Nov 2020 by Natural Awakenings Northern New Jersey

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HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

JERSEY CITY

TREE CENSUS

MAKES CENTS

Plus ECO-BURIALS

Gain Ground

HOBOKEN

HAS A NEW SOL HOW TO BE A

PEACEFUL

PARENT

LIGHTEN UP

THANKSGIVING

November 2020 | Hudson County Edition | NAHudson.com

November 2020

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HUDSON EDITION PUBLISHER Claire Byers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tina Woods

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Well, it’s November and my Thanksgiving plans are still up in the air. It’s not about the menu; it’s more about the guest list and the logistics. Who’ll be there in person? Who’ll be there on screen? I’m used to Zoom meetings by now, but I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for Zoom Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, the most important ingredient in this uniquely American holiday is gratitude, and this year I’ve got that in spades. I’m grateful for my family and friends, who are always there for me (even if it’s virtual). I’m also grateful for you, the readers and advertisers who have supported this magazine and allowed us to continue our mission of building a healthier community. In fact, health and gratitude reinforce each other: we know that positive thinking encourages the brain to release the “feel good” chemicals that can mitigate the negative health effects of stress. So whatever Thanksgiving looks like at your home, be grateful. Then enjoy your endorphins and serotonin, with just a touch of tryptophan. With Gratitude and Thanksgiving,

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Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 60 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 12 PREVENTING

TYPE 2 DIABETES Natural Lifestyle Choices to Curb the Disease

14 WHY A ‘TREE CENSUS’ MAKES CENTS

Crowdsourcing Presses Business Case for Urban Forestry

16 ONE/SOL RESETS AND REOPENS

Marisol Page Reflects on Challenges and Change

18 THE GREEN

BURIAL REVOLUTION

Sustainable End-of-Life Options

20 GIVING THANKS

FOR A HEALTHY FEAST

How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Fare

24 BODY GRATITUDE

Being Thankful Empowers Our Workouts

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28 NATURAL BEAUTY Homemade Solutions for Glowing Skin

30 SKIN-SOOTHING

HERBS FOR DOGS AND CATS Simple Ways to Reduce Itching

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 6 news briefs 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 18 green living 20 conscious eating

24 fit body 26 healthy kids 28 healing ways 30 natural pet 32 inspiration 33 resource guide November 2020

news briefs

Tracking App Free for Residents Prone to Wandering

he Hudson County Department of Health & Human Services is now offering the AngelSense mobile app free for county residents who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or intellectual developmental disabilities, including autism, and are prone to wandering or elopement. The real-time tracking system, which works with iOS, Android and Web, includes a plan with unlimited notifications, email alerts, users and location updates. Caregivers can listen in with a single click and communicate with their loved one via two-way voice. AngelSense also provides expert support. For additional information or to receive an enrollment application, contact the Hudson County Office of Disability Services at 201-369-5280 ext. 4256 or 4213.

Kristin DeAngelis Launches Virtual Arts Events

ristin J. DeAngelis—an art dealer, curator and educator—is launching several virtual initiatives in November, including free art lessons, an art opening and an artist talk. With the sponsorship of Dineen Hull Gallery, she will offer lessons, Fridays with Young Masters, free via Facebook. On November 11, she will host the virtual opening for the curation of the Piece of Me exhibition at Silverman Majestic Theatre Condominiums. On November 17, she will host a virtual artist talk for the co-curation of the Pro Arts Jerseyscapes III exhibition at Silverman Hamilton Square Condominiums. DeAngelis founded K. DeAngelis Art Projects in Jersey City more than 12 years ago. She works as a curator with artists, galleries, interior designers and collectors; teaches children under 12 “to bring out the Young Master within them”; and coaches pre-emerging artists to get them focused and back on track to their creativity. As the deputy director of Art Fair 14C, she says she’s “deep into planning for 2021.” For more information on her curations and art classes, visit DeAngelisArt.com.

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Jersey City to Install Electric Car Charging Stations

ersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop is advancing a plan to install public electric car charging stations in all six wards, transition to all-electric city vehicles and create an Office of Sustainability. “We are excited to bring this technology to Jersey City, as we know our residents are conscious about reducing our impact on the environment,” Fulop said in a statement. “We also believe that government should lead by example, so we will be looking to transition the city vehicle fleet to electric vehicles and hope this will inspire more residents to do the same.” The City Council is issuing a request for proposals for the charging stations. The number of total car charging stations will be determined by the final costs from the bid; however, the city administration is planning for a minimum of two car charging stations per ward and a total of 16 at the outset, with the potential for growth. The city is seeking grant funding to help cover the costs of the program. This is another in a yearlong series of mayoral initiatives aimed at tackling issues related to climate change, particularly stormwater management. The new Office of Sustainability will continue the work of the Office of Innovation in addressing a range of citywide sustainable practices and initiatives, including collaborating with local partners to establish green infrastructure standards for the city, identify priority areas for big green infrastructure projects, and tighten stormwater runoff limits across the city for new developments. For more information, visit CityOfJerseyCity.com.

In ‘Electoral Electric,’ 2020’s Biggest Issues Converge with Art

rom November 2 through 12, Hudson County Community College Department of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) will host Electoral Electric, a digital works exhibition exploring topics surrounding the 2020 presidential election, including Black Lives Matter, the COVID-19 pandemic, gun control and more. The exhibition will be available for viewing on Flickr and YouTube during that window of time. Curated by DOCA Director Michelle Vitale, the exhibition includes works by Tricia McLaughlin, Orit Ben-Shitrit and John Sims, among others. On November 12 at 11 a.m., Vitale will conduct a special Webex “Artist Talk” session with Sims, who is a political activist as well as an artist. For more information on the exhibition and how to access the Webex talk, email Gallery@HCCC.edu. For information on all upcoming DOCA events, visit HCCU.edu/cultural-affairs/calendar/.

Launch of KnoWEwell for Natural Awakenings

noWEwell, a collaborative partner with the Natural Awakenings family of publishers since June, has launched a personalized, integrated, private, secure, community and marketplace platform designed to transform health care. The one online trusted destination for today’s Regenerative Whole Health knowledge, resources and community that inspires and empowers individuals to take control and make better informed health decisions to achieve WELLthier Living, KnoWEwell received the Top 50 Healthcare Companies award from the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare. KnoWEwell is an immersive, global online platform that connects the dots between lifestyle choices, soil, food, the planet and health. With vetted providers, evidence-based resources and peer-reviewed content, it’s a safe space to learn and share. Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. Chief Operating Officer Joe Dunne says, “There is no simple way to describe KnoWEwell but to think big WebMD meets Match.com, HomeAdvisors, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Indeed for Regenerative Whole Health, all in one place for the benefit of everyone. “Natural Awakenings is honored to give our dedicated readers the opportunity to be some of the first members to be welcomed into the KnoWEwell community. With gratitude for our 26 years of readership and support, through our mission-aligned collaborative partnership with KnoWEwell, we are pleased to gift both individuals and providers with free annual memberships. The new platform can be found at KnoWEwell.com.” For more information, visit KnoWEwell.com and see the ad on back cover, which includes free membership codes.

Winning The Battle Against Stress

tress affects everyone. There are effective ways to help manage it, even for trauma survivors. That is the message in Shanna Warner’s latest book - Easy Stress Solutions: How to Meditate Like a Master, Banish Anxiety and Kick Depression to the Curb. As a survivor with over 30 years of experience dealing with PTSD, depression, panic attacks, nightmares and negative situations, the author brings a practical approach to dealing with the problems of life. The book begins with her favorite free and easy stress-busting tools. It includes 7 simple meditations that anyone can start using immediately. She also recorded 3 guided meditations and made them freely available for everyone on her website. The book then details more ways to battle stress, from rescripting nightmares to using positive verbal anchors. The process of transformation begins with 21 days of in-depth questions, uncovering negative beliefs, rewriting personal statements and creating a framework for transformational growth. Shanna and her husband, Mark, live in Tulsa, OK where they publish the Oklahoma edition of Natural Awakenings magazine. The book is available in print, ebook and audiobook. For more information, including links to the guided meditations, visit ShannaWarner.com.

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. ~Albert Einstein

November 2020

Take Vitamin D and Calcium to Reduce Vertigo

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The herb black cohosh has long been used to relieve menopausal symptoms, and a new study in Pharmaceuticals suggests that it’s most effective when combined with rhodiola, an adaptogenic herb known for balancing stress responses, as well as supporting brain, liver and heart health. Researchers from the Democratic Republic of Georgia Zhordania Institute of Reproductology divided 220 women into three groups. After 12 weeks, those given the combination of the two herbs reported 71 percent fewer menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, and 67 percent fewer psychological and physical symptoms. These were significantly better results than for those that received either a high or low dose of black cohosh or a placebo.

