Natural Awakenings New Haven & Middlesex OCT 2018

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HEALTHY

LIVING

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PLANET

Medical Marijuana in Connecticut Conditions Qualifiying for Medical Cannabis

Natural Solutions for

Pain Management Pain-Free Happiness The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Serotonin

Pain Management for Pets

Effective Non-Drug Options October 2018 | New Haven-Middlesex | NaturalNewHaven.com October 2018

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Stop a cold before it starts Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed.

One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

New research: Copper stops colds if used early.

Copper may even stop flu if used earew research shows you can coming on and he hasn’t had a cold ly and for several days. Lab technicians stop a cold in its tracks if you since. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a take one simple step with a He asked relatives and friends to try CopperZap. No viruses were found alive new device when you first feel a cold it. They said it worked for them, too, so soon after. coming on. he patented CopperZap™ and put it on People have used it on cold sores Colds start when cold viruses get in the market. and say it can completely prevent ugly your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you Soon hundreds of people had tried it outbreaks. You can also rub it gently don’t stop them early, they spread in and given feedback. Nearly 100% said on wounds, cuts, or lesions to combat your airways and cause misery. the copper stops colds if used within infections.

But scientists have found a quick 3 hours after the The handle is way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. first sign. Even up curved and finely Researchers at labs and universities to 2 days, if they textured to imagree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills still get the cold prove contact. It microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, it is milder than kills germs picked just by touch. usual and they feel up on fingers and That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyp- better. hands to protect tians used copper to purify water and Users wrote you and your heal wounds. They didn’t know about things like, “It family. viruses and bacteria, but now we do. stopped my cold Copper even Sinus trouble, stuffiness, cold sores. kills deadly germs Scientists say the high conductance right away,” and of copper disrupts the electrical bal“Is it supposed to work that fast?” that have become resistant to antibiotics. ance in a microbe cell, destroying it in Pat McAllister, age 70, received one If you are near sick people, a moment of seconds. for Christmas and called it “one of the handling it may keep serious infection Tests by the Environmental Protecbest presents ever. This little jewel really away from you and your loved ones. It tion Agency (EPA) show germs die fast works.” Now thousands of users have may even save a life. on copper. Some hospitals tried copper stopped getting colds.

The EPA says copper still works for surfaces like faucets and doorknobs.

People often use CopperZap preeven when tarnished. It kills hundreds of This cut the spread of MRSA and other ventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent illnesses by over half, and saved lives. used to get colds after crowded flights. serious or even fatal illness.

The strong scientific evidence gave Though skeptical, she tried it several CopperZap is made in the U.S. of inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When times a day on travel days for 2 months. pure copper. It has a 90-day full money he felt a cold coming on he fashioned “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” back guarantee when used as directed a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when to stop a cold. It is $69.95. Get $10 off gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses Cop- each CopperZap with code NATA4.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The perZap morning and night. “It saved me Go to www.CopperZap.com or call cold went away completely.” It last holidays,” she said. “The kids had toll-free 1-888-411-6114. worked again every time he felt a cold colds going around, but not me.”

Buy once, use forever.

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ADVERTORIAL

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P++++++ P++++++

The Holistic Chamber of Commerce has grown to become an international trade organization focused on holistic, complementary, alternative, and sustainable professionals, practitioners and businesses. The group’s mission, achieved through the efforts of local chapters, is to make it easier for consumers to learn about and access holistic, natural, and eco-friendly products, services and solutions.

EFT Tapping/Hypnosis Therese Baumgart, Certified Practitioner Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) Hypnosis & Past Lives Clear stress, Lose weight, Release pain, Stop smoking Free 15 minute strategy session In Person, Skype, Phone 203-710-7438 HypnosisandEFTct.com

Holistic Events & Wellness Products Shirley R. Bloethe, Holistic Events in CT Holistic Chamber President - New Haven/Shoreline Pharma-Grade Nutritional Supplements & Essential Oils 860-989-0033 ShirleyBloethe.com YourHolisticEvents@gmail.com YourHolisticEvents.com

Retreats & Workshops Torin Lee & Ian Ramsden Unique Retreats for Yourself & Your Business Coaching Certification Program Begins Oct 2018 Zen Events 860-861-9038 Torin@zenvents.net ZenEvents.net

Energy Therapy / Wellness Consultant Earleen Wright, Consultant Holistic Chamber Vice President Homeopathic HGH Gel Bio-Electro-Magnetic Energy Sessions Andrews Healing Arts Clinic, Guilford Call 203-215-3222 EarleenWright@comcast.net

STATEWIDE HOLISTIC EXPO

STATEWIDE HOLISTIC EXPO October 21, 10am-4pm DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol, CT

75+ �xhibitors and Speakers!

STILL ACCEPTING VENDORS! Call Shirley Bloethe at: 860-989-0033 or email: YourHolisticEvents@gmail.com

Lyme Disease Healing Justin Speller, CHP, CST Creator of Lyme Disease Protocol Source Energy Healing Inner Growth Work Soul Centered Transformation 617-435-7798 HowToHealMyLyme@gmail.com HowToHealMyLyme.com

Reiki Master / Teacher Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan Reiki Master / Teacher Universal White Time Gemstone Practitioner Level 2 Wedding Officiant / Workshops Professional Photographer 914-330-1474 Rosallykaplan@gmail.com New Earth Holistic Therapies & Arts Center 352 Main Street, Durham

Wellness Center The Red Barn in Durham New Earth Holistic Therapies & Art Center Janice Juliano, MSW, LCSW Holistic Psychotherapist / Coordinator Massage Therapy – Nutrition Yoga – Reiki – Sound Healing Professional Photography Art Classes 860-559-6151 352 Main Street, Durham TheRedBarnInDurham.com

To join the Holistic Chamber of Commerce call:

Shirley R. Bloethe at 860-989-0033 October 2018

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letterfrompublisher

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Chronic pain has become an epidemic in the U.S., afflicting nearly 100 million Americans. Pain is PUBLISHER Gail Heard responsible for mild to severe physical discomfort and EDITOR Ariana Rawls Fine impedes our ability to function: mentally, emotionally DESIGN & PRODUCTION Gail Heard and socially, often leading to fatigue and depression.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ariana Rawls Fine Many of us have witnessed the tragic consequences of

Nicole Miale pain management with opioids, which has led to serious

SALES & MARKETING Gail Heard DISTRIBUTOR Man In Motion, LLC harm for millions in terms of side effects, abuse and WEBSITE Chik Shank addiction, further reducing quality of life.

In this month’s edition, our editorial features examine pain at its core and present natural alternative modalities to help relieve and prevent pain, while enhancing overall wellness.

Elm City Wellness, located in New Haven, now offers CBD massage for chronic pain.

Learn more about CBD massage in our Therapy Spotlight: “Demystifying CBD Massage CONTACT US for Chronic Pain.”

PO Box 525 North Branford, CT 06471 Dr. Sara Frawley, a naturopathic physician, who practices in Wallingford, explains Ph: 203-988-1808 • Fax: 203-488-8523 the connection between fibromyalgia and serotonin. Frawley also offers ways to boost .NaturalNewHaven.com serotonin levels that can easily be integrated into your lifestyle.

In June, 2017, we ran an article on medical marijuana in the state of Connecticut.

Since the publication of the article, the Connecticut Legislature’s Regulations Review Committee has recently approved eight new conditions for the medical marijuana program. If you are considering medical marijuana as an avenue for treatment of NATIONAL TEAM your pain, read about the updated qualifying conditions, usage and forms of medical CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman marijuana and the steps you need to take in order to obtain a medical marijuana card in:

NATIONAL EDITOR Alison Chabonais

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist “Medical Marijuana in Connecticut” on page 28.

NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett In this month’s issue, our local writers and holistic practitioners share a plethora of ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope natural solutions for pain management through self-care tools, dietary modifications and FINANCIAL MANAGER Mary Bruhn daily mindfulness practices. We hope you enjoy these great reads, which offer education FRANCHISE DIRECTOR Anna Romano and hope to those who are suffering from the debilitating effects of chronic pain.

FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs As in every issue, we have a full calendar of local holistic events, classes and work WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy shops in our news brief section and community calendar. I hope to see you at the NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Scofield Breathing Room’s Annual Open House, which will be held on the second weekend of October; the Passport to Health & Wellness Expo (hosted by the Connecticut Chapter of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 the Holistic Chamber of Commerce) on October 21st, and the New Age and Craft Expo Naples, FL 34103 on November 4th. I will be at all of these events with magazines in tow—Stop by Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com our table and say hello!

Brenda Tate Photography

NEW HAVEN/ MIDDLESEX EDITION

© 2018 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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

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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.

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Contents 18 PAIN-FREE

18

HAPPINESS

The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Serotonin

20 NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT Options for Self-Care at Home

22 MANAGING

CHRONIC PAIN THROUGH MINDFULNESS

Techniques to Reduce Pain without Drugs

24 CHRONIC PAIN Pain or Illusion?

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26 MULTIFACETED CHIROPRACTIC

Integrative Approaches Enhance Healing

28 MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN CONNECTICUT

32 HEALING OUR KIDS

Reversing a Rising Tide of Chronic Condition

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-988-1808 or email Ads@naturalnewhaven.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Gail@naturalnewhaven.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalNewHaven.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

34 REBOOTING LIBIDO

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Exercise Rekindles Desire

36 DONNA KARAN

on Fashioning Healthful Change

37 THE RISE OF

BLUE ZONES IN AMERICA Places that Encourage Healthy Living

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 11 health briefs 14 global briefs 16 eco tip 17 therapy

spotlight 25 inspiration 26 healing ways

30 natural pet 32 healthy kids 34 fit body 36 wise words 37 green living 38 calendar 42 classifieds 44 resource guide October 2018

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news briefs

Plethora of Wellness Offered at Open House

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t Breathing Room Yoga Center’s annual Open House Weekend on October 13 and 14, guests are invited to enjoy a schedule of free yoga classes, inspiring talks and speakers’ panels, and demos. The weekend also includes essential oils workshops, a clothing swap, trunk show, expo with nonprofits, local food samples, chair Breathing Room Yoga Center Owner, Margot Broom massage, Kirtan music, and a plethora of additional wellness offerings daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The center will also have special weekend-only deals available at onsite for PuREST Float Center, yoga class cards and membership discounts, boutique items, and limited discounted tickets to the Gratitude Gala being held on December 1.

Breathing Room Yoga Center is celebrating its ninth year in downtown New Haven and its first anniversary in its expanded 8,000-square-foot yoga, community and wellness center space.

For more information and the schedule, call 203-562-5683 or visit BreathingRoomCT.com. Location: Breathing Room Yoga Center, 216 Crown St., New Haven, CT. See ad on page 39.

Experience a Day of Creative Enlightenment

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For more information, email CryOurs87@yahoo.com. Location: Wyndham Southbury, 1284 Strongtown Rd., Southbury, CT See ad on page 9.

Visit Durham Wellness Center at Open House

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n October 14 from noon to 5 p.m., New Earth Holistic Therapies and Art Center will host an open house at the Red Barn in Durham, Connecticut.

Come meet the holistic and wellness center’s practitioners, including naturopathic physicians, massage therapists, psychotherapists, yoga teachers, energy workers, psychic readers, art therapist, artists, sound healers and hypnotherapists. Visit the Borrowed Time Emporium at the Barn, a spiritual gift shop offering sage, crystals, gems, books, tarot cards and more.

For more information, email Connect@TheRedBarnInDurham.com.

Location: 352 Main Street, Durham, CT.

Embrace the Fall Season with Self-Care

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n October 11 from 5 to 8 p.m., Balanced Health Family Chiropractic in Orange, Connecticut, will host an evening of networking, learning and light appetizers. In addition to attending presentations and Q&As, you can also sign up for free consultations.

Learn how pulsed electromagnetic frequency therapy can help manage type 2 diabetes at 5:45 p.m. with Tim Daniels, a BEMER therapy practitioner and distributor. Dr. Karenmarie LaConte, a

Niki Zalewski/Bigstock.com

he 5TH Annual New Age & Craft Expo will take place on November 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wyndham Southbury.

Vendors from throughout the tri-state area will be on hand with services and products. Take in all the energy of the crystals or have a healing. Over a dozen readers will be on hand to give you messages from spirit. Readers include past life, angels, crystals, palms and intuitive guidance. Or bring a picture of a pet and have a pet reading. You can have your aura photo taken.

Get ready for the holidays with handcrafted gifts, unique jewelry, soaps, spiritual art, pottery, dolls and much more. There will also be dynamic speakers and meditations throughout the day. End the day with Messages from Spirit, an intimate gathering with psychic medium Angelina Diana. Space is limited.

To order tickets, go to AngelinaDiana.com or Eventbrite.com/ myevent?eid=49037641907.

Admission is $6 per person, or $5 with the coupon from ad on page 9.

Alison Fand (left), Tim Daniels, Dr. Karenmarie LaConte & Tanya Wallace

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news briefs naturopathic physician, will focus on necessary lifestyle changes for types 1 and 2 diabetes at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., Alison Fand, a massage therapist, will talk about how her Earth Treasures organic product line promotes healing and relaxation. Learn how to integrate more self-care into your life and create a new approach during the final 6:45 p.m. presentation with Tanya Wallace, a certified professional coach.

Bellissima Capelli Organic Salon

“Hmmm, The only

affordable organic salon in Branford.”

For reservations, visit AskDocLaConte@gmail.com. Location: Balanced Health Family Chiropractic, Liberty Square Plaza, 501 Boston Post Rd. #24, Orange, CT.

A Sublime Climb for New Haven Reads

Love Your Look Naturally!

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ne World Wellness announced its next yoga fundraising event to bring people together for fun and fitness this fall season. On October 20 from 1-4 p.m., guided hiking and yoga will take place throughout New Haven’s East Rock Park. Proceeds go toward the purchase of children’s books for New Haven Reads.

The Sublime Climb fundraiser allows guests to choose easy to moderate activity for the first half of the morning by walking on

Book an appointment NOW to get the personalized attention you deserve!

• Hair Artisan Paul • Junior Stylist Terry

For every new client, $5 of the proceeds goes to the American Cancer Society

BellissimaCapelli.com • paul@bellissimacapelli.com 607 W Main St., Branford, CT • 203-208-2691

Level 1 Yoga Therapy Training in New Haven starting January 2019

paved roads to the summit of Indian Head peak for a short meditation and a light yin yoga practice. During the later morning, guests may continue hiking the giant steps to the summit of East Rock peak for a vigourous Hatha yoga flow practice.

Offering a one-on-one literacy tutoring program, New Haven Reads shares the joy and power of reading with students ages 6-18.

A donation of $15 per person is suggested.

For online registration, visit OneWorld-Wellness.com. Location: East Rock Park, New Haven, CT.

Just Play. Have fun.

Enjoy the game. ~Michael Jordan

Study with world renowned faculty Antonio Sausys Amy Weintraub Durga Leela Neil Pearson Maria Mendola Laura Kupperman Chinnamasta Stiles

Enrich your teaching Work privately or in a group setting Embark upon a professional career in yoga therapy

Save $500 if you register by October 31!

970.946.8961 | info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com innerpeaceyogatherapy.com/locations/new-haven/ Training location Breathing Room Yoga Center 216 Crown St. (2nd Floor) New Haven, CT 06510

October 2018

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Erik Harris Adds New Teaching Location

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rik Harris, a holistic healing practitioner and the founder of Chi for Healing, will be teaching qi gong and tong ren classes, meditations, and workshops at the newly opened Red Barn in Durham, Connecticut.

Harris also has a new podcast, Healing is in Your Hands, to empower listeners through holistic healing with his co-host Kim Fleck.

Harris holds professional certifications as a qi gong instructor, Chinese herbalist, Asian body therapist, medicinal aromatherapist, auriculotherapist, Reiki therapist Erik Harris and tong ren therapist. Chi for Healing is a holistic healing service provider that offers these modalities as well as cupping therapy, guasha, moxibustion, crystal therapy, meditation, EFT and sound healing. It offers services in West Hartford and Middletown, as well as Chinese herbal and Tong Ren therapy consultations for remote clients. Harris also forages for wild plants and mushrooms and makes herbal tinctures from this wild medicine. He is a member of the American Association for Drugless Practitioners, and recently became a member of the CT Holistic Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call 860-593-8397, email Erik@ChiforHealing.com or visit ChiforHealing.com.

Nagging Neck Pain

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re you experiencing neck pain/discomfort that won’t go away? In the upright position, the neck muscles work continually to support our heads, which weigh approximately 11 lbs. Sources of pain felt in the neck can come from the neck, ribs, thoracic spine, head and lumbar spine.

Take advantage of our complimentary 10-minute biomechanical screening to determine the source of your pain and the road to relief. The sessions, given by Phyllis L Quinn, PT, 8

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will be held at Physical Therapy Services of Guilford in Branford, Connecticut. Appointments are available on October 16 and 25 from 4 to 5 p.m.

For more information, to reserve a spot or to make an appointment for a more convenient time, call 203-315-7727. Location: Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, 500 East Main St., Ste. 310, Branford, CT See ad on page 19.

