Natural Awakenings Fairfield County March 2014

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Special Edition

Food & Garden n Fresh

Food Trends n Fairfield Locals Improve our Food Choices n Gardening as Spiritual Practice n Savoring Healthier Pizza

FREE

Attracting Miracles

Wayne Dyer on the Importance of Attitude

March 2014 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

Whole-Body Dentistry® provides comprehensive oral health care using traditional and holistic approaches. We understand the “mouth-body connection.”

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Speaker and best-selling author of Whole-Body Dentistry®

Mercury-free for over 30 years, Dr. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of biological and holistic dentistry.

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

5520 Park Ave., Trumbull / Fairfield town line at Exit 47 off Merritt Pkwy

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center Caring Naturopathic Physicians Offering the Best in Holistic Healing

Our integrative approach treats a widerange of conditions including: ADD/ADHD Allergies Anxiety & Depression Autism Brain Injuries Candidiasis Chronic Fatigue (or Fatigue Concerns) Difficulty Concentrating Female Concerns Fibromaylgia

Gastrointestinal Concerns Healthy Aging Hormonal Issues Immune Disorders Lyme Disease RSD Sports Injuries Stress-related Symptoms Thyroid & Adrenal Issues Toxicities Weight Gain

Learn more about our approach. Watch our new therapy videos – all on our website!

We can help you get your health back in balance naturally with proven treatments and therapies:

From left to right:

Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, Director Dr. Elena Sokolova, MD, ND & Dr. David M. Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) EEG Neurofeedback Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Homeopathy Energy Medicine Electrodermal Screening Metabolic Typing

Functional Medicine Colon Hydrotherapy Natural Hormone Therapy Herbal Medicine Nutritional Assessment Allergy Desensitization FDA-cleared Phototherapy Detoxification Abdominal Manual Therapy

FREE CDs on our Whole-Body approach to Lyme Disease.

Call now for details.

Office located on the Fairfield/Trumbull line

Whole-Body Medicine, LLC – The Natural Approach for Optimal Health 2

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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contents

Discover the freedom within yourself!

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

24 FRESH FOOD TRENDS

Natural Trailblazers in Sustainable Eating

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

24

28 BEING THE CHANGE

Fairfield County Residents Work to Improve Food Choices

by Nicole Miale

A whole new kind of Body-Mind-Spirit-Green EXPO!

34 ACTION PLAN

FOR PARENTS

Sun., June 1, 2014

Seven Signs of Food Sensitivities

by Pamela Bond

10am to 5pm

Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa

38 Savoring More

243 Tresser Blvd., Stamford, CT BE INSPIRED by over 100 exhibitors including: ❁ Noted speakers ❁ Gifted healers ❁ “Green” experts ❁ Self improvement vendors ❁ Intuitive readers Media Sponsor:

Presented by PPC Group, LLC

Healthy Pizza

Gluten-Free Options for Conscious Pizza Lovers

by Ariana Rawls Fine

40 FOOD REVOLUTION IN A TANK

Aquaponics Offers Year-Round Homegrown Fish and Veggies

by Avery Mack

42 FROM “WHY ME?”

ORDER TODAY!

Wayne Dyer on the Value of Hard Lessons

by Linda Sechrist

48 The “Healthy”

FOR MORE INFO: www.AwakenFair.com click on “Stamford, CT”

Truth About Canned and Dry PET Foods

by Robert Goldstein VMD and Susan Goldstein

50 GARDENING AS

Awaken Fair also in Tarrytown Sunday, March 30

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Cycles of Growth Cultivate Our Divinity

by April Thompson

51 TWEET THOSE

FITNESS GOALS

Online Friends Help Us Stay on Track

Fairfield County Edition

38

TO “THANK YOU!”

TICKETS: $10 online; $15 at the door www.AwakenFair.com

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34

natural awakenings

by Tamara Grand

42

WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

7 newsbriefs 17 14 therapyspotlight 17 healthbriefs 19 globalbriefs 34 healthykids 36 healingways 19 40 greenliving 42 wisewords 45 naturallyhealthypet While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled 46 naturalpet with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than repair 49 petresourceguide itself. Regular bedding & mattresses are laden with polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, will and water 50

inspiration While we sleep, our immune system recovers will battle these rather than While repair itself.

While While we we we sleep, sleep, sleep, our our our immune immune immune system system system recovers recovers recovers will will battle battle battle these these these rather rather rathe th or stain with resistant chemicals.

46 for the day ahead. and prepares If your Regular bedding & mattresses are laden and and and prepares prepares prepares for for for the the the day day day ahead. ahead. ahead.

IfIfyour Ifyour your Regular Regular Regular bedding bedding bedding &&mat &ma m 51 fitbody and chemical toxins, your immune system and water or stain resistant and chemicals. and and chemical chemical chemical toxins, toxins, toxins, your your your immune immune immune system system system and and and water water water ororor stain stain stain resis resi re 53 calendar Organic Innerspring Mattresses Organic Innerspring Mattresses 57 classifieds Natural Latex Organic Mattresses Organic Organic Organic Innerspring Innerspring Innerspring Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses Natural Natural Natural Latex Latex Latex Organic Organic Organic Mat MM Our cotton innerspring mattresses are made with 58 resourceguide organic cotton batting and organic wool — free from chemicals and pesticides! Great for those who are 63 productmarketplace chemically sensitive or allergic to latex. A good fit

WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESSWHY WHY WHYAN AN ANORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANICMATTRE MATTRE MATTRE IS RIGHT FOR YOU ISISISRIGHT RIGHT RIGHTFOR FOR FORYOU YOU YOU

advertising & submissions

for families on a budget because an innerspring is generally less expensive than a latex mattress.

Natural Latex Organic Mattresses how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or When it comes to latex there’s “natural” and then there’s “all natural”. We sell only “all natural” latex email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Our cotton innerspring mattresses are made with When it comes to latex there’s “natural” and then there’s so Our Our Our cotton cotton cotton innerspring innerspring innerspring mattresses mattresses mattresses are are made made made with with with When When When it itcomes itcomes comes totolatex tolatex latex there ther th mattresses you are sleep chemical-free.

Beware Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month. organic cotton batting and organic wool – free from “all natural”. We sell only “all natural” latex mattresses organic organic organic cotton cotton cotton batting batting batting and and and organic organic organic wool wool wool – –free –free free from from from “all “all “all natural”. natural”. natural”.

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chemicals and pesticides! Great for those who are

Editorial submissions

for families on a budget because an innerspring is Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com. generally less expensive than a latex mattress.

mattress stores online and in your neighborhood selling sosoyou soyou you sleep sleep sleep chemical-free. chemical-free chemical-fre mattresses.

so you sleep chemical-free. Beware mattress stores chemicals chemicals chemicals and and and pesticides! pesticides! pesticides!

Great Great Great for those those those who who who are are are “natural” or “green” orforfor “sustainable” foam online and in your neighborhood selling “natural” or This is “green wash” marketing hype. “green” or “sustainable” foam mattresses.

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Deadline for News Briefs: the 5th of the month.

FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF THE BEST FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF THE BEST ORGANIC MATTRESSES IN THE WORLD FIND FIND FIND AORGANIC AHUGE AHUGE HUGE SELECTION SELECTION SELECTION OF OF OF THE THE THE BEST BEST BEST ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC MATTRESSES MATTRESSES MATTRESSES INININ THE THE THW MATTRESSES IN THE WORLD calendar submissions Queen$1799 Queen$2439 Queen$2549 Queen$2530 Queen$2875 Queen$1799 Queen$4398 Queen$2439 Queen$1799 Queen$1799 Queen$2439 Queen$2439 Queen$2549 Queen Queen$2549 $2549 Queen Queen$2530 Queen$2530 $2530 Queen$ Queen Que Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 5th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time.

Naturepedic Essentials

OrganicPedic by OMI Duo

Savvy Rest Serenity

Best Seller Oyasumi

Royal Organics by RoyalPedic GreenEssentials Sleep Dolcezza Luxury Naturepedic Naturepedic Naturepedic Essentials Essentials OrganicPedic OrganicPedic OrganicPedic by by OMI by OMI Duo OMI Duo Duo Savvy Savvy Savvy Rest Rest Serenity Rest Serenity Serenity

Best Best Seller Best Seller Seller Oyasumi Oyasumi Oyasumi

Royal Royal Royal Organics Organic Orga

regional markets WHYAdvertise YOU SHOULDyour PURCHASE YOUR ORGANIC WHY WHY WHY YOU YOU YOU SHOULD SHOULD SHOULD PURCHASE PURCHASE PURCHASE YOUR YOUR YOUR ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC products or services in multiple markets!

MATTRESS FROM THE CLEAN BEDROOM MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS FROM FROM FROM THE THE THE CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing When we found out what was in our mattress, my husband When When When wewefound we found found out out out what what whw We have an A+ ratingfamily with the Better Business Bureau.

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Clean Clean Clean Bedroom Bedroom Bedroom was was was born. born bor and construction. product knowledge markets Our callextensive 239-449-8309.

Forhelps franchising opportunities and and and construction. construction. construction.

Our Our Our extensive extensive extensive product product product knowledge knowledge knowledge helps helps helps —Chris Chamberlin, Co-founder —Chris —Chris —Chris Chamberlin, Chamberlin, Chamberlin C Greenwich at 79 East Putnam Ave | 203.292.9275 you select the mattress and bedding that is right for you.

Our you you you select select select the the the mattress mattress mattress and and and bedding bedding bedding that that that is is right is right right for for you. for you. you.

Our Our Our call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

TheCleanBedroom TM

prices are fair. We listen. We recommend. You decide.

Manhattan Connecticut eNaturalAwakenings.com New York MarketCenter In the Old Sasco Mill 230 5th Ave (@ 27th St.) 1869 Post Rd E Suite 1807, NYC Westport, CT 06880 (212) 889-1091 (203) 292-9275

prices prices prices are are are fair. fair. fair.

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Manhattan Manhattan Manhattan TheCleanBedroom New New New York York York MarketCenter MarketCenter MarketCenter The finest Organic Mattresses & Bedding

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Connecticut Connecticut Connecticut InInthe Inthe the Old Old Old Sasco Sasco Sasco Mill Mill Mill 230 230 5th 5th 5th Ave Ave Ave (@(@(@ 27th 27th 27th St.) St.) St.) 1869 1869 1869 Post Post Post Rd Rd Rd EEE in the World, all in230 one place eNaturalAwakenings.com Suite Suite Suite 1807, 1807, 1807, NYC NYC NYC Westport, Westport, Westport, CT CT CT 06880 06880 06880 March 2014 (212) (212) (212) 889-1091 889-1091 889-1091 (203) (203) (203) 292-9275 292-9275 292-9275 www. thecleanbedroom.com

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letterfrompublisher

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contact us Publisher/Managing Editor Nicole Miale Assistant Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Ana Kranzlin Beth Leas Natasha Michaels Sales & Marketing Nicole Miale Virginia Trinque Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2014 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

s anyone knows who has ever tried, changing eating habits is not easy. Whether change is motivated by health, weight, ethical concerns or other factors, the process can be disorienting. You’ve made decisions about what you will no longer have on your plate, but are you equally as clear about what you will replace it with? That undefined area between what you used to eat and what you plan to eat in future can be interesting. If you can, get comfortable with uncertainty, because it has been my personal experience that shopping for Nicole Miale groceries during transition time can be a real adventure!

Our quests for better health and improved eating choices may be shadowed by initial disorientation and confusion, yet it becomes increasingly evident that each of us needs to become more conscious of setting and maintaining standards for our own individual food supply. We are living in a time when marketing often takes precedence over science and food labeling words like “all natural” have been co-opted to mean things created in a lab. Rather than relying on the judgment and say-so of others, we have to make our own decisions about what is safe and desirable.

In this special Food and Garden issue we have a host of articles devoted to the cause of supporting your personal nutritional standards. We’re providing an examination of fresh food trends across the country, a detailed look at how four Fairfield County residents have made it their business to create healthier options for us all, a how-to on growing your own organic fish and veggies, and an investigation into whether it’s still possible to eat a pizza AND eat healthfully (the answer is YES, with some key caveats).

We are fortunate in this area to have fantastic options for selecting and obtaining our food; choose carefully and spend your money wisely. Consider becoming as much of a locavore as you can by joining a CSA or purchasing fresh local produce from farmers markets or natural food markets in your community. By doing so you support your health, your neighbors, the region, and the environment!

Fairfield County hosts not one but TWO major food and farm events this month: March 1 is the CTNOFA Winter Conference at WestConn in Danbury, and March 9 is the Sustainable Food and Farm Expo in Greenwich. We’re proud to support these important and experiential conferences. Come out in support of the vibrant farming and local food community we are blessed to have and look for Natural Awakenings Fairfield County there!

Can’t make it to the events? Then tune in on the radio on March 25, to hear me and a special guest on LifeChanges with Mariette between 9-10pm on WICC600 or WICC600.com.

Whatever you eat, do it joyfully! Life is too short to eat bad food!

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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Fairfield County Edition

New in 2014: See our advertiser index on page 62.

Making it easier to find the resources you need. natural awakenings

newsbriefs CT NOFA’s Annual Winter Conference

N

ortheast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut’s annual celebration of local food, organic farms and all things sustainable will take place on March 1 at Western Connecticut State University. The 32nd annual Winter Conference will focus on beginning farmers who Fred Kirschenmann are providing food for Connecticut and growing farmer support programs and networks.

The 2014 Winter Conference will feature workshops for all levels and interests as well as local vendors and exhibitors.

Keynote speaker Frederick L. Kirschenmann will discuss young farmers, new farmers and an inclusive approach to the local food system. Conference teachers include garden instructors, Connecticut farmers, chefs, community activists, organic land care professionals and nutritionists. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample from local farm-to-table restaurants for an additional fee of $15.

CT NOFA is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the practices of ecologically-sound farming and gardening and to the development of local sustainable agriculture.

For registration and more vendor, sponsor or donor information, visit CTNOFA.org or call 203-308-2584. See ad, page 11.

Become a Certified Life Coach in 2 Days

A

s life grows more complex and challenging, people are turning to coaches for inspiration, encouragement and direction. To meet this growing demand, the Coaching Excellence Institute will offer a Life Coach Certification course in Shelton on May 31-June 1. These trainings will be MaryAnn D’Ambrosio led by MaryAnn D’Ambrosio, MBA, PhD, giving participants the benefit of her twenty plus years of teaching and coaching experience.

If you’ve got a passion to help others, this content-rich training will equip you with the insights, skills and strategies needed to build a profitable coaching practice. We want our graduates to begin their coaching careers with both clarity and confidence.

Additional classes are scheduled for Avon (May 3-4) and the Greater Hartford area (June 7-8). For additional information call, 954-448-7648 or 860-924-6992 or visit CoachingExcellenceInstitute.com. See ad on page 16.

FOr YOur SaKE & FOr thE SaKE OF YOur ChiLdrEN . . .

A UNIQUE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS

who want to learn how their own childhood, early wounds, and resulting developmental stuck places – even the unconscious ones – interfere with their children’s safe and healthy development.

If you are a parent who wants to give your children the best of who you are . . .

If you’re a parent who wants to give your children the best chance to succeed, not only in functioning, but in being their true selves . . .

If you’re a parent who knows that your children trigger you at times . . . and you don’t understand why, or if you do, you don’t know how to get to the root of the trigger . . .

Register for this workshop for parents . . . so you can learn more . . . so you can experience more . . . so you can discover the depths of the healing you can do to help your children in a way nothing else can . . . and nobody else can.

Saturday, March 22, 2014 • 12 noon – 3 pm Judith Barr’s office – Brookfield, Ct SPECiaL OFFEr FOr ParENtS FOr SPriNG 2014: REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT RECEIVED BY MARCH 1st: $95 – BY MARCH 15th: $100 Registration and payment must be received by March 15, 2014.

Judith Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG tO thE rOOt To learn more or to register, call Judith’s office at 203-775-5006 or email Judith at JudithBarr@PowerabusedPowerhealed.com

Master’s in Nutrition Online

• Counsel patients in alternative and • Graduates are eligible to earn credentials as a: complementary medicine using nutritional strategies - Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) • Study within a functional medicine based curriculum with a virtual clinic - Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) experience - Diplomate of the American Clinical • Learn the principles of nutrition and Board of Nutrition (DACBN) its role in attaining a longer, healthier life To learn more, call 203.576.4552 or visit bridgeport.edu/nutrition

eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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Eyecare Associates, LLC E�������� P���������� T������ V����� www.cteyecareassociates.com

There’s More To Healthy Vision Than 20/20 Eyesight Eyes Are Important Indicators Of Overall Health • Comprehensive eye exams for all ages • High quality eyeglasses and specialty contact lenses • Exceptional treatment for eye diseases • LASIK and Refractive Surgery co-management • Solutions for dry eyes, computer use, and sports 3 Locations in Southern Fairfield County

6515 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 203-374-2020

2600 Post Road Southport, CT 06890 203-255-4005

Healing White Light,

LLC

10% Off Your First Coaching Appointment or One Massage/Energy Work Session

203-470-1226

with this ad

Joy Carbino Certified Holistic Health Coach Licensed Massage Therapist Reiki Master/Teacher NCBTMB Certified

Healing White Light, LLC 37 Franklin Street, Suite 103 Westport, CT 06880 joy@healingwhitelight.com www.healingwhitelight.com

Beautiful Color Shouldn't Be Hazardous To Your Health The best thing about our products is what we leave out!

No Ammonia • No Parabens No Scalp Staining • No Scalp Discomfort Best Eco Salon

838 Main Street • Monroe • Tollgate Plaza Tues, Wed, Fri 9-5, Thur 9-8, Sat 8-4

203-261-2838 SalonAponte.com

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Popular Body-MindSpirit Expo Returns to Westchester

139 Main Street Norwalk, CT 06851 203-840-1991

Gluten sensitivity? Blood sugar issues? Don’t know what to do?

Contact Joy Carbino Certified Holistic Health Coach For a Free Consultation

newsbriefs

T

he Awaken Wellness Fair returns to its home base in Westchester on March 30, from 10am to 5pm, at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown, NY. The Awaken Fair, the area’s oldest bodymind-spirit-green expo, made its New York City debut in January.

The educational event includes two rooms of speakers with a continuous program of talks running all day. One room will feature scientifically-based talks, while the other presents more metaphysical topics. Another room holds more than a dozen intuitive readers, while healers practicing a variety of healing modalities fill yet another area of the fair. Discounted rate appointments can be made with readers and healers in advance after purchasing a ticket online at AwakenFair.com.

The Main Ballroom at the Awaken Wellness Fair holds a variety of vendors, offering the latest products and services to support a healthy lifestyle.

For 12 years, this wellness-focused, educational and experiential event has attracted over 100 exhibitors each spring and fall and attendees who are curious about holistic practices, including both ancient and modern healing and wellness methods.

Wellness speakers, vendors or companies who wish to be part of this year’s fair should visit AwakenFair.com, where visitors can also preview this year’s exhibitors and secure discount tickets by clicking on “Tarrytown.”

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 455 S. Broadway in Tarrytown, NY. For more information, visit AwakenFair.com. See ad, page 4.

Tick-Borne Disease Alliance’s “Bite Back for a Cure” Walk/Run

T

he Tick-Borne Disease Alliance (TBDA) will be hosting their sixth annual “Bite Back for a Cure” Walk/Run on April 6 at 9am (rain or shine) at the Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

The event aims to raise funds, increase awareness, promote advocacy and support initiatives to eradicate Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Participants of the event can compete in a three mile or six mile running course, as well as a one mile loop walk. In addition, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who is currently co-sponsoring the Lyme and TickBorne Disease Prevention, Education and Research Act, will be in attendance to share his support and participation.

“It’s critical that we raise enough funds and allocate our efforts towards a more accurate diagnostic tool and a welleducated medical community,” said David Roth, TBDA CoChairman and Managing Director at Blackstone.

The money raised from this year’s walk/run will be invested into research that helps improve Lyme disease diagnostics and testing. Early registration fees are $25 per person ($35 onsite), $70 per family ($80 onsite) and free for children under 10. The Tick-Borne Disease Alliance is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting advocacy and supporting initiatives to find a cure for tick-borne diseases.

For more information or to volunteer, visit TBDAlliance.org or contact Orna Grand at Ornag55@gmail.com.

Escape Salon & Boutique Relaunches Boutique

M

aria Rodrigues and Robin Miller, ownsalon and boutique ers of Escape Salon & Boutique in Bethel and Salon Team Will Make You Look Great On business The Outside,partners for 26 years, are celebrating the relaunch ofYou their retail boutique. Escape, While Shopping At Our Boutique Will Make Feel Good On The which stands forInside.

