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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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In This Issue: July 2022

July 2022 Digital Issue

Please enjoy the July 2022 issue of Natural Awakenings! Flip through the pages of our digital magazine or scroll through the articles below. 
Keeping Tooth Enamel Intact - the Fluoride-Free Way!
Sponsored Content Looking at a tooth, it can be hard to realize that each one is a living organ. They look so hard. White. Read More »
In This Issue: July 2022
The Food Connection Issue. Tasty Edible Plants, Sustainable Local Food System Trends, Radiant Skin Tips, Turn Your Yard Into A Pollinator Haven and Much More. Read More »
The Toxic Connection to Chronic Illness
An accurate diagnosis for those who suffer from a miscellany of symptoms can prove elusive to Western medicine’s mechanistic approach. Read More »
The Power of Touch for Healing
At a time when the world is in chaos and we’ve been devoid of human touch and connection for years, now is the time to reconnect with yourself and harness the stress-reducing biochemistry of the human body through the healing power of touch. Read More »
Herbalist Training Program Begins in September
Good herbalists treat people, not diseases. David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies Herbalist Training program strives to teach the skills necessary so that each student can accomplish that goal. Read More »
Crossword Solutions
Sponsored Content Thank you to our crossword puzzle sponsor- Hibernate Bedding: Organic and Natural Mattresses. Read More »
Stay In The Game with Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative Medicine utilizes your own cells, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to facilitate your body’s natural ability to heal from orthopedic and spine problems that were previously treated with steroids and surgery. Read More »
Scam Alert: Festival Fakery
Looking for a fun festival this summer? The Better Business Bureau reports that scammers are seeking to cash in on your entertainment dollars with phony tickets—and even fake events. Read More »
The Dangers of Commercial Air Fresheners: (And What to Use Instead)
Ads for air fresheners, from sprays to plug-ins to solids are everywhere. Commercial air fresheners are certainly a common fixture in many homes, schools and businesses. But are they as safe and beneficial as people often think they are? Read More »
NASA Research and Innovations are Spinning
Lit Bits: Amazing news from around the world. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to advancing renewable energy technologies to better understanding the processes leading to warming, NASA’s research and innovation spinoffs are growing. Read More »
Reminders for Living
Enjoying it all is the goal and how we think our way through life’s ups, downs, tragedies and joys is the key to enjoying the process. Our ability to cope, reframe our thinking, and accept and adjust our attitudes one day at a time is priceless and allows us to pursue happiness. Read More »
Young child feeding pig in field on farm
Attitudes Changing Toward Animal Rights
A new survey shows that children differ dramatically from adults in their moral views on animals, suggesting that speciesism is learned as we become socialized. Read More »
Dog looking at fireworks in sky
Canine Calm: Anti-Anxiety Tips for Dogs
Research shows that a number of strategies can help soothe anxious dogs both from immediate terror and ongoing anxiety associated with fireworks and other triggering situations. Read More »
Skyline photo of city with skyscrapers and bridge illuminating lights into the night sky and reflecting off water
City Lights are Tough on Birds
North America hosts about 3 billion fewer birds today than in 1970. The causes include light pollution, climate change, vanishing habitat and pesticides. Read More »
Various Asian herbs in bowls and spoons on cutting board next to cup and kettle of herbal tea
Consider Herbs from Traditional Asian Medicine for Diabetes
Researchers examined medical databases and ethnic medical books to discover which diabetes medicines were effective in ancient indigenous medical systems. Read More »
Child sitting on chair outdoors holding frozen orange treat
Cool Treats for Hot Days: DIY Recipes Even Kids Can Make
By creating homemade, hot-weather treats with our kids, we get to enjoy the delights of fresh, seasonal, healthy fruits and vegetables and inventive flavor combinations. Read More »
Illustration of deep sea mining
Deep-Sea Mining is the New Frontier
Research has found that significant knowledge gaps make it hard to predict the scale of the potential effect of mining the ocean floor. Read More »
Person holding phone out in front of face taking selfie photo
Don’t Assume Selfies Show True Facial Features
People are showing cosmetic surgeons selfies to demonstrate their surgical desires, but these concerns may be based on a distorted perception because selfies distort facial features. Read More »
Person standing in middle of trees in forest with arms spread
Earth-Friendly Hiking
As stewards of the environment, it’s important that we hike responsibly, leaving no detritus behind, respecting wildlife and preserving the pristine setting for everyone to enjoy. Read More »
Bowl of grains on table