Honoring and Introducing the Leaders of Two Coyotes Wilderness School

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wo Coyotes Wilderness School has brought in Maggie Gotterer to be its new executive director. She is replacing Justin Pegnataro, who stepped down in August after more than 10 years of service to the school, to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

On September 30, the Two Coyotes community will be gathering for a potluck and contra dance with Billy Fischer. This will be a celebration and honoring of Pegnataro’s contribution as executive director, and for his 11 years of leadership and service. He was pivotal in creating and spearheading long-term mentoring and transformational growth through intensive wilderness experiences at Two Coyotes. The event will take place at White Memorial Foundation Family Campgrounds, located at 71 Whitehall Justin Pegnataro Road in Litchfield. The event is free, but registration is encouraged at Eventbrite.com/e/ Family-Friendly-Celebration-Honoring-of-Justin-PegnatarosContributions-as-Executive-Director-Tickets-50221736566.

Maggie Gotterer comes to Two Coyotes with eight years of experience in nonprofit management, specializing in grant writing, strategic planning, collaborative partnerships and program development. She has worked to improve quality of life and access to opportunity for Bridgeport residents through her work as an independent consultant and serving on several boards, including the City of Bridgeport Food Policy Council, Green Village Initiative and others.

Since Gotterer began several months ago, the program has run a week-long, pro bono program with a public Montessori school in Hartford, and launched its newest initiative, Forest Learning Program. They also recently welcomed over 100 students to their Coyote Village Fall Homeschool programs in Newtown, Granby and Killingworth.

“Taking on this leadership role at Two Coyotes is a true gift to me. My love for the outdoors was cultivated at an early age growing up in Redding, Connecticut, and summers in Maine.

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news briefs

news briefs My husband and I met as outdoor adventure guides at Georgetown University. We are excited to be raising a family in the Two Coyotes community,” Gotterer says.

For more information about Two Coyotes Wilderness School, visit TwoCoyotes.org.

The Art of Being Human with Shastri Richard Sylvester

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he Art of Being Human introduces the concept of basic goodness as the unconditional ground of existence. The weekend class will consist of sitting meditation, teachings, walking meditation and individual meetings with instructors.

Held in New Haven, Connecticut, the workshop will take place on November 9 from 7 to 9 p.m., and November 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Through the practice of meditation, we experience the realization that basic goodness provides an alternative to being trapped in repetitive habitual patterns. This, in turn, brings us a sense of joy and appreciation of what it means to be fully human. This is an opportunity to learn a simple but profound way to meditate.

In 1978, Richard Sylvester was introduced to Shambhala in Connecticut. While finishing his graduate studies in psychology, it set a clear course for being a senior Shambhala Buddhist teacher and a psychotherapist. Sylvester is also a jazz musician.

The cost is $125 for non-members and members; repeat participants pay $50. There are no prerequisites for the class. They are willing to work with financial obstacles to find alternative means of payment if needed.

For more information and to register, call 203-503-0173 or visit NewHaven.Shambhala.org. Location: Shambhala Meditation Center of New Haven, 85 Willow St., Bldg. B, New Haven, CT.

Promoting a Natural Approach for Optimal Oral Health

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n October 16 at 6:30 p.m., Holistic Moms Network’s New Haven County chapter will host Jay Wolkoff, MS, CNS, CDN, as he presents Promoting Optimal Oral Health: A Natural Approach for Healthy Teeth, Gums and Facial Development. This talk will focus on using dietary and lifestyle strategies—combined with supplements, herbs, probiotics, and commercial or DIY toothpastes and rinses—

Come Exerience a Day of Spiritual & Creative Enlightenment!

Sun. Nov. 4, 2018 10 AM - 5 PM 2 Rooms of Dynamic Speakers & Guided Meditations TAROT & INTUITIVE READINGS SPIRITUAL ART HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY HEALTH & WELLNESS AURA PHOTOS CRYSTALS CANDLES SOAPS DOLLS AND MUCH

For more info email:

MORE...

cryours87@yahoo.com or call

203-733-6560 Wyndham Southbury (Formally Crowne Plaza)

1284 Strongtown Rd. Southbury, CT Angelina Diana: An Evening with Spirit Spiritual Psychic Medium & New Age & Crafts Expo Reading Event at 5:15 Go to www.angelinadiana.com to purchase tickets.

$6 Admission $1 OFF

Jay Wolkoff

Cut-Out Entire Ad For Coupon October 2018

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as a means to promote optimal oral wellness throughout our lives.

Although we may eat well, brush our teeth and floss daily, most of us seem fated for a lifetime of dental decay, periodontal challenges and narrow facial development. Are we accepting the “inevitable?” Are we sourcing out safer, more natural and less invasive dental procedures without considering root causes?

Wolkoff, a certified nutritionist specializing in integrative and functional medicine, will be leading this presentation. He graduated summa cum laude with a master’s of science degree in human nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, and holds a bachelors of science in nutrition/dietetics from the University of New Haven. In addition to currently studying the effective applications of herbs, he is an organic gardener and a regenerative agriculture practitioner who is also dedicated to yoga and mind-body therapies.

Holistic Moms Network is a nonprofit support and discussion network that welcomes all people wherever they are on the holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The member chapter, open to the public, meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Woodruff Family YMCA, 631 Orange Avenue, Milford, Connecticut. Children are welcome.

For more information, visit HolisticMoms.org or Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven.

plant is slowly but surely dissolving. This is great news for many patients who live in neighboring and other states who travel to Rhode Island for work or pleasure. Now they can find comfort knowing they will be able to purchase their medicine once they arrive.

The center’s hours of operation are: Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They currently accept cash only and have an ATM onsite for convenience.

You can find a complete menu and other pertinent information at SummitRI.org. Location: 380 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, Rhode Island.

Delving into Climate Change at Vegan Potluck

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n October 14 at 4 p.m., Northern Connecticut Vegetarians invites anyone interested in being healthy or in a health environment to a potluck event. The gathering is at the Suffield Senior Center.

Shaina Rogstad is the featured presenter. A climate scientist at the Climate Systems Research Center, she studies how the climate system may respond to future greenhouse gas emissions.

Humans have caused dramatic shifts in the climate system, which have cascading effects on our planet and its inhabitants. Rogstad will give an overview of the current state of the climate system; she will also break down how agriculture, energy production and

Timolina/Bigstock.com

All Medical Marijuana Patients Accepted at Summit Medical Compassion Center

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ummit Medical Compassion Center in nearby Rhode Island is now accepting medical marijuana patients from any state.

SMCC offers daily discounts, which are listed on the website’s monthly calendar. Onsite staff are also a great resource for those patients who are new to cannabis.

Help spread the word that Summit can now service patients from any state and ask about their referral program. If you refer a new patient, each patient receives a $25 credit to go toward product.

As more and more patients are realizing the benefits of medical marijuana without the harsh side effects of traditional drugs and therapies, the stigma that was once placed on this medicinal 10

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other human activities have created the current situation. Strategies for reducing our greenhouse gas footprints as well as engagement and action ideas from an intersectional vegan perspective will be explored.

After the presentation, share the vegan potluck. Bring a healthy vegan dish to share with serving utensils, a list of its ingredients, your place setting and your recipe. Vegan food has no animal ingredients (no honey, dairy, eggs, meat or fish). If rushed, you may bring a vegetable or fresh fruit salad.

Admission for adults is a $9 donation with children entering for free. Free parking is available.

For more information, call 860-623-8082 or email VeggyHarry@aol.com. Location: Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St., Suffield, CT.

Creative Family/Bigstock.com

news briefs

health briefs

Tibetan Sand Mandala & Empowerment heal & protect one’s lifespan • restore vitality • increase good luck & prosperity

Tocotrienols are a natural form of vitamin E found in a number of foods, including wheat, barley, corn, rice and palm fruit. A recent meta-review of clinical research finds that tocotrienols can decrease heart-related health risks in seniors such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

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Natural Vitamin E Lowers Heart Risks

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9:30am-4pm

Nov. 6th-8th

Join us as we host a

FREE

Sand Mandala sacred art creation Morning Meditation at 8:30am

special delegation of

9:30am-4pm

Tibetan Yungdrung

Empowerment

$50.00

Nov. 9th

Bön Buddhist monks.

donation

10am-1pm

$25.00

Nov. 10th

donation

Closing Ceremony

860.619.2788

valleyspiritwellness.com

Knitting Releases the Blues

6 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot CT | info@valleyspiritcoop.com

Knitting can alleviate the blues, slow the onset of dementia and distract from chronic pain, according to a survey published in The British Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Eighty-one percent of respondents described feeling happier after a session of needlework. In another study, researchers at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital found that the act of knitting lowers heart rates by an average of 11 beats per minute, eliciting a state of relaxation similar to that of yoga.

A Mayo Clinic study found that crafts like knitting and crocheting also reduce the chance of developing mild cognitive impairment by 28 percent. In a University of British Columbia study, 74 percent of 38 women with the eating disorder anorexia reported that it lessened the intensity of their fears and thoughts and cleared their minds of eating disorder preoccupations. In a survey of 1,000 members of the British group Knit for Peace, one in five respondents reported that knitting reduced their arthritic pain.

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Life Design Hypnosis, LLC Release Weight

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2018 . . . Your Transformation Year Don’t let your brain hold you back!

This year achieve your lifelong dreams for a healthy new you.

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October 2018

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Holding Hands Reduces Pain Holdings hands with a loved one reduces physical pain, report researchers at the University of Colorado and University of Haifa that studied the brainwaves of 22 heterosexual couples between ages 23 and 32. When in each other’s presence, the couples’ brainwaves tended to synchronize, especially in the alpha mu band, a measure of focused attention; holding hands amplified this effect and markedly lowered pain levels. The more empathetic the man was to the woman’s pain, the more their brain activity synced and her pain decreased. Men that were less empathetic did not produce the same effect.

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Turmeric Helps Heal Skin Ailments Turmeric, with its renowned anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, seems to improve a number of skin conditions when taken topically or orally, concludes a review of clinical studies published in Phytotherapy. Researchers at Drexel University, in Philadelphia, and the University of California, Sacramento, selected the 10 strongest clinical studies on turmeric out of 234 published. They concluded that this spice, with its active ingredient curcumin, was effective in treating acne, oral lichen planus (mouth inflammation), pruritus (itchy skin), psoriasis, radiodermatitis (a side effect of radiation treatment), diabetic microangiopathy (bleeding of small blood vessels) and diabetic edema (swelling). Studies on other skin conditions were either inconsistent or ineffective, the report concluded.

Mediterranean Diet Cuts Risk of Prostate Cancer In a five-year study published in The Journal of Urology of 2,000 older Spanish men, those following a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, boiled potatoes, whole fruits, vegetables, legumes and olive oil that was low in juices had a significantly lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer compared to those eating a Western diet.

This protective effect was not found in diets higher in fatty foods, red and processed meat, refined grains and sweets. The researchers also reviewed other science to date, confirming the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet as well as “healthy” and “prudent” diets, all consisting of greater portions of fruits and vegetables.

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Vitamin D can’t be metabolized without sufficient magnesium levels. Thus, it remains stored and inactive for as many as 50 percent of Americans on nutrient-poor diets, reports a research review in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. “Without magnesium, vitamin D is not really useful or safe,” says study co-author Mohammed S. Razzaque, Ph.D., a professor of pathology at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Erie, Pennsylvania.

As a consequence, taking vitamin D supplements can increase a person’s calcium and phosphate levels, even if they remain vitamin D deficient, he explains; and that can lead to vascular calcification if their magnesium levels aren’t sufficient.

The magnesium factor may explain why vitamin D supplementation doesn’t necessarily help vitamin D deficiency-related disorders such as skeletal deformities, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. Natural sources of magnesium include almonds, cashews and other nuts, bananas, beans, broccoli, brown rice, egg yolks, fish oil, green vegetables, mushrooms, oatmeal, soybeans, sweet corn, tofu, whole grains, and pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and flax seeds.

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Take Magnesium to Metabolize Vitamin D

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health briefs

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Vitamin D Supplements Ease Irritable Bowels Oncology researchers from the University of Sheffield, in the UK, report that people with irritable bowel syndrome tend to be low in vitamin D. In a review of research, they found that supplemental vitamin D tends to ease associated symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps and constipation, and improve quality of life.

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Dental anxiety, which can produce dizziness, nausea and breathing difficulties in 4 to 30 percent of patients worldwide, may be relieved by acupuncture, according to research from the University of York, in the UK. Analyzing six studies of 800 patients, researchers found that acupuncture reduced anxiety by an average of eight points on an 80-point scale, a level considered clinically significant.

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Thirty-seven healthy, non-obese adults between 21 and 50 years old put on a calorie restriction diet for two years showed reduced systemic oxidative stress, indicating greater protection against age-related neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as cancer and diabetes. Participants in this research, conducted by Pennington Biomedical Research, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, cut their calories by 15 percent and lost an average of 20 pounds without experiencing anemia, excessive bone loss or menstrual disorders. Their metabolism also slowed, indicating that they burned energy more efficiently, a factor that may be linked to longevity.

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Food Finder

Software Tracks Farm to Fork Supply Chain

Air Fare

Creating Food from Carbon Dioxide

By 2050, the world’s population is estimated to hit 10 billion, and food production will need to increase by 70 percent. Traditional farming won’t be able to keep up.

Lisa Dyson, who holds three degrees in physics, including a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Boston, knows the reason: ubiquitous carbon dioxide. This byproduct of burning fossil fuels is a known culprit in the pace of climate change.

Dyson is revolutionizing the way protein is made.

Several years ago, she and colleague John Reed came across NASA reports from the 1960s and ’70s that discussed using microbes to recycle carbon dioxide aboard spacecraft. “We were fascinated by their research. We wondered if we could develop a similar technology that would enable us to recycle carbon dioxide into valuable products here on Earth,” Dyson says.

Their startup, Kiverdi, uses microbes to transform carbon into bio-based products in special bio-reactors similar to the giant urns used to brew beer. This year, they’re commercializing a new process to transform CO2 into protein powder. The end product, Planet+Protein, is packed with essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

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Ivory Outlawed

UK Banning Both Legal and Illegal Trade

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is in the process of implementing a neartotal ivory ban. It can’t happen soon enough because elephant populations continue to dramatically decline.

As recognized by the parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species last September, “Countries with domestic ivory markets that contribute to elephant poaching or the illegal ivory trade should take all necessary legislative, regulatory and enforcement measures to close such markets as a matter of urgency.”

Any legal ivory market leads to a parallel illegal market because ivory from recently killed elephants can be made to look like old ivory, which is legal in many countries, through processes like chipping, staining and cracking.

The UK has long played a role in the international ivory trade. During the colonial era, more than a million elephants were killed to feed British demand for everything from ivory ornaments and piano keys to billiard balls and cutlery. Much of that material remains in the UK today, fueling the market. Trade data indicates that the UK is still the world’s largest exporter of legal ivory, most of which goes to Asian destinations like China and Hong Kong.

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Serious concerns have surfaced about food transparency, and people are asking questions. Documentaries like Rotten urge consumers to think twice about the origins and ingredients of their food, but answers are not always readily available.

In addition to environmental concerns like long-distance transportation, people are worried about food recalls and safety. FoodLogiQ’s software solution creates “farm to fork traceability”, welcoming companies across the industry to participate, with approximately 7,000 having registered so far in some 100 countries—including Whole Foods, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Carl’s Jr., Subway, Buffalo Wild Wings and the Panda Restaurant Group.

Information provides useful details such as where the food was harvested, whether pesticides were used, where the food traveled and how it was processed.

FoodLogiQ Chief Marketing Officer Katy Jones suggests this is an important moment of change in the food industry, saying, “Food companies are embracing global standards to increase efficiencies and build a foundation for traceability and supply chain visibility.”

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Corporate Conscience

Leading Food Companies Aim to Slash Energy Footprints

McDonald’s plans to reduce greenhouse emissions from their restaurants, corporate offices and supply chain by more than 30 percent by 2030. They’re the first restaurant chain with goals backed by the Science Based Targets initiative. The company expects to decrease its total emissions by more than 150 million tons.

AB InBev, the parent company of Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser beer, has ambitious plans to purchase electricity only from renewable sources for its worldwide operations in seven years. The first step includes Bud Light. The goal is for all operations in the company’s 12 Budweiser breweries across the U.S. to be powered by renewable energy.

Budweiser plants outside the U.S. will also switch to all-renewable energy, with all products planned to transition by 2025. The new status will be denoted by the label “100% Renewable Energy”.

Saudi Solar

Oil Giant to Invest in Renewable Energies Project

Saudi Arabia intends to host the world’s largest solar project. “It’s a huge step in human history,” says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. “It’s bold, risky and we hope we succeed in doing that.”

Solar power is a logical choice for the country. Its capital, Riyadh, averages 8.9 hours of sunshine a day. The nation is also projected to be severely impacted if climate change raises global temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. According to Climate Action Tracker, if the global temperature rises 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, 75 percent of the country would be excessively arid by the end of the century.

According to the most recent data available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Saudi Arabia produces 13 percent of the world’s oil and currently obtains 60 percent of its electric energy from petroleum.

Debris Drop-Off

Turtle Turnaround Hatchlings Return to Mumbai Beach After 20 Years

At Versova Beach, in the Indian coastal city of Mumbai, local volunteers have stepped up to finally clean up a shore covered in ankledeep trash and waste. The United Nations described the transformation as the world’s largest beach cleanup project ever, and the work has been rewarded with serious environmental progress.

For the first time in 20 years, Olive Ridley sea turtles have hatched at Versova. The turtle is currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature because of environmental pollution. They’re the smallest and most common sea turtle, but all species are threatened by human encroachment and pollution.

Lawyer and conservationist Afroz Shah says, “I had tears in my eyes when I saw them walking towards the ocean.” Local ecologists say it’s possible the Olive Ridley turtles have been nesting on the beach without anyone noticing, but capturing this momentous occasion is a huge boon to the volunteers, which have encountered some resistance via harassment and bureaucracy.

