Natural Nutmeg August 2013

August 2013

Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Natural Nutmeg The Science of Addictive JUNK FOOD Paul D. Tortland, DO

The Beginning of the END Bernie Siegel, MD

Tools for a Healthy Freshman Year Penelope McDonnell, ND What Does it Take to Raise a Child Naturally?

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD Natural Treatment for OCD in Children Alison Caldwell-Andrews, PhD

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Natural Nutmeg August 2013

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Featured Content The Science of Addictive Junk Food Paul D. Tortland, DO 10 What Does it Take to Raise a Child Naturally?

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD 22 Tools for a Healthy Freshman Year Penelope McDonnell, ND 24

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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 good health.

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

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING SALES Adrian Dean Adrian@naturalnutmeg.com Advertising@naturalnutmeg.com

Natural Treatment for OCD in Children Alison Caldwell-Andrews, PhD 26

ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, M.D. 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

Departments The BUZZ 6

INTERNS Margaret Keane Jacqui Mastrianni

BERNIE 8 DISH 21

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PREvENTION 29

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

REMEDIES 32

P.O. Box 447, Avon, CT 06001 Ph. (860)206-9500 • Fax (860)263-8505

SELF 34

In keeping with our concern for the environment, Natural Nutmeg is proudly printed on recycled paper with soy based inks.

NOURISH 36 HAPPENINGS 38 RESOURCES 41 4

Natural Nutmeg August 2013

DISTRIBUTION FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg.

Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut. Please call for a location near you. (860) 206-9500 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com.

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© 2007-13 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved.

Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

PuBLISheR'SLeTTeR

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don’t think I’ve ever included a story from another writer in my publisher’s letter, but this short article from a reader was a special exception. In response to my June letter about animal totems, Maria O’Donnell sent me this beautiful article that I thought I would share with you all. Enjoy!

It’s summer! Butterflies are everywhere. I love to spot my first fluttering, delicate-winged friend, and often mark my initial sighting in my journal, along with the strains of the first peeper frogs. The seasons of spring and summer feel official that way.

Because all winter, I don’t really think of butterflies – other natural wonders float through the air, namely, snowflakes!

But when the butterflies return, I think of when my daughter, Michelle, was younger. In second grade, her class project was to care for a Painted Lady butterfly cocoon and release the newly re-birthed bright orange winged creature from our home when it emerged. I remember the moment that Painted Lady set out on her own. Michelle and I, breathless and excited, even a little sad, watched her flap freely away from us.

A year later, in the springtime of her third grade, Michelle exclaimed, “Look! It’s my butterfly, the Painted Lady!” Sure enough, a similar looking insect did airborne cartwheels in our midst. I touched her shoulder. “She came back to visit and

say thank you!”

Next springtime, I had a butterfly of my own. I spend lots of time outdoors everyday and, that season, I noticed an abundance of Tiger Swallowtails, palm-sized yellow butterflies with black stripes, and feather-like, tapered tail ends on their wings. Every bike ride or run, I’d see at least one along the way, if not two or three. So, following in the innocent footsteps of my daughter, I pretended that every Tiger Swallowtail was the same one, no matter where I saw her. I called her my Guardian Angel. After almost a week of consistent sightings, I’d become accustomed to, even anticipating, seeing her. She didn’t show up one day during a run. Not the next day. Or the next. Where was my Guardian Angel? Had she abandoned me?

My grown-up mind assumed that this species no longer flourished at this particular time in the season, or had migrated to a different location. But I still thought about my Guardian Angel. Not seeing her somehow made me feel vulnerable.

Finally, one day during my run, out of nowhere there she was, making airborne cartwheels toward me, almost flying against my chest. I reached out my hands, and she playfully fluttered before me, then arced upward and across the street. Smiling, I went on, knowing I’d see her again. I wasn’t disappointed. Almost every day, she’d be there, on this street or that; on a grassy hill or flying over my garage roof – and that’s when Michelle saw her and excitedly pointed her out to me. Apparently, it triggered her own innocent memory. “Do you remember my Painted Lady, and how she used to visit us?”

Instantly, I replied, “Oh, yes, I remember,” then thought, isn’t it amazing how the cliché “out of sight, out of mind” rings so true? Yet, whether it’s Michelle’s Painted Lady or my Guardian Angel, it reminds me that we don’t always have to see the things that mean so much to us, and sometimes they don’t have to be seen at all.

Just knowing they exist is enough.

In health and happiness,

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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The Buzz Sophia Natural Health Now Accepting Resumes for New Acupuncturist/Medical Director

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f you are frustrated with a slow-growing practice and are interested in both financial and practice success, this position may be for you. The right candidate would have a minimum of 5 years experience, an interest in a high volume functional medicine based approach. Additionally, you must be highly motivated and energetic with good leadership and people skills.

SOPHIA Natural Health Center is located in Brookfield, CT. You can fax a resume to 203-740-9301 or email jobs@sophianaturalhealth.com We are interested in filling this position as soon as possible.

SOPHIA Natural Health Center, 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT. 06804. www.sophianaturalhealth.com.

TGI Hosts “Accelerated Admissions Wednesdays”

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he days of applying for graduate school and waiting weeks for news from the admissions office are over. Understanding that today’s learners need flexible, convenient options to keep up with their busy lives, The Graduate Institute (TGI) has announced it will host “Accelerated Admissions Wednesdays” beginning July 10th.

Accelerated Admissions Wednesdays provide an opportunity for prospective students to meet TGI’s faculty and staff, submit their admissions materials, complete an on-site interview, discuss their financial options and payment plans, and receive an admissions decision all in the same afternoon. Prospective students can sign up for a time slot on any Wednesday through August 28th between 2 - 6 pm.

“This is a great opportunity for adults balancing work and family to get the most out of their time,” says TGI Admissions Director Jennifer McLain. “A new student can complete their entire admissions process in one afternoon, when it normally takes weeks. And they can leave with the confidence that they are on the right track to starting their Master’s degree or Certificate program in the fall.”

After the overwhelming success of the first two Accelerated Admissions Days it hosted in March and June of this year, TGI decided to include Accelerated Admissions Wednesdays in its lineup of lifestyle-friendly programs for today’s learners.

TGI is currently enrolling for new cohorts in the Master of Arts programs in Learning and Thinking, Organizational Leadership, Consciousness Studies, Integrative Health and Healing, and a new Certificate program in Integrative Health Coaching and Patient Navigation, beginning in summer and fall 2013.

To register for an Accelerated Admissions Wednesday, please contact Jennifer McLain, Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Outreach, at (203) 874-4252 or mclain@learn.edu. Appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please register ahead of time to guarantee a spot. See ad on page 11.

Cloris Kylie Launches “Magnificent Time” on Blog Radio

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nspirational writer and speaker Cloris Kylie Stock started a new online radio show on Blogtalkradio.com. The show Magnificent Time celebrates the magnificence inside of every person. The show features provocative interviews with people who live at higher levels of awareness, and conversations about self-actualization. Live audience participation is a key element of the show. Show times vary.

Cloris Kylie Stock, MBA, is a career, academic, and life coach from Simsbury, CT. She is a sought-after lecturer who has achieved the highest Toastmasters designations in communication and leadership. Cloris is passionate about writing. She is expected to publish her first self-improvement book in 2014. With her new book, Stock is fulfilling her calling to help people realize their maximum potential. Her blog is http://selfactualizedlife.blogspot.com.

For information on upcoming shows, visit http://www.blogtalkradio. com/magnificent.

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Natural Nutmeg August 2013

Detect Tooth Decay without X-rays Trumbull dentist the first in New England with the technology

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newly-introduced diagnostic tool, just approved by the FDA, has been acquired by Dr. Mark Breiner, DDS, Trumbull, his office announced today. The technology, called The Canary Early Warning System, introduces an approach to detecting tooth decay without x-rays. It is named for the idiomatic “canaries in a coal mine” which were used to warn miners of the presence of dangerous methane gas.

“As a patient, would you want to wait until you had a cavity that needed filling, or would you want to be warned early enough to reverse the damage? There are a host of drawbacks to the traditional methods of diagnosis. This system, which allows us to “see” below the surface of a tooth, is a significant improvement for dentists,” said Dr. Mark Breiner. “Our acquisition of The Canary System is exciting.

We are among the first dozen dentists in the entire country, and the very first in New England, to offer this ground-breaking technology.”

The device utilizes low-power laser light technology to identify the earliest stages of tooth decay. At such early stages, there are steps patients can take to reverse the damage before a filling is needed: changes in diet, better home care, use of homeopathic tissue salts, supplementation, and special re-mineralization pastes.

“Approximately 50% of a tooth’s minerals are already lost by the time a traditional X-ray can detect the damage, and by then it’s too late – a filling is needed,” Breiner said. The Canary System also detects decay in areas not distinguishable in an X-ray, including the margins of a filling, on the chewing surface, the root surface, and the side surfaces of the teeth. While the system will not replace Xrays entirely, it will help reduce the number needed – an advantage particularly beneficial to children.

“Canary uses a pulsating laser to scan the teeth and detect tiny lesions without exposing the patient to radiation. Readings on each tooth indicate whether or not demineralization, or decay, is present, along with the severity of the condition,” Breiner said.

Tooth decay, and the myriad relationships between the entire body and dental health, are explored in Breiner’s award-winning book, Whole-Body Dentistry: A Complete Guide to Understanding the Impact of Dentistry on Total Health.

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

The Beginning of the End The best part of a good man never dies. You will see him in all the things here out of love and for love…The best part of a good man stays forever for love is immortal and makes all things immortal but hate dies every minute. ~ William Saroyan

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t may seem strange for me to start a discussion about how to handle loss and the death of loved ones by saying that death is not the worst outcome. There is a point in everyone’s life, no matter their species, when one’s body no longer will function and is not a comfortable place to be in.

Symbolically, when people draw purple balloons, butterflies and kites going up into the sky they are telling me, often unconsciously, that they are ready for the healing that comes when they make the spiritual transition and leave their bodies. Death is about beginnings and not endings. We do not call graduations terminations we call them commencements, and so is death. Every caterpillar and butterfly understands what the transformation means better than most people.

Saroyan shares these words at the end of a story in which a young man dies; he becomes “dreamless, unalive, perfect”. And I know that he is right. I have experienced a near death experience as a four year old choking on a toy.

I aspirated, and I can tell you when you leave your body you will most likely not want to come back. Even blind people see when they have a NDE and are often upset when resuscitated and find themselves back in their body and blind again.

Harry Chapin’s song, “Circle”, shares these words: “It seems like I’ve been here before; I can’t remember when; But I have this funny feeling; That we’ll all be together again….Our love is like a circle; Let’s go ’round one more time”. Yes, when the circle ends we grieve the loss of our loved ones, which is appropriate, but to live in the darkness is not what we are here for.

I can remember building a cairn over the grave of one of our dogs who died and bringing a rock to the site every morning as I walked by his grave. Then one morning I thought what I wanted to bring him was beauty, so I picked a flower to place there. From that morning on 8

Natural Nutmeg August 2013

I looked for beauty because of my loss and not a cold stone.

I have written about the candle that represents every one of our dead loved ones. I do not want to put out their candles with my excessive grieving and tears. I have learned to forgive myself as I know they would forgive me, and to use my pain to nourish myself and others and make our lives meaningful. When one is hungry one does not get angry at one’s body. You seek nourishment.

Animals and children are complete and can be our teachers. When a cat named Missy came into our home, and I didn’t notice she wasn’t eating well, I felt enormous grief and guilt when she developed liver failure and died. Her grave and cairn lies in the yard outside our door and I think of her often, but I also know she has forgiven me and wants me to enjoy the day. In her honor I do more for animals. As a young man said prior to dying, “What is evil is not the disease but to not respond with compassion to the person with the disease”. We must use our loss and express our compassion and when we do the curse becomes a blessing and helps us to become complete too.

The key is enjoying the day as all animals do. The way to die laughing is to accomplish what you are here to accomplish, and animals do that much better than we do. To quote a veterinarian who let her patients help her through surgery, “I can amputate a leg or jaw and they wake up and lick their owner’s faces.

They are here to love and be loved and teach us a few things.”

A Hindu myth shares the words of a seven year old who is about to give his life to save another, “Consider this, sooner or later my body will perish, but if it perishes without love, which the wise declare is the only thing of permanence, of what use will it have been?” When he is about to die he bursts into joyful laughter and everyone stops and clasps

their hands together in an attitude of prayer.

The other, and more practical aspect of dying laughing, is to remember the things you or others have done and tell stories about what you remember. Let your departed loved ones bring a smile to your face and life. Animals have no trouble doing this but we, the incomplete species, need to learn to let the child out and to not be normal. Be a character and live my WWLD when in doubt. What Would Lassie Do? Or if you want to, ask yourself what your departed beloved pet would want you to do...and do it.

Also remember we have a great deal to say about when we die. So do not feel guilty if your beloved dies when you are not present. I have seen this with our pets (who wait for family members to leave), and with my parents and patients. My father and some of our animals had no problem sharing their last minutes sharing stories while I knew my mother and some of our animals would not die when their loved ones were in the room with them.

So share your love but also give them time to be with others and leave the room if you think they will feel better with you not experiencing their death.

