Natural Awakenings New Haven & Middlesex CT March 2017

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Wood, Leaf, Bark & Root

Chinese Herbal Medicine in the 21st Century

Fearless Eating

TREES and Human Wellbeing Caring for Trees Protects Us

How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

March 2017 | New Haven-Middlesex | NaturalNewHaven.com natural awakenings

March 2017

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New Haven / Middlesex

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March 2017

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Publisher Art Director Gail Heard 203-988-1808 Gail@naturalnewhaven.com Managing Local Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design and Production Gail Heard Sales and Marketing Gail Heard

Here are two Connecticut forestry organizations you can join, donate to and/or participate in through volunteer work:

Distribution Man in Motion LLC

Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA): A non-profit organization, whose mission is to protect forests, parks, walking trails and open spaces for future generations by connecting people to the land. For more information and to join, visit CTWoodlands.org.

Printer TN Printing To contact Natural Awakenings New Haven/Middlesex Counties: Natural Awakenings PO Box 525 North Branford, CT 06471 Phone: 203-988-1808 Gail@NaturalNewHaven.com NaturalNewHaven.com © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call for 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.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available for $30 ( for 12 issues ). Please call 203-988-1808 with credit card information.

Connecticut Tree Protective Association (CTPA): A non-profit educational organization dedicated to advancing the care and protection of Connecticut trees by: encouraging the practice of proper and efficient methods by arborists; advocating beneficial legislation and adequate funding for tree planting and care; exchanging scientific data and general information helpful to tree preservation practices, and fostering research in the field of arboriculture. Approximately twothirds of the CTPA members are arborists in the state of Connecticut. For more information and to become a member, visit: CTPA.org.

Speaking of Connecticut forests—Connecticut has some of the most beautiful state parks and campgrounds in the northeast, most of which were at risk of closing by July of 2017 due to anticipated budget cuts. Thanks to many calls and emails from Connecticut residents made to the Governor’s office, he has remained committed to “keep Connecticut state parks open and available to all.” However, there are still several elements in the Governor’s State Budget proposal that could negatively affect the conditions of the state parks (sign up for Connecticut Forest and Park Association’s e-news letters on CTWoodlands.org for more details). Your involvement is critical, so be sure to continue reaching out to your legislators and voice your concerns.

Happy Spring Equinox!

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

New Haven / Middlesex

Welcome to our March issue themed: Trees and Human Wellbeing!

Forests cover about 30 percent of the world’s land area.

However, swaths half the size of England are lost each year (NationalGeographic.com). Deforestation has had serious impacts on the environment and the millions of species of animals and plants that live in forests. Consequently, human wellbeing is also at risk. Human and planetary health are interconnected and it is urgent that we acknowledge this truth—and act on it.

We hope this month’s feature articles: “Trees and Human Wellbeing: Caring for Trees Protects us” and “Wood, Leaf Bark and Root: Chinese Herbal Medicine in the 21st Century” will enhance your knowledge and appreciation for the critical role trees play in our overall wellness—and inspire you to take action in support of protecting the earth’s forests.

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“What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.” ~Chris Maser

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contents Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more 6 newsbriefs balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal 12 healthbriefs growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

14 globalbriefs 24 consciouseating 16 TREES AND 26 naturalpet HUMAN WELLBEING Caring for Trees Protects Us

by Ariana Rawls Fine 14 28 healingways 29 fitbody 18 WOOD, LEAF, BARK 30 healthykids AND ROOT

Chinese Herbal Medicine 32 greenliving in the 21st Century 20

by Jampa Mackenzie Stewart 34 wisewords 15 37 inspiration 20 FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past 38 calendar 26 Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes 42 classifieds 44 resourceguide

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24 THUMBS-UP ON FATS

advertising & submissions

Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat

by Judith Ferti

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-988-1808 or email Gail@NaturalNewHaven.com.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to Gail@NaturalNewHaven.com Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit calendar events online at NaturalNewHaven.com.

To revise or discontinue a calendar listing email Calendar@NaturalNewHaven.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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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 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

26 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies

by Sandra Murphy

28 HOLISTIC EYE CARE Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

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30 SILENCING

CYBERBULLIES

How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson

34 DR. JOSEPH MERCOLA On Simple Steps To Well-Being

by Judith Fertig

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newsbriefs Attention Parents of Teens and Tweens

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T Experiential Learning Center (CELC) Middle School of Branford will host a “Lunch and Learn” with Alan E. Kazdin, Ph.D., the director of the Yale Parenting Center, on March 28 March from 12:30-1:15 p.m. in Branford, Connecticut.

The focus will be on Parenting Teenagers: Challenges and Opportunities.

Parenting teenage children can present a unique set of challenges.

This presentation includes topics that will help parents Alan E. Kazdin, Ph.D. understand this period of development and, as importantly, what might be done to help the adolescent and ease the challenges of parenting.

The time will be divided to allow for the presentation as well as comments and discussion.

Interested in Helping Local Parks?

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et energized and have fun at Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s (CFPA) Volunteer Orientation on March 4 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Middlefield, Connecticut. Learn more about CFPA programs and volunteer opportunities, and meet fellow hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Chatfield Hollow State Park This free workshop is for new, current and potential CFPA volunteers to become better acquainted with what CFPA has to offer. The morning session will be devoted to an association-wide orientation.

Training sessions for specific CFPA programs will take place in the afternoon. See the events calendar for separate listings and registrations.

CFPA is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to the land in order to protect forests, parks, walking trails and open spaces in Connecticut for future generations.

The organization, headquartered at the James L. Goodwin Forest & Park Center in Middlefield, Connecticut, delivers programs on blue-blazed hiking trails, environmental education, land conservation and public policy.

For reservations and more information, visit CTWoodlands. org/CFPA-Events/CFPA-Volunteer-Orientation-3. Location: CFPA Headquarters, 16 Meriden Rd., Middlefield, CT.

Gather with Organic Farm, Food and Garden Enthusiasts

CELC was founded in 2009 by educators Maria Mortali and Melinda Alcosser to provide instruction for students ages 10-14 in a variety of subject areas that comprise a comprehensive middle school education. In addition to rigorous academics and learning within a classroom setting, CELC offers students hands-on and real-world learning opportunities that take them beyond the classroom and into the world.

CELC incorporates both in- and out-of-state travel as well as travel to other cultures and countries.

To register or for more information, visit MandM@CTExperiential.org. Location: 28 School St., Branford, CT. See ad on page 25.

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armers, landscapers, foodies, gardeners and community leaders convene at the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut’s (CT NOFA) 35th Annual Winter Conference to learn innovative practices, share ideas and network with others. The event will take place on March 11 and 12 at Western CT State University in Danbury, Connecticut.

Saturday highlights include 45 workshops to choose from plus the keynote speaker, Leah Penniman. Nearly 100 farm, food and sustainable service exhibitors will have tables in Berkshire Hall while some of Connecticut’s most creative

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and generous chefs are cooking up a storm for lunch.

Sponsored by UConn and featuring agriculture-related loan and service providers, the Agricultural Re$ource Fair will take place on Sunday morning. It offers an in-depth look at what it really means to access agricultural funding in Connecticut. Service providers and farmers will pair up to present you with a detailed account of what it’s like to apply for various grants and loan programs.

A special workshop with 2016 NOFA Farmer of the Year, Bryan O’Hara, will take place from 12:30-3:30 p.m. for all kinds of vegetable growers. Intensive Vegetable Production - No Till, Soil Health, & Appropriate Fertilization will cover the concepts and practices that lead to the high yields of high-quality vegetable crops. There will be an emphasis on soil health, producing vegetables without tillage and choose fertilizer materials. Register to save a seat.

The 2017 keynote speaker will be Leah Penniman, who will focus on Ending Racism and Injustice in the Food System. She is an educator, farmer and food justice activist from Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, NY. Among many other roles, Penniman is a core member of the Freedom Food Alliance and also runs an on-farm restorative justice program that is an alternative-to-incarceration for area teens and a training program for aspiring Black and Latino activist-farmers.

Register for one or both days and various workshops and the main event at CTNOFA.org/WinterConference. On Saturday only, add $15 for lunch. Pricing for Saturday only is $35 for student/farmer/senior, $50 for CT NOFA members, $60 for non-members, and free for children. Pricing for both days is $55, $70, $90 and free. The Sunday afternoon workshop only is $20 with non-members paying $30.

For more information, visit CTNOFA.org. Location: Western CT State University, Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury, CT.

Meeting Monthly with the Holistic Chamber of Commerce

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he New Haven Chapter Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) business education topic this month is about obtaining affordable health insurance.

The informational session will be held during their monthly business meeting on March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ Woodbridge at 5 Meeting House Lane, Woodbridge, Connecticut. The meeting is free to chamber members and interested first-time guests. The regular fee is $15.

The Holistic Chamber of Commerce is an expanding organization representing holistic professionals, practitioners and businesses. It is a welcoming community of like-minded individuals with the goal of helping to heal the world and the inhabitants that live within it by empowering members to build their business through business education, networking and community events.

To register, visit Meetup.com/HCC-New-Haven. For more information, visit NewHavenHolistic.org, email NewHaven@ HolisticChamberofCommerce.com, or contact New Haven Chapter Co-President Lynne Grobsky at 203-228-1777 or CoPresident Jiayuh Chyan at 203-228-1777. See ad on page 26.

Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months The Institute Of Sustainable Nutrition Offering a one-year Certification in Sustainable Health & Nutrition This innovative school integrates the Science of Nutrition with:

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Moving into the Kitchen to create delicious food

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Identifying and using nutrient dense Wild Foods in delicious dishes

Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations.

Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, family, yourself and the environment.

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Enjoy Community and Wellness at Fair

Taking Yoga Training to a New Level

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emotional, financial, spiritual and intellectual. This event promotes wellness for the entire family.

The 2017 Wellness Fair will includes a bike safety check, blood pressure screening, backpack alignment check, seated massage, and a showcase of local health/wellness businesses and resources along the shoreline.

The mission of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is to enhance business opportunity for the economic success of its members and the benefit of the community.

orrest Yoga Advanced Teacher Training will be held March 11-19 with with Heidi Sormaz and Cat Allen in New Haven, Connecticut. The nine-day teacher training allows teachers from other yoga schools and lineages to join the Forrest Yoga education program to learn and understand the art of sequencing, to practice and teach intermediate and advanced asana for different levels, and to prioritize the needs of students with special needs and injuries.

Eligible participants include yoga teachers from any yoga school or lineage with a minimum of three years of teaching experience and graduates of the Forrest Yoga Foundation Teacher Training (no minimum years of teaching experience). Participants must have a regular personal practice and be ready to move deeper within themselves and assist their students in the discovery of the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of yoga.

If you are not a graduate of the Forrest Yoga Foundation Teacher Training, it is recommended that all interested trainees get acquainted with Forrest Yoga and Ana Forrest’s method of instructing by purchasing the Forrest Yoga DVDs (Strength & Spirit and The Pleasure of Strength) before attending this teacher training. These products will introduce the concepts of Forrest Yoga and provide practice for the trainees.

For more information, visit ShorelineChamberCT.com, or contact Event Director Michele Call at Michele@ShorelineChamberCT.com or 203-488-5500.

For more information, visit FreshYoga.com and click Workshops on the home page. Location: Fresh Yoga, 319 Peck St, New Haven, CT. For more information, go to FreshYoga.com. See back cover ad.

Chair-Wavebreak Media LTD/Bigstock.com

he Shoreline Chamber of Commerce presents the 5th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair in cooperation with The Soundview YMCA and East Shore Health District. Taking place at the The Soundview Family YMCA on March 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, the free public event aims to encourage healthy living through the eight dimensions of wellness: social, physical, occupational, environmental,

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John Edward Visits New Haven

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sychic Medium John Edward will be at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale on March 9 at 8 p.m. As a medium, author and lecturer, Edward has, over the last three decades, helped thousands with his uncanny ability to predict future events and communicate with those who have crossed over to the “Other Side”.

Edward pioneered the psychic phenomena genre with the television program, Crossing Over with John Edward, on the SyFy network. It was the first television show syndicated worldwide devoted to psychic mediumship; it would go on to run for four seasons. He followed up the success of Crossing Over with John Edward with another television program, John Edward Cross Country, which debuted on the WE network in 2006 and ran for three seasons.

“Experience an event that is deeply compelling, often startling and occasionally humorous,” says Edward. This event will include question-and-answer sessions, as well as messages to the audience from friends and family who have crossed over. A reading is not guaranteed.

Tickets are available at JohnEdward.net, eTix.com, or by phone at 800-514-3849. Location: Omni New Haven Hotel, 155 Temple St., New Haven, CT.

Delving into Living in Neighborhoods by Design

DISCOVER A NEW PATH TO WELLNESS

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We are offering Stem Cell Therapy and PRP-Platelet Rich Plasma, which focuses on your body’s natural resources to treat chronic pain via adult stem cells, which aid in the repair of damaged tissues.

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n April 8 at 2:30 p.m., an introductory session on Neighborhoods by Design: Cohousing and Intentional Community will take place at Whole Foods in Westport, Connecticut. David Berto from Housing Enterprises and Dick Margulis of Rocky Corner, Connecticut’s first cohousing community in Bethany, will talk about the concept and what it takes to build a cohousing community.

They will also be on hand to share their experience and answer questions. If you’ve ever been curious about “neighborhoods by design”, this is an opportunity to learn more.

More information on the group can be found at Facebook. com/Groups/1653835394860707.

David Berto, president of Housing Enterprises, Inc. and the project manager for the Rocky Corner cohousing community, has over 23 years of experience as a housing and development consultant, coordinating the development of housing projects in towns throughout Connecticut and other parts of the country.

For more information on the event and to reserve a seat, visit Facebook.com/events/1477149735651192. Location: Whole Foods, 399 Post Rd. W, Westport, CT.

The sweetest of all sounds is praise. ~Xenophon

Healing Arts Sanctuary A Feast for the Senses

Stimulate the fire of the mind, cultivate creativity and imagination, and restore the physical and spiritual self.

Crystal Light Therapy s Aromatheraphy s Sound Healing Specialty Massages s Energy Healing s Meditation Facials s Weekend Retreats s Lectures Literary & Interactive Programs A Banquet of opportunities to heal and replenish the physical body and inner self will be at your fingertips; a place to come to stimulate the mind with evening events ranging from talks about health to programs for children and families.

Athena Hall is also available to “like minded” people who are part of the alternative and holistic community for rent by the hour, full or half day, or based on a series of weeks for an ongoing class.