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Plastic Bag Deterrents Working in European Waters

A new study shows that there are significantly fewer plastic bags on the seafloor since a number of European countries introduced fees on them, according to a 25-year study from the UK government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

Researchers saw an estimated 30 percent drop in the number of plastic bags in waters around Norway, Germany, northern France and Ireland. “It is encouraging to see that efforts by all of society, whether the public, industry, non-government organizations or government, to reduce plastic bags are having an effect,” says Thomas Maes, a marine litter scientist at CEFAS. “We also observed sharp declines in the percentage of plastic bags captured by fishing nets trawling the seafloor around the UK compared to 2010, and this research suggests that by working together, we can reduce, reuse and recycle to tackle the marine litter problem.”

October 2018

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coverartist

Last Straw

Groups Work to Make U.S. Go Strawless

Pumpkin Valley

by Catherine Holman In depicting simpler times, folk artist Catherine Holman portrays the pleasures of everyday life in colorfully detailed, whimsical scenes. She also accompanies each of her fine art paintings with imaginatively written stories about the people and animals that inhabit her gentle world.

“As my brush works on the canvas, I dream of quaint villages where I would want to work and live,” remarks Holman.

Of Pumpkin Valley, she writes: “Betty’s pumpkins were enormous this year. She’s been dreaming of all the wonderful pies, breads and desserts she’ll be able to make for the county fair. Her neighbor Hank thinks she should enter her pumpkin pie squares that he sampled. He’s willing to try all her new recipes, because Betty’s smile is as pretty as her desserts!”

Holman lives in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, a small town not unlike those she captures on canvas. “My paintings remind us of the value of living life at a slower pace, with more time for family and friends,” says Holman. “Today, it seems that everyone thinks that bigger is better, but I still prefer small, cozy cottages and getting to know my neighbors.”

View the artist’s portfolio at FineArt America.com/profiles/catherine-holman and visit her blog at CatherineHolman FolkArt.blogspot.com.

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About 500 million plastic straws are discarded daily in America, reports the U.S. National Park Service. Plastic that reaches waterways is ingested by marine life and our food chain. Individuals and municipalities are taking action to support options, including going strawless. n The Last Plastic Straw (TheLastPlasticStraw.org), a project of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, has a worldwide map locator that pinpoints restaurants that have ceased using plastic straws. n Milo Cress, who launched the Be Straw Free (BeStrawFree.org) campaign in 2011 when he was 9, is again speaking to school students this fall, primarily via Skype. “It’s exciting to inspire them to know that they can do something in their community,” says the senior high school student in Shelburne, Vermont. n Strawfree.org, a Southern California volunteer-driven organization, offers kits that include bamboo straws, carrying holders and cleaning brushes. n McDonald’s has announced it will transition from plastic to paper straws in its U.S., UK and Ireland restaurants beginning this year, and subsequently expand the switch to other countries. n In May, New York City lawmakers introduced a bill banning plastic straws in all bars and restaurants in the Big Apple, and Seattle has banned the use of single-use plastic straws, thanks to the Strawless in Seattle movement. EcoCycle, Inc. (EcoCycle.org) and the Inland Ocean Coalition, both in Boulder, Colorado, are asking restaurants citywide not to use them. In July, Starbucks announced plans to eliminate straw use globally by 2020. n StrawlessOcean.org offers straw alternatives made of paper by Aardvark, steel and silicone by Klean Kanteen, metal by Steelys Drinkware and bamboo

by StrawFree. n EcoWatch.com suggests, “Unlike metal or glass, soft and bendable silicone straws don’t clink your teeth, making them ideal for kids and straw-biters” and that such products made by Softy Straws work with hot drinks and withstand dishwashers. It also recommends wheat stems, corn bioplastic and bucatini pasta, a spaghetti-like noodle with a hole in the middle.

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therapy spotlight

Demystifying CBD Massage for Chronic Pain

by Marissa Gandelman and Stephanie Held

A

s our healthcare system collapses, the demand for effective pharmaceutical alternatives and accessible ways to heal has grown exponentially. Meet cannabidiol (CBD), a key compound of cannabis without the psychotropic effects.

It naturally aids in pain relief; it can be applied topically in creams and oils or taken orally as a supplement.

Because CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, questions arise. Is it safe to use?

Is it legal in the state of Connecticut? What are the side effects?

Cannabis Chemistry Review

Within the body’s endocannabinoid system, there are two cannabinoid receptors that moderate pain, mood and inflammation: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects. CB2 receptors have anti-inflammatory effects, and are found in our immune cells.

Cannabis has two key compounds: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. To put it simply, the THC compound attracts the CB1 receptors that make a person feel “high.” The CBD compound attracts CB2 receptors that aide in pain relief. Because our bodies naturally produce these canna-

binoid receptors, our system knows to start its healing process when CBD is applied topically to the skin, or taken orally in oil, tincture or capsule form.

Legality in Connecticut

The Federal Government considers both hemp and cannabis Schedule 1-controlled substances. However, 44 states have voted to safely and slowly allow this medicine to be available to people who need and/or want to have access.

“There are currently 27,340 patients benefitting from the medical marijuana program, 953 certifying physicians, and now a total of 30 conditions approved for adults,” says Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull in an August 28, 2018 press release from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

‘The Feels’

A good massage will help relax the entire body. During a traditional massage, long strokes back to the heart send healing energy throughout the body to relieve tension and pain caused by stress. CBD massages use the same technique using CBD oil applied before the massage, or during the session, to relax the muscles. The oil allows

therapists to give a deeper massage without pain or discomfort.

Who Benefits from CBD Massage

Seniors, athletes and cancer patients experiencing inflammation or chronic joint pain caused by physical injury or infection are encouraged to consider CBD massage.

Existing pre-clinical evidence also strongly supports CBD as a natural treatment for students and individuals experiencing generalized anxiety, depression, insomnia or panic disorders. CBD has therapeutic properties across a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, stemming from diverse central nervous system actions; when applied topically to the skin or taken orally, it can promote a general sense of overall well-being.

Marissa Gandelman is the founder of Elm City Wellness. She is a licensed massage therapist and biodynamic craniosacral therapist. Stephanie Held, a publicist, writer and yoga teacher, is the founder of The PR Poet, llc, a communications boutique for arts, culture and wellness. Connect at 203-691-7653 or visit ElmCityWellness.com.

See ad on page 44.

October 2018

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Boosting Serotonin Naturally

Pain-Free Happiness The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Serotonin

by Dr. Sara B. Frawley

I

n the naturopathic world, the chronic pains associated with fibromyalgia are symptoms of a deeper, more complex problem. While we are still unsure of the exact cause of fibromyalgia, the latest research is showing a connection between chronic pain and the serotonin neurotransmitter.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

According to the American College of Rheumatology, it is the widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a threemonth minimum duration. The newest criteria of diagnosis includes the associated symptoms of fatigue, and problems with sleeping and thinking clearly. Often, fibromyalgia is associated with anxiety and/or depression as well. It is therefore not surprising that the research is showing its connection with low serotonin, which is one of many chemicals found in the brain and digestive tract that contribute to happiness and well-being.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

While the current cause is unknown, there seems to be a strong genetic disposition to genes associated with serotonin. Like with 18

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most genes, these genes must be “turned off ” by physical or mental stress to cause a decrease in serotonin. From a naturopathic standpoint, this could mean a range of causes, from a poor diet to an emotional trauma. But this also means that there are ways to sway the gene to work properly.

This can be done by providing the nutrients the body needs to make serotonin, even going so far as to skipping steps in the pathway to making it.

Fibromyalgia and Serotonin

Thanks to the common and widespread use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), most people are aware of the connection between serotonin and depression. However, few people are aware of its connection with chronic pain and fatigue.

How does serotonin help with pain?

Serotonin has analgesic, or pain-relieving, effects directly on the nervous system; it also works together with opioid receptors to modulate pain.

Since the 1980s, studies have been showing a connection between low serotonin in spinal fluid and fibromyalgia.

The studies have also shown a connection between poor sleep and a low influx of

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Tryptophan is the essential amino acid necessary to make serotonin. Most people know they can get tryptophan from turkey; it can also be found in pumpkin seeds, bananas, red meat, fish, oats, beans, nuts and other foods. Eating an antiinflammatory diet—low on sugar, caffeine and alcohol—with plenty of green veggies and whole foods rich in tryptophan can help with fibromyalgia symptoms.

For chemical reactions to occur in the body, our body uses enzymes—little protein catalysts—to help make one thing become another. These enzymes need nutrients like vitamins and minerals, or what we call cofactors, to make them work. To make serotonin, tryptophan is converted into 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) to serotonin. For this specific reaction to occur, the body needs the cofactors folic acid, vitamin B6 and magnesium.

What’s great about using food as medicine is that foods have combinations of nutrients and amino acids to help support the body’s utilization of them. It is, of course, possible to supplement amino acids and vitamins through a nutraceutical. There are many supplements out there that combine 5-HTP—which skips the step of making tryptophan to 5-HTP— and its cofactor B6 to help in supporting healthy serotonin levels.

It is important to consult with a naturopathic doctor when deciding on which supplement is right. They can ensure that a lack of serotonin is the cause of the disease. They will also look to see if we are properly absorbing nutrients from food, and that we are taking the right supplements for us at the right amount with its supporting cofactors.

Sara Frawley, a naturopathic physician in Wallingford, is the founder of Ground Force Supplements. Connect at DrSaraND.com or GroundForceSupplements.com.

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serotonin. This might explain why fatigue is now associated with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It is a vicious cycle though, as we ask if the poor sleep is causing the pain or if the pain is causing poor sleep.

Banana Nut Butter with Cacao Nibs Ingredients

2 ¼ cups raw walnuts 1 cup raw pecans ¾ cup freeze dried bananas 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp vanilla bean powder ¼ tsp kosher salt ¼ cup cacao nibs

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the walnuts and pecans on a lined baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted.

Let cool for a few minutes on the countertop. The nuts can be left raw if preferred.

When the nuts are cool, set aside ¼ cup toasted walnuts to pulse in at the end. Add the rest of the nuts to the food processor or high-powered blender. Process for 3-6 minutes, scraping down as necessary.

The time might be shorter if using a highpowered blender; it will take longer in the food processor and require more scraping down.

When the walnuts and pecans have broken down into a smooth, creamy butter, add the freeze-dried bananas, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder and salt. Process to incorporate, and taste. Adjust add-ins as desired. Finally, add the cacao nibs and toasted walnuts. Pulse a few times to incorporate and break up the walnuts.

Transfer to a glass jar or two, such as a mason or Weck jar, and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.

Recipe from Bakerita.com

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2 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

TO ASK WHEN SEEKING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST 1. Will my PT work ONLY with me during my treatment?

ABSOLUTELY! At Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, we are one of the few remaining practices that spend 40 minutes, one-on-one, with YOU and ONLY YOU.

2. Will I ONLY be doing exercises during my treatment?

No. Your physical therapist will be using hands-on techniques to relieve your pain and will provide you with exercises to do at home.

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Life is like riding a bicycle.

To keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

October 2018

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Natural Solutions for Pain Management Options for Self-Care at Home

by Kristen Hallett Rzasa

P

ain can be acute or chronic. It can be the result of an injury or accident. Sometimes the cause can be easily identified, such as a fall down the stairs. Other times, it can be seemingly mysterious, such as when we wake up with a new pain and have no idea where it came from. Pain can also be a gift. Although it may not feel that way when in the throes of it, it is a powerful communicator.

At its core, pain is a construct of the brain, but that doesn’t mean it’s all in our head. The pain is real. However, pain originates in the brain. A good illustration of this is the pain felt by an amputee. Often after an amputation, the individual still senses pain in the amputated limb, even though the body part is no longer there.

Some experts believe that this can be 20

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explained in part by mixed signals that are coming from the brain.

While there are as many remedies for pain as there are types of pain, there are some natural solutions that can be effective for managing and even alleviating chronic pain.

This is not to negate, or even fully replace, traditional medical treatment or medications. Consider adding one or more of these natural approaches to a repertoire when dealing with chronic pain.

participants employ simple techniques to reduce the effects of accumulated stress and tension caused by daily living, and repetitive motions and postures.

MELT enables the body to regulate sympathetic to parasympathetic tone, which allows the body to repair itself, thereby reducing pain and improving performance. While that may sound complex, MELT is actually simple and accessible.

Results can be achieved with only 10 minutes of “MELTing” three times per week.

MELT Method

Essential Oils

The MELT Method, created by Sue Hitzman (MELTMethod.com), is a simple self-treatment that helps people get relief and stay out of pain. Using gentle tools such as small balls and a soft foam roller,

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Essential oils are growing in popularity for their abilities to support physical and emotional issues. This makes them an especially powerful tool as chronic pain often marches with emotional stress, anxiety

At its core, pain is a construct of the brain, but that doesn’t mean it’s all in our head.

The pain is real.

However, pain originates in the brain. and depression.

Essential oils can provide relief for many serious chronic pain sufferers through their ability to penetrate cells quickly, providing oxygen and improving circulation to inflamed joints.

Peppermint oil is frequently used for pain conditions because of its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. Other favorites include marjoram, lemongrass, cypress, copaiba and frankincense, to name a few. Since essential oils have hundreds of compounds, the options are vast. There is also a bio-individuality with oils. What works for one person may not be the best choice for another. There may be some experimentation involved to find the right essential oils to best support each of us.

However, not all essential oils are created equal. Quality is important, especially since the essential oil industry is not regulated. Anyone can label an oil “pure” or “organic,” so seek out a reputable company that conducts third-party testing of their oils.

Yoga

A gentle yoga practice can be invaluable for addressing pain.

Fairfield’s Yoga 4 Everybody’s Robert Ortner, ERYT-500, is a yoga therapist with decades of experience as a yoga therapist and teacher. He explains, “As we begin to listen to how the body actually feels in

response to movement and yoga postures, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of how closely cause and effect are related within us, and possibly piece together any restrictions that play contributing roles in any pain we may be experiencing. Movement is truly the key.”

Nutrition

Our relationship to food is complex, including the direct relationship between our food choices and physical pain and discomfort.

As mentioned earlier, pain is a construct of the brain. Since it is now welldocumented that our gut is considered to be our “second brain”, it stands to reason that how we nourish ourselves plays a role in managing pain.

“Gut health is ultimately behind so many autoimmune symptoms and pain conditions, so it’s often a good jumping off point for lifestyle change,” says Jeanne Blodi (EssentiallyJeanne.com), a functional medicine certified health coach.

“Something you’ve been eating your whole life might be causing inflammation in the body and manifesting as a pain condition.

Try slowly eliminating common allergens like gluten, sugar, dairy, corn, artificial sweeteners and food additives; observe if the pain begins to change.”

Chronic pain can be debilitating, but there are accessible simple natural alternatives to integrate into your lifestyle on your journey to live pain-free.

Susane Grasso REIKI MASTER

Relaxation Therapy Chakra Balancing Aura Readings

203.500.6950 2489 Boston Post Road Suite F Guilford CT 06437

Kristen Hallett Rzasa is an entrepreneur, essential oil educator, fitness instructor, speaker, blogger and yogi. Connect at InterplayHealth.com and MyDoterra.com/ InterplayHealth.

LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS & U-PICK FIELDS

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October 2018

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Managing Chronic Pain through Mindfulness Techniques to Reduce Pain without Drugs

by Dr. Ann C. Reeves

T

hose who have experienced chronic pain know how difficult it is, and how it can severely limit quality of life. It can be hard to sleep and maintain emotional stability. When you look “fine” on the outside, others may not know what you are going through. Chronic pain can be exhausting, often leading to frustration, anger and depression. Emotions run high; we may feel it’s not fair and question why we are being singled out for this pain. We may increasingly choose to stay home, separating ourselves from the very social activities and friends who might help normalize our lives. This, in turn, can encourage a hopelessness that nothing will ever change.

When we feel the throbbing or burning pain, we tend to tense the muscles in our bodies, which only serves to intensify the perception of pain. This is where mindbody techniques can be so helpful. While they do not magically make pain disappear, they really can make a difference 22

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in our ability to engage in and enjoy our day-to-day lives.

Pain management through medication is a complex process that requires a close working relationship with a physician. Our bodies want to heal. Mind-body techniques work with the body; they are effective in the management of chronic pain without the negative side effects of medication, including the looming threat of addiction. These techniques help restore a sense of personal control over our own destiny. There are many people with chronic pain who have been able to reduce their medication dosage by integrating mind-body practices.

Helpful mind-body techniques include, but are not limited to, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, positive psychology strategies and hypnosis. Various forms of body work, such as massage, craniosacral or Reiki, can also help. Some of these techniques necessitate intervention by licensed professionals while others require

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more active participation, with a wholehearted willingness to enter into new ways of thinking about our situation. We need to be motivated to do whatever it takes to learn a new practice, and a commitment to keep on practicing regularly without giving up. Retraining the body and mind is hard work; it won’t just happen by reading a book, yet such efforts have made a significant difference for many individuals who suffer from illness and pain.

Mindful Awareness and MBSR

Mindfulness practice has its roots in Buddhism, and through the work of American scholar Jon Kabat-Zinn and others, this philosophy is available to each one of us, regardless of our belief systems. Through years of personal study and practice, Kabat-Zinn, a research biologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, founded the Stress Reduction Clinic.