Since consciousness is not local there is still a part of all our departed loved ones that is still here for us to experience and share with. I could tell endless stories about the experiences of loved ones who have lost family members or animals and had them return spiritually or symbolically after their death. My mother’s name was Rose. After she died, we kept finding roses and pennies everywhere.

Finding pennies is my way of knowing I am on the right path and my mom’s great grandchildren started spontaneously calling them pennies from heaven. This consciousness will eventually become a part of the consciousness of those who come after us, so remember life is a school and the more you learn the more you can pass on to future generations.

When our beloved Smudge Bunny died I played a tape someone had given me as I drove to pick up her body. Dear Barbra Streisand sang to me…“They say there’s a universal plan for every woman, for every man; But in our darkest hour it’s hard to understand why did the right road take the wrong turn?

Why did our heart break and why did we get burned? Just like the seasons there are reasons for the path we take. There are no mistakes; just lessons to be learned.”

I will stop now with this thought for you to reflect upon. If death were the worst outcome, would Abraham, Jesus and Noah have done what they did by following their Lord’s desires? Why didn’t Abraham bargain with God over His request for his son to be sacrificed or Jesus, who could walk on water, hop off the cross? And how come Noah didn’t argue for more people and animals to be saved? Maybe they knew that the problem is living and death is not the worst outcome but a chance to go home and be perfect again. Or as my quadriplegic father-in-law called it, “You just fall up.” And when he was tired of his body he did just that and spent no time dying. He just refused his vitamins and dinner and fell up that evening.

Death is the greatest teacher there is about life; so live and learn.

Bernie runs a Woodbridge Cancer Support group on the second and fourth Tuesday 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.

Wisdom of the Ages, a special place to nurture your spiritual side. It's filled with items to calm the mind, heal the body & empower your spirit. They also provide massages & monthly meditation classes. Wisdom of the Ages is owned by Bernie's son & daughterin-law, Keith & Jane Siegel. Located at 1408 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury. Please call for info or to register for Bernie's group. (860) 6511172, www.wisdomoftheages.biz. See ad on page 13.

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The Science of Addictive Junk Food

By Paul D. Tortland, D.O.

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e are under attack. Rarely am I sensational or histrionic, and I eschew writers who inflame passions simply to make a point or to sell stories. Let the information speak for itself and let readers draw their own conclusions. But in this case I cannot sit back quietly as I write this.

For years, the commercial food industry has been quietly waging a concerted campaign of nutritional assault on Americans, doggedly pursuing a conscious effort—taking place in labs and marketing meetings and grocery-store aisles—to get people hooked on foods that are convenient and inexpensive, all in the pursuit of an ever-growing portion (pardon the pun) of market share.

The Game Changer How do they do this? Enter food-industry legend, Howard Moskowitz. Moskowitz, who studied mathematics and holds a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Harvard, runs a consulting firm in White Plains, New York, where for more than three decades he has “optimized” a variety of products for Campbell Soup, General Foods, Kraft, and PepsiCo. “I’ve optimized soups. I’ve optimized pizzas. I’ve optimized salad dressings and pickles. In this field, I’m a game changer.” And his work is changing the face—and shape and health—of America.

Let’s face it. While the readers of Natural Nutmeg may be an exception, most of us tend to buy what tastes good, more than we buy what’s good for us. And the food company executives know this. At a meeting of CEOs of several major food companies, on April 8th, 1999 at the headquarters of Pillsbury, General Mills CEO Stephen Sanger is alleged to have quipped, “Don’t talk to me about nutrition.

Talk to me about taste, and if this stuff tastes better, don’t run around trying to sell stuff that doesn’t taste good.” Most often people will buy what they like, and they like what tastes good. But how do companies make products that appeal to our tastes? And, more 10

Natural Nutmeg August 2013

insidiously, how can companies alter our tastes to make us like what they produce?

Product Optimization In the process of product optimization, food engineers alter a litany of variables with the sole intent of finding the most attractive version (or versions) of a product. Ordinary consumers are paid to spend hours sitting in rooms where they touch, feel, sip, smell, swirl and taste whatever product is in question. Their opinions are dumped into a computer, and the data are sifted and sorted to determine what features will be most attractive to consumers.

According to Moskowitz, imagine this computer is divided into silos, in which each of the attributes is stacked. But it’s not simply a matter of, say, comparing Color 23 with Color 24. In the most complicated projects, Color 23 must be combined with Syrup 11 and Packaging 6, and on and on, in seemingly infinite combinations.

Even for jobs in which the only concern is taste and the variables are limited to the ingredients, endless charts and graphs will come spewing out of Moskowitz’s computer. “The mathematical model maps-out the ingredients to the sensory perceptions these ingredients create,” he claims, “so I can just dial a new product. This is the engineering approach.”

At the simplest level, Moskowitz’s work is similar to that of any market-research specialist who conducts focus groups to determine what consumers prefer. A classic example is his transformation of the spaghetti sauce industry.

Spaghetti Sauce Moskowitz learned that people who like spaghetti sauce fall into one of three categories: those who like their spaghetti sauce plain; those who like it spicy; and those who like it extra-chunky.

Of these three, the third one was the most significant, because at the time, in the early 1980s, supermarkets did not offer extrachunky spaghetti sauce. Campbell’s (the company of soup fame, which had hired Howard to help with their Prego sauce) turned to him and said, ‘Are you telling us that one-third of Americans crave extra-chunky spaghetti sauce, and yet no one is servicing their needs?’ And he said, ‘Yes.’ And Prego then went back and completely reformulated their spaghetti sauce and came out with a line of extra-chunky sauce that immediately and completely took over the spaghetti-sauce business in this country.

As author Michael Moss put it, “That is Howard’s gift to the American people. . . . He fundamentally changed the way the food industry thinks about making you happy.”

It Started with Sugar

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However, there is more to the story than simply identifying preferences and meeting those demands. The food industry already knew some things about making people happy, and it started with sugar.

Many of the Prego spaghetti sauces, for example—whether cheesy, chunky or light—have one feature in common: The largest ingredient, after tomatoes, is sugar. A mere half-cup of Prego Traditional, for instance, has the equivalent of more than two teaspoons of sugar, as much as two-plus Oreo cookies. It also delivers onethird of the sodium recommended for a majority of American adults for an entire day.

In making these sauces, Campbell supplied the ingredients, including the salt, sugar and, for some versions, fat, while Moskowitz supplied the optimization. “More is not necessarily better,”

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Moskowitz wrote in his own account of the Prego project. “As the sensory intensity (say, of sweetness) increases, consumers first say that they like the product more, but eventually, with a middle level of sweetness, consumers like the product the most (this is their optimum, or ‘bliss,’ point).”

Moskowitz’s career actually began with work for the military. Soldiers in the field would quickly grow weary of their MREs (meals ready-to-eat), and often would discard them, half-eaten. This resulted in progressively inadequate calorie intake and nutrition—not a good thing for a fighting force! (Recall Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous quote, “An army marches on its stomach.”)

As he queried the soldiers, Moskowitz learned that “They liked flavorful foods like turkey tetrazzini, but only at first; they quickly grew tired of them. On the other hand, mundane foods like white bread would never get them too excited, but they could eat lots and lots of it without feeling they’d had enough.”

This contradiction is known as “sensoryspecific satiety.” Simply put, it is the tendency for big, distinct flavors to overwhelm the brain, which responds by depressing your desire to have more. Sensory-specific satiety also became a guiding principle for the processed-food industry. The biggest hits—whether it’s Coca-Cola or Doritos—

owe their success to complex formulas that tickle the taste buds enough to be alluring but don’t have a distinct, overriding single flavor that tells the brain to stop eating.

The Perfect Snack Food A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2011 looked at weight gain of 120,877 women and men—all professionals in the health field, and likely to be more conscious about nutrition. Using data dating back to 1986, the researchers monitored everything the participants ate, as well as their physical activity and smoking. They found that every four years, the participants exercised less, watched TV more and gained an average of 3.35 pounds.

Potato Chips By far the largest weight-inducing food was the potato chip. The coating of salt, the fat content that rewards the brain with instant feelings of pleasure, the sugar that exists not as an additive but in the starch of the potato itself—all of this combines to make it the perfect addictive food. The starch in the potato is rapidly absorbed and causes a spike in blood sugar levels, resulting in a craving for more chips—and a growing girth.

Cheetos According to Steven Witherly, a food scientist who wrote a guide for industry insiders titled, “Why Humans Like Junk Food,” Cheetos represents a perfect junk food.

“This,” Witherly said, holding up a bag, “is one of the most marvelously constructed foods on the planet, in terms of pure pleasure.” While he enumerates a number of attributes of the Cheetos that make the brain say “more,” the one he focused on most was the puff’s uncanny ability to melt in the mouth. “It’s called vanishing caloric density,” Witherly claimed. “If something melts down quickly, your brain thinks that there’s no calories in it, thus, you can just keep eating it forever.”

So what the food industry is doing on a constant basis is striving diligently to create foods that appeal unceasingly to our tastes, while engineering-in traits that trick our brains into wanting more. For example, it is now known that sugar targets the same reward centers in the brain that opioids target.

Remember the famed potato chip phrase, “No one can eat just one.” That’s by design.

In 1905 the average North American con12

Natural Nutmeg August 2013

sumed a mere 5 pounds of sugar per person per year. By 2009 that figure had skyrocketed to 130 to 150 pounds per person per year!

Bob Drane was Oscar Mayer’s vice president for new business development and strategy in the 1980s. He has since retired, and harbors some guilt over his role in developing the highly successful (and nutritionally devastating) line of Lunchables products. Drane recently addressed a group of medical students at the University of Wisconsin. “What do University of Wisconsin MBAs learn about how to succeed in marketing?” his presentation to the med students asks. “Discover what consumers want to buy and give it to them with both barrels. Sell more, keep your job! How do marketers often translate these ‘rules’ into action on food? Our brains love sugar, fat, salt. . . . so formulate products to deliver these. Perhaps add some low-cost ingredients to boost profit margins. Then supersize to sell more. . . . And advertise/promote to lock in heavy users.”

Olga Yurash-Klein Health Coach For more information on coaching services or to schedule an appointment, please call (860) 817-0508

Appealing to Conscience It’s not just about the actual ingredients. It’s also about engineering the psychology of eating. According to a 1957 report for FritoLay by a psychologist named Ernest Dichter, “unconsciously, people expect to be punished for ‘letting themselves go’ and enjoying themselves.” Dichter listed seven ‘fears and resistances’ to the chips: “You can’t stop eating them; they’re fattening; they’re not good for you; they’re greasy and messy to eat; they’re too expensive; it’s hard to store the leftovers; and they’re bad for children.”

Dichter suggested that Frito-Lay avoid using the word ‘fried’ when referring to its chips and adopt instead the more healthfulsounding term ‘toasted.’ To counteract the “fear of letting oneself go,” he suggested repacking the chips into smaller bags. “The moreanxious consumers, the ones who have the deepest fears about their capacity to control their appetite, will tend to sense the function of the new pack and select it,” he said.

Dichter also advised Frito-Lay to move its chips out of the realm of between-meals snacking and turn them into an ever-present item in the American diet. “The increased use of potato chips and other Lay’s products as a part of the regular fare served by restaurants and sandwich bars should be encouraged in a concentrated way,” Dich-

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13

ter said, citing a string of examples: “potato chips with soup, with fruit or vegetable juice appetizers; potato chips served as a vegetable on the main dish; potato chips with salad; potato chips with egg dishes for breakfast; potato chips with sandwich orders.”

Low Fat/Fat-Free Of course, the psychology of eating doesn’t stop there. In our current fat-conscious environment, consumers flock to the low-fat and fat-free products, with companies all too eager to oblige. The problem is that, when you remove fat from the food, the taste and texture plummets. So how to make low-fat and fat-free foods taste good? Simple: add sugar! The unsuspecting public, thinking that fat-free is good for you (due, in part, to constant misguided advice from the medical and nutritional establishments), now feels psychologically unencumbered and actually eats more of the food. Knowing the addictive nature of sugar (along with the almost invariably added salt), our brains and bodies crave even more.

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Yogurt A perfect example of this is yogurt. General Mills has overtaken not just the cereal aisle but other sections of the grocery store. The company’s Yoplait brand transformed traditional unsweetened breakfast yogurt into a veritable dessert. It has twice as much sugar per serving as General Mills’ marshmallow cereal Lucky Charms. And yet, because of yogurt’s well-tended image as a wholesome snack, sales of Yoplait have skyrocketed, with annual revenue topping $500 million. Emboldened by the success, the company’s development wing pushed even harder, inventing a Yoplait variation that came in a squeezable tube—perfect for kids. They called it Go-Gurt and rolled it out nationally; sales have since soared over $100 million. In a move known as ‘line extension,’ manufacturers have further transformed the otherwise healthy food (plain yogurt) into a nutritional nightmare by adding granola topping in a separate packet on top of the packaging—more sugar, more crunch, more “bliss point.”