Visit our Specialty Store for a wide selection of products, original art, and jewelry to awaken the senses, inspire, and soothe.

203-586-1172

346 Main St. S s Woodbury, CT 06798 www.naturalsalthealing.com natural awakenings

March 2017

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Path to Wellness with Potluck and Health Makeovers

The Reconnection

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r. Eric Pearl, author of The Reconnection: Heal Others, Heal Yourself, demystifies the healing process.

He teaches others (90,000 and counting) how to activate and use what he refers to as an all-inclusive spectrum of healing frequencies.

“Reconnection teaches people how to transcend the ego and its judgment, and reach a state of non-judgment observation,” explains Pearl. “Many of the individuals I have taught describe their experience simply as an internal activation of an advanced level of consciousness, in which awareness allows the perception of a multidimensional universe.”

Pearl posits that as part of our growth as human beings, stating, “We not only discover that we have become more, we understand that we can’t stand in fear, lack and limitation, and we can only offer ourselves as a vessel for healing for ourselves and others when we reside in oneness and love.”

Pearl believes that it is part of everyone’s life journey to discover that they are an empty vessel, born to be filled with spirit. He advises, “By letting go of beliefs that block our ability to deeply understand this, we can harmonically converge with the lives of others at the level where we are all energy, as physics indicates.”

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orthern Connecticut Vegetarian Society, a nonprofit organization that advocates a compassionate and healthy vegetarian diet, is hosting a potluck and a Health Makeovers presentation by Janet Verney on March 26 at 4 p.m. in Suffield, Connecticut.

Verney specializes in health makeovers and authored Roots2Wellness, which focuses on her journey from “dis-ease” to a life of vibrant wellness. She is certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has served in various leadership roles in both education and biotechnology. Verney

For more information on the Online Level I Course and Integrated Combinations with Live & In-Person Level II schedules, visit ReconnectiveHealing.com. Mention the promotional code word AWAKE and receive a 20% discount.

See ad on inside front cover.

Timolima/Bigstock.com

Art Day Celebration in Hartford

is an author, speaker, plant-based chef and integrative health coach. She is also the co-founder of the online foodGEVITY program.

For the potluck, bring a healthy vegan dish to share with six people, along with a list of its ingredients and your recipe. Vegan means no animal ingredients (no honey, dairy, fish and eggs). The fee is $8 per person for the evening.

For more information or reservations, visit NorthCTVeg.org, or contact Harry at VeggyHarry@aol.com or 860-623-8082.

Event location: Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St., Suffield, CT.

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he Connecticut Office of the Arts, in partnership with the state’s nine regional arts organizations, presents the annual CT Arts Day 2017 to celebrate Connecticut’s investment in and support of the arts and to reaffirm the role the arts play in our state. The art day celebration is scheduled for March 2 from 9am to 4pm at the State Capitol in Hartford.

The theme of this year’s event is Moving Forward: Connecting Cultural and Creative Industries. The day will include networking opportunities, workshops, special performances and interactive opportunities to share #CTARTS17 stories.

The roster of speakers by state leaders includes Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, House and Senate officials, and other state and local representatives. Special guest speakers include Elizabeth Monoian and Robert Ferry, founding directors of the Land Art Generator Initiative, and keynote speaker Laura Callanan, founding partner of Upstart Co-Lab. The panel discussions include The Art of Advocacy and The Arts and—The Impact of Cross Sector Collaborations.

The nine regional arts organizations participating include Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County; Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut; Arts & Culture Collaborative, Waterbury Region; Northwest Connecticut Arts Council;

Arts Council of Greater New Haven; Greater Hartford Arts Council; Shoreline Arts Alliance; Windham Arts; and Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition.

General registration for the event is free but ticket reservations for both admission and the panel discussions are encouraged as there is limited space. Boxed lunches are also available for purchase online only for pickup at the event.

World Sleep Day at Life Full Yoga

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arch is Sleep Awareness Month. Life Full Yoga in Madison joins participants from over 72 countries in a global call to action about the importance of sleep.

March 17, 2017 is the 10th annual World Sleep Day. Created and hosted by World Sleep Society, this year’s theme is “Sleep Soundly, Nurture Life.”

To register for the event, visit Eventbrite.com/e/ConnecticutArts-Day-2017-Registration-21317951567. Location: The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford.

Welcome a New Season with a Spring Hikers’ Hike

he Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join their Spring Hikers’ Hike on March 12. Hike along with experienced leaders who know and love the “Giant”. Since the pace will be faster than that of other hikes—and the duration and length greater—this hike is for experienced hikers only. You should plan for a strenuous hike over rough terrain, lasting about four hours.

Meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk near the park entrance at 11 a.m. It is advisable to bring snacks and water in a day pack. Wear suitable hiking shoes. The hike is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not necessary; however, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Out of consideration for other hikers, dogs are not permitted on the hike. For hike cancellations or rescheduling, check the breaking news link at SGPA.org or the link at SGPANews.Wordpress.com.

The hike is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not necessary; however, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Out of consideration for other hikers, dogs are not permitted on the hike.

The Sleeping Giant Park is located on Mt. Carmel Avenue in north Hamden (off Whitney Avenue), Connecticut.

The park entrance is directly across the street from Quinnipiac University.

For more information, visit SGPA.org or email the SGPA Hiking Committee at Hike_the_Giant@yahoo.com.

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Life Full Yoga will offer classes with a special focus on poses that promote better sleep, guided relaxation and a yoga nidra (yoga sleep) workshop as part of Sleep Awareness Month. The National Sleep Foundation recommends yoga as a proven way to help people get a better night’s sleep.

According to World Sleep Day, sleep has a health impact on the prevalence of natural diseases and psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Life Full Yoga will focus on these issues for the month or March to help people get a better night’s sleep and promote a better quality of life through yoga.

For more information, visit LifeFullYoga.com, WorldSleepDay.org or SleepFoundation.org. Location: Life Full Yoga, 20 Wall St., Madison, CT. See ad on page 45.

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No Benefit to Cutting Fat in Cheese

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nyone that has struggled to reduce their intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) may have considered avoiding saturated fat in their diets, although the latest metastudy published in the Annals of Internal Medicine now refutes this. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, conducted a test to determine if consuming low-fat versus regular cheeses impacts LDL cholesterol levels.

The study divided 139 people into three groups. One ate regular fat cheese, one consumed reduced-fat cheese and one didn’t eat any cheese at all for 12 weeks. Both LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) levels were tested at the beginning and end of the period. Researchers found no significant difference in the LDL levels of any of the groups and no difference between the HDL levels of the reduced-fat and regular cheese groups, suggesting that consuming low-fat versions has no measurable metabolic benefit.

An increase in HDL levels among those that abstained from eating cheese altogether was noted.

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he five-second rule is a belief that food that falls to the floor can be safely eaten as long as it’s picked up quickly. Researchers from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, sought to test its veracity.

Four different food items were tested, including watermelon, bread and butter, plain bread and gummy candy, using four different surfaces—stainless steel, ceramic tile, wood and carpet.

Each surface was contaminated by bacteria and completely dry before the scientists dropped each item for one second, five, 30 and 300 seconds. A total of 128 separate scenarios were repeated 20 times each and 2,560 measurements were taken and analyzed for contamination.

The results proved that longer contact time resulted in more bacterial contamination, but there were also cases of instantaneous contamination, which disproves the five-second rule. The wet surface of a watermelon yielded the most contamination and gummy candy the least. The surface tests yielded surprising results, with carpet transferring significantly fewer bacteria than tile and stainless steel, while wood floors exhibited varied results.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. ~Mark Twain 12

New Haven / Middlesex

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The Five-Second Rule Debunked

Kids Going Online at Bedtime Sleep Poorly

new study from King’s College London has found that children’s use of electronic devices close to bedtime can reduce their chances of a good night’s sleep. Researchers examined 20 existing studies encompassing 125,000 children between the ages of 6 and 19. They found that youngsters using a device within 90 minutes of falling asleep had an increased likelihood of poor and inadequate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Study author Ben Carter, Ph.D., says, “Sleep is an often undervalued, but important part of children’s development, with a regular lack of sleep causing a variety of health problems.”

These can include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, reduced immune function and poor diet. Poor food choices and excessive eating can start young, as illustrated in a study from Colorado University, in Boulder, which found a link between sleep deprivation and poor diet choices in preschool children.

The Colorado study followed five girls and five boys, ages 3 and 4, that were regular afternoon nappers. They were deprived of their naps for one day, during which their food and beverage consumption was monitored and compared with their choices on a day when their sleep routine remained intact. During the sleep-deprived day, the children ate 20 percent more calories than usual and their diet consisted of 25 percent more sugar and 26 percent more carbohydrates.

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esearchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, used data from previous studies to discern the association between dairy and animal fats and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in American adults.

The study reviewed dairy fat and other fat consumption data using validated foodfrequency questionnaires from more than 43,000 men and 175,000 women during three different studies, each spanning at least 20 consecutive years. Of the subjects studied, 14,815 developed some form of CVD, close to 7 percent of the total.

The researchers found that replacing dairy foods with foods containing polyunsaturated fats—primarily found in vegetables, nuts and fish—in just 5 percent of a subject’s diet reduced the risk of CVD by an average of 24 percent. But replacing the same percentage of dairy fats with other animal fats increased the incidence of CVD by 6 percent.

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

Eye Health Nutrients Also Aid the Brain

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utein and zeaxanthin are known key carotenoids for eye health, filtering out harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and helping to protect and maintain cells comprising the eye. The human body does not make enough of either nutrient, so we must get them from supplements or food sources such as kale, spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, corn, green peas, broccoli, romaine lettuce, green beans and eggs.

Researchers from the University of Georgia, in Athens, investigated the relationship between levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and cognitive function. They measured the levels of each nutrient in the retinas of 43 older adults with a mean age of 72 and asked that the subjects learn and recall pairs of unrelated words. The study found that those with higher levels of both nutrients did better on the test, suggesting that the enhanced neural efficiency that comes from consuming these nutrients leads to better brain function.

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

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~ Albert Einstein Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock.com

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Veggie, Fish and Nut Fats Preserve Heart Health

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Our paths are written in the Stars.

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

Botanical Breakthrough

Oregano Oil Proves a Safe Antibiotic for Poultry

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In many large commercial chicken farms, the animals are fed antibiotics to keep them healthy and fight off infections. But due to consumer demand, McDonald’s has eliminated antibiotics used in human medicine from its entire restaurant chicken supply.

Meanwhile, a farm in Pennsylvania owned by Scott Sechler is among the first to rely solely on a mix of oregano oil and cinnamon in the treatment and care of its chickens. In addition to being completely natural, oregano oil supplies the chickens with health advantages, producing a much higher quality of natural chicken in a far more humane method than that attained using antibiotics. Like antibiotics, the oil assists the chickens in battling any infections, reducing the number of birds lost to disease.

Bob Ruth, president of another Pennsylvania farming business, has been testing oregano on his pigs for six months to see if it can outperform prescription antibiotics. Related problems arise when animals live in dirty conditions, making them more susceptible to infections and viruses, which can also be triggered by insufficient cleansing of slaughterhouses that must be hosed down and completely sanitized after each act of butchery. He thinks that drugs should not be a requirement if the farmers keep things tidy.

Clean Jeans

Laundry Machines Boost School Attendance

Raw Hide

Researchers from Iowa State University have developed a new form of synthetic leather using cellulose fibers taken from kombucha tea, along with vinegar and sugar, made in shallow plastic tanks. When a colony of bacteria and yeast is added, the material grows on the top of the liquid’s surface, where it can be harvested and dried.

The researchers have successfully used the material to make prototype garments, including shoes and a vest. It’s 100 percent biodegradable, so when the fabric gets wet, it softens and becomes less durable; in very low temperatures, it can become brittle.

Young-A Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of apparel, merchandising and design at Iowa State University, in Ames, says, “Fashion, to most people, is an ephemeral expression of culture, art and technology, manifesting itself in practical form. Fashion companies keep producing new materials and clothing, from season to season, year to year, to fulfill consumers’ desires and needs. Think about where these items eventually go. They will take up tremendous underground spaces of the Earth, like other trash.”

Spanish designer Carmen Hijosa has created Piñatex, another faux-leather product made from pineapple leaf fibers as a more sustainable and cruelty-free alternative. She acted after seeing how leather tanneries operate.

Source: News.iastate.edu 14

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A Veggie Leather Alternative

Kids in middle schools with attendance problems may simply lack clean clothes to wear. An experiment by the Whirlpool company has taken on the issue with significant results.

The Whirlpool Care Counts Program donated 17 pairs of washers and dryers to school districts in St. Louis and Fairfield, California.

Kids with attendance problems were asked to bring their laundry to be cleaned while they were in class. Each student had approximately 50 loads of laundry done at school during the year, and more than 90 percent increased their attendance, with at-risk students attending almost two more weeks in class. Whirlpool is now expanding the program.

Compared to factors such as economic opportunity, unemployment and institutional racism, laundry might seem inconsequential, but for a 10-year-old facing stacked odds, having nothing clean to wear could be the deciding factor in whether or not they want to face their classmates that day.

Seventh-grade teacher Alison Guernsey, in Fairfield, says, “One of my students had more or less withdrawn from school completely. After we started the program, he was more excited about coming and started to actively engage in class. He didn’t feel like an outsider anymore.”

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Toxic Crops

Oil Wastewater Irrigating California Fields In the nation’s produce basket, some California water districts are knowingly selling oilfield wastewater to farmers, putting a huge portion of our fruits and vegetables at risk of contamination. Watchdog group Water Defense uncovered one district buying oilfield wastewater to include in the water it sells to farmers to irrigate crops in California’s Central Valley. This year, Food & Water Watch uncovered another district buying this potentially toxic wastewater and selling it to farmers.

A threat to California’s agriculture is a threat to the entire country’s food supply. Some staples of which California is the primary U.S. producer include 99 percent of olives, 99 percent of almonds, 98 percent of garlic, 96 percent of broccoli, 95 percent of celery, 91 percent of strawberries, 91 percent of lemons and 83 percent of fresh carrots.

The government is allowing oil companies to sell their wastewater for use on crops. Citizens must call on their elected representatives to fix this broken system and protect our food supply.

Klara provides Shamanic Transformational Healing and Coaching... a natural and deep way to understand and deal with personal challenges Services Offered: Family Constellations, Systemic Constellations, Chakra Balancing, Reiki, Shamanic Visionary Journeys, Tarot and Soul Retrieval.

Clients Experiencing: Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Guilt, Trauma, Anger and All Relationship Issues.

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Source: FoodAndWaterWatch.org.