Everyone Sincerely Cares About People BeautifulEverywhere, and Unique Gifts is also focused on working with fair trade, om Local eco-friendly and Global Artisans companies. The boutique carries a selection of handcrafted, sustainable items with each purchase benefiting fted • usa made • eco-friendly • fair trade • sustainable variousa life causes such as poverty and homelessness.

“Changing with each purchase”

“Our clients have always encouraged us with our com232 Greenwood Avenue • Bethel, CT • 203.798.9882 munity outreach by supporting numerous charities and www.escapect.com Look forefforts us on Facebook causes. We’re so pleased to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. What we’re doing here at Escape allows us to make people feel beautiful on the outside and on the inside,” said Rodrigues.

Escape Salon & Boutique, an Aveda salon, is located at 232 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. For more information, visit EscapeCT.com or call 203-798-9882.See ad, page 63.

Prescription4 Wellness

Mary Gilbertson MS, BSN, CHHC Nutrition & Wellness Coaching Customized Healthy Lifestyle Plans for Whole Living • Weight Loss and Detox • Nutrition • Disease Management • Stress Reduction and Mindfulness

Call 203-521-4733 today!

www.prescription4wellness.com

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

Soul Focus Mela Rispoli 203-570-3868 mrispoli2@aol.com

Struggling to Find Happiness in Your Marriage?

If you are feeling hopeless, there are things you can do right now to restore love and connection.

This is not couples counseling.

You’ll learn immediate solutions to the biggest challenges in your relationship.

You can eliminate your relationship stress and restore the love and connection.

Call 860-633-8555 Today to Get Help and receive a complimentary book, The 90-Minute Marriage Miracle

Jeff Forte CSIC CME and author of The 90-Minute Marriage Miracle 2389 Main St • Glastonbury, CT Jeff@PeakResultsCoaching.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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newsbriefs Audubon Greenwich Hosts Sustainable Food & Farm Expo

A

udubon Greenwich’s Sustainable Food & Farm Expo will take place on March 9 from 10am until 5pm with 18 exhibitors and vendors, including organic farmers, Carol Lake, an organic dairy homesteading farmer and founder of Simple experts, artisan Cheesemaking will be leading a food producers, cheesemaking workshop. specialty food retailers and organic restaurants presenting their products and expertise.

The expo is produced by Audubon Greenwich in cooperation with the Fairfield Green Food Guide. “Audubon is proud to host this exciting, family-friendly event. Organic farming practices and more wholesome approaches to eating will greatly reduce our burden on Earth’s natural resources

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

while enhancing our habitats, soils, and communities” said Jeff Cordulack, Audubon Greenwich’s Events Manager.

“Fairfield County is home to a strong and growing community of organic farmers, artisan food producers, specialty food retailers, organic restaurants and homesteading experts and this event is a fun and effective way for the general public to get to know them and their products and services” said Fairfield Green Food Guide founder Analiese Paik. There will be talks on backyard beekeeping, chicken keeping, organic gardening, community gardening and the soil food web.

Workshops will be held on artisan honey, ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil, organic chocolate, biodynamic Champagne plus a cheesemaking for beginners workshop.

Advance reservations recommended for workshops. Tickets are $15/person, $20/couple and $25/family. Tasting Workshops are an additional $10/person, per session. For more information, visit Greenwich.Audubon.org, email GreenwichCenter@Audubon.org or call 203-869-5272 x 239.

The first wealth is health. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Worden Wellness Center is located at 41 Kenosia Ave, 1st floor, Danbury. For more information, call 203-244-8801.

See ad, page 25.

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orden Wellness Center, a chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition center in Danbury, has moved to a larger space on the first floor in the same building. The center is holding an open house on April 5 from 10am to 3pm to enable current and new patients to explore the various services that are offered.

The center has also added Claudia Larsson, licensed massage therapist, Reiki master, reflexologist and craniosacral therapist, to its practice. She will be on hand at the open house to give demonstrations of her work and to talk with guests. Dr. Worden will be available as well for applied kinesiology screening, spinal manipulation, postural foot screening, nutritional screening, body fat analysis, heavy metal testing and hormone imbalance testing. He will also talk about acupuncture and the Chinese meridian system.

Acupuncture and facial rejuvenation sessions will be offered in the office for a limited time after the open house. In addition, organic natural foods will be offered throughout the day from the kitchen of a local natural chef.

A Unique Boutique with Heartfelt Purpose

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Open House at Worden Wellness Center

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The Saugatuck cafe is open Monday through Friday from 5am to 3pm and 8am to 3pm on Saturday. The Greens Farms cafe is open from 5 to 10:30am, Monday through Friday. For more information, visit SteamCoffeeBar.com.

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Gift Cards Available Intuitive Readings Every Weekend Wide Selection of Native American Gifts

203-438-7146

452 Main St, Ridgefield

Touch Of Sedona

Steam Opens Second Location; Features Local Foods team Coffee Bar has opened a new location at the Westport train station in Saugatuck to serve locally sourced and freshly made foods – including homemade soups and sandwiches – and bakery treats.

The new location opened in January on the eastbound platform of the renovated station and is larger than the original cafe at Greens Farms station in Westport.

This Steam location offers food products from local area vendors, including fresh baked breads from Norwalk’s Wave Hill Breads, and a variety of 100-percent organic foods, snacks and juices from Grassrxoots in Greenwich. Steam also features other local vendors like Red Bee Honey, the Farmers Cow, Doc’s Maple Syrup, Nothin’ But and 8 to the Bar.

Steam now brews coffee and espresso from Shearwater Coffee Roasters, Fairfield County’s first and only certified organic roaster. The new cafe has free WiFi and has space for live music.

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touchofsedonaridgefield.com Open Every Day Until 5:30

SATURDAY

MARCH 1, 2014

Local and Organic Since 1982

8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Western CT State University Danbury

2014 Keynote: Fred Kirschenmann

A Distinguished Fellow for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and President of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

50+ WORKSHOPS, EXPERT PANELS, AND 60+ VENDORS & EXHIBITORS

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learn more at

ctnofa.org/winterconference

eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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newsbriefs New Organic Skincare Products for Skincare By Carla

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arla Parker, a certified aesthetician with over 15 years in the skincare industry, has incorporated an organic skincare line into her Stratfordbased Skincare By Carla business. Neal’s Yard Remedies (NYR) provides organic skincare products that include organic items with many ingredients locally grown near their English headquarters.

“Even if you cannot afford to get monthly facials, doing mini-facials at home on a weekly basis using a cleanser, exfoliant, mask and moisturizer according to skin type will help the skin to stay soft and supple, which will help to slow down the aging process,” said Parker. “The bonus of having facials on a regular basis and using the right products according to skin type is that the skin will be rid of dead cells that accumulate every month and will absorb mask, serums and creams much better.”

Parker found her clients are more apt to use skincare products that can combat signs of aging without using parabens, synthetics fragrances, genetically modified ingredients and other additives that can do more harm than good. In addition to Skincare By Carla, Parker teaches an aesthetic program at the Marinello School of Beauty in Fairfield and works with Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal, a Fairfield-based licensed and board certified plastic surgeon.

For more information about Skincare By Carla and NYR organic skincare or to book a spa party, visit US.NYROrganic.com/Shop/CarlaParker or email Carla.Parker@att.net.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Spirituality Program for Young Minds and Hearts

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RC Sacred Center of Monroe is launching its new “A Joyful Path The Inner Wisdom Series” spirituality program for children, aiming to connect them with an authentic spiritual experience that is inter-spiritual, creative and multi-layered.

A Joyful Path is a progressive Christian interfaith, behavior-overbelief curriculum that teaches interdependence, self-awareness, respect for nature, stillness, forgiveChristine Guerrera ness, prayer, meditation and integrity.

Using the Bible and other wisdom texts and stories, the program helps children learn how to follow a spiritual path in today’s world. The first class will be limited to 10 students, ages 6 to 10. The program is being run by Rev. Christine Guerrera, LMFT, ARC Sacred Center’s Spiritual Director, Interfaith Minister and Spiritual Psychotherapist.

“As an interfaith minister, I have come across many parents who, like me, have been seeking a program that offers the opportunity to their children to explore spirituality in an open, loving and interfaith way. Because I feel this is so important to children in our competitive culture of busy-ness and over-scheduled living, I thought I would explore curricula to begin the process of creating a community of like-minded parents, families and children to enrich and empower our children’s spiritual paths,” stated Guerrera.

To learn more about the program or to reserve a spot, call Rev. Chris at 203-268-1272 or email to ArcSacredCenter@ gmail.com. ARC Sacred Center is located at 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. See ad, page 14.

Northeast Natural Medicine Expands and Relocates

Do you want to create vibrant health?

Do you want to empower yourself & uplift others?

Do you want to become heart-centered in business?

Do you want to learn about long-term, financial prosperity?

D

r. Shawn M. Carney has expanded and relocated Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC, a Newtown-based naturopathic medicine and therapeutic massage center, to its new offices at 19 Church Hill Road, Suite 1. The center also recently credentialed with HealthyCT, a new insurance payer accessible through the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange.

Shawn Carney “This clinic is where modern and traditional medicines meet. We offer a variety of minimally invasive interventions for the whole family, such as neurotransmitter testing and low –level laser therapy, while using current research to support age-old botanical medicines,” said Carney.

Among other natural medicine services, the center offers advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, FirstLine Therapy, weight management and body composition testing, personalized nutrition, therapeutic massage and low level laser therapy.

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For more information, visit NortheastNatMed.com or call 800-723-2962. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 60.

1895 Post Rd, Fairfield Sage Osa 203.767.6237 ~ MyPersonalWellness.com

Holly Burton, LMT, Joins NHAWC in Stratford

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atural Health and Wellness Center (NHAWC) in Stratford is pleased to announce Holly Burton, LMT is joining the practice to expand the integrative and supportive services the Center offers its patients.

Burton specializes in a unique form of integrative bodywork designed to achieve Holly Burton whole body wellness. She uses techniques such as deep tissue therapy, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, sports massage, and trigger point therapy to correct imbalances and resolve chronic pain issues. Other specialties include lymphatic drainage and cranial sacral therapy.

She also practices prenatal massage. She previously practiced at Balanced Body Chiropractic in Naugatuck.

“We’re so happy Holly is joining us,” said Lisa Singley, ND, founder of NHAWC. “As an expert in integrative bodywork, she will be able to provide our patients with even more support and enhanced natural care."

NHAWC, run by Singley, provides a caring and compassionate environment offering safe, effective and comprehensive care. Services include advanced diagnostic testing with all natural healing modalities and treatment options to prevent disease, remedy multiple conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit.

NHAWC is located at 2103 Main St, Ste #2, Stratford. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 203-874-4333, email Info@NHAWC.com or visit NHAWC.com.

Clinics Your Partners in Health and Wellness

The UB Clinics, located on the campus of the University of Bridgeport, are staffed by some of the brightest and most talented healthcare professionals of the future. Open to the public, the UB Clinics offer affordable, high-quality care at a fraction of the cost of comparable treatments elsewhere.

• Naturopathic Medicine • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture Call our UB Clinics at 203-576-4349 to take advantage of this unique healthcare opportunity located in your own backyard. Or visit www.ubclinics.org

Health Sciences Center, 60 Lafayette Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

eNaturalAwakenings.com

UBRIRE380_natrl_Awkngs_Ad color PRINT.indd 1

March 2014

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4/6/10 4:58 PM

therapyspotlight

Relieving Back Pain, Increasing Motion Patients Benefit from Cox® Technic Flexion-Distraction

by Natasha Michaels

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hiropractic physician and Black Rock Holistic Center founder Kristine DeMarco was suffering from debilitating low back and neck pain after a car accident two years ago. Like many Americans with lower back injuries, she desperately sought non-surgical relief. In her research, she learned about the Cox® Technic approach, a non-surgical, doctor-controlled, hands-on spinal manipulation performed on the Cox® Table, a proprietary, specially designed chiropractic instrument. Intrigued, she wanted to try it, only to find there were at the time only two active and certified doctors in Connecticut who had the Cox® table.

She traveled to West Haven for a series of treatments and her experience not only greatly improved her own situation but changed her practice and now is

enhancing the lives of her patients.

“It is so difficult to explain to people how this technique feels and what it can do for you,” she said. “I know because I experienced it and it made such a difference in my life. That’s why I set out to become certified in the technique and have now acquired a Cox® table. At this point, I’m one of only four or five active and certified chiropractors in the state with a Cox® table. There’s a reason I’ve made this investment in time and money. It really helps my patients!”

Cox® Technic was developed

by James M. Cox, DC, DACBR, who describes the technique as a “marriage of chiropractic principles with osteopathic principles,” emphasizing gentle, non-force manipulation which works with the body’s own natural ability to

heal. Nearly 50 years of documented research, experience and technology is continually refining the technique and improving the Cox® table, which is the key to the approach’s success. Physicians who are certified in the approach are required to keep attending continuing education programs to maintain their active status as research updates the protocols.

During a treatment, the patient lies prone on the Cox® table while the treating physician isolates one vertebral motion segment at a time. All the while, the table itself exerts a gentle and slow “push, pull, pumping” effect, enhanced by the manipulation provided by the practitioner.

“When you’re on the table it feels like nothing is actually happening,” said F.B., a new patient of DeMarco’s

A place to honor your spirit, your way

ARC Sacred Center

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY SERVICES

THE ALLIANCE FOR RAISING CONSCIOUSNESS Sharing a Vision of Love and Oneness

14

Fairfield County Edition

And Spring arose on the garden fair, Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

-Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Sensitive Plant

natural awakenings

at 10 AM followed by FELLOWSHIP at 11 AM

Please Join Us as we build community and celebrate Life, Hope, Healing, Love and Spirit.

(Visit our website for a detailed description of our Sunday services and for classes & events at the center)

458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe, CT | 203-268-1ARC (1272) arcsacredcenter.org | arcsacredcenter@gmail.com

who recently experienced her first treatment on the Cox® table. “I was relaxing, enjoying Dr. DeMarco’s attention and wondering when the treatment was going to start. Then I realized it was already happening! When it was done, I felt so free and loose. You don’t realize how tight you are until things are loosened.”

The goal of the technique, which is particularly effective for low back and leg pain but is also effective for the upper spine and neck compression, is to reduce pressure on aggravated discs and facets. This reduces pressure on trapped nerves and allows for better spinal motion. There are very specific protocols designed to treat each injury and area of treatment.

“There is a mechanical as well as manual effect with the table, which is unbeatable,” said DeMarco. “And because of the way the table can be adjusted and rotated, it creates new possibilities for who can be treated.

For example, I’m able to treat pregnant women because of the table’s flexibility.

Many pregnant women suffer from low back pain especially later in pregnancy, but it becomes difficult to do conventional adjustments. The Cox® technique is perfect because it’s so gentle and the table makes it possible for a patient to lie in different positions and still receive treatment.”

According to the Cox® Technic website, there are currently only three active, certified Cox® Technic physicians in Fairfield County, DeMarco and two chiropractic physicians at Danbury Chiropractic and Wellness.

Natasha Michaels is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings Fairfield County.

For more information, visit CoxTechnic.com.

Local Resources Kristine M DeMarco, DC, MS, FIAMA Black Rock Holistic Health Center 825 Kings Hwy, Fairfield 203-333-6544

Lipo-Light is the new nonsurgical state-of-the-art technology alternative to Liposuction. It is completely non-invasive, does not cause any discomfort, and no down time.

It is based on the principle of biophotomodulation. Infrared light at 635 nanometers is absorbed by fat cells causing the cell’s pores to open and excrete the fatty acid contents into the surrounding fluid. The fat is taken away by the lymphatic system and consumed by body metabolism. The result is immediate loss of inches.

Only One Offer Per Person Restrictions May Apply New Patients Only Offer Expires 4/30/14

Danbury Chiropractic & Wellness 8 Locust Ave, Danbury • 203-792-9582 eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

15

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KES Kmar

Specializing in the Health and Wellness Industry

Educational Services, Inc. Personal and Business Reinvention www.kmareducation.org 203-505-3660

Business Marketing - USP - Unique Selling Points Client Development and Implementation Website Creation and Marketing Search Engine and Site Optimization Services Creation of Business Events/Open House Business In-House Advertisement (Commercials, Audio, Video) Radio Business Advertisement Mariette Kammerer

Experience a Himalayan Salt Cave …Now Here in Ridgefield Experience

Saltana C ve

the Fairfield County's First & Only Therapeutic Himalayan Salt Cave In a salt cave, you are immediately surrounded by tons of Himalayan salt rocks, just as if you were in a salt mine. Relaxing on zero gravity lounge chairs to soothing music, experience serenity & peace in just minutes Salt therapy is: known to significantly improve respiratory issues in children & adults, asthma, allergies, countering the side effects of smoking and pollution, cystic fibrosis, acne naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal ~ Like us on Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saltana-Cave/477550062298188

590 Danbury Road,Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com

16

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

After ruling out his initial career choices of paleontologist, zoologist, baseball player and Good Humor ice cream man, Jerry LoFaro parlayed his lifetime interest in dinosaurs and other animals, fantasy, art history and literature into a successful career as an illustrator.

His art—always striking and often humorous—has been featured on book covers for major publishers and in advertising and promotional campaigns for clients including Nike, Disney, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel and TIME magazine. Celestial Seasonings has commissioned LoFaro to create tea, coffee and seasonings package designs, even entrusting him to update the company’s famous icon, Sleepytime Bear.

Recently, he was honored with a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators.

“Superficially, I’d describe my work as realism,” says LoFaro. “However, much of what I’ve done in content is conceptual, with surreal flourishes.”

Prior to 2002, he worked primarily with acrylics; now, he uses Photoshop to create digital art.

LoFaro also treasures the rural beauty of his New Hampshire surroundings and confides, “My life revolves around walking out to my studio in the woods, listening to great music, and being creative.”

View the artist’s portfolio at JerryLoFaro.com.

Legumes Improve Blood DIY Projects Keep Seniors Moving Sugar, Blood T Pressure healthbriefs

he British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that a generally active daily life that includes do-it-yourself activities and projects like gardening and car maintenance can cut the risks of heart attacks and strokes by as much as 30 percent and prolong life among adults 60 and over. These routine activities may be as beneficial as exercising for older adults because they decrease total sedentary time, the researchers say.

Scientists in Stockholm, Sweden, tracked more than 4,000 men and women for an average of 12.5 years, starting at age 60. At the start of the study, regardless of exercise habits, high levels of other physical activity were associated with smaller waists and lower levels of potentially harmful blood fats in both sexes, and lower levels of glucose, insulin and clotting factor levels in men.

Those with higher levels of other physical activity were also significantly less likely to experience metabolic syndrome, a first cardiovascular disease event, and early mortality from any cause. The same was true for individuals that undertook high levels of formal exercise, even if it wasn’t routine. Participants that both exercised regularly and were often physically active in their daily life had the lowest risk profile of all.

Coconut Oil Manages Cholesterol, Shrinks Waistlines

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cup of beans a day may keep the doctor away. In a randomized trial published in the Archives of Internal Medicine of 121 participants diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, daily consumption of approximately one cup of legumes (peas and beans) was found to improve glycemic control and reduce systolic blood pressure and heart rate, thereby reducing participants’ calculated risk score for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Body weight, waist circumference and fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels also decreased on the legume diet. Legumes appear to make dietary carbohydrates digest more slowly and with a lower glycemic index, which has been associated with reduced hypertension and fewer CHD events in pre-diabetic individuals.

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educed physical activity and increased consumption of carbohydrates and saturated fats fuel increased rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance, plus abnormal lipid content in the blood. Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, its chemical composition appears to prevent it from generating negative effects on lipid profiles, according to a growing body of research.

In an earlier study published in Lipids, women that exhibited abdominal obesity consumed supplements of either coconut oil or soybean oil. Throughout the 12-week trial, both groups followed the same weight-loss diet. At the end, the coconut oil group presented a higher level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or protective cholesterol, and smaller waistlines, while the soybean oil group showed lower HDL levels and an increase in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plus a less desirable LDL-to-HDL ratio. In a later study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consumption of coconut oil was again associated with a beneficial lipid profile in pre-menopausal women.

Researchers that conducted a concurrent pilot study with male and female subjects found that men also experienced shrinking waistlines when supplementing with coconut oil. They explain that coconut oil contains mainly medium-chain fatty acids, which rapidly convert into energy, thereby circumventing the cycle that makes cholesterol and stores fat (Pharmacology). eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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Total Life Care Center 152 East Ave. • Norwalk, CT • 203-856-9566 • TLCcenter.com Total Life Care Center is dedicated to holistic health by providing you with highly trained and experienced integrated health care practitioners. TLC Center is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health center - with over 90 Independent Members - and was founded by Beth Prins Leas in 1997 on the premise that a single candle burns brighter in a gathering.