Packaging Then consider the packaging. For example, have you ever noticed how many items of junk food boldly proclaim “A cholesterolfree food!” on the label? Of course, the dirty secret is that 80% of the cholesterol in our bodies is actually made inside the body; diet contributes only 20%. (Anyone who has tried to lower his or her cholesterol by diet alone knows how painstakingly inefficient this approach is.) The cholesterol-free seal is intended to appeal to our conscience, allowing us to eat more (more fat, more sugar, more salt, etc.)

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Natural Nutmeg August 2013

I freely admit that I’m a conscientious capitalist. I firmly believe in the free market. Markets breed competition, and competition begets more choices and lower prices. The bottom line, however, is that we DO have the ability to choose what to toss in our shopping carts and what to pour down our gullets. And those choices can influence retailers. Food companies are beholden to shareholders. If there is a profit to be made by selling healthy food they will flock to it. But that will only happen if consumers demand it by decreasing their purchases of the junk.

To date, high fructose corn syrup sales are down nationally by 30%. Consumers are waking up, becoming educated, and voting with their purses. As a result, a growing number of products are becoming available that boldly claim “No high fructose corn syrup” on the label. (Hunts has removed HFCS from all of its products.) As consumers begin to return fire in the nutritional battle, more healthy products will find their way to store shelves. In the meantime, forewarned is forearmed.

Dr. Tortland is a board certified sports medicine physician with a special interest in preventive and age management medicine. His practice, Valley Sports Physicians, is located in Avon and Glastonbury. Visit his web site, www.jockdoctors.com. See ad on page 3.

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This story is adapted, with permission, from Michael Moss’ article in the New York Times, February 20, 2013, “The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food.”

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

15

How to Stay Young as You Grow Older?

Here are 7 Key Anti-Aging Tips

F

or most of us, getting older means wrinkles, aches & pains, medical problems and limitation of life’s activities. While the only sure way to avoid this is to die young, this is not the best alternative.

So why not give the aging process a hand and reduce the occurrence of age related diseases or at least postpone them longer?

Here are some things that you can do to increase the likelihood of “Healthy Aging”.

Tip # 1: Drink more water Numerous studies show that people who drink sufficient amounts of water are healthier. They look better, feel better and perform better. Every cell in our body needs water to function. In fact, we are mostly water. Unfortunately, water can contain contaminants. Bottled water is expensive and those nice plastic bottles contain chemicals that are similar to hormones and can have an adverse effect on our bodies, especially when heated (like on the front seat of your car in the summer) or frozen (like when put in the freezer to make “ice in the bottle”). The best water is “steam distilled”. It is free of contaminants, pollutants, heavy metals and other chemicals. And it is relatively cheap to make. There are several steam distillers available for a reasonable price and the most expensive is not necessarily the best. Pick the one that will suit your own needs. The down side to distilled water: it contains no minerals, so you need to take a good multivitamin/multimineral supplement.

Tip # 2: Avoid foods that increase inflammation Inflammation is the root of all the diseases of aging (heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, inflammatory bowel disease to name a few). While inflammation is important to protect us from infection and for us to heal from injury or surgery, 16

Natural Nutmeg August 2013

when it attacks normal cells, it becomes the enemy. Imagine an army of soldiers.

As long as they are shooting at the bad guys, they are the good guys. If they start shooting at us, they aren’t the good guys anymore.

Foods that are processed, high in sugar, contain high fructose corn syrup or trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils), fried foods, meats and dairy, soda, beer, coffee, black tea and yes, some nuts, grains and fruits are acid forming foods.

That does not mean that we should stop eating foods like grains, nuts, meats, dairy and these vegetables. Perhaps we should simply limit our intake and make sure that we are getting plenty of the many excellent vegetables that are available to us. Remember, choose wisely. Even an “acid forming” vegetable has other benefits which make it a better choice than a processed or fried food or a soda for example.

Tip #3: Avoid Aspartame (NutraSweet TM) A very popular artificial sweetener, aspartame is responsible for 80% of food complaints to the FDA. It causes changes in the brain similar to those seen in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s. It can also cause dizziness, numbness in the arms & legs, high blood pressure, headaches, disorientation, memory loss, muscle aches, abnormal liver function and attention deficit disorder.

So why do we use this stuff?? Because we don’t want to gain weight drinking or eating anything with sugar so we choose the “diet” alternative. Guess what? People actually lose weight when they stop drinking diet soda!! Stop the soda and drink the lemon flavored water. It’s safer and better for you.

Tip # 4: Regular Exercise You don’t need to do a “killer workout” for 2 hours each day to be healthy. The key is “regular”. It enhances your health, lowers cancer risk, and improves your heart and cognitive function. You will look better, feel better and live a longer healthier life.

Tip # 5: Eat for Health Everything in moderation, as the saying goes. Eat more vegetables, less animal protein and enjoy variety. Now here’s the key: Smaller portions!! The only thing that will prolong lifespan is calorie restriction (not starvation).

We are the richest nation in the world, we have an abundance of food and yet we are dying of malnutrition. Why?? Because we eat the wrong foods and we eat too much. Stay away from the “all you can eat”, but if you must, don’t eat “all you can eat.”

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Tip # 6: Reduce Stress I know; that’s easy to say. We all have our stresses, but we don’t learn how to channel those stresses. Do something nice for yourself everyday. Find what you enjoy doing (and I don’t mean drinking beer and eating pizza watching every football game on the cable sports network).

Tip # 7: Hormone Restoration We age because our hormones decline, not the other way around. If we could restore our hormones properly to a younger age (we use healthy 35 year old levels), we would enjoy the benefits of proper hormone levels, feel and function better and live a longer more vibrant life. There are lots of studies that show low hormone levels are associated with higher levels of disease.

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17

Are Toxins Causing My Resistant Weight Loss?

By Donald L. Piccoli, DC

I

n my practice, the majority of the people I help are women, especially those over fifty who are struggling with fatigue, weight loss resistance, and hormonal issues. Often at this stage women want to get into the best shape of their life, both physically and spiritually.

Many are tired of dragging themselves around day after day, and feel that they are not at their ideal weight and have begun to exercise more; even more than younger women will make the time to do.

I have a patient I’ll call Kate. She loves to travel; in fact it is a priority for her. In addition, volunteering, expanding her social network, taking trips to galleries and to the theater, attending concerts and other cultural events are some of the things she dreamed about doing in retirement. She is thinking about new ways to express her talents, creativity and wisdom gained from life experiences, maybe writing a life journal for her family or publishing her own book. Or she may be thinking of turning a hobby into a new career. And there is only one person she wants to work for…herself…on her own terms and hours, with the options and flexibility to travel, spend time with adult children, grandchildren, and aging parents (who she may find necessary to take care of). She wants to give back. Maybe she wants to renovate her present home or simplify life and downsize and move closer to her family, or spend winters in a warmer climate. She loves her vitamins D and C (Dogs and Cats), and is on the lookout for ways to experience life to its fullest in the best possible health she can attain.

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Frustratingly, she has been struggling with low energy and fatigue that hasn’t resolved, even after trying various medical and alternative approaches. She has found herself gaining weight over the past few years and has probably tried a few different types of diets, including low carb, high protein, low fat and low calorie diets. The combination of dieting and intense exercising helps her take off about ten pounds before hitting the wall and getting stuck or regaining the lost weight. At this point she may feel that she doesn’t have any options and may have to live in this rut for the rest of her life. She may have a condition commonly known as weight loss resistance.

What Causes Weight Loss Resistance?

The phrase, “anything can cause anything” is an understatement when it comes to the possible underlying imbalances that can contribute to the cause of this problem. Weight loss resistance involves digestive imbalances, food intolerances and leaky gut syndrome for some. It involves chronic systemic inflammation, adrenal fatigue, thyroid imbalances, and what I have found to be the primary underlying factor in most cases: hormonal imbalances due to environmental toxins.

The Hormone/Toxin Connection Leptin is the hormone that tells the brain to burn fat for energy.

Leptin is produced by fat cells, signals a part of the brain (hypothalamus) that we’ve taken in enough calories and that we should now stop eating. You feel full. As we age our cells become more leptin resistant, similar to insulin resistance. The most accurate marker of systemic inflammation, C- reactive protein, binds leptin and prevents it from crossing the blood brain barrier to signal satiety. According to Dr. Michael Greer, this is proof that systemic inflammation and detoxification failure plays a very powerful role in weight regulation. Since the leptin cannot get into the brain cells to signal satiety, the person is always hungry.

Toxins are a primary factor in leptin resistance. An article in USA Today stated that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, since World War II approximately 80,000 chemicals have been introduced into the marketplace. Not one was tested for toxicology before 1976. Today only ten chemicals per year of the approximately 1,500 new chemicals introduced per year are tested.

When toxins enter the body, they attach to the outer cell membranes of fat cells, causing cells to continually release leptin. When leptin is elevated too frequently, the cell receptors burn out, satiety is not reached, and the brain is not signaled to burn fat for energy, resulting in weight gain which does not respond to exercise or diet.

According to Dr. Daniel Pompa, the toxins also cause the release of chemicals called cytokines which further damage leptin receptors in the brain (hypothalamus). Once the receptors to leptin have been damaged, weight loss resistance is only the first of many problems. Toxins can interfere with your mitochondria which are the power plants of your cells that burn fat for energy. In addition, high fructose corn syrup is also known to impair the ability to recognize leptin, disrupting the body’s ability to control blood sugar and raising the risk factor of fat storage and weight gain.

Handling Weight Loss Resistance The first step in handling weight loss resistance is to understand what causes it and realizing there is hope. You will need to work with a practitioner who can identify and correct all the imbalances that make up weight loss resistance. Everyone is unique and needs a customized program to address their particular needs. It involves detoxification, therapeutic whole food supplementation and an antiinflammatory diet. The right type of exercise is the icing on the cake.

Environmental toxins including heavy metals, a few of which include mercury, aluminum, lead, cadmium and arsenic have to be handled as well as chemical toxins. Chemical toxins are seemingly everywhere today. We can find them in our food supply, lawn and garden products, cleaning products, cosmetics, in our air supply in the form of petro chemicals, exhaust, pollution, even in our water supply in the forms of plastics, chlorine, fluoride and medications to name a few. According to GMO opponents, Genetically Modified foods such as corn, soy, beets, alfalfa, and other Genetically Modified foods such as Hawaiian papaya or eating meat fed these products contribute to leaky gut syndrome.

Decreasing Exposure to Toxins You can begin the process of decreasing your exposure to toxins in your own home. There are many non- toxic cleaners on the market today and many of them you could easily make on your own. Consider switching to organic whole foods including fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, eggs and dairy. The Environmental Working Group has released its 9th annual “Dirty Dozen” list of common fruits and vegetables sold in grocery stores that have been contaminated with the most pesticide residues, and also the “Clean Fifteen” which lists fruits and vegetables with the least pesticide contamination. Whenever possible purchase organic, free range meat and eggs, which unfortunately are some of the priciest foods, however many of the supermarkets are now adding their own organic lines and helping reduce costs. Shopping at local farmers markets in season is a great way of finding fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to help reduce costs.

Every woman is unique and needs a customized program to address her particular condition. No two people have the same health history and toxin exposures in their body and the remedies must be matched specifically to that individual’s needs for best results.

With detoxification protocols designed specifically for her, reduced exposure to toxins, therapeutic whole food supplementation, and adapting an anti-inflammatory diet, she can correct the underlying imbalances and have hope of reclaiming her energy and health, freeing her to create the next, best chapter of her life... and be the wife, friend, grandmother, entrepreneur and world traveler she truly desires to be.

Donald L. Piccoli, D.C., is the director of Holistic Solutions in Kensington, CT. He is certified in advanced Nutrition Response Testing and Applied Chiropractic Sciences. For more information, call (860) 828-2966 and visit www.holisticsolutions.com. See ad on page 12.

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19

It’s Summertime…

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

B

etween heat, humidity and increased outdoor activities in summertime months, many people easily forget the importance of being properly hydrated.

Water is the most essential component of our body and comprises 45-75 % of our total body weight, and 85 % of our brain. Our body knows there is no substitute for water.

Maintaining proper levels of water is critical for our body to function correctly. Miraculously, by supporting stable metabolism, water reveals many healing properties.

With more exposure to sun, sports, and work activities, we tend to lose more water, which leads to dehydration. The effects from this can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even fainting. Some people experience sugar cravings, feel hungry or many other adverse reactions as the body’s way of looking to compensate for lower levels of water. How much water you should drink to stay properly hydrated is based on age, activity, climate, diet and health concerns. Many people drink soda, coffee, tea, and energy drinks, instead of water.

Most of these drinks create more thirst, because they contain dehydrating agents, but too much water leeches the body of its minerals and nutrients.

Water has many functions inside of our body: 99 % of our saliva is comprised of it, it lubricates our internal organs, supports trillions of chemical reactions happening within the bodies’ cells, and it dissolves and transports products of metabolism. Most importantly, it cools down our body during perspiration, when water evaporates from the skin. The complexion of our skin also depends on the amount and the quality of water we drink.

Mikhail Tombak says in his book “Can We Live 150 Years?”, “there are around 130 kinds of water in nature. Inside of our body’s cells water is under a special structured form.” To transform any water into structured form requires body energy as much as 46 kcal per one quart of boiled water. Structured water is the most beneficial to our health. We can get it from melted ice or juices of fruits and vegetables. If your body tends to be cold, you should drink any liquids at lukewarm or hot temperature.

