A Deeper Dive

Daily verbal exchanges beyond the mundane can amplify resonance between two people. “Asking questions is vitally important, as it cultivates curiosity—but not the day-to-day questions, such as, ‘What are you doing today’ or ‘What do you want for dinner?’” says Debbie Lambert, co-author of The Mindful Couple. The Del Mar, California, couples counselor and life coach encourages people to ask, “What scares you today? What is the

most important thing that you would like to create today? What was one thing that made you grateful today, and what is one thing that disappointed or frustrated you today? What is one thing I can do for you today? These types of questions scrape the surface of knowing and create intimacy and connection.”

Lambert compares the practice of mindfulness to a beautiful dance—flowing, loving and creative—that can change future generations. “The energy from such a dance extends far beyond the couple,” she says. “It can be felt intimately by anyone in its presence. When parents dance this dance, their children are bathed in a high-vibrating energy. They feel safe and loved. Most importantly, they learn a model for how to be in a loving relationship.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

MINDFUL TIPS FOR DEEPER SEXUAL INTIMACY FROM DEBBIE LAMBERT

Couples get too familiar with each other over time, and the wonder and curiosity leave the bedroom. To deepen the sexual experience, couples can:

n Shift from knowing to curiosity. Ask yourself, “What does my partner need in this moment?” Be in tune with subtle movements and embrace them in the moment, versus thinking this is what my partner likes.

n They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Eye-gazing in bed is a deeply spiritual activity that allows us to connect beyond our normal experiences with each other.

n Smile, laugh and embrace the moment with some lightness. When we smile and laugh, we are out of our heads and into our hearts. This is where we want to spend more time in general.

calendar of events

Diabetes Support Group – 12-1pm. First Mon. Join this virtual support group once a month to discuss issues you are having living with diabetes – with other people living with diabetes. Utilizing peer group problem-solving (asking questions, listening to responses and having a group discussion) we will come up with personalized solutions for you. Seize the opportunity to meet others living with diabetes and talk about your personal challenges as you would talk to a friend. Register online Diabetes FoundationInc.org.

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 for a list of meetings and registration info. RWJBH. org/treatment-care/institute-for-prevention-andrecovery/programs/hope-and-healing/.

Crossword Club – 5-6pm. Join on Zoom to do a crossword puzzle every Monday! Test your puzzle skills! Geared for children in grades 4 to 12. NBPL. org/Event/Crossword-Club.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Soul care reset for moms raising kids with mental health–2:00-3:00pm. Focusing on SOUL care is where life truly changes. Every mom needs & deserves to be nurtured, but if you’re raising a child with mental health challenges, this likely feels completely impossible. Sign up for Zoom session: https://allevents.in/jersey%20 city/10000401531089297.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Bridal Expo– 1:00–4:00pm . For the bride that doesn’t need one more thing to worry about. Hyatt House Rooftop sweats the small stuff so you don’t have to. Location: Hyatt House Rooftop, One Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Neighborhood Community Dinner–8:00 pm. Join the neighbors from around the Hoboken community for a potluck dinner at Christopher Columbus Gardens (Hoboken Housing). Our aim is to build relationships, strengthen community, and tear down the walls that needlessly divide us. Please visit www. milesquare.church/events for more information or email hello@milesquare.church.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

L.E.A.D. Super Bowl Fest–4:00pm. Join us for the Super Bowl Party of the year at the Coaches Club at MetLife Stadium! Get your opportunity to par-

ticipate in activities on the field, meet professional athletes, and have some family fun this Super Bowl Sunday. Tickets are available for purchase at www. theleadfest.com/p/events/super-bowl-fest, Location: MetLife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive,East Rutherford,NJ,United States, East Rutherford

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Kids Art Classes at Hoboken Historical Museum–10:00am-1:00pm. Join two days a week 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, and adults must wear masks. Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Location: Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Family Nights = Fun Nights–6:00–6:45pm. Come on in and join Bonetti Children’s Department Staff for an hour of Family Bingo every 3rd Thursday each month. Win prizes engage in challenging activities and get creative. Location: Priscilla Gardner Main Library Branch, 472 Jersey Ave., Jersey City, NJ.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19