When a change in the position of a person’s head results in a sudden spinning sensation, it’s a condition known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. For 86 percent of people afflicted with it, daily life can be interrupted, including missing work. Treatment usually involves a doctor or health practitioner performing a series of movements to the patient’s head that shift particles in the ears, but scientists in South Korea have found another simple solution: 400 international units of vitamin D and 500 milligrams of calcium daily. In a study of 957 people published in Neurology, 445 in an intervention group were given supplements if vitamin D levels were less than 20 nanograms per milliliter. The 512 people in the observation group did not get supplements. After a year, the supplement-takers had 24 percent fewer episodes, and those with very low vitamin D levels at the start experienced a 45 percent reduction. michelle blackwell/Unsplash.com

Try Rhodiola and Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms

Vitamin B12, an essential dietary nutrient typically derived from animal sources, poses a special challenge for vegans; its deficiency is linked to anemia and nervous system damage. Aside from supplements and foods fortified with cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin, a new natural approach has been documented by University of Helsinki researchers: fermenting dough using Propionibacterium freudenreichii bacteria, commonly used to make Emmental cheese, along with Lactobacillus brevis to improve microbial safety, produced enough B12 to fulfill the nutritional need for vegans. During the three-day fermentation process, rice bran and buckwheat bran had the highest B12 production. “In situ fortification of B12 via fermentation could be a more cost-effective alternative. And as a commonly consumed staple food, grains are excellent vehicles for enrichment with micronutrients,” says study author Chong Xie.

Metabolicassociated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common form of chronic liver disease affecting up to one quarter of the population worldwide. Associated with Type 2 diabetes and obesity, MAFLD is quickly becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and has been linked to more severe COVID-19 outcomes. With no effective pharmacological treatments, the focus has been on reducing weight by 7 to 10 percent. But a new study from Trinity College, in Dublin, based on liver biopsies of 24 patients, found those that undertook 12 weeks of aerobics had significant improvements in markers of liver and metabolic health, even without weight loss, making exercise theoretically more important than losing pounds. The positive results were not sustained once the exercising stopped, leading researchers to recommend follow-up programs in community settings. karolina grabowska/Pexels.com

Do Aerobic Exercises to Improve Fatty Liver Condition

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Get B12 in a Vegan Diet from Dough Fermentation

November 2020

global briefs

Green Hangover

Photovoltaic panels, used to produce renewable solar power, become complex pieces of electronic waste at the end of their functional lives. The International Renewable Energy Agency projects that up to 78 million metric tons of solar panels will be discarded by 2050, and that the world will be generating about 6 million metric tons of new solar ewaste annually. Recovering the silver and silicon inside them requires costly, specialized solutions. Many solar panels contain lead that can leach out as they decompose in landfills. Some panels are exported to developing countries with weak environmental protections. Most are rated for about 25 years of use, so a major influx is due to arrive shortly. Nonprofit PV Cycle (PVCycle.org) collects thousands of tons of solar e-waste across the European Union each year, where producers are required to ensure that their solar panels are recycled properly. Recycle PV Solar (RecyclePV.solar), one of the only recyclers in the U.S., where almost no regulations exist, reports reclaiming just 10 percent of the country’s solar waste. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is investigating new processes to recover all metals and minerals at states of high purity, with the goal of making recycling as economically viable and environmentally beneficial as possible.

Nearly 6,000 scientists signed a pledge to #ShutDownSTEM on June 10, the day of the Strike for Black Lives across higher education. (STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.) They canceled lab meetings, halted research projects and actively confronted perceived racism in their institutions in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Particles for Justice (ParticlesForJustice.org) physics collective members Brian Nord and Chanda PrescodWeinstein helped develop the idea for the strike. They called on university science departments, national laboratories and all others engaged in scientific endeavors to stop business as usual for that one day. The aim was educating themselves and their colleagues about the role of their own institutions in perpetuating white supremacy and creating concrete actions they could take to reduce anti-Black bias after the strike. According to the Pew Research Center, only 24 percent of college faculty members were nonwhite as of 2017, and a study published in the March edition of the journal BioScience found that Black, Latino, Native American and other underrepresented scholars account for only 9 percent of faculty members in STEM fields. 10

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Overall Concern

Denim Microfibers Pervade Waterways

The American Chemical Society reports that blue jeans, a popular wardrobe choice during the COVID-19 pandemic due to an increase in telecommuting, creates a unique type of environmental pollution. This denim is processed with synthetic indigo dye and other chemical additives. Researchers in Canada have detected indigo denim microfibers in wastewater effluent, lakes and even remote Arctic marine sediment, as noted in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. Washing denim releases microfibers that are mostly removed by wastewater treatment plants, yet some still enter the environment through wastewater effluent. The researchers estimate that the wastewater treatment plants in their study discharged about 1 billion indigo denim microfibers per day. In laundering experiments, they found that a single pair of used jeans could release about 50,000 microfibers per wash cycle. The researchers did not study the effects that these microfibers have on aquatic life— perhaps a topic for future inquiry. In the meantime, washing jeans less frequently may reduce denim pollution.

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Scientists Confront Academic Racism

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Equality Matters

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Discarded Solar Panels Result in Toxic Pollution

Burned Out

A study published in Global Ecology and Biogeography of 22 burned areas across the southern Rocky Mountains found that forests are becoming less resilient to fire, turning into grasslands and shrublands instead. The research team, led by the University of Colorado at Boulder, projects that by 2050, as little as 3.5 to 6.3 percent of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forests in the region will be able to recover after fires. Encompassing 710 square miles, from southern Wyoming through central and western Colorado to northern New Mexico, researchers used satellite images and ground measurements to reconstruct what the forests looked like before fires and assess how well the forests were recovering by counting juvenile trees and observing tree rings. The study shows that forest recovery declines significantly under warmer, drier conditions caused by climate change. The number of acres that have burned annually across the country has already doubled since the 1990s, so it may be better to plant seedlings in regions more likely to bounce back rather than in dry sites no longer suitable for survival.

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Climate Change Impedes Wildfire Reforestation Efforts

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Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Surging in California

The state of California has approved a $437 million campaign devoted to building thousands of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, making it the nation’s largest single utility program to expand its charging infrastructure. Southern California Edison (sce.com) will install nearly 40,000 chargers. Half of the investment will take place in low-income communities and 30 percent will be for multifamily residences, where it’s more difficult to charge an EV. The program is expected to help achieve the state’s goal of putting 5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030.

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Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Natural Lifestyle Choices to Curb the Disease by Marlaina Donato

ix decades ago, only one American in 100 had diabetes. Today, it’s almost one in 10, including rising numbers of youth and one in four people older than 65. More than 90 percent of the cases are Type 2, once known as adult-onset diabetes, which is linked to diet, obesity, inactivity, environmental toxins, heredity and other factors. It can wreak havoc throughout the body—attacking blood vessels, eyes, nerves and organs—and make COVID-19 harder to combat. The good news is that scientists have identified lifestyle strategies that lower the risk and harm of diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes is a condition, not a disease. It exists in a particular environment; when you change the environment, you can change the condition,” says San Francisco-based Nicki Steinberger, Ph.D., author of Wave Goodbye to Type 2 Diabetes. That’s important news for the one in three Americans—about 88 million people—that have prediabetes, 84 percent of whom are not aware of the fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A key player is the pancreas, a multitasking organ of both the endocrine and digestive systems, which produces insulin to help make and store energy from sugars, as well as enzymes to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. While Type 1 diabetes, a genetic autoimmune disease, negates the body’s ability to produce insulin, Type 2 results from an insufficient or improper use of insulin. 12

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Type 2 diabetes can be triggered by metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by high blood pressure, a large waist circumference and high triglycerides. Insulin resistance—the body’s improper use of insulin—can also be a sneaky forerunner to the disease, often manifesting as excessive abdominal fat, fatigue and frequent infections years before hyperglycemia—too much sugar in the blood—becomes evident. “Diet and lifestyle play a tremendous role,” says Lauren Bongiorno, a virtual diabetes health coach and creator of The Diabetic Health Journal. “Increasing insulin sensitivity is a multi-prong approach, most notably influenced by improving circadian rhythm, reducing stress, eating lower glycemic carbs, reducing animal fats and increasing activity.”

Hidden Environmental Factors The American Diabetes Association cites excess weight and lack of exercise as significant risk factors in the development of Type 2 diabetes, while recent studies also point to impacts from toxic air, chemicals and mercury exposure. Research published in 2018 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research International reveals a correlation between exposure to phthalates found in plastics and the incidence of new-onset Type 1 diabetes in children, suggesting that the loss of beta cells from

phthalate exposure leads to a compromised insulin response. “Plastics containing BPA can mimic estrogen (xenoestrogens) and can contribute to insulin resistance, insulin over-secretion, beta cell exhaustion and the development and progression of Type 2 diabetes,” says registered dietician and nutritionist Brenda Davis, the Alberta, Canada, author of The Kick Diabetes Cookbook and Kick Diabetes Essentials. An earlier Indiana University study published in Diabetes Care showed young-adult exposure to mercury can raise the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life by 65 percent. Davis adds, “Heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic, have been linked to impaired insulin secretion and decreased insulin sensitivity.” Choosing organic produce and fish that contain lower levels of mercury, such as salmon, shrimp and catfish, is advised.

Medication Backlash Improving gut flora is vital in improving most health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. “Microbes in the gut that have become toxic for a multitude of reasons create an inflammatory response. This type of assault repeated over time increases the risk of fatty liver and compromised cells—conditions linked to a decrease in insulin sensitivity,” says Steinberger. Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that antibiotic use, especially narrow-spectrum ones, can contribute to diabetes. The side effects of certain medications like statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs has been debated for decades, and 2019 research published in Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews concludes that statins can more than double the risk of Type 2 diabetes, especially for people taking them for two years or longer.

