Natural Nutmeg February 2014

February/March 2014

Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Natural Nutmeg Is My Marriage Worth Fixing, or Should I Just Let it Die? Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME

Attracting the Perfect Partner

You Are Here To Live and Learn Bernie Siegel, MD

Kristen Werblow, MA

The Spiritual Cost of Debt The Power of Stress Reduction in Fertility Kara Burkhart, ND

Lawrence Ford

The Statin Battle Intensifies Christopher Saltpaw, ND

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

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Featured Content The Spiritual Cost of Debt Lawrence Ford 8

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Is My Marriage Worth Fixing, or Should I Just Let it Die? Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME 10 Attracting the Perfect Partner Kristen Werblow, MA 19

Departments The BUZZ 6

ur mission is to provide valuable insight, information and resources that will allow our readers to maintain a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle. Natural Nutmeg contains timely information on natural health, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

PUBLISHERS Dr. Diane Hindman Chris Hindman Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com

The Power of Stress Reduction in Fertility Kara Burkhart, ND 20 The Statin Battle Intensifies Christopher Saltpaw, ND 36

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com

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BERNIE 7

ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Gouin, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH David Johnston, DO Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Donald Piccoli, DC Paul Tortland, DO

INSPIRE 19 PREVENTION 24

DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg.

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

NUTMEG NUGGETS 27 REMEDIES 28 SELF 32 DISH 33 HAPPENINGS 38 RESOURCES 41 4

Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

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P.O. Box 447, Avon, CT 06001 Ph. (860)206-9500 • Fax (860)263-8505 In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks.

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

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ll of my life I’ve been a risk taker. As an only child, I believe I was shaped by two things – overprotective parents and the development of a highly creative imagination. These two things spurred me to be somewhat rebellious growing up and to always think in terms of the big picture. For me, the fear of “what if I miss this opportunity” was, and still continues to be, so much greater than the fear of “what if it fails.” This mentality continually leads me down a path of taking risks, but I have no regrets. The fear of regret is greater than the feeling of safety. I realize that not everyone thinks that way, in fact, the majority of the population is probably the complete opposite of me! However, I know that this outlook is one of the reasons for many of my successes. Of course some of the risks I took failed, but that’s how you learn. That’s how you grow.

That’s how you become a better person. That’s how you help others.

The biggest tragedy to me is a missed connection or opportunity. You see someone on the street, on the bus, in a bar, in the grocery store and something about the way he looks, his smile, how his voice sounds, sends a shiver up your spine. You are compelled to talk to him. But you don’t. You let him walk by, get off the bus, leave the bar or go through the checkout.

You let him walk out of your life before he even had the chance to walk in. What did you just miss? And it happens every day, every hour, every minute. If you don’t believe me, go to Craigslist.org and check out the missed connections section.

It’s an area where people post comments about someone they saw and wanted to talk to but didn’t. It will astound you.

While I think the site/concept is a great idea – it’s too late! What are the chances that this person will actually think to go on this site and see if you’ve posted a note? You need to seize the opportunity as it’s happening.

So how does taking risks make you different and allow you to create your reality? First, you’ll be part of the 1% of the population who actually does this. That right there makes you stand out. Second it forces you out of your comfort zone. This is essential to making the changes in your life that you need to in order to create what you really want. Do you think it’s easy to lose weight, to find love, to make more money? Of course not! But anything worth gaining is going to take some work. The risk doesn’t even need to be related to what you are actually trying to accomplish. For example, if you’re trying to lose weight – I don’t think the risk has to be related to your nutrition or exercise program. The risk could be taking a vacation by yourself, talking to a stranger, asking your boss for a raise, bungee jumping, or anything that gets you excited, nervous, uncomfortable and OUT of your comfort zone! The reason I suggest people do this is because once they do they feel empowered, and that empowerment is what makes people take action. Every day…one small step…closer to the life of your dreams.

In health and happiness,

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Natural Nut Connectic ut's Resour ce

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September 2012

For Living Naturally

Don’t Hide

Bernie Sie

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n our continuing efforts to be environmentally friendly and expand our readership well beyond our print availability, Natural Nutmeg’s March, June and August 2014 Issues will only be available online and through a FREE email subscription delivered directly to your inbox.

Please visit www.naturalnutmeg.com and sign up on the home page where it says “Sign Up For The Natural Nutmeg Ezine” under the cover image. The March issue will be delivered directly to your email inbox. Please support us in our continued effort to be “Green” by signing up for our Free email subscription.

In addition, everyone who signs up for our digital subscription during the month of February will be entered to win one of two $50 gift cards to Bistro7 (writers of Dish ) in Wilton, CT.

gel, MD

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The Epide mic of Learning Vicki Kobli Disabilities ne

r MS, RD , CD-N

Chronic A Silent Ca Pain tastrophe Gene Gresh, RP

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Exercise M yths, Facts and Pearls Paul D. Tortland,

DO

Self-Comp It’s More assion: Motivatin than Criti cism or Ice g Alison Ca Cream ldwell -Andrews, NaturalN

PhD

utmeg.com

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

You Are Here to Live and Learn

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f you could be God for a day why would you want the opportunity? Now most people answer if they could be God they would change and fix things to make the world a better place with fewer afflictions. I am sorry to say, that is not the right answer.

When I confronted God with the problem I had as a doctor watching all the suffering, He made it clear that the reason for being God for a day was not to fix things but to understand why. His actual words were, “A perfect world is a magic trick. It is not creation. You are here to live and learn.”

The answer tells us what makes our lives meaningful. When we show compassion to another human being it means something. It really works to say, “I love you,” to someone when they are screaming at you for taking their parking space or some other meaningless thing. They don’t know what to do with you when you express your love instead of screaming at them. Try it tomorrow and let me know what happens. In one extreme case a woman had a guy with a ski mask on grab her purse. She said to him, “I know behind that mask is someone I could love.”

He dropped her purse and ran away. Years later a man came up to her to thank her for what she had done for him. It was the guy who grabbed her purse.

Yes, I read the headlines about the killings and suicides and they are due to indifference and rejection being shown to people, especially as children, rather than love. With rejection come anger, rage, revenge and then guilt. So murder and suicide become the final events. Your love could stop that and help people to be reparented.

So be a grand- parent or a great grandparent now and don’t wait for the next generation to benefit from your love.

Now let me lighten up the column and give you some help which is easily accessible. I want you all to be able to have my angel assist you when you are having difficulties. I will tell you his name so you can call it out in times of dire need. After being involved in several serious accidents such as my car being totaled twice by people going through red lights, choking on a toy as a child, falling off the roof of our house when the top rung of the ladder snapped off and recently falling off my bike when I hit some black ice on the road and always walking

away with no serious injuries I announced one night during a lecture that I must have an angel.

A man came up after my lecture and said, “You do have an angel and I know his name.”

“Really, what is it?”

“What did you say when the ladder broke?”

“Oh, Shit!”

“That’s his name.”

I do not know who that guy was but he gave me a great gift. Because when I skidded on the ice I called out my angel’s name before I hit the ground and was laughing and so totally relaxed that I was barely bruised at all.

So when in trouble just call out his name. The only condition is that it really must be a passionate call from your heart.

The other day I was stuck on the parkway on my way to give a lecture and I called out his name and he got the State Trooper to wave the traffic ahead and I made it on time.

Sometimes he’ll give you a spiritual flat tire too. Then you get to the airport late and miss a plane that crashes.

So keep your sense of humor and when you don’t know what to do…laugh. It heals and protects your body. Studies show that cancer patients with a sense of humor who laugh more even when nothing funny is happening, live longer. So take some laugh time today and watch what happens to the people around you when they hear you laughing.

Bernie runs a Woodbridge Cancer Support group on the first Wedesday evenings of each month and a Mind, Body, Health Support Group on the first Tuesday evening of every month at Coachman’s Square, Bradley Road, Woodbridge, CT. Contact: Lucille Ranciato at 203-288-2839 or email her at lranciato@yahoo.com or email Bernie at bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net.

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The Spiritual Cost of Debt

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ebt is killing us. Living in debt undermines our economy, distorts our personal finances, threatens our children’s future, and forces many of us to live with constant stress and fear. It literally ‘mortgages our future.’ It may be hard to believe things could be worse. But if we look a little closer, we may come to see an even deeper problem – one that threatens our very souls.

Why do we live in debt? One reason is that many of us constantly strive for things our culture tells us we need. That impulse in itself deserves some reflection. The second is inflation. Over the last few decades it has become increasingly difficult for many of us to keep up our standard of living, and we borrow just to “get by.” So we live in a world where the average consumer carries four credit cards and $5,100 of short-term debt.

You might think I’m only talking about credit-card horror stories and real estate disasters. Or a more specific issue similar to a gambling addiction. Or even politicians’ addiction to deficit spending.

These are all serious problems. But my concern here is with the spiritual impact of debt, and it affects all of us.

To some degree most of us are running from ourselves, or some aspect of ourselves. In doing so we surround ourselves with things that take us away from the here and now. That impulse to flee is at the root of addiction. And our relationship with debt is very much like an addiction. Yes, we are all in denial. This column is a call for an intervention.

When we incur a debt we create a future obligation that demands to be fulfilled, on time… or else. Debt haunts us with a

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

small, insistent voice that runs constantly in the back of our minds, like the subtle tick of a clock. And because failure is enforced by some form of punishment, that voice may be more like the ticking of a time bomb. By in effect planting part of ourselves in the future, we take that part of us out of the present. Like an alcoholic always looking for the next drink, we’re preoccupied with the next purchase and the next payment. The result is a gravitational pull on our consciousness that distracts from our ability to be fully present, alive and in the moment.

Why does this matter? As Deepak Chopra put it, “We are our attention. When our attention is in the past, we are in the past.

When our attention is in the future, we are in the future. When our attention is in the present moment, we are in the presence of God… and God is present in us.”

How often are you really present? Think about it. Take a moment to close your eyes and watch your mind. Are you thinking of something in the past, perhaps holding on to joy or regret about something that already happened? Or are you thinking about something in the future that you desire, or fear? Either way you’re not where you should be.

The great spiritual teachers of the world speak of “being in the moment” as the path to fulfillment. The moment is the only thing that is truly real. The more we live out of the moment – and for most of us, that’s nearly all the time – the more stress we create. The less we can embrace the pain and ecstasy of being present.

Habitually avoiding the moment isn’t just an accident or lapse of attention. We seek things that take us away from the present unconsciously, almost intentionally, because we find it an uncomfortable place to be. We’re afraid of the true motivations, hopes, fears, and our authentic power, that we will have to confront when we truly find ourselves.

At a deep level, though, we’re aware of what we’re doing.

We are not happy about it, we look harder for distractions, and the behavior becomes self-reinforcing. And unlike a conventional addiction, debt is constantly and often positively promoted by our economy and our society. It’s like something in the air or water: we don’t even notice as it sickens us a little more each day.

So our minds spin out of control, thinking of anything and everything besides being present with ourselves and the world around us. Many spiritual elders around the world describe this kind of life as a dream. It may be a blur of motion or a terrible, persistent nightmare, and we’re sleepwalking through it. They would say the

underlying reason is because at some time in the past we lost or injured part of our souls. And because of that this drug called debt is the perfect choice to tear us from the present moment. It is only in the present moment that we can hear the call of our longings to heal and grow and move back into a life of passion and meaning. It is an epidemic and we have sold our souls into debt.

So how can we wake up, take charge, and get out of this mess?

It’s simple, but not so easy. As I mentioned above, we seem compelled to be anywhere except the present. Your journey toward a life in the moment will be a lot easier without the burdens of debt. So begin here. Find examples of others who have mastered simplicity and limited debt and learn from them.

As an illustration, consider the “Caribbean retirement plan.”

If you’ve ever noticed rusty steel reinforcements sticking out of flat concrete roofs, you may have thought them a sign of poor construction or bad planning. They’re actually part of a larger plan. Caribbean people don’t do debt. Rather than taking out a big mortgage for half a lifetime, they build their homes in stages whenever they have the money. The rebar sticking up toward blue skies and coralcolored clouds is for an eventual second story. Then they’ll rent out one of the floors for an instant pension plan.

Simple is good. I see some encouraging signs that people are growing increasingly aware of this truth. And while simplicity may be maddeningly difficult to achieve in the society we’ve created, the goal is worth it. A life in the moment brings heightened awareness of both the pain and the joy we experience. But it is a life full of colors and magic, and one that I believe is our birthright.

Lawrence Ford was dubbed the “Shaman of Wall Street” by the Washington Post and has had a long, estimable career in finance and investments. As the CEO of Conscious Capital Wealth management, LLC, he has advised thousands of people with both their finances and their spirit. He has been a trusted advisor to the rich and famous as the “Resident Shaman” at the Rockefeller Resort, Caneel Bay St John Virgin Islands and continues his private practice in Glastonbury CT. See ad on page 11.

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Is My Marriage Worth Fixing, or Should I Just Let it Die?

By Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME

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n America, about every 13 seconds a couple divorces. That’s over 46,000 divorces a week. That’s a tidy sum of legal billing hours for the attorneys involved. Adding to the financial pain is the emotional trauma of the couple and children going through the process, as well as the impact on extended family and friends. It can be a brutally difficult and stressful time.