Beth has created a vibrant holistic health and resource center and growing community of people who are committed to living consciously and to offering healthy lifestyle options in the form of private sessions, classes, workshops, and special events.

Please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how TLC Center can support you on your journey to living well.

Shift happens...are you ready?

Transformative Healing Beth Prins Leas

Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu,Tarot Balance your body, find peace of mind, reconnect to spirit...

• reduce stress • induce relaxation • relieve chronic and acute pain • speed wound healing • boost immune function • improve memory and concentration • ease anxiety/depression • recover from injury, illness or trauma • raise your energetic frequency to stimulate health and healing private sessions, workshops, events, in-person or by phone Norwalk and Ridgefield locations

www.bethleas.com 203.856.9566 18

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Quality Acupuncture at Affordable Prices

Acupuncture Healing CT Really affordable, based on: Small group acupuncture keeps prices down and allows many more to take advantage of this highly effective, ancient healing art.

Discounted packages allow for better, faster results and lower pricing.

Private sessions also available.

Jody Eisemann

is a CT licensed acupuncturist with 20+ years experience in treatment of all kinds of pain with immediate & effective results.

Locations in

Norwalk & Trumbull

203-216-2548 AcupunctureHealingCT.com Call for free consultation

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Rejuvenation and Healing

Self-Sufficiency

America’s Best Community Garden Cities We don’t have to live in a rural area or even the suburbs to be a farmer these days. According to the Trust for Public Land, the 10 best cities for homegrown veggies from urban gardens are Seattle, Washington (a P-Patch program provides 68 gardens for residents throughout the city); Portland, Oregon (its Produce for People program donates fresh produce to local hunger agencies); Long Beach, California (growing anything from sugar cane and lemongrass to sunflowers and tomatoes); St. Paul, Minnesota (17 community gardens—half run by nonprofits and half open to rent); Honolulu, Hawaii (1,254 plots for public use); San Jose, California (19 community gardens on 35 acres); Baltimore, Maryland (community gardens cover 11 acres throughout the city); Washington, D.C. (a Master Peace Farm program tends area gardens and mentors budding veggie growers at an adjoining middle school); Anchorage, Alaska (a city goal is enabling residents to work together in harmony); and Louisville, Kentucky (Brightside’s community garden program, established 19 years ago, currently manages 10 of Louisville’s 16 gardens).

These gardens not only extol the virtues of fresh, local and often organic foods, they also bring communities together. Some produce food for those in need, others have youth programs and some have even been credited with reducing local crime rates. Many community gardens accept new members in the fall; visit acga.LocalHarvest.org to find one nearby and reserve a space.

• Immune strength • Gastrointestinal health • Detoxification • Healthy weight • Increased vitality • Hormonal support • Mental clarity, neurotransmitter and mood balance

Debra Gibson, N.D. 100 Danbury Road Suite 102 Ridgefield CT

203.431.4443

debragibsonnd.com

Relax, Enjoy &

Let Your Spirit Shine Thru

Source: TheDailyGreen.com

We offer a variety of healing modalities including:

Homegrown Access

Creative Paths for Local Food Sourcing Entrepreneurs are creating novel ways to circumvent the commercial food system that ships food, in or out of season, for hundreds or thousands of miles at the cost of quality and too often, accountability. Re:farm Denver, in Colorado, for example, supplies families with everything they need for backyard gardens, from irrigation systems to seeds. In 2013, 200 families participated.

Cottage food laws allow artisans to sell breads, jams, candy and other foods made in home kitchens. While specific restrictions vary, 42 states have some type of cottage law. Beth-Ann Betz, who bakes sweets in her New Hampshire kitchen, says, “It gives me the option to be independent and self-employed at 66.”

At the Community Thanksgiving Potluck, in Laguna Beach, California, dinner is shared, not served. For 25 years, those with homes and without, single people, families, city council members and the jobless have gathered to share food and community for the holiday. “It’s a wonderful chaos,” says Dawn Price, executive director of the nonprofit Friendship Shelter.

At Bottles Liquor, in West Oakland, California, a banner reads “Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Available Here.” Bottles is a member of the Healthy Neighborhood Store Alliance, an effort of the nonprofit Mandela Marketplace to bring pesticidefree produce to corner stores throughout the neighborhood.

Source: Yes magazine

Over 25 years providing expert naturopathic solutions for:

• Meditation Classes • Intuitive Sessions • Reiki • Tai Chi • Rising Star For more info on classes, workshops and events please call, click or email us!

Kindred Spirits A Center for the Mind, Body & Soul New Location in REDDING, CT JTKindredspirit@aol.com

203-938-3690 KindredSpiritsCenter.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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globalbriefs Looming Law

International Pact Could Lower Food Protections The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is the largest global trade pact to be negotiated since the inception of the World Trade Organization. Many details remain a mystery and negotiations are being conducted in secret. Leaked drafts of its provisions indicate that the TPP would give multinational corporations the power to sue countries, states, counties or cities in order to negate laws specifically designed to protect citizens, such as bans on growing genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Corporations would be allowed to resolve trade disputes in special international tribunals, effectively wiping out hundreds of domestic and international food sovereignty laws.

The TPP would require countries to accept food that meets only the lowest safety standards of the collective participants. If enacted, consumers could soon be eating imported seafood, beef or chicken products that don’t meet basic U.S. food safety standards, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would be powerless to stop imports of such unsafe foods or ingredients. Plus, the labeling of products as fair trade, organic, country-of-origin, animal welfare-approved or GMO-free could be challenged as barriers to trade.

Opposition has grown, thanks to petitions by members of the Organic Consumers Association and other groups. More than 400 organizations, representing 15 million Americans, have petitioned Congress to do away with accelerated acceptance of the measure without full debate.

For more information, visit OrganicConsumers.org and search TPP.

Farm Relief

FDA Wakens to Local Needs Small farms, farmers’ markets, local food processors and community food banks have been given a reprieve, because on December 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to take a second look at proposed new laws that would have put many of them out of business. The new rules, proposed under the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), came under fire from consumers, farmers and others with voices that were heard.

The FDA said its “thinking has evolved,” and “…significant changes will be needed in key provisions of the two proposed rules affecting small and large farmers. These provisions include water quality standards and testing, standards for using raw manure and compost, certain provisions affecting mixed-use facilities and procedures for withdrawing the qualified exemption for certain farms.”

Source: TheDailyGreen.com

Portland on Tap City Voters Reject Fluoridation Again

Portland, Oregon, residents have rejected a plan to fluoridate city water for the fourth time since 1956, making it the largest city (pop. 900,000) in the United States without fluoride in its water supply. In the 1950s, cities throughout the U.S. championed water fluoridation as a way of fighting tooth decay, but the effort backfired when a condition called fluorosis emerged, which ironically is characterized by tooth enamel discoloration and erosion.

Anti-fluoride forces say that water treatment is not the key to better dental health for children. Fluoride Action Network Executive Director Paul Connett, Ph.D., has a better idea.

“We urge the legalization of dental therapists in Oregon who will treat the low-income children dentists refuse to treat.”

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Fairfield County Edition

(203) 268-2922 • (203) 353-9576

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March 2014

21

KES

Kmar Educational Services, Inc.

Personal and Business Reinvention www.kmareducation.org

KES Educational Services, Inc. provides a full menu of services for individuals who understand the necessity of personal growth investment in order to be competitive in this world. It is not about how much you know, it is about how, when, what, and where you have applied your Knowledge and Skills Set and the moment of truth: The RESULTS. Being self-employed for over 30 years, I can say I learned a lot about myself, people, business, behavior, and situations. But what comes to mind today is finding and working with your ‘inner’ voice.

Yes, I am very, very intuitive. When I was about 12 years old, I helped my Dad in his side job, delivering organic soap products to clients’ homes. I took pride in helping him because he taught me to be on my ‘toes’, to focus, and move in a speedy manner. Some clients lived in apartment buildings, which meant ringing the doorbell, walking up six to eight flights of stairs, greeting the customer and collecting the money, and returning in a quick manner to the delivery van my father had parked on the street.

What impressed me as a child were the various smells of people’s homes and I could pick up immediately what the ‘atmosphere’ was in that home. Of course, nobody ever talked about that and I never brought it up.

Much later in life when I entered the intangible financial world as a Finance Broker, it became second nature to analyze conversations and various personalities, and I was forced to learn how to listen.

That was the first step. Without that step, you can’t hear a thing and you are suffocating your inner voice. Well, my livelihood depended on it so I learned quickly, being kicked in the teeth a few times by a seasoned individual.

I understand and work with my inner voice today, always… it speaks the truth. Just ask a question and you will get the answer to what you need to know. It might not come that instant, but it will come. It is about cultivating your inner voice, which guides you through life.

Trust it and do not ‘override’ it.

Mariette Kammerer

lifechanges with mariette

2014 Monthly Conscious Living Events Sponsored by KES FREE to the Public Wednesday, March 26, 2014 6:30 - 8�� “Enhance Your Wellness With Color Therapy In Your Home and Office” Art Exhibit by Arthur Gerstein Artist and Reiki Master/Energy Healer At: Norwalk Public Library 1 Belden Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850

Thursday, March 27, 2014 6:30 - 8�� “Balance Your Energy, Balance Your Life” $20 Dr. Constance Greene “Crystals, Colors, and Their Impact On Your Life” $20 Arthur Gerstein, Artist and Reiki Master/Energy Healer www.ArtEnergyHealing.com At: The Natural Healing Center 121 West Main Street, Milford, CT 06460 www.thenaturalhealingcenter.org

RSVP Required for All Events

203-505-3660

Visit www.kmareducation.org for more event information.

To book a private consultation with Mariette call 203-505-3660

Join Mariette on the Radio Every Tuesday From 9 - 10 PM

Life Changes with Mariette is about conquering adversity in life, learning from setbacks, and making changes. Our focus is on: Change, Health and Wellness, Personal Growth, Career, and Taking Action. Featuring great local and national professionals and experts who have the skills to connect with people.

New on Lifechanges! “happyhour on air” March 18, 2014 9-10 ��

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Healthy Food at the Front Door

Mike’s Organic Delivery

A growing trend is the ringing of a doorbell heralding the arrival of healthy food. In addition to the convenience and time savings, having a grocery delivery van make roundtrips to and from multiple customers’ doorsteps generates far less emissions than traditional shopping. Home deliveries of local and organic fresh fruits and vegetables have customers clamoring for more.

After serving most of the New York metro area for more than a decade, online grocer FreshDirect (FreshDirect. com) began delivering in the Philadelphia metro area in October 2012 and expanded to other parts of Pennsylvania, plus New Jersey and Delaware, last fall. “Our hyper-local, farmto-fork food systems result in healthy relationships between consumers, food and farmers,” says David McInerney, cofounder of FreshDirect. The company also supports hunger organizations and provides nutritional counseling.

Planet Organics (PlanetOrganics.com) serves the San Francisco Bay area. Beginning last fall, Instacart partnered with Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Costco to begin delivering food to homes in 13 neighborhoods in Chicago. Beginning in Colorado, where it’s based, Door to Door Organics (DoorToDoorOrganics.com) now provides its service in Michigan, plus metro areas of Kansas City, Chicago and New York. Green BEAN Delivery (GreenBeanDelivery.com), based in Indianapolis, now also delivers organic and sustainable foods in Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and most recently, St. Louis, Missouri.

Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks (FreshPicks.com) taps into 100plus farmers within a day’s drive of its Niles, Illinois, center, to serve the Chicago and Milwaukee metro areas. “We’re able to concentrate on reaching people of all incomes and get deep into the communities,” says co-owner Shelly Herman. The eight-year-old company also partners with community groups, food pantries and schools.

Going a step further, other companies are delivering prepared healthy meals. In one example, Power Supply (MyPowerSupply.com) recently partnered with Mindful Chef to foster this connection with 50 yoga and other fitness facilities, as well as other businesses in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

43 Sterling Rd • Greenwich 203-832-3000 • Mike@MikesOrganicDelivery.com MikesOrganicDelivery.com Food-related business summary and/or services offered: Mike’s Organic Delivery is a home delivery service connecting small local farms with consumers. Each week, we go to 15 different small, local, certified organic/sustainable farms and pick up fruits, veggies, meat, cheese, eggs and honey, which are then delivered to the doorsteps of our customers.

What drew you to this work as a profession? We love what we do! We get to work with amazing farmers who grow the best local food and bring it to people in their homes each week. We even provide recipes for everything we deliver!

Areas of specialty: We specialize in organic/sustainable produce. We focus on convenience, incredible customer service, big smiles, amazing food and goodness.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what changes do you have planned for 2014? We have grown so much over the last four years! We just bought a warehouse and are now able to bring this sensational food to more people than ever before. The farmers are so happy and so are we.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your business? We want you to know that sourcing food from small local farms doesn’t have to be difficult. We are the bridge between you and small, local, sustainable farms. We are here to make you happy and healthy… and bring you yummy food!

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Fresh Food Trends Natural Trailblazers in Sustainable Eating

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

Food experts have listed local, regional and sustainable foods among the top food trends for 2014. Consumers’ heightened environmental awareness and their love for fresh flavors are responsible.

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here’s even a new term, “hyperlocal”, to describe produce harvested fresh from onsite gardens at restaurants, schools, supermarkets and hospitals—all designed for sourcing tasty, nutrient-rich foods minus the fuelguzzling transportation costs. Adding emphasis to the need to preserve vital local food sources, the United Nations has designated 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming.

Here are four thriving food trends resulting from shifts in Americans’ thinking and our growing love for all things local.

Foraging

What could be more entertaining and economical than searching for and gathering wild foods in their natural habitat?

From paw paws and persimmons in Missouri to palmetto berries in Florida and 24

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seaweed in California, Mother Nature provides a feast at her children’s feet.

Commonly foraged foods include nuts, mushrooms, greens, herbs, fruits and even shellfish. To learn how to identify regional native wild foods and cash in on some “free” nutritious meals, foragers need to know where and when to harvest their bounty. Conservation departments and state and national parks often offer helpful field guides and recipes.

Jill Nussinow, also known as The Veggie Queen, a registered dietitian and cookbook author in Santa Rosa, California, characterizes foraging as “nature’s treasure hunt.” Nussinow says she forages for the thrill of it and because, “It puts you very much in touch with the seasons.”

On her typical foraging excursions through forests and on beaches, Nussinow notes, “You never know what you

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might find: mushrooms, berries, miner’s lettuce, mustard pods or sea vegetables.

It’s free food, there for the picking.”

However, she warns, “You have to know what you are doing. Some wild foods can be harmful.”

For example, Nussinow advises getting to know about mushrooms before venturing forth to pick them. She recommends the book Mushrooms Demystified, by David Arora, as a learning tool, and checking with local mycological associations for safe mushroom identification. She also likes the advice of “Wildman” Steve Brill, of New York City, who publishes educational articles at Wildman SteveBrill.com. “He knows more about wild foods than anyone I know,” she says.

Vermont wildcrafter Nova Kim teaches her students not only how to identify wild edibles, but also how to harvest them sustainably. It’s critical to make sure wild foods will be available for future generations.

Fermentation

Kefir, kimchi, kombucha and sauerkraut all owe their unique flavors to fermentation. Sandor Katz, author of The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes From Around the World, is a self-described “fermentation revivalist”. He explains how microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria that are universally present on raw vegetables and in milk, transform fresh food into preserved sustenance.

Katz recalls how his boyhood love for sour pickles grew to an “obsession with all things fermented.” An abundant garden crop of cabbage left him wondering, “What are we going to do with all that cabbage?” The answer came naturally: “Let’s make sauerkraut.”

Subsequently, Katz has become an international expert on the art and science of fermentation from wine to brine and beyond, collecting recipes and wisdom from past generations (WildFermentation. com). He observes, “Every single culture enjoys fermented foods.”

Increasing respect and reverence for fermented foods and related communities of beneficial microorganisms is a new frontier in nutrition and medical sciences. For example, several researchers at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting

Top 10 Food Trends for 2014 1 Locally sourced meats and seafood

2 Locally grown produce 3 Environmental sustainability 4 Healthful kids’ meals 5 Gluten-free cuisine 6 Hyperlocal sourcing

(e.g. restaurant gardens)

7 Children’s nutrition 8 Non-wheat noodles/pasta

(e.g. quinoa, rice, buckwheat)

9 Sustainable seafood

10 Farm/estate-branded items Source: Restaurant.org

last fall in Houston, Texas, described the connections between the trillions of bacteria living in the human gut, known as the “microbiota”, and mental and physical health. Kelly Tappenden, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition and gastrointestinal physiology with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, explained that gut bacteria play a variety of roles, including assisting in the digestion and absorption of nutrients; influencing gene expression; supporting the immune system; and affecting body weight and susceptibility to chronic disease.

Feed Matters

The popular adage, “We are what we eat,” applies to animals, as well. New research from Washington State University shows that organic whole milk from pasture-fed cows contains 62 percent higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional, or non-organic, whole milk. The striking difference is accounted for by the fact that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s national organic program legally requires that organic cows have access to pasture throughout the grazing season. The more time cows spend on

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high-quality pasture, which includes grass, legumes and hay, the more beneficial the fats will be in their milk.

On the other hand, when ruminant animals, designed to graze on pasture, are fed a steady diet of corn and soy, both their milk and meat contain less beneficial fat.

According to Captain Joseph Hibbeln, a lipid biochemist and physician at the National Institutes of Health, American diets have become deficient in omega-3 fatty acids over the past 100 years, largely because of industrial agriculture. Hibbeln believes that consuming more omega-3s may be one of the most important dietary changes Americans can make to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health and enhance children’s brain and eye development, including boosting their IQs.

Coldwater fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines provide excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Plus, dairy and meat from animals raised on pasture can improve our intake, as well.

Hyperlocal Superstars Food Corps is a national nonprofit with a mission to improve school food and thus children’s health and lifelong potential. Active in 15 states, it places teams of young teachers in limited-resource communities to establish school gardens, provide food-based nutrition education and supplement school meals with garden fresh produce.

Visit FoodCorps.org.

Faith

How might eating with the “creation” in mind influence food and agriculture trends? Barbara Ross, director of social services for Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri, believes, “People’s common denominator is that we are all part of and integral to the creation.” She considers how “Food, agriculture, environment and economy are bound together in a way

that requires we think, plan and act for the dignity of each person and the common good of the human family.”

Ross explains that the choices we make in these vital areas affect the richness of our soils, the purity of our air and water and the health of all living things.

Marie George, Ph.D., a professor of philosophy at St. John’s University, in Queens, New York, agrees, “The serious ecological crises we see today stem from the way we think,” and “reveal an urgent moral need for a new solidarity” to be better stewards of the Earth and its creatures. For example, George sees it as contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer; that’s why she opposes gestation crates and the push for cheap food that exploits animals and the environment in the process.

Kelly Moltzen, a registered dietitian in Bronx, New York, shares a passion for addressing food justice and sustainability from her faith-based perspective of Franciscan spirituality. She believes that, “When we connect our spirituality with the daily act of eating, we can eat

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in a way that leads to a right relationship with our Creator.” By bridging spirituality with nutrition and the food system, Moltzen hopes to raise awareness of how people can care for their body as a temple and live in right relationship with the Earth, which she perceives as “the larger house of God.”

Fred Bahnson, director of the Food, Faith and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is the author of Soil and Sacrament: A Spiritual Memoir of Food and Faith.

His book takes the reader on a journey to four different faith communities— Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal and Jewish—to explore connections between spiritual nourishment and the cultivation of food. Bahnson speaks about sacred soil and the communities of mystical microorganisms that lie within and create the foundation for sustenance.

He also describes the special power of communal gardens, which welcome all and provide nourishing food, yet come to satisfy more than physical hunger.

Regardless of religious denomination, Amanda Archibald, a registered dietitian in Boulder, Colorado, believes, “We are in a new era of food—one that embraces and honors food producers and food systems that respect soil, environment and humanity itself.”

Melinda Hemmelgarn, aka the “food sleuth”, is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and radio host at KOPN.org, in Columbia, MO (FoodSleuth@gmail.com). She advocates for organic farmers at Enduring-Image.blogspot.com.

Garden as though you will live forever. ~William Kent

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Being the Change Fairfield County Residents Work to Improve Food Choices

by Nicole Miale

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here is mounting evidence that much of the food widely available in the U.S. food supply is questionable in nutritional value at best and toxic at worst. This food is mainly developed, manufactured and sold by agri-business and approved by government regulators charged with keeping us safe. Concerns over the quality and long-term effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and new understanding about the systemic physiologic effects of both natural and artificial sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup and aspartame add up to a distressing effect when it comes to feeling good about food. This is further compounded by increased concern about grain processing and the ongoing controversy about the use of antibiotics in animals destined for slaughter. The problems are big; these are systemic 28

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and pervasive issues being uncovered and investigated.