Sleep and Sugar The National Sleep Foundation considers sleep deprivation a significant diabetic risk factor and recommends that people take melatonin as a sleep aid and avoid working night shifts. It cites a study in which healthy adults that were restricted to four hours of sleep for just six nights exhibited a 40 percent reduction in their ability to break down glucose. Although the role of dietary sugar in diabetes is debated by scientists, evidence shows a strong correlation between Type 2 diabetes and sugar, fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in the diet. A 2015 review of 21 studies published in The British Medical Journal found that regular intake of sugary beverages can lead to diabetic conditions even when obesity is not a factor. Many holistic health advocates identify all sweeteners, including “healthy” alternatives like honey and maple syrup, as sugars that harbor similar potential. This mindset is harmonious with glycemic index recommendations, so avoiding any added sweeteners and opting for fresh, lowglycemic fruits like berries, citrus and apples, as well as eschewing pasta, white rice and bread, can go a long way toward maintaining healthier blood sugar levels. Stevia, an herb, is a better sweet substitute. Preferable in drops or bulk form rather than blended with sugars, it’s been shown to help control blood sugar.

Promising Phytotherapy Insulin-supporting medicinal herbs offer many benefits for Type 2 diabetics. Aloe vera, bilberry, cinnamon, goldenseal, bitter melon, milk

thistle, fenugreek, fennel and gymnema sylvestre, among others, have been found to aid in the utilization and production of insulin. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a heavy hitter for reducing blood glucose and buffering the kidneys and liver from the metabolic side effects of high blood sugar. Herbs that support the liver, such as milk thistle, dandelion and artichoke, are other noteworthy plant medicines, especially when blood sugar fluctuates from high to low. Renata Atkinson, a clinical herbalist in Greenbelt, Maryland, says of blood tests, “Clinical trials have shown that many of these herbs can have a significant effect on the clinical markers for diabetes and prediabetes in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose and HbA1C, or glycosylated hemoglobin.” Animal and in vitro studies show that they impact blood sugar by slowing digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby improving insulin sensitivity, increasing the release of insulin and modulating the metabolism of glucose in the liver. Some of Atkinson’s favorite plant allies are hawthorn, hibiscus and tilia for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as lipid, glucose and vascular support. Atkinson also emphasizes the wisdom of keeping it simple. “I encourage clients to incorporate culinary herbs and spices into their daily diet, like cinnamon, fennel, garlic and onions. For someone taking insulin, it’s important to introduce herbs slowly and be sure to take them with meals, monitor blood glucose levels closely and keep their physician informed of herbal protocols and follow their physician’s recommendations.” Improving diet choices can be highly rewarding and fun, too. “Not only does eating well not have to be tortuous, it can be enjoyable, inspiring and creative,” says Steinberger. “It helps to keep it simple by using fresh, whole foods with basic herbs and spices.” Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, B complex and chromium are also valuable in managing Type 2 diabetes. Polyphenols—antioxidants found in tea and unsweetened cacao nibs—also pack a healthy punch. Alpha lipoic acid, found in broccoli, spinach and fish oil, can help to reduce inflammation. Berries, kale and other nutrient-packed greens, nuts, sweet potatoes and beans promote sugar balance and are versatile for delicious, healthy meals.

Whole-Body Healing Holistic bodywork modalities such as acupuncture also support diabetic health. In 2019, Iranian researchers reported in the journal Hospital Practices and Research that biofeedback training lowered glucose levels and improved the quality of life for diabetic patients. “The biggest mistake I see people with diabetes make is to view the mental piece as not as important as the physical,” says Bongiorno. Linking all the vital threads in the complex web of Type 2 diabetes, she adds, “I would say to start with the basics—plant-based foods, exercise, stress management and better sleep. When you have a solid base, your body will be less susceptible to the other factors.” Thriving is possible through commitment and wise choices. As Davis says, “There is strong and consistent evidence that many people who are motivated to reverse Type 2 diabetes can succeed in this task.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. November 2020

Why a ‘Tree Census’ Makes Cents Sustainable Jersey City uses crowdsourcing to press business case for urban forestry

ver the past year, 300 residents of Jersey City have fanned out across 35 of its neighborhoods to take stock of the trees. Using a mobile app and some basic tools (including their arms), these trained volunteers have been recording vitals statistics—like species, diameter and circumference—and plugging them into a live map of the city’s urban tree canopy. What looks like tree hugging is actually data collection, says Debra Italiano, founder of Sustainable Jersey City (SJC), the educational 501(c)3 nonprofit behind this crowdsourced census. When the two-year project wraps up, Italiano hopes it will be the first step to achieving stronger legal protections of Jersey City’s mature trees, and a robust, continuous municipal investment in urban forestry. Environmentalists are often dismissed as tree huggers with spiritual or philosophical motives that obstruct economic progress. But actually the opposite is true, Italiano says. While environmentalists, like most people, appreciate trees from an aesthetic standpoint, their goals in wishing to preserve them are largely pragmatic. There’s a business case to be made for protecting Jersey City’s tree canopy, she says, and citizen scientists are helping her make it. The Shrinking Canopy So far citizen scientists have mapped nearly 5,500 trees, Italiano says, and the preliminary results confirm a trend that’s been happening for years: the loss of big trees in Jersey City’s urban neighborhoods. The problem has been recognized since at least 2015, when a 14

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city-commissioned study measured the tree canopy at an unhealthy 17 percent. In response, a goal was set to plant 30,000 trees, in order to bring the canopy cover up to 20 percent. That never happened, Italiano says. Instead, just a few hundred trees a year have been planted, and the canopy has continued to shrink through die-off or development. Initial data from SJC’s new census reflects 6 percent deterioration between 2015 and 2020. So what’s the point of a census that proves something you already know? “You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” Italiano says. “We want to create the business case for urban forestry investment and educate municipal officials, because sustainability issues can sometimes be a little abstract.” The innovative database SJC is using doesn’t just count trees. It calculates each tree’s economic value to the city based on an algorithm developed by the U.S. Forest Service. Mature trees filter pollutants from the air, offsetting emissions from buildings and traffic. They absorb heat from concrete and asphalt, lowering utility bills. They soak up stormwater, helping prevent flooded streets and sewers. Scientists have long understood those benefits. So have city planners. But when those benefits are calculated in real time, down to the individual tree, they can be a powerful tool for shaping municipal policy, Italiano says. “So here’s the business case,” she says. “If I look at the map now, I’m looking at 5,450 trees, and the annual monetized benefits, or cost savings, to the city is about $360,000 a year. That’s compelling, for just 5,450 trees. And we’re projecting that there are approximately 100,000 trees in Jersey City.” She says putting a price tag on the consequences makes it easier to persuade the city not to chop down a mature oak just because it’s buckling the sidewalk, and not to let developers plant saplings in place of 20-inch-girth trees that deliver 10 times the eco-benefits. She also hopes to reverse the trend of reserving shade trees for parks and planting ornamental trees on urban streets, where a broad tree canopy is most needed. In Jersey City, development has been a major driver in the loss of big trees, and the financial consequences have been considerable even if they weren’t officially measured. Italiano notes that after 84 mature sycamores were cut down for development in Society Hill, nearby homeowners saw their utility bills skyrocket. At the time, there was no attempt to calculate the cost in terms of dirtier air or stormwater runoff, but “we’re purporting that (the loss of) this climate mitigation opportunity . . . is no small consideration,” Italiano says. Pushing on All Fronts The census is the first part of Italiano’s three-part strategy to shape the future of sustainability in Jersey City. She plans to use it as leverage to convince the city to close loopholes in its current tree ordinance per U.S. Forest Service best practices, and to create mandatory funding for tree planting. She thinks she can get help through the census itself—not just because its eco-benefits calculator can deliver a compelling business argument, but because the software allows various stakeholders to access tree data in a way that’s relevant to them.

Click on the tree map, Italiano says, and the data is viewable by ward (“important to councilpeople”); neighborhood (“important to neighborhood associations”); park (“important to the Parks Coalition”); and Special Improvement District (“important to those business managers”). She plans to integrate the U.S. Forest Service’s stewardship map (STEW-MAP), which will help citizen organizations coordinate their efforts to protect Jersey City’s trees. She also hopes to map the 30 to 40 percent of the tree canopy that grows on private land. A couple of local universities are already on board. “We’re pushing on all fronts,” Italiano says. They’re also pushing the idea out to other municipalities, by offering to customize, host and support the tree census database for them for $1,000. “We look at that as a valuable service tier that SJC can offer other municipalities for green infrastructure in managing their urban tree/forestry assets,” she says. It’s also a valuable way to keep SJC sustainable. Just more proof that tree huggers are business savvy too. For more information, visit SustainableJC.org. To see SJC’s open-source map, visit OpenTreeMap. SustainableJC.org/jerseycity/map.