Here’s what you need to know: Most marriages can be saved and worst case, improved. How do I know? I have been working with couples to resolve relationship challenges for seven years, and so far have not had one couple divorce. While every situation is unique, in my experience, people simply don’t know what to do to sustain love and passion in their relationships. Who taught you how to deepen the connection in your marriage? Who demonstrated to you how to quickly resolve conflicts with your partner? Who told you the things to avoid doing?

Who gave you your understanding of the best ways to sustain and rekindle passion?

Growing up, most of us had role models for happy marriages that were less than ideal. And role models matter because we know that children of divorce have much higher rates of divorce when they ultimately marry. How many of us wanted the day to day happiness of our parents’ marriage? Did you want to experience the level of joy that your parents felt when they were together?

What are your children learning from you? Whether we like it or not, our children are influenced by our relationship strategies just as we have been influenced by our parents. Will your impact as a role model increase or decrease the chances of your children’s marriage happiness?

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

Many in the media say marriage is the problem. Is it true?

As you know, most divorce statistics indicate that at least 50% of all marriages fail. According to the Annual Review of Sociology, for couples who choose to live together without marrying, within five years 45% have gone their separate ways. By seven years, about 60% are no longer together.

The problem isn’t marriage itself. It’s bigger than that. How do you take two people who at one time might have been in love, and ask them to sustain that love, and keep that passion alive for the next 50+ years. Add in a heaping amount of stress from a variety of life challenges, and it’s no easy task. Very few people really understand what it takes to make love last so it’s no great surprise that marriages often end badly.

In my opinion divorce happens often because people make simple mistakes unknowingly that devastate the relationship. It’s the little things that we fail to do that hurt the relationship and sever the connection to our partner.

When it comes to getting help, the traditional thoughts around communication conflicts don’t get to the core issues that are truly impacting the relationship. In my experience, communication conflicts are simply a symptom of a larger issue troubling the relationship. They are a smokescreen and a distraction. People can waste a lot of time and money trying to resolve communication challenges and never address why the relationship is really falling apart.

We all know someone who is struggling in an unhappy marriage. Getting input from family and friends is usually a recipe for disaster unless these people have done it successfully themselves.

In my new book, “The 90-Minute Marriage Miracle, The Only Guide You Will Ever Need to Making Love Last,” I write about 7

Breakthrough Strategies that work immediately to resolve conflicts and to improve the relationship, no matter how hopeless the situation might seem. My view is that most anything is possible when people know what to do and are committed.

Getting the right information about what specifically works and what doesn’t work is certainly important. But shifting a troubled marriage won’t ever happen from having an intellectual understanding about what to do. Inevitably, people must DO something differently, or nothing will ever change. There has to be a high level of willingness to actually DO the things that work in order to create a different result.

A great relationship between any two people will gradually decline over time if some effort isn’t put into sustaining it. It takes energy simply to sustain something worthwhile. If you are trying to turn a relationship around, it requires more energy. That energy could appear as simply taking two minutes to do something every day that is beneficial to the relationship.

A great deal of time is not required. A large amount of commitment is. When you decide to be consistent with your commitment, complete relationship transformations are possible.

Here’s a quick summary of the breakthrough marriage success strategies from my book: 1. Can you handle the truth? What are you doing today that is not supportive to the relationship? It’s essential to evaluate what you are contributing to any relationship unhappiness. You have a role in any relationship struggles. Admit your part in what isn’t working.

While people often tell me that their partners are entirely to blame for their unhappiness, I find that two people always exist in a

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marriage. What each person does and fails to do always contributes to the success and happiness of the relationship.

Now that you have evaluated your performance, stop doing anything you might have done that hurt the relationship. A little honesty goes a long ways here. We have all done things from time to time that have not been helpful to sustaining love and passion. Tell yourself the truth.

Owning your mistakes and shortcomings requires courage. Self evaluation isn’t particularly easy. It can be uncomfortable to be in the spotlight of self assessment, but it’s very effective in creating change and it goes a long ways towards stabilizing the relationship.

When people stop doing the things that are not beneficial to sustaining love and passion things can change surprisingly quickly.

2. Check Your Vision. What do you want this marriage to ultimately look like? What do you want your day to day interaction to be like? How do you want to feel when you are around your partner? What would your idea of a perfect marriage be like? This is the beginning of a Vision.

You need to know what you want, not what you don’t want. This is a common mistake that I see when I ask people what they want. They usually tell me that they don’t want to fight and argue, and they don’t want the stress, and they are tired of the unhappiness, and they don’t want to live like this anymore. This isn’t a Vision.

What do you want your shared life to be about? Decide what you really want in your relationship as if it were ultimately how you want it to be. Most people simply wing it day by day, without any idea of what they are working towards together. No thought of anything larger than schedules and routines. As a result, they get caught up in the stressors of the moment, instead of pursuing a Vision of what they want their intimate lives to really be like.

3. Correct the Polarity. People change over time and it impacts the relationship. The masculine and feminine balance gets impacted by stress and connections are lost. It takes a masculine and feminine presence to create the sparks of attraction for any couple. That’s the sexual chemistry.

People often forget that something special about them had attracted their partner in the beginning and that their particular behavior had captivated the other’s heart. If they were to go back to interacting with their partners as a masculine and feminine presence just like they had in the beginning of the relationship, the connection can be restored and deepened.

Who were you as a masculine or feminine presence in the relationship early on? What was it about you back then that was so appealing to your partner? Were you decisive and strong, or open and intuitive? Were you direct and to the 12

Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

point, or more flowing in communication?

Were you protective or nurturing? Contrast your masculine or feminine presence in the relationship today with how it was at the beginning.

4. Attention and Appreciation. While everyone wants to be appreciated, there are subtle differences between men and women. The largest complaint that I get from men is that their wives don’t appreciate them. This lack of appreciation grinds men down over time. So women, find ways to appreciate and thank your man for what he does and what he brings to the relationship.

For women, the desired appreciation tends to more closely resemble the need for attention and reassurance. When a man isn’t willing to be fully present with his wife in the moment when she needs him, she will begin to lose trust. Loss of respect is soon to follow. Men, give your woman the attention that she needs and be fully present with her in the moment she needs it. That means stopping whatever you are doing and looking directly at her and listening intently to what she is saying to you. This is the attention that she needs from you. It is not your suggestions about how to fix what you perceive to be are her problems.

Both men and women can easily drop all the subtle and not so subtle hints about their unhappiness with their partner. You will never change them. But you can influence them more effectively.

5. Button Pushing Push Back. No one can push our buttons like our partners.

When couples push each other’s buttons, arguments tend to escalate quickly. One person says something and the other responds with a tone. Then the first person escalates because of the tone and now the other escalates because of the escalation and it usually evolves into something unpleasant.

The fastest way out is to remember that Vision that I wrote about earlier. Why

do you love this person, why are you with them, what do you want to share together?

This will bring you out of your head and into your heart where all of your solutions are so much more effective. When you soften up, and bring more playfulness, fun, silliness, and surprise back into the interaction with your partner any escalation can evaporate.

Relationship success is found in your heart, not your head.

6. Tropical Storms. The feminine has a larger emotional range than the masculine and from time to time, bottled up emotions will come out. And they will be directed at the masculine presence in the relationship.

Lucky me, lucky you! I got tired of getting this wrong.

This is where masculine presence is required. Not arguing back or defending what you did or didn’t do. Owning mistakes with an “I’m sorry” is sufficient. Can you have heartfelt understanding for whatever your partner is going through? Can you remember to completely focus on them, because in this moment that is what they truly need from you? Can you tune into what’s really going on without taking it as a personal attack… because it is not?

These pent up emotions and stressors need to be released and the masculine role is to be the rock…this safe, unshakeable place to let them all out. When done correctly, not only will the storm end fast, sunshine and rainbows are likely to appear.

You’ll like it much better this way.

These tropical storms become less frequent when the women is tending to her own needs and taking time for herself. She needs to do the little things that make her feel good, instead of putting herself last and trying to take care of everyone else first. Neglecting yourself is a good way to feel empty and unhappy.

7. Me First or Maybe Not. Many partners are silently waiting for the other person

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to do something first to fix their situation. Who is going to initiate the repair or improvement of your relationship? Are you waiting for the other person to give to you because they owe you?

If someone doesn’t step forward first and initiate giving to meet their partner’s needs, then things will never change. Some people keep score of how often who did what, and it stops them from doing anything more. They stubbornly refuse to give because it’s their partner’s turn.

Nothing ever changes that way. Will you take 100% responsibility for the relationship by giving to your partner first? The needs of the relationship have to be at least as important as your individual needs if the relationship is going to thrive.

The seven strategies you have just read are proven to work. They have been well tested with the most difficult relationship challenges you can imagine. I personally use them in my marriage and they have been effective every time clients have tested them.

But don’t take my word for it. Judge them for yourself. I urge you to try them out if you want to improve your relationship. Reading about them won’t change anything. Marriage success and happiness doesn’t happen by chance. Having a great marriage is a choice. You can choose to try these ideas out for yourself or choose not to.

We each get to decide how we will interact with our partner despite past events and circumstances, despite past hurts and disappointments. Misunderstandings can become opportunities to deepen the connection. Disagreements can become opportunities to rekindle passion. Any moment can become a new opportunity to completely shift the dynamics between you and your partner. What will you choose to do differently in any of those moments?

This isn’t about right and wrong, or good and bad. I view relationship strategies through a simple lens; is what I’m doing right now beneficial, helpful, or supportive to sustaining love and passion in my marriage? If the answer is no, then why am I doing it?

You too can choose to do something else…or not. Your marriage happiness will reflect your choice either way. Choose wisely.

Jeff Forte, Executive and Peak Performance Coach, author of the new book The 90-Minute Marriage Miracle and The Million Dollar Mindset audio program is a key talent turnaround expert, and specialist in team and relationship dynamics. He holds Certifications in Strategic Intervention and Marriage Education. His clients include Fortune 500 executives, Entrepreneurs, Attorneys, Surgeons, Teams, Professional Athletes and Couples. For inquiries or to schedule a complimentary consultation email jeff@peakresultscoaching.com or visit www.peakresultscoaching.com. See ad on page 13.

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

JO HOMAR

jo@bountifulblessingsct.com  bountifulblessingsct.com 860.202.8269  Glastonbury, CT

The “Issues” in Your Tissues

A

re you ready to get the “issues out of your tissues?”

If you answered yes, then Integrated Energy Therapy® may be the alternative energy healing modality for you. IET® is a gentle and simple way of releasing suppressed emotions, which may have accumulated from negative life experiences, from the cells of your body. These energy restrictions can remain with you for years or lifetimes and can cause physical blocks, spiritual disconnection, inability to move forward with your wellness, and increased susceptibility to disease, making it difficult for you to move through life with ease. IET practitioners work with a special channel that serves to rebalance the flow of energy to support the body’s natural ability to maintain proper mental, emotional, and spiritual balance. By freeing this flow of energy, you create space for healing the body, mind, and soul. IET practitioners are facilitators who interpret energy flow, treat the energy body, and support clients in their healing process to promote healing on all levels.

Release Stored Emotions and Experience Transformation Suppressed stored emotions can result from illness, pain, depression, anxiety, childhood experiences, car accidents, broken bones, loss of a loved one, work-related frustration, physical and emotional stress, trauma, and other life experiences. These stored emotions can fill your energy field to overflowing, resulting in stagnation of energy flow until you release or resolve them. If you are unable to release the stored emotions related to negative experiences you may experience shame, guilt, distrust, threat, heartache, betrayal, resentment, powerlessness, and fear. Holding on to suppressed stored emotions can keep you from moving forward in your life, hindering you from fully experiencing all that life has to offer.

IET can facilitate the process of letting go of these stored emotions, allowing you to work toward a healthy future by instilling positive change and experiencing true happiness. This process can open the door for your personal growth potential and transformation.

Integrated Energy Therapy was developed at The Center of Being by Dr. Stevan J. Thayer and inspired by Angel Ariel. Stevan discovered the IET cellular memory map and the IET integration points, which are used to support the clearing of energy restrictions that result from suppressed memories. Stevan identified the correlation between emotions and specific body parts and this is where the individual steps of energizing, triggering, releasing, and integrating are applied. As practitioners, we energize by holding hand positions in one of nine positions to channel energy. This is followed by the trigger step, where light pressure is used while we invite the energy blockage to begin to release. The release step allows the practitioner to pull energy imprints out of all layers of the client’s energy field.

The final step is integration, during which we imprint a positive, empowering state of energy, which establishes an expectation for positive future experiences.

There are four levels of IET: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and MasterInstructor. Integrated Energy Therapy is an attunement-based energy therapy system and it uses the violet angelic energy ray of nine Healing Angels. The IET practitioner receives an energy attunement to the IET energy ray at each level of training. Each attunement builds upon the others to ultimately bring all six pairs of the 12-Strand Spiritual DNA into their full power. This attunement expands the practitioner’s energy body, which allows him/her to be a channel of the IET energy. The primary gift of the IET ray is emotional, mental, and spiritual clearing.

Everyone Can Benefit from IET IET is unique to everyone and everyone can benefit from it. It is important to note that the client is the healer; as practitioners, we simply facilitate our clients’ healing processes by holding the space for them and for giving them a means to clear what they are ready to clear.