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Bag Ban

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California Outlaws Single-Use Plastic Bags

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California’s ongoing ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, approved by 52 percent of voters, is setting a notable precedent for other states. A coalition of environmental groups, grocers and others are collaborating, and Mark Murray, of Californians Against Waste, welcomes elimination of the 25 million plastic bags that pollute California every day, threatening wildlife.

In 2007, San Francisco first banned plastic shopping bags, setting off a movement that led nearly half the state, including its biggest cities, to do the same. Although the legislature passed a statewide ban on plastic bags two years ago, paper bags are still for sale at grocery stores and other outlets for a nominal fee.

African Aquaculture a Success Fish farming has become a way for many Africans to beat poverty and hunger. Hillary Thompson, who lives in Milton Park, a low-density area in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, says, “For more than a decade, fish farming has become a hobby that has earned me a fortune.” He has been able to acquire properties that he rents out as one of many residents that have profited through fish farming. In many African communities, swimming pools and backyards have been converted into small-scale fish farming areas.

Faced with nutritional deficits, some Africans have taken up the practice to improve their diets. In Zimbabwe, an estimated 22,000 people are involved in fish farming, according to the ministry of agriculture. Behind the success of many of them stands the Aquaculture Zimbabwe Trust, established in 2008 to mobilize resources for the sustainable development of environmentally friendly fisheries nationally. Across Africa, fishing provides direct incomes for about 10 million people and provides food for 200 million more.

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Trees and Human Wellbeing Caring for Trees Protects Us

by Ariana Rawls Fine “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.

I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues,” goes the famous saying from Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.

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here is a reason we see so many depictions of humans as trees in art. Both have mobile limbs from a central trunk. Both need strong root grounding to weather the storms of Earth and those of life. People also equate trees to an area, whether it is the palm trees of Florida or the majestic oaks of the Northeast. They are physical reminders of where we were and where we grew up. “People are more attached to trees than they know. I’ve seen how personal health can decline when a tree that has been on someone’s property is gone,” says a Premier Lawn Solutions 16

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(PremierLawnSolutions.com) representative who asked to remain anonymous.

Trees represent strength, harmony and connection to us. “Unless moved by humans, trees remain rooted in one place throughout their lifetime, preserving their native character. They stand tall, solid and strong, rooted in the earth. They become an integral part of the place where they live, a contributing member of the biotic community.

Perhaps there is no better example for us, as humans, to emulate. Listening to the trees, we can learn not only about a particular geographic place, but also about our place in the larger community of life,” wrote Ruth Wilson in her 2013 “People and Trees: An Intimate Connection” article for the American Forests organization.

Trees “provide benefits that are

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called ecosystem services, which include the obvious ones such as cooling the air, and other, less noticeable ones, such as providing oxygen, intercepting ultraviolet (UV) light, absorbing rainfall, storing carbon and reducing air pollution,” explains a research review, titled “Trees Improve Human Health and Well-Being in Many Ways,” published by the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station in April 2015.

Trees release oxygen and store large amounts of carbon in their wood. Their leaves absorb lower-atmospheric ozone and other pollutants, which can have adverse effects on our health. Tree coverage is also an important part of public health as it keeps the temperatures down and absorbs dust, lessening the impact of local air pollutants.

“The calming effect of nearby trees

and urban greening can significantly reduce workplace stress levels and fatigue, calm traffic, and even decrease the recovery time needed after surgery.

Trees can also reduce crime. Apartment buildings with high levels of greenspace have lower crime rates than nearby apartments without trees,” explains the International Society of Arboriculture in its 2011 “Benefits of Trees” article.

From an economic standpoint, property values of homes with trees and landscaping can be from 5 to 20 percent higher. The shade provided by trees overhead can directly lower energy costs with less sun beating down on the roof in the summer and creation of a wind barrier that reduces the chilling effect of winter winds.

Our Physical Impact on Trees

To reap the proven benefits from trees, we bear increasing responsibility for helping trees succeed in the new environments being created by human actions. Considerations to boost trees’ health include maintaining the strength and makeup of soil, the amount of moisture available to the trees, controlling tree diseases in the area and a myriad of other factors. The condition of tree bark and leaf color can provide clues that something is afflicting one of our tall friends.

What is happening in areas around our trees impacts their health. Construction on a property, removing nearby trees or disturbing tree roots can have unexpected detrimental effects. When planning work on property, it is best to consult with an arborist to determine the best and least disruptive approach for the entire property’s health. Tree roots can be damaged by changes in soil level, soil temperatures, trenching, soil compaction, drought and erosion, according to Stacey Marcell, a licensed arborist, degreed horticulturalist and the owner of Stratford-based Northeast Horticultural Services. She has been practicing for more than 17 years, 10 of those in Fairfield County.

One easy change homeowners can make is to adjust the breadth of lawn so it does not lead directly up to the base of a tree. Marcell explains that when lawn is watered too closely around trees, the tree roots will wind

their way closer to the surface because that is where the water has settled. This weakens the strength of the root structure, making the tree more vulnerable to damage during high winds or other extreme weather conditions.

The toxicity of ingredients in pesticides and herbicides also creates problems for trees. These are often applied systemically and their volatility rate during application can cause the vapors to go underneath the tree canopy and into the foliage, negatively affecting the leaf system.

Allan Fenner is Connecticut Tree Protective Association’s (CTPA) vice president and an ASCA consulting arborist for SavATree Consulting Group with more than 25 years of experience.

Connecticut Tree Protective Association (CTPA) is an educational association (CTPA.org) dedicated to advancing the care of Connecticut’s trees. Fenner suggests sending soil samples to the New Haven-based Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CT.gov/CAES) to better understand which nutrients may be lacking or exceeding recommended levels, and whether disease is present on the property. Parts of the tree or pictures can also be sent to the lab for insect and disease diagnostics.

Fenner also recommends visiting CTPA. org/Tree-Diseases-CT-Exotic-and-Native when trying to determine disease with a tree.

Pruning, Planting and Protecting

Trees peak around 80-years old. At that point trees are more prone to attract insects and disease. Professional arborists can carefully prune older trees to extend tree life and cut down on the chances of diseases spreading. “Bad cuts can cause the demise of trees but proper pruning to remove the dead source for insects every five years can make all the difference,” Marcell says.

She recommends developing a good relationship with a professional arborist to create a priority list of what needs to be taken care of and when each step can be implemented. Such a proactive approach with proper care can not only extend the life of a tree but make it look healthy and beautiful, reduce potential hazards on the tree and improve its structure. “Trees need to adapt as they

can’t move. As good tree stewards, we can help them,” Marcell explains. By removing wood decay, fungi and bacteria, food sources that attract detrimental insects are also eliminated. By pruning live branches, the increase in sunlight and air circulation can help the health of the tree as well.

When structural pruning is needed, it is optimal to have it done during the tree’s dormant season, which is December to mid-March. It is also a better time to evaluate deciduous trees’ structure without the leaves obstructing the view. However, one of the exceptions is those trees that flower in the beginning of spring; for those pruning is best done after the tree has flowered.

Loosening up soil around the tree can help as moisture is best captured when the soil is better aerated.

Little fibrous roots can’t push through compacted soil, so fewer nutrients get through to the root mass. The healthier the root mass, the healthier the tree.

Also, installing a line from a rain barrel with a tube that trickles water down to the trees can help. A mulch made of nutrient-rich brown matter such as leaf compost or shredded bark will help the soil near the tree moist as well as provide a natural barrier against weeds.

Marcell recommends planting a variety of vegetation that will be mutually beneficial. Plant surrounding areas with other plants that are symbiotic with the tree, such as winterberry holly, callicarpa or other native woodland plants. A combination of plants that work well include different ground covers, such as a moss carpet around the tree with subtle ferns. Button bush, witch hazel, lindera, swamp azalea, comptonia, fothergilla and even blueberry bushes are additional plants to consider.

It is imperative to keep lawn equipment, such as weed whackers and lawn mowers, away from trees. An injury can interrupt the vascular flow from the roots through the caliber of the tree to the branches and leaves as well as leave the tree more susceptible to insects.

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

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WOOD, LEAF, BARK AND ROOT Chinese Herbal Medicine in the 21st Century

by Jampa Mackenzie Stewart

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ur interconnectivity with trees and plants is intimate and vast. We build many of our homes with boards from trees. We create our furniture, tools, sculptures and other household implements from trees. All our food is from plants directly, or indirectly by building and nourishing the animals we eat. We couldn’t survive without the oxygen that plants give off as their waste gas; trees and plants feed on the carbon dioxide that we and all animals exhale. Our solid waste can serve as fertilizer for plants as well. Many people heat their homes with firewood. Our clothes and fabrics are made from plants: cotton, hemp and bamboo.

Many of the dyes traditionally used to color fabrics and paint are sourced from plants.

Herbal medicine dominated the medical world throughout all cultures on this planet for millennia. If we were to take a step back in time and walk into an apothecary shop in New York City 100 years ago, we would find its shelves lined with dried plants in glass jars for treating health disorders. These include grasses, leaves, bark, wood, flowers, oils, seeds, stems and roots. With mortar and pestle—still the symbol of drugstores today—the pharmacist would crush

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and mix the plants into herbal concoctions to be taken internally or applied externally.

This changed in the mid-20th century with the industrialization and commercialization of pharmaceuticals. With the introduction of sulfa drugs and penicillin, the public embraced these scientific discoveries as magic silver bullets and many turned their backs on traditional herbal remedies as antiquated and backward, or even worse, as worthless or witchcraft.

In the process, while millions of people benefitted from the new medicines, new problems and issues arose. People can die or develop serious problems from drug side effects, adverse reactions and allergies, toxic drug combinations and accidental overdose. Antibiotics are overprescribed, allowing harmful strains of bacteria to mutate and develop resistance to the drugs.

Due to a rising mistrust and disenchantment with many Western pharmaceutical medicines, today we are once again seeing widespread interest in natural remedies and plant medicine. Safe for the most part and time-tested over centuries, we are discovering that many of these almost forgotten

plants work just as well or better than modern pharmaceuticals—and usually without harmful side effects.

For example, the culinary spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), which gives the yellow-orange color to curry as its main ingredient, has been the subject of thousands of research studies. It has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for over 4,000 years in Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric compares favorably to drugs for treating indigestion, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, heart disease, cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Other research confirms that turmeric is as effective as 14 common drugs.

As another example, WebMD cites the use of our common garden-variety peppermint for treating the common cold, cough, sore throat, oral inflammation and other respiratory infections. Peppermint is also used to treat many digestive problems, including indigestion, morning sickness, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea and gas. It is used effectively as a painkiller when applied topically for headache, muscle pain, toothache, nerve pain, joint conditions and more.

One of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated systems of herbal medicine is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

China has had a written language and literary tradition for over 5,000 years; it has enabled TCM to be preserved, disseminated and refined throughout the nation for thousands of years. Historical records trace its earliest recorded origins back about 2,800 years to Shennong (translated as “divine husbandman”), who is said to have tasted and shared his findings of both medicinal and poisonous plants with farmers. His work, Shennong’s Materia Medica, is the oldest known Chinese herbal medicine text, classifying 365 species of herbal medicines. Many famous Chinese doctors have added to this list over the centuries; Chinese herbal medicine today uses over 3,000 different medicinal herbs.

These might include all parts of a plant, including the root, trunk, bark, stem, leaf, flower, fruit and seed. It also includes minerals, and animal and insect-derived ingredients.

Although there are a few Chinese herbal formulas that use only one or two herbs, most combine at least four or more ingredients. This is based on the “Hierarchy Principle” of the usual structure of a monarchical government, in this case meaning it includes a King herb, Minister herb, Assistant herb and Guide herb.

The King herb is the most important ingredient in the typical Chinese herbal medicine formula, one that best addresses the main condition the practitioner is treating. The Minister herb helps to support and enhance the King herb function and to treat any secondary symptoms. The Assistant herb supports and reinforces the function of the other herbs; it also helps to moderate or eliminate any potential side effects of other herbs in the formula. The Guide herbs help to harmonize the entire formula ingredients; they guide the action of the other herbs to specific areas, organs or acupuncture channels within the body. Thus, Chinese herbal formulas that follow these proper guidelines should have

One of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated systems of herbal medicine is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

China has had a written language and literary tradition for over 5,000 years; it has enabled TCM to be preserved, disseminated and refined throughout the nation for thousands of years. little or no side effects when properly diagnosed and administered.

Another important principle of Chinese medicine is this: “Food is medicine. Medicine is food.” Diet plays a vital part in keeping healthy. When treating a health problem, what we eat can have a good or bad medicinal effect. For example, people who tend to run hot, have a fever or have inflammation should avoid eating hot foods like jalapenos, chili pepper or other warming foods. Instead, they should eat cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, green beans and rice.

Similarly, for someone who runs cold inside, warming foods are recommended and cold foods and drinks should be avoided. Our diets have a profound effect on our health, not just in terms of nutrients, but in terms of flavor, color, temperature and overall energetic effect. Diet is thus considered a fundamental part of staying healthy and treating health problems.

Prevention is a cornerstone of Chinese medicine. Chinese cooking uses both culinary and medicinal herbs in dishes for their health benefits as well as for flavoring. In fact, most of the culinary herbs and spices in our kitchen have powerful medicinal properties as well as flavoring benefits.

Cinnamon, for example, is one of the most popular culinary spices. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, has strong anti-inflammatory properties, helps to control diabetes and fights infections and viruses. Cinnamon may protect brain function and prevent cognitive decline and dementia associated with aging. It may also help lower cancer risk. It benefits heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol and by lowering blood pressure.

We are intricately connected to the natural world and to the trees and plants that are our cohabitants and allies on our planet. The more we can stay awake to that connection and live accordingly, both we and our environment are sure to benefit.

Jampa Mackenzie Stewart, MSOM, LAc, is a board certified acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, tai chi and qigong master.

He may be contacted at Valley Spirit Wellness Center, located in Washington Depot. Connect at ValleySpiritCoop.com, Jampa@ValleySpiritCoop.com or 860-619-2788. natural awakenings

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Fortunately, food allergies that trigger such a dramatic, fast, immune response are fairly rare, particularly in adults.

“Most of what we’re seeing today is an uptick in food sensitivities and intolerances, terms that are often used interchangeably to describe foods that are not digested well and can challenge the immune system,” says Solana Beach, California, nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of The Virgin Diet.

Newark, Delaware, medical doctor and allergist Junfang Jiao, Ph.D., attests to increased levels of testing for food allergies and sensitivities in recent years. “I can’t say there are more allergies or sensitivities, but more doctors are aware of the wide-ranging symptoms and more people are getting referred for testing,” he reports.