As history has proven, even in the face of large, institutional challenges, one person can make a significant difference. This is evidenced by the ripple effects from individual whistleblowers’ exposing unsafe, inhumane or illegal activity in the food supply industry, as well as farmers and consumers who rigorously defend their right to be free of GMO seeds. In Fairfield County, we have many such “one persons” who have begun initiatives, created companies and launched educational foundations based on their concern for what is happening and the need to make meaningful change in whatever way they can. Their individual experiences and work are not related but they share a common cause and motivation: improving the health and wellbeing of

natural awakenings

people by raising the quality bar for the food we prepare and eat. Instead of letting the problems get them down, they are holding the torch high for others to follow. Here are their inspiring stories about being the change they want to see in the world.

Eat Well Ridgefield

Ridgefield nutrition therapist Meredith Mulhearn had not even launched her business, Cucumber and Chamomile, when the idea for her initiative to take the guesswork out of healthy dining in Ridgefield restaurants began. “Eat Well Ridgefield was born of a conversation with a client when I was finishing my training,” Mulhearn said. The client’s concern was that she could control the health of her food when she was at home, but it was harder to know what to order when out to eat, since ingredients and preparation were a mystery. A mom who was tired of having nothing healthy to order for her daughter from the kids’ menus, Mulhearn was intrigued and motivated to consider this topic on several levels.

“My goal from the beginning was to make it very easy for health-conscious individuals in Ridgefield to take their families out to dinner and support healthier eating for the whole family,” she said. “I had a grand vision of making Ridgefield a destination for people to come to for healthy food in Fairfield County.”

Eat Well Ridgefield, which is completely free to restaurant participants, and has been pro-bono work on Mulhearn’s part for the past year, does not espouse to be a “diet” or lifestyle guide. “It’s not low fat and it’s not low carb,” she said, citing two popular but scientifically flawed diet strategies.

“This does not take calories into consideration. This is about educating restaurants about universal food preparation recommendations and adjustments, which will make their overall offerings healthier, no matter who eats them.”

These include Mulhearn’s primary list of qualifications: whole foods, not processed or canned, organic and non-GMO where possible, no refined sugar and selection of appropriate oils for preparation of dishes to diminish

concerns about potential carcinogenic effects. Even healthy fats like olive oil, she explains, can become toxic if they are heated too much. A restaurant switching from olive oil to grapeseed oil or coconut oil, which have higher smoke points, would be making a significant difference to the healthy quality of their dishes, even with no other changes, Mulhearn said.

She has collaborated with town leadership and numerous restaurants along the way and it has not been an easy road. Her vision was to have a decal on the window of each participating restaurant and an icon on the menu items which met the Eat Well Ridgefield criteria, so diners would know those items were healthier choices. It surprised Mulhearn that this was been one of the biggest hurdles; restaurants were concerned the Eat Well Ridgefield icon would signal that the other meal items were in fact, unhealthy. Mulhearn said people know better and understand health is a relative and comparative term. “If someone is in the mood for a burger, they’re going to order a burger and they’re not going to care whether it

has an Eat Well Ridgefield icon next to it or not,” she stated.

Cost has also played a factor in the slower-than-expected uptake of the project. “The biggest concern by far for the restaurants is the potential price difference, because at the end of the day, for the restaurants it is about making money and earning a living,” she said.

“But the reality is that the health-conscious diner in Ridgefield knows and expects to pay a little more. We’re talking a matter of a few dollars per meal.

I think they will spend that if given the choice. I know I would.”

Mulhearn has a few success stories with coffee shop Tusk & Cup on the Ridgefield-Wilton border and longtime Ridgefield staple Early Bird Café, which recently added gluten-free bread options and quinoa selections to their menu. Eat Well Ridgefield has been adjusted to a blog format, with Mulhearn offering insights about specific Ridgefield restaurant’s offerings in a “here’s what I would order” kind of way. She is disappointed the program didn’t take off the way she’d hoped, but is pragmatic and still hopeful that her efforts have

not been in vain. “It takes time to make these kinds of changes and I get that,” she said. “It requires that restaurants develop confidence in this partnership, and sometimes that only comes with time.”

Everyone Deserves an Allergen-Free Cupcake

Like so many great ideas, Izzi B’s Allergen-Free Bakery in Norwalk was conceived initially through necessity and forced change. Owner Pam Nicholas was already a seasoned chef and baker when her daughter Isabella B (Izzi B) turned one and was found to have an allergy to eggs. With the big birthday party looming, unsatisfactory box mixes not fitting the bill and the “need” for cupcakes her daughter could enjoy sparking her creative culinary juices, Nicholas began to experiment.

“A cupcake should be great,” she said.

“I vowed to myself at that point that I was going to make the most delicious allergen-free cupcake.” As that process began, Nicholas began to hear from other children’s parents about a growing list of allergens to be avoided: milk,

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nuts, fruit and soy wheat, to name a few. That’s when she realized her daughter’s allergy might be pointing her down a path toward a new business.

True to the original mission now as its namesake turns eight years old and no longer has an egg allergy, Izzi B’s many products are free of gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, all nuts and casein. There are no preservatives or trans-fats and no refined sugar. They are vegan and kosher-certified as well as celiac friendly. All ingredients are either all-natural, organic or Fair Trade.

All food colorings are made of natural derivatives of plants.

Developing a bakery with baked goods meeting the above criteria was not an easy task, even for Nicholas, who is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and had previously opened and run restaurants all over the country. “There were so many allergens to think of and so many ingredients I hadn’t used much before, especially in combinations,” she said. She noted that baking is an exact science, so there was a lot of trial and error along the way.

She wanted to accommodate every-

one’s needs (including people who just care about what they eat - even sweet treats) and developed her recipes so those following vegan and low-sugar diets can enjoy her cupcakes too. They contain mostly organic ingredients such as organic sweet potatoes and butternut squash, organic palm fruit shortening in frostings, organic cocoa, organic evaporated cane juice and organic agave nectar.

Nicholas said people are surprised when they taste the cakes and then hear the ingredient lists. “They always ask what the secret is,” she said. “It’s simple; you can have great food that is good for you too. I use great ingredients and I cook them with love. That’s the secret.”

Izzi B’s Allergen-Free Bakery is a wholesale bakery that does not have a retail storefront but fills individual preorders daily with pick-up by appointment or hand delivery.

The bakery also supplies frozen and freshly baked cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, cookies and more to retail establishments in Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester Counties as well as

New York City. Individual pre-orders may be shipped to customers across the country right from the bakery.

A Man with a Nutritional Literacy Mission

Westport’s Craig Gordon, founder and director of non-profit educational foundation Nutrition and Education vs.

Addiction and Disease (N.E.A.D.), is a man on a mission. Nutritional illiteracy is his target and, for more than 30 years, he has taken aim and fired at cultural behavior that may create addiction and disease and misleading labeling.

According to Gordon, the word “natural” should be seen as a red flag when selecting food these days. His advocacy for change stemmed from intensely personal motivation after life-changing and eye-opening experiences. In Gordon’s case, his mother and a former girlfriend were addicts – food, drugs, and alcohol – and his experiences with them shaped his future. “I was fortified with the knowledge and incentive that would come to fuel my life’s passion and mission,” Gordon said. “I turned pain into

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purpose and began gathering and studying research…I had to take action.”

What he learned led him to create N.E.A.D. and start delivering presentations at schools, churches, rehab centers, prisons and Connecticut’s court-mandated probation and DUI programs. Gordon explained N.E.A.D.’s mission this way: “We seek solutions for and promote open, informed debate about society’s nutritional choices.” Using humor and creative, non-threatening means such as banner signs, magnetic car bumper signs, T-shirts, workbooks and other items with stirring or confrontational messages, Gordon regularly attends community health and wellness events to educate, inspire and motivate others to join the cause.

N.E.A.D. often cites a link between poor diet, excessive sugar consumption and progression to addiction and disease in its literature. Conventional scientific evidence is inconclusive in terms of proving a direct causal link between the various illnesses but what is known and ongoing research findings about nutrition and sugar’s addictive and moodaltering qualitiesare validate the path Gordon is highlighting and working to steer others away from.

“People think that because they shop at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, the food and drinks they get must be healthy,” Gordon said. “But nothing could be further from the truth.

Those stores have some great foods. And they also have some foods which are loaded with sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which is the first step for many people on the path to addiction and pain.”

Gordon and N.E.A.D. are actively seeking community volunteers and sponsors to support and expand their efforts.

Recent and upcoming meetings with such organizations as Hippocrates Institute and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine give Gordon hope that times may indeed be changing, along with hearts, minds and eating habits.

Local Farm-Fresh Food on the Doorstep

Mike Geller didn’t realize spending two months in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana would forever change his relationship with food, but it did. The time away from “civilization” led him to question not only what he was eating, but HOW it was grown and WHERE it was coming from. It didn’t make sense that vegetables in Botswana would taste better than those purchased at Whole Foods but he couldn’t deny what his taste buds and body told him. When he came back, Geller became a student of not only healthy eating but learning how food is grown, where the seeds come fromand how food is raised, packaged, shipped and displayed. He immersed himself in the culture of sustainable farming and agriculture in the Northeast. That was the origin of Mike’s Organic Delivery, based in Greenwich and now serving parts of Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

“Food tastes better when it is fresh,” said Geller. In addition to years of marketing, advertising and event management experience, he brings to his now 4-year old business a lifelong interest in cooking, gardening and fine dining.

“Mike’s Organic Delivery is a bridge between the small, local farmers of the Northeast and individual families.”

Several times a week, Geller and his team make trips

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to local farms, pick up the freshest produce and meat and deliver orders to customers’ doors, complete with recipe ideas to guide consumers about how to use unfamiliar items from their baskets. The produce, meats and eggs picked up

by Geller are the freshest items available that day at each individual farm, ensuring the highest quality and flavor of the goods.

“Knowing where your food comes from and how it was raised are two of the most important parts of healthy eating,” Geller said. “We have close relationships with some of the best, brightest and most reputable small organic/local farms in the Northeast… All produce is chosen according to what is in season and freshest the day that we go to the farm.”

Geller is dedicated to being part of the local community.

His first employee, Chris Kimball, went to the same high school and is a true ambassador of the Mike’s Organic mantra of “Great Food. Great Service. Big Smiles.” Geller said, “Chris has become a huge part of what we do, he shares our philosophy of doing things the right way and going above and beyond for our customers.”

The company operates year-round and customers can order weekly deliveries or sign up for full season packages.

In most cases, Geller said, vegetables go from being in the ground to a customer’s door within 24 hours. There is a minimum order of $50 for deliveries and the company currently offers delivery to these areas in Fairfield and Westchester Counties: Greenwich, Riverside, Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Rowayton, Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport, Chappaqua, Rye, Harrison, Larchmont, Scarsdale,

Armonk, Bedford, Mamaroneck, Mt Kisco, Valhalla, Eastchester, Hawthorne, New Rochelle, Tarrytown and Irvington.

If you live outside of these areas but are close by, please inquire, as the company is adding new areas to its delivery routes. “Be a locavore…support your local farmers by eating food grown or raised no more than 100 miles away,” Geller said. “It’s better for you and better for the environment…plus it just plain tastes better!”

Local Resources Eat Well Ridgefield Meredith Mulhearn • Cucumber and Chamomile Ridgefield • 203-403-7007 CCNutritionTherapy@gmail.com CucumberandChamomile.com Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery Norwalk •203-810-4378 Pam@ibcakes.com • IBCakes.com Mike’s Organic Delivery Greenwich • 203-832-3000 Mike@MikesOrganicDelivery.com MikesOrganicDelivery.com N.E.A.D. Craig Gordon 203-981-3222 • NEADusa.org

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nutritionprofiles

Izzi B’s Allergen Free Bakery 2 Knight St • Norwalk 203-810-4378 Pam@ibcakes.com • IBCakes.com

Eliana Grübel, C.H.C. Board Certified Health Counselor Newtown • 203-559-8946 ElyGrubel@gmail.com • ChefElyGrubel.com Food-related business summary and/or services offered: I am a health coach and personal chef that provides ‘’clean food.’’ I use food that is free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, preservatives and hydrogenated oils and work with organic, locally grown vegetables when possible. The meat/poultry are from animals raised humanely, without steroids, growth hormones and/or animal by-products.

What drew you to this work as a profession? I love to shop for the best ingredients available, creating nutritious dishes full of flavor.

Areas of specialty: I received my training as a health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, learning to combine traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA food pyramid, glycemic index, Zone and raw foods. I studied over 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques and coaching methods. I am board certified/accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and a Culinary Business Academy graduate.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what changes do you have planned for 2014? My Clean Gourmet Food products, prepared at Sticks and Stones Farm´s commercial kitchen, are currently being sold at Fairfield and Easton/Weston’s Winter Farmers Markets and Ridgefield’s Organic & Specialty Market as well as several upcoming Spring/Summer markets. I am looking to expand to retail stores with home delivery along Fairfield County’s shoreline.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your business? In addition to my product line, I also offer my expertise as a personal chef to those interested in following Dr. D’Adamo’s Blood Type/Genotype Diet.

After more than 13 years, this is the one diet I find works well for my clients and for myself. See ad, page 31.

When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.

~Wayne Dyer

Food-related business summary and/or services offered: We are a dedicated allergenfree facility (NO nuts, gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, artificial colors or flavors) that is also vegan Pam Nicholas and koshercertified and mostly organic. We sell to the public by pre-order for shipping, pick up with appointment or delivery. We also sell wholesale to stores.

What drew you to this work as a profession? I am a professional chef by trade but when my daughter was diagnosed with an egg intolerance, I realized how many people had dietary restrictions (food allergies/intolerances and lifestyle choices) so it became my mission that “Everyone Deserves a Treat.”

Areas of specialty: Allergen-free and healthier sweet treats that include cupcakes, custom cakes, pies, chocolates, cookies, muffins, cake pops and more.

How has your work/business evolved and/or what changes do you have planned for 2014? I started out just with 2 flavors of cupcakes but there was a demand for more. In the future, we plan on a baking party space, retail storefront(s), more outreach to let people know about us and more stores to find our products in.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about you and your business? All of the above mentioned and that we feel that it is important to show people that with great quality ingredients and lots of love, healthier treats are possible!

eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

33

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healthykids

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

by Pamela Bond

I

n recent years, Pediatrician William Sears has seen many more cases of asthma and eczema in his San Clemente, California, office. Dairy and wheat remain the biggest culprits, but experts believe new factors may be contributing to the rise in food sensitivities, including synthetic additives like partially hydrogenated oils, artificial colors and flavors and sweeteners, plus genetically modified ingredients.

Often undiagnosed and untreated, food intolerances can cause long-term tissue damage, warns Sears, author of The NDD Book, which addresses what he calls nutrient deficit disorder without resorting to drugs. Increasingly, kids are developing formerly adult-onset diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, cardiovascular disease and acid reflux, he says.

If it seems that a child is having a dietary reaction, first look for clues. “A lot of parents already suspect the answer,” says Kelly Dorfman, a licensed nutritionist dietitian and author of What’s Eating Your Child? Become a “nutrition detective”, she suggests. Here’s how to assess conditions and find solutions.

Spitting Up

Suspects: Intolerance to casein—a protein prevalent in dairy cow milk different from its form in breast milk that can get into mothers’ milk or formula— tends to irritate an infant’s gut lining, causing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and then chronic ear infections or constipation, says Dorfman.

Action: Remove dairy from the baby’s and nursing mom’s diet for at least a week. For formula feeding, choose a brand made with predigested casein or whey. To heal baby’s damaged intestinal

lining, give 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) daily of probiotic bacteria, mixed in a bottle or sprinkled on food.

Chronic Diarrhea

Suspects: Intolerance to gluten (a protein in wheat and other grains) or lactose (dairy sugar). Diarrhea, the gastrointestinal tract’s way of eliminating problematic substances, plus gas and bloating, often accompany these intolerances. Lactose intolerance is usually a root cause and is present in nearly everyone that’s gluten intolerant, Dorfman says.

Action: Get a blood test to check for celiac disease, then eliminate gluten for at least a month. Although the diarrhea could end within a week, “You need a few weeks to see a trend,” counsels Dorfman. Consume fermented dairy products like cheese and yogurt, which have low lactose levels; cream dairy products may also test OK.

Chronic Ear Infections

Suspects: Dairy intolerance and for many, soy sensitivity.

Some research has shown that 90 percent of kids with recurring ear infections or ear fluid have food reactions, corroborated by Dorfman’s patients.

Action: Quit dairy and soy for several months to verify a correlation. Dorfman recommends eliminating soy milk, soy yogurt and tofu, adding that ultrasensitive individuals may need to avoid processed foods that contain soy byproducts.

and chronic headaches to ADHD and coordination loss.

Action: Eliminate gluten for a month to assess a potential connection between mood and food, possibly signaled by excessive eating of a certain food.

Stunted Growth

Suspects: Gluten sensitivity or zinc deficiency. Because gluten intolerance interferes with nutrient absorption, suffering kids often fail to thrive. “Small size—height or weight—is a classic symptom of celiac disease,” Dorfman advises.

Zinc could be another factor; it normalizes appetite and through its relationship with growth hormones, helps the body develop. If levels are too low, growth will be abnormally stunted. In such cases, a child may rarely be hungry, be a picky eater or complain that food smells or tastes funny, Dorfman says.

Action: Eliminate gluten consumption for a month. A blood test by a pediatrician can determine serum zinc levels, or buy a zinc sulfate taste test online. After sipping a zinc sulfate solution, the child will report either tasting nothing (indicating deficiency) or a bad flavor (no deficiency). Zinc-rich foods include beef, chicken, beans, pumpkin seeds, cashews and chickpeas. To counter a deficiency, ask a family healthcare provider for an age-appropriate supplement dose.

Pamela Bond is the managing editor of Natural Foods Merchandiser.

Itchy Skin

Suspects: Reaction to gluten, casein (in dairy products) and eggs plus oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, strawberries and pineapple.

Action: Because itchiness can suggest a histamine response, ask an allergist for an IgE radioallergosorbent (RAST) blood test to detect food sensitivities.

Hyperactivity

Suspects: Sensitivity to artificial colors or sugar. According to Sears, children’s underdeveloped blood-brain barrier increases vulnerability to the neurotoxic effects of chemical food additives, including artificial colors and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Action: When possible, buy organic foods certified to contain no artificial colors. Otherwise, scrutinize food labels for the nine petroleum-based synthetic dyes in U.S. foods: Blue 1 and 2, Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3 and 40, Yellow 5 and 6. Avoid ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, fructose, cane sugar and syrup—all added sugars.

Crankiness

Suspects: Gluten sensitivity is traditionally associated exclusively with digestive disturbances, but some recent studies have linked it to neurological symptoms, from moodiness

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Fairfield County Edition

Superherbs Four Plants that Fight Off Disease

by Kathleen Barnes

Mother Nature’s most potent healing herbs are already on most spice racks or growing nearby, often right outside the door.

H

erbs, respected for their healing properties for millennia, have been widely used by traditional healers with great success. Now clinical science supports their medicinal qualities.

Pharmaceutical companies routinely extract active ingredients from herbs for common medications, including the potent pain reliever codeine, derived from Papaver somniferum; the head-clearing antihistamines ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, from Ephedra sinica; and taxol, the chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat several types of cancer, including breast cancer, from Taxus brevifolia. These are among the findings according to Leslie Taylor, a naturopath and herbalist headquartered in Milam County, Texas, and author of The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs.

Even among an abundance of healing herbs, some stand out as nature’s “superherbs” that provide an array of medical properties, according to Rosemary Gladstar, of Barre, Ver-

natural awakenings

mont, the renowned author of Herbal Remedies for Vibrant Health and related works. Two of these, she notes, are widely considered nuisance weeds.

Plantain (Plantago major): Commonly used externally for poultices, open wounds, blood poisoning and bee stings, it also helps relieve a wider variety of skin irritations. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, this common “weed” fortifies the liver and reduces inflammation, which may reduce the risk for many kinds of chronic diseases. At least one study, published in the journal Planta Medica, suggests that plantain can enhance the immune system to help fight cancer and infectious diseases.

“Plantain is considered a survival herb because of its high nutritional value,” advises Gladstar, who founded the California School of Herbal Studies, in Sonoma County, in 1978. A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirms it’s an

excellent source of alpha-tocopherol, a natural form of vitamin E and beta carotene that can be used in salads for those that don’t mind its bitter taste.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Like plantain, dandelion is one of the most powerful medicinal herbs on the planet. “Dandelion is revered wherever you travel, except in the United States, where it is considered noxious,” observes Gladstar.