When was the last time you slowed down enough to listen to what your body was trying to tell you? What steps can you take to fully engage in your wellness? The first step in healing is to participate in your life and listen to your body. If you take the time to listen, your body can guide you to heal more rapidly. Your body is your gift so embrace it, honor it, care for it, and it will guide you to fulfillment. Make the choices that are right for you, step forward and honor yourself. With IET, you can restore your body to a healthy state of being, freeing your life-flow energy, rebalancing and renewing your energy field. Learn from your body and the clues it is giving you. Your body wants you to move through life with ease. You have within you the capacity to be self-empowered and to create your own healing on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Open yourself up to life’s possibilities by releasing the past and embracing the now.

Jo Homar is an Integrated Energy Therapy® Master-Instructor and owner of Bountiful Blessings, LLC located in Glastonbury, CT. She can be reached at 860.202.8269, jo@bountifulblessingsct.com, or for more information visit bountifulblessingsct.com. Jo is also a Usui Reiki practitioner, spiritual counselor, and medium. Whether it is releasing old patterns; clearing emotional stored memories; or restoring balance on the physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental level she can meet you where you are in your own process of healing.

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15

Sick of Crowded Waiting Rooms?

Concierge Medicine May be the Cure

W

ith millions of newly insured patients beginning to enter the health care system, it is predicted doctors will have less time to spend with patients, waiting rooms will be over-crowded, and delays in getting an appointment should be expected. Based on these circumstances, according to health care experts, there is an anticipated “quiet exodus” of physicians who are considering early retirement, closing their practices to new patients, and hiring physician assistants or registered nurses to routinely see patients. An expected 10% of physicians are also considering transitioning their existing practices to Concierge Medical practices. So what exactly is concierge medicine, and what are the benefits?

1. Concierge medical patients pay an annual retainer of anywhere between $1,500 - $5,000, which is not covered by insurance carriers, allowing them direct access to their personal physician, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Most concierge medical practices limit their patient base to a few hundred patients, versus a few thousand like traditional practices. There are no busy waiting rooms, and same day appointments or evening/weekend phone calls to address a medical concern are easily accommodated.

Consider the benefit: It’s Saturday evening and you’re putting the finishing touches on a beautiful, summer dinner for a few friends. They’ll be arriving at 7pm. You’ve been noticing an unusual bug bite on your arm from gardening earlier in the day, which is painful and continuing to swell. You call your concierge physician’s cell phone. Your physician tells you exactly what should be done to treat the bite and painful swelling, as well as potential symptoms to look out for. Your dinner party is a hit, and you have avoided spending Saturday night in the Emergency Room. Your physician checks on you later in the evening to ensure that the bite is getting better.

2. Office visits at concierge medical practices can last from 1-3 hours depending on patient need. This is exceedingly longer than the 7.5 minute average of traditional office visits. Having the time to spend getting to know the medical history of each patient in great detail allows concierge physicians to ensure that each patient receives exceptional care. Treatment plans are developed between the patient and the physician, and closely monitored.

Consider the benefit: Like many people your age, you’re juggling the daily demands of a stressful job, raising young children, 16

Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

and caring for aging parents. The nightly glass of wine that you enjoyed after the kids went to bed has escalated into a glass before dinner, and sometimes another one (or two) with dinner. You realize that you need to talk with someone. A seven minute visit with your primary care physician won’t change anything, so you schedule an initial 2 hour medical history and physical with a concierge physician. Together, you begin to develop a plan towards a healthier lifestyle.

3. Concierge physicians focus on preventative care, including necessary immunizations, health screenings, blood tests, laboratory work, and medical exams.

Consider the benefit: As a busy corporate executive or newly retired couple, you’re doing last minute packing and preparing for a trip abroad. You mention your travel plans to your concierge physician who lets you know that there are potentially dangerous diseases in foreign countries which visitors should be vaccinated against. Your physician tells you to stop by the practice at your convenience and gives you the immunizations needed to protect you, and give you peace of mind on your trip.

4. Concierge physicians may be quicker to diagnose a problem due to having an in-depth understanding of the patient’s medical history and not having to refer patients to specialists unnecessarily due to time constraints.

Consider the benefit: You are experiencing unusual medical symptoms and non-specific pain. Your concierge physician has documented in your medical history that you have had an excessive number of dental fillings in the past. Your physician ultimately links the mercury in the fillings to your symptoms leading to an earlier diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

5. Most concierge physicians make “house calls”, including at-home preventative care, immunizations, and medication management.

Consider the benefit: Taking a homebound parent or loved one to doctor visits can mean significant time away from work or other daily responsibilities. Having a concierge physician who treats homebound patients in the comfort of their own home eases the stress of both caregivers and patients.

6. Concierge physicians coordinate care that their patients receive from specialists and follow up with both the specialist and patient regarding test results, diagnoses, and next steps regarding a care plan.

Consider the benefit: Due to a family history of heart disease, your concierge physician conducts a preventative EKG exam. Your physician discovers that you have an irregular heartbeat. Before leaving the office, an appointment has been scheduled for you to see a cardiologist the next day. The concierge physician is in continuous contact and follow up with you and your cardiologist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

7. With a limited patient base, concierge physicians have the time to closely examine medical studies, cutting-edge treatments, and natural alternatives.

Consider the benefit: Your concierge physician understands that although you realize the important benefit of some traditional medications, you would prefer to first explore natural solutions. Your physician reads up-to-date articles and studies on natural supplements and alternatives, and shares information relating to the benefits of goji berries and Red Rice Yeast. You agree, together, that you will try these healthy alternatives as a component of your daily health care.

8. Many concierge practices do not have physician assistants or nurses on staff. Exams, treatment, and patient phone calls are consistently handled directly by the physician, resulting in a greater continuity of care. In most concierge practices, the phones are answered by a dedicated office team member, not a machine directing a patient to select from a series of frustrating telephone prompts.

Consider the benefit: It’s 3:30 on Friday afternoon and the pain which began on Tuesday as a dull headache has now escalated to an unbearable level. You are unable to function or think clearly, and you begin to panic about what could be causing the pain. You call your concierge physician’s office and are quickly put through to the doctor. Your concierge physician arranges for you to go directly to the laboratory facility to have an MRI conducted of your head. You receive a call from your doctor later that evening to see how you are feeling. He has received the results of your MRI and gives you a clean bill of health.

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9. Some concierge physicians see their own patients when they are receiving care in the hospital. Many people are unaware, until faced with the situation that traditional physicians do not visit or coordinate care of their patients while hospitalized. Today, this care is typically handled by a group of hospitalists working for the hospital, who often do not know the in-depth medical history of the patient. When a concierge physician visits the hospital and personally coordinates the care of their patient, the result can be a quicker diagnosis, reduced hospital stay, and decrease in the number of unnecessary re-admissions to the hospital for the same condition.

Consider the benefit: Your daughter has the chance to study Architecture in Europe.

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. She wakes up one morning with excruciating neck pain, and her roommate notices that her speech is slurred. She is rushed to the hospital. You contact the family concierge physician who plays a critical role in the coordination of her hospital care abroad, speaking frequently with the doctors in the hospital to ensure she is receiving the appropriate tests and treatment vital to her recovery. Your daughter’s concierge physician works closely with you, and the insurance company to arrange medical air travel, when appropriate, and gets your daughter safely back home.

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10. Some concierge practices offer medical wellness options, including on-site fitness facilities, personal trainers, massage therapy, supplement stores, and nutritional counseling. This one-stop shopping for wellness is a welcomed perk to many concierge patients.

Consider the benefit: There is more to overall wellness than excellent medical care, including proper nutrition and having a healthy and fit body. Massage therapy also has been shown to reduce stress, treat headaches, and sports injuries. Having all of these wellness services provided by licensed professionals on-site at your concierge medical center makes managing your healthcare and your schedule much easier!

Dr. Paul A. Guardino is board certified in internal medicine and focuses on evaluating and managing an array of issues affecting health today. His expertise allows his patients to benefit from new and cutting edge treatment programs. Most importantly, he customizes care plans specific to the unique needs of each individual patient, and carefully monitors and manages treatment outcomes. For more information, visit www. pcpdocs.com or call 860-674-4334.

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Kristen Werblow, MA

Attracting the Perfect Partner

I

t’s Valentines Day and I am having dinner alone again. What am I doing wrong? Why is it so difficult to find someone I’d like to spend time with?

There was a time when I longed for the perfect partner and was frustrated that he was not in my life. This was my reality until I discovered that my thoughts, feelings, and actions regarding attracting the perfect mate were all wrong. I learned to shift my thinking and feelings in terms of having a life partner, and my ideal husband and mate arrived shortly thereafter.

According to The Law of Attraction, we are the creators of our reality. We have the ability to create anything we desire, and that includes a perfect life partner. In order to attract that special person, our thoughts, emotions, and actions must be in alignment with what we want.

Everything in this universe is made up of energy, which includes our thoughts and emotions. Each unique thought and emotion has an energetic frequency and an energetic effect. Energy can be categorized as either catabolic or anabolic. Thoughts, emotions and actions based on fear and worry are catabolic. Those that are positive and non-judgmental are anabolic. Given that energy attracts like energy, it is not possible for an individual to attract the perfect partner if they are constantly worrying or doubting that s/he will arrive.

Three Types of Single People There are three types of single people: Person A knows the type of person they want to attract, but worries that they might not ever find him/her. Person B doesn’t have difficulty attracting a partner, but always seems to end up with the ‘wrong’ guy/gal. Person C knows what type of person s/he wants to attract, is enjoying being single, and knows without a doubt that the perfect partner is coming. Who would you rather be?

Typically, people seeking relationships are focused on what they want as well as what they do not want. They desire the perfect mate, but tend to feel frustration or depression due to this absence.

To attract the perfect life partner, your thoughts, feelings, and actions must be anabolic and in alignment with what you truly desire. You must think, see, feel, and act as if what you want is already in your life.

If this is your reality, begin to change the way you think and feel in order to attract your desired relationship. Negative thoughts and feelings will attract negative outcomes.

Focus on the Results you Desire STEP 2: Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on the solution.

When learning the Law of Attraction, many people have trouble creating the emotions around what they desire when what they want is absent in their experience. Begin to take your focus off not having a partner and let your goal be to feel good. When your mind starts to worry, think about something uplifting and engage in an activity that will make you feel better. If you are feeling good, you are in alignment. You do not have to wait for the perfect partner to experience the magical romantic energy that you desire.

Here are a few steps to align your thoughts, emotions and actions: 1. Create a list of specific qualities that you would like your partner to have. Feel the emotions that you seek when creating the list and read it daily.

2. Create a vision board. Include pictures of activities that you want to do together and write words that will invoke the feelings you would like to feel.

3. Visualize laughing and having fun with your partner. Create an idealistic movie in your mind, with you and your partner in the leading roles.

4. Believe it is possible. Yes! You have the ability to attract the perfect partner.

5. Refrain from speaking negatively or complaining about the topic.

6. Go shopping on a daily basis in your mind. ‘Shop’ for what you want in a relationship. When you see others holding hands, embody their joy and envision the excitement of having it for yourself.

Change Your Thoughts & Feelings...Change Your Life

Believe in your ability to attract the perfect partner, align your thoughts and feelings with what you desire, and let the universe provide the confirmation. You do have the ability to create your reality.

You can attract the perfect life partner. See it, feel it, believe it, and you will achieve it.

STEP 1: The first step in changing your old thought patterns and energy around attracting the perfect partner is to become aware of how you are thinking and feeling. Are you worrying that you will be alone? Are you feeling frustrated? Do you look at others and feel jealous?

Kristen Werblow, M.A. is a Certified Life Coach. To understand exactly how your thoughts, beliefs, and actions are affecting your ability to attract the perfect partner, contact her at: Kristen@balancedlivingnow.com, visit her website at www.balancedlivingnow.com or call 860-707-0908. See her ad on page 26.

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19

The Power of Stress Reduction in Fertility

M

anaging stress is a fundamental piece in a holistic approach to infertility. Studies reveal that approximately fifteen percent of couples that desire children experience difficulties. Whether the obstacle to conception falls with the woman or the man, both members experience symptoms of distress, loss of control, stigmatization, and a sense of disruption in the developmental trajectory of adulthood.

Stress is the most undervalued contributor to infertility today. To use a particularly appropriate analogy, there’s the question of what came first, the chicken or the egg? Is pre-existing stress interfering with a couple’s successful conception or is a protracted period of infertility creating a stressful physiology that diminishes the chances of conception?

The bottom line is that we now understand that stress has a serious impact on our body’s biological functions. The brain’s control center for hormones is affected by stress and a series of biological errors occur. This makes perfect sense from a biological perspective.

People are mammals and we require intense care to survive to an age where we are able to care for ourselves. Fertility speaks to the most basic biological drive: to reproduce and pass on a gene pool.

A stressed animal is less likely to obtain calories and other support to conceive and sustain a pregnancy. There are even studies that track the effect of stress on semen quality.

(1) the support of other people may reduce the harmful effects of stress, and (2) the influence of others may also encourage behavior that contributes to good health. They also speculated that isolation might reduce immune function.