The best way to consume water is between meals. Your body would have plenty time to absorb it and use it as raw materials for digestive juice. If you drink sufficient amounts of water before your meal, it will prevent you from overeating. If you like to drink while you eat, it means you are already thirsty, or having too dry of a meal and your body is asking for liquids.

In this case, you would not produce enough digestive juices, but additionally, with water during the meal, you dilute existing juices and enzymes, which lead to indigestion, fermentation, gas, bloating, and constipation.

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As mentioned above, you could help your digestion if you drink a cup of warm water or more at least 20-30 minutes before your meal. Our wise body cells have water receptors, which accept only water molecules inside the cell and you will start to absorb water immediately. Our stomach loves to be warm and moist. Its environment would be ready for proper digestion of your meal.

If you get up in the morning sleepy and moody, try to drink a glass or two of cold water. Cold water wakes you up and helps you relieve exhaustion, alcoholic intoxication, sensations caused by sun burning and even stimulates bowel movement. People with cold nature or elderly should use warm water or even hot water. Warm or hot water can also help you release stomach cramps.

Today many scientists admit water is one of the most amazing substances on Earth. We all know water is a universal solvent, but it’s hard to believe that the substance with the smallest molecular weight has a MEMORY. Doctor Masaru Emoto from Japan has studied water for many years.

His experiments revealed that water copies information from surroundings and memorizes it. In the book “The Hidden Messages in Water,” Dr. Emoto is showing us how our words, music, and environment have an influence on the molecular bonding of water.

Negative words, cell phone and microwave radiation distract water molecules from structured bonding after being frozen. At the same time, prayer, positive words like “Love and Gratitude”, “Thank you”, “Wisdom” created properly structured beautiful crystals.

Now we know the easiest way to get structured water is being thankful to the water we drink. Since we are 70% of water, let’s not take water for granted.

Submitted by Olga Yurash-Klein, MS. Certified of Holistic Health Coach, graduate of Institute of Integrative Nutrition 2013.

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By Patrick Defrancesco, DC

Sicilian Tuna

T

DISh

his is a healthy and spicy dish that can be cooked in the kitchen or on the barbecue. A fresh tomato basil salad makes a perfect side

dish.

For the marinade 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 4 fresh red chilies, seeded and chopped fine Juice and finely grated rind of 2 lemons 4 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley 365 brand sea salt and black pepper 4 5 oz tuna steaks 2 fennel bulbs, sliced lengthwise 2 organic red onions 2 tbsp virgin olive oil Directions 1. First, make the marinade by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl. Place the tuna steaks in a large shallow dish and spoon 4 tablespoons of marinade over them, turning to coat. Cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Set aside the remaining marinade.

2. Heat up sauté skillet. Put the fennel and onions in a bowl, add the oil, and mix well to coat. Then place fennel, onions and oil in the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes on each side, until just starting to color. Transfer to 4 plates, drizzle with the reserved marinade and keep warm.

3. Add tuna steaks to the sauté pan or the grille and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning once. When the steaks are firm to the touch, but still moist inside, transfer them to the plates and serve immediately.

Enjoy this Southern Italy simple light meal!

Serves 4 Submitted by Dr. Patrick DeFrancesco who has been practicing chiropractic for 21 years in Glastonbury at the Chiropractic Health Center on 2934 Main Street. His main focus is wellness care for children to adults and he specializes in sports injury.

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21

What Does it Take to Raise a Child Naturally?

By Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD

W

hat does it take to become a natural parent? Recently, my daughter came down with a very high fever. To be honest, I was petrified. In these acute situations, options can seem so limited. For as long as I can remember, I have been an advocate of natural parenting. Even before my husband and I had children, it was a passion of mine.

But it wasn’t until we had our children that I realized firsthand the ins and outs of parenting. I have discovered that natural parenting is about trusting our natural instincts. When our kids are doing okay, it is easy to follow our gut and not rely heavily on more conventional interventions. In fact, this is the perfect time to develop a strong preventative strategy that incorporates many of the strategies listed in this article. But when our children are doing poorly, especially in an acute situation, it may feel particularly difficult to trust ourselves.

For a long time there has been a wide separation between natural parenting and more conventional approaches that so many families adopt. Is this because of lack of information? Or is it because so often it feels like we have to choose one path or the other? Natural parenting is about incorporating natural strategies into our family life and home. It is about being open to information and always being the primary advocate for our children. It is not about shunning Western medicine. In fact, it can be much more then that—it can be the best of both worlds. In particular, in a time of crisis, we can choose to adopt a wide array of interventions, including alternative and conventional, with the hopes of doing the least harm with the best long-term results.

What does it take in today’s world to raise a child naturally? A good place to start is in your home. Transforming your home into a natural one can be easy when following simple guidelines.

How to Change Your Home to a Natural Home Making the choice to raise your child naturally can seem like an enormous task. Tackling one category at a time is a helpful strategy.

A good place to start is to create an inventory of what you have in your home that is synthetic; then slowly replace these products one by one. Almost everything today has a natural substitute. Some examples: 1. Replace synthetic cleaners and detergents in your home with natural versions such as Seventh Generation brand. Even a simple change such as this can lead to significant benefits. In my own

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family, when we changed laundry detergents my son slept better, I was less restless, and my husband, with a history of asthma, had an easier time breathing. I even noticed that I no longer itched at night!

2. Replace your child’s soap and shampoo with a natural version such as Tom’s of Maine or California Baby brand. So often, we take for granted some of the symptoms that we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Changing the brand of soap you use to a more natural one can eliminate previously irresolvable issues such as daily redness or rashes on the face and even residual cradle cap on your child’s head.

3. Make the choice to only buy clothing for your child made mostly with natural fibers such as cotton or wool, rather than polyester or acrylic.

4. Buy produce that is organic or natural and free of pesticides and growth hormones. It is true that organic foods are more expensive. Hopefully, one day, this will change. One option is to search for a local community supported agriculture (CSA) co-op farm that sells memberships. These farms will provide you with great natural produce through the warm months of the year and often they provide a winter share as well.

5. Eliminate soda and candy in the house. It may be challenging to avoid sweets altogether but making a rule of no candy in the house is a great way to start.

6. Choose foods that are free of high fructose corn syrup and other added sweeteners, chemicals, partially hydrogenated oils (commonly referred to as trans fats), and genetic modification (GMO). Searching for recipes that can be modified to include natural sweeteners is another helpful strategy. Maple syrup, honey, palm or coconut sugar and raw agave can replace sugar and other synthetic sweeteners in most recipes. Searching for these natural ingredients in packaged foods is a great first step. As for GMO foods, there is growing research that is illustrating the negative effects of genetic modification. In fact, GMO foods are outlawed in most European countries. The challenge in this country is that genetic modification is not listed on labels. Some foods that are typically genetically modified in this country include corn and soy. Currently, buying ‘organic’ means non-GMO.

Ultimately, this process comes down to reading labels. As a parent, this process can seem even more challenging because it begs the question, “Do I need to change my own habits?” For a child, the most important factor is family support. Ideally, to support the child optimally, the whole family should adopt these changes.

Recommendations for Natural Health 1. Gluten Elimination Diet: Gluten is a pro-inflammatory food, which means that when ingested, it contributes to more inflammation in the body. Inflammation is at the root of every illness, including challenges in learning and behavior. By eliminating gluten we can support greater health and recovery. For more information on gluten elimination, visit: http://www.instituteofimt.com/gluten-sensitivity.php.

2. Avoid refined sugars: Diabetes is on the rise today as documented by many researchers. To avoid this type of illness in adulthood, changes need to be made early on.

3. Avoid peanuts: Consider the recent rise in peanut allergies.

Peanuts are allergenic to many people. What is less recognized is how peanuts can affect those that don’t present with severe anaphylactic symptoms. Eliminating peanuts from our diet may lead to benefits in skin health, learning and behavior, breathing, and more.

4. Avoid synthetic additives in our foods: Read labels!

5. Avoid toxic chemical exposure: Always consider how you can reduce toxins in your environment and in your home.

Integrative Manual Therapy In addition to implementing natural strategies in our home and through our diet, a great way to improve health in our children and ourselves is with bodywork. Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) is a hands-on treatment that incorporates all the systems of the body.

IMT practitioners (often Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, and Chiropractors) use their hands to search for underlying causes to pain and illness. IMT is a gentle approach that can be very relaxing for children and adults. In addition to changes in pain and movement, IMT can lead to improvements in behavior, learning, and attention. To learn more about IMT, you can visit www.InstituteofIMT. com.

Center for Holistic Practices & Psychotherapy “The Community Hub for Holistic Health and Well Being” Yoga & Meditation class schedules including information on classes, events & spa services is available on our website.

963 Queen Street Suite C, Southington, CT 06489 www.centerforholisticpractices.com 860-276-5843

Sustainable Changes When making the choice to change your home to a natural home, the question of cost is always a consideration. But what is often forgotten is the cost of health. The Centers for Disease Control report that diabetes is one of the leading chronic illnesses in children today. There is an obvious rise in children’s learning and behavioral disorders—just witness today’s rise in autism spectrum disorder. The only way to make sustainable changes in our health today is to be proactive in our choices. There is so much that is out of our control—the escalation of global warming, the rising cost of healthcare and education, and ultimately, other people’s choices.

But when it comes to our own family, we can support each other in making better choices that will lead to greater health. For more information about natural living and natural parenting, visit: http:// naturallivingfamily.com/.

Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the Practice Manager and Director of Pediatrics for Regional Physical Therapy and the Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy, headquartered in Bloomfield, CT. She is also the Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT). Dr. Connell-Giammatteo has taught courses in IMT nationally and internationally for over 15 years.

She received her doctoral degree focusing in neuropediatrics, with a concentration in autism. Dr. Connell-Giammatteo is a Physical Therapist and Certified Integrative Manual Therapist. She has been practicing in the field of IMT for over 15 years. She is a graduate of the Institute of Functional Medicine’s program “Applying Functional Medicine into Clinical Practice” focusing on nutritional wellness. She is also a local of this community and has been living in the Greater Hartford area for many years. See ad on page 25.

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Tools for a Healthy Freshman Year

advice, but it is difficult for most freshmen to maintain this. Good habits fly out the window as students adjust to juggling everything on their own. We’ve had better luck with these specific tips and tools that my children and my patients choose from on an as-needed basis.

The Tips

By Penelope McDonnell, ND

W

hen I sent the first of my four children off to college I presented him with a small toolkit that contained a hammer, screwdrivers, a wrench, double-sided poster tape and some nails. Since he always had been healthy and a reasonably good eater I thought he would weather colds, flus, and infections the way he always had—quickly and without much impact on his day-to-day life. Neither he nor I was prepared for the effect of group living in close quarters, bad food eaten at odd hours, sleepless nights, high-intensity athletics, and the relentless stress that started around midterms and never really seemed to let up.

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A Toolkit for Health After eight months of trying to figure out what kinds of supplements and lifestyle changes were realistic for a busy college student, I came up with a new kind of toolkit designed to minimize illness and support wellness. I further tested and refined the kit as each of my three younger children trotted off to college with kits of their own.

Coincidently, I started to see more college students in my patient pool and they were more than eager to try my remedies and give me feedback.

Before getting into specifics, it is important to understand what battles are worth fighting when it comes to counseling your child on ways to stay healthy. “Get sleep, eat vegetables and fruit every day, and try to get regular exercise,” may sound like great

• Sugar is tough on the immune system, so when you are feeling under-the-weather, steer clear of the sweet stuff.

• Caffeine can certainly support you through an all-nighter, but your body needs recovery time, so plan for it. Schedule a couple of nights during the week (and they can change week-to-week) when you can be sure to get eight hours of sleep.

• Rooibos (Red Bush) tea is better than coffee for late-night studying. It appears to help keep you sharp but it lets you sleep when you’re done.

• Carry a water bottle and use it.

• Keep electrolyte powders on-hand (more on that, below) to pop in your water bottle.

• Skipping meals sets your brain up for craving sugar, fat and simple carbs like cookies, cakes and bread. Be aware of this and know that protein (meat, beans, fish, eggs, nuts) and vegetables are what you really need, so make sure you include them when you get around to eating.

• Washing your hands makes a difference. When you’re out having lunch or dinner with friends, go to the restroom and wash your hands. If that doesn’t work for you, carry and use anti-bacterial gel before meals. Most universities have hand sanitizer gel in the dorms and dining halls; use it!

• Don’t be afraid to open your window a crack at night, even if it’s below freezing outside. A small amount of fresh air when you’re sleeping can make a difference in your (and your roommate’s) health. I recommend trying to open the window from the top so no one has a stiff breeze blowing on his or her face at night.

The Toolbox • Phosphatidyl-Serine Capsules: To be taken on nights when students are so stressed they can’t sleep. This amino acid is calming, non-habit forming, and facilitates a deep restorative sleep.

• Electrolyte Powders: For colds that leave students tired, stuffy and feeling generally lousy, I recommend high doses of electrolyte powders in water. Airborne and EmergenC are the easiest to find and although they have some fructose in them, they work well. I recommend five to nine packets for two days, then stop. In a few patients, loose stools can occur from the vitamin C; if this happens stop immediately and this will resolve. These mixes restore basic minerals that help the body fight colds. They also get students to drink more water.