Going Solar without the Panels One of Sustainable Jersey City’s most recent environmental efforts is its partnership with PowerMarket, a community solar market leader, to get Jersey City residents enrolled in one of four community solar projects in North Jersey. Besides the energy savings, there’s an extra financial incentive for residents who sign up now: a $100 cash gift card. “For the first time in New Jersey, everyone can participate in the clean energy revolution by joining community solar (and even lowering their monthly electricity bill),” writes Amanda Colombo, business operations analyst at PowerMarket, in a guest blog for SJC. Rather than installing solar panels on their homes, community solar subscribers take part in a larger solar array constructed in their community, and they and their neighbors all benefit from the clean energy generated, Colombo says. “Because no roof or upfront costs are necessary to join, community solar provides a fair and just way for all community members to participate in the clean energy revolution,” she says. Subscribers receive credits on their utility bill equivalent to what their portion of the project would generate. “To benefit less-served communities, we have committed to providing over 50 percent of savings to low-income households,” Colombo says. The first four projects are in Jersey City, North Bergen, Newark and Secaucus. PowerMarket is looking for 1,300 total subscribers, with 51 percent being low to moderate income (LMI). There are no fees to enter or to leave, 15 percent savings off credits for LMI, and 10 percent savings for non-LMI and guaranteed savings every month. For more information, call PowerMarket at 800-253-4333 or visit Hartz.PowerMarket.io.

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ONE/SOL Resets and Reopens From her new Uptown space, store owner Marisol Page reflects on challenges and change

he idea of hitting personal “reset”—pausing to rest, reflect and reevaluate—is so important to Marisol Page that she built a business around it. ONE/SOL, which she opened in Uptown Hoboken several years ago, was in one sense a traditional retail store, selling athletic and athleisure wear as well as unique and eco-friendly accessories for body and home. But it also served a spiritual and wellness mission, hosting events like meditation sessions, fitness classes and tarot readings. In other words, ONE/SOL brought people together to hit reset. ONE/SOL was never just about the clothes, Page says. “The concept came from ‘what makes your SOL happy,’” she explains. “The sun and the ocean make me happy. My healing place. My reset.” So earlier this year, when COVID-19 forced Page to make the hard choice to close her popular shop at 1125 Maxwell Place, she didn’t close that chapter of her life. She just hit reset—buoyed by an outpouring of “outreach, support, love and guidance” from her community, friends and family. “A cleansing of sort took place,” she says. “I had to come to grips with the fact that it’s OK to change what I was doing, what I thought this was, who I was and what I wanted to be. That the walls I built didn’t define me. I realized for the first time that I was enough and my dream could grow as long as I wanted it to, no matter the situation. It was just going to be a matter of pivoting to a new perspective and allowing myself to be humble.” Part of her pivot was doing something she’d been meaning to do anyway: boosting her online presence. But she also did some SOLsearching and resolved to give brick and mortar another go. To the 16

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delight of her customers, Page opened ONE/SOL in a new Uptown location, 1422 Grand Street, in October. She was still settling in when she talked to us about the move and her many life transitions: moving from New York City to Hoboken in 2014; starting her own business; balancing work and kids (she has four); and making the best of challenging times. Had you ever owned a small business before you opened ONE/SOL? Short answer: Yes. This was my first venture on my own. I’d been looking to open a restaurant in Hoboken for a couple of years, but the stars weren’t aligning. That was more my background and love at the time. So I’d been soul-searching to find what else I wanted to invest in—including precious time away from my kiddos—as I felt an overwhelming urge to create something. I found a partnership with people I thought I trusted, who brought me into the retail space. Sadly, the partnership failed due to several reasons— and was a catalyst to dig even deeper into my goals. What was it about your circumstances that inspired you to open ONE/SOL in 2014? Was it your move to Hoboken? Your stage in motherhood? Moving from the city was a difficult decision because I was so in love with it. But once we moved our growing family, the only thing I knew I needed to do was become a part of the community. Maybe it was the mother in me wanting to nest, maybe it was the dreamer in me that continued to soul-search, but what was supposed to be a temporary move became a journey and a mission. I’ve always wanted to be in a position of building something special—even today, I imagine it big-

ger than myself—something that feels safe, something that’s supportive of others in their own search. A place that makes people feel good on a spectrum of levels. I’m not saying I’ve achieved that yet at all. But it’s something I constantly strive for, and I’m looking for new ways to grow. I do not come from a retail background, nor do I consider myself a fashionista. But with the retail side of my business, I know what makes me feel good. Focusing on the active life is something that also feeds my soul. It was never about the clothes—that was just a part of it. I’ve always envisioned growing this into something more. And maybe as a mother, I wanted to prove to myself I could. I wanted to know there would be a place for my children to feel good in their own skin. Maybe I wanted to show by example what it was to work hard for something you believe in. How did you envision ONE/SOL before it opened, and how did it evolve? ONE/SOL evolves on a daily basis. . . . There are so many elements involved with wellness, from being active and healthy to doing things that make you feel confident and worthy. And to never criticize or judge is important. I came from an events background and wanted to create concepts for people to come together to learn and experience together. Since I’m not an expert, I collaborated with my community of amazing and talented people—from meditation circles, to fitness classes, to Botox and beauty parties, fashion pop-ups, and tarot and psychic circles. Because who are we to say what makes someone feel good and makes them a better person? I want to support as much as I can. That concept had to change when the pandemic hit. I had to try to survive and really focused on the social media aspect of my business, and the retail side grew. I’ve learned so much that I didn’t even know I needed. I had to make a decision to sacrifice the space and am still working through how to reintroduce that side back, but it’s been an ongoing and special, imperfect lesson of how to roll with the punches and go with the flow.

What have the biggest rewards and challenges been? Being a business owner is definitely challenging, beginning with the previous concept with my ex-partner—that was the hardest, and most expensive, lesson I learned as a business owner. I had always wanted to have something of my own to build and grow, and I’ve dreamt of the endless possibilities. When building out our dream space, it seemed magical. But that soon faded and reality set in and the partnership failed. And despite what some may think, the work is not very glamorous or fruitful in the beginning. The challenges of overcoming what I thought would be and wasn’t, the massive debt that was accrued, and the need to have to start from scratch was all so overwhelming. But the rewards were in all that: the lessons learned, the experience gained, the relationships built, and the overall coming face-to-face with my own desires and goals. Being vulnerable enough to embrace them was the constant that still exists. I truly believe the rewards will continue to grow, as long as my mindset evolves and I’m persistent. How did the shift to online go? I’d been working on going online since the previous winter, so honestly this was the catalyst I needed. Survival is a funny thing. You can either fall victim to the fear and feel defeated—let’s be honest, I was paralyzed for weeks—or get up and do whatever it takes to stay alive. I still go through that on a daily basis. It’s always a challenge. But I’m really grateful for the result and super lucky with who I’ve teamed up with to make the virtual and online world possible. Did you use the move to do anything different? Moving to this new space was a step in between where I was and what I want to do next. What was nice was that I discovered that I love the intimacy it has created with my clients and I am beyond grateful for the flexibility it has given me with my family. Since my three young children are doing virtual school from home, I can be there for them. These moments are precious. And so many people are feeling this incredible pressure right now—the connection I can have one-on-one with them is special. This time and change is allowing me to grow virtually; it’s giving me the space to reset, recreate, think outside the box, and seek the truth and honest objective of what I want to grow. New opportunities have already started to unfold, and I get to take them one step at a time. I am truly learning to do that and trying not to feel the pressure of it all, but instead to feel the blessing of possibility. And for the record, I take one day at a time but it’s not easy. In fact it’s incredibly challenging and super scary. But I’m still finding the space to be grateful. What’s your favorite thing about this new location? The vibe of this neighborhood is great. I love my neighbors—Mess Method, Bum Pilates, Mr. Robert’s, Hashtag Legal, Biergarten, Bwè Cafe, Hudson Table around the corner, just to name a few—it feels good. And I love the personal experience I get to offer and the connection with my clients. I feel full. Even after so much loss, I feel more blessed and optimistic than ever. I think people are feeling it too. It’s been refreshing. I’m excited about what lies ahead! To learn more about Marisol Page and ONE/SOL, visit BeOneSol.com. November 2020

green living

The Green Burial Revolution Sustainable End-of-Life Options

studioporto sabbia/AdobeStock.com

by Sandra Yeyati

here’s an emerging movement in the funeral industry, fueled by environmentalism and a yearning to accept mortality and reclaim a connection to Earth and to each other. Although it seems revolutionary, a green burial is as old as humanity, while the conventional burial commonly practiced in the United States is only a bit over 150 years old. Continuing a practice that began in the Civil War, the conventional funeral typically involves embalming with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde to preserve the body for viewing. Elaborate metal and varnished hardwood caskets are lowered into cement or steel burial vaults and entombed in memorial parks, where lawns are maintained with heavy machinery and liberal applications of herbicides and pesticides. These materials are not just polluting the Earth, but depleting resources only to bury them forever. “You can build a replication of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco annually with all the metal placed in the ground. Why would we bury these materials that people could actually be using?” says Elizabeth Fournier, a licensed mortician in Portland, Oregon, and author of The Green Burial Guidebook. In a true green burial, the body is put in repose in its natural state; refrigeration or dry ice replaces embalming fluids. Families may choose to bathe and dress their loved one’s body, wrap the body with a natural cotton shroud or place it in a casket made of sustainably grown and biodegradable materials including pine, bamboo, wicker or even cardboard. The burial site has a more natural feel, with indigenous plants, meadows and soil untouched by chemicals. The grave is dug and refilled by hand, while family and friends use ropes to lower their loved one directly into the earth. “You’re going back to nature. Your body will decompose and in turn it can nourish the environment. New life will come from your death,” says Ed Bixby, owner of Steelmantown Cemetery Companies and president of the Green Burial Council, which certifies eco-friendly cemeteries and funeral services. Natural burial sites are public recreational havens where people can hike, birdwatch,