Americans should reconsider their obsession with eradication. Dandelion root is an effective treatment against several types of cancer, including oftenfatal pancreatic and colorectal cancers and melanoma, even those that have proven resistant to chemotherapy and other conventional treatments, according to several studies from the University of Windsor, in England.

Traditionally part of a detoxification diet, it’s also used to treat digestive ailments, reduce swelling and inflammation and stop internal and external bleeding.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric gives curry powder its vibrant yellow color. “Curcumin, turmeric’s most important active ingredient, is a

wealth of health, backed by substantial scientific evidence that upholds its benefits,” says Jan McBarron, a medical and naturopathic doctor in Columbus, Georgia, author of Curcumin: The 21st Century Cure and co-host of the Duke and the Doctor radio show.

Several human and animal studies have shown that curcumin can be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, both in prevention and to slow or even stop its progress. One Australian study showed that curcumin helps rid the body of heavy metals that may be an underlying cause of the memory-robbing disease. Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that curcumin helped dissolve the plaques and tangles of brain material characteristic to Alzheimer’s.

Curcumin is also known to be effective in lessening depression and preventing heart disease, some types of cancer and diabetes, says McBarron.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Primarily used for its considerable antiinflammatory properties, ginger makes a delicious and healing tea and an enticing spice in a variety of dishes. This herbal

powerhouse has at least 477 active ingredients, according to Beyond Aspirin, by Thomas M. Newmark and Paul Schulick.

Considerable research confirms ginger’s effectiveness against a variety of digestive problems, including nausea from both morning sickness and chemotherapy. Research from Florida’s University of Miami also confirms its usefulness in reducing knee pain.

“Ginger is a good-tasting herb to treat any type of bacterial, fungal or viral infection,” says Linda Mix, a retired registered nurse in Rogersville, Tennesse, and author of Herbs for Life!

The health benefits of these four vital herbs are easily accessed by growing them in a home garden or pot or via extracted supplements.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of Rx from the Garden: 101 Food Cures You Can Easily Grow. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Note: For referenced studies, check the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

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consciouseating

Savoring More Healthy Pizza Gluten-Free Options for Conscious Pizza Lovers

by Ariana Rawls Fine

W

ith growing demand for healthier pizza and glutenfree options in particular, national chains and local restaurants are striving to fill a new product need.

Celiac disease, a genetically-based autoimmune disease, affects 1 out of every 133 people in this country, according to The Center for Celiac Re-

search and Treatment. It is believed the disease is twice as common as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis and ulceric colitis combined. Gluten sensitivity, although less severe, can still cause a variety of different gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms, which often remain undiagnosed or even reported.

It is estimated that 6 percent of the

U.S. population or 18 million people suffer from the sensitivity. With these statistics in mind, it is encouraging to see the list of gluten-free menu options growing. For those suffering from gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, this budding pizza sub-industry can be a way to enjoy the nation’s favorite take-out food. For others trying to live a healthier lifestyle or lose weight, the question becomes whether a glutenfree pizza actually is a better option.

“People assume that gluten-free is better for weight loss but they can be compensating for the taste with other things and possibly eating more caloric food. Gluten free is not a diet; it is for reducing inflammation in the body,” states Meredith Mulhearn, a nutrition therapy practitioner and owner of Cucumber and Chamomile in Ridgefield. She recalls with amusement an experience she had in high school while taking a nutrition class. The instructor informed her that pizza was a complete, balanced meal because it contained grains, dairy, protein and vegetables. Now, looking back, Mulhearn finds it troubling that regular pizza was once thought to be wholesome and nutritionally sound.

Understanding what is in a pizza and, specifically in this case, a glutenfree pizza, is key to eating a healthier pie. As Mulhearn indicates, all glutenfree pizzas are not created equal. In most cases, it is better from an antiinflammatory perspective but can be higher in calories and fat with possible increased sugar levels. Many places are substituting rice flour for wheat, but rice can be as over-processed as wheat flour, with a lack of whole grain

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Fairfield County Edition

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This budding pizza sub-industry can be a way to enjoy the nation’s favorite take-out food.

is actually gluten-free because some toppings may include items that do contain gluten.

Ariana Rawls Fine is Assistant Editor for Natural Awakenings Fairfield County. She resides in Stratford with her family.

For more information, GlutenFreeRegistry.com

Local Resources Savor Healthy Pizza 430 Main Ave., Norwalk • 203-939-1666 SavorHealthyPizza.com Meredith Mulhearn • Cucumber and Chamomile Ridgefield • 203-403-7007 CCNutritionTherapy@gmail.com CucumberandChamomile.com Still Riding Pizza 877-638-1683 • StillRidingPizza.com Coalhouse Pizza 85 High Ridge Rd, Stamford • 203-977-7700 CoalhousePizza.com

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and nutritional value. She suggests trying to find better alternatives such as nut flours, which are higher in protein, or other whole grain flours. Although whole grain, gluten-free oats are a great alternative, it is important to note that most oats do have potential gluten cross-contamination during growing or processing.

Many people do not tolerate gluten well even if they don’t have a defined sensitivity. At Savor Healthy Pizza in Norwalk, co-owner Rex Bobi reports that at least 30 percent of the restaurant’s customers are requesting gluten-free pizza, entree and wrap options. These are handmade daily on the premises using separate workspaces, ovens and utensils with natural and organic ingredients from environmentally-conscious vendors and local farmers. Gluten-free options for pizza include brown rice/flaxseed and grain-free almond/flaxseed dough. Due to the high demand, the restaurant also offers unbaked, prepared pizzas for customers to bake or freeze at home.

Still Riding Pizza, a Connecticut-based gluten-free pizza, pasta and breadcrumb supplier founded in 2010, has filled a need for local restaurants to have gluten-free pizza options without needing to adhere to the stricter preparation standards. The company’s New York-style, par-baked crust, made using bean, rice and tapioca flour, among other ingredients, is made at a dedicated gluten-free facility certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization and then delivered to local establishments. “When we partner with your local restaurant or pizzeria, the result is a delicious and safe solution for celiacs and others who avoid wheat and gluten, but still want to eat real pizza,” states the company. Many Fairfield county pizzerias offer the Still Riding gluten-free pizza crust. There are resources to help consumers find gluten-free friendly businesses, including the Gluten Free Registry.

A common complaint regarding gluten-free foods and pizza, in particular, is the need to sacrifice taste for this healthier option. “They have to come and try it. I love for my product to do the talking. I see customers licking their fingers when they are done,” Savor’s Bobi expressed. To add to both the taste and the nutritional value, Mulhearn encourages customers to ask which vegetables and other additions are actually fresh or organic versus canned or packaged. Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford proudly sources most of its vegetables from local farms and other restaurants should be willing to divulge similar information about where their ingredients come from.

Asking questions about what is actually in the glutenfree pizza and what has been used in place of the wheat is important to keeping this potentially healthier pizza option healthy. Those needing or wishing to avoid gluten completely should also inquire whether the pizza as a whole

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39

greenliving

Food Revolution in a Tank Aquaponics Offers Year-Round Homegrown Fish and Veggies

by Avery Mack

P

icture a salad of mixed lettuces or romaine accented with microgreens and ripe, red tomatoes alongside an entrée of tilapia, complemented by a dessert of fresh strawberries—all organic, eco-friendly and freshly harvested, even in the middle of winter. The ingredients for this meal don’t have to travel many miles to reach the table—they can be found just several feet away, thanks to aquaponics.

“Aquaculture is fish farming, hydroponics is soilless gardening,” explains Becca Self, executive director of educational nonprofit FoodChain, in down-

town Lexington, Kentucky. “Aquaponics is a mutually beneficial blend of the two.

Our indoor aquaponics system produces about 150 pounds of fresh tilapia every month, plus nearly 200 pounds of lettuces, herbs and microgreens.”

FoodChain, which shares production space in a former bread factory with Smithtown Seafood and West Sixth Brewing, hosted 2,000 guests and was the destination for 54 field trips last year by farmers, church groups, Rotary clubs and students of all grade levels.

The seafood restaurant’s website notes, “We can step outside our back door

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

into the farm for our superfood salad greens, herbs and tilapia.”

FoodChain is also finding a way to use waste grain from the microbrewery as fish food. According to brewmaster Robin Sither, the grain is free of genetic engineering, but not organic. He notes that it’s rare for a brewery to use organic grain.

The general hydroponics concept dates back to ancient practices in Chinese rice fields, Egyptian bottomlands flooded by the Nile River and Aztec floating gardens perched on low rafts layered with rich bottom muck. By the early 20th century, chemists had identified solutions of 13 specific nutrients which, added to water, could entirely substitute for fertile soil. That’s when William F. Gericke, Ph.D., of the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, took the science of hydroponics into commercial production.

“In today’s space-efficient, closed, recirculating aquaponic systems that combine fish tanks and plant troughs, fish waste provides fertilizer for the plants, while the plants clean the water for fish,” says Gina Cavaliero, owner of Green Acre Aquaponics, in Brooksville, Florida. The 2013 Aquaponics Association Conference, in Tucson, Arizona, reported that aquaponic plants grow faster and offer higher yields, plus the sustainable technology recycles 90 percent of the water.

In Denver, JD Sawyer, president of Colorado Aquaponics, operates a 3,000-square-foot farm in a food desert neighborhood (without easy access to fresh, healthy, affordable food). Koi, tilapia and hybrid striped bass fertilize romaine, bib lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, chives and strawberries.

Other crops include tomatoes, peppers, yellow squash and root vegetables like beets and carrots. Tilapia and bass sell to the community and restaurants; koi are used in livestock ponds.

Sawyer remarks, “An aquaponics system can be indoors or out, depending on the climate, for commercial use or in the home. The basement, garage or a spare room is ideal for growing your own food.” Home garden sizes range from a 20-gallon aquarium to a 10-by-20-foot area.

Avery Ellis, an ecological designer and permaculture specialist in Boulder,

“We like to use heirloom varieties; we don’t want just pretty plants that have diluted flavor. Butter lettuce is the tilapia of plants—it’s easy to grow for a good yield.” ~ Erik Oberholtzer, Tender Greens restaurants Colorado, builds dynamic, living, nonconventional systems. “The temperature in most homes is near 70 degrees, an ideal temperature for a tropical fish like tilapia,” he says. “A 50-gallon fish tank, a 50-gallon storage bin and a timer to feed the fish automatically and supply light can be a self-sustaining system.”

Outdoors, a greenhouse or geodesic dome can house the system. “A harmonious balance maintains itself, and we enjoy maximum yields from little labor,” says Ellis. He reflects that the solutions for feeding the world exist if we just open our eyes to what needs to be done. For those that don’t care to harvest and clean fish, decorative koi species work well.

Erik Oberholtzer, founder and owner of Tender Greens restaurants, which sources from nearby southern California farms and is exploring ways to install an aquaponics system in each of its restaurants, explains, “The world is suffering from a loss of growing habitat, genetically modified seeds and global warming. Aquaponics enables growers to stay ahead of climate change, making it the future of sustainable farming.

It’s an ethical way to make quality food healthy, affordable and profitable.”

Aquaponics methods deliver fish free of mercury and genetically modified fish food, plus the freshest vegetables possible, all without the worry of weeds, rabbits, insects, suspect fertilizers, toxic herbicides and pesticides. A home aquaponics system can be one of the best green investments to make in 2014. According to Oberholtzer, “Eating this way should not be a luxury.”

Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect via AveryMack@ mindspring.com.

Aquaponics Advantages 4 Enthusiasts can start small 4 No soil is needed 4 No fertilizer is needed (provided by the fish) 4 No toxic pesticides 4 Uses 90 percent less water than conventional methods 4 Plants help filter indoor air 4 Pests and diseases are easier to spot for treatment 4 Growing basil helps repel pests 4 Operator controls nutrition levels at less cost and waste 4 No nutrients pollute the larger environment 4 Stable, high yields of organic produce and safe-fed fish 4 Year-round production from indoor systems 4 Easy to harvest; fish harvesting is optional 4 Aesthetic enjoyment

Sources: Wikipedia.org, IntegratedAquaponics.net

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. ~Walt Disney

203.548.7785 eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

41

wisewords From “Why Me?” to “Thank You!”

Wayne Dyer on the Value of Hard Lessons

by Linda Sechrist

A

fter four decades teaching selfdevelopment and empowerment and authoring more than 30 bestselling books, Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., shares dozens of events from his life in his latest work, I Can See Clearly Now. In unflinching detail, he relates vivid impressions of encountering many forks in the road, from his youth in Detroit to the present day, and reflects on these events from his current perspective, noting what lessons he ultimately learned.

What has writing this book taught you and how can it help others better understand their own lives?

My biggest lesson was that our whole life is like a checkerboard. When I looked back on my life, I began to realize this and gained an awareness

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of the fact that there’s something else moving all of the pieces around. The key to attracting this mystical guidance into your life is to start with awareness that all things are possible and to forget about yourself. When you get your ego out of the picture, your inner mantra isn’t, “What’s in it for me? and “How much more can I get?” Instead, when your inner mantra is, “How may I serve or what may I do for you?” and you practice consistently living this way, you attract this mystical guidance.

I have found that the more I do this, the more these miracles show up.

There are 60 chapters in the book.

Every time I finished one, I would think: “Now I can see clearly why I had to go through all of these experiences and learn all these lessons.” As a result, I suggest that whenever something happens that leads you to ask, “Why is this happening to me?” shift instead to the awareness that all experiences, no matter what, are gifts.

You describe the influential patterns and motivators in your life as diamonds and stones; how would you characterize your childhood years in foster homes?

I can now see that spending the better part of my first decade in a series of foster homes was all a part of God’s infallible plan for me. I believe I was in a type of training camp for becoming

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. ~Wayne Dyer a teacher of higher spiritual and commonsense principles.

If I was going to spend my adult life teaching, lecturing and writing on self-reliance, then I obviously needed to learn to rely upon myself and be in a position to never be dissuaded from this awareness. What better training ground for teaching this than an early childhood that required a sense of independence and need for self-sufficiency? Now that I know that every encounter, challenge and situation is a spectacular thread in a tapestry, and that each represents and defines my life, I am deeply grateful for them all.

Each of us has a mission of some kind to fulfill at the moment we make the shift from nowhere to now here, from spirit to form. I’ve seen firsthand how this universe has a creative source of energy supporting it that is literally the matrix of all matter. Nothing occurs by happenstance anywhere, because this universal mind is perpetually on call, going about its miraculous ways in terms of infinite possibilities.

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What can you see clearly about your role as a parent?

I’ve watched my eight children show up from birth with their unique personalities and blossom into their own awakenings. I know for certain that the one Divine mind that is responsible for all of creation has a hand in this engaging mystery. Same parents, same environment, same culture and yet eight individuals, with their own distinctive character traits. Khalil Gibran stated it perfectly in The Prophet: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.”

Each of my children had their blueprint from God. My job has been to guide, then step aside and let whatever is inside them that is their own uniqueness steer the course of their lives.

What has your life taught you about prayer?

I feel that the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi says it best: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is darkness, let me bring light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.” The masters I’ve studied pray to become more godly, more like where we originally came from.

My prayer is always, “Help me to remind myself to get rid of this ego and to be like You are. Help me to be my highest self, the place within that is God.” Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer.

Visit ItsAllAboutWe.com for the extended interview.

RHUBARB AND OAT MUFFINS (Makes 1 dozen)

Chunks of fresh rhubarb, rolled oats and sunflower seeds are folded into the creamy batter for these snack muffins.

Gluten free and lightly sweet, they’re a hit with adults and kids alike.

1 cup lowfat buttermilk 3/4 cup sugar 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly 2 eggs, separated and divided 2 cups gluten-free oat flour 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats 1/2 cup raw, unsalted sunflower seeds 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 1/2 cup (1/4-inch) chunks rhubarb (about 7 ounces)

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 12-muffin tin with oil. (Batter will reach the top of the muffin tin. If your tin runs on the small side, make 16 muffins instead.)

• In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sugar, butter and egg yolks until well combined. In a second bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sunflower seeds, baking soda and salt, and then stir into buttermilk mixture, just until combined.

Stir in rhubarb.

• In a clean, large bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whites into batter and then spoon evenly into the muffin tins. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

43

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter CliNiC iS a high quality, low CoSt Spay/Neuter CliNiC.

Tired of unwanted litters?

Need to get your pet fixed, but not sure if you can afford it?

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic can help!

Call 203-690-1550 for an appointment.

Nutmeg SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC

www.nutmegclinic.org 25 Charles Street, Stratford, CT 06615

44

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

petbriefs DAWS Plans 40th Anniversary Making a Difference Ball The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

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he Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is celebrating forty years with its 40th Anniversary Making a Difference Ball fundraiser. Taking place on April 12 at 6pm, it will be held at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction will be followed by dinner, live auctions, live music and dancing. The annual event will also honor the Hill family, founders of Canine Company.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in their community and beyond by promoting responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals and working toward ending animal overpopulation through education and a variety of programs.

For more information, visit daws.org. Individual tickets are $150/person with tables and sponsorship packages available. The DAWS deadline for companies interested in sponsorship possibilities is March 9.

Power of Pets celebration at ROAR with Laughter

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News, articles, resources, events… all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered, and scaled animal companions.

For information on how you can be a part of a future issue, call

203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

he Power of Pets celebration at ROAR with Laughter, which took place February 22 at BMW of Ridgefield, was a sold out event. This year, the event honored Tom Reynolds, the 2014 ROAR Community Star Award recipient, and The Ridgefield Press, the 2014 ROAR Community Business Award recipient.

Stand-up comedian Robin Fox and the J and B Jazz Trio entertained guests while they enjoyed dinner and drinks and silent and live auctions. ROAR, founded in 2005, has placed almost 4,000 neglected and unwanted cats and dogs in homes throughout Ridgefield and surrounding towns. The organization is also a presence in schools at all levels, sharing information about the rewards and responsibilities of pet ownership, and working with student groups in developing ways to “give back” to animals in need.

For more information, visit Roar-Ridgefield.org.

Since 2008, we have rescued more than 1000pure and mixed breed dogs and cats from death row and placed them in foster and forever homes!

We are a foster-based, no-kill rescue dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, neglected, and abused animals by providing a safe refuge, rehabilitation, and permanent homes.

Please

ADOPT • FOSTER • DONATE • VOLUNTEER www.TheLastResortRescue.com • TheLastResortRescue@gmail.com The Last Resort is a 501(c) non-profit, volunteer-run organization. eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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naturalpet Chemicals Harm Pets, Too

he nationwide health epidemic of chronic diseases afflicting the human population is also showing up among companion animals. According to a report by the Environmental Working Group, pets, like a canary in a coal mine, may be the environmental sentinels that are now signaling a clear connection between disease and manmade chemicals.

In a study that analyzed blood samples of dogs and cats, 48 of 70 industrial chemicals and pollutants were traced, many recording levels that were substantially higher than previously reported in national studies of humans. Dogs displayed double the concentration of perfluorochemicals (used in stain-proof and grease-proof coatings); cats evidenced 23 times the concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) fire retardants and 5.4 times the amount of mercury.

PBDE levels in hyperthyroid cats have been linked to eating canned cat food and to the increased use of PBDEs in consumer products during the past 30 years. In humans, high levels of flameretardant chemicals are implicated in endocrine disruption, Type 2 diabetes and thyroid disease.

Suggestions for minimizing exposure include avoiding chemicalladen household cleaners, furnishings and carpet; drinking carbon-filtered water; steering clear of food and beverage containers made from or lined with plastic (including cans); and eating organic produce and free-range meat.

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Fairfield County Edition

Dog Scouts of America Dog Troops Also Earn Badges and Go to Camp

by Sandra Murphy

Scouts, badges, troops and summer camp—they’re not just for kids anymore. Dog Scouts of America is a new twist on tradition that is fun for all ages.

D

ogs, their owners and the larger community all benefit when a pet earns the basic Dog Scout certification badge. Any dog can participate, as long as he’s well-behaved.

To qualify for the initial badge, he must be able to heel without pulling, greet a person calmly, meet another animal without overreacting and to see food and leave it alone. The test criteria are similar to that used for the Canine Good Citizen certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Tests can be videotaped if there’s no organization evaluator in the area.

Once the dog’s earned the basic Dog Scout badge, the rest of the badges are optional, depending on how involved human-canine pairs wish to get. Instead of pursuing a particular sport or activity, scouting allows the dog to dabble and find what he likes best. Distinctive badges can be earned in separate ability levels including obedience, community service, trail work, nose work, water sports, pulling, herding and lure coursing (a performance sport first devel-

natural awakenings

oped for purebred sighthound breeds).

Handlers can also earn badges in canine care, first-aid and sign language. All training is based on positive behavior and reinforcement on everyone’s part.

“We don’t want dogs to be an accessory or a lawn ornament; they are part of the family, and a lot of fun, besides,” explains Dog Scouts president Chris Puls, of Brookville, Indiana. “As trainers, we have to figure out how to communicate with another species.”