Physicians there refer post-operative patients and those with severe or chronic

pain, extreme depression and anxiety. The resulting MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) is a structured group program where participants meet for several hours a week over an 8-week period, with an added day-long retreat. Through weekly training in yoga and meditation, combined with deep discussion, participants learn to mobilize their own inner resources for coping, growing and healing.

Positive changes have been noted in both physical and psychological status for MBSR participants who adhere to the meditation techniques both during and after the course. Among the many health benefits reported are reduced physical symptoms and level of pain. A recent study of patients with chronic low back pain found that those who participated in an MBSR program reported a 60.5 percentage advantage in reporting clinically meaningful improvement on a disability questionnaire over those who received usual care. Various studies have suggested positive effects on improvements in pain, pain acceptance, quality of life and functional status. In the MBSR program, participants learn how to retrain their bodies through gentle yoga practice and how to retrain their minds through mindfulness meditation. They became more aware of their moment-to-moment experiences, and letting go of intrusive thoughts and feelings. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf,” is Kabat-Zinn’s oft-quoted description of mindfulness practice. Much information on MBSR is readily available online, including CDs, MP3s and books.

If possible, finding a MBSR classes with teacher interaction is highly recommended.

Manage Your Relationship to Pain

Mindful awareness encourages a nonjudgmental awareness and acceptance of the current moment with whatever is presenting itself now, including both emotional and physical discomfort. It requires a willingness to be curious rather than apprehensive, to explore rather than avoid. In an internalized dialogue, one might say, “My lower back really hurts right now. This seat is so uncomfortable! I don’t know how much longer I can stand this. I’m going to get up now.” Or, one might say, “My lower back really hurts right now. I’m really curious about where this is going to go. Let’s see what happens if I maintain steady, relaxed breathing and place my focus on my back for a while, going inside to explore with my mind the part that hurts the most.” Initially, it takes courage to “stay with it,” and go into the pain, but with practice it is possible to explore rather than fight the pain. In this way we can manage our relationship to pain by changing our perception of it. Learning how, each time, it can be different, sometimes worse, often better.

Converting Pain into a Sensation

It is only natural to label pain negatively but doing so can actually increase our perception of pain. The word “pain” is naturally allied with concepts of “bad” and “fear”; this association will also influence how pain is experienced. Try instead to replace pain with “sensation” and the feeling as “discomfort.” This change in language can modify a more negative interpretation into a

less emotionally loaded perception that can, in turn, reduce the experience of pain.

Focusing Elsewhere through a Body Scan

Most of us have experienced or witnessed the phenomenon of being injured, yet we are so distracted by our current activity— such as playing sports or helping others in an accident—that the perception of pain doesn’t arrive until we are no longer distracted. Mindfulness practice can help us achieve the same effect.

One powerful method is the body scan. Lie down or be seated in a comfortable position. Begin breathing in a natural and relaxed manner, even if pain is present. Begin by placing fullhearted attention on the left big toe. Become aware of any sensation, such as heat, cold, tingling, pain or tension; pay attention to that sensation. If there is tension, ease it slightly. When a thought or perception interrupts, notice it briefly, and then consciously shift attention back to the body. Move to the other toes, around the left foot, ankle, lower leg, knee, thigh, hamstring and then continue with the right leg. Continue scanning up through the entire body, front and back, arms, shoulders, neck, and head and facial features. Place loving attention on the entire body, one part at a time, noticing sensations, being curious even with discomfort, and moving on to the next. As thoughts occur, accept them briefly and then send them on their way while returning to the practice.

Change Thoughts to Transform Experience

Among the many books on mindfulness and Buddhism that can inspire us when we are experiencing pain and feeling frustrated is How to be Sick, by Toni Bernhard. A highly competent law professor, Bernhard fell ill one day with what seemed to be a virus and has never recovered after well over 10 years. With no clear diagnosis, she has the symptoms and lack of energy of someone with acute influenza to the point of spending considerable time in bed. She cannot work, go to family weddings, or visit grandchildren; yet her view on life is positive and inspirational.

Bernhard had studied Buddhism and practiced meditation for many years previous to her illness. She uses strategies every day to reduce discomfort, pain, anxiety and depression.

Bernhard warns against giving into the darkness, stating that, “every mind state, thought or emotion that we experience repeatedly becomes stronger and more habituated.” She is careful with the language that she uses in order to be more positive. She refuses to become her illness, saying that although there is sickness, she is not sick. Among her strategies is to remind herself that she is not the only one suffering—everyone is, in one way or another.

She extends self-compassion towards herself and her body, and then to all people suffering.

Ann Reeves, PsyD, is a Wilton-based licensed psychologist who integrates mind-body strategies into her practice of psychotherapy. She also conducts day-long nature retreats.

Connect at 203-451-6208.

October 2018

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Begin with Dietary Adjustments

Before delving deeply into root emotional causes for physical pain, there are some dietary adjustments that bring some immediate relief to many people. n Remove sugar. It is one of the greatest catalysts to pain. It is likely not the root issue as that lies in the metaphysical, however, it will decrease the symptoms of whatever pain exists, especially arthritis.

CHRONIC PAIN Pain or Illusion?

by Berta Prevosti

W

hen we are in pain, our body aches and our joints are stiff. But is it because of arthritis, fibromyalgia, a mystery virus, recurring Lyme disease or something else? Whatever the cause may be, we may feel in serious pain.

We want answers beyond more pills that may only work for a short period of time.

Is chronic pain an illusion and not physical? Is it, in fact, more metaphysical and/or emotional? The very suggestion can trigger an emotional response; a client may even want to get up and walk out the door. That’s because it certainly doesn’t feel like an illusion, and no medical doctor will tell us that either. The question is, can we, in time and with some introspection, be pain-free?

The answer many people have reached is, yes, it is possible. Even people who have had rheumatoid arthritis for over 30 years and have been on medication for it may be able to come off their medications and experience life again with no pain. Individuals vary widely so the remedies used to relieve and extinguish pain will not be the same, but just to know that it is possible for the pain to be gone is a great relief.

The illusion is that our pain began on a physical level. Pain and chronic pain is generally connected to the metaphysical 24

New Haven/Middlesex

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n Decrease sodium intake. Sodium—and even the healthier Himalayan pink salt—will make us retain water. That will increase the pressure in our joints, thereby creating a tremendous amount of pain for anyone already suffering. n Eliminate dairy. Milk is especially inflammatory. Removing dairy is important as the goal is to remove pressure from the body. n Eat dark green vegetable. These are alkaline and assist the body with natural healing. n Avoid red meats. Red meats are highly acidic so in high quantity they are toxic and can’t be digested properly.

These dietary habits will provide some immediate relief.

However, chronic pain needs to be alleviated in the metaphysical and emotional world in order for it to be eliminated altogether.

We need to focus on ridding ourselves of deep, suppressed emotional energies. Finding an energy worker can help.

Meditation, Reiki, qigong and shamanic work are some modalities that can be helpful in rooting out emotional or metaphysical causes for physical pain.

Berta Prevosti, the owner of The Jiiva Center in Stratford, is a certified Reiki master in Usui and Karuna Systems of Universal Hands on Energy Healing and a 500-hour certified yoga teacher. Connect at JiivaCenter.com.

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and emotional world and, in particular, suppression of anger or other emotions. Look within to see if we are holding anger or rage about something that has occurred in life at one time, even at a young age. Our bodies tell us something is wrong by creating pain. The problem is we don’t speak the “language” of the body. We spend years suppressing and possibly creating more pain by not finding a way to release the anger and/or suppressed emotions.

Everything begins with our energy. By the time this disruptive emotional energy builds up enough to cause pain in our physical bodies, it has been with us a very long time. First, it begins in our muscles and then in our joints. It will continue to move deeper into our bodies, becoming chronic illness, until we understand the language of the body and what it is trying to tell us.

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inspiration

A Kinder Heart

Cultivating a Life of Compassion

T

by Amy Leigh Mercree

he path to mentally transcending the world’s intrusive bustle is to be compassionate with our self and others. It begins in a relaxed heart from which emanate daily thoughts, words and deeds. Here’s a helpful centering exercise.

Sit or lie in a quiet spot for about 10 minutes with eyes closed and become aware of breaths moving in and out, then feel each one fully by filling the lungs from bottom to top. With each exhale, slowly and completely empty the lungs.

On each inhale, refill the lungs again.

Mentally reciting “optimum oxygen” three times helps the body deeply absorb the nourishing element.

Then bring both hands to the center of the chest to connect with the emotional heart centered there. Feel it pulsing beneath palms and fingers while quietly saying aloud, “I relax my heart.” Let the shoulders release coiled tension and drop gently. Repeat saying, “I relax my heart” and sense the heart fluttering open a bit more. Rest in this feeling.

Again say, “I relax my heart” and notice awareness drop into it, a feeling of being present in the heart. Feel all tension and holding-on melting down and out onto the floor.

Then fill the lungs deeply and release the air through puckered lips; blow out with strength and purpose. Continue for a minute or two, allowing each exhalation to come straight from the center of the chest.

When it feels complete, the feeling of active release will subside.

Sense how much lighter the heart feels.

Further relax the heart and shoulders, letting go into the ocean of love native to our heart.

Envision floating safety in this ocean. See it stretched into infinity. Feel its warm embrace.

Now choose kindness in this moment.

Relax into kindness without judgment or pressure, only loving acceptance. Accept the infinite ocean of love available and open to it. It is filled with compassion, and now so are you.

Rest gently for a few minutes, until once again aware of everyday surroundings. Rub hands over both arms, legs, hands and feet to feel present in the room.

Then go about a heart-centered day with the waves of the infinite ocean of love gently lapping there.

Amy Leigh Mercree, of Naples, FL, author of The Compassion Revolution, is a medical intuitive and relationship and wellness coach.

Learn more at AmyLeighMercree.com.

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odern chiropractors are often seen primarily as pain specialists, yet their care can encompass much more. While the common focus is better health through spinal manipulation, the origins of chiropractic are manifold. Typical approaches for structural issues and injuries include spinal adjustments, therapeutic ultrasound and heat therapy, but some practitioners also embrace nutrition.

Training requirements for chiropractors vary by state. “Here in Oregon, chiropractic physicians—both legally and through our training—are taught to be primary care physicians,” says Doctor of Chiropractic Michael Herb, of the Absolute Wellness Center, in Eugene, Oregon. “We must complete extensive training not only on the musculoskeletal system, but also on managing various internal medical pathologies such as those related to the cardiovascular system, genitourinary conditions,

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obstetrics and gynecology. We also learn to perform minor surgical procedures.”

Chiropractor Tom Hyland Robertson, of Whole Chiropractic Healthcare, in Odenton, Maryland, notes, “To limit chiropractic to two categories of traditional and integrative isn’t accurate.

There are almost as many specialists among doctors of chiropractic (DC) as among medical doctors (M.D.). There are chiropractors that specialize in pediatrics, veterinary, orthopedics, internal medicine, neurology, radiology and other areas. Integrative chiropractic uses as many tools as possible from the realm of each doctor’s training.”

Integrative Well-Being The world of chiropractic is diverse and growing to meet patient needs. Many chiropractors offer several healing modalities in-house that are geared to take whole-person care to an integrated harmonious level.

“Research shows that patient outcomes are far better with a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare needs,” says Herb.

“Offering a variety of specialties like physical therapy, sports medicine, nutrition and natural pain relief in my practice means patients receive the care and amount of time they need.

They are not limited by what I personally can offer or have time to provide.”

Many chiropractic facilities nationwide employ acupuncturists and therapeutic massage therapists, offering diverse treatment options like functional medicine and cryotherapy—ice therapy— versus traditional heat therapy.

Robertson provides complementary treatments ranging from nutrition to physical therapy and yoga because he has found it is important to incorporate multiple treatment philosophies, examining the same problem from different angles, saying, “Chiropractic integrates many safe modalities found to be more effective than opioids, for instance.” He notes that early chiropractic was actually integrative, with its founder, Donald David Palmer, promoting a healthy diet and calmer lifestyle a century ago.

Final Journey, LLC (Pet Euthanasia Service) Kristen Klie, D.V.M. and Associates (203) 645-5570 www.finaljourneyllc.com

Collaborative Options Progressive chiropractic now includes innovative approaches to treat the nervous system. The cutting-edge field of functional (or chiropractic) neurology, which reactivates partially nonfunctional neural pathways, is employed in cases like concussions, vertigo, migraines, pain syndromes, neuropathy and attentiondeficit disorders.

Massage modalities, combined with chiropractic, are widely recognized to significantly increase circulation and improve range of motion. Acupuncture, when used in conjunction with chiropractic treatment, enhances muscle relaxation and fosters easier adjustments.

Chiropractor Kody R. Johnson, of the Johnson Chiropractic and Holistic Health Center, in Columbia, Missouri, is board certified in acupuncture and employs dry needling to target trigger points in tight muscles. He also specializes in functional medicine. Hormone balance, nutritional inadequacies, the presence of heavy metals and genetic markers for disease are all considered in determining a patient’s overall health.

“Chiropractic treatment addresses results of physical stress. Functional medicine looks at emotional and biochemical stress,” says Johnson. “The chiropractic paradigm is based on the premise that the body has an inborn ability to heal itself. If the only method a provider has to offer is chiropractic adjustments, then they’ll have cases where the patient’s condition doesn’t fully improve because there might be other factors at play, including nutritional deficiencies, toxicities and emotional stress. When we address other relevant issues, we find that patients ‘hold’ their adjustments longer.”

Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, multimedia artist and author of books in the spirituality and alternative health genres. She lives in Hawley, PA. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

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Medical Marijuana in Connecticut

by Ariana Rawls Fine

P

ain is a constant in far too many lives. Opiates, medications, energy work, dietary changes, specialized exercise routines, individualized herbal and supplement regimens, and complementary medicine practitioners are some of the avenues open to those of us in pain.

Medical marijuana is another avenue that an increasing number of people are pursuing with the help of their physicians.

Yet another option for those that do not qualify for a medical marijuana card is Cannabidiol (CBD) products.

Understanding the difference between the two may help those in pain find the right option for their situation. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of over 85 chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, found in the female cannabis flower, and the only one with psychoactive effects.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another cannabinoid component that is non-psychoactive.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2014 28

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Farm Bill defined cannabis containing less than 0.3 percent THC as “industrial hemp” while cannabis with a THC of more than 0.3 percent was deemed “marijuana.”

While a medical marijuana card from Connecticut’s Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) is needed to order products with more than 0.3 percent THC, CBD products are now more readily available.

Conditions Qualifying for Medical Cannabis

Currently, 31 states and the District of Columbia have legalized public medical cannabis programs. There are now 30 conditions approved for adults and eight for patients under the age of 18 (Portal.

CT.gov/DCP/Medical-Marijuana-Program/Qualification-Requirements).

The original Connecticut list of approved medical conditions for adults included cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV or AIDS, Parkinson’s disease,

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Usage and Forms

As of mid-September, Connecticut’s Medical Marijuana Program had 27,811 patients, as compared to nearly 18,000 registered medical marijuana users in May 2017. Current statistics show that

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multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, epilepsy, cachexia, wasting syndrome, Crohn’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sickle cell disease, post laminectomy syndrome with chronic radiculopathy, severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, complex regional pain syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, terminal illness requiring endof-life care, and uncontrolled intractable seizure disorder.

For patients less than 18 years of age, the covered debilitating medical conditions include cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, severe epilepsy, terminal illness requiring end-of-life care, and uncontrolled intractable seizure disorder.

The Connecticut legislature’s Regulations Review Committee very recently approved eight new conditions for the medical marijuana program. Muscular dystrophy and osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, were the two conditions approved for adults and patients under 18. Six new conditions were added for adults only, including: spasticity or neuropathic pain associated with fibromyalgia; severe rheumatoid arthritis; post-herpetic neuralgia (a complication of shingles that affects nerve fibers and skin); hydrocephalus, or fluid buildup in brain cavities, with intractable headache; intractable headache syndromes; and neuropathic facial pain.

The Department of Consumer Protection does consider petitions to add debilitating conditions, treatments or diseases to the current list of 22 conditions for adults and six conditions for youth patients allowed by law.

there are 5,909 in Fairfield County, 6,777 in Hartford County, 6,412 in New Haven County, 1,655 in Middlesex County, 1,724 in Litchfield County, 3,073 in New London County, 1,322 in Tolland County and 935 in Windham County.

Currently, there are 968 certifying physicians, nine dispensary facilities and four medical marijuana producers in the state. Local dispensaries include Arrow Alternative Care, Inc. in Hartford and Milford; Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut in Branford; Caring Nature, LLC in Waterbury; Compassionate Care Center in Bethel; Southern CT Wellness & Healing, LLC, in Milford; Thames Valley Alternative Relief, LLC in Uncasville; and The Healing Corner, Inc. in Bristol.

There are several ways medical cannabis can be prescribed for patients. Products come in many forms, such as flowers, vape oils, concentrates, edibles, capsules/tablets, oral syringes and sprays, oral strips, tinctures and topical, according to Southern CT Wellness & Healing.

For someone interested in obtaining medical marijuana, a physician needs to start the MMP application process to show the patient has a qualifying medical condition. The patient needs to submit online proof of identity, proof of Connecticut residency, a passport-size photograph and a $100 registration fee to get the medical marijuana registration certificate. For those who need a primary caregiver to fill the medical marijuana prescription, that person must register as a qualified caregiver before the department will issue the registration certificate.