Many experts agree on at least one underlying cause behind the trend—a widely studied condition called leaky

FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes

C

omplaints of digestive upsets, brain fog, headaches, relentless food cravings and unrelieved stress appear to be at epidemic levels these days.

“These symptoms may be part of newfound awareness of the wideranging and seemingly unrelated health problems caused by food sensitivities and intolerances, which are different from food allergies,” explains microbiologist Kiran Krishnan, from Chicago.

Food Allergies

Food allergies seem to be plaguing America’s children now more than in the past. We know that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, once standard lunchbox fare, have become a no-no.

They’re often outlawed by schools to protect the students that experience extreme peanut allergies.

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The symptoms of food allergies in adults and children, often including hives, rashes and itching, can range from being annoying to life threatening.

For extremely sensitive people, the tiniest fragment of a peanut or a bee sting, exposure to latex gloves or certain medications like penicillin can cause such a sudden strong allergic reaction that it results in anaphylaxis, which makes breathing passages swell shut. If untreated, such extreme allergies can even prove fatal, which is why people with severe allergies carry the antidote epinephrine (adrenaline) with them.

Food allergies are diagnosed by blood and/or skin testing under the supervision of a medical professional, usually a doctor of medicine, osteopathy or naturopathy. Effective treatment, which must be customized to the individual, typically entails avoidance of allergy triggers.

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gut, characterized by intestinal permeability. Microscopic pinholes in an unhealthy small intestine can allow undigested nutrients to pass through intestinal walls, triggering mild immune responses, inflammation and, potentially, the onset of some diseases.

Theories of what causes leaky gut are diverse and sometimes contradictory but experts recommend consulting a medical professional if one suffers from food sensitivities. Each individual is unique, so there is no “blanket solution” for everyone.

Dysbiosis: Leaky gut is often caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria, sometimes called dysbiosis, says Krishnan. It can be brought on by the use of antibiotics, antibiotic residues in meats and dairy products or a diet high in sugar and processed foods.

Most interesting, he believes, is the discovery that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer

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Some More Common Issues

Roundup used on genetically modified (GMO) corn and soy crops, contributes to dysbiosis, as verified by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists in a study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology. They concluded with a plea to world governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods.

GMOs: While this issue has been less widely analyzed, a 1996 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin added to Monsanto’s GMO corn crops to kill pests is not destroyed during human digestion. Danish researchers at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University suggested it may damage cells of the intestinal lining.

Gluten: “Gluten causes leaky gut,” says Port Jefferson, New York, naturopathic doctor Doni Wilson, author of The Stress Remedy, voicing one side of the controversy based on her review of scientific literature. She’s concluded, “Whether you are sensitive to it or not, gluten increases the production of zonulin, which can result in damage to intestinal walls and cause the cells on the outside of the intestines to set off an immune response to anything that passes through. In this condition, what we’re eating—cheese, milk, eggs, corn, soy—is leaking through the gut lining, triggering an immune response and potentially creating multiple food sensitivities.”

Wilson also notes that in her clinical experience, only about half of her patients with gluten sensitivities complain of digestive issues. “I’ve found that gluten causes the immune cells on the outside of the small intestine to affect the nervous system, causing headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia,” she says. Her findings are backed by research from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Celiac Research and Italy’s University of Catania. The same researchers confirm that non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance can also foster depression; a University of Cincinnati study published in the journal Headache links gluten and headaches.

Other proteins in wheat can be problematic, advises Fiona McCulloch, a Toronto doctor of naturopathy, citing a study presented at the annual European Gastroenterology Conference, in Vienna,

As a gluten tolerance test, substitute an amount of non-gluten carbohydrates for the same amount of gluten-containing products.

For example, instead of two pieces of bread, substitute three-quarters of a cup of brown rice—a rough equivalent in carbohydrate content. A positive difference in hunger, cravings and energy levels when gluten is eliminated indicates a condition of gluten intolerance. ~Fiona McCulloch last October. The report showed that a family of proteins called amylase trypsin inhibitors can lead to the development of inflammation in tissues beyond the gut, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen and brain.

Glyphosate residues can be a factor in gluten intolerance. Although wheat crops produced in the U.S. are not yet genetically modified, many non-organic wheat crops are sprayed with glyphosate to promote rapid drying, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Inadequate digestive enzymes: Lactose intolerance is the most common result of missing digestive enzymes like lactase, according to the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Avoiding milk products may relieve digestive distress for some.

Eliminate Items, Then Challenge

Most experts believe the easiest way to deal with food sensitivities is to stop eating the food in question. The so-called “elimination and challenge” diet, which has been in use for decades, is effective, free and addresses the foods responsible for common food intolerances, says Virgin.

Simply avoid the food of concern completely for at least three weeks, then eat a small amount of it and catalogs the results. For some people, it may only take a couple of hours for symptoms to return after eating a piece of bread, cup of milk, an egg or bit of tofu.

Virgin’s seven-food challenge is a bit more rigorous, but improves feelings of general well-being so readily that many people don’t even want to bring back the eliminated foods because they feel so much better, she says. Her threeweek diet completely eliminates the most common food sensitivity triggers: gluten-containing foods (largely wheat), dairy, eggs, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar and artificial sweeteners.

“When I say eliminate these foods 100 percent, I mean it,” cautions Virgin.

“You need to give your immune system at least that much time to cool off.” She adds, “You can do anything such as this for just three weeks.”

Virgin also recommends the elimination diet for weight loss because it helps overcome food cravings triggered by the immune system response and leptin resistance, leveraging the hormone that turns off the body’s hunger signals, a finding confirmed by independent studies performed by Sweden’s Lund University and Italy’s University of Palermo. She’s also documented other positive effects through her own research and experience with participants in her programs, including improvements in energy, focus, joint pain, skin clarity and bloating, all in the designated short time frames.

Other Approaches

People with food sensitivities may be able to tolerate occasional indulgences in their trigger foods once they’ve healed their digestive systems, notes Krishnan. Probiotics can help, especially those encapsulated in spores so they can pass through the barrage of stomach acid and reach the small intestine where they are most needed.

Krishnan’s research, to be published this spring, showed that half of otherwise healthy young people suffering from leaky gut had a dramatic reduction of symptoms by taking a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus indicus product for 30 days. After the healing period, sensitive people may be able

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to eat small amounts of certain foods with the assistance of dietary aids and supplements, adds McCulloch.

Get dirty: Johns Hopkins University research has shown that kids raised in an excessively hygienic environment experience much higher rates of allergies and sensitivities. University of Wisconsin researchers found that youths growing up in households that are less than obsessively sanitary among four or five other people and dogs will strengthen and challenge their immune systems as they mature. Adults need to challenge their immune systems, too, says Krishnan.

Eat organic and fermented foods: A widely varied diet helps spread out the immune system challenges of trigger foods. Organic foods don’t contain glyphosate and other potentially harmful chemicals; fermented foods contain digestive enzymes.

Eat prebiotics: Raw onions, garlic, leeks and asparagus are prebiotics.

They help feed probiotic bacteria and improve gut health.

Block sensitivity triggers: Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume dairy products if they use lactase, the enzyme that helps digest lactose. Similarly, some people with gluten intolerance find they can eat moderate amounts of wheat products with protein supplements like lectin, carb blockers and digestive enzymes that help break down the gluten molecules, according to Virgin.

Supplements that might help: Glucomannan (konjac or elephant yam fiber) contributes to a feeling of fullness and stabilizes blood sugar, says McCulloch. She also recommends the amino acid L-glutamine and digestive enzymes to assist in gut healing.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

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Food Intolerances Self-Questionnaire

by JJ Virgin Answer each question with never (0), seldom (1), sometimes (2) or often (3).

1. I need a cup of coffee or another caffeinated pick-me-up to jumpstart the middle of my morning or afternoon. _____ 2. I crave baked goods, pasta and other high-sugar impact foods. _____ 3. I have difficulty falling asleep or I awake during the night feeling anxious and struggle to get back to sleep. _____ 4. My bowel movements occur infrequently (less than one a day), which can sometimes be painful and involve straining. _____ 5. My mood can change swiftly and I take out my crankiness and irritation on coworkers and family members. _____ 6. I want to lay my head down on my desk mid-morning or afternoon because I have little motivation to remain productive. _____ 7. During meetings or conversations I zone out and struggle to concentrate for long periods of time on my work. _____ 8. After eating a big meal, I’m hungry and craving more of what I ate several hours later. _____ 9. Doing routine and important tasks takes all the energy and initiative I have. _____ 10. Even as an adult, I struggle with acne, rashes or blotchy skin, even though I use expensive skin cream. _____ 11. I head to the bathroom or step outside after a meal because of gassiness, bloating or other uncomfortable gut issues. _____ 12. The smell of a scented candle, perfume and detergent bothers me. _____ 13. Walking or moving around can create cramping, achiness or joint pain. _____ 14. I develop headaches that prevent me from enjoying the moment and leave me scrambling for a pain reliever. _____ 15. Even though I don’t have other cold/flu symptoms, I suffer from a scratchy throat or sinus trouble. _____ 6. I eat all the right foods in moderation, exercise religiously, and yet struggle 1 intensely to lose every pound. _____ Total Score: ______

What Scores Mean

18 or above – You most likely struggle with food intolerances that create many unpleasant symptoms and stall fat loss. By removing the seven target foods for just three weeks, you’ll see these symptoms disappear and the scales will start moving again.

10 to 17 – You display some of the symptoms that food intolerances can trigger.

You would greatly benefit from eliminating target foods to lose symptoms and those last few pounds.

Below 10 – While you suffer few of the symptoms brought about by food intolerances, you could still benefit from the same regimen. Even the healthiest person can take their game up a notch and ditch those last few stubborn pounds.

Source: The Virgin Diet, by JJ Virgin

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by Judith Fertig

I

n an era of too much information, the role of fats in our diet has been a victim of not enough information.

Today’s turnaround in nutritional thinking acknowledges natural fats as being vital to heart health and weight loss.

Heart Health Benefit

A recent metastudy in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a journal of the American College of Physicians, concluded that saturated fat does not appear to increase heart disease risk, overturning almost 60 years of accepted medical thought. The researchers analyzed data from 76 studies involving more than 600,000 people and found that those that ate the most saturated, or “bad”, fat did not show a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those that ate the least. Note that processed trans fats remain a villain, still deemed a risk to heart health per the metastudy.

The misleading information began in the 1950s, when Physiologist Ancel Keys, Ph.D., discovered a correlation between diets high in saturated fats and higher cholesterol levels. Soon, the lowfat diet was born.

In 2000, further research introduced the concepts of good and bad fats. More NaturalNewHaven.com

recent analysis confirmed this finding with the refinement that saturated fats increase both types of cholesterol. However, the latest research from the journal BMJ shows that saturated fat does not increase the number of LDL, or “bad”, particles, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Instead, it makes existing LDL particles larger, a fairly benign situation in regard to such disease.

Weight Loss Benefit

Fat doesn’t even make you fat, claims Mark Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in Lenox, Massachusetts, and author of Eat Fat, Get Thin: Why the Fat We Eat Is the Key to Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health. “The theory that all calories have the same impact on your weight and metabolism remains one of the most persistent nutrition myths,” says this practitioner of functional medicine who points out that we’ve been sidetracked by wrong thinking.

“Eating fat can make you lean.

Healthy cell walls made from highquality fats are better able to metabolize insulin, which keeps blood sugar better regulated. Without proper blood sugar control, the body socks away fat for a rainy day. The right fats also in-

crease fat burning, diminish hunger and reduce fat storage,” he notes.

Whole30, a 30-day diet revolving around clean eating, also emphasizes healthy fats. Devised in 2009 by Dallas Hartwig, a functional medicine practitioner and certified sports nutritionist, and Melissa Hartwig, a certified sports nutritionist, the program aims to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and reset metabolism. The Salt Lake City, Utah, authors of the New York Times bestselling The Whole30 recommend healthy fats to keep us full and rev up metabolism. Recommended healthy fats include coconut milk and oil, avocados, olive oil, organic ghee (clarified butter) and raw nuts.

Josh Axe, a natural medicine practitioner and clinical nutritionist in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends the healthy fats contained in avocados, organic butter and ghee from grass-fed cows and goats, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds.

“Butter’s experiencing a comeback as a healthy fat as its benefits become more widely known,” says Axe. “The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in butter help the brain function properly and improve skin health.” Ghee, an ancient Indian version of butter,

is lactose- and casein-free, while being loaded with fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E, says Axe. These vitamins are best absorbed by the body when they’re in a fat substance and then stored in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping metabolism and digestion on track, he notes.

Ghee’s high level of vitamin K2, best known as a natural blood coagulator, “also helps strengthen bones, while the fatty acids found in it improve digestion and reduce inflammation.”

Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

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“If you’re active, about 40 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates, another 30 percent from protein and the other 30 percent from fat in general,” says Axe, adding that this has the added benefit of helping prevent arteriosclerosis. “Some people may consume a greater percentage of healthy fats if the goal is to become a fat burner.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and health,” Hyman reminds us. “Low-carb, higherfat diets work for most people, but for some, they may not be optimal in the long term.”

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even just nibbles the eliminated food, you have to start all over again,” says Dohmen. Whether commercially prepared or home cooked, the number of ingredients can substantially extend a test period. Each item must be completely avoided for about six weeks for an accurate assessment.

Environmental allergies, which encompass everything unrelated to food, range from common grasses to inhaled pollutants. New carpets or rugs, cleaning supplies, a neighbor’s pesticides, dust and pollen are among the culprits that can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms are itchy ears or skin, ear infections, sneezing, runny eyes, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea.

Veterinarian Judy Morgan, owner of Naturally Healthy Pets, in Clayton, New Jersey, also uses herbs in her practice to alleviate food and environmental allergy symptoms. “They can be tinctures or poultices; one herb or a blended mixture. Some are applied externally, some internally.” Giving the proper dosage for the size of the pet is vital.

She particularly likes calendula for hot spots, despite its

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Thursday, March 9

ather than routinely giving drugs to dogs and cats to relieve dry, itchy, skin or food allergies, consider more gentle natural alternatives. As with people, knowing what an animal is allergic to is key to finding the right remedy and preventing future outbreaks.

With dogs, about 20 percent of itching and scratching can be attributed to food ingredients.

Symptoms can show up as early as 5 months or as late as 12 years old, often combined with inhalant or contact allergies. Chronic ear infections are often traced to food allergies.