Most members engage in scout activities with more than one dog.

Requirements for operating a troop are flexible, but holding four meetings a year is recommended. Meetings don’t have to be formal—a group hike in the woods counts. Other activities may include backpacking, biking, camping and treasure hunts like letterboxing and geocaching.

If Sparky would like to try flyball, (timed relay races with balls) or treibball (urban herding of Pilates balls), but has no opportunity for these pursuits on his home turf, summer camp is a good

photo by Dog Scouts of America

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photo by Dog Scouts of America photo by Martha Thierry

forum to investigate lots of options.

Weekend camps are held in Maryland in July and Texas in November. Weeklong camps are held in Michigan in June and July.

“Many people bring more than one dog to camp,” says Allison Holloway, who works in financial account services for the U.S. Department of Defense, in Columbus, Ohio. “I take six dogs with me and each has his or her favorite activity, which I like, because it’s too much for one dog to go from early morning until late at night. New members often say they come to camp just for the fun and camaraderie, but they usually end up collecting badges like the rest of us. It’s a great reminder of what you and your dog did at camp together.”

One of Holloway’s dog scouts has special needs. Lottie Moon is a double merle, all-white, Australian shepherd that doesn’t let being deaf or blind slow her down. Last year she surprised her owner by earning an agility badge at camp. “I think she sees shadows and movements. I place a dowel rod in front of the jump and she knows that when she touches it, it’s time to go airborne,”

says Holloway. “Lottie inspires and motivates me.” Holloway received the Dog Scout’s 2013 Excellence in Writing Award for her blog at Lottie-SeeingInto Darkness.blogspot.com.

Many Dog Scout troops serve their communities to show how dogs can

and should be integrated into daily life.

In Wyoming Valley, near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Phyllis Sinavage, office manager for a wholesale distributor, reports on recent activities conducted

by Troop 221. “We’ve donated oxygen masks for pets to local fire departments and emergency services. We raise funds to buy them and also have oxygen mask angels that donate the price of a mask in memory of a pet. One third grade class raised enough money to purchase two masks after we visited and did a bite prevention class.”

The Dog Scouts of America Hike-a-Thon, in May, is the nonprofit organization’s annual fundraiser, open to everyone willing to ask friends and family members to pledge funds for distances walked. It’s a good way to partner with the dog for quality outdoor time, spread the word about Dog Scouts and enjoy the spring weather.

Learn more and join with others for a troop experience at DogScouts.org.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

Bout ique Dog Resort & Spa

WHOLISTIC PET SERVICES

Boarding, Daycare and Grooming Training, Socialization and Long Trail Hikes Holistic Nutrition and Remedies Cooking Lessons and Catering

203-542-0910 www.wholisticpetservice.com loukia @ wholisticpetservice.com Wholistic Pet Services-K9 Resort & Spa eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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The “Healthy” Truth About Canned and Dry Foods

by Robert Goldstein VMD and Susan Goldstein

O

ne of the most commonly asked questions we have been asked by pet parents over the past 40 years is whether canned or dry food is better for dogs and cats.

Taking food out of the equation for a moment, the critical question is really what the health goals are for individual animal. The underlying motivation of concerned pet parents is consistently whether food plays a role in providing a high, day-to-day quality of life and increased longevity for their animal.

Dry foods are usually more economical and convenient, do not require refrigeration, help exercise the jaw muscles and are more calorically dense. However, they are unnaturally low in moisture (about 10 percent) and lower in protein and are cooked and dried at high temperatures for sterilization purposes. Cooking diminishes the active levels of vitamins, minerals and enzymes and the protein and fats’ nutritional qualities. Dry foods also tend to require added preservatives as compared to canned food.

Canned foods are higher in moisture (close to 70 percent) and protein, making them generally more palatable and easier to digest. Because of the canning process, preservatives are not required and the food is generally more natural. On the other hand, canned foods are cooked at high temperatures to destroy potential bacteria and patho-

gens, having a similar adverse nutritional affect on the ingredient quality as dry food. Once opened, canned foods require refrigeration and per feeding are generally more expensive than dry, especially for large breed dogs.

According to the Association of Animal Control Officials (AAFCO), commercially-prepared pet food must meet or exceed the published Nutrient Profiles for Dogs and Cats to be accepted as a complete food. Dry and canned food are evaluated through a chemical lens, which sets the required amount of protein (amino acids), fat (Omega-6 fatty acid), fiber, moisture, minerals and vitamins in the pet food.

However, the food’s biological value (defined as its nourishing health benefits) is not part of this chemical lens and is noticeably omitted from this evaluation. A better way to evaluate a food may be through a biological lens taking into consideration the life force, nutritional balance, quality and conscious raw ingredient sourcing along with the AAFCO chemical requirements.

The pet food industry is currently undergoing a positive transformation and companies are taking the lead by producing more biologically-adequate dry and canned foods. As an example, Blue Buffalo keeps their vitamins and minerals outside the cooking process with their Life Source Bits, allowing them to retain their full nutritional

value. Origen is sourcing a variety of raw ingredients from local farms and offering a range of protein similar to what wild dogs and cats would find in their environment. Many other enlightened companies are also following this path, including using human-grade and organic ingredients.

The first step to a new world of pet food requires a conscious effort to consider your dog or cat’s individual nutritional needs. Ask if this pet food matches your goals and whether it is producing a good end result. Even if the answer is yes, you can add in the following adjustments to your feeding program for optimal results:

A natural, food-derived, uncooked vitamin mineral supplement that has been appropriately dosed for dogs and cats.

A good quality oil rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, such as those from fish (preferably wild caught) or organic flax, hemp or borage oil.

Finely chopped, preferably raw, organic, colored fruits and vegetables that are loaded with beneficial antioxidants, fibers and phytonutrients, including romaine lettuce, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, cranberries and apples.

Although familiarity breeds comfort and preparing fruits and vegetables may seem like a lot of effort, picture what your life would be like or how you would feel living on heavily cooked food without any fruits or salads. Fresh fruits and vegetables act as a “life force” spark plug for the immune system and you will see the benefits show up in your animal’s health as you do with your own. So break out your food processor and start chopping and adding fruits and vegetables to your pet’s every meal.

Future articles will focus upon the controversies surrounding organic foods, feeding raw, dehydrated, freezedried, enhanced premixes and homeprepared diets.

Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein are the founders and co-owners of Earth Animal in Westport. The Goldsteins are the authors of The Goldstein’s Wellness and Longevity Program and Dr. Bob is the editor and an author of the veterinary textbook, Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practices.

48

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

petresourceguide Adoption/Rescue Animals in Distress Inc. 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com

Bridgeport Animal Control 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727

Bully Breed Rescue P.O. Box 953, New Canaan BBRct@yahoo.com BullyBreedRescueInc.org

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297

Friends of Felines, Inc.

P.O. Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org

Pet Animal Welfare Society Inc. (PAWS)

504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PawsCT.org

Pet Protectors

2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 PetProtectorsRescue.org

Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue

45 South St, Ridgefield 203-438-0158 • Roar-Ridgefield.org

SPCA of Connecticut Inc.

359 Spring Hill Rd, Monroe 203-445-9978 SPCAct.org

Strays and Others

P.O. Box 473, New Canaan 203-966-6556 StraysAndOthers@hotmail.com

Doggie Day Camp, Day Care, Training & Boarding

Pet Food & Health Supplies Earth Animal

606 Post Rd East, Westport 203-222-7173 • EarthAnimal.com

Dog Gone Smart 15 Cross St, Norwalk 203-838-7729 DogGoneSmart.com

Fairfield County’s TOP canine center! We have been serving pet lovers in our area for over 20 years. Our staff consists of dog trainers and animal behavorists who work together to make Dog Gone Smart a loving, safe, fun and happy home away from home for your dog. See ad, page 59.

Passage East Boarding Kennels 499 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-7998 PassageEastKennels.com Passage_East@sbcglobal.net

Passage East has been dedicated to caring for pets for more than 40 years and makes your dog feel like they never left home. Passage East is a full-service dog boarding kennel. We offer daycare services, overnight boarding and full-service grooming.

Wholistic Pet Services Boutique Dog Resort & Spa East Norwalk • 203-542-0910 WholisticPetService.com Loukia@WholisticPetservice.com

Earth Animal has been the pioneer in the natural pet health industry for decades.

The family owned business sells their own veterinarianformulated products for cats and dogs. These include vitamins, organic herbal remedies and a natural flea and tick prevention program. Dr. Bob Goldstein recently partnered with Bell&Evans® to produce a hormone and antibiotic free line of American made chicken treats. Earth Animal also sells raw and dehydrated foods and organic home cooking pre-mixes, plus the best quality treats, bones, toys, leashes, collars, beds, etc! See ad, page 58.

The Honest Kitchen

145 14th St, San Diego, CA 866-437-9729 • TheHonestKitchen.com

The Honest Kitchen provides natural, human-grade pet food products for dogs and cats. Our gourmet recipes are 100% natural and gently dehydrated. See ad, page 61.

Veterinary Services

Wholistic Pet Services is a unique and “boutique” dogboarding and training resort in a private home with a fully fenced and landscaped garden. Furry guests receive good manners training, sleep on cotton sheets and Persian carpets and go for daily socialization and training hikes. Home-made holistic nutrition supplemented by herbal remedies and nutritional advice and cooking lessons available for health conscious dog parents. See ad, page 59.

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic 25 Charles St, Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, highvolume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services only during the spay/ neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/ neuter vouchers at face value from shelters and offers incentives for low-income families and rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome and the clinic offers discounts for feral cats to be spayed or neutered. See ad, page 63.

Tails of Courage

1 Pembroke Rd, Danbury 877-63-TAILS TailsOfCourage.org

Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA)

1 Tower Ridge, Westport 203-557-0361 WestportWASA.org

UNLEASH YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL Fetch new customers by advertising in Natural Awakenings’ Monthly Section Naturally Healthy Pet. eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

49

Coming Next Month

inspiration

Gardening as Spiritual Practice Cycles of Growth Cultivate Our Divinity

Green “ Living G Starts at Home Local natural-health and sustainability advocates show us how.

To advertise or participate in our April edition, call

203-885-4674 50

Fairfield County Edition

by April Thompson

ardening is not about having or taking; it’s about giving,” says Connecticut psychotherapist Gunilla Norris, author of A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul. “And in giving, the garden gives back to you.” She deems the art of practicing gratitude in the garden as an intentional path for cultivating spirituality.“Every day, go out and thank the ground. Life is burgeoning all around us, all the time,” she continues. “If we can just appreciate that, it’s a big deal.”

It’s hard not to be humbled and awed by the miracle of life when we see a seedling push its tiny green head above ground, lean toward the sun and unfurl its first set of leaves. Each bit of plant life is simply fulfilling its mission to grow and be.

“Gardening enhances our relationship to the Earth. Through gardening, we are helping to heal the planet, which is part of the work we are all called to do,” remarks Al Fritsch, a Jesuit priest in Ravenna, Kentucky, and author of the e-book, Spiritual Growth Through Domestic Gardening (free at EarthHealing.info/garden.htm). Over his lifetime, Fritsch has helped turn a parking lot, a section of church lawn, and overgrown bottomland all into thriving gardens. In his view, “It gives us a sense of home, roots us in place.”

natural awakenings

We can even discover our personal calling through cultivating a garden while gleaning endless spiritual lessons: Here dwells patience and an appreciation for the natural order of things; no fertilizer can force a flower to bloom before its time. Here resides mindfulness as we learn to notice changes in the plants under our care and discern what they need to thrive. Here abides interdependence; we wouldn’t have carrots, corn or cherries without the bats, birds, and bees playing in the pollen. In a garden, we naturally accept the cycle of life, death and rebirth as we bid adieu to the joy of seasonal colors and let flowerbeds rest in peace, anticipating their budding and blooming again.

Just as the fruits of growing a garden exceed the doing—the weeding and seeding and countless other tasks—so do the riches of tending a spiritual life surpass the striving. We do well to rejoice in the sacred space created, cherishing every spiritual quality nurtured within and reflected in the Divine handiwork. Breathing in the floral perfume carried by the breeze and reveling in the multi-hued textures of living artistry, we celebrate the fact that we too, are playing our part of the natural miracle of life.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

fitbody

goals. Follow links to motivational photos, low-calorie recipes and athome workouts. Tweeting when feeling the urge to eat virtually guarantees that we’ll receive a helpful response in a minute or two. Twitter chats are also a fabulous way to connect with an established and helpful healthy living tribe.

Tweet those Fitness Goals

Pinterest

A visual smorgasbord of clean-eating recipes, at-home workouts and inspirational photos keeps spirits up. Pinterest accesses photos throughout the Internet that we can grab and “pin” to a personal online vision board. It’s also possible to create a visual cookbook, pinning recipes to, for example, clean eating, Paleo, pumpkin and oatmeal themed boards. It’s fun to connect with our favorite healthy living peeps and start following their boards for continuous injections of inspiration and motivation.

Online Friends Help Us Stay on Track

by Tamara Grand

Instagram

H

umans are inherently social creatures. Most of us enjoy the company of others and spend much of our waking time engaging in social interactions with colleagues, friends and family. People that spend a lot of time together often adopt one another’s eating and exercise habits—sometimes for the better, but often for the worse.

At least one positive side to wishing to conform socially is unexpected.

Finding the right circle of friends—our own personal support group—can make sticking to an exercise schedule or diet easier. It’s a key factor in the popularity of organized weight-loss groups and exercise classes.

Studies published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and the Journal of Obesity demonstrate that just having a weight-loss or fitness support system in place results in better adherence to diet and exercise with more pounds shed and kept off over the long term. Researchers believe that in

addition to the motivation and accountability supporters provide, benefits are also enhanced by learning through observing; changing our behavior through watching the actions and outcomes of others’ behavior.

If we don’t have physical access to a local support group, we can access one online or create our own, using one of the following social media platforms.

Facebook

The leading social networking website includes thousands of community and group pages devoted to weight loss, exercise and healthy living. Its search function helps find one that fits our needs. Make an introduction and join the discussion. Participating in a special challenge helps everyone stay motivated.

Twitter

This micro-blogging site is informal and fast-paced, providing nearly instantaneous feedback. Use Twitter to identify friends with similar health and fitness

Love to take photos using a smartphone?

Instagram provides a platform for sharing snippets of our day via pictures. Fitness fans regularly “Instagram” their meals and workouts, in part to remain accountable to their online followers, but also to help motivate themselves and others to make healthy choices each day.

YouTube

Our go-to resource for music videos is also home to hundreds of healthy living “channels”. Want to follow someone’s 100-pound weight-loss journey, learn how to cook quinoa or follow along with free, at-home workout videos? This is the place. Watch, share and comment on a favorite YouTube video to become part of its online community.

The key to using social media to improve our health and fitness is inherent in the name. It’s a friendly way to interact, participate and engage with others.

Tamara Grand, Ph.D., is a certified personal trainer and a group fitness and indoor cycling instructor in Port Moody, British Columbia, in Canada. Her new book is Ultimate Booty Workouts. She contributes to Life.Gaiam.com and blogs at FitKnitChick.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2014

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NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine Fairfield County Edition natural awakenings

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calendarofevents

Friday, March 7

Magazine calendar events must be received by March 5th (for April issue) and adhere to our guidelines. All calendar submissions must be entered online at eNaturalAwakenings.com click on “submit calendar” at the very top of the page.

markyourcalendar Holistic Stress Management Instructor Certification Workshop

with Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. In association with The Paramount Wellness Institute Four-day Level I Certification Workshop May 1, 2, 3 & 4th, 2014 Hilton Garden Inn, Windsor Locks, CT On or before 3/15/14 Early Bird Tuition Fee $1,495 After 3/15/14 (if available) $1,895

For more information 303-678-9962 Tu/Th afternoons AARP/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance at Norwalk Public Library System – IRS-Certified volunteers provide free state/federal income tax preparation/ e-filing. Through April 15. Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave. Thursday, 2-8pm, Saturday 9am-2pm.

South Norwalk Branch, 10 Washington St, Tuesday, 2:30-8pm, Saturday 9am-2pm. No appointment.

Both husband and wife should be present. Certain forms and personal and financial documents required to process your tax information. 203-899-2780 ext.

15109. Free. NorwalkPublicLibary.org.

Saturday, March 1 Spiritual Psychic Fair – 12-5pm. Come and visit our gifted intuitive readers. Mediumship sessions, tarot and angel card sessions, pendulum readings.

All sessions are 25 mins. Reserve appointments at AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. Walk-ins welcome. $40 and up. 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

CT NOFA’s 32nd Annual Winter Conference – Join gardeners, food lovers, farmers, families, environmentalists, and cooks at our annual celebration of local food and organic farms. Keynote speaker Frederick L. Kirschenmann, a Distinguished Fellow for the for Sustainable Agriculture and President of for Food and Agriculture in. Visit CTNOFA.org. $25-$75. 203-308-2584.

Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 9am-5pm with Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/Teacher Learn Reiki Level 1 in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Includes 4 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate $115+ $10 towards materials. RSVP: 203-852-1150 or AngelHealReiki.com. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@snet.net.

The Edge of Everyday - A Concert with Sandra Bargman –7-8pm. Examines fear of change and acceptance of life’s dichotomies. “The edge” is where resistance meets inevitability. Sandra ex-

plores the tension between these paradoxes with poignancy, comedy and music. $20. 2nd Fl. (above the Ford dealership). 203-855-7922. Office@ UnityCenterPS.org. UnityCenterPS.org.

Sunday, March 2 Mastering the Language of the Soul! With Rev. Thomas Kearns – 1-4pm. An intensive workshop on understanding symbolism in psychic and spiritual readings and dreams. Symbols are used to help unlock our hidden spiritual nature. You can learn to use symbols in psychic and spiritual interpretation. Seminar designed to help the practitioner or student advance in psychic and spiritual development. $40. 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Monday, March 3 Ecotherapy Interest Group – 6-8pm. Meets for Presentation on Medicinal Herbs and Reconnecting Children to Nature. Free. The Graduate Institute. RSVP: 203-874-4252 or OpenHouse@Learn.Edu to.

Tuesday, March 4 Pilates – 9:15-10am. Laura Lehrhaupt is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. She graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is currently in the Immersion Program. She earned her B.A. from Syracuse University. Laura is also a certified Spinning, Kickboxing, Balletone and Pilates Instructor.

She has worked in the wellness field for over a decade. $13/class. $15/drop-in fee. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe.

Wednesday, March 5 Informational Session – 4-6pm. On The Graduate Institute’s MA and Certificate program in Integrative Health and Healing. Free. Special Dining Room.

RSVP: 203-874-4252 or Admissions@Learn.Edu. Healing with the Archangels – 7-9pm. With Robin Tesei of Angel Happiness. Learn about the top 15 Archangels and who to call upon for guidance in your everyday life. Come to this empowering workshop and learn how helpful it is to call upon the Archangels for healing, guidance, abundance and support.

ArcSacredCenter.org for information. $40. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Tpke, Monroe. 203-218-8640.

Robin@AngelHappiness.com. Angelhappiness.com

Thursday, March 6 Healing with Archangels – 6:30pm. With Deana Paqua. Learn to connect with the powerful Archangels in a beautiful, restful and healing Himalayan salt cave. The Archangels are powerful messengers, healers, guides and teachers who can help protect us, guide us, and support us in improving our health, relationships, finances, careers and in manifesting our dreams. RSVP: 203-969-4327.

Reiki Night – 6:30pm. With JoAnn Duncan. Please join us for an Introduction to Reiki and a Spiritual Attunement for balance in 2014. This experience in the will be very special. Learn about this modality for easing discomfort, restoring balance and sustaining health through a refined, ancient art of hands-on healing. RSVP: 203-969-4327.

Saturday, March 8 Sound Healing with Crystal Cymbalogy – 6pm.

Cynthia and Rick help audiences experience their highest vibration by playing original compositions and using a combination of sounds including crystal bowls, drums, cymbals, voice and more. RSVP: 203-969-4327.

Drum Circle – 7-8:30pm. A wonderful meditative/ healing experience for those that have difficulty with traditional methods of meditation. A ceremonial evening you’re sure to enjoy. Come and have fun!

No experience required. Please phone to reserve a drum. $25. Seniors/Students $15. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Sunday, March 9 Chantsformations - A Chant & Meditation Experience – 9-9:45am. With Andrea Rudolph (Jewish Interfaith Minister). A chant & meditation experience with ancient Hebrew, Interfaith and spiritual wisdom. Join us as we gather to contemplate and nurture the Spirit within through the practice of chant & meditation. No prior Hebrew knowledge required. All faiths welcome. Suggested donation: $10. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-257-1009.