The Home Show–10am–5pm. The Home Show’s goal is to motivate, inspire and excite you in your next home improvement project, no matter how small or large. In a relaxed, fun environment, our events bring together a variety of home-improvement professionals. We know that you will be inspired and motivated after meeting and comparing the expert exhibitors. For more detail: www. njhomeshow-me.com/, Location: Meadowlands Exposition Center, New Jersey, USA.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Cordero School 12th Annual Dinner & Dance

6:30–11pm. Join and help support student activities at Cordero School in Jersey City, NJ for dance, buffet dinner party. Location: Chandelier Catering, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Yoga (Hybrid) –9:30–10:30am. Join us at the Main Library and on Zoom for a Yoga class on Friday mornings! Please bring a towel or yoga mat and water bottle. Location: 8411 Bergenline Ave, North Bergen.

MARCH 2-9, 2023

Soul Shine Retreat in Kauai, Hawaii –5-star resort accommodations, daily yoga, meditation, past-life regression and reiki workshops, nature walks and tons of beach time! For more information, visit www.pure-bliss-yoga. com/events.

classifieds

Fee for classifieds is $33 (up to 40 words) + $1 per word over 40 words, prepaid. To place listing, email content to Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNNJ.com or Call 201-781-5577. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

BOOKS

THE TRUE SCHOOL IS LIFE–Books for Conscious Living such as:

• Recognize and Heal Yourself through the Power of the Spirit

• Living and Dying to Keep on Living

• Cause and Development of All Illness

• The Life I Chose Myself … and much more!

http://www.Gabriele-Publishing-House.com

1-844-576-0937. 20% Off with coupon code: OFF20.

FOR SALE

OCEAN-FRONT PROPERTY IN BELIZE FOR SALE– This expensive oceanfront propery is an amazing opportunity to develop beachfront lots, a resort, nature reserve, or your own private oasis. The 37-acre property stretches 700 feet along the Caribbean coastline. The land has been surveyed. Priced for quick sale: $550,000. 201-926-0338.

ELEGANT KAWAI PIANO – Mahogany upright with matching bench. Dimension: 5’ 2’’ x 2’ 2’’ x 3’ 5’’, Perfect for interested child of 5-7 years of age to begin study in keyboarding. Bench has finally crafted, hinged top opening to store music books. Price cut to $2000. Separate Piano lamp, marble and brass available at $150. Located close to Bergen Town Center/Whole Foods. Call 201-487-4839.

TAROT READINGS

NOT SURE YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT PATH?

Let’s chat. Schedule a tarot reading and get the clarity you’re looking for. Visit: theclairgardener.com or call 201-503-6335.

The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.

~Paul Hawken

communityresourceguide

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

Whole body dentistry focused on improving smiles and overall health. We provide full preventative services including safe removal of mercury amalgams, biological periodontal therapy, orthodontics, supportive therapies for toxin removal, TMJ dysfunction and chronic face pain and dental management of sleep disorders. See ad on page 23.

DOWSING

JEANIE PASQUALE

Professional Dowser

845-709-5245

dowsing@househarmony.org

HouseHarmony.org

Protect Yourself from EMFs and other Negative Energies. A professional dowser can block the negative affect of cell phones, satellite dishes, high tension wires, geopathic stress, interference lines and more. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained health issues and would like to be protected from this negative energy , call to see how dowsing can help protect you.

ENERGY HEALING

ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS

Theresa Obssuth, Access Bars Practitioner Paramus, NJ

201-655-3836 • Citm-DrFinn.com

What if you are far greater than anyone has ever acknowledged? Where have you not acknowledged this for yourself? What keeps you in frustration of limitation, judgment of yourself and the lack of peace and joy in your life? What if this could all change easily and create a new way of life for you. Let me introduce you to the process of Access Bars and a way to live life where you function from your own awareness having more happiness and ease. Offering Access Bars and Access Energetic Facelift sessions and classes. See ad, page 11.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

ROMAN E. FINN, M.D.