“If a pet is suffering mightily, see your veterinarian for shots or pills for immediate relief. Then ask the vet to allergy test for the specific problem,” advises Veterinarian Laurie Dohmen, owner of Purple Moon Herbs and Studies, in Hartly, Delaware. “This isn’t something you can do yourself. I’ve seen pet owners use what worked for a friend’s dog and make their own pets sicker, despite research and good intentions. What works for one pet won’t necessarily work for another.”

While food elimination testing works, it’s a long process that must be done with precision. “If your pet

Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

by Sandra Murphy

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odor, because it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, followed by witch hazel to dry them, and then coconut oil or aloe to soothe and soften affected skin—plus Echinacea to boost the immune system. She uses ginger or peppermint to counteract nausea.

“Many people think an allergic pet should be switched to a lamb and rice diet. In some cases, that makes dry, itchy, skin worse,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what they are allergic to before trying out new foods or herbal remedies. Find a holistic vet to work with.”

Morgan often prescribes a mixture of herbs for the best results. “I like licorice because it works like a steroid without the side effects. Probiotics help keep gut bacteria and the immune system healthy. Parsley works well for dry, itchy, skin caused by a blood deficiency, or imbalance.

“Parsley brings a protein, as well as several vitamins, to the party,” notes Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger in Marysville, Washington. “It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and also great if your dog’s breath needs a freshness boost.” She suggests rosemary and thyme as ingredients in an antibacterial, antifungal salve; she mixes these essential oils with extra virgin coconut oil and beeswax to create paw balm.

Morgan reminds us that essential oils can be harmful, even life-threatening, for cats. “If Kitty has itchy skin, lavender tea can be used as a rinse on cooperative cats,” she suggests. “For a less cooperative feline, chamomile tea as a drink or as leaves mixed into the food soothes itches.”

Dohmen cautions, “Herbs and other homeopathic remedies or flower essences are medicine and should be given as a prescription by a qualified veterinarian.”

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouis FreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

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March 2017

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Holistic Eye Care Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

T

he “old wives’ tale” about eating carrots for healthy vision wasn’t wrong, but fell far short of a holistic approach to eye health. Today’s holistically trained healthcare providers and ophthalmologists believe that properly maintaining the marvelous phenomenon of eyesight requires taking into consideration genetics, diet, toxin exposures, life environments and our belief systems.

“The body does not work as a series of parts in isolation, but as a dynamically integrated living system,” says Marc Grossman, a doctor of optometry, licensed acupuncture physician and co-founder of Natural Eye Health, in New Paltz, New York. “The reductionist method of referring each symptom to the domain of a particular specialist, isolated from the whole person, is slowly being replaced with a complementary view of health care that may include acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are beginning to look at each person as an integrated being.”

Progressive health providers now consider dietary preferences, general exercise regimens, environmental factors and physical, emotional and mental issues, as well as an individual’s particular symptoms, in determining treatment strategies. “To improve vision, the condition of the whole person needs to be addressed,” says Grossman, whose books include Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision.

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Homeopathic Doctor Edward Kondrot’s practice at Healing The Eye & 28

New Haven / Middlesex

Wellness Center, which he founded in Zephyrhills, Florida, embraces traditional and alternative therapies. He uses microcurrent, ozone therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord in treating serious eye disease.

Kondrot, the author of 10 Essentials to Save Your Sight, systemically understands the eyes as windows to overall health. For instance, his perspective is founded on the fact that a balanced diet is one of the best preventive measures for maintaining eye health. Systemic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies are easily determined under the scrutiny of his holistic biomicroscope.

According to science published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic spinal manipulation may also contribute to normal vision; in one case study, 20 treatment sessions helped an individual recover the function of optic nerves and normal vision. It’s generally accepted that chiropractic adjustment realigning the spinal column allows the nervous system to function properly, reduces tension and frees up the body to better transport blood to locations such as the eyes. Additionally, the second vertebra below the skull contains nerves that affect the eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves and sinuses.

Common eye conditions generally develop so slowly that they may not present noticeable symptoms until deterioration has become severe. “Many factors can affect our eyesight, including

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healingways

other health problems. Having a family member with eye disease may mean you’re genetically prone to having that condition as well, but living a healthy lifestyle may prevent the gene from being activated,” advises Kondrot.

Viewing the condition of the eyes as a reflection of whole body health means that lifestyle and diet choices play major roles. The Vision Diet and supplement program recommended in Grossman’s Natural Eye Care has been shown to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eyes of study participants by five to seven millimeters, which generally equates to 10 to 15 percent.

In general, a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and sulfur-bearing amino acids can be helpful. Foods containing such nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes.

Other dietary and lifestyle options recommended by Grossman are daily drinking one pint of juice made from mostly green vegetables and drinking eight to 10 glasses of purified water to keep eyes hydrated. Managing stress and doing palming and other eye exercises, such as those found at Tinyurl.com/ComputerEyeStrainExercises, as well as daily aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes, are also beneficial. Additionally, Kondrot’s use of multimodal protocols such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, homeopathy, and detoxification can be applied to reverse visual loss.

Kondrot advises that avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions is important.

“A study of 113 patients with chronic simple glaucoma showed an immediate increase in pressure in the fluid inside the eye when they were exposed to foods to which they were allergic. Take up meditation, yoga, tai chi or any other practice that helps you manage stress and relax,” he advises. “Some consider glaucoma a stress-related condition.”

The best strategy for healthy eyes is to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent significant vision loss.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

fitbody

Workouts Use Natural Body Patterns

by Aimee Hughes

I

“

magine an exercise system that strengthens the body enough to be used in training world-class athletes, stretches more safely than any form of yoga and expands the core training concepts of Pilates into natural full-body movements like those used in everyday reaching and walking, along with jumping and swimming. This is the Gyrotonic system,” says Angela Crowley, a Gyrotonic master teacher, trainer and exercise spa owner in Coral Gables, Florida.

A former gymnast and dancer, Crowley took to the Gyrotonic approach after being severely injured in an automobile accident. “Traditional physical therapy only addressed certain aspects without bringing me back to normal,” she says. “Running and yoga felt intolerable.

Gyrotonic exercises became a perfect bridge. I was able to rehabilitate safely while challenging myself to return to normal expectations and now, beyond.” The system of fluid movements leverages specially designed equipment that can be customized for every individual.

photos courtesy Gyrotonic.com

Hello Gyro

Find an illustrative video and search classes by postal code at Gyrotonic.com.

“The Gyrotonic system combines elements from many different modalities into three-dimensional, circular movements. A primary focus is on all the different motions of the spine and how to create rhythmic, flowing movement within the entire body,” says Stefani Schrimpf, Gyrotonic instructor and studio owner of Physiques, in Overland Park, Kansas.

“The exercises strengthen, lengthen and stretch muscles, while stimulating connective tissues around the joints. They also improve balance, flexibility and coordination. This system allows you to push beyond specific limitations and to isolate and fine tune movement skills,” says Schrimpf.

While a Gyrotonic workout has similarities to yoga and Pilates, it is also unique. According to Melissa Jutras, a Pilates instructor, weightlifting coach, personal trainer and gym/studio owner of Big Blue Strength, in Lexington, Kentucky, “Hatha yoga is a series of static postures, whereas Pilates and Gyrotonic movements focus on flow, using equipment to enhance core strength, stability, control, coordination and flexibility. The difference is that Gyrotonic exercises works on three dimensions with every circular movement, like the body naturally moves. It uses weights and a pulley system, whereas Pilates is more linear and uses spring tension.”

Jutras believes the Gyrotonic system, Pilates and yoga all complement weightlifting and strength training, affording a mind-body balance. “The body then experiences low- and high-threshold exercise, low-intensity and highintensity, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activity,” she says.

Crowley sees the Gyrotonic approach complementing virtually any activity. “The exercises help practitioners learn how to move more efficiently, easily, powerfully, gracefully and successfully in every facet of life.”

The method is also offered without equipment in the form of Gyrokinesis, a flowing class done on a chair, mat and standing. This affordable option can be practiced independently at home.

“My youngest client is 7, my oldest is 94,” relates Crowley. “We have clients that have become bored by repetitive exercise and enjoy the limitless variations of movements that keep both their minds and muscles alert. We have chronic pain clients that have exhausted other medical options and are improving their ability to function more optimally and enjoying their lives again.”

Both Schrimpf and her husband, Juan Trujillo, teach the Gyrotonic method. “Our greatest reward is the feedback we get. Once people try it, they’re hooked,” she says. “It transforms how people think about movement and brings a sense of joy and accomplishment. They feel their joints becoming more supple and balanced, and find their bodies responding well to the natural movement patterns.”

Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy and consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com. natural awakenings

March 2017

29

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healthykids

C O R E

P O W E R

Silencing Cyberbullies The CorePower Seminar for your business or organization

How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson

W

hether it’s a damaging rumor posted on Facebook, a humiliating photo shared on Instagram or a threatening text, cyberbullying is increasing among today’s youth. A 2015 Cyberbullying Research Center study of middle school students found that 43 percent had been targeted, while 15 percent admitted to being online bullies. Meanwhile, students, parents and teachers are combating cyber-aggression with initiatives to make the phenomenon socially unacceptable in schools.

Grassroots Action

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New Haven / Middlesex

Tyler Gregory, 23, attended a small, insular high school in rural Ohio where bullying was problematic. As a senior with younger siblings approaching their high school years, he aimed to change the local culture to make bullying uncool.

Gregory decided to make a movie to submit to the NO BULL Challenge, a national organization that provides students a platform to develop and disNaturalNewHaven.com

seminate materials that spark dialogue about such troubling issues. Challenges ranged from teaching himself filmmaking and persuading students to participate to mustering the courage to present the project to his school. He achieved the transformation he sought, beginning with 70 students participating in his production.

“I appealed to classmates by asking, ‘How do you want to be remembered?

Why not choose to be viewed positively, as leaders?’” says Gregory, who later became a spokesperson for NO BULL Challenge. To date, the challenge has received 600 submissions, garnering 23 million impressions through digital and social media, the vehicles of cyberbullies. A recent graduate of Dayton, Ohio’s Wright State University, Gregory has spoken to about 45,000 students in 27 states in school assemblies.

Nancy Willard, director of Embrace Civility in the Digital Age, headquartered in Creswell, Oregon, believes that such initiatives, which shift schools from punitive approaches to making

bullying incompatible with accepted social norms, are the only way to bring lasting change. “We need to cultivate a climate where being hurtful is contrary to a school’s expressed values.

Most young people don’t like to see their peers being hurtful and admire those that stand up to peers and have them make amends,” says Willard. The educator’s website, EmbraceCivility.org, offers free materials with concrete steps for students and teachers to foster positive school environments.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Cyberbullying isn’t limited to attacks on unpopular kids that lack satisfying peer relationships. It’s seven times more likely to occur between current or former friends and romantic partners than between strangers, according to a study led by Diane Felmlee, professor of sociology at Pennsylvania State University. Felmlee’s research further found that non-heterosexual youth are four times as likely as their heterosexual peers to be cyberbullied, while popular kids are also frequently targeted.

Two social dynamics seem to be at work: “One involves individuals that violate social norms, such as LGBTQ youth, and the other revolves around status struggles,” reports Felmlee. “In the latter case, bullies are vying for popularity, recognition and self-esteem. Those with higher social status may be attacked because they’re viewed as competition.”

Cyberbullying’s impact can exceed face-to-face aggression, as offensive remarks can spread far and fast, and live online in perpetuity instead of fading away, observes Felmlee. Gregory adds that it can also affect students’

ability to learn when some skip school to avoid tormentors.

Helpful Responses

Most youths don’t report cyberbullying, feeling embarrassed, afraid the situation will get worse or doubtful of remedial action. “Schools need to step up their response to bullying, make it known that it won’t be tolerated, set clear policies and enforce them,” counsels Gregory. Because most bullied youths don’t speak up, parents need to communicate openly with kids and be aware of their online activities, advises Felmlee.

Willard notes that it’s also important to address the bullies themselves through understanding their motivation, and then persuading them to accept responsibility and take steps to rectify harm. “This should be about reparation, not punishment.” Gregory’s high school film assures bullies that it’s never too late to make amends.

While it can be hard to stand up to bullies, caring peers can easily express support. “Bystanders have the power to change the atmosphere,” agrees Gregory. “Kindly approaching a student being picked on who may feel alone and ashamed goes further than most students realize.”

Those affected by cyberbullying also can cut off their aggressors, suggests Gregory. “The ‘block’ button is powerful. Cyberbullies want to see a reaction. Blocking them from social media exchanges or texting takes away their power.”

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

East West Integrative Health Clinic, LLC

Here are some tips to help keep digital spaces safe and civil. * Think twice before posting a photo or comment that could be taken out of context and misappropriated. * Report bad behavior to an adult that can help figure out the right course of action. * Don’t portray youth as victims, which can perpetuate the idea they are weak and vulnerable targets. * Save cyber evidence to help officials take appropriate action.

Some schools now have online reporting systems that allow students to anonymously submit screenshots from social media. * Don’t retaliate. It likely will only aggravate unwanted behavior and drag everyone down to the cyberbully’s level of consciousness. * Keep watch. Apps like Online Guardian for Families, CyberSynchs and YouDiligence allow parents to monitor children’s exposure on social media via keywords related to bullying.

Resources: EmbraceCivility.org; Cyberbullying.org; Tinyurl.com/Bully PreventionTips; Tinyurl.com/Apps BlockBullies; StopBullying.gov/ cyberbullying.

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greenliving

FOREVER GREEN Eco-Burial Options Grow

Lyme Disease

by Avery Mack

Plus: Eco Yards

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Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for Earth-Friendly Landscaping & Therapeutic Massage

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atural burials allow those that lived their principles of an environmentally sound life to complete their days in a planet-friendly, personalized way.

“The number of U.S. cemeteries allowing natural burials has increased by 30 in the last year,” says Elizabeth Fournier, owner of Cornerstone Funeral Services, in Boring, Oregon. “More than 150 cemeteries allow them now. We encourage replacing cut flowers with plants. A multipurpose wooden casket can serve as a bookshelf until needed, or a casket can be made of natural wicker, paper or grass.” Formaldehyde-free embalming fluids made of non-toxic and biodegradable essential oils allow for a synthetic chemical-free burial.