• An Herbal Immune Support Powerhouse: Your local health food store may have a suggestion for one. I like Priority One Super Bio Vegetarian, which you can find on Amazon.com. Again, I dose this high and for two days at the most. A typical dose would be two every two hours during the day. This combination of herbs and minerals (coupled with some sleep) usually gives students some energizing relief.

• Oscillococcinum Homeopathic Vials from Boiron: These are specifically for the flu, and also are available at Health Food stores. I have recommended these for prevention (one dose once a month starting in September) and for acute flu symptoms (one dose followed by another a few hours later if improvement is seen). This means it’s the correct remedy and should be repeated.

• Nasal Saline Spray: For students who suddenly develop seasonal allergies they’ve never had before, I recommend a nasal saline spray. Pop it in a backpack and use it when you can.

• Nettie Pot: If sinusitis develops and becomes chronic, I recommend using a Nettie pot (a type of nasal irrigator), when they can fit it in, with one drop of a gentle essential oil like thyme or eucalyptus popped into the saline.

• Probiotics: Lastly, in the event a student ends up on antibiotics, I tuck in some probiotics in blister packs (like Culturelle or Acidophilus Pearls) that they can take to keep their gut flora healthy and support immune-system recovery.

That covers the basics, but always keep in mind that the real goal is to educate these young adults about sensible and preventative techniques for staying healthy, coupled with a toolkit that empowers them to take action when they are sick. There are few more rewarding calls than the one discussing how they felt like they were getting sick, but opened up the kit and figured out how to get themselves healthy again!

Dr. McDonnell is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Cranial Sacral Therapist at NaturopathicPartners. She specializes in supporting patients with autoimmune disorders, cancer, thyroid disorders, menopause symptoms, depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders, and Lyme disease. She can be reached at (203) 470-1909 for an appointment. A full bio can be found at www.naturopathicpartners.com. See ad on page 6.

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Natural Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children

By Alison Caldwell-Andrews, PhD

O

f all the problems I treat, I think obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most fun. Now hear me, it isn’t fun to have. Believe me, that’s not what I’m talking about. What I mean is this: treating OCD works.

People get results. They get relief.

That’s what is fun.

What is OCD? Myth: My mother/wife/girlfriend/neighbor has OCD because she is obsessed with having a clean house. (Where are all the husbands/dads, etc. who are obsessed with having a clean house? Just a little cultural commentary.)

Fact: While it is possible that the person in question has OCD, it’s pretty unlikely.

OCD affects only about one percent of the adult population , and just about the same percentage of children (one to two percent).

Most people inaccurately assume it means you can’t stop cleaning, you line up things on your desk, or that you are super organized.

The essence of OCD is tremendous anxiety. The person feels compelled to do something in order to avoid the impending doom that seems sure to follow if the compulsion is not followed. Compulsions can

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be anything. Sure, hand washing happens.

But so do a lot of other behaviors. OCD isn’t about being a neat freak, or about having a sense of balance and proportion. Many people like to do neatening, organizing and arranging behaviors because they have a sense of structure, order or aesthetics. It feels nice. It’s not about avoiding doom.

People with OCD feel they MUST do the behavior. Or else. I like to call this imagined doom: “the big bad.”

It’s awful. It really feels like the big bad will happen and the only way to ward it off is to do something. So OCD is really about behaviors intended to prevent the otherwise imminent big bad.

Cortisol and the Prefrontal Cortex People who suffer from OCD understand that the harm is imaginary. They get it. Their logic is intact. They haven’t had a psychotic break from reality.

But anxiety is not housed in the same part of the mind that uses logic, and anxiety isn’t hooked up with the part of the mind that identifies alternatives and predicts consequences. In fact, anxiety produces cortisol that literally decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain that houses logic.

Actually, that’s true for everyone, not just people with OCD. You know how you say things like “I was so upset I couldn’t think to save my life”? When you are really anxious and producing cortisol (a hormone that prepares your body to fight or run, among other things), the reason you can’t think straight is because your prefrontal cortex actually shows significantly less activity. Your limbic system takes over and makes sure you are safe. It sort of shuts down your frontal lobes so they don’t get in the way of your safety. I mean, imagine you are facing a tiger. You’re going to want to run (well, at least you’ll want to run faster than your buddies). Your limbic system doesn’t want your frontal lobes to start doing math problems and get in the way of you running for safety.

So it just shuts that stuff down and tells you there are only two choices: 1) Run. 2) Die. And then it gives you a great big sense of urgency to make sure you do it.

If it takes washing your hands three times while singing America the Beautiful under your breath to be safe, your limbic system will override your frontal lobes with a tremendous amount of urgency to get you to do just that. And you’ll hate it.

Here’s the kicker. Not only will you hate it, but doing the behaviors also acts to increase your anxiety in the long run. You are driven to do the things that reinforce your anxiety and make it even stronger.

The Cingulate Gyrus It’s also believed that a particular brain structure called the cingulate gyrus is part of the problem with OCD. The cingulate gyrus is kind of like a gear shifter in a car. When it’s working properly you can stop thinking about one thing and move on to another.

When your transmission is broken, your car doesn’t shift from one gear to another. Same thing here: when your cingulate gyrus isn’t working smoothly, you are more likely to get stuck in obsessive thoughts or behaviors, and to have a much harder time moving away from those thoughts or behaviors.

Realizing that the brain is physiologically involved is just one more reason to be sure to provide optimal brain nutrition. Start with eating right, sleeping sufficiently and exercising.

Case Study of a 14-Year-Old Girl Here’s an example of a 14-year-old former client of mine. We’ll call her Cindy.

Cindy was a bright, cheerful and extremely charismatic young woman who had serious trouble with obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors). For example,

she was not able to walk into her bedroom without checking behind the door to make sure nobody was there. She also had to check under the bed, and behind the shower curtain. Every time she thought of it. Over and over. It took a lot of time from her day and mostly it just increased anxiety.

It doesn’t matter how illogical it is.

Remember, the part of the brain that pushes OCD behaviors does not do logic. Note that this part of the brain also doesn’t speak English. So it doesn’t really matter how many times you tell yourself that the compulsion doesn’t actually make sense. You’ll still feel you have to do it.

Cindy felt rotten, not only because she was so anxious all the time, but also—and don’t underestimate the misery here—because she knew that her behavior didn’t make any sense.

Just trying harder doesn’t work. Without appropriate behavioral tools, cognitive understanding and brain nutrition, resisting won’t happen, at least not for long. The anxiety that underlies compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts is tremendously talented at maintaining itself.

Here’s what’s happening. Cindy walks upstairs to her room. Her brain has been trained to think about the possibility that someone is hiding behind her bedroom door, under her bed or in the shower. She tells herself that this is just in her head and nobody is there. It doesn’t help. She still feels anxious. Her mother just told her that she was fine, and nobody was there. It doesn’t help. Cindy still feels anxious, and now she also feels guilty because she’s anxious. When she thinks about not checking those areas, she gets far more anxious. She pushes through the anxiety anyway because she is sick to death of the OCD being in charge of her life. She walks through her bedroom door and refuses to do the ritual of checking under her bed for anything or

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27

anyone. She doesn’t look behind the door. She stands there in the room, now frozen in fear, trying to not succumb to the urge to check behind the door. Tears are probably running down her cheeks. Fear ratchets up higher and higher until it is nearly unbearable. She is both trying as hard as she can to be reasonable (and not engage in the compulsion) and she is getting more and more miserable as she delays the compulsive behavior.

She thinks, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m too weak,” or “It’s better to just check now and get on with my homework instead of suffering like this.” Often, some sort of discouraging thought pushes her over the edge and she knows there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to stop the anxiety this second: check behind that door.

She checks. The anxiety she was feeling immediately plummets to manageable levels. She feels somewhat better and somewhat relieved. But at the same time she also feels like a failure—like a crazy person. Her self-respect gets its daily punch in the guts. Her vulnerability to depression is added upon. She’s stuck again, balancing on the thin line between giving into the compulsions and paying the price in self-image and discouragement.

It’s rough. It’s awful. It’s heartbreakingly painful, especially for a child. And it can change. It can even change a lot.

Exposure and Response Prevention Much of the relief in symptoms comes because the person can engage in what’s called ERP: Exposure and Response Prevention.

ERP is a behavioral treatment. It means that you get into the situation that provokes compulsions (exposure) and then you don’t do the compulsive behavior (response prevention). But it’s not as simple as it sounds. Children with OCD need help to get to the point where they can tolerate the anxiety that happens when the compulsion is avoided. And they need help in identifying and analyzing exactly what ERP means for them. But eventually, when this anxiety can be tolerated over and over again, the brain learns that life goes on. The brain has to learn this through behavioral experience, not through English.

I don’t know how many times it takes. It’s different for each person. The way I explain it is this: It takes X times. When you reach X, you’ll know. You just keep tolerating the anxiety until you get to X. Happily, the anxiety begins to decrease before you get to X.

What I do know is that it works. And because it works, I love treating OCD. Dr. Caldwell-Andrews is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering examination, diagnosis, treatment and consulting services for persons confronted with a range of emotional, behavioral and relationship problems. Individual and group therapies are offered. In addition, Dr. Caldwell-Andrews is an entertaining and informative public speaker on topics of mind-body health and motivation. For more information visit www.caldwellandrews.com. See ad on page 27.

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Natural Nutmeg August 2013

PREVENTION

By Dr. Mark P. Leondires

Lyme Disease and Infertility

A

fter a long winter, everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors and mild weather. But in Connecticut we need to be careful.

Connecticut is one of the 13 states that account for 96% of Lyme disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Left untreated, Lyme disease can turn an otherwise healthy person’s world upside-down by affecting their heart, nervous system and joints—and it can cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

When an infertility patient presents even vague symptoms of joint pain, unexplained tiredness, headaches, or perhaps insomnia, I recommend she gets tested for Lyme disease through her primary care physician. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose and, since it is associated with pregnancy loss and stillbirth, we want to identify possible cases as early as possible.

The good news is, even if someone is pregnant and is found to have Lyme disease, there are medications that can safely be used for treatment during pregnancy.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of bacterium called a spirochete that is carried by deer ticks.

When a tick bites humans or animals, it transmits the spirochete. The bacterium then travels through the bloodstream, establishes itself in various body tissues, and can cause a number of symptoms, some of which are severe, unless the person seeks treatment.

Most people are aware that tick bites create a red, bulls-eye rash that widens over time. However, it is possible to have Lyme disease without ever noticing this type of rash; although about 80 to 90 percent of cases include a bulls-eye rash.

Lyme Disease Symptoms Early symptoms include a rash at the site of the tick bite and flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, headache and fatigue. If left undiagnosed, later symptoms include joint pain and swelling, as well as neurological symptoms such as inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain (meningitis), temporary paralysis of one side of your face (Bell’s palsy), numbness or weakness in your limbs, and impaired muscle movement. Less common symptoms include heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), eye inflammation, liver inflammation and severe fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, contact a doctor.

As with so many diseases, early intervention is crucial to a full recovery. Most patients are treated with oral antibiotics including doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil. Some patients with preexisting neurological or cardiac conditions may require intravenous treatment.

Approximately 10 to 20% of patients have persistent or recurrent symptoms, particularly if their treatment is delayed. Lingering symptoms of Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) or ‘chronic Lyme disease’ include fatigue, pain, or joint and muscle aches that can last for six months. Although the cause of PTLDS is unknown, most medical experts believe that the lingering symptoms are the result of residual damage to tissues and the immune system that occurred during the infection.

Preventing Lyme Disease If you find a tick on yourself or a pet, immediately remove it. If the tick is not yet engorged, it may not have been there long enough to transmit the Lyme disease spirochete. Many towns will test the tick for Lyme disease for a small fee; put the tick in a plastic zip lock bag and take it to your town’s health department.

Of course the best thing to do is to avoid ticks altogether. While an insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin can help, it is not recommended for women who are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant. Instead, anyone who spends time outside should try these tips: • Avoid high grass and areas where deer roam • Tuck pants into socks to create coverage • Check pets regularly for ticks • Do a full body check in the shower or bath on yourself and your children All Connecticut residents should be diligent about checking for ticks and take preventative measures to avoid tick bites. For women who want to get pregnant, this is even more important.

Dr. Mark P. Leondires, medical director and lead physician with Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMA CT), is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. For the past two years he has been selected, through a doctor peer-review, for Best Doctors in America, which represents the top five percent of physicians in the U.S.

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Genetic Anxiety...

It’s Not Your Fault!

By Jared Skowron, ND

T

he apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. We often look back at ourselves and our parents and laugh when we realize how closely we seem to follow in their footsteps. I hear many of my patients tell me that they are nervous and anxious, just like their mother, sister, and grandmother. I’m sure it goes all the way up the family tree. The same goes for depression, ADHD, alcoholism, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more.

Many of us throw our hands up when we look at genetics, and throw away ownership of a problem. “I guess I was born this way.