Along with sustainable relationships, sustainable lifestyles can counteract the effect of stress. It is naïve to believe that we can eliminate stress, but it is within our power to learn coping strategies and successful ways to manage stress, thereby diminishing its negative effect on our health. Couples battling infertility can support each other by incorporating stress-busters in their lives. It is a worthwhile endeavor that will help them during the effort to conceive and also during pregnancy and child-raising.

Contemporary Life is a Problem

A gratitude journal can boost happiness and can be useful for an infertile couple that may feel their lives are defined by what they don’t have, rather than what they do have. Try the steps below:

A generalized approach recognizes the need to create the most optimal environment to house a growing fetus in a woman and counters the effect of stress on the couple. Infertility aside, contemporary life itself contributes to feelings of stress simply because we have become a more isolated culture. Surveys show that people have fewer friends and social networks than a generation ago.

Social isolation can deplete the body and mind. One intriguing study of more than 300,000 people found that social isolation is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being obese.

We are naturally inclined to live in groups using cooperation and depending on one another. It would make sense that a baby brought into such an environment would have better survival rates. The researchers said there were two mechanisms by which a thriving social network of friends and family could contribute to good health: 20

Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

Stress-Coping Strategies for Conceiving Couples 1. Go Outdoors Exercising outside in nature (green exercise) is good for your mind as well as your body. Studies show that walking, biking, or running in nature can ease tension and lift one’s mood more than the same amount of exercise in a gym.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

• Commit to the process by affirming your strengths. Give gratitude to yourself for your practice of keeping a journal. Recognize that you are doing a good thing that will elevate your mood.

• Record five things that have occurred in the past week for which you are grateful. They can be the morning walk you enjoy with your dog, a good meal, or just generally the absence of bad news!

• REAP the week by reviewing it through Relationships, Events, Activities, and Peopl • Keep your entries simple: Don’t let keeping the journal become a chore, let it be a voluntary activity. One entry a week will provide benefits. Like so many things, it’s quality over quantity.

3. Just Breathe Shallow breathing can create tension and fatigue. Breathing with your diaphragm is known to reduce stress and increase energy levels. Diaphragmatic Breathing (often referred to as abdominal breathing) is an effective method to decrease stress because when our blood circulates back to the heart it activates relaxation centers in the brain. Set a designated time to practice with your partner each day. Below is a Mindful Breathing Exercise.

Step One: Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Place your feet slightly apart and put one hand on your abdomen near the navel and the other hand on your chest (as you become more practiced you may choose not to place your hands on your body).

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Step Two: Gently exhale the air in your lungs through your mouth, then inhale slowly through your nose to the count of four pushing out your abdomen slightly and concentrating on your breath. As you breathe in, imagine warm air travelling through your body. Hold the breath for a count of at least four but not more than seven.

Step Three: Slowly exhale through your mouth to a count of eight.

Gently contract your abdominal muscles to completely release the remaining air in the lungs. Repeat for five deep breaths.

4. Connect to Others • Schedule activities each week—and show up!

• Get involved in the community through volunteer work.

• Plan time to spend with friends and family.

• Follow an interest like drawing, or learning a new language, or develop a new hobby.

• Join a group exercise class like yoga, tai chi, boot camp, etc.

Kara Burkhart, ND, LAc is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist specializing in drugless solutions. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine where she teaches Botanical Medicine classes. She practices at Salud Primary Care & Integrative Medicine in Farmington, CT and also at West Hartford Yoga in West Hartford, CT. See ad on page 29.

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Meal Planning Keep it Simple!

W

e’re in the middle of winter. Its cold outside and there are months before the school year ends. Holiday temptations, in the form of sweet goods and excessive food, have passed. It’s time to implement our New Year’s Resolutions. We want to be healthy. We want to feel good. Better yet, we wish to feel great! Where do we go from here?

Committing to healthy eating is easy. Accomplishing this goal takes organization through meal planning. We are all very busy, especially if we have family members in tow. How can we be successful at meal planning? The easiest way is to keep it simple!

Preparation—Simple Meal Planning Find time on a weekly basis, even five minutes, to sit down with a pad of paper and a pen. Make a calendar for the week and list breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.

Consider the following criteria: 1. 3 servings of protein daily 2. 3-5 servings of vegetables daily 3. 1-2 servings of fruit daily 4. Limited grains Now, insert ideas. These ideas are not set in stone. Our mantra is ‘keep it simple.’ The healthiest diet consists of fresh foods, not processed, and the above criteria. This list can be the basis for your week’s grocery list.

Breakfast—Energy from Protein Lasts Longer than Carbs!

For breakfast, consider these ideas: scrambled eggs with sautéed spinach; natural turkey sausage with a sliced avocado; a salad made of smoked salmon, cut avocadoes and tomatoes, mixed with some olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt; fresh seasonal fruit with yogurt and some seeds; a fruit smoothie with added greens and chia or flax seeds.

Snacks to Carry Us hrough the Day A morning or afternoon snack could include a cut apple or a handful of raw nuts with some dried fruit. You could also eat yogurt with some fresh fruit, nuts and seeds mixed in, or dried kale chips for some crunch.

A Light Lunch The easiest lunch is leftover dinner! Or you could make a salad with mixed greens, colorful vegetables, natural meat such as turkey or salmon and some raw sunflower seeds for crunch. Use the simple homemade dressing of olive oil with lemon juice and sea salt, or make a sweeter dressing by adding honey mustard and Dijon mustard. Another great option is a hearty soup made with chicken stock, a variety of vegetables, and some chicken or beef.

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

Dinner—Keep it Simple The creativity of our dinner always depends on the time we have to prepare it. Keep it simple. Consider protein and vegetables, including starchy vegetables such as root vegetables. Here are some family dinner ideas: Roasted chicken stuffed with lemon wedges, cooked with cut carrots and celery and a side of roasted chopped sweet potatoes; split turkey breast with roasted broccoli and baked butternut squash; beef stew with potatoes, rutabagas, carrots, and parsnips and a side of sautéed greens. Remember to make extra for the following day’s lunch!

What about Dessert?!

We all have a sweet tooth. The question is not how to avoid sweets, but rather, how to choose wisely. We all know that excessive refined sugar can lead to diabetes which is becoming more common in our population, including our children. Obesity is at the forefront of this pandemic. How can we satisfy our sweet tooth and maintain our health? There are many healthy sweet options that can fill this need. Here are some ideas: Fresh fruit (not always sweet enough but certainly varied) or dried fruit; make your own chocolate (see recipe below); or make your own honey-roasted nuts (see recipe below).

Committing to healthy eating might feel like a huge task, but if we keep it simple, we can get into a routine and it can begin to feel easier. It may take a month or two, but eventually, we start to feel good and that makes it all worthwhile!

Healthy Chocolate Recipe: This recipe is taken from ‘Wellness Mama’ Blog at http://wellnessmama.com.

Ingredients: • 1 cup Raw Cocoa Butter • 1 cup Raw Cocoa Powder • ½ cup Raw Honey • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Directions: 1. Place parchment paper over baking sheet.

2. Melt cocoa butter in double boiler or glass or metal bowl on top of small pan with inch of water over medium heat

3. When cocoa butter is completely melted, remove from heat and add cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla. (If honey is raw, can melt with cocoa butter in double boiler.) Mix ingredients until smooth.

4. Once texture is smooth, pour mixture onto baking sheet and place in fridge to solidify.

5. Once chocolate is solidified, you can break it apart into chocolate chunks and leave in fridge or freezer for future use.

6. Once mixture has cooled a little, you can also pour it into candy molds to make fun chocolate shapes and chocolate lollipops for your kiddos!

Honey Roasted Nuts Recipe: Ingredients: • 2 cups raw cashews or other raw nut (avoid peanuts) • 2 Tbs honey • 2 Tbs water • 2 tsp grape seed oil or olive oil (note: when increasing the recipe, do not increase oil to more than 4 tsp) • ¼ cup palm/coconut sugar • ½ tsp sea salt Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Mix sugar and salt together and set aside 3. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper 4. Spread cashews on cookie sheet in single layer 5. Roast cashews at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes 6. In skillet, heat honey, water, and oil to boil ing 7. Add nuts and cook, stirring until syrup is gone and nuts are well coated 8. Pour sugar and salt mixture over nuts and stir until completely coated 9. Return nuts to cookie sheet and let cool and dry 10. Break nuts apart. Nuts can be stored in covered container for up to one month.

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23

PREVENTION

By Dr. Donald L. Piccoli

Staying Cool During A Hot Flash

T

he time of a woman’s life known as menopause is not a disease or unnatural event, therefore, it should not cause extreme symptoms. However, for many women it can be a challenging time filled with physical and emotional distress as all these changes to their life and body seem to be happening all at once.

Of all the changes occurring during the change of life, vasomotor flushes, or hot flashes, are the most concerning and frustrating symptom of menopause, affecting approximately 70 to 80 percent of menopausal women. Hot flashes are described as a feeling of intense radiating heat, followed by embarrassing perspiration and a rapid heartbeat in the upper torso, neck and head.

Although conventional medicine has not defined what exactly causes a hot flash, current theories suggest they are due to an agerelated drop in estrogen. During menopause, the endocrine system, the pituitary and the ovaries generally decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone and these hormone levels decline. This decline in estrogen levels impacts the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that regulates body temperature. One of the effects that estrogen normally has on the hypothalamus is that it allows it to tolerate greater temperature fluctuations. Therefore, decreased estrogen equals increased temperature sensitivity, causing the hypothalamus to misread body signals and activate the body’s ‘cooling-down’ sensors, which leads to hot flashes and night sweats.

Pre-menopausal Hormonal Imbalances are Not Normal In addition to women of menopausal age, typically 45-55, I am seeing more and more evidence of pre-menopausal hormonal imbalances in women in their twenties and thirties. Although the symptoms of hormonal imbalance are becoming more common, this is not normal. Many women of all ages, from their twenties and on, are experiencing unexplained weight gain, difficulty sleeping, irregular menstruation, memory loss, depression, decreased energy and fatigue, in addition to hot flashes and night sweats.

Hot flashes can be an extremely overwhelming and frustrating symptom to live with; as a result many feel like their lives are over, like they’ve lost their identity and freedom, essentially becoming a prisoner to their hot flashes. Luckily, for some of those of menopausal age, their symptoms will run their course and dissipate, allowing these women to complete their transition through menopause symptom-free. For others, the hormonal imbalance continues and leads to a downward spiral of ill health, decreased quality of life, and fitful sleep, as a restful night’s sleep is habitually interrupted by night sweats.

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

Stay Cool Given the toxicities of the environment, it isn’t hard to understand why women of all ages are experiencing these symptoms of hormonal imbalance. While the underlying causes of hot flashes are typically as unique and diverse as the women they impact, women can take steps to stay cool by identifying personal hot-flash triggers.

It’s important to note that what causes a hot flash for one woman may have little to no impact on another. Identifying and avoiding your triggers may be the first and only step you need to take to control your hot flashes. Here are some possible hot flash triggers:

1. Refined Foods and Sugar An excess consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates causes a temporary and artificial high, which disturbs homeostasis and sets into motion a stress response. This stress response triggers an increase in temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and blood circulation. Sugar also has a vasoconstriction effect, which further increases the heart rate.

The hypothalamus, confused by the stress response, begins misreading the body’s signals and triggers cooling-down sensors.

With heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and blood circulation already accelerated it’s no surprise that the body’s cooling-down mechanisms go into overdrive and women experience an overpowering burst of radiating heat at one time.

2. Coffee Coffee’s hot-flash-inducing effect is twofold—a hot beverage and caffeine. A warm or hot beverage may warm up your body temperature just enough to leave you feeling flushed, hot and sweaty.

Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause a hot flash by raising your heart rate and blood pressure. Do not be quick to jump on the decaf bandwagon, as decaf coffee still has caffeine. One study found that decaf coffee contains around 3 to 15.8 mg of caffeine per serving vs.

85 mg per serving for regular coffee.

3. Alcohol Yes, this unfortunately includes wine. Although the exact mechanism of how alcohol triggers hot flashes is still greatly debated, most researchers agree that there is a relationship between the two.

An accepted theory is that alcohol consumption leads to a dramatic rise in estrogen, followed by a significant drop once the alcohol has been digested. The sudden drop in estrogen once again sends confusing signals to the hypothalamus, which responds by alerting cooling sensors, resulting in a hot flash.

4. Spicy Foods In general, hot and spicy foods are stimulants. Spicy foods will dilate blood vessels, increase circulation and raise body temperature.

Although this body temperature increase might be slight, it oftentimes is enough to trigger a hot flash.

5. Stress Both emotional and physical stress can trigger hot flashes. When stressed, the body releases a hormone called epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) into the blood; this causes blood flow to increase, which leads to an increase in body temperature. This increase in temperature is, once again, enough to trigger the hypothalamus to signal cooling sensors.

Other common triggers include pasteurized milk, peanuts, nicotine, genetically modified food, processed food, and chocolate.

Remedies So what’s a woman to do? I’m sure you’ve heard about at least a few herbs and remedies from friends or in the media, like black cohosh, wild yam complex, dong quai, chasteberry, prescription hormone creams, etc. But which ones are right for you?

