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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

Together for Peace

Dec 30, 2021 04:09PM ● By Joe Dunne

When I asked Google the percentage of people that keep their new year’s resolutions each year, I was willing to bet it was very low. I was right. It is only 8 percent.

Does this mean we should give up on resolution efforts? Not at all. When I look at the big things on my list that I want to accomplish or change in 2022, I see it is mostly resolutions left over from years of working on the hard task of resolving me. The proof of this ongoing effort surrounds me: self-help books everywhere, audio library, sticky notes, lists and scattered (unreadable) pieces of paper throughout my house and office.  

My list is all about the usual stuff—be kinder, pay attention, listen better. Go out of your way to make someone happy. Complete those spontaneous random acts of kindness. Give something to everyone you meet—even something that may seem small like encouragement or a positive thought. Watch my ego and, of course, “see the good” and “live in gratitude”.  No judging. Strive to be a model others would like to emulate. Respect everyone. Embrace every breath, relationship and live life without guilt or remorse. Just do the right thing. Think positive and say yes more often. 

This list reminds me why paying attention to me and my behavior benefits others as well as the commitment it takes. 

As 2022 approaches, my dreams center on good health (trust me, at 78 this month, good health is gold) and peace. Not only within where it starts, but peace moving outwardly to all. What better greeting or reminder than wishing peace to everyone we meet. What better time than now to start a together movement—a movement of good, of peace, of chill—for the planet and all life on it. 

Staying focused on what is good for all and carrying a message of hope takes dedication, commitment and avoiding complacency. Every tiny act, deed and word contributes to the good of all. “Make love, not war”—any war no matter how small. Miracles do happen. Together we can contribute and make the unthinkable thinkable, grow the good and be the peace. 

From all of us to all of you, stay safe. Good luck with your resolutions. Spread the peace. 


In love, joy and laughter,

Joe Dunne, Publisher



In-Print publisher's letter January 2022
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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