“Green burials tend to be unique and can last from one to four hours,” says Brian Flowers, green burial coordinator for Moles Farewell Tributes, in Bellingham, Washington. “One funeral had 50 Civil War re-enactors in blue and gray outfits, along with a 21-musket and two-cannon salute. Another was led by a shaman. Natural burial isn’t just for the Birkenstock/patchouli crowd. Our area is farm-rich, so a green burial fits with the idea of living close to the land.”

The Moles’ four-and-one-half-acre meadow for natural burial will expand in the next two years to eight acres.

Flowers explains, “It’s an ecological

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restoration site. We manage invasive species and plant three native plants for each burial.”

In Houston, Terry Ward, president and CEO of Country Communities, notes how fast-paced lifestyles can prevent intimate connections among siblings. “At Indigo Fields, we’re able to implant an app-accessible microchip into an urn or stone. The information can include photos, details of the person’s life and stories that might otherwise become lost. It can be updated at any time and serves as a gift for anyone researching the family tree.

It helps the living heal and talk about their fears, too.”

Added Green Alternatives

Cremation has always been an alternative to burial, but is energy intensive; recycling medical parts helps green up this option. Many choices are available for the cremains, the ashes that remain after a cremation.

Many states outlaw burying pet remains in a human cemetery, so Lisa Brambilla, of Yorba Linda, California, invented 100 percent biodegradable Bio Urns. “Before, pet lovers had few choices when it came time to say

goodbye. Laying a cremated pet to rest this way makes a loss easier because it’s a physical manifestation of a pet in plant form. It hurts a little less,” she says. Each urn comes with a seed for a tree or shrub and the proper soil to help it grow.

“Maka, a keeshond, was the dog my son’s heart bonded with; he was 6 when she died,” Brambilla relates.

“After she grew into a tree, he could smile when he talked about her. It teaches kids to create a new life and to treat the planet well. Death is nothing but a word. The only thing real is life.” Bio Urn expanded to include human clients after Brambilla’s fatherin-law requested to be remembered via a redwood tree and her mother, a Christmas tree.

Eternal reefs are made of ashes mixed with cement placed in the ocean in a military-style ceremony to help support marine life for at least 500 years. Family members retain the reef’s GPS coordinates and can boat or dive to visit it.

Music lovers can choose to have their ashes compressed into a vinyl record. A live recording of goodbyes, a last will and testament or compilation of

favorite songs can be prerecorded. Ashes can also be compressed into colorful memorial gemstones ready to be set into jewelry to keep a loved one close.

Resomation, or bio-cremation, liquefies the body in a heated alkaline bath, using far less energy than traditional cremation and without environmentally harmful chemical emissions; afterward, the bones are ground, resembling cremains, and are returned to the family.

Promession is a way to freeze-dry the body by immersion in liquid nitrogen at -321° F. When it becomes brittle, vibrations shake the corpse into small pieces, water is evaporated and the dust that remains can be used as compost.

Invented by Swedish biologist Susanne Wiigh-Mäsak, she feels it’s the utmost Earth-friendly way to return a body to the soil.

As people opt to avoid the higher costs of a traditional funeral and elect practical, eco-friendly ways to exit the human scene, natural burials can become more accepted ways to achieve Biblical dust-to-dust while doing no harm.

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

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

GONE GREEN Each year, traditional funerals use and bury: n Hardwoods for caskets (30 million board feet) n Steel for caskets (90,272 tons, plus 14,000 tons for vaults) n Copper and bronze for caskets (2,700 tons) n Reinforced concrete for vaults (1.636 million tons) n Embalming fluids (827,060 gallons)

Earth-friendly methods: n Cost about half as much as a traditional funeral. n Use non-toxic embalming fluids. n Offer biodegradable caskets. n Replace quarried headstones with natural stone or greenery. n Restore native plant areas, reducing invasive species, mowing and herbicides. n Contribute to peace of mind with a green legacy.

Source: Casket and Funeral Supply Association of America

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octor of Osteopathic Medicine Joseph Mercola has practiced as a boardcertified family physician for more than 30 years.

His educational website, Mercola.com, has been the most visited natural health site for the past 12 years, with 12 million unique visitors each month. His three New York Times bestsellers include Effortless Healing.

With today’s overload of conflicting health information—and the temptation to self-diagnose—how can we accurately assess our status in terms of optimal wellness?

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by Judith Fertig

One of the major principles I strongly embrace is to listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle based on the feedback it’s providing you. The seven clinically proven gauges I advise you to assess now and continue to monitor every six months or so are fasting insulin level (normal is less than five micro-international units per milliliter of blood; ideal is less than three); vitamin D level (normal is 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter); waist-to-hip ratio (ideal for men, 0.8; for women, 0.7); body fat percentage (fitness level for women is 21 to 24 percent; for men, 14 to 17 percent); HDL to total cholesterol ratio (ideally 24 to 30 percent or higher); blood pressure (ideal numbers are 120 over 80 systolic/diastolic without medication); and uric acid level (ideal is three to five milligrams per deciliter).

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It is important to get these levels checked, because it is impossible to know without testing.

In your opinion, what is the greatest health risk Americans face today and what can we do about it right now?

I’m convinced that for the typical American, the most important health step to take is to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices or artificially flavored and sweetened waters and replace them with pure water.

Most people are now aware that sodas are laced with processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, but many don’t know that their favorite sport and vitamin drinks contain these sweeteners plus a host of frightening extras, including toxic chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, phthalates, BPA [bisphenol A] and disinfection byproducts.

What role do carbohydrates play?

Carbs are a far dirtier fuel than fat and generate far more reactive oxygen species than fat. Some 70 years of following low-fat diet recommendations has resulted in the vast majority of dieters losing the ability to burn fat as their primary fuel.

One of the most powerful strategies to regain this ability is to start a practice of regular intermittent fasting, restricting your eating window to six to 14 hours a day and fast the rest of the day.

Of course, you will want to replace a high net carb intake, or total carbs minus fiber, with healthy fats such as those in avocados, coconut oil, seeds and nuts.

Avoid industrially processed omega-6 vegetable oils like corn, soy and canola.

Because an indoor, climatecontrolled, sedentary lifestyle may lead to slowly developing chronic disease, what changes do you suggest we make?

Spending time outside with bare feet in contact with the ground even for short periods can yield significant benefits.

It’s even better to do it with the sun shining on your bare skin.

The Earth is an abundant source of free electrons, and when the sun shines on your skin a vital biological circuit forms that helps transfer energy to water throughout the body, which serves as a cellular battery. Albert Einstein won a Nobel Prize for describing this process, called the photoelectric effect.

Reducing the length of time sitting each day and regularly moving is even more important for most of us than getting regular exercise. A good rule of thumb is to stand up every 15 minutes or so.

What can we do better to maintain optimal health?

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight. The problems with carrying excess weight are more than aesthetic.

At the root of obesity is mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic disorders go hand-in-hand with many of the chronic diseases plaguing Americans in record numbers—including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and cancer—according to numerous studies such as research by the Centers for Disease Control and the Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, at George Mason University.

The most potent strategy to address such metabolic dysfunction is to make a strong commitment to reaching and maintaining a personally healthy level of body fat.

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Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com). natural awakenings

March 2017

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Reframing Your Life Story Create Your Own Hero’s Journey

by Kim Schneiderman

E

very life unfolds as a uniquely dynamic, purposeful and potentially heroic story that is open to interpretation, especially our own. We are the star and spin doctor of this work-in-progress, with the power to tell our stories as triumphs, tragedies or something in-between. Our life story is filled with suspense: Big and little decisions affect our storyline, including the relationships we choose, our goals, how we live and the ways we nourish ourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

How we tell our story matters. We are constantly sifting through competing narratives to make sense of our world for ourself and others. Whether we consider ourself a heroic figure overcoming obstacles or a tragic victim of destiny often depends on how we choose to read the text of our life and tell our story.

Creating a personal myth is a fundamental way we find meaning. We are always the protagonist, with supporting characters providing love and assistance and antagonists posing challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones.

Rather than narcissism or navel-gazing, the more intimate we become with our own story, the more we realize that everyone has an equally valid and vital narrative in which they are the central character. Understanding that everyone is on their own story journey can help us establish connection and empathy.

In every myth, the protagonist has a character arc; a particular way they mature and develop due to shifting tides in their life story. Similarly, each of us is on an ever-evolving journey of self-discovery with choices about how

to respond to situations, conflicts and happenstance. By reframing our lives as personal growth adventures, we can adapt to plot twists and view unexpected difficulties as opportunities for self-transformation. With gusto, we can reclaim and shape our personal narrative through choice and voice.

Thinking of ourself as the main character in our story can help us shift to novel perspectives on situations we repeatedly face. Instead of staying stuck in the same old storyline, try asking: If I were a character in a novel or movie… n What would I hope the hero would do when faced with these circumstances? n What actions or outcomes would I prefer as the observer of this story? n What might this situation be teaching the star? n How might the protagonist maximize this situation, perhaps becoming a more compassionate, caring, creative or stronger person? n Why would a benevolent author place this character in a particular situation?

With imagination and well-directed self-inquiry, we can step out of our story, check out the landscape and determine whether to stay on our current path or go in a different direction.

We can then transform obstacles into opportunities to break bad habits and improve character to become the real hero of our own living, evolving story.

Lucky Team Studio/Shutterstock.com

inspiration

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(203) 736-1053 AnsoniaNatureCenter.org

Kim Schneiderman is a New York City psychotherapist and author of Step Out of Your Story: Writing Exercises to Reframe and Transform Your Life. Visit StepOutOfYourStory.com. natural awakenings

March 2017

37

calendarofevents WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

New Haven Community Circle Dance – 7:30pm9:30pm. Move in the footsteps of our ancestors as we enjoy traditional dances from many cultures, as well as contemporary pieces choreographed in the spirit of ancient folk dance. All dances are taught and no experience is necessary. Suggested donation $8. Location: Friends Meetinghouse, 225 East Grand Ave, New Haven. 203-467-1069.

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. Wallingford.

Call 203-265-2927 or return2love3@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 Reiki III – 9:30am-1pm. Learn processes in aura cleaning, body and brain balancing and working with crystals. Plus 3 night sessions for reviews of healing sessions by participants. Master symbol attunements and certifications $250. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. (Creative financing available).

Call Gayle 203-265-2927.

FREE Reiki clinic w/ Anita Jones, RMT – 12pm-3pm. Enjoy a 10-minute session of Reiki and learn about healing energy. Thyme and Season, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. Info: 203-415-4791.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 Holographic Crystal Bowl Sound Healing with Randeane Tetu – 7:30pm-8:30pm. Experience how sound used with intention can shift the energy in and around your body to help reestablish physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and wellbeing. Randeane brings Hathor, Tibetan, Japanese, and Mechizedek healing energies to her work with Quartz Crystal Bowl and voice toning to help you release outworn patterning, balance the energy centers of your body, and stimulate healing at a very deep level. Enchanted, 1250 Boston Post Rd, Guilford. 203-453-4000. EnchantedGuilford.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Iyengar Yoga: Benefit class for ACLU – 11am1pm. Practice yoga in community as we contribute all proceeds to American Civil Liberties Union. $25 check made out to ACLU reserves your spot.

Expert instruction since 1991. Yoga in Middletown, 438 Main St, Middletown. YogaInMiddletown.com.

860-347-YOGA (9642).

Reiki I class w/ Anita Jones, RMT – 1pm-6pm.

Learn about Usui and Holy Fire Reiki energies, their history and how to use them for yourself and others.

Placement given. Certificate and manual included. $125. Hamden. Info/Registration: 203-415-4791.

Free Reiki Clinic w/Eileen Anderson: Critical Care Nurse, Reiki Practitioner – 2pm-5pm. Relax/ Revive and Heal with a 10-minute chair treatment.

Edge of the Woods, 370 Whalley Ave, New Haven.

ReikiWithEileenAnderson.com.

Group Meditation with Sound Healing – 5:30pm.

Soothing sounds of planetary gongs, crystal bowls, chimes and bells to wash away stress and guide you into a deep meditative state for full body/ mind relaxation. Beautiful forest setting! Only 15 seats available! $25. The Sound Retreat, 96 Cedar Lake Road, Chester. 860-322-4492. Sign up: facebook.com/thesoundretreat.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Crystal Toning w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm8:30pm. Experience a unique method of healing by combining the energies of crystals with toning, creating an individualized healing experience in a group setting on many levels. $20. Wallingford. Call 203-265-2927 or email return2love3@gmail.com.

Reiki I Certificate w/RMT, Holistic Coach Diane Esposito – 9am-3pm or two 1/2-Days/Eves.

(3/11 or 4/8). Provides empowering foundation for self-healing, support for personal challenges/ goals/relationships and treating others. Wallingford. $150 Pre-Class Consult/Register: 203-913-3869.

PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.

Jewelry Making: Stranded Leather Infinity Necklace – 11am-12pm. Using Beads and leather cording create one of the most popular styles of the year. Advanced Registration Recommended.

Free w/ $15 purchase. KanduBeads, 116 Elm St, Cheshire. 203-439-8689. KanduBeads.com.

Animal Communication w/ Kim – 11am4pm. Kim has the ability to communicate with your animal companion (both alive and crossed over) can provide healing insight and understanding about a pet, including insights into the origin of your pet’s behavior or medical issues and possible solutions to address these issues. Requires a photo of your pet. $30 for 20 minutes. Enchanted, 1250 Boston Post Rd, Guilford. 203-453-4000.

EnchantedGuilford.com.

Valentine Partner Yoga (rescheduled) w/ Bill & Deb – 6pm-9pm. Connect with your partner through yoga and massage. Create joy and laughter as you relax together while building intimacy and trust in a safe environment. “Just Friends” partners welcome!

No yoga experience needed. $90 per couple includes delicious Indian dinner! Your Community Yoga Center, 39 Putnam Ave, Hamden. 203-287-2277.

YourCommunityYoga.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 ECKANKAR Religion of the Light and Sound of God, invites you to our Worship Service – 10am. Hear inspirational talks and uplifting music to awaken spiritual understanding in everyday life. Free. Eckankar Temple at Rt.66 & Harvest Wood Rd, Middlefield. eckankarct@gmail.com.

CT-Eckankar.org.

38

New Haven / Middlesex

NaturalNewHaven.com

Attention Families: Activity Day and Open House! – 1pm-3pm. CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) Middle School in partnership with Bushy Hill Nature Center, 28 School St, Branford. Hands-on activities and refreshments!

RSVP: 203-433-4658. mandm@CTExperiential.org.

CTExperiential.org.

Reiki II class w/ Anita Jones, RMT – 1pm6pm. Increase your Holy Fire Reiki knowledge and energy. Learn the basic Reiki symbols and distant healing. Placement given. Certificate and manual included. $150. Hamden. Info/Register: 203-415-4791.