The patient then turns to an approved medical marijuana dispensary to begin the prescription process. “When a patient is diagnosed with one of the conditions, we need to know which symptoms they need help them with. With PTSD, for instance, we would investigate whether they have anxiety during the day, night terrors or other specific symptoms. Based on the need, we would adjust what THC:CBD ratio was needed and what type of delivery system was best for that patient,” explains Deepa Desai, PharmD, one of four pharmacists who own Southern CT Wellness & Healing.

Dosing depends on the patient’s symptoms, their history, the side effects of their current medications, and the patient’s familiarity with using marijuana and how it affects their body, says Desai. As an example, she explains, they may start with lower dose for patients that have not tried cannabis before in order to gauge how their body reacts.

Marc Huberman, a New Fairfield-based musician and a film media manager, says an individualized medical-grade marijuana protocol enabled him to diminish pain, nausea and headache symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease. Originally taking opiates to combat the chronic pain, he came to rely on them to function. At the urging of his doctor, Huberman applied for and received a medical marijuana card.

He began to work with Angela D’Amico, founder of Compassionate Care Center of CT, and her staff to find the most appropriate mix for him. It took over a year to pinpoint the right combination of psychoactive and non-psychoactive products that enabled him to alleviate the pain and the anxiety associated with the pain, and, ultimately, to wean himself slowly off of the opiates completely.

“Working with the pharmacist and tech staff at Compassionate Care, I started a tapering program to be off opiates from April to August of 2017,” Huberman says.

“I documented what I went through with video blogs and writing. I hope to produce a documentary about my journey to inspire others. In addition to the marijuanafocused program, I utilized other tools to better my health and undergo a complete mind-body-emotion shift, including incorporating a healthier diet, wheat grass supplements, collagen peptides, breathing work, meditation and exercise.”

Since medical marijuana has the potential to alleviate nausea, vomiting and headache symptoms, it can be useful for those with digestive issues and the side effects of chemotherapy so the patient eats more food. Since there may be issues with ingestion, delivery might be suggested via syringes under the tongue, tinctures or dissolvable strips.

D’Amico hopes opiate addiction and cancer reversal will be added to the ap-

proved list. “Right now, we are focused on palliative care. We need more proactive cancer protocols. We need to let the doctors deem what is necessary for each patient based on the protocol, not on a set state maximum for use,” she says.

She is taking proactive steps to bring this to fruition, joining the multi-state Acreage Holding group as vice president in addition to her founding responsibilities at Compassionate Care. Acreage Holding is working to universalize the patient experience across all U.S. medical marijuana dispensaries with universal protocols on dosing, nutritional counseling and more.

For those experiencing conditions that are not approved for medical marijuana prescriptions, companies with CBD products operate outside of the state medical marijuana program. CBD-labeled dietary supplements with the single CBD cannabinoid can currently only be legally sold in states with medical marijuana laws. However, a whole-plant, hemp extract CBD product that contains all cannabinoids— such as the Stanley Brothers’ proprietary Charlotte’s Web grown in Colorado—can be sold in all 50 states. Many local wellness centers now carry high quality CBD products in a variety of forms.

Whether it is utilizing medical marijuana, CBD oils or whole-plant hemp extracts, an important emotional and mental aspect is best summed up by physician David Casarett. “A lot of the patients I talked with who’ve turned to medical marijuana for help, weren’t turning to medical marijuana because of its benefits or the balance of risks and benefits, or because they thought it was a wonder drug, but because it gave them control over their illness. It let them manage their health in a way that was productive and efficient and effective and comfortable for them,” he said in his “A doctor’s case for medical marijuana” TedMed 2016 video.

Ariana Rawls Fine is Editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley and Natural Awakenings New Haven/Middlesex County. She resides in Stratford with her family.

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natural pet

Pain Management for Pets Effective Non-Drug Options

by Mary Oquendo

D

ogs, horses, humans and cats are mammals. That means we have the same nervous system and neurochemical transmitters so animals experience pain in the same manner as humans. Since we know pharmaceutical options are limited when it comes to pain in humans, it stands to reason that many non-pharmaceutical pain management techniques could be considered for our pets when we know or suspect they’re experiencing pain.

As with people, before starting any new therapies or instituting changes, consult with a veterinarian to discuss any impact on an individual pet.

CBD Products

The human medical field is finally legitimizing the use of medical cannabis to treat chronic illnesses and disease. More states 30

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are authorizing medical marijuana dispensaries for humans, but medical marijuana is not an option for pets because the live/ dried plant is considered toxic.

The alternative to medical marijuana for pets is CBD, derived from the hemp plant. Hemp is the same plant species as marijuana. They are both Cannabis sativa L. The difference lies in the variety. Hemp has been used historically in the manufacturing sector to make rope and textiles, while marijuana was bred for the intoxicating resinous glands that grow on the flowers and leaves.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has not yet taken an official stand on the use of CBD products; it is currently under “discussion.”

There are 3 key differences to understand between hemp and marijuana:

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1. Hemp does not contain THC.

Any trace amounts are removed during production. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the THC that’s responsible for the psychological effects of marijuana, leading to its appearance on the Scheduled 1 Controlled Substance list.

While THC has many medical benefits, it is not the only part of the plant that has medicinal properties. Both marijuana and hemp also produce CBD. CBD is cannabidiol.

CBD has medicinal benefits because it binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system through the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in every tissue. The endocannabinoid system is connected to the brain, central nervous and peripheral systems.

It also maintains and manages homeostasis within the body, neural activity, pain, memory, emotions, carcinogenesis and

As with people, before starting any new therapies or instituting changes, consult with a veterinarian to discuss any impact on an individual pet. embryonic development.

As these binders are throughout the body, it accounts for the wide range of therapeutic properties. Essentially, it does what the body needs it to do. The medical benefits of CBD can help with a wide range of conditions, ranging from seizures to diabetes to pain management related to arthritis or cancer. Dogs have the highest concentration of CB receptors of any mammal, which is why dogs are highly sensitive to the effects of both THC and CBD.

2. Hemp is legal.

CBD is made into treats, oils, topical creams and capsules. Not all CBD products are created equally. As with any new booming market, there are companies looking to cash in by producing it as cheaply as possible. They use industrialgrade hemp, grown for quantity using factory farming, pesticides and fertilizers.

On the other hand, there are companies dedicated to the well-being of pets. In addition to growing organically, these companies spend thousands on research and development of different strains to pinpoint specific chronic conditions.

Hemp can be purchased online and in stores. It can be transported across state lines. Nothing in the pet industry is wellregulated, so CBD products for pets are a “buyer beware” purchase. Research the companies to ensure the product is the best.

3. Toxicity.

While both the live plant of hemp and marijuana are toxic to dogs and cats in any form, CBD derived from hemp is safe.

However, dosing is done based on the pet’s weight. As with any substance, any pet can have an allergic response and go into anaphylactic shock. While a pet can overdose

from medical marijuana, the same is not the case with CBD.

Veterinarian Chiropractor

Veterinarian chiropractors focus on the pet’s neuro-musculoskeletal system. Like their human counterparts, they manipulate and align joints and spine to reduce or eliminate misalignments that may interfere with the central nervous system resulting in joint degeneration and other chronic joint conditions.

Low inflammation diet

Foods that contribute to inflammatory responses include highly processed meats, such as those found in delis and hotdogs; poor quality proteins found in cheaper pet foods; potato pasta; white rice; dairy; omega 6 oils; carbohydrates; sugars; processed grains; and fruits.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that entails stimulating certain energy points on the body, usually by the insertion of needles. The premise is that this stimulation will open up blocked energetic channels so the pet’s energy flow is unencumbered and can naturally restore the body to better health. It has been studied and used in pets for many chronic medical conditions including pain management.

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Exercise

Regular exercise helps to reduce weight, which in turn helps overstressed joints.

In addition, increased exercise releases happy endorphins, which makes the pet feel better.

There are numerous studies that the presence of pets in human lives results in many health and quality of life benefits.

Shouldn’t pets get the same commitment from us to make them feel better when they are feeling pain?

Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master tech pet first aid instructor. She is the owner of Hands and Paws Reiki for All. She can be reached at HandsAndPawsReiki.com.

October 2018

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has been ranked in the best 50 in its size class among 200 companies named in the Franchise Business Review’s 2015 Top Franchises Report.

The healthy living magazine was one of five franchise companies cited as best-in-class in the advertising and sales category. To select the top franchises across industries and performance categories, the organization surveyed more than 28,500 franchisees.

Franchise Business Review, headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. 2015 marked its 10th annual Top Franchises Report.

For more information visit our website: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/ mymagazine or call 239-530-1377 32

New Haven/Middlesex

Healing Our Kids Reversing a Rising Tide of Chronic Conditions

by Ronica A. O’Hara

T

he statistics are startling—as many as a quarter to one half of American children now have a diagnosed chronic condition, according to studies that include one in Academic Pediatrics that includes obesity. Over the last few decades, the number of children with asthma has tripled to affect one in eight; those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have doubled to one in 10; and autism diagnoses have increased at least 10-fold, to affect one in 50 (one in 31 boys).

“It’s literally an epidemic of chronic childhood disease,” says Beth Lambert, of Charlotte, North Carolina, author of A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in America’s Children and executive director of the nonprofit EpidemicAnswers.org. “Our children, with their little bodies and immature immune systems, can’t tolerate the toxic environments we’re all exposed to. They’re the canaries in the coal mine that show us that the way we are living today is not sustainable.”

NaturalNewHaven.com

Call to Action

As scientists pinpoint the causes of conditions, parents, researchers and healthcare practitioners are discovering, Lambert says, that many of the youngsters’ chronic illnesses share a “perfect storm” of factors, including pharmaceutical overuse, toxic or nutritionally poor diets, exposure to toxins and other environmental stressors.

“Many factors contribute to these chronic disorders; one size or one treatment doesn’t fit all,” says Dr. Kenneth Bock, of Red Hook, New York, an integrative medicine practitioner who has helped more than 3,000 chronically ill children and authored Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies. “But if children with one or more of the disorders are treated with a fully integrative medicine approach, the vast majority show some improvement, many significantly, and increasing numbers may recover to a point where they even lose their diagnosis.” Effective integrative applications often change the child’s

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Brighter Future

diet to nutrient-dense, additive-free foods and supplements for gut and brain health; employ allergy testing and elimination, detoxification and behavioral and physical therapies; vet household contaminants; target medications like antifungals and anti-inflammatories; and use homeopathy and acupuncture.

Case Study

Maria O’Neil’s firstborn son, Connor, had a perfect Apgar score (newborn health status) at birth and appeared healthy to everyone until after immunization at 15 months, when he became withdrawn and vacant, with head-banging and hand-flapping. A pediatrician diagnosed moderately severe autism and advised, “Accept your new normal. Your son was born this way.”

O’Neil exclaimed, “I will not let this disease take my child!”

After she replaced processed foods, sugar, dairy and gluten with organics in his diet, he became calmer and “more here”.

Tests by another pediatrician, Dr. Bob Sears, showed Connor had gut damage, mitochondrial issues, a high viral load, a low white cell count and a deficiency in basic vitamins and minerals. “Now I had a game plan,” says O’Neil, of Joshua Tree, California.

Connor was given fish oil, B12 shots, juices, targeted herbs, Epsom salt baths, hyperbaric oxygen, a mitochondrial cocktail of nutraceuticals, medication with the antifungal fluconazole (Diflu-

More Help for Healing EWG.org – the go-to website of the Environmental Working Group for information about toxicity in food, products and the environment Why It Matters – video accounts from doctors; parents and recovered children; DocumentingHope.com can), the antiviral valacyclovir (Valtrex) and the immunity-enhancing naltrexone (Revia), plus acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic. Over time, Connor’s eyes brightened, his language “burst forth” and he became social and loving.

By age 5, educators took him off his individualized learning program because he had no relevant symptoms. Today, at 9, he’s a popular fourth-grade kid that loves swimming, soccer and art, and wants to become a scientist or engineer. “The future is limitless for Connor,” O’Neil reports.

“He can do anything he sets his mind to.”

“Once you have addressed the root causes, you can optimize healing by using the additional integrative modalities to help prevent chronic illnesses now and in years to come,” explains family physician Madiha Saeed, of Naperville, Illinois, author of The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease.

The multipronged integrative approach is supported by studies that link poor gastrointestinal health to childhood diseases, notes Lambert. Italian researchers found a greater prevalence of “bad” gut bacteria in autistic children. In New Zealand, it was shown that those with ADHD have gut bacteria that reduces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s reward center.

At EpidemicAnswers.org, medical professionals and parents have created a comprehensive database of resources, studies, strategies and health coaches to help realize a child’s full potential. It plans to follow 14 children with chronic conditions through 18 months of healing and recovery therapeutic services to be documented in a film titled Canary Kids.

“We want to show parents that there’s hope—because then they can take the next step and move forward,” says Lambert.

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based freelance health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Coming Next Month NOVEMBER

Proactive Wellness

plus: Healthy Home

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 203-988-1808 October 2018

33

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fit body

C O R E

P O W E R

REBOOTING LIBIDO Exercise Rekindles Desire

by Maya Whitman

B

The CorePower Seminar for your business or organization

C o r e Po w e r Wo r k s h o p . c o m

34

New Haven/Middlesex

ecause exercise delivers so many benefits, it’s not surprising that one of them is increased libido. A low sex drive can affect either gender at any age, and contributing factors include hormonal changes, daily stressors and certain prescription drugs.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, shortduration bursts of exercise work to increase circulation and heart rate, thus amping up physiological arousal in women. Sexual performance is enhanced in men by exercising three to five times a week, according to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior.

“Eating right and being committed to a daily exercise regimen that includes strength, cardiovascular and flexibility training is key to maintaining a great libido and continual excellence in sexual function,” affirms Dr. Jeffry Life, author of The Life Plan: How Any Man Can Achieve Lasting Health, Great Sex, and a Stronger, Leaner Body and owner of The Life Center for Healthy Aging, in Charleston, West Virginia.

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Healthy Hormones

Exercise increases testosterone, endorphins and adrenal hormones, all of which are essential to a satisfying sex life. Studies from the University of Texas at Austin show premenopausal women experience increased sexual response with exercise, including individuals with diminished sex drives due to the use of antidepressants.

“Stress is one of the biggest libidokillers in women, and endorphins released during exercise can reduce stress, improve libido and increase arousal,” maintains Stephanie Mansour, fitness expert and CEO of Step It Up with Steph, in Chicago, Illinois. “Adding 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week can increase endorphins, blood flow and testosterone.”

Aging Passionately

The inevitable hormonal changes of menopause and beyond can dampen a woman’s sex life, but it doesn’t have to become a way of life. “Women can experience side effects of shifting hormonal levels which cause libido to vanish and the vagina to become dry, making us feel

Exercises to Stoke Sexy 5 Yoga Poses to Increase Sex Drive Tinyurl.com/YogaPoses4SexDrive Yoga to Increase Sexual Energy - 25-minute yoga class Tinyurl.com/YogaClass4Libido Sexual Health and Heart Disease interview with Dr. Jeffry Life Tinyurl.com/SexAndHeartHealth anything but empowered,” explains Ellen Dolgen, the Coronado, California, author of Menopause Mondays: The Girlfriend’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Perimenopause and Menopause. “Exercise, along with the guidance of a menopause specialist to help manage those hormonal changes, is a winning ticket. Life in our 40s, 50s and beyond can be wonderful!”

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem for many men, and can result from sedentary lifestyles, certain medications and cardiovascular issues. “ED is a huge problem worldwide, and vascular disease is one of the major causes,” says Life. “This can be avoided by eating properly and making exercise an essential part of everyday life, which can also reduce the need for prescription drugs that are another major cause of the problem.”

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Strength Training and Yoga

Testosterone—a hormone that plays a significant role in lighting our “fire” and keeping it lit—can be enhanced by adding workouts with weights. “Strength training can boost testosterone, which may boost sex drive in both women and men. For men, I recommend lifting weights and doing push-ups. However, it’s important to note that too much intense exercise or strength training may have the opposite effect, and actually reduce the desire to have sex,” says Mansour.

In addition to a daily exercise program that includes cardio and flexibility exercises, Life concurs, “Thirty to 60 minutes of strength training three to four times a week is ideal.”

According to a review published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, yoga may increase both male endurance and female response. “Yoga turns off our sympathetic nervous system, the part that keeps us in ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Inversions like the shoulder stand help to harmonize hormones, supporting a well-balanced sex drive,” explains Pam Medina, owner of The Yoga Lily, in Clifton Park, New York. “We need to feel attractive, and yoga can help us to accept the body as a sacred vehicle for the soul.”

No matter the age or condition of the body, a more satisfying sex life and better self-image is possible through feeling fit. Life reminds us, “Check with your doctor before taking up an exercise regimen, and know that maintaining a healthy body can give us essential ingredients for a great sex life well into our 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.”

Maya Whitman is certified in bodywork and clinical essential oil therapy.

October 2018

35

wise words

DONNA KARAN on Fashioning Healthful Change

by April Thompson

A

s a style icon, humanitarian and pioneer of conscious consumerism, Donna Karan has elevated fashion to a platform for change throughout her career, using her celebrity status to raise funds for AIDS research in the 1990s and more recently venturing into alternative health care.

Karan’s first collection under her signature label DKNY, which debuted in 1985, aimed to dress women in comfortable, professional clothes that embraced and flattered the female form. The brand was built on women’s strengths, rather than insecurities; her iconic 1992 “In Women We Trust” ad campaign depicted the inauguration of a female president.