There’s nothing I can do.” Remember, there’s always something we can do. Of course, the most common thing for people to do when they’re anxious or depressed is to take medications. Big Pharma loves unhappiness. It makes tens of billions of dollars a year on it. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are in the topten class of drugs, in terms of sales. Big Pharma has trained their ‘employees’ well; when you tell your doctor you’re anxious, you get a prescription and possibly a referral to a therapist. Your doctor doesn’t know your mood is genetic, because doctors were never taught this fact. They were taught to sign the prescription pad.

Moods

Broken Genes Third, let’s understand that these brain chemicals are made from the foods we eat. The brain transforms proteins and vitamins into serotonin, adrenaline, dopamine, and the like. Most importantly there are genes, pieces of our DNA, that regulate this conversion of food to chemical to happiness. Ask yourself this, what if you inherited genes that don’t work?

What if Mom or Dad or Grandma or Grandpa was anxious, depressed, or an alcoholic? Or what about that crazy bipolar uncle that no one talks about? These genes pass down. When you take your SSRI, do you need to increase the dose, taking more and more to get the same happiness? How can the drug hold onto serotonin, when you don’t make any? You guessed it. The problem remains unsolved. You’re still anxious, but you can’t go off the drug, because you’ll feel worse.

MTHFR and Serotonin Mutations

First, let’s understand our moods. They’re influenced by the stress of the world around us, our families, relationships, money, work, media, health, etc. We get absorbed in the minutia of our daily life, and only have the benchmark of our expectations to generate our moods. Perhaps that’s where Hollywood fails us. So many American movies end with a nice neat resolution. The family is happy again. The hero saves the day. What happens when we compare our lives to unrealistic television shows and movies, and magazines full of retouched photos of beautiful people? Ouch.

Reality. From a behavioral and therapeutic standpoint it’s important for us to generate viable goals and outcomes, and of course to be thankful for what we do have.

Fourth, let’s understand these genetics. MTHFR and COMT are the genetic keys to your happiness! MTHFR, which stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate, is the genetic key to forming brain chemicals, such as serotonin. It you inherited a broken or mutated gene, then your serotonin level is low. Low serotonin equals more anxiety, more depression, and more racing thoughts that keep you up at night. This also causes low dopamine, creating lack of interest, motivation and focus. All the Prozac in the world won’t make you feel any better, because your brain can’t make serotonin for the Prozac to hold on to.

Brain Chemistry

COMT and Adrenaline Mutations

Second, let’s understand brain chemistry. Over the past few decades it has become common knowledge that chemicals affect our mood. Serotonin makes us happy. Adrenaline makes us anxious and angry. Dopamine is a great reward sensation after exercise or shopping (whatever gets you going…). The pharmaceutical industry has taken advantage of this science by creating anti-depressant drugs that bring in billions of dollars. The most common are called SSRIs. Drugs such as Zoloft and Lexapro are this type of drug. Their purpose is to hold onto the serotonin in our brain. More serotonin, more happy! But how did that serotonin get there to begin with?

On the flip side of the coin is the brain’s ability to remove chemicals. We make serotonin and other chemicals, such as adrenaline, and then the brain removes them from the system. It’s a daily factory of production and metabolism. What if your DNA for removal was broken? You would fill up with chemicals like the I Love Lucy episode on the chocolate conveyor belt. You just wouldn’t be able to keep up with your brain. It would be flooded, especially with adrenaline. This gene is called COMT, which stands for catechol-O-methyltransferase. Adrenaline is for fight or flight, our sympathetic nervous system. Do you always have road rage? Are you irritable and aggressive? Does your temper flare at the smallest trigger? Or perhaps you are in flight mode, and you want to run

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from everything. The world is petrifying, and it’s difficult to step outside, or even have a conversation with someone (what do they really think about you, anyway?).

The Combination of both MTHFR and COMT You may have been lucky enough to inherit one of these genetic mutations, or like some of my patients, perhaps you inherited both of them, and find yourself caught in a conundrum of panic, depression, and irritability. Fear not! There is hope. All of these genetic issues are completely treatable! The appropriate nutritional supplements will adjust your brain chemistry to help you feel happy.

“Wait a minute!” I hear you say. Why aren’t there drugs that do this? Why doesn’t my physician test me for this? Why haven’t I heard about it before? Can vitamins really be that strong?

One the biggest problems with our conventional medical education system is that it’s owned by pharmaceutical companies and directed by twentieth-century flowcharts. Medical students memorize these flow charts for years, and when you walk in with a symptom, their flow chart gives the answer. That answer was created years ago, and is rarely updated.

Conventional doctors (except infertility specialists) were not taught about these genetic problems, in spite of the fact that MTHFR is one of the top five genetic mutations in our population! Why wouldn’t your doctor be taught about this? The easy answer is there’s no drug to fix the problem; only a vitamin fixes this.

Parents... say nO tO Drugs

Get Your DNA Tested and Treated So, now you know that you were born this way. And society tells you can have the perfect life, but their definition of perfect might be hard to get. We need to make our own definition of perfect. THIS IS TREATABLE! Are you playing poker and don’t like the genetic hand of cards you’ve been dealt?

You can change those cards. Get your DNA tested. Get your DNA treated, naturally. This works for hundreds of my patients, from kids with ADHD or autism, to adults with anxiety and depression. You deserve to feel happy, and it should start right now.

Submitted by Dr. Jared Skowron of Harvest Park Naturopathic Medicine. For more information, call 203-500-5532 or visit www. naturopathicanswer.com. See ad this page.

Dr. Jared M. Skowron, N.D. Connecticut’s author and expert in natural medicine for kids

say yes tO Naturopathic Pediatric Medicine.

Safe, proven and effective, non-drug medicine for every child is a parent’s natural choice.

We treat the conditions of ADHD, Asthma, Autism(DAN certified), Eczema, IBS and more, in a gentle and wholistic way. Contact us for an appointment at 203-265-0444.

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REMEDIES

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

ADHD – A Real Diagnosis?

Supplements & Lifestyle Changes That Can Help “Many important studies . . . have shown the relationship between sugar consumption and behavioral changes in children.

Mainstream science . . . has systematically ignored most of these. . . . This leaves parents without the guidance or guidelines they need to provide the best food for their children. . . . And it provides a continuous stream of patients for our “sick-care” system. Children with behavioral problems are plied with medications by a willing drug industry. It seems everyone benefits, except our children.” ~ Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, “Kids’ Health, A Doctor’s Guide for Parents” (2010).

“Psychoactive medications by design change normal brain function. They upset the balance of neurotransmitters, modify neural activity, and, with long-term use, actually alter the anatomy of the brain. . . . when they are discontinued, even more side effects rear up and patients feel much worse than ever before.” ~ Julian Whitaker, M.D., Health & Healing (November 2011)

I

s your child unmanageable? Does s/he perform poorly in school, exhibit oppositional or socially aggressive behavior, or act impulsively, in ways that produce adverse life outcomes? Before you accept an ADHD diagnosis and run to fill a prescription for Ritalin or Adderall, you might consider the information below.

ADHD Symptoms and The Diagnosis Controversy According to the Feingold Association of the United States, ADHD affects three to five percent of the world’s population under age 19. It is a neurobehavioral disorder caused by alterations in brain chemicals and changes in the way the brain works that is “characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity, as well as forgetfulness, poor impulse control... and distractibility.” Conservative physicians view it as a chronic, incurable condition and prescribe medications such as Ritalin and Adderall merely to help control ADHD symptoms. Among others, these institutions recognize ADHD as a disorder/disability: National Institutes of Health; American Medical Association; Centers for Disease Control; and the US Department of Education.

Functional Medicine Practitioner Julian Whitaker, M.D., notes in his Health & Healing newsletter (November 2011), that the difficulty with an ADHD label is that “there’s a huge problem with the manner and frequency in which mental illnesses are diagnosed,

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and it’s about as scientific as soothsaying.” In psychiatry, there are no lab tests, scans, or any other evidence to determine the cause of symptoms. Whitaker further emphasizes that “all they have to go on are symptoms, which panels of psychiatrists have grouped together, voted on, and labeled as ‘mental disorders.’” In expressing concern about American children, he emphasizes that they “take far more psychoactive drugs than anywhere else in the world,” and points out an obvious absurdity: a short attention span, excess energy, and some behavior problems do not constitute a mental disorder, but rather a normal phase of childhood.

The Feingold Association supports the argument that ADHD is not a mental disorder by listing on its website more than 40 external factors that have been linked to this condition, including: (1) candidiasis (yeast levels artificially raised by oral antibiotic use before age 2); (2) food and pet/pollen/mold allergies; (3) artificial preservatives (BHA/BHT), colors, and flavors; (4) sugars (including corn syrup/ high fructose corn syrup); (5) excessive stress; (6) auditory and vision deficits; (7) nutritional deficiencies; (8) hypoglycemia; and (9) sleep deprivation.

Even psychotherapist Keath Low at the University of North Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, who recognizes ADHD as a valid diagnosis, has noted that, because symptoms of ADHD can certainly appear similar to other conditions, diagnosing health professionals “must first rule out any other pre-existing conditions or causes for the symptoms.”

The Importance of a Clean Diet It behooves any parent, whose child has been diagnosed with ADHD or exhibits similar symptoms, to consider eliminating the following foods from his/her diet for at least four weeks to determine whether doing so has a positive effect on behavior:

1. Sugar Younger brains simply cannot handle the high doses of sugar found in the foods children often prefer, including fruit juices, fruit, and sweets. Specifically, Lendon Smith, M.D., a well-known pediatrician, long ago argued that sugar can cause hyperactivity/ADHD by impacting the mid-brain, which controls emotions and focus ability. He based his position in part on his daughter’s experience with Ritalin, which traditional physicians prescribed for her until age 21. Disenchanted with conventional medicine, Dr. Smith oversaw

her one-month Ritalin withdrawal in the hospital and restored her to normal with a sugar/carbohydrate-free diet and magnesium.

In addition, research has shown that high-sugar diets decrease brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is responsible for the development of new nerve tissue in the brain, and thus for the capacity to expand memory, learn, and grow.

2. EPA + DHA/Fish Oil

In Wheat Belly, William Davis, MD, notes that a substantial proportion of children with ADHD may respond to the elimination of wheat from their diets. He further states that, while it is unlikely that wheat exposure causes ADHD, it “appears to be associated with worsening of the symptoms characteristic of the condition.”

EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, a critical part of every child’s nutritional supplement regimen because omega-3s are the primary building blocks of the brain. Sixty percent of every brain cell is composed of DHA, and 30 to 40% of the brain’s gray matter is DHA. The brain’s cortex, consisting entirely of gray matter, is responsible for impulse control, the lack of which is a key ADHD symptom.

In one six-month study, researchers observed 117 ADHD children who received daily doses of either 558 mg EPA/174 mg DHA or placebo. The researchers reported significant improvements in reading, spelling, and behavior in all children receiving the omega3s. Moreover, omega-3 supplementation outperformed Ritalin.

3. Processed Foods/Synthetic Additives/Salicylates

3. Minerals

Ordinary commercially-processed foods like frozen pizza/ dinners, packaged cookies/cakes, bacon/sausage, and box meals can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This is because they commonly contain large amounts of preservatives, artificial flavors and dyes.

Natural and/or organic foods are preferable alternatives.

A study published in the International Journal of Pediatrics (2010) indicates that children who have ADHD consume lower levels of micronutrients. Of 43 children assessed, 66% were zinc deficient and 23% were copper deficient. The researchers also concluded that ADHD may also be associated with low levels of iron. A high-quality, well-absorbed multi-vitamin-mineral and diet adjustments may easily address these concerns.

2. Wheat/Gluten

4. Dairy In those who have milk allergies/sensitivities, dairy products (cow/goat milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream) can trigger ADHD in that they can diminish concentration and increase physical/mental fatigue. There are many dairy substitutes on the market, including those made of gluten-free flours/starches or almond/coconut/soy milk.

Natural Remedies for Children’s Focus and Brain Health

Given the potential side effects of drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD symptoms, such as Adderall and Ritalin (irregular heartbeat/stroke/heart attack, blurred vision, slurred speech, stomach pain/ nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fever, nervousness, insomnia, weight loss), it makes sense to try modifying the symptoms with the safer, non-toxic nutritional supplements discussed below. According to William J. Walsh, PhD, author of “Nutrient Power: Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain” (2012), current nutritional therapies already have resulted in thousands of reports of recovery in persons with various behavioral disorders, including ADHD.

Conclusion

Diet modification and nutritional supplementation should be used together to address ADHD symptoms. As a parent, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose in experimenting with the above suggestions. And your healthier, happier, better-functioning child will be forever grateful for your effort.

Submitted by Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and State Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Certification No. 232), with Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator, health coach, and Dip.C.N./Board Cert. Holistic Nutrition (pending). Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, cthealthshop.com, 378 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester), Pharmacist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups.

References are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

None of the natural remedies discussed herein are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See ad on page 11.

1. Amino Acids Like Adderall and Ritalin, the amino acids L-tyrosine and Lphenylalanine produce noradrenaline in the brain, thereby increasing attention and focus.