Joseph Firecrow: Native American Flute Player – 2pm. Joseph FireCrow, a Grammy Award winner and renowned Native American flutist, inspires such emotions with his beautiful music. Together we will enjoy this Sunday afternoon relaxing and listening in the beauty of the Nature Center’s natural surroundings. FEE: $5 per person. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia. Preregister: 203-736-1053.

Free Community Meals Presented by Master’s Community Meals – 3:30pm-5pm. Free. Open to the public. No RSVP. Donations graciously accepted. Assumption Church Hall, 61 N. Cliff St, Ansonia. In case of inclement weather, call for updates. The dinner will not be rescheduled.

203-732-7792 or MastersTableMeals.org.

Sound YIN Yoga with Emrys Tetu – 5:30pm.

Come join our YIN Yoga class overlooking Cockaponsett State Forest. The class is accompanied with live sound healing instruments to add atmosphere and high vibrations to this unique class. It is an all levels yoga class that draws from the classic YIN practices. 90 minutes of healing Yoga $30. At The Sound Retreat, 96 Cedar Lake Road, Chester.

860-322-4492. TheSoundRetreat.com. Sign up: facebook.com/thesoundretreat.

MONDAY, MARCH 13 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. Call 203-265-2927 or email return2love3@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 Pet Loss Grief Support Group – 1pm. Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Sessions are free, donations appreciated. Free. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia. Register/information: 203-736-1053.

Silversmithing Class: Sterling Silver & Gemstone Ring Soldering Class – 6pm-8:30pm.

Learn to form and solder your own sterling silver ring for a small cabochon. This rewarding class will bring your silversmithing skills to the next level. Advanced Registration Required. $65.

KanduBeads, 116 Elm St, Cheshire. 203-439-8689.

KanduBeads.com.

Angelspeake™ Class w/RMT, Holistic Coach Diane Esposito – 6:30pm-8:30pm. Ask empowering questions, awaken intuitive senses, receive signs/loving messages/guidance from angels, guides, loved ones. $33/class. ($25 Returning Students bring Manuals.) Wallingford. Register: 203-913-3869. PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 Mindful Healing Meditation w/ RMT/Holistic Coach Diane Esposito – 6:30pm-8:30pm. Engage in [+] Energy insights and create lasting, healthy transformations. $25. Wallingford. Register: 203-913-3869 or PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.

A Circle of Women – 7pm-9pm. Join in sacred space to discover and strengthen your authentic self.

Clarify and prepare your seeds of Visions to plant at Spring Equinox. Healing the world one woman at a time. $25. Central Wallingford. Call Susan to explore/reserve space. 203-645-1230.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16 Yo u n g L i v i n g E s s e n t i a l O i l s w / G a y l e 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. Call 203-265-2927 or email return2love3@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Free Breakfast Provided by Assumption Church Breakfast Club & Masters Table Community Meals – 9am-10am. Join us for a hot breakfast or a cup of coffee. All are welcome! In case of inclement weather, call for updates. The dinner will not be rescheduled. Assumption Church Hall, 61 N Cliff St, Ansonia. For more information, call 203-732-7792.

Reiki II Certificate w/RMT, Holistic Coach Diane Esposito – 9am-3pm or two 1/2-Days/ Eves. Receive empowering keys to mentalemotional clarity, balance; support for empathic challenges/relationship healing. Wallingford. $175 Pre-Class Consult/Register: 203-913-3869.

PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.

Beaded Sunset Pendant Necklace – 11am-12pm.

Learn to make this extremely popular wire wrapped and beaded pendant. Yours will be as unique as a sunset. Advanced Registration Recommended.

Free w/ $15 purchase. KanduBeads, 116 Elm St, Cheshire. 203-439-8689. KanduBeads.com.

FREE Reiki clinic w/ Anita Jones, RMT – 2:30pm-4:30pm. Enjoy a 10-minute session of Reiki and learn about healing energy. Thyme and Season, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. Info: 203-415-4791.

Spring Equinox Drumming – 6pm. Let’s wake up the earth gently as we make music together by the fire. Dress for the outdoors. Adults and children are welcome. Bring your own drum or borrow one from us. Free, but bring a canned good for Spooner House. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia. Preregister: 203-736-1053.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 ART/Master training with Anita Jones, RMT – Become an Usui/Holy Fire II Reiki Master.

Increase your skills and techniques. Learn how to teach each level of Reiki. Three-day workshop.

Placements given. Certificate and manual included. $850. Hamden. 203-415-4791.

MONDAY, MARCH 20 Spring Equinox – 6:30pm-8:30pm. Access the new Spring energies that facilitate manifesting opportunities and initiating new endeavors. These energies also facilitate the balance of the masculine and feminine within each of us. $20. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. Call 203-265-2927 or email return2love3@gmail.com.

Animal Tracks and Traces – 2pm. Follow the signs and tracks and become an animal detective.

On our hike discover the clues of the animals that inhabit our forest and fields. We will teach you how to put together these clues to tell their story.

Make a plaster cast for your own collection. Fee: $7. Ansonia Nature Ctr, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia.

Preregister: 203-736-1053.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 2-Part Reiki I Certificate w/ RMT/Holistic Coach Diane Esposito – 6:30pm-9pm.(& Thur 3/23). Provides empowering foundation for selfhealing, support for personal challenges/goals/ relationships and treating others. $150. Wallingford. Call for Pre-Class Consult/Registration: 203-913-3869 or PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.

Free Community Meals Presented by Master’s Community Meals – 3:30pm-5pm. Free. Open to the public. No RSVP. Donations graciously accepted. Assumption Church Hall, 61 N. Cliff St, Ansonia. In case of inclement weather, call for updates. The dinner will not be rescheduled.

203-732-7792 or MastersTableMeals.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 Spring Awakening Meditation & Bracelet Making – 6:30pm-8:30pm. L.Muller will guide us through 45-minute meditation focusing on spring renewal and reducing stress. Also make a bracelet as a physical reminder of mindfulness. Advanced Registration Required. $55. KanduBeads, 116 Elm St, Cheshire, 203-439-8689. KanduBeads.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 The Four Desires w/ Sue Neufeld – (Fri 3/24Sun 3/26). A transformative weeked designed to uncover your unique purpose. Take charge of your life, tap into your potential, control your destiny. $225 ($195 adv by 3/18). Your Community Yoga Center, 39 Putnam Ave, Hamden. 203-287-2277.

YourCommunityYoga.com.

Hu Chant – 7pm-7:30pm. Singing HU can open your heart to God’s love and transform your life. It can help you experience more divine love, joy, and spiritual freedom. Free. Eckankar Temple, Rt 66, Middlefield. Every 4th Friday. CT-Eckankar.org.

Creative Readings for Tarot Lovers w/Lisa Morrison – 7pm-9pm. Infuse creativity into your readings for yourself and your friends! Develop new card techniques, hone your intuitive skills and learn to interpret in fun and creative ways.

A unique approach to the Tarot! $25. Enchanted, 1250 Boston Post Rd, Guilford. 203-453-4000.

EnchantedGuilford.com.

Shake It! Belly Dance Party – 7pm-9pm.

Create Sacred Space for Women, Build up Feminine Power, Take Time to Embrace Yourself, Dance with Abundance of Joy; $10. The Grove, 760 Chapel St, 2nd Floor. 203-747-8606.

Rachel@coachingeffectiveleaders.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Jewelry Making Class: Spring Leaf Necklace – 11am-12pm. Learn to make this extremely popular necklace style. Advanced Registration Recommended. Free w/ $15 purchase. KanduBeads, 116 Elm St, Cheshire 203-439-8689. KanduBeads.com.

Young Living Essential Oils – 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. Call 203-265-2927 or return2love3@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28 Donatella’s Online Video Meditation with the New Moon in Aries! – 7pm-8:15pm EST. Sound Healing and Energy Alignment with Donatella Moltisanti under the Magic of the New Moon! In the Meditation you will be guided with the power of the sound to heal and to tune into the energies that are ready to be transformed and releasing all that doesn’t serve you anymore. Contact Information: https://donatellamoltisanti-newmoon.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30 Abundance Manifestation Series – 6:30pm8:30pm. 5 classes (3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20 & 4/27).

Includes companion book. Learn how to focus your intent to create abundance in all its forms. Discover the keys to open your gates to allow and accept that which is rightfully yours. $97 series. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. Call Gayle at 203-265-2927.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31 Allowing yourself to see and know more psychically w/Jennifer Tung – 7pm-8:30pm. Learn how we limit our spiritual development and psychic abilities. Remove your blocks with intention and actions to move forward. Find your way to increase your connection to the Universe in your own gifts as we address the clairs and open them to receive more clear information. $20. Enchanted, 1250 Boston Post Rd, Guilford. 203-453-4000.

EnchantedGuilford.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1 Jewelry Making Class: Woodland Waterfall Earrings – 11am-12pm. Learn to use wire, chain, and any beads you like to make wonderful earrings which are as one of a kind as you are. Advanced Registration Recommended. Free w/ $15 purchase.

KanduBeads, 116 Elm St, Cheshire. 203-439-8689.

KanduBeads.com.

natural awakenings

March 2017

39

ongoingevents sunday

wednesday tuesday

tmiarts.com.

EFT Emotional Freedom Technique w/RMTHolistic Coach Diane Esposito – By appt. 7 Days/ week. Phone/In-Person. Relax, refresh w/take-home techniques and insights to “release stress/pain”, heal and expand free-spiritedness. Wallingford.

Register/Complimentary Pre-Session questions: 203-913-3869. PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.

Mystical Market and Craft Fair – 11am4pm. (The 3rd Sunday of every month). Psychics, vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners & more. Free admission, vendors fees vary. The Ruby Tree, Sherman Village Shopping Center, 670 Main St South, Woodbury. 203-586-1655, Christina@therubytreect.com, TheRubyTreeCT.com.

monday Find out about CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) Middle School of Branford – Monday Tours. Come see us in action! CELC combines engaging academics with real-world learning for 5th - 8th graders – fall in love with middle school! RSVP: mandm@CTExperiential.org.

CTExperiential.org.

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.

203-267-4417. KneadingHands.net.

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.

Kids Unplugged! After School on the Farm – 4pm-6pm. (Mondays, 3/27-5/22). Get your child outside on the farm this spring! Explore farm fields, woods, and wetlands, plant and harvest in our garden, care for our chickens and bees, and prepare and enjoy tasty farm snacks. A dedicated bus will transport students from Beecher Road School to the farm. In partnership with Woodbridge Recreation. For more information and to register visit: MassaroFarm.org.

Iyengr Yoga Fundamentals & Level I – 6pm7:15pm. Begin or refine your yoga practice as you safely learn how optimal alignment makes you stronger, more flexible, and more emotionally stable.

Yoga in Middletown, 438 Main St, Middletown.

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

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.

Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class – 12pm-1pm. Improve how you move in every day movement sequences. $15 drop-in or class card.

Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford. Contact Carol Meade: 203-415-8666. info@massage2movement.com.

Healthy-Steps, The Lebed Method w/Susan Sandel – 3:45pm-4:45pm. (No class on March 28). 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 Class – 6pm-7pm. (5 Week Series). Learn to find ease and comfort in every day movements related to neck and shoulders $50/5 weeks.

Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford. Call Carol 203-415-8666. 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.

Yoga/Pilates – 5;15pm. Yoga All Levels – 6:30pm7:30pm. Vinyasa Style Yoga with a Slow Flow Adaptable Yoga for All Levels of Experience. $19 Drop-in or $45 Monthly Unlimited Yoga Pass for New Students. Life Full Yoga, 20 Wall St, Madison.

203-350-3616. LifeFullYoga.com.

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.

Qigong for Health – 7:45pm-8:45pm. 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: MECA, 28 Washington Ave, North Haven. Info: 860-301-6433. tmiarts.com.

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.

40

New Haven / Middlesex

NaturalNewHaven.com

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.

Stony Creek Yoga for Stress Relief – 5:45pm7pm. 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 wit 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.

Weekly Meditation Circle – 6pm. Please join our weekly circle. Whether you are a seasoned meditator or new to your practice this circle will be sure to serve you. Investment $10. Healing Room, 70 Wall St, Madison. 203-245-5137. HealingRoomllc.com.

Centering Prayer Group – 6pm–7pm. Come pray in silence and “rest in God.” No charge, although a free-will donation would be appreciated. Mercy by the Sea Retreat and Conference Center, 167 Neck Rd, Madison. For more information, call 203-2450401 or visit MercyBytheSea.org.

The Caring Network: Free Support Group for adults who have experienced a loss – 6pm-8pm.

(March 1st & 15). Information about loss and grief.

Facilitated open discussion. Bridges, 949 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, For information or brochure: Cody-White Funeral Home, 203-874-0268 or Facilitator Cynthia Dodd, M. Div, 203-878-6365 ext 344.

The Four Agreements Series w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8pm. (Wednesdays: 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5). Begin the process of acquiring tools for personal empowerment and enlightenment using intuitive guidance, meditations, journaling and ritual. $75 for series. Wallingford. Call 203-265-2927 or email return2love3@gmail.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.

2 0 3 - 8 7 8 - 0 6 8 1 . p r i s c o @ p r i s c o p r. c o m , Milfordct.com.

Ropes Yoga – 10am-11am. 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.

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.

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.

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. EnchantedGuilfordct.com.

Karmic Community Classes are raising funds and awareness for Liberty Community Services, working to end homelessness in New Haven – 6:30pm. Come to $10 yoga classes. Breathing Room Yoga Center, 817 Chapel St, New Haven.

BreathingRoomCT.com 203-562-LOVE.

saturday Akashic Record or Angelic Reading w/RMT, Diane Esposito – By Appt. 7 Days/week. Phone/ In-Person. Ask empowering questions, awaken to signs, receive loving messages/guidance from masters, teachers, loved ones, angels/guides.

Develop spiritual senses. Wallingford. Register: 203-913-3869. PersonalHarmonyandHealth.com.

Simple Moves 5 week series – 9am-10am. Learn easy exercises based on Feldenkrais and Qi Gong $50/5 weeks Holistic Therapies Classroom, 15 South Elm St, Wallingford. Contact Carol Meade: 203-415-8666. info@massage2movement.com.

Yoga All Levels – 9am-10am. Vinyasa Style Yoga with a Slow Flow Adaptable Yoga for All Levels of Experience. $19 Drop-in or $45 Monthly Unlimited Yoga Pass for New Students. Life Full Yoga, 20 Wall St, Madison. 203-350-3616. LifeFullYoga.com.

