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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

Publisher's Letter: Happy Holidays from Tomte!

Dec 09, 2024 09:27AM ● By Jerome Bilaos

This charming Christmas gnome, easily recognized by his long beard and pointy red hat, serves as a reminder of the magic and joy this time of year brings.

Tomten are known for their hard work and dedication to keeping homes and farms spotless. In exchange for their labor, all they ask for is a simple bowl of porridge with a pat of butter—truly a testament to their humble nature. While they are loyal companions, they can also be a bit mischievous and possess a delightful sense of humor. When honored and respected, these magical beings are said to bring good luck and a touch of enchantment to every home they grace.

As we move into 2025, may we all feel the gentle, magical warmth of this invisible helpmate, reminding us of the importance of kindness, gratitude, and the joy of togetherness.

With love and laughter from all of us at Natural Awakenings, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing you next year!

Warm regards,
Joe & Asta

In-Print, Wise Words, Inspiration, Health+Wellness December 2024
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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