One formula that combines effective doses of the amino acids GABA, L-taurine, and L-glycine, with chromium polynicotinate, inositol, niacinamide (B3), and valerian, also has proven effective in ADHD treatment.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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SELF

Ashley Burkman, ND

Sequelae of Night Shift Workers

N

ight shifts have become commonplace in our 24-hour society. This has led to an increase in research on the health sequelae of shift work. Even the most self-proclaimed night owl is susceptible to the physiological and psychological stress that night shift workers face.

Sleep Alterations The most obvious concern with shift work is an altered sleep cycle. Working at night forces the body to ignore biochemical signals that induce sleep when the sun goes down. When darkness occurs, the pineal gland, a pea-sized gland located in the center of the brain, releases melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Melatonin is typically released for about 12 hours during the night, ceasing when daylight signals reduce melatonin levels to almost nothing.

This cycling of melatonin is considered a modulator of circadian rhythm, the body’s 24-hour cycle.

This can pose a huge problem for nightshift workers who need to sleep during the day. One way to improve daytime sleep cycles is to supplement with melatonin dur-

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ing the hours in which you want to sleep, with doses depending on the individual.

Other ways to naturally raise melatonin is to avoid strenuous exercise and bright light exposure before bed. Melatonin levels have been found to decrease for up to three hours after watching television or exercising. Dark window coverings or eye pillows may be helpful for those who need to sleep during the day.

Nutritional Deficiencies A reduction in exposure to daylight can cause several nutritional deficiencies, the most common of which is vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays several health benefitting roles including maintaining bone mineral density, keeping the immune system healthy and improving mood. While New Englanders are notoriously low in vitamin D, total lack of sun exposure further sets the stage for vitamin D deficiency.

While sun bathing may be a tempting way to avoid Vitamin D deficiency, avoiding sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, when the rays are most damaging, is recommended. To adequately

meet your vitamin D needs it is best to have levels tested and supplement accordingly.

Other deficiencies can come from a lack of nutrition. Hunger signals also are linked to circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycles; hunger decreases during the night and increases during the day. Night shift workers notoriously do not eat enough of the good stuff and frequently reach for highsugar and high-carbohydrate foods.

Caffeine abuse can be rampant in night-shift workers, because of its stimulating effects. Energy drinks and energy products are certainly appealing when you need some oomph to get you through the night, however, these products are linked to an increase in blood pressure, headaches, dehydration, blood-sugar irregularities and heart palpitations.

How Night-Shift Workers can Overcome Nutrient Deficiencies Natural ways to combat nutrient deficiencies and caffeine abuse in shift workers include the following: 1. Eat every 2 to 3 hours. This does not mean you have to eat a full meal, even something small like a piece of fruit with nut butter, vegetables and hummus or a small smoothie can do the trick. Eating every 2 to 3 hours will encourage balanced blood sugar, thereby supplying consistent energy.

2. Dark Leafy Greens. Dark greens like kale, spinach and collards are high in iron.

Iron supports energy and stamina naturally.

Consider having iron levels checked to see if supplementation is warranted. Green smoothies are always a great way to get a variety of nutrients in the diet, particularly iron.

3. Hydrate. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of fatigue and tiredness.

Ensuring you are hydrated will abate sleepiness naturally. Water and herbal teas are fair game; caffeinated or sugary beverages do not count toward your total water intake.

4. B-vitamins. B vitamins supply a natural boost of energy as they support your body’s adrenal system, which is the system that keeps your stress responses in check.

Taking B vitamins prior to a shift can increase energy and stamina but should be avoided at the end of the shift as they may keep you from falling asleep.

Psychological Risk Night-shift workers frequently report having less personal time and less time to spend with family due to their altered sleeping patterns. Rates of marital stress, family stress and depression are all increased in individuals who work the night shift. Interruptions in sleep during the day can lead to inadequate amounts and quality of sleep, thus further putting one at risk for developing a psychological disorder.

Setting boundaries with family and friends as to when you are not to be interrupted, and avoiding the distractions of phone ringers, televisions and pets can help you adhere to a strict sleep schedule after working a night shift. It is imperative that adequate time is made for sleep every day.

Family or individual counseling offers people additional tools to help with the stress of maintaining a night-shift schedule.

Medical Risk Night-shift workers have been shown to have an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism, cancer, mental and emotional disorders, sleep apnea and hypertension to name a few. Routine checkups can help catch these diseases early, and several therapies can be offered to abate their progression.

Although night-shift workers are at elevated risk, there are many day-shift workers who suffer from similar disease processes due to not maintaining an adequate sleep regimen. This speaks to the overall importance of quality sleep to the preservation of health, making sleep a priority for everyone.

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 34.

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Nourish

By Vicki Kobliner MS, RD, CD-N

Breastfeeding: Lifelong Benefits and Surprising Alternatives

M

ost new moms know that “breast is best”, because the nutritional profile of breast milk is uniquely and perfectly suited to a newborn’s needs. Breast milk is naturally so well matched to baby’s requirements that the composition actually adapts as an infant matures. The balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates in breast milk adjusts to changing nutritional needs. Breast milk supplies more than just nutrients however. In the first few days of life, breast milk is rich in colostrum, which contains important antibodies, offering baby protection from disease. Probiotics, which are known to alleviate intestinal discomfort, support immunity and improve digestion, are also passed through the breast.

Breast Feeding Can Provide Lifelong Protection For these and many other reasons, breast feeding provides defense against many acute and chronic diseases in early and later life. The diseases and disorders that breast feeding alleviates are far reaching and may be surprising: • Allergies, asthma and eczema are less prevalent in children who were nursed.

• Breast-fed babies have fewer diarrheal illnesses, respiratory infections, and fewer and shorter lasting ear infections.

• Babies who nurse have half the risk of Sudden Infant Death syndrome.

• Multiple studies show that exclusively breast fed infants are less likely to develop both Type I and Type II diabetes later in life.

• Children who were breast fed have a reduced likelihood of being obese, and the more months they nurse, the more pronounced the effect.

• Breast cancer risk is reduced both in breast-fed babies and moms who breast-feed.

• Depression, attention issues and behavioral problems also appear to be improved with breast feeding, and the longer the duration, the greater the benefit.

• Small studies indicate that breast-fed babies have increased cognitive development and intellectual capacity.

• Babies who nursed are less likely to be hospitalized as infants, and illnesses are less severe.

• Cardiovascular disease may also be modulated by early nursing, as cholesterol level and inflammatory markers are lower in adulthood.

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Breast Feeding Keeps Moms Healthy, Too The positive outcomes of nursing are not limited to babies. Moms also reap short- and long-term health benefits from lactation.

• For moms, nursing reduces breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer incidence • Coronary artery disease is almost 25% less likely in moms who breast feed for 24 months • Blood sugar control is better in diabetic nursing moms • Metabolic syndrome occurs less frequently in mothers who breast fed their babies • Rheumatoid arthritis occurs more often in moms who did not nurse their infants • Post-partum weight loss is easier during lactation.

It is clear and undeniable that breastfeeding is the optimal choice for both children and their mothers, but there are barriers to nursing that can impede a mother’s best efforts. Challenges can arise early if baby has trouble latching or milk supply is low. Moms may abandon their efforts after a few months if an infant is colicky, or weight gain is not optimal. For many mothers a return to work also may lead to early weaning. In all of these cases, adequate support, information and guidance can keep babies nursing longer.

Nursing Challenges When infants have trouble with the initiation of nursing, a certified lactation consultant can provide emotional support and hands-on guidance to assist moms in being successful. Low milk supply can be increased with certain herbs such as fenugreek, anise, alfalfa and blessed thistle, and with foods such as rolled oats, flax seed and brewer’s yeast. Babies with colic are suffering from digestive discomfort. They may have poor gut function or be sensitive to certain foods in mom’s diet. Adding an infant-specific probiotic and removing allergenic foods such as dairy or gluten, or gassy foods like broccoli and cabbage, can often resolve the problem and allow for the continuation of nursing. Moms also should familiarize themselves with growth standards for breast-fed babies, as they gain weight more slowly than formula-fed infants. Needless worry can result from comparing a breast-fed baby’s growth to an inappropriate reference range.

Alternatives to Commercial Formula When nursing is impossible or undesirable, commercial infant formula is usually the next choice. Almost all ready-made formula is not produced from whole foods, contains ingredients like corn-syrup solids which can be difficult for infants to tolerate, and has been shown to be contaminated with heavy metals.

Moms who simply cannot or choose not to breast feed are often unaware that there are alternatives to commercial formula that can be as nutritious as breast milk, and devoid of these problematic ingredients. Homemade goat milk, coconut milk, certain protein powders and even liver-based-formula recipes exist, but these formulas should never be used without first consulting with a qualified dietitian/nutritionist to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Goat milk, for example, is fairly close to human milk in composition, but has a different ratio of fat/protein and carbohydrate, and is inadequate in folic acid and other nutrients as compared with breast milk. It must be supplemented appropriately to more closely mimic the composition of human milk.

Simple Formula Recipes, Important Benefits All food-based formulas require a precise balance of ingredients to meet a baby’s nutritional needs, but the recipes are not difficult and the benefits are large. The advantages of these formulas include increased digestibility, natural ingredients and avoidance of heavy metals.

Beyond the well documented emotional contributions of breast feeding, all new moms should consider nursing to improve shortand long-term health outcomes. For those who cannot or choose not to breast feed, a homemade formula can be a nourishing and safe alternative.

Vicki Kobliner MS RD, CD-N is a Registered Dietitian and owner of Holcare Nutrition (www.holcarenutrition.com). Vicki works with infants, children and adults with digestive disorders, food allergies, ADHD, autism and other chronic illness, and provides fertility and prenatal nutrition counseling. Vicki has extensive experience in using dietary modification, appropriate supplementation and functional lab testing to achieve optimal wellness. She can be reached at 203.834.9949 or vicki@holcarenutrition.com. See ad on page 15.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Happenings Friday, August 2nd Open House Meditation and Drum Circle.

7 – 8:30 pm. FREE. Join us for our second anniversary celebration as we center and ground during our meditation then raise our vibration with a drum circle. Come see what this community is all about. We plan to be outside on the patio, rain or shine so dress accordingly. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, August 3rd Reiki II Training with Barb Fasulo. 11:00am – 6:30pm. $175. Pre-registration and $50 deposit required. This class expands upon information presented in Reiki Level 1 and attunes you to higher levels of energy. You will gain the ability to heal from a distance as well as to heal mental and emotional issues. Class includes materials and certificate of completion. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT. 860657-9545. www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Wholistic Spa is at the Glastonbury Farmers Market! August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. Joins us each Saturday in August from 10-1 for Chair Massage, Aromatherapy and more at the Farmer’s Market! 10am1pm. Hubbard Green, 1946 Main St., Glastonbury, CT. 06033. For more information call Wholistic Spa at (860) 657-4105.

see what may be the source of your pain and discomfort. You will obtain a better understanding of your physical body, along with your body-mind. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, August 8th Wholistic HCG Fat Loss Program. 6-7pm.

Join Our Free Educational Seminar and get $75 Off Your 6 Week Program! Learn how you can lose up to 30 pounds in 40 days with our UNIQUE, safe and effective, medically supervised weight loss program!

Glastonbury Naturopathic Center, 18 School St. Glastonbury, CT. Call 860-6574105 to reserve your space. www.naturopathicwellness.com.

Friday, August 9th So You Want to be a Medium? 6:30pm – 9pm. $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, August 10th

Introductory Workshops to In-Depth Body Psychotherapy and Subtle Energy Healing Programs. 9am-1pm. FREE. Get a flavor of HFI’s Professional Training Program and new non-traditional Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling. CEUs available for $35. To register, call 860-236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com. Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford, CT.

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.

Tuesday, August 6th

Introductory Workshops to Understanding and Changing Yourself and Your Relationships. 9am-12pm. FREE. Attend an introductory workshop for HFI’s Human Relations Training Program. CEUs available for $35. To register, call 860-236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com. Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford, CT.

What’s Your Body Really Telling You? 6:30 pm. – 8:30 pm. $45.00. Pain and discomfort are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Physical pain and postural misalignments can be caused by physical, emotional or other factors.

Explore your body alignment, daily habits, belief systems and emotional triggers to 38 38

Natural Nutmeg August 2013

“Move Better, Feel Better” Alexander Technique Intro Class. Free. 9am-10am. Do you experience tension or fatigue? Do you wish you had better posture and balance? In this class you will begin to investigate how you use your body and explore ways of moving with less tension. It is very helpful for back and joint pain. Please call 860-656-6177, or email eric@millerAT.com to register, space is limited. Miller - Alexander Technique, Farmington, CT. www.millerat.com.

Intro: Incan Medicine Wheel Intensive.

9:30am -12:30. This 3-hour workshop invites you to experience more clarity, peace, and purpose in your life through the Incan Medicine Wheel teachings. You sample its grace and power as a spiritual map through which you can: heal old wounds; cultivate peace through the shaman’s perception; take a spirit journey for assistance with a life situation; and be gifted a Munay-Ki rite, an energetic transmission of bands of power and protection. Six-month program begins on Sept. 28th, 2013. Pre-register with Marian 860-918-8703 or Patricia 860-871-5467.

Intro fee $25. Spirit Matters @ Ravenwood, 199 West Center St., Manchester.