While some of the remedies can relieve mild symptoms, they don’t get to the underlying cause. First, we need to determine which glands and organs are imbalanced and the driving cause behind your hormonal imbalance. Is it the adrenals? Elevated stress and cortisol levels lead to hormone imbalances that may be the leading cause of hot flashes. But, is there an underlying cause of the adrenal imbalance? Is it the kidneys? The pituitary? An imbalance in any of these glands and organs can affect another, causing an increase or decrease in hormone regulation. Here are some possible contributors to hormonal imbalances:

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sist the body in flushing them out of the body safely, and reducing exposure, will help eliminate the underlying cause of hormonal imbalances.

2. Sugar There is no way around it; sugar plays a major role in causing hormonal imbalances. Sugar suppresses the immune system, causes some hormones to become overactive or underactive, and leads to serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

Unfortunately the average American consumes about 400 grams of carbohydrates per day, when ideally most of us would thrive at around 75 grams per day. An excess consumption of sugar and starch-heavy foods lays the groundwork for future metabolic dysfunction.

Find Relief When menopausal symptoms are severe and greatly affect the quality of your life, you may need to seek the help of a qualified healthcare professional who can determine the exact root cause of your body imbalance. In order to correct the imbalance within the hormonal system, begin by eliminating your triggers: sugars, caffeine, genetically modified foods, and processed foods.

Dietary changes begin with reducing (or better yet eliminating) all processed, refined junk foods, and adopting a whole-food lifestyle centered on healthy fats, protein, and slow-carbohydrate vegetables and fruits. Also, beginning an interval-training exercise program will remove excess toxic cortisol from the body, which will help you better manage your stress.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances, whether they are women in their twenties or fifties, can be improved upon or eliminated. A few simple steps can lead to a symptom-free transition through menopause, so that you can experience deep sleep, improved personal and professional relationships, increased confidence, and quality of life.

Dr. Donald Piccoli is certified in advanced Nutrition Response Testing and is the director of Holistic Solutions Health Center in Kensington, CT. (860)828-2966. For more information visit www.holisticsolutions.com. See ad on page 13.

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

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NUTMEG “NUGGETS”

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n 2010, more than 4 billion pounds of chemicals were released into the ground, threatening a portion of the soil we grow our food in and the natural underground water tables that supply some of our drinking water within the U.S. Over 226 million pounds of chemicals were also discharged into surface waters such as lakes and rivers, according to the federal government’s Toxic Release Inventory. To compound the problem of our toxic environment, we have refined away much of the nutritional value of our food supply and replaced it with artificial colorings, preservatives, flavorings, conditioners, etc. This poor quality diet, combined with extensive use of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture, may have predisposed many of us to experience a kind of “internal” pollution.

Unhealthy bacteria release toxic by-products into our circulation, which can negatively impact many aspects of our overall health. Low-level, long-term exposure to toxins is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), fibromyalgia (FM), neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, and many types of cancers. Common signs and symptoms of environmental toxicity include acne, rashes, headaches, aches and pains, fatigue, muscle weakness, tinnitus, fertility problems, memory loss, and chronic immune system depression.

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Expressive Art Therapy

xpressive Art Therapy is a unique modality that research is showing has amazing health benefits. In a study of women with heart disease, their drawings were considered visual products of the women’s knowledge about heart disease. It was concluded that having individuals draw how they visualized their condition was an insightful method with which to explore understandings of illness.

Art can be a refuge from the intense emotions associated with illness. There are no limits to the imagination in finding creative ways of expressing grief. Other health benefits include: • Accesses traumatic memories stored in the brain • Helps with coping behaviors • Improves fatigue and depression • Prevents burnout in caregivers • Helps to ease pain and stress If you have never experienced an expressive art workshop, now is your chance! Join Elisabeth Moss, Expressive Art Facilitator in Avon, for an ongoing workshop on Tuesdays in February, Artmaking From Spirit from 9:30-12:30pm held at The Spiritual Life Center in West Hartford, to register go to www.spiritlifectr.org/expressiveart.

Connect with your spirit within and discover the sacredness of your unique creative expression! Or try out Get Your Toes Wet: Intro to Expressive Art on February 8th, 12:30-3:30pm. A spacious, playful environment allows you to open up and begin to trust the artist within. Create authentic imagery using paint, collage, and drawing materials. Guided meditation & breath awareness opens the door to our body, heart and the unlimited possibilities we carry. Nourish and recharge your creative connection. No prior art experience needed. Visit www.elisabethmoss.com for info on private and semiprivate creative coaching sessions.

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REMEDIES

Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S. Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Systemic Candidiasis - The Cause of Too Many Ignored and Unresolved Health Problems “A healthy immune system is number one in any healing process. [A] yeast infection known as Candida . . . [is] key to an imbalanced immune system, severely complicating all healing, and dramatically contributing to many of the complaints doctors hear in their offices. Without addressing CRC [Candida-related complex], physicians have few remedies to correct the reported maladies.” ~ Warren M. Levin, MD, and Fran Gare, ND, Beyond the Yeast Connection (2013)

o you suffer from chronic fatigue, sinusitis/headaches, immune deficiency, PMS, rashes, hypoglycemia/ excess hunger, brain fog, depression, irritability, anxiety, severe chronic muscle tension and spasms, or digestive problems? If so, you may have systemic candidiasis, also known as Candida-related complex (CRC) .

CRC is an overgrowth of the parasitic, yeast-like fungus Candida albicans, which is normally present in the body. According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, “Most doctors have a near-religious belief that Candida

D

28

Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

overgrowth does not even exist, unless it is so severe that it is about to kill the patient.”

He surmises that the unavailability of a lab test to distinguish candidiasis from ordinary yeast levels may explain this widespread doubt.

Enlightened holistic practitioners are aware of CRC, especially from the writings of C. Orian Truss, MD (The Missing Diagnosis) and William G. Crook, MD (The Yeast Connection). They recognize that addressing CRC can enable them to heal or greatly improve many disease states, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), diabetes, obesity, numerous autoimmune diseases (including MS, Lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis), and cancer.

Why Candidiasis is so Damaging Understanding the damage from CRC requires some knowledge of the importance of protective bacteria in the digestive system. Given that the intestinal walls protect against every pathogenic substance

that enters the gut, including harmful yeast organisms, 70-80% of the immune system is located in the intestinal tract in the form of trillions of protective bacteria (flora), of which each person requires a different mix.

In “Beyond the Yeast Connection,” Warren M. Levin, MD explains that Candida destroys the balance of gut flora and the body by killing healthy bacteria, colonizing, attaching to the gut mucosa, irritating and destroying the intestinal lining, and causing inflammation throughout the intestinal tract.

Leaky gut syndrome, which is the inflammation and weakening of the intestinal walls, has been considered a cause of many health problems, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and food sensitivities and allergies (including Celiac disease).

Candida’s production of toxic acetaldehyde in the gut, which affects all cells of the body, is a principal cause of the metabolic disturbances accompanying CRC. Candida produces high, damaging levels of this probably cancerous chemical and alcohol when it metabolizes sugars. The body normally breaks down acetaldehyde from any source

into acetic acid, a harmless substance that is generally broken down into carbon dioxide and water. In a healthy body, the acetaldehyde stays in the system only briefly and does not circulate through the body before it is catabolized. A CRC patient, on the other hand, cannot metabolize or purge the Candida-produced acetaldehyde or its accompanying alcohol, and thus can suffer various hangover-like symptoms.

Diagnosing CRC Since the CRC regimen is strict, most want to be certain that candidiasis is the right diagnosis before plunging in. Key clues derive from: (1) medical history that discloses a collection of related symptoms; (2) current signs and symptoms; and (3) generally unreliable diagnostic tests [e.g., Urine Organic Acid Test (OAT), Comprehensive Stool Analysis, Skin, Tissue and Secretion Cultures, and Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing. (PCR). Although the symptoms alone can suggest other diagnoses, the presence of numerous yeast-related signs and symptoms that indicate suppression of the immune system and other organ systems, with linking medical history factors, strongly indicates that yeast is causing a patient’s poor health. According to Truss, “The diagnosis must be suspected from the clinical picture and confirmed by the response to treatment.” Continuous professional guidance and support are thus critical to adhering to the Candida diet and controlling CRC. The presence of these factors, even over the course of a 20-year period, are especially telling: (1) prolonged/repeated antibiotic

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use; (2) persistent vaginitis or other problems with reproductive organs; (3) birth control use; (4) pregnancy; (5) use (2 weeks or more) of prednisone, cortisone, or other steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; (6) chronic fungus infections of the skin/nails; (7) exacerbated symptoms on damp days, or when exposed to mold, perfumes, tobacco smoke, or other chemicals; (8) sugar/alcohol/carbohydrates cravings; (9) acidic pH below 7.4 of blood, saliva, and/or urine; (9) chronic stress; (10) digestive ailments; (11) aches and pains; (12) energy or respiratory challenges; (13) emotional problems; and/or (14) brain dysfunction.

Holistic Treatment of CRC The treatment of CRC involves three equally critical simultaneous steps: (1) starve the overgrown yeast with a Candida diet; (2) kill the overgrown yeast with nutritional supplements; and (3) replace the good bacteria that has been destroyed or crowded out. Treatment success (i.e., controlling the candidiasis so it does not interfere with daily function) depends on the extremity of the condition and patient compliance. The time required to overcome the most crippling aspects of the condition can range from 8 to 18 months, especially because an experienced practitioner will generally alter an individualized regimen over time, based on a patient’s capacity to cope with treatment.

Some experts believe that building the immune system to enable it to fight CRC first requires removal of the toxins in the patient’s body that come from what s/he has eaten, drunk, and

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

breathed. However, a patient’s susceptibility to, and inability to cope with, die-off (see below) can limit the usefulness of detoxification.

The prohibited foods of the Candida diet (e.g., sugars/carbohydrates, fermented/aged foods, gluten, dairy, saturated fat) feed the yeast and/or directly compromise the immune system. The permitted foods (e.g., high-density, low-fat protein, most vegetables, berries, and legumes) either (1) kill yeast, (2) inhibit the growth of yeast, or (3) heal the damage caused by CRC. All foods consumed should be (1) organic, (2) non-GMO, (3) unprocessed, and (4) refrigerated and consumed/frozen within 24 hours from preparation time.

Other factors that impact recovery include whether the causes of CRC are still present in a patient’s life, and the risk and tolerance of die-off or Herxheimer’s reaction. Although patients experience die-off in varying degrees and time periods, it occurs as the CRC regimen kills, crowds out, and stirs up the yeast. In reaction to being threatened, these live organisms can exacerbate symptoms, and can even create new ones, before a patient begins to feel better.

The treatment of CRC requires a complex combination of nutritional supplements. Success depends on these supplement factors: quality, dosage, how they are combined, frequency and timing of their use, and period of time used. Effective supplements include: yeast fighters (e.g., grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid, aloe juice/ gel, garlic, pau d’arco, oregano extract); digestive track supporters (e.g., probiotics, S. boulardii, L-glutamine, EFAs); immunity enhancers (e.g., thymus extract, astragalus, whey/other protein); and adrenal and liver supporters.

Since managing CRC requires boosting the immune system and managing stress, yoga, tai chi/qigong, meditation/prayer, acupuncture, aerobic exercise, chiropractic care, and maintaining healthy relationships can be quite helpful.

Whether you can control your CRC and live a full, healthy life depends on your desire to change your lifestyle and adhere longterm to a strict Candida diet that incorporates nutritional supplements.

Excerpted from “Systemic Candidiasis In Women: The Cause of Too Many Ignored & Unresolved Health Problems - A Practical Guide to Controlling It,” by Erika Dworkin, published in Essential Remedies for Women’s Health (2014). See ad on page 11.

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Meet 3x Figure Pro, Fitness Coach and Certified Personal Trainer, Michele Welcome-Pellegatto, as she teaches you how to make healthy eating enjoyable. Join her for weekly healthy food demonstrations with recipes at ShopRite Super Market at the Shoppes at Farmington Valley in Canton and look for her “Michele Approved” signs on shelves throughout the store:

February Healthy Food Lecture Series:

Michele Welcome-Pellegatto Owner of Snap Fitness in Avon

• Friday 7th, 4-6pm; Black Beans • Saturday Feb 15th - 2-5pm; Amaranth • Friday 21st, 4-6pm; Go Raw Super Cookies • Friday 28th, 4-6pm; Sweet Potatoes

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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SELF

Ashley Burkman, ND

Heart Health: Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

H

eart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States and the number of individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular disease is on the rise.

Also on the rise are expensive procedures like open-heart bypass surgeries, angioplasty, stint placements, and heart transplants.

Luckily, skilled cardiovascular surgeons perform thousands of life saving procedures daily, offering individuals a second chance to improve their cardiovascular health.