Yoga for Golfers – 2-4pm. With Joy LeVine Abrams, MS RYT. This program is designed to: improve swing rotation, strengthen golf specific muscles, deepen concentration, improve balance, control & confidence and minimize vulnerability to injury. Come and have fun! $35 if paid by 3/2/14, $45 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody. 203-254-9642.

Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Charles Sikorski. Charlie is an RYT with Yoga Alliance and certified to teach yoga by Kim Valeri of Yoga Spirit Studios.

The training is Iyengar inspired with a fusion of Kundalini and Surat Shabda Yoga. $13/session or 5/$60, 10/$110, 20/$200. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-414-6790. Cmsjrcpa@ gmail.com. Sikorskihealing.com.

Thursday, March 13 Finger Lakes School of Massage Financial Aid Night – 5:30-7pm. Learn how to fund a massage therapy education with Kate, financial aid coordinator at Finger Lakes School of Massage in Westchester. Info on loans, scholarships, VA benefits or Grants. Free. RSVP: 914-241-7363 x 14. Info: FLSM.com.

Yoga Breathing at Saltana Cave – 5:30pm. With Deanne Mincer. Pranayama (the art and science of the breath) will join with the healing power of the Himalayan salts in this first time class combining both experiences. While resting in the quiet of the cave, Deanne Mincer, a long time teacher of yoga breathing practices, will guide participants in learning how to maximize their breathing for healing and calming. RSVP: 203-969-4327.

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calendarofevents markyourcalendar Awaken Wellness Fair A whole new kind of

Body-Mind-Spirit-Green Expo Sunday March 30 • 10am to 5pm Doubletree Hotel, 455 South Broadway, Tarrytown NY 10591 Speakers, Healers, Vendors and Readers Over 100 exhibitors, 1000 guests!

AwakenFair.com click on “Tarrytown” Exhibitor spots available

Waking Up – 7-8:30pm. With Rev. Chris. Waking up can be hard to do but nothing is more nourishing than like minded people coming together to support, share and empower one another in the name of spiritual awakening. Monthly psycho-spiritual group offers healing opportunities, practical tools, sacred wisdom and group support and sharing. $15 love offering appreciated, no one turned away. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272. Register: ArcSacredCenter@gmail.com. Arcsacredcenter.org.

Saturday, March 15 Rita Berkowitz: Mediumship Workshop – 11am-4pm. Maximize your link to the spirit world.

Develop your connection with the Spirit Communicator. Identify their reasons for contacting us. Students will be encouraged to go further than they have gone before as they learn to give information about a communicator and to work on giving a truly meaningful message. $60. 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Sunday, March 16 Yoga: Blissful Back – 11am-1pm. With Michelle Dalbec. Unwind your entire back from the neck all the way down to the pelvis with this trigger point self-massage session. Using Yoga Tune Up Therapy balls. $35 if paid by 3/6, $45 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody (Annex Location), Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Monday, March 17 Feldenkrais Chair Class – 11am-12pm. With Cathy Paine. This is Feldenkrais specially designed for people who are unable to lie on the floor. Come experience the pleasure of learning how to move with ease and comfort - these small gentle movements

Fairfield County Edition

Tuesday, March 18 I.E.P. Tune-Up-Standards to the Rescue – 7-8:30pm. Bring your child’s I.E.P., a colored pen, yellow highlighter – and your vision for the next 12 months. It’s mark-up time and not too early to plan for, or request, your child’s next P.P.T. Together we’ll align your child’s I.E.P. to ’s recently adopted Common Core State Standards. Presented by Special Education Advocate Linda Talbert. Free. Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge. 203-438-4848.

DrRoseannInfo@att.net. DrRoseann.com.

Wednesday, March 19

Sticks & Stones Farm Ukulele Club – 6-8:30pm.

Come Strum and Have Fun with other lovers of the Ukulele. Uncle Zak “the Uke Guy” will facilitate.

Come prepared to have fun jamming, singing and making music as attendees share knowledge and learn. Uke not necessary but please inform when reserving spot. Donation. RSVP: 202-219-2230.

201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

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will help you sit, stand, stoop, reach, turn, and walk with greater confidence and flexibility. $15/class.

Feldenkrais MoveAbility, Ste 311, 111 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-939-8289.

Open House and Informational Session – 6-7:30pm. On The Graduate Institute’s master’s degree and certificate programs. Free. RSVP: 203874-4252 or Admissions@Learn.Edu. Healing Service – 7:30-8:30pm. A beautiful guided meditation followed by the opportunity to sit with a church designated healer for hands-on shoulders healing. All are welcome to participate in the healing or simply enjoy the meditation and peacefulness of the sanctuary.

Free. 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Thursday, March 20 How to Publish and Distribute Your Book Using Emerging E-publishing Technologies – 7-9pm.

Sponsored by the Master of Arts in Writing and Oral Tradition. Free. The Graduate Institute. RSVP: 203-874-4252 or OpenHouse@Learn.Edu. Lifechanges Networking Circle – 7-8:30pm. With Entrepreneurial Coach + Talent Scout Mariette Kammerer. Discussion: “Increase Your Client Base” and “Increase Your Work Chances.” Ideal for people who have started their own business and others who want to learn how to build an income stream using their talents. Weston, CT. Limited seating. $25.

Register: 203-505-3660.

Reiki Refresher for all levels – 7:30-9:45pm. Reiki Practitioners only. Group class techniques taught to raise one’s reiki vibration. Please bring Reiki Certificates from in person classes. Shared by Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master.

Includes a re-attunement. $38+$8 material Fee. Enter office downstairs in back. Must RSVP: 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReiki.com. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@snet.net.

Saturday, March 22 Yoga: Inversions – 2-4pm. With Lauren Lanham.

Inversions can help improve circulation, calm the brain and elevate mood. Workshop will be a challenging upside down experience to safely learn poses. Practicing Inversions also helps to build core and upper body strength. Prior Yoga Experience is required. $35 if paid by 3/15, $45 thereafter.

Yoga for Everybody (Annex Location), Fairfield. 203-254-9642. Info@Yoga4Everybody.net.

Yoga4Everybody.net.

natural awakenings

markyourcalendar Mastering Marriage Dynamics Thursday, March 12 6:30-8:30pm

Learn the 7 keys to sustaining love and passion. Join us for this fun seminar. $20/ individual • $30/ couple

Glastonbury Riverfront Community Center 300 Welles St • Glastonbury, CT RSVP Required • 860-633-8555 Drum Circle – 7-8:30pm. A Wonderful meditative/ healing experience for those that have difficulty with traditional methods of meditation. A ceremonial evening you’re sure to enjoy. Come and have fun!

No experience required. Please phone to reserve a drum. $25. Seniors/Students $15. Soul Focus,145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Sunday, March 23 Kundalini: An Expression of Wellness – 1-4pm.

With Michelle Pelletier. Join us for a workshop on healing with your Kundalini energy. We will begin by learning to connect your energy body to the earth with grounding. Then use the natural energy of your being to heal, release constriction and empower your body-being communication. Michelle Pelletier is the director of the Center for Psychic Healing. $50. 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch.org. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com.

Spiritual Development Workshop Series with Rev. Mary Yankee – 1-4pm. Eight week journey through the vistas of the Soul. Each week covers a topic of interest, intending to help us inform ourselves and develop our spirituality and our spiritual goals. Classes are part lecture/discussion, part experiential and each class will build off the prior lecture. $250. Class dates are 3/8 & 22, 4/12 & 4/26. 26. Pre-register. $30/session. 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Wednesday, March 26 Finger Lakes School of Massage Open House – 6-8pm- An evening at Finger Lakes School of Massage to learn about their nationally accredited Massage Therapy program. Family and friends are also welcome. Info: 914-241-7363, FLSM.com.

Yoga: Fueling the Creative Fire – 7-9pm. With Kerri Gawreluk. This interactive, multi-part workshop explores the unique dance between practicing yoga and cultivating a creative life. Appropriate for anyone interested in discovering or recovering their creative self. Bring a notebook, all other creative materials will be provided. $21.66/class if paid by 3/5, $28.33 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 63 Unquowa Rd (Annex Location), Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Info@Yoga4Everybody.net. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Friday, March 28 Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 10am-4:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki 2rd Degree in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master. Learn how to send distance Reiki healing, deepen your use of Reiki for others & yourself, including newest information. Receive 2 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate. $215. Enter office downstairs in back. Must RSVP: 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReiki.com. AngelHealReikiGiGiB@snet.net.

Healing Vibrations: A Journey Inward – 7-8:30pm.

Experiential journey inward to lift your spirit and ease your soul. Powerful Reiki healing energy is magnified by the sound waves and vibrations of drums and crystal bowls. Chanting, guided meditation, and messages from angels assist you inward to your own soul. $30. 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Pre-register: Msis@aol.com. ArcSacredCenter.org.

Awaken Wellness Fair – 10am-5pm. Come to the exciting event that offers cutting-edge ways to keep yourself well – in Body, Mind and Spirit! The BIGGEST Wellness Expo Outside of NYC! Compelling speakers throughout the day. Over 100 amazing healers and vendors offering the latest info and products for self care, living green, and living well! Gifted intuitives. Double Tree Hotel, 455 South Broadway. $10/online by 3/27/14, $15/door. 914422-1784. AwakenUsa@aol.com. Awakenfair.com.

Saturday, April 5 Worden Wellness Open House – 10am-3pm. We are moving to a new larger space on the first floor of the same building. A great time for current and new patients to talk with Dr. Worden and explore all of the services that are offered. Brief mini-sessions of

various services. Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation Sessions will be offered for a limited time after the Open House. Organic natural delights will be offered from a local natural chef. Free. Please join us at, 41 Kenosia Ave, 1st Floor, Danbury. 203-244-8801

MONDAY, April 7 Stress Less: An Intro to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program – 6:30-8pm. With Sheila Wall.

MBSR Introduction. Do you want to live a more engaged and balanced life? Mindfulness is learning to pay wise attention to what is happening in the present moment, with non-judgmental awareness.

Introduction is free. Details of 8-week program April 21 – June 9 explained. Register: Smwall@optonline. net or 203-216-6243. SOUND, 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown.

Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. An evening of messages from Spirit and loved ones. Bring questions, receive channeled information specifically geared to you. Receive help in empowering yourself to navigate this lifetime. $40. Private Residence, call or email for information, Monroe. 203-2683262. RSVP: HeartAndHealing@hotmail.com.

GinnyBrown.net.

ongoingevents

Saturday, March 29

Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

AST for Bodyworkers at Finger Lakes School of Massage – 3/29-3/30. Advanced Stretching Techniques (AST) focuses on accessing different muscle groups using a variety of stretches done on clients via the table and floor. 10 CEU credits. Requirement: Licensed Massage Therapist. Sign up: flsm. com under workshops.

Sunday, March 30 Exploring Healing and Spirituality – 1-2:30pm.

With Rev. Jackie Randall. Explore the power of healing and learn about ways to use it in your life. Learn to view relationships using the tools of healing. Understand the relationships between medical caregivers and healers. All are welcome. $20. 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

markyourcalendar REGISTER TODAY!

Don’t miss internationally renowned Reiki Healer & Shaman Walter Luebeck’s

visit from Germany to North Haven, CT May 10-11 Rainbow Reiki 1st Degree ($380, 9am-6pm) May 10 Joint presentation w/Frank Arjava Petter ($50) May 12-13 Rainbow Reiki 2nd Degree ($700) May 13 Magic Drumming Concert w/Walter Luebeck ($10) May 14-16 RR Advanced Metaphysical Healing ($450) Details/register: 860.933.4349

sunday

Chantsformations-A Chant & Meditation Experience – 9-9:45am. With Andrea Rudolph, Jewish Interfaith Minister. A chant & meditation experience with ancient Hebrew, Interfaith and spiritual wisdom. Join us as we gather to contemplate and nurture the Spirit within through the practice of chant & meditation. No prior Hebrew knowledge required. ALL FAITHS WELCOME! Suggested donation: $10. Free – Donations Appreciated.

ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe.

203-257-1009. InTheSpiritOfLife@gmail.com.

InTheSpiritOfLife.com.

Spiritual Sunday Services – 10-11am. Please join us as we build community and celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. A one-hour service followed by community hour from 11am-12pm. The Arc Sacred Center is a non-profit spiritual community center created for the purpose of offering a gathering place for spiritual exploration and teaching, freedom of spiritual expression, and healing for the body, mind and soul. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

Our mission is to help people of all faiths develop self-awareness and inner peace. Everybody is welcome! We do not charge, but donations are encouraged to support our Center. If first time on Saturday or Sunday, arrive 5-10 minutes before start of class.

The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

Interfaith Service Gathering – 10-11am. A community to celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. Followed by a community hour from 11am-12pm. My Little Light Children’s Program is available during the service. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Reiki Volunteers – 10am-12pm. Pledge time to volunteer Sundays at various homes for the elderly and nursing homes in Fairfield and Southbury. Receive credits towards Reiki training. Reiki Overtones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958.

Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports one’s spiritual unfoldment. Great music by award-winning singers. Childcare provided. Fellowship hour after the service. All are welcome. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:30pm. Includes an inspirational talk from caring ministers, guided meditation, time to receive healing energy and spirit messages from those we continue to love.

Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615.

monday Monthly Mutual Support-Alternative Cancer – 10:30am-12pm. 1st Monday every month. Starting monthly mutual support meeting for those choosing to treat our cancer diagnoses alternatively. A happy, positive connection starting. Free. Silvermine Studio, Norwalk. RSVP: 203-847-2561.

Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: physically, mentally and spiritually. $13/session or 5/$60, 10/$110, 20/$200. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-414-6790.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Our mission is to help people of all faiths develop selfawareness and inner peace. Everybody is welcome!

We do not charge, but donations are encouraged to support our Center. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-244-3130.

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Audubon Greenwich & the Fairfield Green Food Guide Present

Sustainable Food & Farm Expo 2014 Sunday, March 9 10 am – 5 pm

Transformation and Healing – 7:30-8:15pm. Rev. Ed O’Malley uses a Shamanic Illumination Process which removes heavy energies from luminous energy fields, returning the body and soul to its initial state of wellness. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Guided Meditation at Sabita Holistic Center – 7:30-8:30pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free.

Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

203-254-2633.

Monday Meditation for Everyone – 7:30-9pm.

This is Meditation Guided imagery for relaxation and stress reduction. It also helps you move forward on your Spiritual path. No experience necessary. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203570-3868.

tuesday

At Audubon Greenwich 613 Riversville Rd • Greenwich Lunches catered by organic restaurants

$15 per person, $20 per couple, $25 per family (does not include lunch)

Tasting/workshop fees: $10 per session per person Our mission is to inform the public about our rich and diverse sustainable food community; engage them with organic farmers and chefs, homesteading experts, artisan food producers and retailers at the marketplace; and educate them through sustainable food talks and tasting workshops.

RSVP: Contact Jeff Cordulack greenwichcenter@audubon.org or 203-869-5272 x239 Fairfield County Edition

monday

Sticks & Stones Farm Expression Mondays – 8-10pm. 2nd Monday each month. Express yourself with dance, music, poetry, in a safe environment on non-judgment, deep listening and community. Discover and share your untapped gifts. $10. Upstairs in “Shoes off” Yoga room, wear comfy socks. Bring reusable cup to purchase tea. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: LeahJoyP@yahoo.com or 203-382-3342.

Carol Lake, an organic dairy farmer and founder of Simple Cheesemaking will be leading a cheesemaking workshop.

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ongoingevents

TLC Monthly Networking Breakfast – 8:30am.

1st Tuesday. A relaxed, supportive community of healthy living professionals. Grab a friend, biz cards and join for a fun morning of connecting. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-853-4852.

Pilates – 9:15-10am. Wth Laura Lehrhaupt, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Laura is also a certified Spinning, Kickboxing, Balletone and Pilates Instructor. $13/class. $15/drop-in. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe. BeWellLaural@ gmail.com. BeWellLaural.com.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm. Our mission is to help people of all faiths develop selfawareness and inner peace. Everybody is welcome!

We do not charge, but donations are encouraged to support our Center. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-244-3130.

Gentle Yoga Class – 6-7pm. Perfect for beginners and people with physical difficulties such as back pain and knee pain. $10. Fairfield County Integrative Family Medicine and Healing Therapies, 2 Corporate Dr, Trumbull. Registration required: 203-445-9060.

BodySmart – 6:15-7:30pm. Semi-private sessions for 2-4 participants. Complete core/body conditioning exercises and stretching utilizing a 9’ floor to ceiling X-Pole. $45/class-discount with 6+ classes

natural awakenings

(pre-registration required). BodySmart, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. Call Lisa for details, additional schedule information and to register: 203-209-7359.

Reiki Shares – 7:30-10pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.

Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher.

For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. Preregister: 203-852-1150.

wednesday Sticks and Stones Farm Restorative Flow Yoga – 9:15-10:15am. With Aga Chapska. Beginners welcome. Bring a mat and water bottle. $15/dropin or $10 with Class Pass (10/classes for $100).

Bring a mat and water bottle. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-559-9656.

Guided Meditation – 1-1:45pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633.

Albertson Church Healing Service – 7-8pm. 3rd Wednesday. Guided meditation, receive healing energy from church-sanctioned healers and the gift of saging. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

203-637-4615.

Journaling with Spirit – 7-8pm. By Rev. Shawn Moninger. Journaling is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get in touch with the highest voice within ourselves. First-time attendees receive a new journal. Love offering. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, Norwalk. 203-855-7922.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Our mission is to help people of all faiths develop selfawareness and inner peace. Everybody is welcome!

We do not charge, but donations are encouraged to support our Center. The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-244-3130.

Journey Within: Do You Feel Stuck? – 7-9pm.

1st Wednesday. Need support trying to begin something new? Support, intuitive insight, wisdom.

Facilitator: Cindy Miller, intuitive. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. Call: 203-426-9448.

Psychic Development Class – 7-8:30pm. Every other Wednesday, begins March 12 for March series of 6 classes. Please bring journal and pen. Reserve a spot at Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel.

203-570-3868. Soul-focus.me.

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. 2nd Wednesday. Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care 156 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Monthly Relaxation Class – 7:30-8:30pm. 1st Wednesday. Reduce stress with Hypnosis by Clinical Hypnotist, Meg Tocantins. Space is limited. $90.

Stamford Healthcare Associates, 1425 Bedford St, 1G, Stamford. Register by texting: 917-292-8115.

Sticks & Stones Farm Improv Workshop Series – 7-9pm. Six sessions, March 5-April 9. Come play games, create characters, and learn the basics of Improv. No experience necessary. Adults only. $80 for series. In the upstairs “Shoes off” Yoga room, wear comfy socks. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

RSVP: LeahJoyP@yahoo.com or 203-382-3342.

thursday Tea & Meditation – 9:30am. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Monthly Tapping Group – 10-11:30am. Last Thursday. EFT together for stress reduction, conflict resolution, abundance, whatever the group dictates.

Free. Darien. Reservation required: 203-202-4174.

Detox With Dr. Dave – 6pm. Join for a discussion on the importance of cleanses, facts on nutrition and supplementation and support for weight loss.

No fee or registration. Osteopathic Wellness Center, 158 Danbury Rd, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-9915.

Reiki Healing/Exchange – 7-9pm. 1st Thursday.

By Gigi Benanti Reiki. All welcome. Love offering.

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. Gigi: 203-852-1150.

Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. Explore topics such as love, trust, permission and forgiveness as tools in navigating through life’s opportunities, losses and changes. Learn how to bring love, life and happiness.

Location given with registration: 203-268-3262.

friday A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am.

Meets bi-weekly in Westport. Facilitator: Henry Grayson, PhD. Free. To reserve seat and for dates/ location: 203-454-1745.

Student Massage Clinic – 11am-1pm. Relax and enjoy a full-body massage at the Danbury Campus public’s Student Massage Therapy Clinic. Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings available. $30/50 minutes. Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute, 24 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury. Call for appointment: 203-748-0052.

Teen Meditation – 5-6pm. This is an enjoyable approach to the understanding of self and how you fit into the world in which you can grow with confidence. Come and explore a guided meditative journey that helps to melt away stress and anxiety.

For teens and up. $15. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plains St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Tarot Friday – 7-9pm. Have fun with Beth with this self-help tool for novices to longtime tarot friends to explore the Tarot or develop a deeper relationship with your cards. $40. TLC Center Norwalk, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. Bring questions, receive channeled information to help understand who you are, why you’ve come to the earth plane and empower yourself with messages from Spirit and loved ones. $35. Private residence, Monroe.

Information/RSVP: 203-268-3262.

saturday

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum.

Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication.

Email copy to NicoleM@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. for rent

Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

Our mission is to help people of all faiths develop self-awareness and inner peace. Everybody is welcome! We do not charge, but donations are encouraged to support our Center. If first time on Saturday or Sunday, arrive 5-10 minutes before start of class.

The Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am-1pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki Practitioners. Register for a free Reiki session. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport.

Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com.

The Universal Reiki Plan – 1:30-4:30pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki practitioners only. Workshop and Reiki Share. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net. ReikiOvertones.com.

Reiki Session – 5-6pm. Offering free Reiki sessions during classes. Students participate as part of class syllabus. 1st reserved. ReikiOvertones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958, ReikiOvertones@sbcglobal.net.

ReikiOvertones.com.

Kirtan with the Bindu Band – 7-9pm. Come join The Bindu Band on their vibrational journey back to the heart. Bring some snacks and beverages to share. Love offerings accepted. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. Register: 203-268-1272.

Open Mic Night – 7-9pm. 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany on the piano. Comedians, poets and writers welcomed as well. $10. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above the Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

Part-time rental space for Holistic health practitioner. Weekday/weekends available. $175 month. Newtown. 203-270-1119.

Rental space available in beautifully renovated holistic arts center. Perfect for holistic health practitioner, arts therapist. Supportive & Healing Environment. Part-time options available. Great location off I-84. Only serious inquiries please. 203-240-8747.

Space Available in small Wellness Center 2-3 days/week in Bethel location in time slots of 4-hr minimum. Open area perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Offices for Reiki, Massage, Counseling and Readings, etc. 203-570-3868.

for SALE Wooded 6 acre prime building lot in gated lake community Woods at Duck Harbor in Equinunk, PA, near NY state border and Honesdale, PA. Lot borders protected PA game land, gorgeous mountain views in fall and winter, walk to lake. Low taxes and maintenance fees. If interested, call 914-763-0464.

HELP WANTED Distributors Wanted for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications.

Perfect for a retired person or stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors - if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply!

Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

PT - APRN - Established Naturopathic practice in Stratford seeks open-minded, experienced nursing professional. Hours and salary negotiable. 203-8744333 or Info@NHAWC.com.

SERVICES Get to the root cause of chronic disEASE. To pill away your symptoms is giving your power away. Challenge your physical, emotional and psychological issues.

Experience the peace within. Call 203-550-5996.

SoundEqualEnergy.com.

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communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide (CRG) in print and online email FFCadvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com to request our advertising rates.

ACUPUNCTURE BREAST THERMOGRAPHY Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, LAc

SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25 year full time practice

31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com

Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad page 27.

Jody Eisemann, LAc

Offices in Norwalk and Fairfield 203-216-2548 • AcupunctureHealingCT.com High-quality acupuncture at the most affordable prices in Fairfield County. 20+ years experience, specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues.

See ad page 18.

ALLERGIES

Dr. Mark Joachim Advanced Certified Practitioner 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com BioSET can eliminate all food and environmental allergies related to behavioral issues, asthma, eczema, headaches, fibromyalgia, sinus conditions, gastric disorders and chronic health conditions. Safe for all ages, without drugs, shots or side effects! See ad page 34.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

Get peace of mind with safe (no radiation), FDA-approved breast cancer screening. 8 years earlier detection vs. mammography.

Certified DITI thermographer.

Conveniently located throughout Fairfield.

Black Rock Holistic Health Center Kristine DeMarco, DC, MS, FIAMA 825 Kings Hwy East, Fairfield 203-333-6544 • DeMarcoChiropractic.com

Kristine M. DeMarco, Doctorate of Chiropractic and founder of the Black Rock Holistic Health Center, has been successfully specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems for over 12 years. She is certified in “Cox Flexion Distraction Technique,” Graston Technique, Applied Kinesiology and Acupuncture. Specializes in disc problems, LBP, neck pain, and musculoskeletal pain.

David Davis, DC

ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Suite D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 • AlbaThermalImaging.com Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, non-invasive, FDA registered.

Fairfield County Edition

X TO RAYS.COM

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 866-XtoRAYS • SuzannePyle@Prodigy.net

CHIROPRACTIC

BioSET Allergy Elimination Program

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As the hormone experts, we specialize in women’s health, natural hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention and thermography utilizing the highest definition camera in the area with interpretations from MD specialists in the field.

Odyssey Chiropractic & Wellness 158 Danbury Rd, Ste 3, Ridgefield 203-431-7779 • DavidDavisDC.com D r. D a v i s h a s p r a c t i c e d i n Ridgefield, CT long enough to enjoy taking care of three generations of families. He remains as committed and enthusiastic as ever in delivering the highest quality chiropractic care. He is equally as passionate when communicating to individuals and groups the transformative power of healthy choices. Dr. Davis offers initial consultations at no charge.

natural awakenings

COLONICS COLONICS

914-921-LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com Experience and personalized service you can trust. The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care. Serving the tri-state area since 1993.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Ready to start feeling healthier? Take your first step with this gentle cleansing procedure. Watch our colonic and detoxification videos on our new video website located at WholeBodyMed.com. Call for Free CD on detoxification. See ad page 2.

EDUCATION Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity and reverence for nature. See ad page 25.

ENERGY HEALING The Light of Happiness Reiki and Wellness

Deborah Arconti, LPN, RMT, IARP Reiki Master/Teacher Advance Practice IET™ Danbury • 203-470-0635 TheLightOfHappiness.com Specializing in Reiki and IET™ sessions for mind, body and spirit connections. IET™ “Integrated Energy Therapy” uses angelic connections for soothing results.

Teaching all levels of small Usui Reiki classes, experienced in training healthcare professionals.

HEALING CENTER Rev. Christine Guerrera, LMFT Psychotherapist, Interfaith Minister ARC Sacred Center, Monroe 203-268-1272 • ARCSacredCenter.org

Chris is a licensed psychotherapist and inter-spiritual teacher offering psycho-spiritual therapy and sacred ceremonies such as baby blessings, weddings, interfaith gatherings and healing workshops. See ad page 14.

HEALING CENTER Forza5 Holistic Fitness and Healing Center 1047 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-247-4175

Forza5 is a center that focuses on bringing the fitness and healing worlds together. A beautiful, fully equipped gym offers personal training or group classes. A meditation and yoga room offers tranquil space where we connect our minds and spirits through meditation, reiki,and intuitive readings.

SOUND - A Center for

Music, Creative Arts & Mindfulness 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-270-1119 • SoundCenterArts.com

SOUND is a holistic center for arts and spiritual awareness. We offer individual classes and group workshops for children and adults in music, creative arts, intuitive development, sound and energy healing, meditation yoga and much more.

HEALTH COACH Mary Gilbertson MS, BSN,CHHC

Licensed RN,Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach 500 Monroe Tpke, Monroe • 203-521-4733 gilbertsonmary@yahoo.com Prescription4wellness.com Working 1:1, in groups and corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. You receive tools to optimize your health through nutrition, disease management, exercise, weight loss & stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens & adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events. See ad page 9.

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

5520 Park Ave, Ste 301, Ffld Town Line Merritt Pkwy, Exit 47 203-371-0300 • WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer.

His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold world-wide. See ad page 2.

Hypnosis

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY

MIND BODY TRANSFORMATION HYPNOSIS

Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-595-0110 • MindBodyTransformation.com Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc. Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy™, Time Line Therapy™, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ad page 42.

Eyecare Associates, PC

Drs. Randy Schulman, Steve Carr, Narvan Bakhtiari, Carl Gruning, and C. Lee Mellinger Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-374-2020 139 Main St, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy.

See ad page 8.

INTEGRATIVE HealTH Worden Wellness Center

41 Kenosia Ave, Danbury Thomas Worden, DC 203-244-8801 DocWorden@WordenWellnessCenter.com WordenWellnessCenter.com At Worden Wellness Center we use an integrated approach of chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition to incorporate therapeutic lifestyle changes to help you reach your optimum health. Dr. Worden has been practicing in Danbury for 25 years. See ad page 25.

Integrative Medicine Physician RIVERSIDE OB/GYN

Russell Turk, MD Karen Zino, MD 1200 East Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-3337

Massage & Bodywork Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Shoprite Plaza, 143 Federal Rd, Brookfield 203-775-2244 Facebook.com/HandStoneBrookfield Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spas provide professional spa experiences at affordable prices with same day walk-in convenience.

With prices starting at just $49.95 for a 50 minute introductory massage, Hand and Stone’s prices are lower than a typical day spa and lifestyle programs are available which provide even further discounts and benefits. See ad page 30.

iFloat

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 • iFloatSpa.net

Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology is a full-service medical practice incorporating traditional and holistic approaches to women’s health. The practice includes two OB/GYNs and a naturopathic physician. See ad page 29.

Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt. Relieve stress, chronic pain and more. See ad page 18.

STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

JOY CARBINO

Michael E. Doyle, MD Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St, Suite 201, Stamford 203-324-4747 • GoToDrDoyle.com

Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad page 10.

Licensed Massage Therapist Holistic Nutrition Consultant & Reiki 203-470-1226 • HealingWhiteLight.com Joy combines her intuitive ability and her expertise in massage therapy to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Holistic health & nutrition programs also offered. See ad page 8.

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Massage & Bodywork

Naturopathic Physician Debra Gibson, ND

Laura Carlson, LMT

Redding/Monroe/Easton 203-885-7353 (SELF) Facebook.com/LauraCarlsonMassageLLC

100 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-4443 Natural family healthcare using nutrition and biochemistry; herbal, homeopathic and energetic medicine; lifestyle transformation and detoxification, to promote well-being of body, mind and spirit. See ad page 19.

Yo u d e s e r v e t o b e nurtured and time to be still, to breathe and to restore balance.

Relaxing and nourishing massage will encourage positive changes in your mind and body. Individual sessions and massage parties available.

Robin Ordan, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-5610-8535 • RobinOrdanLMT.com

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point, Injuries and Infant/ Child Massage Instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad page 17.

Zak Walker, LMT

Wellness Institute One Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-443-6679 • ZaxWeb@gmail.com I combine elements of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure and Myofascial Release, according to the goals and preferences of each client. I’m here to help you feel your best!

Finger Lakes School of Massage 272 N. Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 • FLSM.com

Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch. Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time programs.

MEDITATION Redding Center for Meditation 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 ReddingMeditation.org

We teach and practice Mahasati meditation.

Mahasati meditation cultivates self-awareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats, and events. Please check monthly event calendar.

Fairfield County Edition

1300 Post Rd East, Westport 203-255-5005 • BigAppleHealth.com

Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, Natural Face Lift using microcurrent therapy. Specialties include Family Medicine, Women’s Health, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Pain Management, Skin Care. Insurance accepted.

Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC Shawn M. Carney, ND 19 Church Hill Rd, Ste 1, Newtown 800-723-2962 • NortheastNatMed.com

Integrative naturopathic medicine clinic and therapeutic massage center for the whole family.

Services include advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, personalized nutrition, and botanicals. Insurance accepted.

Marvin P. Schweitzer, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com

MASSAGE SCHOOL

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Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc

Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years.

Acupuncture, Bio-Identical H o r m o n e s , H o m e o p a t h y, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/ Toxin Testing, Oxygen Therapy, Meridian Stress Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad page 37.

SHALVA CLINIC, LLC

Ellen M. Lewis, ND, Director 37 Franklin St, Ste 103, Westport 203-916-4600 • ShalvaClinic.org Dr. Lewis offers comprehensive holistic care for women including well-women exams, fertility, thyroid and menopause support.

She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more.

See ad page 31.

natural awakenings

Naturopathic Physician WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared Phototherapy, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, RealTime EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies. See ad page 2.

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING Healthy Choice Mattress

270 Federal Rd, Brookfield • 203-739-0077 141 Post Rd East, Westport • 203-557-3900 HCmattress.com Healthy Choice Organic Mattress offers luxury mattresses and bedding made from the highest quality natural materials. With four showrooms, including two in CT, Healthy Choice features locally made mattresses that are chemical and toxin free, biodegradable, comfortable and durable. See ad back cover.

Organic Sleep by Sleep Etc.

508 Main Ave, Norwalk • 203-846-2233 55 High Ridge Rd, Stamford • 203-323-1509 Founded in 1947, Sleep Etc now offers a new line of socially responsible bedding products, including higher quality, more comfortable and longer lasting mattresses. See ad page 21.

The Clean Bedroom

79 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-292-9275 | 866-380-5892 TheCleanBedroom.com The Clean Bedroom is an organic and all-natural mattress and bedding resource with seven showrooms, including its new location in Greenwich. Through its showrooms and web site, eco-minded shoppers gain insight to create a healthier sleep environment. See ad page 5.

PERSONAL GROWTH

PSYCHOTHERAPY

KES Educational Services

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW

KES Educational Services, Inc. provides a menu of services for individuals who understand the necessity of personal growth investment to be competitive in this world. It is not how much you know, it is about how, when, what and where you have applied your Knowledge and Skill Set and the moment of truth: THE RESULTS. See ads, page 16, 22.

Past Life Regression, trained by Brian Weiss, MD. Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy, trained by TNI and Michael Newton, PhD. Traditional psychotherapy with a spiritual approach; Reiki. Connect with your soul self and let your inner wisdom guide you.

kmareducation.org 203-505-3660

PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical Therapy of Southern CT

Linda Maude, PT 917 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton 203-926-6997 • PhysicalTherapySoCT.com Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, cranialsacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening & overall rehabilitation.

PSYCHOTHERAPY DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

Holistic Psychotherapist Comprehensive Energy Psychology Fairfield County 203-544-6094 • DeniWeber.com Within a supportive, empathic relationship Deni guides individuals on their journey of self-discovery integrating psychology, Eastern medicine and spirituality to heal suffering from traumatic stress related to chronic illness, disabilities, abuse & PTSD.

JUDITH BARR, LPC, CCMHC Brookfield 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr.com PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

At its heart, psychotherapy is soul-work, which helps you reconnect with wounded, buried parts of yourself, finally healing, becoming your true Self – heartful, matured, full. This is not quick-fix, band-aid work. Do yourself justice – mind, body, heart, soul. Journey safely to your Self with Judith. See ad page 7.

238 Monroe Tpke, Suite B, Monroe 203-445-8966 • Msisi@AOL.com LifeBetweenLivesTherapy.com

What Better Time To Find Your Natural Match! the largest database of Join health-conscious and eco-

minded, spiritual singles for FREE and manifest an extraordinary relationship!

Robin Ordan, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has over 18 years of experience working with families and children.

Specializing in Divorce, Parent/Child Conflict, Grief, Attachment /Bonding, Child Development and Parenting. See ad page 36.

VICTORIA SHAW, PhD

Intuitive Psychotherapist 3 Hollyhock Ln, Wilton • 203-210-5700 VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com VictoriaShawintuitive.com I combine the best of traditional psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in my work with children, teens, and adults. My goal is to connect clients with their own inner source of strength, wisdom, and healing. See ad page 18.

REIKI

NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com Join us on Facebook and we’ll directly alert you of upcoming happenings and events.

EMBODY THE SACRED® Deana Paqua, MA, LMT 203-994-5045 EmbodyTheSacred.net

Turn your deepest pain or trauma into your greatest strength.

Shamanic Reiki, Usui/Karuna® Reiki, Shamanic Healing and Bodywork. Offerings in Ridgefield, Danbury and NY areas.

GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 • AngelHealReiki.com

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly.

All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna®, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

Search “Natural Awakenings Fairfield County”

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REIKI

REIKI & JIKIDEN REIKI

Reiki Medic

Suzanne Schultz RN, Reiki Master, CCH Monroe • 203-650-0325 • ReikiMedic.com Specializing in Reiki and Hypnosis. Healing from my heart center to yours. Offering private sessions and teaching all Usui Reiki levels. Will travel.

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC

JoAnn Duncan, MS, RMT Reiki Master Ridgefield • 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with Cancer, Lyme disease and Back Pain. All Reiki levels taught.

ARTHUR S GERSTEIN, MANAGER, ACORN LLC

Practicing Reiki at 1 Danbury Rd, Wilton 855-245-3060 • info@ArtEnergyHealing.com ArtEnergyHealing.com Certified in several types of Reiki, Arthur also practices other energy modalities and techniques to help reduce pain as well as provide relaxation. His innovative on-site 25 minute workshop can help energize for a more productive day. His unique melding of colors and imagery with life force promotes light and well-being. He is also available for individual sessions.

RESULTS COACHING Jeff Forte PEAK Results Coaching

2389 Main St, Glastonbury 860-633-8555 • PeakResultsCoaching.com Want to quickly improve your marriage or personal happiness?

Hope is not a strategy for success.

Call to learn proven strategies to overcome your life challenges. See ad page 9.

Transformative Healing Beth Prins Leas

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com

See ad page 18.

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels - greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

Heart’s Desire Method Shiloh@theHDMethod.com theHDMethod.com

The Heart’s Desire Method – 7 Steps to making your dreams come true. Bring high definition focus on what you want in all areas – work, family, relationships and money. By energizing the healing power of the authentic self, you will lead a happier, more peaceful and fulfilling life.

displayadvertiserindex Acupuncture Center/Ingri Boe-Wiegaard Acupuncture Healing CT/Jody Eisemann ARC Sacred Center Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care Awaken Fair Judith Barr Beyond Touch/Roberta Russell The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental The Center for Naturopathic Medicine/Susan Rzucidlo, ND Chamomille Natural Foods The Clean Bedroom CLH Counseling/Cynthia Haupt Coaching Excellence Institute Country Green CT NOFA DermaClear Dog Gone Smart Michael E. Doyle, MD Escape Salon and Boutique Eyecare Associates Debra Gibson, ND The Graduate Institute

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26 18 14 34 4 7 36 2 2 32 26 5 15 16 20 11 63 47 10 63 8 19 3

Growing Solutions 26 Elyana Grubel 31 Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa 30 Healing White Light/Joy Carbino 8 Healthy Choice Mattress 63 Healthy Choice Mattress 64 The Honest Kitchen 48 Housatonic Valley Waldorf School 25 Ifloat 18 KES Educational Services Inc/ Life Changes with Mariette 22 KES Kmar Educational Services 16 Kindred Spirits 19 The Last Resort 45 Beth Prins Leas 18 Lipo-Light/Westport Chiropractic 15 Mind-Body Transformation 42 Mrs. Greens Natural Markets 35 NA Franchise Sales 52 NA Mobile App 40 NA Singles.com 61 Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market 39 Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic 44 Robin Ordan, LMT 17 Robin Ordan, LCSW 36 Organic Housecleaning 36

natural awakenings

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc Sage Osa Pangaea Massage Peak Results Coaching/Jeff Forte Prescription4Wellness/Mary Gilbertson Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology Salon Aponte Saltana Cave Susanne Saltzman, MD Shalva Clinic/Ellen Lewis, ND Victoria Shaw, PhD Social Results Today Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli Sound Mind Integrative Hypnosis/ Dee Rapposelli Sticks & Stones Farm Stops Pain Plus Total Life Care Center Touch of Sedona TrueHealthTrueWealth/Connie Busch Unity Center for Practical Spirituality University of Bridgeport Clinics University of Bridgeport – Nutrition Wellness Institute/Marvin Schweitzer, ND Whole Foods Wholistic Pet Services Worden Wellness Center

21 13 31 9 9 29 8 16 12 31 18 41 9 8 39 63 18 11 13 38 13 7 37 43 47 25

Natural Awakenings Product Marketplace Natural Awakenings has created a forum for meaningful and practical products to be displayed in the magazine. Look to the Product Marketplace each month for gift ideas as well as everyday products which will make you feel and look better!

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Did you know that 98% of all mattresses on the market today contain toxic chemicals and fire retardants and are made of polyurethane foams, petrochemicals and steel springs? Not a healthy formula for a good night’s sleep!

Healthy Choice

Organic Mattresses • All Natural Rubber • Certified Organic Cotton • Certified Organic Wool • No Toxic Flame Retardants • No Petro-Chemicals • Made in America www.HCmattress.com

Brookfield, CT 270 Federal Road (203) 739-0077 Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900 Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467 Ridgewood, NJ 14 Wilsey Square (201) 857-3245

Because Nature Makes The Best Stuff!

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Inspired By Nature, Crafted By Artisans, Perfected By Healthy Choice!

The Ridgewood

The Brookfield

Come see our new line of handcrafted Green Sustainable Wood Bed Frames. Made from reclaimed barn wood and fallen trees by local craftsmen. One-of-a-kind, lasting and durable. A conversation piece you truly can be proud of.

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Healthy Choice

Organic Mattresses The Premier Retailer of Organic Latex Mattresses & Green Wood Bed Frames in the Tri-Stae Area Brookfield, CT 270 Federal Road (203) 739-0077

Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900

Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467

www.HCmattress.com for money saving special offers.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings Look for the sheep at the front of our store.

Ridgewood, NJ 14 Wilsey Square (201) 857-3245