Center for Integrative & Traditional Medicine

22 Madison Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 201-291-0401 • citm-drfinn.com

Dr. Roman Finn has successfully combined holistic and integrative ways as well as modern developments in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of conditions including cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and immune disorders as well as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, fibrommyalgia and stress related conditions. An all-encompassing holistic approach provided through non-invasive testing. Most labs and tests are performed on premises. We are working with major insurance companies and Medicare. See ad, page 13.

HEALTHY DRINKS

NUTE JUICE

Made-to-order delivery: NUTEJUICE.COM

Instagram/Facebook: @NUTEJUICERY 201-572-4201

High quality unpasteurized (no HPP) 100% organic cold pressed juice. Offering convenient delivery to improve your healthy lifestyle easily! Mix and match your favorite flavors and ginger bombs, or choose from our selection of curated juice cleanses and health boost kits. We also offer catering and bulk discounts. All juice is pressed fresh and made to order! See ad, page 9.

HEALTHY FOODS

BUSY BEE ORGANICS

451 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 201-656-5065

• BusyBeeOrganics.com

Chef Michelle Berckes and her team make up Busy Bee Organics, which serves nutritious, immuneboosting eats to the local community. This health-supportive, local eatery offers in-store 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.

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.

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 page 3.

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. Treatments may include acupuncture, reiki, aromatherapy, moxibustion, cupping, auricular therapy, as well as ancient Shamanic healing methods.

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.

JACQUIE BIRD, SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

JacquieBirdSpiritualWellness.com

917-740-8097

Jacquie is a Wellness Guide, helping people to connect to their deeper, quieter, Witness Selves. She offer products and services to reduce stress and anxiety; to increase mindfulness, awareness, and personal growth. Her service StressBusters Guided Meditation is a personally developed system using sound, breath, aromatherapy, gemstones, journaling, and movement. Private and group sessions are available. Jacquie has also created audiobooks, eBooks, custom guided music with the intent to calm, support, guide and empower. See ad, page 11.

~Buddha

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.

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.

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 highquality products. The Green Room is open Sunday through Thursday 11am-8pm and Fri and Sat 11am-10pm in Jersey City and Monclair.

INTUITIVE FENG SHUI & MEDIDTATIVE CLEARING

LOIS KRAMER-PEREZ INTUITIVE FENG SHUI & MEDITATIVE CLEARING

Lois Kramer Perez

201-906-5767 • Fax 201-265-6037

LoisKramerPerez.com

“If we want to make changes in our lives, we must start from within.” Are you ready? Through her own journey of self-discovery, Lois has embraced diverse energy modalities as a way of life, and she wants to share them. Lois has developed simple, effective techniques that help clients sharpen their awareness, clarity and empowerment through feng shui, personal meditative clearing, and environmental space clearing. Each of these services can provide anchors for creating change from the inside out. Let’s get started!

YOGA

PURE BLISS YOGA

Zeni Pepper

Pure Bliss Yoga

pure-bliss-yoga.com

Pure Bliss Yoga was founded by Zeni Pepper, a lifelong yoga and meditation practitioner, who regularly leads classes, workshops, teacher trainings and retreats. Echoing her multi-faceted life experiences, Zeni’s yoga classes are varied and deep, infused with energetic practices, philosophy, mythology, poetry and spirituality. She teaches a broad range – from intelligently weaved vinyasa flows, to blissful restorative yoga, meditation and yoga nidra, in group, private or corporate settings. You can follow and connect with her on Facebook or Instagram @zeniyoga. See ad, page 15.

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life.

Soon people found other things they could use it against.

By Doug Cornell Colds

with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

Flu

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed.

“The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

ADVERTORIAL

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds

Styes

Warts

Ringworm

Other microbial threats

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA35.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.