Alignment Yoga/Ropes Yoga w/ Iyengar Teacher Training Graduate – Levels I & II: 9am-10:30am.

All Levels Ropes Yoga: 11am-12pm. 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.

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.

Yoga for Depression & Anxiety – 11:30am12:30pm. (6-week series). Learn gentle yoga forms, breathing techniques and mindfulness meditation to manage symptoms. No yoga experience necessary. Instructor: Ellen McNally. 6-weeks $72 (preregistration required) or drop in $17 per class. Your Community Yoga Center, 39 Putnam Ave, Hamden.

Register: 203-287-2277.

Karmic Community Classes are raising funds and awareness for Liberty Community Services, working to end homelessness in New Haven – 4:30pm. Come to $10 yoga classes. Breathing Room Yoga Center, 817 Chapel St, New Haven.

BreathingRoomCT.com 203-562-LOVE.

markyourcalendar

OPEN HOUSE

The Institute Nutrition

of Sustainable

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 10am-12pm

Join to learn about our training program and sample delicious food made by our students, sip tasty tea, go on a foray, hear a garden talk and more.

FREE

Holcomb Farm 113 Simsbury Rd West Granby, CT

RSVP: Call: 860-764-9070 TIOSN.com

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 natural awakenings

March 2017

41

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.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BHcare – A state-licensed, non-profit behavioral health care provider serving Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. It provides comprehensive behavioral health, prevention and domestic violence services to improve the lives & health of individuals, families and communities. 203-736-2601. bhcare.org.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CAREER OPPORTUNITY IN PRESTIGIOUS SALON – For as little as $65 per week, you can own your own business, make your own hours, keep 100% of your sales in an established state of the art salon & spa. Fear no more of opening your own salon due to the costly start-up expenses. Do not wait to move on this opportunity. Call 203-980-3163.

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

LYME DISEASE

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.

HELP WANTED W E L L N E S S PRACTITIONERS A N D MASSAGE THERAPISTS – Opportunity to work in the shoreline’s most prestigious wellness center and spa. Make your own hours, be your own boss and keep 100% of your sales without the costly start up expenses. For as little as $65 per week, this opportunity will not last long. Call 203-980-3163.

HYPNOSIS/ LIFE COACHING HYPNOSIS THERAPY CENTER – Providing the help you need to Relax & Resolve: stress, anger, anxiety, emotional issues, bad habits or the past. Life Coaching for personal & professional development. Psychic Readings for insights or Music Therapy to re-balance the mind & body.

Madison. 203-245-6927.

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

CT LYME RIDERS, INC. – Founded in 2007 by motorcyclists Sandy Brule & Tony Gargano. A 501(c)(3) non profit public charity aiming to bring awareness to the public about Lyme Disease. Events & info. 860.537.0255, ctlymeriders.com.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT CONNECTICUT CHAPTER, AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION – Mission: “To Ease the Burden, To Find A Cure” for those w/Parkinson’s Disease & their caregivers in CT. Education, support & socialization. 860-2489200, ctapda.org.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS ADD A REJUVENATION STUDIO to your EXISTING beauty, fitness, or health/wellness business. – Bring in new customers, gain revenue from several sources, and your customers will love it! For more information, call: 864-569-8631.

INTUITIVE READINGS AT ENCHANTED 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 EnchantedGuilfordCT.com.

A P R

LYME DISEASE Plus: Eco Yards

Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for Earth-Friendly Landscaping & Therapeutic Massage

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 203-988-1808 42

New Haven / Middlesex

NaturalNewHaven.com

2017

editorial calendar

departments healthbriefs consciouseating globalbriefs wisewords ecotips fitbody greenliving inspiration healingways naturalpet healthykids

themes JANUARY Redefining Doctor Healing the Healer FEBRUARY

Natural Living Directory Patient Empowerment and Advocacy Positive Psychology

MARCH

Trees & Human Wellbeing Food Sensitivities

APRIL

Lyme Disease Complications and Coinfections Eco-Yards

MAY

Women’s Health Mind-Body-Spirit

JUNE

Healing Chronic Pain Medical Marijuana Hybrid Vehicles

JULY

Summer’s Bounty Detoxification Natural Beauty

AUGUST

Autism Spectrum Children’s Dental & Eye Health

SEPTEMBER

Rethinking Cancer Yoga

OCTOBER

Life Design Medical Massage

NOVEMBER

Metabolic Imbalances Silent Retreats

DECEMBER

Community Connections True Prosperity

natural awakenings

March 2017

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communityresourceguide EDUCATION ALLERGIES ADVANCED ALLERGY RELIEF OF CT Anne Mitchell, ND North Haven and West Hartford Offices 203-239-3400 aarct.com

Do you have asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, excema or other allergy symptoms?

Are you careful about what you eat because of food allergies or intolerances?

At Advanced Allergy Relief, we offer a safe, rapid elimination of allergic reactions. No medication, No Needles, Child friendly, Effective.

CONNECTICUT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CENTER (CELC) MIDDLE SCHOOL

Wallingford, CT 203-913-3869

Improve your quality of life w/ empowering guidance & support.

Move to the Heart of Healing w/ Diane Esposito, RMT/Holistic Coach/author of Play, Heal, Love! The Art of Creating Healthy Relationships. Be inspired; create habits & boundaries that heal w/in-person or phone Readings, Reiki, Reflexology, EFT, Angelspeake, Meditation. See ad on page 25.

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

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 25.

Comprehensive nutrition and lifestyle support based upon the principles of integrative and functional medicine. This includes a dietary intervention that takes into consideration biochemical individuality, cultural and lifestyle needs, budgetary constraints, conventional and functional medical labs, and the appropriate application of high quality herbs, botanical extracts, and supplements.

EVERYDAY ZEN FOR CHILDREN

HEALTH COACHING

LISA BURTON, MPH, OTR/L Educational Consultant Lisa@onejoyconsulting.com North Haven, CT 203-804-0024

As you begin or grow your Mindfulness Practice, are you searching for fun and effective ways to bring Mindfulness Tools to the children in your life? You already know the well-being benefits of reduced stress and anxiety while improving sleep, self-esteem, and relaxation.

Now learn Tools to easily incorporate within your daily routine that calm and focus both adults and children. Call Today, to reserve your complimentary 30-min phone consultation. Services available remotely or in-person.

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 25.

44

New Haven / Middlesex

JAY WOLKOFF, MS

Integrative Nutrition Solutions 93 Wedgewood Drive, Waterbury, CT 203-753-2274 Integrative.Nutrition.Solution@gmail.com WinsNutrition.com

ALTERNATIVE HEALING ARTS PERSONALHARMONYANDHEALTH.COM

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE NUTRITIONIST

NaturalNewHaven.com

ROOTS RISING ALCHEMY

Melissa Conroy, CHC 203-673-9491 rootsrisingalchemy@gmail.com RootsRisingAlchemy.com Offering 1:1 Health Coaching services including the “The 90 Day Total Transformation Program” & “14-Day Cleanse Reset”. Book your FREE Total Transformation Discovery Session now at rootsrisingalchemy.com and discover what has been keeping you from having the health & body you want, develop a powerful vision for what a total transformation means for you & your life, discover which foods and lifestyle habits are sapping your energy & bringing you down (and what to do about it!), and get crystal clear on a step-by-step plan to create a total transformation in 90 days or less. Change your Habits, Change your Life.

HEMORRHOID TREATMENT A LIFE CENTER

2 Broadway, North Haven, CT 203-239-3400 info@thelifecenterofct.com TheLifeCenterofct.com

GOT HEMORRHOIDS? Now there is an easy non-surgical treatment that eliminates bleeding, pain, and swelling of hemorrhoids. It is quick, painless, and effective. There is no need to suffer any longer. Covered by most insurances. Call The Life Center for RELIEF. See ad on page 13.

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 35.

LIFE COACHING MASTERY, LLC

Joseph Malfettone 203-951-9362 Mail@masteryllc.co Masteryllc.co Where do you really invest your life? Claim your mastery with a To n y R o b b i n s ’ R o b b i n s Madanes Trained Coach, Reiki practitioner with a unique approach to personal transformation, family, and couples counseling. Creative consulting available for individuals and businesses building their vision. Immersive 90-min sessions.

Free 30-min phone consultation. In-person at Jiiva Center of Stratford.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS 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

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St, S Woodbury, CT 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.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, ElectroDermal 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 35.

PAIN MANAGEMENT THE LIFE CENTER

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.

SALT HEALING THERAPY WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Robert E. Lee Naturopathic Physician Offices in North Haven and West Hartford 203-239-3400 TheLifeCenterofCT.com Getting to the root of your pain.

Whether it’s structural, inflammatory, or related to injury, there are options that can significantly improve or eliminate your pain naturally. Here at The Life Center, we identify the pattern and employ a number of therapies such as Gua sha, Massage therapy, Bowen, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Botanical Medicine, Emotional, MindBody Medicine, Egoscue exercises, Laser therapy, nutritional supplements, and dietary changes to manage pain. We are not interested in covering pain up but fixing it and to helping you to understand it.

In this way, you will have some say over the way you feel and be empowered to be pain free. See ad on page 27.

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. See ad on page 9.

WEIGHT LOSS A LIFE CENTER

Dr. Jenna Henderson 2 Broadway, North Haven, CT 1007 Farmington Ave, Suite 7A, West Hartford, CT 203-239-3400 info@thelifecenterofCT.com TheLifeCenterofct.com Medically supervised weight loss program. Get off the dieting merry-go-round and F I N A L LY a c h i e v e y o u r ideal weight. We offer a whole foods diet, individualized nutrition, emotional eating support, meal planning and weight loss coaching. COVERED BY MOST INSURANCES. See ad on page 13.

YOGA LIFE FULL YOGA

20 Wall Street, Madison, CT 203-350-3616 Kim@lifefullyoga.com LifeFullYoga.com Private One-onOne Sessions, SemiPrivate, and Group Classes. Adaptable Yoga and Slow Flow Yoga. Yoga for Your Life, Yoga for Every Body. Beginner, All Levels, Intermediate, Pre-Natal and Kids. $45 unlimited month of yoga classes for new students.

natural awakenings

March 2017

45

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 AMSTON A PLACE OF HEALING

Kelly Ann Matuskiewicz 203-747-8444 KellyAnnCory.com

BETHANY

EAST HADDAM

HAMDEN continued

860-873-8760 CTFFE.com

DENNY CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

CT FARM FRESH EXPRESS, LLC

EAST HAVEN

ATLAS CHIROPRACTIC

203-393-9545 SMCooper.com

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

BRANFORD

EMPOWER MASSAGE

S.M. Cooper Photographic Artist

NATURAL FAMILY HEALTH Jasmine Manning, N.D. 203-315-6246

CHESHIRE

SERENITY HEALING PLACE Kim Nagle 203-565-6495 SerenityHealingPlace.com

DURHAM

CASHMAN NUTRITION

Natalie Cashman 860-398-4621 CashmanNutrition.com

DURHAM NATUROPATHIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

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

ESSEX

DOROTHY MARTIN-NEVILLE, PhD Psychotherapy-Adults in Transition Emotional & Spiritual Aspects in Health Care 860-461-7569 DrDorothyct.com

GUILFORD

EVERLASTINGS ORGANIC SALON & SPA

203-458-1298 EverlastingsSalon.com

MASSAGE SAVVY

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

203-453-8667 MassageSavvyCT.com

DANCING WITH ANGELS LIFE COACHING

HAMDEN

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

46

New Haven / Middlesex

COLOR ESSENCE

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

NaturalNewHaven.com

Eileen Denny, D.C. 203-407-8468 DennyWellness.com

JUNE CAN CHANNEL

June Can, Reiki Master Practitioner International Channel & Medium 203-230-1197 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

Thomas Fortuna 203-684-3512 TheTaxGuy.us

TRANQUIL HEALING REIKI, LLC Anita Jones, RMT 203-415-4791 TranquilHealingReiki.com

MADISON

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

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

TINA KADISH

MIDDLEFIELD

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

860-349-7039 SolutionsByHypnosis.com

NEW HAVEN

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

Wt. Release/Loss/HypnoBirthing 203-415-8567 LynnALyons.com

MY HEALTH 1ST URGENT CARE

203-693-3676 MyHealth1stUrgentCare.com

MARCY DOLAN, N.D.

Milford, CT 475-282-4112 DoctorDolan@hotmail.com

PATTY SCHEIN

Holistic Counseling 203-878-3140 PattyScheinLMFT.com

PRISCO CONSULTING Priscilla Lynn 203-530-0103 PriscoPR.com

WATERBURY

MILFORD continued

GREEN & GLOBAL MEDIA, LLC KellyAnn Carpenter 203-533-9823 GreenandGlobalMedia.com

Anaika Ocasio 203-400-1293 TheSereneSpot.com

LGN CONSULTING Lisa Nastu 203-301-4109 LGNConsulting.com

NORTH HAVEN

ADVANCED PHYSICAL MEDICINE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER

LIFETIME HEALTH

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

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

LIVER MEDIC

800-387-2278 LiverMedic.com

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

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

ORANGE

ADVANCED SPINE & SPORT David Durso, D.C. 203-553-9300 AdvancedSpineAndSport.com

PORTLAND

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

WEB-BASED BUSINESSES

THE SERENE SPOT

INNER HARMONY HOLISTIC WELLNESS

CHASE PARKWAY PODIATRIC GROUP, LLC

SUCCESS MARKETING, LLC Michael Guerin 888-542-2936 BestWebPresence.com

ZAHAVAH RAW BEAUTY

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

WEST HAVEN

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

STAIRWAY 2 HEAVEN Holistic Center

WOODBRIDGE

TRUMBULL

Katey Hauser, D.C. 203-387-5015

860-770-2126 Stairway2Heaven.net

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

WALLINGFORD

THRIVE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS

WOODBURY

ALISON BIRKS, MS, RH (AHG), CNS

New Morning Market 203-263-4868 NewMorn.com

L.O.V.E.

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

PERSONAL HARMONY AND HEALTH, LLC

Diane Esposito, RMT/Holistic Coach 203-913-3869 PersonalHarmonyAndHealth.com

natural awakenings

March 2017

47

Forrest Yoga Foundation Teacher Training with Ana Forrest, Jose Calarco and Team NEW HAVEN CT · 9TH JUNE – 5TH JULY · 2017

Questions? contact: info@ freshyoga.com

BREATH. STRENGTH. INTEGRITY. SPIRIT 48

New Haven / Middlesex

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