Her latest multidimensional Urban Zen project (UZIT) supports cultural preservation, compassionate health care and education. The affiliated brand integrates luxury and sustainability with multicultural traditions and modern trends in a multifaceted line of clothing, accessories and beauty care products.

UZIT fuses Eastern healing techniques and Western medicine in a patientcentric model intended to foster calm in the midst of the stress and chaos of illness.

The complementary therapies program was born out of Karan’s challenging period serving as a caregiver during her late husband’s struggle with lung cancer.

Karan is a member of the Coty Hall of Fame and recipient of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Lifetime 36

New Haven/Middlesex

Achievement Award and Glamour’s Woman of the Year award.

How has your fashion style and philosophy changed over the course of your career?

For me, fashion has always been about “dressing and addressing.” It all started when the AIDS epidemic broke out in the late 1980s, and the fashion community came together to launch Seventh on Sale to raise funds and awareness for the disease that was taking the lives of so many talented designers. Now more than ever, we must address such issues.

My philosophy and purpose has always been inspired by cultures, creators and artisans from all corners of the world, connecting past, present and future. I launched the nonprofit organization Urban Zen to create a community of change through philanthropy and commerce. I want consumers to be aware that their purchases provide the power to help others in need.

How is the UZIT program enhancing health and well-being?

UZIT came about after witnessing the ones I loved suffer and going through their experiences by their sides. Launched in partnership with yoga instructor Rodney Yee, the program has trained members of collaborating healthcare and yoga

NaturalNewHaven.com

communities in the healing modalities of yoga therapy, reiki, essential oil therapy, nutrition and contemplative care.

The goal is to change the healthcare system by bringing care back into health care. Rather than just treat the disease, we need to treat patients, their loved ones and their caregivers. We also must express care for the doctors and nurses that are part of the story; they need gentle care every bit as much. We are all on this journey together.

Therapists at centers such as the University of California, Los Angeles, rehabilitation unit have seen results with patients suffering from stress, claustrophobia, headaches and back pain through these techniques. Many patients report feeling more relaxed, sleeping better and experiencing less pain and anxiety than they had ever experienced with medication.

Do you see some positive trends in fashion today?

More people are paying attention to sustainability in fashion today than ever before, and more designers are using materials and fabrics that respect people and the planet; for example, by using quality materials that endure. Recycling fabrics and materials is one way to contribute to sustainability. We work with the Apparent Project, which recycles cereal boxes to make beautiful necklaces, as well as with Paula Coles, who makes bags out of T-shirts.

Can fashion effect social change in the world?

I view fashion, design and style all as platforms for conscious change. I use fashion to raise awareness and inspire change in the areas of well-being, conscious consumerism and integrative education.

Today, there is a greater emphasis on preserving our world cultures and maintaining the authenticity that comes from traditional artisans and artists. A collaborative mentality of “we” is far healthier than one of “me”.

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

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green living

The Rise of Blue Zones in America Places that Encourage Healthy Living

by Avery Mack

D

an Buettner’s book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest launched a movement a decade ago. Sequels include The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones Solution and Thrive. Many communities have embraced the principles of this “make healthy living easier” paradigm, resulting in the improved well-being of residents.

“Add more years to your life and more life to your years,” says Nick Buettner, vice president at Blue Zones LLC, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the founder’s brother who spoke with us. “The people around you, the places where you work, live and play, and the social norms in your community have an impact on your health.”

The original U.S. pilot project in 2009, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, is a prime example. Instead of widening a main thoroughfare and raising the speed limit, the city widened the sidewalk and created a path around nearby Fountain Lake, offering safe exercise for bikers, joggers and walkers. The Hy-Vee grocery increased its health market section from two to seven aisles, leading to a 130 percent rise in related sales, and added a Blue Zones checkout lane for healthy grab-and-go options. City workplaces now offer quiet rooms and fruit instead of candy; one business converted a garage to a pickleball court.

The five original Blue Zones are Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Sardinia, Italy.

Blue Zone Basics

Move Naturally – Even at work, get up and move at least once every 20 minutes.

Reduce Stress – Take a nap, nature walk

or meditate.

Act Intentionally – “People that feel

they have a reason to get out of bed in the morning tend to live seven years longer than those who just go through the motions,” says Buettner. A strong sense of purpose defines quality of life.

Eat Healthy – Enjoy the benefits of a plant-based diet. One cup of beans a day adds three to four years in life expectancy.

Plant a garden to grow fresher, pesticidefree food. Eat meat an average of five times a month and in small-portioned stir-fry, soups and pasta. Consume fewer calories.

Drink wine in moderation. Check out BlueZones.com/recipes.

Maintain Relationships – “If you have fewer than three friends, it’s the equivalent of smoking for 20 years,” Buettner maintains.

“Growing old in place and staying at home instead of a retirement or nursing home is easier to accomplish when you have a social network.” Meet regularly with friends.

Have Faith – A faith-based life taps into a larger resource far greater than oneself and enhances a sense of purpose, social network and calm content.

Prioritize Family – Amid the busyness of life, make the most enjoyable family time and nurturing activities each day’s first choice.

“Over the last four years in Florida, our sponsor, NCH Healthcare System, has helped to build well-being infrastructure and sustainability for approximately 400,000 people; that swells to nearly 1.2 million during high season from January to April,” says Deb Logan, executive director of Blue Zones Project-SWFL (Southwest Florida). “We have 33 Blue Zone-approved restaurants that collectively make an additional 176 plant-based menu items available locally; the first half of this year, they sold 130,000 Blue Zones-inspired dishes.”

The healthful community philosophy was vital in Hawaii, when the Kīlauea Volcano spewed lava, sulfur dioxide and acid rain. First-responders staffed checkpoint stations around the clock to protect the public from dangerous areas, exposing themselves to combined sun and volcanic heat. The Hawaiian Blue Zone team delivered smoothies, beverages and paletas—healthy popsicles made with real fruit—to help workers stay cooler. They also delivered them to volunteers and public service groups, including Hope Services Hawaii, which built tiny houses for families displaced by volcanic activity.

“We don’t come into an area and say, ‘This is what you must do.’ We say, ‘This is what you can do.’ The readiness must come from the city level, businesses, schools and nonprofits,” Buettner says. “The right leadership must be committed and prepared to follow through on multiple years of initiatives.”

He remarks, “In the end, my hope for the future lies in the fact that communities care about their health. Blue Zones isn’t about the quantity of years, but the quality of life, and often that adds years, too.”

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

October 2018

37

calendar of events

Nutrition & Depression – 6:30pm-8:30pm. Let’s discuss the impact that food, supplements and alternative medicine has on anxiety & depression.: $25 cash/check at the door. Red Barn In Durham, 352 Main St, Durham. Register nourishbygina@att.net.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 Mercy by the Sea Hosts: A Weekend Retreat for Wholeness – 10/5-10/7. Spend a quiet weekend and become more deeply in touch with the Sacred in your life. Fee includes overnight lodging and meals from Friday through Sunday lunch. Mercy by the Sea, 167 Neck Rd, Madison. Call 203-245-0401 or visit MercyBytheSea.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

Support Mothers Against Drunk Driving – 9:30am-11:30am. Walk Like MADD 2018 with Team CELC stars in Branford’s annual walkathon, Refreshments to follow. Meet at Branford Green by 9:30 a.m. A great cause, all ages welcome to join us!

Cost: $20/youth and $25/adult, Register for Team CELCstars at WalkLikeMadd.org.

Rocky Corner Cohousing: Come meet us! – 9am1pm. Are you looking for a sustainable, friendly neighborhood? Rocky Corner is an organic farmcentered community of 30 energy efficient homes on 33 acres in Bethany. Houses for sale now. Move in Spring 2019. Let’s talk! Black Rock Farmers Market, 458 Brewster St, Bridgeport. RockyCorner.org.

Meditation to Meet Your Spirit Guides w/Gayle Franceschetti – 9:30am-12pm. Listen/communicate with “helpers” to guide and protect you. Easily and safely make your connection, tune into their vibrations/recognize them in future. $55. Series $97. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. 203-265-2927, Return2love3@gmail.com.

Faerie Houses and Tea Party – 1pm-3pm. Join us at Pavilion 2 to build faerie houses out of natural materials, which we will provide, and enjoy a tea party with mini-cupcakes and herbal tea. Donations of baked goods to share are also cheerfully accepted.

Fee: $7 per person. For children 18 months to 5 years old; each child must be accompanied by an adult. Bring blankets or mats to sit on and dress appropriately for the weather. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia. Preregister: 203-736-1053.

Mercy by the Sea Hosts “Exploring Abundance through Nature Journaling” with Jan Blencowe – 9:30am-3:30pm. Work outdoors on your own nature journal. Simple pen and watercolor techniques are taught. Fee includes program and lunch. Mercy by the Sea, 167 Neck Rd, Madison. Call 203-245-0401 or visit MercyBytheSea.org.

At the Hop: A Fundraiser – 5:30pm-11pm. All proceeds benefit Masters Table Community Meals.

Featuring Sharades Band (Doo Wop Band) with special guest appearances by Dick DeLibro and Paula Pettinella. Featuring Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Patsy Cline and Motown. Bring your own beverage and snacks. Ice set-ups, coffee and dessert included.

Tickets $20. Assumption Church Hall, 61 Cliff St, Ansonia. Call Vin LaRocca: 203-929-0452.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 Rocky Corner Cohousing: Come meet us! – 11am-4pm. Are you looking for a sustainable, friendly neighborhood? Rocky Corner is an organic farm-centered community of 30 energy efficient homes on 33 acres in Bethany. Houses for sale now.

Move in Spring 2019. Let’s talk! Bethany Harvest Festival, on Route 63 at the airport and firehouse.

RockyCorner.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 G ro u p P a s t L i f e R e g re s s i o n w / G a y l e Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8-30pm. Discover reasons for current fears, recurring dreams or personality tendencies. Attendees explore past lives, learn reasons for repeat patterns or why they were born to a certain family. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford.

203-265-2927, Return2love3@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 Rocky Corner Cohousing: Come meet us! – 10am-2pm. Are you looking for a sustainable, friendly neighborhood? Rocky Corner is an organic farm-centered community of 30 energy efficient homes on 33 acres in Bethany. Houses for sale now.

Move in Spring 2019. Let’s talk! Westport Farmers Market, 50 Imperial Ave, Westport. 203-903-2646.

RockyCorner.org.

38

New Haven/Middlesex

Rocky Corner Cohousing Info Session – 10:30am – 12:30pm. Are you looking for a sustainable, friendly neighborhood? Rocky Corner is an organic farm-centered community of 30 energy efficient homes on 33 acres in Bethany. Houses for sale now. Move in Spring 2019. Join us! Clark Library, 538 Amity Rd, Bethany. 203-903-2646.

RockyCorner.org.

Bittersweet Wreaths – 1pm. Bring your own clippers and gardening gloves for this workshop led

by Ranger Dawn. When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. Fee: $5. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia.

Preregister: 203-736-1053.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 Crystal Bowl Sound Bath & Crystal Bed – 3pm4:30pm. Meditate and rest while Priscilla Gale, Priestess and Healer of many modalities, plays the singing bowls promoting deep healing on a cellular level. Sign up for 10 minutes under 7 highly polished Vogel quartz crystals, positioned over your 7 chakras, enhancing the vibrational balance the crystals and bowls seek to create. $25 sound bath only, $30 + bed. Raven’s Wing Yoga, Branford.

203-488-9642.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 Rocky Corner Cohousing Info Session – 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Are you looking for a sustainable, friendly neighborhood? Rocky Corner is an organic farmcentered community of 30 energy efficient homes on 33 acres in Bethany. Houses for sale now. Move in Spring 2019. Join us! Fairfield Woods Library, 1147 Fairfield Woods Rd, Fairfield. RockyCorner.org.

NaturalNewHaven.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 Circle of Women – 7pm-9pm. Join in sacred space to discover and strengthen your authentic self. Learn to listen and speak from the heart. Women’s Ways are compatible with all spiritual paths. $25.Central Wallingford. Call Susan to explore/reserve space.

203-645-1230.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 Young Living Essential Oils w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8pm. Help align your mind, body, spirit. Learn to take control of your health with therapeutic grade oils. Free class.

36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford, 203-265-2927, or Return2love3@gmail.com, Return2Love.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 Candlelit Restorative Yoga with Reiki Assists – 6pm-7:30pm. With Erin Bartolome. A gentle practice safe for all participants. A sequence of supportive poses using various props designed for effective release of stress and tension. Hands on reiki assists will enhance this experience, helping to clear blocked energy and enhance physical and emotional well-being. $25 by Oct. 12, $30 after.

Raven’s Wing Yoga, Branford. 203-488-9642.

RavensWingYoga.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 Mystical Autumn Moon: Psychic & Vendor Fair – 10am-4pm. Hosted by Simply Peaceful Healing – Joan Witherell. Public admission $5.

Children 12 and under free. Courtyard Marriott, 4 Sebethe Dr, Cromwell.

Activity Day and Open House at CELC Middle School – 11am-1pm. Families are invited to join us. Come meet teachers and students; stay for the art, science, and music activities; and enjoy some refreshments. CT Experiential Learning Center, 28 School St, Branford. RSVP: 203-433-4658, mandm@CTExperiential.org or CTExperiential.org.

Autumn Festival – 11am-4pm. Take a ride through our community gardens and fields in our horsedrawn story wagon and hear some spooky Halloween tales! Learn about bats, spiders, and owls!

Have some fresh apple cider and baked goods.

Visit the Nature Shop to buy some nature-related items. Enjoy nature-related exhibitors and vendors.

Try your hand at pumpkin painting, get your face painted, and make some original crafts. All proceeds benefit the Nature Center. Rain or Shine. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia. Preregister: 203-736-1053.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 Aquarian Age Sadhana with Jen Greenwald – 7:30am-9:30am This early morning spiritual practice is designed to cleanse your mind, uplift your spirit and set your day. It includes kundalini yoga warms up and mantra. The Aquarian Age Sadhana holds a specific vibration to help give us the strength and insight to be victorious, peaceful, loving beings in this lifetime. $20 drop in/or Raven’s Wing class card. Raven’s Wing Yoga Branford, 203-488-9642.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 Connect w/Guides & Angels: 5 Classes w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8:30pm. (Tuesdays, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 & 11/20). Listen/communicate with “helpers” to guide and protect you. Easily

and safely make your connection, tune into their vibrations/recognize them in future. Series $97.

36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford 203-265-2927, Return2love3@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 Full Moon Meditation w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8:30pm. Align w/new energies of full moon. Opportunities for allowing spiritual energies to reach human hearts and minds. Tap into this vast pool of energy. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. 203-265-2927, Return2love3@gmail.com, Return2Love.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 Full Moon Gong Kundalini & Meditation – 7pm9pm. with Barbara, Steve and Mary Jayne. Experience live gong sound healing tones, Kundalini, and meditation to put mind/body at ease. $22/ session, $60/3.Your Community Yoga Center, 39 Putnam Ave, Hamden. 203-287-2277.

YourCommunityYoga.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 Are You An Empath? w/Gayle Franceschetti – 9:30am-12pm. Are you sensitive to other people’s energies? Can you walk into a room and “feel” what has been going on? If so you are most likely an EMPATH. Learn tools and techniques to positively utilize your abilities. $55. 36 Cheshire Rd. Wallingford 203-265-2927, Return2love3@gmail.com, Return2Love.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 Restorative Yoga Workshop w/ Saskia Bergmans Smith – 2pm-4pm. Relax and retreat from everyday life, using guided passive stretching to release tension and nurture the body from the inside out. $27adv./$33 – Pre-Registration Recommended.

Your Community Yoga Center, 39 Putnam Ave, Hamden. 203-287-2277. YourCommunityYoga.com.

C o s t u m e P a r t y, P u m p k i n D e c o r a t i n g , Dinner, Dancing & Awards Presented by Masters Table – 3pm-6pm. Decorate pumpkin 3pm-4pm.

Pumpkin decorating open to 1st 25 who sign up by calling: 203-732-7792 (10/19 deadline). Dinner at 4pm. Music, dancing and awards for best costumes 4:30pm-6pm. Music by DJ Phyllis. Free. Donations accepted. Assumption Church Hall, 61 North Cliff St, Ansonia. MastersTableMeals.org.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Young Living Essential Oils w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8pm. Help align your mind, body, spirit. Learn to take control of your health with therapeutic grade oils. Free class.

36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford, 203-265-2927, or Return2love3@gmail.com, Return2Love.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 Join us in creating your own pendulum! – You will make your own pendulum and we will discuss using a pendulum, Basic commands and communication. How to question and use a pendulum in your life for support, grounding, clearing and healing and much more. 352 Main St, Durham, Cost $50. RSVP: Stephanie Rosally Kaplan: RosallyKaplan@gmail.com.

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New Age & Crafts Expo

Breathing Room Yoga Center’s

Come Experience a Day of Spiritual & Creative Enlightenment

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2018 10am - 5pm

Wyndham Southbury

1284 Strongtown Rd, Southbury, CT 2 Rooms of Dynamic Speakers & Guided Meditations Tarot & Intuitive Readings, Spiritual Art, Handcrafted Jewelry, Health & Wellness, Aura Photos, Crystals, Candles, Soaps, Dolls, and much more!

For more info email: Cryours87@yahoo.com or call: 203-733-6560 VENDOR SPACE AVAILABLE

Angelina Diana: An Evening with Spirit Spiritual Psychic Medium & New Age & Crafts Expo Reading Event at 5:15pm.