Routine checkups at your physician’s office can pinpoint and prevent triggers for cardiovascular disease. The following is a cardiovascular checklist to keep your heart in shape:

Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the amount of force needed for the heart to push blood through your blood vessels. When blood vessels become clogged with plaque or begin to stiffen, blood pressure can increase. Normal blood pressure is considered to be no higher than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is diagnosed at a physician’s office after consecutive blood-pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

When blood pressure rises, the workload on the heart rises. This can lead to hypertrophy, or enlarging of the heart muscle. Consider weight lifting; the heavier the weights you lift, the bulkier the muscle becomes. While this is great for your biceps, the maxim does not hold true when it comes to your heart. The larger the heart gets the weaker it becomes, and this increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

One of the best ways to improve elevated blood pressure is through regular exercise. Even 20 minutes of walking at a moderate pace can have a beneficial blood-pressure lowering effect. Dietary changes, specifically increasing magnesiumrich foods, can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. Magnesium has a relaxing effect on blood vessels, allowing blood vessels to become flexible, which permits blood to flow at a normal pressure. The 32

Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

typical American diet is low in magnesium; consider ramping up magnesium-rich foods like dark greens, nuts and seeds to help with blood pressure management.

Blood Sugar Hyperglycemia (chronically elevated blood sugar) leads to blood vessel damage in the eyes and the extremities. This is one reason diabetics with uncontrolled bloodsugar levels have a higher risk of blindness and amputation of limbs. Testing for bloodsugar levels annually is the best way to screen for hyperglycemia.

Eating protein and fiber-rich foods and reducing sugar can help to maintain blood sugar levels. While there are many foods that assist in blood-sugar stabilization, cinnamon specifically helps to regulate insulin, the hormone that turns sugar into energy.

Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal, into smoothies or into your soup for a blood-sugar benefiting effect!

Cholesterol Screening for elevated cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) is essential for cardiovascular health. Genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, like diet and exercise, play a role in cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fat substance that is essential for cellular makeup, nervous system protection, hormone manufacturing, and more. Cholesterol is produced in the liver or absorbed through the diet.

When total cholesterol is elevated, it is helpful to look at what types of cholesterol are elevated and where they are coming from. This helps to determine the best treatment.

HDL cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein) is considered the good cholesterol.

This type of cholesterol works to protect the cardiovascular system by removing harmful cholesterol called LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein).

LDL is known to plaque arteries and contribute to heart disease. LDL cholesterol comes in several types; some forms more

readily plaque arteries than others. Testing can identify the specific types of LDL cholesterol you are made up of, pinpointing the best management of LDL-reduction therapy.

Triglycerides are the fat stores in the body. When calories ingested are not used they are stored as triglycerides for later use.

Continual over eating, lack of exercise and other factors play a role in increased triglycerides.

Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breath holding occurs while sleeping.

Apnea can range from moderate to severe depending on the amount of times breathing stops in the night. Symptoms include snoring, waking abruptly and often during the night, excessive fatigue during the day, and headaches. Sleep apnea causes a lowerthan-normal amount of oxygen to get to the brain, which then signals for blood pressure to increase.

Low blood-oxygen levels create stress on the cardiovascular system, contributing to cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea affects both men and women of all body sizes.

A physician specializing in sleep medicine can evaluate the risk of apnea and can perform a sleep study to diagnose and treat accordingly.

Cardiovascular disease is preventable, treatable and manageable. Consider talking to your physician about your risk and ways to treat and manage risk factors.

Dr. Ashley Burkman is a board certified licensed naturopathic physician at Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, LLC in Manchester, CT. She is in network work most insurance companies and is now taking new patients. For appointments, please call (860)533-0179. See ad on page 7.

DISH

By Chef Alex Serrano Ingredients: Lobster Sauce

Butter (unsalted) 6 oz Onion - white 1 large bulb (chopped) Garlic 4 cloves Lobster Head Shells 4 pieces (shells only) *lobster base (4 tbsps can be substituted) Heavy Cream 2 cups Corn Starch 3 tbsp Champagne 1 cup White Wine 1 cup Plum Tomatoes (chopped) 5 whole Salt* 1 tbsp (optional, only as garnish) *if lobster base is used then omit 1 tbsp of salt.

Ingredients: Risotto

Risotto Rice 3 cups Bay Scallops 12 oz Shrimp 12 oz Garlic (minced) 6 tsp Scallions 1/3 cup Tomato (seeded & diced) 3/4 cup Lobster Sauce 3 cups Onion (chopped) 1 bulb Olive Oil 6 tsp Chive (chopped) 1 bunch

Ingredients: Risotto Risotto Rice 3 cups Bay Scallops 12 oz Shrimp 12 oz Garlic (minced) 6 tsp Scallions 1/3 cup Tomato (seeded & diced) 3/4 cup Lobster Sauce 3 cups Onion (chopped) 1 bulb Olive Oil 6 tsp Chive (chopped) 1 bunch

Seafood Risotto

Directions: Lobster Sauce *makes 4 cups

1) Saute for 10 mins on medium flame: butter, lobster, onion, tomato 2) Add wine and champagne and cook for 5 mins. Add 1 quart of water and bring to a simmer 3) Add Heavy Cream and cook for 45 minutes 4) Using sieve, strain stock so that only liquid remains.

5) Return to pan and set to low flame 6) In mixing bowl: mix corn starch and water. Add corn starch to sauce to thicken.

Directions: Risotto

1) In a Pot, using olive oil, saute: onions 2) Add to pot: risotto and water. (Enough water should be added to cover risotto) 3) Cook covered with aluminum foil for 15 - 20 minutes until al dente*.

4) In Saute pan, using canola oil saute: scallops, shrimps, scallions, tomatos, garlic 5) Add to saute pan: lobster sauce and cooked risotto and mix * can be cooked longer depending on preference Plating the Seafood Risotto 1) Set plate, using desired mold to shape the risotto 2) Gently spoon the risotto into the mold by patting it down 3) Let risotto sit for 30 seconds to set the shape. Gently remove mold.

4) Using spoon cover risotto with remaining lobster sauce by placing on top and around the risotto 5) Garnish with chives and serve Serves 6 Submitted by Breno Donatti of Bistro 7 Farm to Fork Restaurant at 991 Danbury Rd in Wilton. Recipe by Chef Alex Serrano. Bistro 7 uses as many local ingredients and purveyors as possible. Visit Bistro 7 at www.bistro7wilton.com. 203-587-1287, breno@bistro7wilton.com. At Bistro 7 we offer you a seasonally changing menu which allows us to make sure we are using the best ingredients possible; supporting the farmers and producers of our surroundings as much as possible, and sourcing wine and beer that are actually “worth the sip.” We are part of the Slow Food movement and the Non GMO project. Please note this correction to the December issue braised short rib recipe.

The kosher salt amounts should be teaspoons, NOT tablespoons. We apologize for any inconvenience. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Saving Lives with Infrared Thermal Imaging

T

he history of thermography can be traced back to when the first cave woman felt the forehead of the first cave baby.

Excess heat is a sign of inflammation, infection, or another pathological process in the body. Many early physicians knew this.

Hippocrates put a clay/ mud mixture on his patients to see which areas dried first. He labeled those areas “areas of pathology.”

A Long History of Taking Temperatures Most of us grew up in households where school could only be missed if we had a temperature higher than 98.6. Typically, a parent would take our oral temperature to determine if we had a systemic infection. Modern hospitals take body temperatures on the initial intake. Early 20th-century medical research focused on taking temperature readings of smaller body regions. The theory that the body is symmetrical both anatomically and physiologically was explored.

Point-to-point comparative temperature analyses were made and shown to be effective in diagnosing diseases. As technology improved, finer temperature differences were studied.

In 1956, Dr. Robert Lawson of Montreal published the first paper on diagnosing breast cancer with thermal studies. This approach to breast cancer detection caught on quickly and many researchers dedicated their careers to refining this science. Other pathologies also were explored with thermography, including thyroid disease, cerebrovascular function, neurology, and other systemic diseases.

Politics Wins, Women Lose By 1982, the use of thermography for the above diseases had cleared the FDA and was covered by Medicare. Unfortunately, various politically-oriented special-interest groups were heavily promoting radiographic methods, and by July 20, 1984, Medicare stopped paying for thermography for breast-cancer screening. This led to physicians recommending mammography instead of thermography.

Only a few diehards, who realized the tremendous benefits thermography offered, stayed the course with thermography.

Nearly 100% Accurate in Detecting Breast Cancer More than 800 research articles have been published on breast screening and thermography, a proven technology with an approximate mean accuracy of 95%. A recent study performed by New York-Presbyterian Hospital at Cornell showed 97% sensitivity as it identified 58 of 60 tumors accurately. Today, thermography is practiced mostly by alternative doctors.

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

By Anthony Piana, DC, FPACT Alexander Sepper, MD, PhD

Tumors Found 8-10 Years Sooner Long before breast cancer registers as a solid impenetrable density on an X-ray, more commonly referred to as a mammogram, it develops a network of vascularity called angioneogensis, which feeds the developing tumor. The heat associated with the blood flow in these vessels is picked up by thermal sensing cameras. A good analogy is newly planted grass: Long before new grass can be seen, a network of roots must develop. A mammogram cannot see anything until the grass sprouts, while the thermal camera shows the developing roots.

Two parallel studies, one undertaken in the former Soviet Union and the other conducted at the University of Wisconsin, showed that approximately 70% of tumors will register on a thermogram 8-10 years before they can be seen on a mammogram. This extra time allows patients and doctors who work with this technology to improve lifestyles and to actually reverse many risk factors and developing cancers.

With the current poor outcomes of mammograms, as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine recently, it is truly time for all the ‘tools in the shed’ to be used. Mammograms are only 83.3% effective at identifying breast cancer in women over 50, and the effectiveness is much lower when applied to the general population of women (due to dense breast).

Saving Young Women Currently, there is no screening available for women in their 20s and 30s; these young women are left to fend for themselves.

Sadly, in the U.S. alone, approximately 20,000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, many times finding their own cancers when they are in stage 3 and have spread to the lymph nodes. Annual thermography can significantly limit the tragedy of unnecessary mortality and of young families left behind.

Lymphatic System/ Immunity The most ignored and abused system in the body is the lymphatic system. There is no anatomical test that can locate areas of non-pathological lymphatic blockages. But thermography does identify areas of lymphatic congestion where blocked fluids have accumulated in the surface areas of the body. We are subjected to

many pathogens from external sources that reside in our sinuses and gums. Dentists understand how important oral health is with the relationship to heart disease and even breast cancer. The truth is that bacteria and other toxins spread from the gums to the body through channels in the lymphatic system.

Contributing factors include poor posture, inflammatory foods, injuries, and many other insults to the delicate nature of lymphatic vessels. An overabundance of toxins and lack of lymphatic circulation will wall off the system and create a stagnant pool of toxicity in local areas. These putrid pools become breeding grounds for disease and cancer.

The effect of this is widely known, but these pools of toxicity were impossible to see and so were ignored. With recent advances in thermal technology we now are able to identify these regions and address them with natural methods. We can actually see if our approach is working and if progress is being made.

Keeping in mind that our entire wellbeing and resistance to cancer and disease relies on a healthy immune system, it is imperative that we evaluate the lymphatic system and make adjustments to our lifestyle accordingly.

Inflammatory Response The human inflammatory response is a primitive reaction to wall-off injuries and infection. It does an effective job at this and

without it we would have perished eons ago. The challenge is that when we respond to these conditions, we overproduce scar tissue in all areas affected. Many important filters in our body self-destruct in the process of detoxification. We are exposed to so many toxins that our small filters in the liver and kidneys cannot keep up with the demand and inflammation occurs. This creates scarring of these elements. The filter system in our bodies evolved over a period of time when there were far fewer environmental toxins than there are today. The filter size was made for a go-cart but today’s environment calls for a diesel-truck sized filter. Thermography is extremely useful for identifying these areas of toxic load and is an integral part of any detox program.

Other inflammatory diseases may be identified on thermal imaging. These include thyroid dysfunction, skin cancer, arthritis, and some abdominal disorders.

surgery are over-prescribed, thermography serves a great function to visualize health function. There is a slow cross-over from anatomical medicine to functional medicine by mainstream practitioners. Thermography remains ahead of the curve and is a valuable method of testing. We recommend an annual full-body exam for men and women of all ages.

Submitted by Dr. Anthony Piana, Board Certified Clinical Thermologist, AMIT, Fellow of the Professional Academy of Clinical Thermaology (FPACT) and Dr. Alexander Sepper, MD, Ph.D, leading authority on thermographic imaging and how it relates the female body in the world. Breast Thermography International has introduced medical thermal imaging, a growing and effective method of identifying human disease, to physicians around the world. For more information, call 877-315-SCAN or visit www. btiscan.com. See ad on page 14.

Radiation Free: How it Works Thermal imaging senses infrared radiation emitted from your body and does not produce radiation. It is safe to use thermography as often as needed. There is no need to wait between screening and this makes it useful for performing comparative imaging to see a response to treatment.

It is important to understand that thermal imaging does not ‘see’ inside the body, but more importantly reveals the physiologic and metabolic function of the area studied.

In a world where medicine, radiation, and

Essential Reiki Weekends Learn the Ancient Art of Healing Reiki I $150 Reiki II $150 Reiki III $300 Full Weekend / Prepay $600 February 28–March 2 April 11–13

Save the Date !

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Maneeley’s Banquet Facility 65 Rye Street, South Windsor, CT

$69 Early Bird Special $95 after March 1st, 2014

Breakfast!

Panel Discussions!

Breakout Sessions!

Lunch!

Book Signings!

Exhibitors!

