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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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Awakening to What’s Important

Nov 01, 2021 07:03PM ● By Joe Dunne

A few years ago, I wrote a publisher’s column based on the book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff ... and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. I think we all have had a refresher course on just how true that is. 

If there has ever been a time of awakening to what truly is important, what we should be dedicating our valuable time and energy to, it is now. Influenced by stress, irritated by this or that insignificant situation, low on tolerance and acceptance, and just plain frustrated, the little things that just don’t really matter get my attention and cause unnecessary friction. 

That needs an adjustment. Fighting over what time we should start the dishwasher may be a sign of our stressful times, but it is still not good. Nor is friction over a million other things that should rightfully land in the “who cares?” bin. 

The time has come to reexamine my thinking. I believe that family, love, friendships and extended family are the foundation of what is important. Love is the root of everything that’s important—receiving it and giving it, not only in words but in actions. Unfortunately, my own expectations too often get in the way.

“It occurred to her that mercy was the ability to stop, if only for a moment. There was no mercy where there could be no stopping.” – Frank Herbert, Dune 

When I think I must give 100%, 100% of the time, then I leave no room for mercy to myself or others. My work, my selfness, my ego and procrastination all get in the way of what I really want, which is to give myself permission to stop. Take a break. Breathe. Let my mind clear. Reconnect with myself and those I love.

To live within what is important and aligned with my beliefs is my responsibility. To straighten out my thinking and couple that with positive action driven behavior is possible. After all, what can I take with me if not that feeling of being loved? Where better to cement that than with my family, friends and those that love me. 

In peace, love and laughter,

Joe Dunne, Publisher

Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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