To purchase tickets visit: AngelinaDiana.com

ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

OCTOBER 13-14

Enjoy a FREE and robust schedule of yoga classes, inspiring talks, demos, guided meditations, essential oil workshops, a clothing swap, trunk show, non-profits expo, local food samples, chair massage, Kirtan music and a plethora of additional wellness offerings daily from 9am-8pm.

The Center will also have special weekend-only deals at onsite PuREST Float Center & discounts on yoga class cards, memberships, boutique items & tickets to their annual Gratitude Gala on December 1.

Breathing Room Yoga Center 216 Crown Street New Haven

$6 Admission $1 off with this coupon

BreathingRoomCT.com

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Inner Peace Yoga Therapy

Passport to Health & Wellness 2018

Foundations Course JANUARY - OCTOBER 2019 ONE WEEKEND PER MONTH Friday through Sunday

Presented by CT Holistic Chamber of Commerce

Statewide Benefit Holistic Expo

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 10am-4pm

This 300-hour, Level I Foundations

75+ Exhibitors & Speakers!

to introduce you to the vast field of

42 Century Drive Bristol, CT

in Yoga Therapy course is designed yoga therapy and provide you with

DoubleTree by Hilton

a solid foundation to build your

Contact Shirley Bloethe:

a yoga therapist.

VENDOR SPACE AVAILABLE!

knowledge on your path to become

Information & Registration:

InnerPeaceYogaTherapy.com/locations/new-haven

860-989-0033

Facebook.com/Passport to Health and Wellness

All door donations to benefit:

Hartford Hospital’s Integrative Medicine, Angie’s Spa & CT Children’s Medical Center

October 2018

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ongoingevents

Monday Tours CELC Middle School – 9:45am11a.m. Find out about Connecticut’s ONLY experientially-based middle school. Grades 5 - 8.

Exceptional academics, right-sized classes, handson and real-life experiences. 28 School St, Branford.

Call 203-433-4658, email mandm@CTExperiential. org or visit CTExperiential.org.

sunday Reiki 1 Training Certification 7 CEU – Heal yourself and others. Raise your vibration to reconnect to your soul purpose. Meet your Reiki guide.

4 attunements. Learn invocation/energizing breath/ meditation to remove negative emotions and more. $100. 2 class monthly Milford. Register 10/21 or 10/23 class view curriculum/testimonials at IEMInstitute.org.

Shamanism 101 Mastery of Awareness Foundation Training – 9am-4pm – Meet your Spirit Guides/Power Animal Develop your ESP as you explore non-ordinary reality in the Three Worlds.

70% practice 3 methods of journey + OBE transmigration. Receive healing and wisdom from your guides. $150. Milford. Register at IEMInstitute.org for 10/18 or 10/28 bimonthly class.

Mystical Market and Craft Fair – 11am-4pm.

(The 3rd Sunday of every month). Psychics, vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners & more.

Free admission, vendor’s fees vary. The Ruby Tree, S h e r m a n Vi l l a g e S h o p p i n g C e n t e r, 6 7 0 Main St South, Woodbury. 203-586-1655, Christina@therubytreect.com, TheRubyTreeCT.com.

See Me As I Am-Women’s Soul Circle Leesa Sklover Ph.D, LPC, C-IAYT – 4pm-6pm. (last Sunday of each month). Learn techniques to heal your mind. Ideas and story to know and plan peace for us all, in challenging times. ($35). Location: LoveLifeProductions, Branford. 917-860-0488.

DrSklover@gmail.com. LoveLifeProductions.net.

Queer Dharma – 7:30pm-9pm. A forum for practice and discussion relating all dharma traditions and the experience and concerns of LGBTQI individuals and their friends. All are warmly welcome regardless of experience, spiritual tradition, age, sex, gender identity, or sexual/affectional orientation. Each meeting will include meditation instruction, practice, readings and discussion. Free. The Shambhala Center of New Haven, 85 Willow Street, New Haven, Building B. NewHaven.Shambala.org.

monday Mondays at CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) are geared toward homeschoolers – (Begins 10/15). A variety of classes will be offered, including Writers’ Workshop, Nonviolence Leadership Training, Music, and more. Registration now open for all sessions. Ages 9-14. Contact or call 203-433-4658 or email mandm@CTExperiential.org for information.

Pilates/Barre Community Class – 8am. This class is a mix between pilates moves to strengthen core muscles and the Barre technique to sculpt and lean our arms and legs. Discount price of $10.00 cash/ check or $12.00 credit card. Kneading Hands Yoga & Massage, 760 Main St S, Unit F, Southbury. 203267-4417. KneadingHands.net.

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New Haven/Middlesex

Guided Meditation Circle – 10am-11am. A weekly meditation Circle in a very relaxed setting using mindfulness meditations, discussions about mindfulness and how to have a successful practice.

No experience necessary. $10 Investment. Healing Room, 10 Carina Rd, North Haven. Please call: 203-214-9486.

Alignment Yoga – 10am-11:30am. With Iyengar Teacher Training Graduate. Refine your yoga practice with optimal alignment practices that make you stronger, more flexible, and more emotionally stable.

Yoga in Middletown, 438 Main St, Middletown.

860-347-YOGA (9642). YogaInMiddletown.com.

Yoga with Marlene – 10:30am & 7:15pm. Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk. Guilford. Info: 203-453-5360.

Meditation – 1:30pm. Silent, sitting meditation for anyone to attend. For all levels. Beginners welcome!

Meditation begins and ends promptly on time.

Donation-based event; no set fees. New England Meditation Center, 455 Boston Rd, Old Saybrook.

For more information, visit: https://www.meetup. com/New-England-Meditation-Center/events/ Monday Night Trail Run – 5:30pm-6:30pm. This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre network of trails, while you burn off the weekend’s extra calories. We guarantee that this Free program. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia. Information/registration: 203-736-1053.

Kundalini Yoga and Music Meditation – 5:30pm6:30pm. Experience the yoga of awareness weekly to heal your mind and your life. All levels, live music. Each week focuses on a different theme (ex: mind, heart, Intuition). All welcome-any physical limitations. Led by Certified Yoga Therapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher Leesa Sklover, Ph.D, CIAYT of LoveLifeProductions.net. Register for first class. Monthly discount /$15 per class. Short Beach Union Church 14 Pentacost St, Branford, 917-8600488 or DrSklover@gmail.com.

Meditation Mondays – 6pm-7pm.Offered every Monday at Elm City Wellness. A 7pm meditation will be added if the 6pm class is full. Classroom is small, so reserve your spot in advance. $5.

774 Orange St, New Haven. 203-691-7653 or ElmCityWellness.com.

Are you having difficulty moving forward in your life due to a tragic or sudden loss of a loved one? – 6:30pm-7:30pm. (weekly). Join us for a new adult support group called “Healing Hearts” at The Red Barn, 352 Main St, Durham. Contact Michelle Pellin, a licensed professional counselor, at michelle.pellin@yahoo.com for sign up.

Qigong for Health – 7pm-8pm. Learn a practice that invigorates the internal energy, relieves stress, tones and stretches the muscles and connects the mind and body. $15/class. Tranquil Mountain Internal Arts. Location: Shoreline Center for Wholistic Health, 35 Boston St, Guilford. Info: 860-301-6433. tmiarts.com.

NaturalNewHaven.com

tuesday Yoga with Marlene – 9:30am & 6:30pm. Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk. Guilford. Info: 203-453-5360.

Healthy-Steps, The Lebed Method w/Susan Sandel – 3:45pm-4:45pm. Gentle therapeutic exercise/ mvmnt prog. Helpful for breast cancer survivors/ chronic health conditions. Free. Sponsored by Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center of Integrative Medicine. Location: Madison House, 34 Wildwood Ave, Madison. Details: 203-457-1656.

Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement 5 Week Class Series – 6pm-7pm. Learn to move easily with simple movements that help to relieve pain and restore your body to its natural ease. $50 for 5 weeks or $15 drop in. Carol Meade Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford.

203-415-8666 or info@massage2movement.com.

Free weekly Tuesday Meditation classes – 6pm7pm. (those who would like instruction can come at 5:45pm). Open to all and fully accessible. Instruction provided for beginners. No reservations necessary. Walk-ins welcome. Program offered in cooperation with New Haven Insight and the New Haven Zen Center. New Haven Free Public Library.

133 Elm St, New Haven. 203-946-8138.

Free Reiki Sessions: The Universal Reiki Plan – 7:30pm-8:30pm. (& 8:30pm-9:30pm Thurs).

Reiki teachers Jeannette and Jim of ReikiOvertones and students offer free Reiki sessions. Appt. only. Love offering appreciated. 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Details: Jim and Jeannette 203-254-3958. info@ReikiOvertones.com.

wednesday Nature Explorers – 10am-11:30am. (10/24; 10/31; 11/7 & 11/14). For children ages 2-5 and their adult explorer. The classes are loosely structured and influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside for a short hike and to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack (provided or bring your own) and conversation. Tuition: $40 for all 4 weeks. space permitting (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center), due at first class.

Class limited to 10 children. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia. Preregister: 203-736-1053.

Emei Wujigong Qigong Group Practice – 12pm1pm. Experience a qigong form for rebalancing and strengthening body, mind and spirit. For all abilities and levels of health. Schedule Available online. 1st class free (reg. $5). Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford. Info: EmeiQigongChan.com.

Meditation – 1:30pm. Silent, sitting meditation for anyone to attend. For all levels. Beginners welcome!

Meditation begins and ends promptly on time.

Donation-based event; no set fees. New England Meditation Center, 455 Boston Rd, Old Saybrook.

For more information, visit: https://www.meetup. com/New-England-Meditation-Center/events/

Stony Creek Yoga for Stress Relief – 5:45pm-7pm.

Classes led by Gina Macdonald MA, LPC. Sessions include breathing techniques, yoga poses and relaxation techniques. Emphasis on movement, flow and release of tension.. Beginning yoga experience recommended along with loose clothing and a yoga mat. Newcomers please arrive early. $10/session.

Willoughby Wallace Library. 146 Thimble Island Rd, Stony Creek. Contact Gina: 203-710-6665.

Centering Prayer: Weekly Group – 6pm-7pm.

In the Lyons Chapel near the entrance of Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center. The first 20 minutes is spent in Centering Prayer and the rest of the time in silence and contemplative conversation.

All are welcome. If you are new to Centering Prayer, call Anne Simpkinson, 203- 245-0401 ext. 128, and come 15 minutes before the start of the prayer session to go over Centering Prayer guidelines. Free will offering. Mercy by the Sea, 167 Neck Rd, Madison. MercyByTheSea.org.

Learn to be a Psychic Medium w/ Stephanie Rosally Kaplan – 6pm-7:30pm. (except on the 31st). Stephanie is a born Medium. She believes this is a gift from God and her readings bring people peace .She will teach you how to Awaken your third eye. Cost $15 per class. 352 Main St, Durham.

RSVP: rosallykaplan@gmail.com.

The Caring Network: Free Support Group for adults who have lost a loved one – 6pm-8pm.

(10/3 & 10/17). Free support group for adults who have lost a loved one. Information about loss and grief with facilitated open discussion. Bridges, 949 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, For information or brochure: Cody-White Funeral Home, 203-874-0268 or Bridges Healthcare, 203-878-6365.

Alignment Yoga – 6pm-7:30pm. With Iyengar Teacher Training Graduate. Refine your yoga practice with optimal alignment practices that make you stronger, more flexible, and more emotionally stable.

Yoga in Middletown, 438 Main St, Middletown.

860-347-YOGA (9642). YogaInMiddletown.com.

Yoga with Marlene – 6:30pm. Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk.

Guilford. Info: 203-453-5360.

Meditation In the World @ Guest House Retreat – 7pm-8pm. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced meditator, join us every week as we are led in the practice of focusing our awareness. Helping you find calm within everyday demands and stress.

Free. 318 West Main St, Chester. 860-322-5770.

thursday The Milford Chamber’s ‘Health & Wellness Council’ – 8:30am-9:30am. (2nd Thurs. monthly).

Group is comprised of businesses in the health and wellness industry. 5 Broad St, Milford.

Milfordct.com.

Ropes Yoga – 8:50am-9:50am. With Iyengar Teacher Training Graduate. Experience yoga poses in new and liberating ways. Therapeutic and challenging. Great for scoliosis and back problems.

Expert instruction since 1991. Yoga in Middletown, 438 Main St, Middletown, 860-347-YOGA (9642).

YogaInMiddletown.com.

Shamanic Divination Mastery of Awareness Certification – 9am-4pm. 22 exercises to develop High Sensory Perception. Stretch awareness in and beyond physical. Track in time/space, experience/ interact with the multidimensional body. Exchange readings with classmates receive wisdom/insight. $150. Milford. Curriculum/register 10/25 or 11/4 at IEMInstitute.org.

Therapeutic Dreams Analysis – 9am-4pm.

Interpret soul messages sent to you in your dreams, meditations or shamanic Journeys. Practice many exercises and 5 methodologies, including group work, as you discover the work of the pioneers and innovators in the field of dream work. $150. Milford.

Curriculum/register for 10/4 at IEMInstitute.org.

Yoga with Marlene – 10am & 6:30pm.Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk. Guilford. Info: 203-453-5360.

Emei Wujigong Qigong Group Practice – 6:30pm7:30pm. (Every Thurs. except the 1st Thurs. of month). Experience a qigong form for rebalancing and strengthening body, mind and spirit. For all abilities and levels of health. Schedule Available online. 1st class free (reg. $5). Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford. Info: EmeiQigongChan.com.

Qigong Group Healing & Silent Meditation – 6:30pm-8pm. (1st Thurs. of the month). All levels of health addressed. No experience necessary. Fee: donation. Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford. Contact Pat for more information if this is 1st attendance: 203-500-6492.

Women’s Guided Meditation and Healing Circle – 7pm-8pm. Come sit in a safe space, learn to breathe and set intentions to help focus and regroup.

All levels welcome. Meditations run 30-45 minutes in length. Thursdays/ $5. Location: Now n’ Then Therapeutic Massage, 187 Montowese St, Branford.

Contact Anna to register 203-871-9367 or register online at DandelionWellnessCT.com.

The Heart of Recovery – 7:30pm-9pm, a weekly meditation and recovery group for those recovering from addictions of all kinds. We will honor the traditions of anonymity, confidentiality and no cross-talk.

Meetings will include meditation instruction, practice, readings and discussion. Free. The Shambhala Center of New Haven, 85 Willow St, Building B, NewHaven.Shambala.org.

friday Yoga with Marlene – 9:30am. Yoga classes for all ages and problems in a serene atmosphere with emphasis on stress-management. 1221 Village Walk.

Guilford. Info: 203-453-5360.

Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class – 10:30am-11:30am. It only takes an hour to feel good again. Aren’t you worth it? $15 drop in or class cards. Carol Meade Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford.

203-415-8666 or info@massage2movement.com.

Intuitive Readings w/Susane Grasso – 11am-3pm.

Usui and Karuna Reiki Master and Clairvoyant Susane sees auras/mirrors of soul/emotions and physical being. Now also a certified Doreen Virtue Angel Reader. $1/min. Enchanted, 1250 Boston Post Rd, Guilford. 203-453-4000. EnchantedGuilford.com.

Long Wharf Theatre hosts its annual drama class for CELC Middle School and homeschooled students – 12:30pm–2:30pm. (10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/4, 12/21). Ages: 9–14. Learn acting techniques, make new friends, and devise an original piece to be performed for an audience. Limited openings. 203-433-4658 or mandm@CTExperiential.org.

saturday Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement 5 Week Class Series – 9am-10am. Learn to move easily with simple movements that help to relieve pain and restore your body to its natural ease. $50 for 5 weeks or $15 drop in. Carol Meade Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford.

203-415-8666 or info@massage2movement.com.

Alignment Yoga with Iyengar Teacher Training Graduate – 9am-10:30am. Refine your yoga practice with optimal alignment practices that make you stronger, more flexible and more emotionally stable.

Yoga in Middletown, 438 Main St, Middletown.

860-347-YOGA (9642). YogaInMiddletown.com.

Kundalini Yoga and Music Meditation – 9:30am10:30am. Experience the yoga of awareness weekly to heal your mind and your life. All levels, live music. Each week focuses on a different theme (ex: mind, heart, Intuition). All welcome-any physical limitations. Led by Certified Yoga Therapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher Leesa Sklover, Ph.D, C-IAYT of LoveLifeProductions.net. Register for first class. Monthly discount /$15 per class. Short Beach Union Church 14 Pentacost St, Branford, 917-860-0488 or DrSklover@gmail.com.

Make Your Own Shaman Drum – 9am-2:30pm.

Milford. Share the joy and empowerment of handcrafting your own Native American Prayer Drum in sacred space and ceremony. Tools provided. Order kit due by 10/4. Visit IEMInstitute.org to choose date 10/13 or 10/16 and Kit: maple frame drum sizes in natural or bleached Elk with drum stick.

Kits start at $95.

ReikiShare: The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am1:30pm. Pre-register to share Reiki and join in a FREE workshop to make it a Reiki day! The 3rd Sat. of every month. Free (“love offering”).

Bloodroot Rest. 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport. Reservation only. Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958. info@ ReikiOvertones.com.

Meditation – 1:30pm. Silent, sitting meditation for anyone to attend. For all levels. Beginners welcome! Meditation begins and ends promptly on time. Lecture every other Saturday. Donation-based event; no set fees. New England Meditation Center, 455 Boston Rd, Old Saybrook. For more information, visit: https://www.meetup.com/New-EnglandMeditation-Center/events/.