For More Information Visit www.essentialreiki.com

D’Hartma February 21 March 21 April 18 Soul Transference Channeling Session with Lynn LaFountain www.dhartma.com

New This Year! After Hours Networking Event at Mill on the River 22 Morgan Farms Drive, South Windsor, CT 06074 • (860) 644-9442

860-482-2974 • Credit Cards Gladly Accepted

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The Statin Battle Intensifies

By Christopher Saltpaw, ND

H

ave you heard? A huge shift has occurred in medicine.

For years, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL—the ‘good’ cholesterol) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL—the ‘bad’ cholesterol) were used to define our chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Doctors would treat us with statins and other medicines based on those numbers. Over the years, many people have disagreed with that approach, including me. Studies have found that other factors, such as inflammation and blood-sugar levels, are just as important if not more so. In addition, I always have advocated a multifaceted approach which encompasses diet, lifestyle, genetics, and living environment.

In November 2013, new treatment guidelines for cholesterollowering drugs (statins) were released. Now, when you go to your doctor, your risk for a heart attack or stroke will be assigned a number, based on a number of factors including age, sex, race (white or African American only—there’s not enough data on other nationalities yet), blood pressure, current treatment for blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL, diagnosis of diabetes, and whether or not you’ve ever smoked. You will receive a prescription for statins if your risk of having a heart attack in the next 10 years is determined to be 7.5% or above.

Twice as Many Statin Prescriptions?

The new treatment guidelines discard the specific numerical targets that have been used to monitor treatment in the past; a strategy never proven to prevent heart attack or stroke. The problem is

that many claim that the new risk-calculator grossly over estimates a person’s risk—so much so that it is estimated that twice as many prescriptions for statins will be given, and people will be advised to stay on them for far too long.

Despite the significant amount of evidence that statins have dangerous side effects and don’t reduce the risk of death for most people, and that lowering cholesterol will only slightly decrease a person’s risk of stroke and heart attack, this is where we have gotten.

So where do we go from here?

What’s Missing from the New Guidelines?

Missing from the new guidelines are target parameters for treatment, and more predictive parameters of our risk. Here are a few ideas:

LDL: The Bad Cholesterol Cholesterol is transported throughout the body by lipoproteins, which are special protein particles in the blood. These lipoproteins are classified according to their density; two of the most important in cardiovascular disease are LDL and HDL. Imagine your bloodstream is like a highway. The lipoproteins are like cars that carry the cholesterol and fats around your body, and the cholesterol and fats are like passengers in the cars. Scientists used to believe that the number of passengers in the car (i.e. the concentration of cholesterol in the LDL particle) was the driving factor in the development of heart disease, More recent studies, however, suggest that it’s the number of cars on the road (i.e. LDL particles) that matters most. LDL exists either as large, buoyant particles or as smaller, dense particles (sdLDL). The latter is more easily oxidized (attacked by unstable particles that cause damage, like rust on metal), has a higher affinity for vessel walls, and remains in circulation longer because it is less likely to be cleared by the liver, so it hardens the arteries more than the larger more buoyant particles.

Blood-sugar issues or insulin resistance, poor thyroid function, leaky gut, infections, and genetics all may cause elevated particle number, but there is still much that needs to be learned.

What You Can Do Because the new guidelines rightly discarded the use of LDL cholesterol in monitoring statin treatment, you may ask your doctor to instead check for LDL particle size, particle number, and oxidized LDL, which are all more closely related to stroke and heart attack risk.

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

Treating the cause, taking antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C to slow down the damaging oxidizing process, exercising, making dietary changes (like eating more fruit and leafy-green vegetables), eliminating wheat, and reducing sugar and simple refined carbohydrates, can correct these values.

HDL: The Good Cholesterol HDL particles pick up cholesterol from many cells in the body and blood vessel walls, thereby inhibiting plaque formation and vessel narrowing. The particles then deliver the cholesterol to the liver and in turn to the small intestine for excretion. The amount of cholesterol on the particle is measured by most doctors and is considered good when high. Increasing HDL cholesterol has been a target therapy for many years. However, recent studies have proven that extremely low HDL cholesterol is not consistently correlated with early coronary heart disease and extremely high levels are not consistently protective against coronary heart disease.

More importantly, interventional trials repeatedly fail to show a protective benefit from raising HDL cholesterol levels in humans.

The National Lipid Association released a statement in May 2013 that states the following: 1) Increasing HDL cholesterol can no longer be a target of therapy; 2) HDL cholesterol and particle are different; 3) Efforts to better understand HDL particle must be redoubled.

What this means to you is that your standard HDL cholesterol lab value may not mean much. Although there is a lot that remains to be learned about HDL particles, testing for HDL particle size and number instead of just HDL cholesterol can give us valuable information about your risk.

Inflammation is a Better Risk Indicator Inflammation is the body’s response to noxious substances. In the case of heart disease, when the lining of the artery is damaged by oxidized cholesterol, cigarette smoke, and hypertension, white

blood cells flock to the site, resulting in inflammation. Inflammation damages the artery walls, leaving them stiffer and more prone to plaque buildup, and makes any plaque that’s already there more fragile and more likely to burst. It is the primary cause of heart attack and stroke and is a better risk indicator than cholesterol. Tests for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase a2, and myeloperoxidase can determine your levels of inflammation. Dietary changes, weight loss, exercise, and increased consumption of fish oils can slow inflammation.

Statins Cholesterol is produced in the body and is also absorbed through our intestines. Some people have elevated cholesterol due to overproduction of it in the body; these people will benefit more from statin treatment. Other people absorb too much cholesterol in their intestines. They may benefit more from diet changes. In the event that you do start on statin therapy, you can ask your doctor to test your producer or absorber status. You can even request genetic testing to determine your risk of suffering from negative side effects from the statins. Other strategies are available to assess and decrease your risk of heart disease. Contact your doctor to discuss all of the options available.

ProNatural Physicians Group, LLC is a network of naturopathic doctors that serve patients throughout Connecticut. The member-based organization provides administrative support such as insurance coding for service reimbursement and insurance credentialing. Interested NDs may contact Dr. Ann Aresco for membership information.

Based in Norwalk, Dr. Christopher Saltpaw is a naturopathic doctor and member of ProNatural Physicians Group. Dr. Saltpaw specializes in cardiology, blood sugar issues, men’s health and gastroenterology. He can be reached at (203) 278-2115 and www.DrSaltpaw. com. To learn more about naturopathic medicine, or to find a licensed naturopathic doctor near you, visit ProNaturalPhysicians. com. Most ProNatural Physicians Group NDs are providers for major insurance carriers. ProNatural Physicians Group, 355 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT, 06037. 860-505-0702. www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com. ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net. See ad on page 25.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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HAPPENINGS Saturday, January 25th Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory & Terminology Course. (May be a Stand Alone Class) *pre-requisite for Chinese Herbology Program w/ Laura Mignosa, NCCH. Also Jan. 26, Feb. 1,2. 9:30 - 4:30 PM (28 CEU), $479.00. This course offers a student the opportunity to learn about the terminology and diagnostic skills needed for accurately recognizing the clinical signs and symptoms of each organ pattern of disharmony. Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies, 912 Corbin Avenue (RT 372), New Britain. 860826-2705 www.CTHerbschool.com.

Saturday, February 1st Printing Play: Part 2 $75. 11-3:30pm. Create multiple colorful prints using simple technique and intuitive inner creator. Collage and paint added to make finished handmade cards. No prior art experience needed!

Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss, to register call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon. For more info visit www.elisabethmoss.com.

Sunday, February 2nd Reiki I. 9a.m. – 5p.m. $125.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for self-healing and healing others.

Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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Thursday, February 6th Wholistic HCG Fat Loss Program. Free Educational Seminar. Start Your New Year off right, and get in shape. Reach Your Weight Loss Goal at Last. Learn how you can lose up to 30 pounds in 40 days with our UNIQUE, safe and effective, medically supervised weight loss program. 6-7pm Glastonbury Naturopathic Center, 18 School St. Glastonbury.

Call 860-657-4105 to reserve your space. www.naturopathicwellness.com.

Friday, February 7th So You Want to be a Medium? 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Are you ready to take your intuitive skills to the next step by connecting with angels, guides and loved ones in the spirit world? Participants will learn the differences between mediumship and psychic ability, how to receive messages clearly and how to know who you are working with in the spirit world. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, February 8th Psychic Saturday. 10am. – 4pm. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury.

To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Get Your Toes Wet: Intro to Expressive Art. 12:30-3:30pm. $45 includes materials. A spacious, playful environment allows you to open up and begin to trust the artist within.

Create authentic imagery using paint, col-

Tues., Wed., Fri. 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, and Sat. 10-5

Natural Natural Nutmeg Nutmeg February/March February/March 2014 2014

lage, and drawing materials. Guided meditation & breath awareness opens the door to our body, heart and the unlimited possibilities we carry. Nourish and recharge your creative connection. No prior art experience needed. Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss, to register call 860-550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon. For more info visit www.elisabethmoss.com.

Improve Posture and Balance with the Alexander Technique. Free. 9am-10am. Do you experience tension or fatigue? Do you wish you had better posture and balance? In this class you will learn to prevent aches and pains by aligning your body naturally. Handson guidance from teacher will help you too remove tension and move more freely. Call 860-656-6177, or email info@millerAT.com to register, space is limited. Miller Alexander Technique, Farmington, CT. www.millerat. com.

Sunday, February 9th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10a.m.

– 12noon. $25. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

IN-2-IT Kids Spiritual Development Program. 1p.m. – 2:30p.m. $15.00. Do you have an intuitive child who needs to be with like-minded people? This is a monthly program for kids to help them develop and better understand their intuitive gifts. Each month participants will practice meditation techniques and then work with a variety of skills to develop their intuitive gifts. Parental

permission required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Gathering of Healers with Dan Lupacchino.

3pm. – 6pm. $10 minimum donation. A Gathering place for healing practitioners to share, socialize and recharge. As healers, we are often so focused on caring for others that we neglect ourselves. Share the gifts of healing energies with other practitioners in a safe, nurturing and fun environment. All healing modalities welcome if they can fit in within the context of a Reiki treatment. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, February 12th Healing in Harmony Night. 5p.m. – 7p.m.

FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, February 13th Gluten-Free Living. No Cost. 6pm - 7:30pm.

Come and sample gluten-free goodies while we discuss the basic principles of gluten free eating as well as how to implement a healthy diet. Speaker: Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMTC. The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy, 1 Northwestern Drive, Suite 101, Bloomfield, CT,06002. More information/Register: Info@InstituteofIMT.com.

Saturday, February 15th Spiritual Spa Day. 9:30 a.m. – 6pm. $120.00.

This 90-minute treatment is specifically tailored with YOU in mind. Your package includes a 30-minute Psychic/Mediumship Reading; a 30-minute channeled Energy Healing, and a 30-minute Massage. Receive guidance and support to strengthen your spirit, mind and body. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule your appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, February 16th Integrated Energy Therapy (Iet)®Intermediate Level With Dan Lupacchino And Christine Cartwright. 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. $215.00.

Attune to the energy ray that activates the 3rd and 4th DNA pairs and will empower you to pull energy imprints out of the human energy field. Learn to clear energy imprints from past life karma and methods to esoterically dowse and interpret the blockages. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, February 18th Free Open House and Information Session on Master of Arts and Certificate program in Integrative Health and Healing from the Graduate Institute. 12-1:30 pm in St. Francis Hospital’s Center for Integrative Medicine, 114 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT. Register at learn.edu/events or call (203) 874-4252 or write to admissions@learn.edu.

Dare to be Different. 6:30pm. – 8:30pm. $45.00. Are you feeling stuck? Challenge yourself to make radical changes in the way you respond to life. Understand why you are

stuck, why you stay there and how to get unstuck. Insanity is making the same decisions and expecting different results. Attend this workshop and dare to be different! Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, February 20th Free Open House and Information Session on Master of Arts and Certificate program in Integrative Health and Healing from the Graduate Institute. 4-5:30 pm in Hartford Hospital’s Special Dining Room, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT. Register at learn.edu/ events or call (203) 874-4252 or write to admissions@learn.edu.

Sunday, February 23rd Hair Restoration Seminar. Learn about causes and solutions for hair loss and thinning. 2-4pm. Free. Attendees will see actual success of clients, take part in instant solutions to hair thinning, and learn about the multi-therapeutic approach for continued success. Seating is limited - RSVP a Must.

92 Weston ST, Suite 13, Hartford. For more information, call Donyelle McBride at 860985-2081. Visit www.mcbridehair.com.

Wednesday, February 26th Home Message Circle. 6:30pm. – 8pm. $15.

The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Yoga Tools • Therapeutic Tools • Books • Pamphlets Learn more at www.YogaTools.com • www.LazyManYoga.com NaturalNutmeg.com 39 www.NaturalNutmeg.com 39

HAPPENINGS Thursday, February 27th Free Open House and Information Session on Master of Arts and Certificate program in Integrative Health and Healing from the Graduate Institute. 4 to 5:30 pm in St. Francis Hospital’s Center for Integrative Medicine, 114 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT. Register at learn.edu/events or call (203) 874-4252 or write to admissions@learn.edu.

The 2014 28 Day Guided Cleanse Group: Detox is Good Medicine. Cleanse your body, purge toxins, and feel great! Easy-to-follow program that will get you back on track.