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cross-country ski or camp. These beautiful cemeteries are full of life and regeneration. “The neat part is that they’re using their income stream for open-space preservation—buying property, using it for burial purposes and dedicating that land so that it will always be open and green,” says Robert Prout, a third-generation funeral director in Verona, New Jersey. Every state has at least one natural burial site. There are hundreds nationwide, and 11 of them are legal preservation grounds, owned and managed by conservation or state agencies. As people learn more about green burials and request them, traditional cemeteries are setting aside areas for these alternatives. Bixby is encouraged by the hybrid models. “It’s helping change the direction of the funeral industry. We’re empowering and educating families. That’s how we’re going to grow this movement,” he says. A green burial will usually cost less than the conventional one. “The environment is suffering, and people’s wallets are suffering,” says Fournier. “People are realizing that you don’t have to spend a lot of money after someone has passed away to show your love.” In some towns, backyard burials are an option, too. From an emotional and spiritual perspective, there’s a lot to be said for a green burial. “It’s been so clinical for so long, where you wear your black suit. You sit on the sideline. The gravedigger and undertaker do everything. You’re sort of a spectator,” says Fournier. “By being a part of the process, there’s a greater sense of acceptance. You can see a lot of the pain and grief wash away,” says Bixby. “It allows us to not only care for our dead, but also not be so afraid of our common denominator. We’re all going to die. It shouldn’t be a scary, disconnected experience.” Overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a burial at sea is yet another green option in which the body decomposes naturally on the ocean floor. To find a state-by-state list of natural burial sites, visit GreenBurialCouncil.com. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

Living and Dying Green in Greater New Jersey Green Burial Spaces

Steelmantown Cemetery Natural Burial Ground 327 Marshalville Rd. Tuckahoe, NJ • 609-628-2297

Maryrest Cemetery 171 Clifton Ave. Newark, NJ 973-497-7981 • rcancem.org

Maryrest is the first Catholic cemetery in New Jersey to offer a natural/green burial section. The wildflowers and naturally occurring flora create a serene setting for families who prefer an eco-friendly memorial or want an alternative to cremation. Rosemont Cemetery 100 Kingwood Stockton Rd. Rosemont, NJ 609-488-6959 • TheRosemontCemetery.com Rosemont Cemetery includes a natural burial area at the bottom of the hill, bordered by woodlands and a farm field, to provide a peaceful place for loved ones to visit and for the community to enjoy quiet reflection. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery 540 North Broadway Sleepy Hollow, NY 914-631-0081 • SleepyHollowCemetery.org Sleepy Hollow Cemetery has a long and fabled history, but with the opening of its Riverview Natural Burial Grounds, it’s become part of an elite group of forward-thinking burial places offering natural or green options.

SteelmantownCemetery.com Steelmantown Cemetery offers both natural burial on land and scattering of ashes at sea. It owns several cemeteries, including ones in Tuckahoe, New Jersey, and Canadensis, Pennsylvania, where the emphasis is on preserving and enhancing the surroundings with natural stone markers and hand-dug burial sites. Scattering ceremonies are held three miles off the Atlantic coast, aboard a restored 30-foot 1955 Sundquist Jersey Sea Skiff.

Funeral Homes Offering Green Services

Bradley, Haeberle & Barth Funeral Home 1100 Pine Ave. Union, NJ 908-686-6666 • BradleyFuneralHomes.com A green burial through Bradley, Haeberle & Barth allows the deceased to recycle back to the earth without chemical preservation, metal caskets, chemically treated wood caskets and/or outer burial vaults. The family is allowed to be as engaged as they wish to be in the preparation and burial rituals. M. John Scanlan Funeral Home 781 Newark Pompton Turnpike Pompton Plains, NJ 973-831-1300 • ScanlanFuneralHome.com

Scanlan Funeral Home offers a full and a basic natural burial package, both of which include the services of the director and staff; sheltering of the deceased up to 48 hours; local transfer from the place of death to the funeral home; and transfer in a hearse to the cemetery, accompanied by the funeral director. Prout Funeral Home 370 Bloomfield Ave. Verona, NJ 973-239-2060 • ProutFuneralHome.com A green funeral by Prout Funeral Home involves no embalming, and a burial process that ensures the deceased returns to the elements naturally—interred in a shroud, quilt or blanket, or in a biodegradable and sustainably grown casket. Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38 State Highway 31 Flemington, NJ 908-782-3311 • WrightFamily.com In addition to providing burial services in accordance with the Green Burial Council, Wright & Ford also provides a catalog for green products such as caskets, urns and shrouds. Its staff can help plan a green celebration of life service. For more information about the mission and methods of green and natural burials, visit GreenBurialCouncil.org.

A Greener Cremation

photo by Brian Olson

lthough cremation is greener than a conventional funeral, it is still not as ecological as a natural burial. The process requires a fair amount of natural gas or oil, and releases toxins into the air, especially if the person is embalmed, has mercury tooth fillings or was treated with chemotherapy. The carbon footprint of cremation can be offset when scattering cremains by mixing them into soil and planting a tree in memory of the person or encasing the ashes in a reef ball to give back to the ocean. A controversial new type of cremation that is legal in only a handful of states—alkaline hydrolysis—offers an even more eco-friendly option. A low-heat water and lye bath slowly dissolves the flesh and neutralizes toxins, leaving only the bones, which are then processed to create ash-like remains. Time will tell if this method is widely adopted. November 2020

conscious eating

Giving Thanks for a Healthy Feast How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Fare by April Thompson

ue to travel restrictions, tighter budgets and concern for family members that may be older or have underlying health conditions, Thanksgiving might be a smaller affair this year, but that’s no reason to give up on having a scrumptious, celebratory meal. With a little creativity and lots of flavor, our treasured American holiday need not suffer. Giant turkeys may not grace as many tables as usual, so it’s the perfect time to up the side-dish game, embracing healthier options and taking full advantage of an abundant supply of delicious, in-season produce. To right-size the Thanksgiving spread for carnivores, “Get a Cornish hen or another small bird from a local poultry producer, or consider turkey parts like breasts or thighs, instead of cooking an entire big bird,” advises Steven Satterfield, co-owner and executive chef of the Miller Union restaurant, in Atlanta, and author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. For sides that rate high in both nutrition and taste, the James Beard winner favors in-season veggies like brassicas and Asian greens. “Napa cabbage is great roasted, grilled or prepared raw as a salad. Brussels sprouts shaved on a mandolin and sautéed briefly with shallot and garlic, and dressed with apple cider vinegar and diced apple, is another nice 20

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option,” Satterfield says. One of his go-to dishes is a root vegetable salad with shaved celery root, walnuts, apples and dried cranberries with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin offer a nutritional edge over white potatoes, giving them top billing at Satterfield’s holiday table. He suggests simplifying the traditional sweet potato casserole by first parboiling, straining, peeling and cutting the potatoes into thick chunks, and then baking with lemon juice, nutmeg and water. “The sweet potatoes will caramelize and form a natural syrup. It has a bright and refreshing flavor without adding the usual butter, marshmallows and sugar,” he explains. According to Satterfield, many nutritious bitter greens are plentiful this time of year, including chicory, radicchio, frisée and endive. “Last Thanksgiving, I made a chicory salad with dates, pecans, shaved parmesan and persimmon with a sherry vinaigrette with olive oil and shallots. The sweetness of the fruit balances nicely with the bitter greens, which add fiber and help with digestion and the circulatory system.” Thanksgiving offers a good opportuni-

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

Savory Thanksgiving Dishes Mushroom Gravy This rich, flavorful gravy is perfect over potatoes and veggie loafs. It’s easy to prepare and inexpensive. Yield: 4 servings 1 onion, minced 6 white button mushrooms, chopped 2½ cups low-sodium vegetable stock, divided ½ tsp minced garlic ½ tsp dried thyme ½ tsp dried sage ½ tsp crushed dried rosemary

1 Tbsp cooking sherry 2 Tbsp tamari sauce or low-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes ¼ cup whole wheat flour ¼ tsp black pepper Sea salt to taste

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onions and mushrooms in one-half cup of the vegetable stock. Add the garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, sherry, tamari and nutritional yeast, then continue to sauté for just a minute or two over high heat. Pour the remaining vegetable broth into a bowl and whisk in the flour until there are no lumps. Add to the pan with the onion and mushrooms. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the gravy has reached its peak thickness, about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Reprinted from The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell.

