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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

December 2022

Homemade crafted snowman and reindeer made out of wood
Sustainable Holidays: Easy Tips for an Eco-Friendly Season

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Kirby Baldwin

The holidays generate a lot of waste. Here are ways to cut down on consumption to lessen the environmental impact of the holiday season without sacrificing any joy.

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Child sitting in front of window opening wrapped gift
The Best Gift of All: Teaching Children the Spirit of Giving

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Madiha Saeed

Whether through donating material things, sharing time or freely conveying love and kindness, here are ways to teach kids the value of generosity.

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Small dog lying down next to holiday basket of berries
Holiday Treats for Cats and Dogs: Easy-to-Make Festive Recipes to Delight Pets

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Tonya Wilhelm

Homemade pet treats using healthy ingredients make great holiday gifts for dogs, cats and pet-loving friends and family.

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Paw print shaped gummies made out of sweet potatoes
Sweet Potato Gummies

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Tonya Wilhelm

These gummies made out of sweet potatoes are a tasty treat for cats.

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Pile of cranberry muffin treats for dogs
Healthy Cranberry Muffins for Pets

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Tonya Wilhelm

These muffins are full of flavor and nutrition, and are healthy for both dogs and cats.

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Turkey jerky pet treats sitting on slice of tree trunk next to pinecones
Easy Turkey Jerky for Pets

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Tonya Wilhelm

This easy turkey recipe is a healthy snack for a cat and a great dog-training treat for the clever pooch.

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Table full of various plated brunch dishes and foods alongside mugs of coffee, small pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, leaves and other autumn decor
Merry Brunching: Put a Healthier Twist on Favorite Recipes

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Sheila Julson

With a few easy modifications, serve up healthier versions of tasty brunch foods over the holiday gathering season.

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Shakshuka in pan
Shakshuka

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Jessica Levinson

This healthy, gluten-free dish is a brunch-time crowd-pleaser, and can be modified based on whatever veggies are on hand.

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Sheetpan full of sliced up berry pancakes, one slice missing
Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes with Berry Swirl

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Frances Largeman-Roth

Cooked on a sheet pan, these satisfying protein and buttermilk pancakes with a berry swirl make cleanup a breeze and can be prepared the night before.

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Two champagne flutes full of cranberry mimosas
Cranberry Mimosas

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM ● By Sheila Julson

This festive recipe for mimosas using homemade naturally-sweetened cranberry juice puts a holiday twist on the classic brunch beverage.

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Hands open and outstretched holding small gift wrapped in brown paper and red yarn ribbon
Holiday Volunteering: The Gift of Giving

Nov 30, 2022 09:30AM

The holiday season is the time for giving. Get into the spirit by volunteering time and treasure to meaningful causes and underprivileged individuals with these thoughtful ideas.

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December Crossword Puzzle Solutions

Nov 29, 2022 01:08PM

How did you do this month? Thank you to out Sponsor: Hibernate Bedding.

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Enjoy the Holidays—and Lose Weight at the Same Time

Nov 28, 2022 10:26PM

Is it possible to lose weight and keep it off during the holiday season? Absolutely! The only tools needed are one’s own mind and the desire to succeed.

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Living Harmoniously with the Seasons: Winter & Water Element

Nov 28, 2022 10:24PM ● By Kat Dunbar

Sponsored Content When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and live harmoniously with the seasons.

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2022 Reflection

Nov 28, 2022 10:19PM ● By Nicole Zornitzer

In December of 2021, I shared in my blog that I had created an intention to live the year of 2022 as if my days were numbered, as if tomorrow was not a certainty, as if today was the only day that mattered.

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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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