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classifieds ALS SUPPORT THE ALS ASSOCIATION CONNECTICUT CHAPTER – Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through research & advocacy while empowering people w/Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives w/compassionate care & support. 4 Oxford Road, Unit D4. Milford. 203-874-5050. WebCT.alsa.org.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsmag.com/mymagazine.

DISTRIBUTORS 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. Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

INTUITIVE READINGS AT ENCHANTED

RENT AVAILABLE FOR ENERGY WORKER OR NATUROPATH

INTUITIVE READINGS AT ENCHANTED DAILY – 11am-3pm. Akashic, Angel, Aura, Clairvoyant, Goddess, Mediumship, Runes, Tarot, Tea Leaf Readings offered from eight world-class intuitives and masters. $1/minute. Enchanted 1250 Boston Post Rd ,Guilford. 203-453-4000. For more information and a schedule of who is available each day visit EnchantedGuilford.com.

RENT AVAILABLE FOR ENERGY WORKER OR NATUROPATH – Lotus Day Spa is a small, solely owned spa located on 329 Main St in Yalesville, CT. We have plenty of space that we’d love to utilize by renting a room to someone who practices energy work or naturopathy to fit in with the calm atmosphere. If interested please contact Stephanie at info@lotusdayspallc.net for more information.

LYME DISEASE AMERICAN LYME DISEASE FOUNDATION – Dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment, of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. Lyme, CT. Info: aldf.com.

MEDICAL/INTUITIVE HYPNOTIST HYPNOSIS THERAPY CENTER – There is a meaning behind every ailment and condition people have. It's your body speaking to you. If you are tired of being sick and are ready to help yourself heal, then consider having a Discovery Session so you can learn the cause and 'cure.' Madison. 203-245-6927.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION – Mission: “To Ease the Burden, To Find A Cure” for those w/Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers in CT. Education, support and socialization.

860-248-9200, ctapda.org.

GREEN IS SEEN when you advertise with us 203-988-1808

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New Haven/Middlesex

NaturalNewHaven.com

SALON CHAIR RENTAL C H A I R R E N T A L AVA I L A B L E A T EVERLASTINGS ORGANIC SALON & S PA L O C AT E D I N G U I L F O R D , CT – We provide a receptionist, washer, dryer, tea for guests, and a welcoming pleasant atmosphere. You must be willing to adhere to our dress code, and be willing to use our color line, for which we will provide training. I am a master hair designer, stylist and colorist and will provide additional training to help you improve your craft if desired. We will also offer you overflow bookings from new salon clients, with a 40/60 commission split. Salon days of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. $55 per day.

Phone: 203-458-1298, email: everlastings@live.com, EverLastingsSalon.com.

Natural Awakenings has given us the opportunity to

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Apply now at NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise or call 239-530-1377

October 2018

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community resource guide APPLIED KINESIOLOGY KC CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS Kevin Healy, DC 17 Woodland Road, Madison, CT 203-245-9317 KevinHealy@sbcglobal.net DrHealMe.com

Applied Kinesiology is a neurological evaluation to find and treat dysfunction. Different because it addresses causes instead of chasing pains, Dr. Healy tests if a therapy alleviates dysfunction, finding immediate answers as to which provides the most improvement.

Chiropractic, craniosacral, myofascial and acupressure are among the therapies Dr. Healy uses. Generally, no single cure exists as disease and dysfunction typically involve multiple areas of the body. The goal of any therapy—physical, chemical, or emotional—is to improve function; a combination of therapies typically yields the best results. See ad on page 11.

EDUCATION CONNECTICUT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CENTER (CELC) MIDDLE SCHOOL 28 School Street, Branford, CT 203-433-4658 mandm@CTExperiential.org http://CTEXperiential.org

CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) Middle School provides experientially-based education with a personalized approach to learning, designed to empower young people to thrive. Our students come from a variety of towns throughout Connecticut, from families looking for a program that engages and deepens learning, where their children can flourish during these important and impactful 5th - 8th grade years. See ad on page 13.

THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE (TGI)

Accredited, Non-profit Graduate School offering holistic programs in contemporary & emerging fields 171 Amity Road, Bethany, CT 203-874-4252 Learn.edu

GREEN HOUSING ROCKY CORNER COHOUSING 203-903-2646 Homes@RockyCorner.org RockyCorner.org

Are you looking for a sustainab le, fr ien dly, multigenerational neighborhood? Rocky Corner is an organic farm-centered community of 30 energy efficient homes on 33 acres. We care about community, conservation and cooperatively maintaining our neighborhood together. Construction has started in Bethany, just 5 miles north of New Haven. Affordable and market rate homes for sale now. Ready in Spring 2019.

For more info, visit RockyCorner.org.

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 Fairfield, CT 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 worldwide. See ad on page 19.

HYPNOSIS MIND-BODY TRANSFORMATION Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx 1177 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT 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.

The Graduate Institute offers holistic master’s degrees and certificate programs for adult learners. Programs include Integrative Health and Healing, Ecotherapy and Cultural Sustainability, Writing and Oral Tradition, Organizational Leadership, and more. Programs are just one weekend a month.

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New Haven/Middlesex

NaturalNewHaven.com

HYPNOSIS LIFE DESIGN HYPNOSIS, LLC

Patricia Babey, BS Certified Hypnotist Certified Pain Management Specialist Certified Reiki II Practitioner Madison, CT 203-980-0022 LifeDesignHypnosis.com A client centered practice created to assist you in improving every aspect of your life by tapping into the natural power of your brain.

Release weight, stop smoking, reduce stress, and manage pain.

You can change just about anything with hypnosis.

Each session is personal, customized and tailored for you. Don’t let your brain hold you back any longer from achieving the lifelong dreams you deserve. Free consultations. See ad on page 11.

MASSAGE & ACUPUNCTURE ELM CITY WELLNESS 774 Orange Street New Haven, CT 203-691-7653 ElmCityWellness.com

Elm City Wellness is an independently owned wellness center whose services include a variety of massage, community & private acupuncture, Reiki, craniosacral therapy & facials with locally made Ayurvedic & organic products. Our skilled therapists specifically tailor each and every session. Our gift shop features local products, candles, wellness supplies & books, smudge kits and much more.

MASSAGE THERAPY DANIELLE INGENITO, LMT

CT License #8008 Offices located in Branford, CT In Home Appointments Available Licensed in NY & CT 516-639-5917 deeshands4U@yahoo.com http://deeshands4u.wixsite.com/massage Facebook: Deeshands4U Offering: Swedish, Deep Tissue/ Trigger Point,Sports,Therapeutic/ Customized, Reiki Level l,ll and Acupressure. Ask about our “In Home” Spa/Wellness Parties and Essential Oils. Office CHAIR MASSAGE EVENTS Also Available by Appointment.

community resource guide MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING ANNAHAVEN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, LLC

Anna Martin, BSW, MSW, LCSW 410 State St, North Haven, CT 30 Hazel Terrace, Woodbridge, CT 377 Main St, West Haven, CT 203-606-2071 CounselingWithAnnaMartin.com

YOU deserve to be happy.

AHBHS helps with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Obesity, agarophobia, domestic violence, ADD, ADHD and anger management. Phone,internet,skype and office sessions. Evening and weekend hours are available. Most insurance accepted, including Medicaid, Medicare and Husky.

SMOKING CESSATION

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN KARENMARIE LACONTE, ND Office Locations in Bridgeport, Shelton and Orange, CT 203-260-0078 AskDocLaConte@gmail.com TheNaturopathicApproach.com

Dr. LaConte, a Naturopathic Physician, is a UBCNM graduate. Her mission is to facilitate better mind body connections with patients, using only natural remedies, (herbals, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, natural supplements, Far Infrared Sauna). Areas of concentration: Endocrine (thyroid disorders, diabetes: type 1 and 2), GI conditions, allergy testing, stress and anxiety management.

LIFE DESIGN HYPNOSIS, LLC

Patricia Babey, BS Certified Hypnotist Certified Pain Management Specialist Certified Reiki II Practitioner Madison, CT 203-980-0022 LifeDesignHypnosis.com A client centered practice created to assist you in improving every aspect of your life by tapping into the natural power of your brain.

Release weight, stop smoking, reduce stress, and manage pain.

You can change just about anything with hypnosis.

Each session is personal, customized and tailored for you. Don’t let your brain hold you back any longer from achieving the lifelong dreams you deserve. Free consultations. See ad on page 11.

REIKI NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108 Fairfield, CT 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 abilityto 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, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback, and other therapies. See ad on page 19.

WEIGHT LOSS

SUSANE GRASSO, RMT 2489 Boston Post Road Guilford, CT 203-500-6950

Stress is the plague of the 21st century and the cause of physical and emotional woes. Because of this, my sessions combine my ability to see auras with Reiki, Theta Healing, acupressure and Sound Vibrational Healing to provide deep relaxation and balance. “Tension out! Wellness in” is more than a phrase. For my clients it is a statement of fact. See ad on page 21.

SALT HEALING THERAPY WELLNESS CENTER SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St, S Woodbury, CT 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com

LIFE DESIGN HYPNOSIS, LLC

Patricia Babey, BS Certified Hypnotist Certified Pain Management Specialist Certified Reiki II Practitioner Madison, CT 203-980-0022 LifeDesignHypnosis.com A client centered practice created to assist you in improving every aspect of your life by tapping into the natural power of your brain.

Release weight, stop smoking, reduce stress, and manage pain.

You can change just about anything with hypnosis.

Each session is personal, customized and tailored for you. Don’t let your brain hold you back any longer from achieving the lifelong dreams you deserve. Free consultations. See ad on page 11. .

Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformations, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit.

October 2018

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NATURAL AWAKENINGS NETWORK MEET OUR PROVIDERS

NaturalAwakeningsNetwork.com

Calling All Holistic and Green Businesses!

Interested in becoming a Provider?

Information: 203-988-1808 Gail@naturalnewhaven.com DURHAM Continued

AMSTON

DANCING WITH ANGELS LIFE COACHING

A PLACE OF HEALING

Kelly Ann Matuskiewicz 203-747-8444 KellyAnnCory.com

Diana R. Carr 860-349-9542 DianaCarr.wordpress.com

BETHANY

S.M. Cooper Photographic Artist 203-393-9545 SMCooper.com

BRANFORD

Adam Church, D.C. 203-466-1111 Dr.Church.com

PRANIC HEALING NOW

EMPOWER MASSAGE

Nancy Ogilvie 917-331-8531 PranicHealingNow.com

Christopher Chialastri, LMT#005812 Home Visits for Massage Therapy 203-430-3163 EmpowerMassage.abmp.com

CHESHIRE

SERENITY HEALING PLACE

ESSEX

Kim Nagle 203-565-6495 SerenityHealingPlace.com

DOROTHY MARTIN-NEVILLE, PhD

DURHAM

CASHMAN NUTRITION

Natalie Cashman 860-398-4621 CashmanNutrition.com

DURHAM NATUROPATHIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

New Haven/Middlesex

860-873-8760 CTFFE.com

ATLAS CHIROPRACTIC

Jasmine Manning, N.D. 203-315-6246

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CT FARM FRESH EXPRESS, LLC

EAST HAVEN

NATURAL FAMILY HEALTH

Jason Belejack, N.D. 203-824-7428 DurhamNaturopathichealth.com

EAST HADDAM

HAMDEN

COLOR ESSENCE

Joan S. Gilbert 828-551-0420 JoanSusan.star@gmail.com

DENNY CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE Eileen Denny, D.C. 203-407-8468 DennyWellness.com

JUNE CAN CHANNEL

June Can, Reiki Master Practitioner International Channel & Medium junehcan@gmail.com http://junecanchannel.blogspot.com

LISA LAUGHLIN, N.D

475-227-2773 NaturopathicWellnessLLC.com

TAKE SHAPE FOR LIFE

Marni Esposito 203-430-1009 YouCanLiveHealthyNow.tsfl.com

THE TAX GUY

Psychotherapy-Adults in Transition Emotional & Spiritual Aspects in Health Care 860-461-7569 DrDorothyct.com

Thomas Fortuna 203-684-3512 TheTaxGuy.us

GUILFORD

Anita Jones, RMT 203-415-4791 TranquilHealingReiki.com

EVERLASTINGS ORGANIC SALON & SPA

203-458-1298 EverlastingsSalon.com

MASSAGE SAVVY

203-453-8667 MassageSavvyCT.com

NaturalNewHaven.com

TRANQUIL HEALING REIKI, LLC

MADISON

COASTAL CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS Keith Mirante, D.C. 203-245-8217 DrMirante.com

MILFORD continued ROI MARKETING OF NEW ENGLAND Bob Kademian 866-306-9799 Bob@BizCoachBob.com

TINA KADISH

WALLINGFORD L.O.V.E.

Lghtworker of Vibrational Energy LLC Gayle Franceschetti 203-265-2927 Return2Love.net

MIDDLEFIELD

Life and Health Mentor 203-610-7477 LifeisIdeal.com

WATERBURY

860-349-7039 SolutionsByHypnosis.com

NEW HAVEN

Sports Medicine Dr. Joel Segalman, M.D. 203-270-6724 DrSegalman.com

MARY ELLEN MONEYMAKER HYPNOTIST

MIDDLETOWN

CONNECTICUT YOGA CENTER

860-986-2017 CTYogaCenter.com

YOGA IN MIDDLETOWN 860-347-YOGA (9642) YogainMiddletown.com

MILFORD

CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER OF MILFORD Elizabeth Rumley, D.C. 203-713-8600 CWCofMilford.com

HEALTHY FOODS PLUS Natural/Organic Foods/Gluten-Free Vitamins/Supplements/Beauty Aids 203-882-9011

IMPRESSIONS SERVICES Raymond Daneault 800-217-1963 ImpressionsClean.com

JOANN DUNSING HYPNOSIS Joann Dunsing 203-907-7710 JoannDunsing.com

LYNN LYONS

THE SERENE SPOT Anaika Ocasio 203-400-1293 TheSereneSpot.com

GREEN & GLOBAL MEDIA, LLC

Candice Pollack, D.C. 203-691-5581 Apmct.com

LGN CONSULTING

ADVANCED PHYSICAL MEDICINE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

INNER HARMONY HOLISTIC WELLNESS

Karen Obier, Reflexologist 203-645-2188 InnerHarmonyHolisticWellness.abmp.com

STEAMATIC OF CT Vincent Farricielli 203-985-8000 SteamaticCT.com

Holistic Counseling 203-878-3140 PattyScheinLMFT.com

LIFETIME HEALTH

Venice Walters 203-507-0889 YORHealth.com/LifetimeHealth1

LIVER MEDIC

800-387-2278 LiverMedic.com

David Durso, D.C. 203-553-9300 StayBalancedCT.com

ZAHAVAH RAW BEAUTY

BALANCED HEALTH FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

KARENMARIE LACONTE, N.D.

MARCY DOLAN, N.D.

PATTY SCHEIN

Lisa Nastu 203-301-4109 LGNConsulting.com

SUCCESS MARKETING, LLC

PORTLAND

Dr. Florence McPherson 203-685-5795 Dr.FloMcPherson.com

KellyAnn Carpenter 203-533-9823 GreenandGlobalMedia.com

ORANGE

203-260-0078 AskDocLaConte@gmail.com TheNaturopathicApproach.com

NATUROPATHIC SPECIALTIES, LLC

WEB-BASED BUSINESSES

NORTH HAVEN

Wt. Release/Loss/HypnoBirthing 203-415-8567 LynnALyons.com Milford, CT 475-282-4112 DoctorDolan@hotmail.com

CHASE PARKWAY PODIATRIC GROUP, LLC

STAIRWAY 2 HEAVEN Holistic Center 860-770-2126 Stairway2Heaven.net

SHELTON KARENMARIE LACONTE, N.D.

203-260-0078 AskDocLaConte@gmail.com TheNaturopathicApproach.com

TRUMBULL

SERENITY BODY WELLNESS Rosa Cervoni, LMT #003111 Reflexologist/Reiki Practitioner 203-929-1002 SerenityBodyWellness.com

Michael Guerin 888-542-2936 BestWebPresence.com

Aadil Al-Alim & Faith Bredwood 203-389-0089 Zahavah.co

WEST HAVEN

RUBINO CHIROPRACTIC CENTER Robert Rubino, D.C. 203-933-9404 RubinoBackCare.com

WOODBRIDGE THRIVE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS Katey Hauser, D.C. 203-387-5015

WOODBURY

ALISON BIRKS, MS, RH (AHG), CNS

New Morning Market 203-263-4868 NewMorn.com

October 2018

47

Sustainable Living Expo Immerse yourself in sustainable living at the Expo, a collaboration between Stepping Stones Museum for Children and Sustainne.com.

WHEN: October 13, 2018 10:00 am – 2:00 pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue Norwalk, CT

• Used Textile Recycling Drive – Bring Yours!

TICKETS: $15/person, museum members free

• Local and Sustainable Food Samplings

steppingstonesmuseum.org/expo 203 899 0606, ext. 0

New Haven/Middlesex

• Community Build with Recycled Cardboard • Free Pollinator-Friendly Flower Seeds • Honey Harvest Demonstration • Local Exhibitors and Vendors • Electric Vehicle Showcase • Environmental Art

Sponsored in part by: Karl Chevrolet Ross Solar

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• Transforming Trash Interactive Experience

NaturalNewHaven.com