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Yield: 6 servings Breaded Onion Rings: 1 large white or red onion, sliced into ¼-inch thick rings 2 cups whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes ½ tsp sea salt (optional) 1¼ cups whole grain flour 1 cup nondairy milk Sauce: 1½ cups nondairy milk ½ cup raw cashews 2-3 garlic cloves 1½ Tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp onion powder ¼ tsp nutmeg

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes 2 tsp apple cider vinegar ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp black pepper Veggies: 12 oz fresh mushrooms (any variety), sliced or chopped 2-3 Tbsp dry white wine for sautéing 24 oz frozen green beans, French cut or whole photo by Kim Campbell

ty to go meatless, according to Kim Campbell, vegan chef and author of The PlantPure Nation Cookbook. “There is a substitute for every animal product out there, so it’s not hard to make traditional recipes plantbased,” says the Durham, North Carolina, native. Her recipe for a nutty or beanie loaf ramps up the flavor and health profiles by using fresh, rather than dried, herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, as well as natural binding agents like lentils, flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with water. “Guests will be amazed that whole foods can be so flavorful and satisfying,” she says. “Go the extra mile with quality ingredients for a special meal like this.” Campbell encourages people to enjoy the abundance of fresh produce and learn how to cook in season. Fruit-based desserts can be a great way to showcase what’s in season and still keep guests light on their feet. “You don’t have to use crust or a lot of added sugar for something like an apple crisp or cobbler,” she says. Annemarie Ahearn, founder of the Salt Water Farm cooking school, in Lincolnville, Maine, also suggests a healthful rethinking of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. “Instead of a green bean casserole, consider blanched green beans with almond and cranberry. Dried cranberries can go in a salad, rather than a sauce. You can have the same ingredients and keep the same focal point, but use less cream and dairy,” says the author of Full Moon Suppers at Salt Water Farm: Recipes from Land and Sea. Ahearn, who teaches a class on Thanksgiving cooking, encourages people to take a stroll after the main meal to let food settle before having dessert. She also suggests serving some dishes at room temperature to relieve the pressure of having everything arrive hot at the table. For those unable to be with extended family, Satterfield suggests trading recipes in advance, and then having a virtual Thanksgiving by sharing a visual image of how the meal turned out. “You can even send leftovers if you’re in the same vicinity,” he says.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. November 2020

Preheat oven to 425° F. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast flakes and sea salt. Place the flour, milk and bread crumb mixture into three separate bowls.

We are wishing all of our readers a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Bread the onion rings by coating them in the flour, the milk and then the breadcrumbs. Several onion rings can be prepared at the same time. Place the breaded onions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Place the sauce ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside. In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, sauté the mushrooms using small amounts of white wine to prevent the mushrooms from sticking. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Place the thawed green beans and mushrooms into nine-by-13-inch casserole pan. Pour the cream sauce over the vegetables, distributing the sauce evenly. Top the casserole with the baked onion rings and cover with foil. Bake at 375° F for 20-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes. Chef ’s note: You can soak your cashews if you don’t have a high-powered blender for easy blending. This creamy white sauce can be used for scalloped potatoes, creamed corn or even on pasta. Reprinted from The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell.

photo by StraightToTheHipsBaby.com/Jessie-Sierra Ross

Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup Delicious maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon and cranberries are boiled down to a syrupy, slightly sweet and spicy sauce. The cranberries “pop” under the heat and give this side dish a gorgeous ruby color. Yield: 2 cups 12 oz whole fresh cranberries or 1 package ¾ cup real maple syrup ½ cup water ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed or store bought 1 cinnamon stick

Take the cranberries and place into a large sieve. Pick out any berries that look damaged (black spots, mushy, white). Wash and drain. Pour the cranberries into a medium-large pot. Add the maple syrup, water and orange juice. Stir to combine. Place the cinnamon stick in the center. Heat the berries on medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until syrupy and richly red. You will hear the cranberries “pop” as they cook; don’t be alarmed. Remove the pot from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in a covered container in the fridge. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. Reprinted from StraightToTheHipsBaby.com/Jessie-Sierra Ross. 22

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November 2020

fit body

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Appreciation in Motion

Body Gratitude Being Thankful Empowers Our Workouts by Marlaina Donato

xercise is crucial to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and many other health conditions, but staying motivated to maintain a routine can sometimes be challenging, even for fitness devotees. Cultivating an appreciation for the way our bodies carry us through life can turn what may have seemed like a humdrum workout into something special. Research shows that a gratitude practice fosters patience, encourages self-care and nourishes self-discipline, especially when there is temptation to reach for another slice of pie.

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“When we’re appreciating ourselves, we open the floodgates to joyful movement and freedom,” says personal trainer Katie Hunt, in Milwaukee. “What if today were the last day I got to run? This question forces me to appreciate every little thing my body can do and minimizes the focus on what I dislike doing. Suddenly, running feels like a gift instead of a task.” During pandemic restrictions, a socially distant power walk with a friend can get the blood moving and shift perspective. “Something about feeling my heart pounding, a cool breeze after I first break a sweat and the ability to share authentically with a close friend at the same time reminds me of both my powerful mind and miraculous body. How can I not be grateful?” asks Andrea Stern, owner of the Satori Yoga Studio, in San Francisco. Her thankful intention is carried into each yoga session. “I encourage students to bring a sense of gratitude to the mat with them. Before the class begins, I ask folks to connect with the present moment and to check in with themselves.”

Motivation Through Affirmation Using daily affirmations—simple sentences written or spoken aloud—is a wonderful way to infuse exercise time with positivity. Leaning into a challenging asana or doing one more lap in the pool with self-affirming intention can snuff out self-criticism. “Moving your body is not a competition. You don’t have to prove yourself or your ability to anyone. Practice feeling grateful for how your body can move, starting with your heartbeat and breath,” says Sofia Angelina Marcus-Myers, an intuitive energy worker and portrait photographer in Portland, Oregon. Healing self-portraiture and dedication to daily affirmations propel Marcus-Myers through chronic pain and help her to see the body as a sacred vehicle. “Affirming your body is a practice, and sometimes it will feel awkward,

absurd or tedious. Do it until you feel more comfortable affirming yourself, and then keep doing it.” Calling a truce with body imperfections can help us feel more comfortable in our skins, something that can go a long way. For Hunt, shifting perspective inward is key. “What if we all stop and imagine being on a desert island? What would your perfect workout, body and life be like if there were no outside influences?”

Pain and Compassion Living with discomfort makes exercising challenging, but learning to respect the body’s rhythms and limitations can be beautifully empowering. “I love the quote, ‘Unless your compassion begins with yourself, it is incomplete,’” says Stern. “Taking a class together (even virtually) gives us a sense of being in this together. When we breathe, stretch and grow together through our practice, it helps us to appreciate where we are on any given day.” For Loolwa Khazzoom, a Seattle-based author and musician, it’s all about surrender. “Don’t fight your pain; dance with it—literally and figuratively. Dance from your bed. Dance in your head. Dance wherever and however it’s comfortable.” As the founder of Dancing with Pain, a wellness company that teaches a natural approach to pain relief through movement, Khazzoom says, “Our consciousness naturally goes to the places in pain and overlooks the places that feel good. Those places are quite literally our pathways to wellness.” She recommends focusing on painfree areas of the body with the joy, power, harmony and other sensations that come from moving to enjoyable music, noting, “As we inhabit those places with our entire beings, there is less and less room for the pain, to the point that it may vanish altogether.” Marcus-Myers brings the message home with, “It isn’t your body’s purpose to be anyone’s ideal. Your body is an incredible living thing, worthy of love and gratitude.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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healthy kids

Mindful Parenting The Conscious Path to Raising a Child by Ronica O’Hara

o Bannerman, a Tucson nutritionist, was making homemade cookies with her toddler. “Or rather, making a mess while stirring cookies,” she recalls. “Something in me snapped. I wanted to take control, kick her out of the kitchen and do everything the ‘right’ way.” As Bannerman took a deep breath, a memory arose. “As a child, I was only allowed to count scoops of flour or teaspoons of vanilla. I was never allowed to fully, actively 26