Sunday, August 11th Women’s Empowerment Meditation.

10:00 am. – 12 noon. $25.00. 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.

Intro: Incan Medicine Wheel Intensive.

12:30pm -3:30. This 3-hour workshop invites you to experience more clarity, peace, and purpose in your life through the Incan Medicine Wheel teachings. You sample its grace and power as a spiritual map through which you can: heal old wounds; cultivate peace through the shaman’s perception; take a spirit journey for assistance with a life situation; and be gifted a Munay-Ki rite, an energetic transmission of bands of power and protection. Six-month program begins on Sept. 28th, 2013. Pre-register with Marian 860-918-8703 or Patricia 860-8715467. Intro fee $25. The Conduit Center, 1227 Burnside Ave., East Hartford.

Monday, August 12th QiGong. No Cost. 1:15-1:45pm Instructor: Risa Brophy, MQT Qigong translates to “energy work” and is a gentle system of exercise practiced for health, healing and increased vitality. Join us to become calm & energized. The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy, 1 Northwestern Drive, Suite101, Bloomfield, CT, 06002. More information/Register: Bloomfield@InstituteofIMT.com.

Tuesday, August 13th The Real New Kids on the Block. 7:00 pm.

– 8:00 pm. FREE. There is a new generation of children coming into the world who possess amazing energy and intuitive gifts.

They are here to bring peace to our planet.

Gain insight into their path and how to help them navigate the world. This workshop is ideal for parents or teachers of these children. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, August 14th Healing in Harmony Night. 5 pm – 7pm.

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.

A Gong and Himalayan Singing Bowl Meditation with Priscilla Gale. 7:30 – 8:30pm, $15. Everything in and around our bodies resonates to sound. Sound therapy has long been shown to strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, relieve pain, improve sleep patterns and help with depression and anxiety. Find relaxation and release listening to these beautiful sounds. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT. 860-6579545. www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Friday, August 16th Gallery Night. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.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 and pre-payment are required. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

ExploreIMT! No Cost. 10:00am-12:00pm.

Interested in learning something new for your health? Integrative Manual Therapy

is a gentle, hands-on treatment for pain, disability, and disease. During your two hours you will: tour the building, observe a class, ask questions. The Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy, 1 Northwestern Drive, Bloomfield. To obtain additional information or to sign up, please email CSIMT@InstituteofIMT.com or call 860-243-6571.

Saturday August 17th Women’s Art Retreat - Nourish Your Creative Self! 10am-4pm . $95. All art supplies included. Paint, collage and draw in a peaceful atmosphere. Creative expression in this retreat follows an intuitive voicing.

Guided meditation opens us to the present moment. Authentic expression releases a quiet joy. Meeting our Self in wordless connection we encourage and nourish our creative life, this supports an open heart and vitality for all our life. Facilitated by Elisabeth Moss BFA . To register call 860550-0882. 12 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT. 06001 www.elisabethmoss.com.

Monday, August 19th Athlete Yoga with Justin Axel. 7:00 8:15pm. $16 drop in, class cards accepted.

With postures for building strength, balance, and endurance plus mellow flows and deep holds to release tension and soreness, this class aims to help you reach your peak performance! Present your US Rowing, USA Cycling, USA Triathlon, USA Swimming, USA Track & Field or Road Runners Club of America Membership Card to receive $4 off your class! Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT. 860-657-9545. www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Tuesday, August 20th

SPONSORED IN PART BY

Student Medium’s Night. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Love donation. Have a reading from one of our gifted student readers. Don’t let the word student confuse you as they are well versed in the art of message delivery. These nights allow them to practice their mediumship and for you to receive guidance. Sessions are 15-minutes each.

No appointments. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

NaturalNutmeg.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Happenings Sunday, August 25th Yoga and Aromatherapy with Bridget D’Arco. 9:30am – 12:30pm, $35 pre-pay, $45 at the door. Using Young Living Therapeutic Grade oils in class is a transformative experience for participants because of their ability to shift the space, creating a softening or sometimes expansion of everyone’s prana. The aroma centers the mind and transports participants to a sacred space, helping to relax, inspire and energize. 3 CEUs available to RYTs. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT. 860-657-9545. www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Wednesday, August 28th Home Message Circle. 6:30 pm – 8pm. $15.00. 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.

Thursday, August 29th Free Monthly Group for The Work of Byron Katie®. 6:30-8 p.m. Experience the simple power of questioning your stressful, painful thoughts. Dive deep within yourself, uncover your own truth and set yourself free.

Peace could be 4 short questions away. Find out how at this group. All are welcome.

Pre-register by August 28th. Contact Joy Karim, Certified Facilitator of The Work®.

860-796-9461 or joy@theworkwithjoy.com.

935 Main Street, Manchester, CT. www.

TheWorkwithJoy.com.

Friday, August 30th Shamanic Meditation Workshop with Keshav Howe. 7 – 9pm. $20 cash. Theme: Dark Night of the Soul. Explore a shamanic method of revealing and healing the divine, sublime, and mundane aspects of ourselves.

We will start by supporting the part of us attached to old and limiting beliefs. Join us as we discover and embrace our whole self and open the door to true presence. Sacred Rivers Yoga 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT. 860-657-9545. www.sacredriversyoga.com.

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Saturday, August 31st Wholistic Spa is at the Glastonbury Farmers Market! August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. Joins us each Saturday in August from 10-1 for Chair Massage, Aromatherapy and more at the Farmer’s Market! 10am-1pm.

Hubbard Green, 1946 Main St., Glastonbury, CT. 06033. For more information call Wholistic Spa at (860) 657-4105.

Saturday, September 7th Introductory Workshops to In-Depth Body Psychotherapy and Subtle Energy Healing Programs. 9am-1pm. FREE. Get a flavor of HFI’s Professional Training Program and new non-traditional Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling. CEUs available for $35. To register, call 860-236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com. Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford, CT. Introductory Workshops to Understanding and Changing Yourself and Your Relationships. 9am-12pm. FREE. Attend an introductory workshop for HFI’s Human Relations Training Program. CEUs available for $35.

To register, call 860-236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford, CT

ONGOING Monday Ashtanga Light with Jack Lynch. 5:30 – 6:45pm. $16 drop in, class cards accepted.

This is a challenging practice which develops strength and endurance. It is based on the classical yoga system taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Class structure will be similar to the primary Ashtanga sequence in terms of tempo and posture progression. Modifications from the classical style will include substitutions, posture variations offered, and alignment considerations. Sacred Rivers Yoga 2934 Main Street, Glastonbury CT. 860-6579545 www.sacredriversyoga.com.

Tuesday Conscious Living Relationship Tools Series.

Ongoing Second Tuesday’s. 7-9pm. $20.00.

Lynda Aldorisio, Certified Life Coach. The intention of this series is to learn how to end power struggles, criticism, get unstuck from recurring patterns; to communicate authentically/listen consciously. Come explore/

discover esential relationship tools to create more harmony/vitality/love/creativity. Spirit Matters, 199 West Center Street, Manchester, CT. 2 Day Registration. lyndaaldo@yahoo. com. Ph. 508-962-0009.

Thursday Detox With Dr. Dave. Every Thursday 6pm.

Come join us for discussion on the importance of cleanses, facts on nutrition and supplementation and support for weight loss. No fee; no registration; just drop in! for those who attend and commit to a 14 or 28 day plan, we offer 20% off the detox kit.

Osteopathic Wellness Center, 158 Danbury Road, Suite 6, Ridgefield, CT 06877. 203438-9915.

Saturday Ellington Farmers’ Market. 9-12pm. Arbor Park, Main St. Ellington. May 4th-Oct 19th.

Local and fresh organic produce, seafood, baked goods, dairy, beef, poultry, chicken, specialty foods artisan wares and more.

Weekly themes, entertainment and Kids Power of Produce Club. Visit www.ellingtonfarmersmarket.com for a complete schedule of events.

Introductory Workshops to In-Depth Body Psychotherapy and Subtle Energy Healing Programs. FREE. August 3, September 7.

9am-1pm. Get a flavor of HFI’s Professional Training Program and new non-traditional Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling.

CEUs available for $35. To register, call 860236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute. com. Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford, CT. Introductory Workshops to Understanding and Changing Yourself and Your Relationships. FREE. August 10, September 7. 9am12pm. Attend an introductory workshop for HFI’s Human Relations Training Program.

CEUs available for $35. To register, call 860236-6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute. com. Hartford Family Institute, 17 South Highland Street, West Hartford, CT.

Sunday Community Acupuncture. 1 - 2:30 pm. $30.

Drop in only. Making the benefits of acupuncture accessible to all, WHY is proud to present Community Acupuncture. Experience this incredibly healing modality in a small group setting. Healing Arts at WHY, 23 Brook Street, W Hartford. www.westhartfordyoga.com.

Acupuncture

Dentistry

Stan Baker, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac. Menla Holistic Health, 35 Nod Road, Ste. 106 Avon, CT • (860) 836-1068.

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 25.

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 13.

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 31.

Chiropractic 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 7.

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 13.

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

Green & Sustainable Interior Design Put It Together, llc Judie Ricciardi Heritage Center,464 Heritage Road, Suite 1B Southbury, CT 06488 • 203-263-7836 Email: putittogetherllc@cs.com www.putittogetherllc.com M-Th 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Fri. until noon.

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.

Holistic Centers Center for Holistic Practices & Psychotherapy 963 Queen Street, Suite C Southington, CT 06489 • (860) 276-5843 www.centerforholisticpractices.com See ad on page 23.

Holistic Health PANACEA - Healing for Body and Sole LLC Barb Porlides Access Consciousness Techniques, Reflexology, Etheric Weaver Healing, Ionic Detox Foot Baths 101 River Rd., Canton, CT. 860-294-1296 www.panaceahealing.com

Hypnosis

Colon Hydrotherapy

Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 27.

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 13.

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

Dentistry

Hypnosis

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 17.

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

Resources Integrative Medicine New England Integrative Health Associates, LLC (NEIHA) 345 North Main Street, Bishop’s Corner West Hartford, CT 06117 Ph. 860.278.3812 • Fax: 860.525.6054 Email: info@neihact.com • See ad on page 28.

Life Coach PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 15.

Partners In Spirit

Ellen Gilhooly 22 Maple Ave Windsor, CT 06095 (860)490-2027 • http://www.partnersinspirit.com

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 Wholistic Spa 18 School Street, Glastonbury, CT. 06033 860-657-4105 • www.wholisticspa.com See ad on page 13.

Naturopathic Medicine CT Natural Health Specialists Lauren Gouin, ND 135 Center St., Manchester, CT (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 34.

Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 5.

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 13.

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 15.

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Resources Naturopathic Medicine 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 21.

West Hartford Naturopathic Medicine Frank Aieta, ND 301 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT (860) 232-9662 • www.DRAIETA.com See ad on page 17.

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 15.

Dr. Rick Cooper 258 Main Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 P: 203-229-0164 E: contact@rickcoopernd.com

Nutrition Thyme & Season Natural Foods Certified Nutrition Counselor Linda Myers, Complimentary consultations in store. Mon – Fri 9 - 5.

3040 Whitney Ave., Hamden Email: Supplements.Thyme@gmail.com. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Physicians, M.D. Advance Biomedical Treatment Center, LLC (formerly Avon Therapeutic Center) Eileen C. Comia, M.D. 35 Jolley Dr., Ste., #102 Bloomfield, CT 06002 Tel 860.242.2200 • Fax 860.242.2212 www.AdvBioMedTx.com 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.

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

(860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 9.

Spa/Floatation Services

Thermography

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 7.

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

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com See ad on page 31.

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

Relationship Coach

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Skincare

Osteopathic physcian

Dr. Summer McAllister 71 East Avenue, Suite D, Norwalk, CT 06851 P: 877-437-3537 • F: 917-456-0362 E: drsummermcallister@gmail.com

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 15.

Center for Holistic Practices & Psychotherapy 963 Queen Street Suite C, Southington, CT 06489 860-276-5843 www.centerforholisticpractices.com

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

Center for Holistic Practices & Psychotherapy 963 Queen Street Suite C, Southington, CT 06489 860-276-5843 www.centerforholisticpractices.com

Nutrition

Shamanic Healing

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

Dr. Marcos de Escobar 171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 101 Waterbury, CT 06708 P: 203-757-9336 E: cosnd1@gmail.com

Dr. Jonathan Ritz 37 West Town Road Lebanon, CT 06249 • P: 860-281-7489 E: drjon@drjonritz.com

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

(203) 874-4252 • www.learn.edu See ad on page 11.

PEAK Results Coaching Jeff Forte, CSIC, CME • Relationship Coach 2389 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)633-8555 • peakresultscoaching.com See ad on page 15.

X to Rays, LLC Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 35 Boston Street, Guilford, CT 866.986.7297 or 203 331-2878 www.xtorays.com

Vibrational/Energy Healing The Healing in Harmony Center Priscilla Bengtson, ATP® 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860)632-8434 • healinginharmonycenter.com See ad on page 13.

Yoga / Pilates Centers

Schools

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.

See ad on page 14.

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

See ad on page 13.

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

Visit our Facebook page!

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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 August 2013