Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey

In This Issue: December 2021

Please enjoy the special Holiday Issue by flipping through the pages of our digital magazine or scrolling through the articles below!
The Gift
During this holiday season and an increasing amount of pressure on people to spend more, have more, do more to feel appreciated or loved, I have taken a different approach on the meaning of a gift. Read More »
Rolling With the Punches
I recently volunteered at a food bank in Troy, New York. I fulfilled customer orders by gathering and bagging their groceries. Read More »
A Thank You Letter
In September 2012, my wife, Asta, and I printed our first Natural Awakenings magazine here in central New Jersey. Read More »
A New Year with Blossoming Into Light
As the new year approaches, Blossoming Into Light is ready to receive and share the energies of 2022 with hope, love, harmony and peace. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., on December 31, join Sue and Leslie for their Annual New Year’s Eve Meditation. Read More »
Pop-In at the Modern Acupuncture Pop-Up
Buy two or more gift cards, get one free session; buy cupping add-on to any Modern Acupuncture Florham Park membership, and get one free cupping session; and special offers on supplement packages. Read More »
A healthy dark chocolate bark recipe with pistachios, cranberries and shredded coconut
A Dietician’s Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark
This festive dark chocolate bark recipe is holiday-themed with red, white and green toppings of dried cranberries, shredded coconut and pistachios. Read More »
Chart of adaptogen plants for immunity
Amp Up Immunity: Proven Boosters for Good Health
Enhance immunity with specific adaptogens and mushroom powders. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. Read More »
The word colon cancer spelled out with Scrabble pieces
Avoid Antibiotics to Lower Colon Cancer Risk
A clear link exists between taking antibiotics for six months and developing colorectal cancer in the next five to 10 years, report researchers. Read More »
Baked stuffed apples in casserole dish
Baked Apples
This sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan recipe for stuffed baked apples is a healthy holiday dessert, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Read More »
Baklava cookie cups sitting on cooling rack
Baklava Cookie Cups
A healthy recipe twist on baklava using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Read More »
Group of people sitting in circle holding hands
Circles of Healing: The Power of Gathering in Community
Small support groups, such as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, prayer circles and dialogue circles, are creating experiences of wholeness and belonging. Read More »
Clownfish swimming near coral reef
Coral Reefs May Soon Be Just a Memory
Half of the world's coral reefs have been lost since the 1950s, with 14 percent diminishing between 2009 and 2018 alone, due to climate change, overfishing and pollution. Read More »
Glass bottle full of water with h20 label on side
Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease
Researchers report that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Read More »
Avocado sliced in half sitting on counter
Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat
The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day. Read More »
An open jar of walnuts
Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study. Read More »
Chart showing different sources of PFAS found indoors
Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air
A new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air has found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and homes. Read More »
Eco-friendly toiletry gifts wrapped in sustainable holiday packaging
Greening the Holidays: How to Celebrate Sustainably
Sustainable modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics and green gift ideas to celebrate the season in ways that are less harmful to the planet. Read More »
Person sitting on rug on floor in front of Christmas tree meditating with holiday lights and decorations around
Holiday Zen: Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care
Despite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves. These simple, self-care fitness tips can help to relieve holiday stress and break the cycle of seasonal overindulgence. Read More »
Honey lavender cookies on parchment paper
Honey Lavender Cookies
Skip the sugar cookies this holiday season and opt for healthier treats made with honey, lavender and whole wheat flour. Read More »
The backs of people in a circle with their arms around each other
Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle
No matter the purpose of gathering, here are tips on how to start and maintain a small group or circle of individuals supporting one another. Read More »
Solar panels in snow
Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets
A report finds a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. Read More »
Native American canoeing in water
Native Americans Win Historic Water Battle
The Indigenous Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have reached a historic $1.9 billion water rights settlement, resolving thousands of tribal claims to waterways in Montana. Read More »
Aerial view of rows of planted trees
Planting 500 Billion Trees
A UK tech company claims their drone can plant two trees per second using artificial intelligence for guidance, with a goal of planting 500 billion trees by 2060. Read More »
Graphic of person standing in snowy outdoors wearing a long feather coat and headcrown
Season of Light: Celebrating the Soul of Winter
Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention. Read More »
Glass jars of dried foods on wooden tray
Sustainable Kitchen: Advice for Buying and Storing Food
Sustainability can begin at home, starting in the kitchen. Here are some zero-waste lifestyle tips we can apply when shopping for and storing our food. Read More »
Parent reading book to baby
The Best Books for Kids: Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds
Gifting kids books is a perfect way to encourage childhood reading. Here are tips for selecting the best children's books. Read More »
Christmas tree made out of sliced fruit
The Sweet Danger of Sugar: Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare
Low-sugar eating strategies and dessert recipes to protect our physical and mental health this holiday season. Read More »
Thomas Moore
Thomas Moore on the Art of Soulful Listening
Bestselling author and psychotherapist Thomas Moore explores deeper connections through soulful listening in his latest book, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations. Read More »
Small dog sitting on couch with dog toys
Tips for Selecting Safe Dog Toys
Recommendations to help in choosing toys that will keep a dog not only happy, but safe. Read More »
Collage of low- or no-sugar dishes and supplements
Tips to Eat Less Sugar
Expert advice from dietitians on ways to reduce our sugar intake including healthier food alternatives and supplements to help. Read More »
German Shepherd sitting in dog bed surrounded by stuffed toys
Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love
Veterinary advice on what to consider when selecting toys for dogs that are safe, stimulating and long-lasting. Read More »
Damask rose extract
Try Damask Rose Extract to Boost Liver Function
A new study has found that Damask rose (Rosa damascene) extract can boosts liver function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Read More »
Cutting board on counter with two cloves of garlic on top
Try Garlic to Relieve Endometriosis Pain
For women suffering from pelvic and back pain associated with endometriosis (uterus growth), garlic may help. Read More »
Wind power turbines with sun setting in background
Wind Energy Can Be a Climate Change Hero
Research indicates that advanced wind energy strategies could reduce atmospheric average temperatures of about 32 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit by 2199. Read More »

December 2021 Digital Magazine

In-Print
5 Top Tips to Finding Your Next Doctor

1 Keep an Open Mind! Healthcare has come a long way. Today, you have access to practitioners that branch outside of traditional medicine and aim to identify the root causes of conditions while using alternative treatments that may help you get the relief you need. Just because it’s not a pill, doesn’t make it pseudoscience.

2 Build Your Health Care Team. There is no one doctor that can be the be-all-end-all for your health needs. Be sure to have a team of practitioners with different “lenses” and areas of expertise who will treat the root cause and not just the symptom(s).

3   Environment Influences Healing. Health is multi-factorial. Your mental and emotional environment plays a pivotal role in your healing potential. Your doctors and their staff should create an office atmosphere filled with positivity so you can get the most out of your care.

4 Your Story Matters.  Before you begin any treatment, be sure to have a comprehensive consultation to discuss your health concerns. Find practitioners who welcome questions and will take the time to listen and treat you with respect.

5 Report of Findings. When it comes to our health, we often make decisions without understanding the risk versus benefits. Knowledge is an important part of the healing process and is essential to make conscious, informed health decisions. Find practitioners who take the time to explain their exam findings and the recommendations for treatment in ways that make sense to you.

Food and Fitness Trends Issue

Explore The New Issue Now!

Subscribe! Free To Your Inbox!
Upcoming Events Near You
Aerobic Exercises Improve Fatty Liver Condition
Follow Us On Facebook
Need Help With Your Blog?