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participate in the kitchen. Everything had to be perfect, and I was not ‘good enough’ to make it so. I felt this in my core. Was I passing this on to my daughter?” Bannerman recalls that, after taking a moment to reset, she and her daughter “happily made a mess, a memory and a foundation for a brighter future together.” Bannerman, who blogs at NourishingFamilies.org, was practicing an increasingly popular approach in raising children known as either conscious, mindful, soulful, awake or peaceful parenting. Instead of focusing on shaping a child’s behavior through rules and discipline, which can bring up contentious issues of fear, ego and control, the focus is on connecting deeply with a child through love, authenticity and acceptance of the child’s innate nature. “It’s crucial we realize that we aren’t raising a ‘mini-me’, but a spirit, throbbing with its own signature,” says psychologist Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., author of The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children. “Children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor their raising to their needs rather than molding them to fit our needs.” The transformation starts with—and hinges upon—parents understanding themselves deeply and realizing how their upbringing shapes their parenting actions. It’s not always easy, especially during housebound pandemic months. “Our children have the capacity to trigger us more than anyone else. So, when they exhibit childish behavior—which is, of course, part of their job description—it’s often hard for parents to stay calm,” says Laura Markham, Ph.D., a Brooklyn clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids. “We see our child’s behavior (He hit her again!), and we draw a conclusion (He’s going to be a psychopath!) which triggers other conclusions (I’ve failed as a mother!). This cascade of thoughts creates a runaway train of emotions—in this case, fear, dismay, guilt. We can’t bear those

feelings. The best defense is a good offense, so we lash out at our child in anger. The whole process takes all of two seconds, and later we wonder why we overreacted.” The answer often lies in our past, Markham says. “Any issue that makes you feel like lashing out has roots in your own early years. We know this because we lose our ability to think clearly at those moments, and we start acting like children ourselves, throwing our own tantrums.” The more deeply we know ourselves— whether through therapy, reading, journaling, meditation, mindfulness practices or simply facing head-on the hard knocks of life—the more open we are to forging a deep relationship with our children and the easier it is to calm ourselves in the moment of a trigger, psychologists say. Correcting a child becomes then a matter of being a guide or coach, rather than a law enforcer. “Disciplining from a place of presence or awakened consciousness means having the willingness to pause, reflect, course-correct as needed in the moment, apologize, take ownership, ask for help and to drop history and reset as needed,” says Renée Peterson Trudeau, the Brevard, North Carolina, author of Nurturing the Soul of Your Family and The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal. “Most of all, practice self-compassion. You will make mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on; this is beautiful modeling for your kids.” Jessica Speer, a family-book author in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, lives that process. Raised in a home “where anger wasn’t managed well,” she had no tools to draw on when she got triggered by her toddler’s tantrums. It was, she says, “a wake-up call that I needed help.” Diving deeply into books, mindfulness and meditation helped her to understand herself better. “Fast forward 10 years, and I still meditate regularly,” she says. “Now, when my daughter experiences big emotions, I try to ground myself so I can be there by her side. This has been so healing for both of us.” Ronica O'Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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healing ways

Natural Beauty Homemade Solutions for Glowing Skin by April Thompson

kin, our largest organ, plays an important role in supporting and protecting the rest of the body. That’s why it should be treated kindly by using natural, chemical-free ingredients. Many U.S. beauty products contain hidden chemicals, including dozens of ingredients that are banned in other counties. Even products labeled “organic” or “natural” can contain potentially harmful petrochemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group. A natural skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Balms, masks, scrubs and toners can be made from healthy, everyday products already present in most homes. “Oats, yogurt, coconut oil, honey: there are many kitchen staples that you can easily use in your skincare routine,” says Marlene Adelmann, founder of the Herbal Academy, in Bedford, Massachusetts, and author of Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book. As an example, face masks can be made with ingredients from the spice rack, including turmeric and black pepper. “One-ingredient treatments, like a honey or yogurt mask, feel so good and are easy to make,” says Stephanie Gerber, the Nashville author of Hello Glow: 150+ Easy Natural Beauty Recipes for A Fresh New You. Facial, body and foot scrubs are great beginner creations, according to Stepha28

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nie Tourles, author of Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty. The Marble Falls, Texas, esthetician recommends starting with a base of sugar or salt and adding an edible oil such as almond, plus a few drops of an essential oil. Essential oils should be diluted—add only six to 12 drops per ounce of finished product. Her favorites are lavender, tea tree, sweet orange and frankincense. Lemon, lime and bergamot are phototoxic and can cause sensitivity if added to any scrub before sun exposure. “Scrubs are wonderful for softening, soothing and exfoliating the skin,” Tourles says, cautioning that salt scrubs can sting if applied after shaving or waxing. Other common ingredients that can be added are oats, almonds or sunflower seeds ground in a coffee grinder. When mixed with water, cream or yogurt, they offer a moisturizing facial treatment. Tourles loves homemade body balms using oil and a thickener such as cocoa butter or beeswax. “Balms are easy to make, great for kids and good for dry

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

Homemade Mask Recipes Excerpted from Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book, by Marlene Adelmann Green Tea Facial Mask Green tea contains polyphenolic flavonoids called catechins, which are strongly antioxidant. It’s also an astringent and anti-inflammatory. Matcha green tea (a powder) makes a beautiful green mask that astringes and tones skin. Combined with aloe gel and honey for soothing moisture, this is a great recipe for the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation.

photos by Herbal Academy

cuticles and lips. You don’t have to worry about ingredients spoiling. They condition the skin and smell great,” she says. In harsher weather, skin requires a little extra TLC. Tourles suggests a hydrating winter toner made with a 50/50 mix of aloe vera juice and rosewater. “Honey is also nice for the face and incredibly hydrating for winter,” she says. “Simply warm a little bit, apply it to your clean face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.” “People often forget to apply more moisturizer in winter. One of the best things you can do is exfoliate your face with a simple scrub to slough off dry, dead skin. Use gentler ingredients for your face than your body, like oats, baking soda or almonds ground finely,” says Gerber. For chapped lips, she recommends a gentle exfoliant like sugar and honey applied as an antibacterial lip scrub. “Matcha green tea makes a beautiful mask that astringes and tones skin. Combine it with aloe gel and honey for some soothing moisture in the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation,” says Adelmann. Some products are best purchased from a commercial source. “You can make many preparations at home—from masks to cleansing scrubs, cleansers, lotions and creams—but when these recipes contain water, they have a short shelf life. If you are looking for something with a longer shelf life, you’re going to run into more complicated instructions incorporating preservatives,” says Adelmann. “Moisturizers, creamy cleansers and hand creams have the steepest learning curve to craft yourself,” says Tourles. “Trying to emulsify watery ingredients like herb tea and aloe vera with oils, butters or waxes is like mixing oil and vinegar in a salad dressing; these ingredients want to separate.” According to Gerber, sunscreen is another product worth buying rather than trying to make at home. Homemade or store-bought products aside, the best skin enhancer is a drink of water, according to Gerber. It doesn’t get easier or more economical than that.

2 Tbsp matcha or another green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf powder 4 tsp aloe vera leaf gel 1-2 tsp raw honey Combine all ingredients and mix well. Adjust proportions, as needed, to achieve the desired consistency—add more honey and/or tea powder if it’s too fluid, or more aloe if it’s too thick. Apply gently to the face, avoiding the eyes. Leave in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Rinse the face with warm water and lightly pat it dry with a towel. Follow with moisturizer. Turmeric Facial Mask This is an anti-inflammatory, astringent and nutritive face mask with antimicrobial action that is well-suited for acne-prone skin. Combining turmeric with a fat, like yogurt, mitigates its staining effects. Test this recipe on a small area of skin before using. 1 Tbsp plain yogurt 1 tsp turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder 1 tsp raw honey Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Black Pepper Facial Mask Piperine, a well-studied constituent of black pepper, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and can benefit acne-prone or mature skin. Mix ground peppercorns with body or facial scrub ingredients for a terrific exfoliant. Black pepper also does wonders for dull skin, encouraging blood to flow to the surface for a healthy radiance. Test this recipe on a small area of the skin before using and consider wearing gloves, as this recipe may discolor fingernails. 1 tsp plain yogurt ¼ tsp black pepper (Piper nigrum), ground Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. November 2020

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natural pet

Skin-Soothing Herbs for Dogs and Cats Simple Ways to Reduce Itching by Greg Tilford

LOUIS STEINBERG, DDS, MS

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rom allergies to liver deficiency, many factors can itch, inflame and irritate the skin of our pets. A dog’s or cat’s skin can become damaged or compromised because the skin is the first line of defense against attacks from external substances. Skin problems in pets have many causes, yet a variety of herbs can help a dog or cat feel more comfortable. While the catalysts of acute-onset skin issues such as insect bites or sunburn are obvious and can be dealt with directly, most forms of skin and coat disease are caused by deeper issues that can be extremely difficult to identify and address. Chronic or recurring skin conditions that cannot be attributed to influences outside the body usually point to deeper health issues, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. The greatest mistake one can make when assessing a skin problem is assuming the problem is only skin deep. And while topical salves, liniments, shampoos or lotions can be quite effective in temporarily suppressing itching and pain, they will not likely address the root causes of a dog’s or cat’s skin ailment. For that, the situation must be approached from the inside-out with diet and several key herbs.

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Burdock root (Arctium lappa). This herb has an ancient history as a skin remedy. It contains inulin, an indigestible polysaccharide constituent that serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial microflora in the gut and improving digestion. It also contains a broad variety of compounds that gently stimulate the liver at various levels to help detoxify the body and aid in transporting waste out of the bloodstream.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). The roots and leaves are highly nutritious. They contain a complex assortment of liversupporting compounds as well as diuretic properties that aid the body in eliminating toxins via urination.

Red clover (Trifolium pretense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum). These are well-known blood cleansers worth considering. Look for formulas that contain a balanced array of all three. svvvita/AdobeStock.com

Burdock can be found as a tincture or a fresh root at many health food stores. Grate the fresh root liberally onto the pet’s food at each mealtime. Burdock is fairly neutral in flavor and very safe, so there’s no need to worry about overfeeding.