Eat Grains to Reduce Inflammation and Liver Disease Risk
New studies find that nutrient-rich, whole grains have a positive effect on cardiovascular and liver health. Read More »
Jar of purple edible flowers
Flower Power: Edible Blooms Add Flavor and Color to Summer Fare
Today’s health-conscious foodies are finding edible flowers to be a fantastic way to eat the rainbow, adding fun flavors and colors to all sorts of dishes. Read More »
Spring rolls made out of flowers on plate with side of peanut sauce
Flower Spring Rolls with Tamarind and Peanut Sauce
Spring rolls are a great way to eat all the fresh veggies, flowers and fruits of the season, with different colors and textures throughout. Read More »
Close up of person's face with healthy skin and purple flower tucked behind ear
Healthier Summer Skin
Healthy summer skin care tips from Shannon Reagan, owner of Glimmer Goddess Organic Skin Care. Read More »
Hand holding leaf off hemp plant
Indigenous Efforts Use Hemp to Remove Forever Chemicals From Superfund Site
Researchers have discovered that hemp plants can successfully suck per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), "forever chemicals," out of contaminated soil via phytoremediation. Read More »
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith on the Threat of Gene-Edited Microbes
Jeffrey Smith, the founder and executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, is focusing on gene-edited microbes. Read More »
Bowl of berry popsicles with mixed berries
Mixed Berry Pops
Healthy, naturally-sweetened popsicles using fresh berries. Read More »
Tray of orange cream popsicles with orange slices
Orange Cream Pops
A healthy, homemade version of the classic orange cream popsicles. Read More »
Pollinator house with small holes for faux hives for bees near yellow flowers
Pollinator Haven: Create a Toxin-Free Yard for Critical Critters
Bees are declining at alarming rates, thanks in part to neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides, but gardening modifications can provide food and safe haven for beneficial invertebrates. Read More »
Bee feeding off purple flower
Polluted Air Stumps Bees and Butterflies
Researchers have discovered that air pollutants can confuse pollinators that use odors to navigate and move around and communicate. Read More »
Person sitting practicing tai chi
Practice Sitting Tai Chi to Recover from a Stroke
A new study found that doing the hand and shoulder movements of tai chi while sitting in a chair produced significant physical and mental benefits for stroke survivors. Read More »
Grapes, blueberries, strawberries, melon, banana and kiwi slices on kabob skewers
Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
Kabob skewers are a fun way to encourage kids to eat more fresh fruit. Read More »
Tokyu railways train at station
Renewable Energy Powers Major Japanese Railroad
On April 1, Tokyu Railways trains running through Shibuya and other stations were switched to power generated only by renewable sources. Read More »
Artwork of a sustainable community
Savvy Shopper Tips for the Farmers Market
Ways to save money on healthy food at farmers markets while supporting the local community. Read More »
Magnolia salad on plates
Spicy Magnolia Salad Cups
Creamy avocado, crisp peppery radish slices, quick-pickled onion and a kiss of high-quality soy sauce fill luscious magnolia flower petals with complementary textures and flavors. Read More »
Person with sunscreen in shape of sun on bare skinned shoulder
That Natural Glow: Radiant Skin with Fewer Health Risks
Ways to avoid skin care products with potentially toxic ingredients for glowing skin with fewer health risks. Read More »
Two people lying on their backs on a plaid blanket on the grass
The Art of Doing Nothing
Somewhere along the line, someone planted a seed in our brains that programmed us to believe that we must earn our existence. Read More »
Person working out with ropes on sandy beach
The Great Nature Gym: Outdoor Workouts Make the Most of Summer
Studies show that outdoor workouts improve mental well-being and result in greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement. Read More »
Bags of locally grown vegetables on tray person is holding
The Healthy Food Movement: Pandemic Trends are Shaping Better Local Food Systems
A wide range of innovative solutions are being pursued by e-commerce entrepreneurs and food-equity advocates to get healthier local food into more hands and more neighborhoods. Read More »
Person lying in hospital bed with headphones on listening to music
Try Music and Muscle Relaxation to Lower Surgery Anxiety
Surgery often activates high levels of anxiety in patients, but a study found that dancing and doing handicrafts while listening to music the day before the surgery can help. Read More »
Watermelon popsicles on ice with watermelon slices
Vegan Watermelon-Beet Pops
Vegan yogurt and non-dairy milk make these plant-based, fruit and vegetable frozen treats a delicious and healthy way to cool down. Read More »
Do You Have A Local Product To Sell?
Introducing Our New Shop Local Section! A great way to bring Natural Awakenings readers to local businesses for special savings and value. Spaces are Limited! Read More »
In-Print July 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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