6-7pm. Glastonbury Naturopathic Center, 18 School St. Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860-657-4105 to reserve your space and order your 28 Day Detox Kit! (Program must be pre-paid to attend the group). www.naturopathicwellness.com.

Friday, February 28th Gallery Night. 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. $45.00.

Enjoy an intimate evening of learning about angels and guides and experiencing intuitive readings with medium and certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Priscilla Bengtson.

Everyone in attendance will receive a message. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, March 5th Free Open House and Information Session on Master of Arts and Certificate program in Integrative Health and Healing from the Graduate Institute. 4 to 5:30 pm in Hartford Hospital’s Special Dining Room, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT. Register at learn.edu/ events or call (203) 874-4252 or write to admissions@learn.edu.

ONGOING Tuesday Artmaking From Spirit. 9:30-12:30pm. $175 - includes materials. Connect with spirit within and discover the sacredness of your unique creative expression! Held at The Spiritual Life Center, 303 Tunxis Rd. West Hartford.

To register, call 860-243-2374. Facilitated

by Elisabeth Moss. For more info, visit www. elisabethmoss.com.

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Community style Acupuncture. Sustainable Health & Wellness offers community-style acupuncture at just $20-25/session. Community acupuncture is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, and appointments can be requested online at www.SustainableHW.com.

Wednesday It’s a New Year...Resolve to Evolve! Every Wednesday, we invite you to a FREE class with our trainers and students to explore our Master’s Degree in Counseling, Professional Training for Healers, and Human Relations training program. For more info, call 860236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute. com. Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford.

Muscle Energy and ‘Beyond’ Technique. Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26. $399.00. 6-9pm Instructor: Carol Gordon, PT, IMTC. Learn how to assess & treat joint biomechanical problems of pelvis, sacrum, & lumbosacral junction. Great for the Bodyworker, PT, OT, ATC, & MT. CPTA & NCBTMB Approved for 15 CEHs. The Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy, 1 Northwestern Drive, Suite 101, Bloomfield, CT06002. More information/Register: CSIMT@InstituteofIMT.com.

Take Your Life to the Next Level! Attend a FREE Wednesday evening seminar to learn more about HFI’s Professional Training, Master’s Degree and Human Relations programs.

For more info, call 860-236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com. Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford.

Artmaking From Soul- Finding Beauty In The Darkness. 10-1pm or 5:30-8:30pm. $175.

Includes materials. Artmaking from soul allows you to express yourself where you are, meeting all that you are, with a spirit of exploration, joy and compassion. Meditation, guided visualization, prayer, breath and song are doorways we walk through to enter sacred space prior to creating. Paint, collage and drawing materials used to create with.

Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA Certified Expressive Art facilitator. To register call 860550-0882 Held at 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, Ct 06001 No prior art experience needed!

Thursday Community style Acupuncture. Sustainable Health & Wellness offers community-style acupuncture at just $20-25/session. Community acupuncture is offered every Tuesday and Thursday, and appointments can be requested online at www.SustainableHW.com.

Friday Ellington Winter Farmers’ Market Fridays 4-6pm at the YMCA, 11 Pinney St. Ellington CT. Feb 7th and 14th, March 7 and 14th. Local and fresh produce, seafood, beef, pork, chicken, dairy, baked goods, gluten free baked goods, honey, maple products, alpaca products, soaps, specialty foods, and artisan wares. www.ellingtonfarmersmarket.com.

Low-cost Naturopathic Medical Visits at Sustainable Health & Wellness. Sustainable Health runs Community Naturopathic Clinic on the 2nd Friday of each month, from 10a – 2p. Call 860-217-1171 for details or to make an appointment. The center is located upstairs in the Mill at 2 Tunxis Road, Tariffville (historic Simsbury). Walk-ins are also welcome. Dr Dana Lapointe, along other ProNatural member physicians, holds the clinic monthly. At $50, the visit cost is around the cost of a typical insurance specialist copay.

CLASSIFIED Space for Rent: Perfect space for salon, holistic health center or other alternative medical clinic available immediately. 1375 sq. ft. above long established coffee house in ideal location in Avon by Rt. 44/10. Call Dick Portfolio at 860-676-2661.

Beautiful office space for rent in Hartford Family Institute’s Center for Psychotherapy and Healing Arts located in West Hartford, CT. Practice in supportive community of holistic healing professionals. Call 860-2366009 or email info@hartfordfamilyinstitute. com.

Great opportunity for LMT. The Life Center http://www.thelifecenterofct.com is seeking an experienced practitioner to join our rapidly expanding pain management program. Energy work and/or stress counseling experience desired. Please respond with cover letter, resume, and references. Email to alifecenter@yahoo.com.

ACUPUNCTURE Glastonbury Naturopathic & Acupuncture Center 18 School St. Glastonbury, CT • 860-657-4105 Dr. Helene Pulnik, RPh, MS, ND, L.Ac. www.naturopathicwellness.com info@naturopathicwellness.com See ad on page 17.

Sophia Natural Health Center Kenneth Hoffman, L.Ac., CCH 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804.

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com See ad on page 12.

ALLERGY TREATMENT Wholistic Allergy Solutions 18 School St. Glastonbury, CT • 860-657-4105 Dr. Helene Pulnik, RPh, MS, ND, L.Ac. www.naturopathicwellness.com info@naturopathicwellness.com See ad on page 17.

ART

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 18.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 11.

HEALTH FOOD STORES Parkade Health Shoppe Manchester Parkade, 378 West Middle Tpke, Manchester, CT • 860.646.8178 M-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 9am-6pm See ad on page 11.

Elisabeth Moss Expressive Art 12 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT 06001 860.550.0882 www.elisabethmoss.com elisabethmossart@gmail.com

Thyme and Season Natural Market 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden 06518 www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com 203.407.8128. Open 7 days: M-F 8am-7:30; Sat 9-7:30; Sun 10-5. Our 16th Year! One of the largest selections of natural, organic, non-GMO, glutenfree & vegan foods in the area.

CHIROPRACTIC

Holistic Centers

Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury 2934 Main St.,Glastonbury, CT 860-657-8800 • www.glastonburychiro.com Westside Chiropractic 557 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford,CT (860) 523-5833 • westsidechiropractors.com See ad on page 26.

COLONICS Lifeline Hygienics Colonics 914 921-Life (5433) 150 Theodore Friend Ave., Suite B15 Rye, NY 10580 Tovah@lifelinehygienics.com lifelinehygienics.Com

COLON HYDROTHERAPY Glastonbury Naturopathic Center 18 School St. Glastonbury, CT • 860-657-4105 Dr. Helene Pulnik, RPh, MS, ND, L.Ac. www.naturopathicwellness.com info@naturopathicwellness.com See ad on page 17.

DENTISTRY The Canaan Gentle Dentle & Implant Center Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT (860)824-0751 • www.livingstonedental.com See ad on page 18.

The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy at Regional Physical Therapy 1 Northwestern Drive, Bloomfield, CT 06002 860-243-6571 • Info@InstituteofIMT.com www.InstituteofIMT.com • see ad on page 29.

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 12.

Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

LIFE COACH PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 13.

RESOURCES LIFE COACH Balanced Living Now Kristen Werblow, M.A., CPC 36 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, CT 06037 (860)707-0908 • kristen@balancedlivingnow.com www.balancedlivingnow.com See ad on page 26.

RED TIGER TRAINING Certified life-training for the chronically ill and disabled.

Charles Wachtel, Double kidney-failure survivor Newington, CT 06111 • (860) 794-9516 www.cmwenterprises.net cwachtel@tmo.blackberry.net • available 7 days a week • phone appointments only

MASSAGE All About You Massage Therapy, LLC Cindy Strickland, LMT 396 Lewis Hill Road, Coventry, CT 06238 www.allaboutyoumassagetherapy.net (860)742-5285 • (860)573-6526 CT Lic#006649. Member: AMTA & NCBTMB Elisabeth Moss 12 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT 06001 860.550.0882 www.elisabethmoss.com elisabethmossart@gmail.com Wholistic Spa 18 School Street, Glastonbury, CT. 06033 860-657-4105 • www.wholisticspa.com See ad on page 17.

WellnessWisdom MindBody & CS Therapeutic Massage Therapeutic Bodywork, Massage & Holistic Wellness Suzanne Antal-Proietti, LMT, Certified Coach, 203-434-4209 • wellnesswisdomctmassage.com Candida Sternberg, LMT. 203-690-2977 cstherapeuticmassagect.com 147 East Avenue, 1st Floor, Norwalk, CT 06850

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CT Natural Health Specialists Lauren Gouin, ND, Ashley Burkman, ND 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 7.

Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 28.

Glastonbury Naturopathic & Acupuncture Center 18 School St. Glastonbury, CT • 860-657-4105 Dr. Helene Pulnik, RPh, MS, ND, L.Ac. www.naturopathicwellness.com info@naturopathicwellness.com See ad on page 17.

NaturalNutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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RESOURCES NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

NUTRITION

SCHOOLS

Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Rd, Kensington, CT (860) 829-0707 • drannaresco@comcast.net kensingtonnaturopathic.com See ad on page 25.

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 25.

The Graduate Institute Leslie Cahill, Director of Admissions & Recruitment.

(203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, ND Dr. Renee Mammone, ND John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com William Nager, ND, DC 11 Mountain Ave., Ste. 201, Bloomfield, CT, 06002 (860) 242-8277 • www.drbillnager.com The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 17.

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 23.

ProNatural Physicians Group LLC 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 • 860-505-0702 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com ProNatural Members Dr. Ann Aresco 355 New Britain Road Kensington, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 • F: 860-829-0606 E: draresco@comcast.net • See ad on page 25.

Dr. Rick Cooper 258 Main Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 P: 203-229-0164 E: contact@rickcoopernd.com Dr. Marcos de Escobar 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 101 Waterbury, CT 06708 P: 203-757-9336 • E: cosnd1@gmail.com Dr. Summer McAllister 71 East Avenue, Suite D, Norwalk, CT 06851 P: 877-437-3537 • F: 917-456-0362 E: drsummermcallister@gmail.com Dr. Jonathan Ritz 37 West Town Road Lebanon, CT 06249 • P: 860-281-7489 E: drjon@drjonritz.com

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Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014 Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014

Thyme and Season Natural Market 3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden 06518 www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com 203.407.8128 Open 7 days: M-F 8am-7:30; Sat 9-7:30; Sun 10-5 Our 16th Year! One of the largest selections of natural, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free & vegan foods in the area.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 61 S. Main St, Ste 210, West Hartford, CT (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care 15 Bennitt St., New Milford, CT (860) 354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.intranets.com

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSCIAN Osteopathic Wellness Center, LLC David L. Johnston, DO • Lisa Preston, DO 158 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203) 438-9915 • www.osteopathicwellness.net See ad on page 9.

PSYCHOTHERAPY Inner Change Holistic Counseling Deni Weber, MA, LPC, DCEP Weston, CT. • 203-544-6094 DeniWeber.com

RELATIONSHIP COACH PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME • Relationship Coach 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 13.

SCHOOLS Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies LauraMignosa, NCCH 912 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052 (860) TCM-2705 • www.ctherbschool.com.

See ad on page 26.

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon.

(860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 23.

SPA/FLOATATION SERVICES iFloat 163 Main Street. Westport, CT 06880 Phone: 203-26-7378 Website: ifloatspa.net • Email:info@ifloatspa.net

THERMOGRAPHY Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804.

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com See ad on page 12.

X to Rays, LLC Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT 866.986.7297 or 203.331.2878 www.xtorays.com • See ad on page 21.

YOGA / PILATES CENTERS Cyndi Roberts Yoga RYT-200, Certified Therapeutic Yoga Instructor Private Therapeutic & Gentle Yoga Studio 1426 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 860-517-9322. www.yogawithcr.com One-on-one sessions. By appointment only.

Sacred Rivers Yoga Paula Scopino LMT, E-RYT 500 IAYT, Owner 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033 PH. 860.657.9545 • FAX. 860.657.3161 www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Sacred Movement Yoga 10 Sims Road (Bishop’s Corner) West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 860.990.2555 • www.mysacredmovement.com.

Visit our Facebook page!

West Hartford Yoga 23 Brook Street, West Hartford, CT 06110 PH: 860.953.9642 www.westhartfordyoga.com info@westhartfordyoga.com www.westhartfordyoga.com Offering 70 weekly classes

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Board certified Internal Medicine Functional Medicine practitioner

“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?”

I help restore balance so that you can look, feel and function your best.

Areas of Focus: • Adrenal Fatigue • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bone Loss • Detoxification • Food Sensitivities • Heavy Metal Testing & Oral Chelation • Leaky gut • Menopause & Andropause • Mind Body Medicine

Many of my patients are simply looking for someone who will listen.

Functional Medicine explores the root cause symptoms: Fatigue • Brain Fog • Sugar Cravings • Headaches • Depression • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight • Insomnia Dr. Cherrone, founder of Natural Health & Healing, provides Functional Medicine with emphasis on patient education and self care for optimal health.

CALL DR. CHERRONE TODAY AT (860) 677-4600

• Neurotransmitter Testing • Nutritional & Lifestyle Counseling • Thyroid • Weight Loss

61 S. Main St., West Hartford, CT • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net 44

Natural Nutmeg February/March 2014