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Many cases of chronic skin issues in dogs and cats are either directly attributable to or strongly influenced by inappropriate and allergy-inducing ingredients in pet foods. Be critical about the quality of pet foods and avoid those that contain meat byproducts, artificial flavors and preservatives, as well as all grains, especially wheat and corn. It’s also important to give a good fish or krill oil supplement to dogs and cats. The omega-3 fatty acids in these marine lipids play critical roles in regulating immune system inflammatory response to allergens. More specifically, they inhibit inflammation, while omega-6 fatty acids typically found in grains and vegetable oils stimulate inflammation. Both processes are necessary for healthy body functioning, but an imbalance of too much omega-6 sets the stage for skin allergies, a dull coat and excessive shedding. Liver deficiency is another common factor to consider. The liver is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and acids needed to break down and assimilate food while also filtering waste from the bloodstream. If the liver is deficient in any of these functions, excess waste that cannot be eliminated via normal pathways will wreak havoc on the body, often manifesting as a skin condition. If this happens, symptoms commonly recognized as pyoderma, eczema or psoriasis will increase as the body tries to eliminate the waste, pushing the toxins outward and away from vital internal organs toward the skin. In addition to dietary adjustments, liver support is helpful when it comes to skin problems, and this is where herbs come in.

Greg Tilford is the CEO of Animal Essentials Inc., a natural pets supplement company. He is the author of five books, including Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life. For more information, visit AnimalEssentials.com.

Topical Herbs that Relieve the Itch

o heal a pet’s skin problems from the inside-out with good food and supplementation can take a few weeks. In the meantime, the itchy misery can be reduced with topical remedies. One of the most effective approaches is herbal astringents that work by quickly tightening skin and subcutaneous tissue, reducing inflammation and redness. n Witch hazel. This herbal extract can be purchased as a clear liquid at any drugstore. It’s also the primary active ingredient in many commercial hemorrhoid ointments, as it reduces inflamed membranes very quickly. A dab or two of witch hazel applied with a cotton ball can work wonders against flea or mosquito bites. It’s important to know that most products are made with isopropyl alcohol, which is quite toxic if ingested in large amounts. Therefore, this extract should be reserved for situations in which only a few dabs are needed (i.e., don’t use it as a rinse). Better yet, look for witch hazel extract made with ethanol (grain alcohol) or vegetable glycerin, an edible palm oil derivative used in natural soaps and cosmetics for its emollient, skin-soothing qualities. n Aloe vera. With its antibacterial properties, aloe vera gel works especially well when spot-applied directly to hot spots or insect bites. However, unless combined with an emollient, the drying and tightening properties of aloe vera could further exacerbate discomfort caused by dry, chapped skin. n Calendula. Calendula officinalis, small marigold, is easy to grow or purchase in dry bulk form at natural product retailers. Cooled calendula tea, liberally applied to an animal’s skin and coat, can bring fast relief to inflamed skin and accelerate the healing of open sores. To make a soothing skin rinse, simply infuse two to four tablespoons of dried calendula flowers into a quart of near-boiling water. Allow the tea to cool completely, drench the pet with the tea and allow it to drip dry. n Tea. Peppermint, chamomile and green teas are great for relieving itchy skin. Infuse four to six tea bags of any (or all) of these herbs into one quart of boiling water. Cool thoroughly and rinse the animal. Not only will it feel better, it will smell great, too.

November 2020

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inspiration

Giving Thanks

Meditation on Gratitude and Joy by Jack Kornfield

offer this meditation that opens our hearts to gratitude and joy this holiday season. Let yourself sit quietly and at ease. Allow your body to be relaxed and open, your breath natural, your heart easy. Begin the practice of gratitude by feeling how that, year after year, you have cared for your own life. Now let yourself begin to acknowledge all that has supported you in this care: With gratitude, I remember the people, animals, plants, insects, creatures of the sky and sea, air and water, fire and earth, all whose joyful exertion blesses my life every day. With gratitude, I remember the care and labor of a thousand generations of elders and ancestors who came before me. I offer my gratitude for the safety and well-being I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the blessing of this Earth I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the measure of health I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the family and friends I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the community I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the teachings and lessons I have been given. I offer my gratitude for the life I have been given. Just as we are grateful for our blessings, so we can be grateful for the blessings of others. Continue to breathe gently. Bring to mind someone you care about; someone it is easy to rejoice for. Picture them and feel the natural joy you have for their well-being, for their happiness and success. With each breath, offer them your grateful, heartfelt wishes:

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May you be joyful. May your happiness increase. May you not be separated from great happiness. May your good fortune and the causes for your joy and happiness increase. Sense the sympathetic joy and caring in each phrase. When you feel some degree of natural gratitude for the happiness of this loved one, extend this practice to another person you care about. Recite the same simple phrases that express your heart’s intention. Then, gradually open the meditation to include neutral people, difficult people and even enemies, until you extend sympathetic joy to all beings everywhere, young and old, near and far. Practice dwelling in joy until the deliberate effort of practice drops away and the intentions of joy blend into the natural joy of your own wise heart. Jack Kornfield is a bestselling author, Buddhist practitioner and a key teacher in introducing and spreading mindfulness practices in the West. For more information about his teachings, podcasts and books, visit JackKornfield.com.

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 Biological dentist offering mercury-safe dentistry, Biocompatible Restorative Dentistry and TMJ analysis and treatment. See ad on page 27.

FAMILY ALPHAKEY CLUB

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

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.

FASHION EMBROIDERED PANDA Jersey City, NJ EmbroideredPanda.com

Embroidered Panda is a minoritywoman-owned business that normally specializes in delightful, thoughtful and sometimes quirky embroidery customized for weddings, babies, and even pets. Owner Amanda “Panda” Farrell also makes masks that are available online, and at Love Locked, 353 Grove Street in Jersey City, a woman-owned small business that features the work of local artists.

FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALIST 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 27.

HEALTHY FOODS BUSY BEE ORGANICS

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.

PUMP HOBOKEN

401 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken, NJ Boutique Pilates & fitness studio located in midtown Hoboken, offering smallgroup Pilates, reformer, mat classes and one-on-one 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.

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 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.

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.

November 2020

KEY FRESH AND NATURAL

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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, page 2.

Dedicated to helping women de-stress and lead more healthful lives, Lorraine Giordano offers the following treatments: Quantum Touch, Quantum Energy 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. Quantum Energy healing activates the innate intelligence of the body to heal itself but shifting energy at the cellular level. Call today and learn more about these specialized services and treatments helping women heal.

574 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 201-204-4200

PLANT BASE JC

370 Pacific Ave, Jersey City, NJ 551-256-3868 • PlantBaseMarket.com An ethical, vegan, zerowaste market and restaurant offering a full-vegan, allday 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.

HEALING ARTS 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.

HARMONY DISPENSARY

95 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ HarmonyDispensary.org Harmony creates pure, consistent modern medicine. This medical marijuana dispensary satellite location is an off-shoot of their flagship location is in Secaucus, NJ.

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85 Maple Street #3L, Weehawken, NJ 201-344-6448 • InspiredToHealth.net

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. See ad, page 8.

MIND BODY HOBOKEN

51 Newark Street, Ste. 501, 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.

SALVATION WELLNESS

521 Jersey Ave, 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

64 Newark Street, Hoboken, NJ 20 Church Street, Montclair, NJ TheGreenRoomNJ.com 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 7 days a week, from 11am10pm in Hoboken and 11am-8pm in Montclair.

LANGUAGE

LEARN LANGUAGE HOBOKEN

450 7th Street, Hoboken, NJ 201-253-0035 • LearnLanguageHoboken.com At Learn Language Hoboken, you will be provided with the tools necessary to take your language skills to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out, or are a seasoned linguist, LLH is the place for you. We offer Adult Group Language Courses and Private Language Lessons to Kids and Adults in Italian, French, Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin. We also offer on-site Language Enrichment to local schools in Hoboken and surrounding areas. Learning a new language is closer than you think!

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.

PEDIATRICS 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.

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.

WELLNESS HABIT DISRUPTION THERAPY

Kevin Munhall m.AmSAT Hoboken, NJ 316-461-7660 • HabitDisruption.com Identify the seemingly harmless habits of tension that we all carry with us throughout the day that can lead to aches, pains, and injury. Specialist, Kevin Munhall, will help relieve this tension and teach you how to move in line with how you are designed, with freedom and ease. By changing these habits, you are able to get to the root of the issue and can address what actually causes the pain instead of waiting for it to arrive.

VIDA-FLO HOBOKEN

131 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 201-683-3222 VidaFloHoboken.com Vida-Flo services offer IV hydration treatments, essential gains, advanced gains, injectable treatments & oxygen. All treatments are provided by trained nurses in a clean medical spa environment for your comfort.

SUPPORT LOCAL ADVERTISING

THE CUDDLY BOUTIQUE TheCuddlyBoutique.com

Founded by pet parents, Tom & Kimberley Bueno-Schonig of The Cuddly Cottage pet sitting service, the Cuddly Boutique is an online pet store that sells a variety of special gifts from cozy sweaters to unique toys. Their promise is that The Cuddly Boutique products will give your pet that “this is the best gift ever” look in their eyes and give you that warm and cuddly feeling in your heart.

SKINCARE SEAZEN SOAP Hoboken, NJ SeazenSoap.com

Handmade local luxury products for your skin. The Seazen Soap company specializes in natural soaps, skin butter and CBD products.

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