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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

June 2021

Group of people practicing small random acts of kindness holding sign saying free hugs
Simple Acts Can Change the World

May 28, 2021 09:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

It’s easy to feel small and helpless in a world full of big problems, but there are simple, daily actions we can take to change it for the better.

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Holistic Moms Network executive director Andria Summers sitting outside embracing children
Andria Somers on Being United for Better Parenting

May 28, 2021 09:30AM

Andria Somers, executive director of the Holistic Moms Network, is connecting and supporting families interested in positive, holistic parenting, health and green living.

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Depression patient sitting on couch eating healthy foods to help naturally improve mental health
Beat the Blues Naturally: Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression

May 28, 2021 09:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Herbs, dietary changes, exercise routines and other effective alternative therapies to naturally help treat those suffering from depression without the side effects of antidepressants.

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Boston terrier dog looking outside at a dog friendly yard with safe plants
Create a Dog-Friendly Yard: Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail

May 28, 2021 09:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

For homeowners with dogs, consider “dog-scaping” with these pet-friendly plants and flea-repelling herbs, thoughtful play areas and other tips for the backyard.

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Chihuahua dog outdoors in fenced-in yard on pet-friendly lawn
Plants to Avoid in Pet Yards

May 28, 2021 09:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Specific plants can be poisonous to pets. Be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets.

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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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