What is your life mission?

It’s been I feel at its very core to express and help others express their humanity. From an early age, I felt very deeply that an acceptance of the full range of our emotions brings with it the freedom to feel fully alive and to be connected to other people. Really, we all hunger to be seen for who we are and to be heard truly. Too often, we feel lonely and isolated and yearn for a sense of community—yearning also for that spark of life that lies deep within us. We get stifled and believe that we are not worthy to try out our secret dreams, or to dream at all. Each of us is unique, like a snowflake, precious and like no other. We have our own look, speech, talents, voice, feelings and dreams. Each of us is amazing and capable of experiencing love and being loved, and celebrating life to its fullest. I suppose I can say that I want more than anything to be a part of people living life to its fullest, accepting, expressing and loving themselves, delighting in all they can create, opening their hearts to and receiving others, and awakening to the world with a sense of wonder.

What have you done so far to see this mission come to fruition?

As a child, I remember directing my cousins in plays, all kinds. Certainly I enjoyed being in each play, but what I loved most was the sense of us being together and playing out this story that connected us. And even then, somehow watching the other actors create something for themselves gave me a great happiness. In college, my major was in English and creative writing, and I have been a writer of prose, poetry and drama. I studied writing the Broadway music with Aaron Frankel and singing for musical theater, and I use these skills in my theatric therapy groups, as people create stories through song and words.

I became a creative arts therapist, specializing in art therapy, but have brought my knowledge of theater as actor, director and singer to this in therapeutic settings and in theater settings to foster health, self-esteem, self-discovery, untapped creativity and community. As actor, director, singer as well, a joyful community was made.

I became a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, studying at an institute in NYC, and worked as an art therapist in long-term, short-term and day hospital settings, being present to the various needs of people in each of the settings, all struggling to feel settled, to feel better, to live. I am enormously proud that I have also created Artists’ Initiative for Hope and Prosperity—two distinct all-day events celebrating who we are and how we can support us, artists all, as we share our gifts—poets, musicians, singers, artists, actors, comics, dancers, radio hosts, and more—and generate the hope that would ultimately lead to our prosperity. This was at the time of our country’s great financial crisis.

What do you offer that serves the NALI reader?  

I am offering individual, group, couples and family psychotherapy, and often can blend the elements of creative arts therapy in these. I give talks and workshops on Your Creative Self: Overcoming Blocks to the Effective Use of Imagination. I have long-term special experience working with children, with teens and with adults. I have specially designed groups, such as Theater for Life, one for teens and one for adults, using the dramatic arts as an element of self-discovery and connection. New groups emerging are The Art Experience; Writing Your Life; Art and Nature; Sweet Dreams (for those who have trouble sleeping); and Journey to Serenity—a special one I am adding for winter afternoons that will include soothing teas.

To connect with Arden Fekett, MPS, LCAT, call 516-655-0573, email Arden@ArtsTherapy.us or visit ReachingOutTherapy.com.

The post An Interview with Creative Arts Therapist Arden Fekett, Who Helps People Discover the Promise Within appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

Traditional orthodontic methods use various materials to artificially move teeth into their right positions with sustained pressure over a long period of time. However, the root causes of crooked teeth, which are usually due to poor oral and breathing habits, are ignored.

These habits have the most significant impact on the jaws of children and cause the most damage at younger ages. Yet, the fragile nature of young jaws and teeth are not favorable for conventional orthodontics. Therefore, children and parents have to wait until an older age before mal-aligned teeth are corrected, resulting in worse problems.

Myobrace orthodontics uses breathing techniques and the natural functioning of jaws, cheeks and other structures in the oral cavity to move mal-positioned teeth. In correcting poor oral habits, Myobrace appliances encourage individuals to breathe through their nose, which improves overall health, as the air is adequately filtered, preventing harmful germs from invading the throat and lungs.

There is also little force applied to move teeth, and this is only done one to two hours each day. This certainly increases compliance among users, especially children, as application of forces is done with patient-friendly appliances worn while sleeping. In this way, relapse of treatment rarely occurs because the habits that caused the malocclusion are also catered for.

Best results are obtained when treatment begins at an early age on compliant and motivated patients. The program for children employed by Myobrace orthodontics also encourages healthy eating habits with emphasis on balanced diets, and further improves overall health.

Myobrace orthodontics also has appliances made for teenagers and adults, employing the same techniques as described above. At Golden Dental, our team of professionals is always ready for discussions with patients to design a custom-made Myobrace-correction program to meet specific and general needs.

Source: Linda J. Golden, DDS, of Golden Dental Wellness Center (444 Community Dr., Ste. 204, Manhasset). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-627-8400.

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Another year has passed, and what a year it has been. More people have adopted a lifestyle of wellness than any year before. I see and hear it daily. The difference in the starting points of improved lifestyle for the majority of my new patients is significantly better than even three years ago. Many people have adopted healthier eating, increased their greens, decreased grains and gluten, are using plant-based supplements, along with myriad other improvements. At the same time, we see what some of my peers and I have expressed for some time—that this simple solution of just improving our diet, while extremely powerful and helpful does not eliminate all our health problems. That does not mean we are hopeless, but I am suggesting this is where specific and systematic strategies to regain our health care of critical importance.

Many new clients will look for weight-loss strategies as the year turns. That is great. Most have tried so many different weight-loss techniques, exercises and supplements with little or no results. If there were reasonable losses, those tedious pounds return faster than they left and often with some friends. This frustration often is occurring year after year, many times following another great resolution. I’m hoping some of us no longer want to repeat this terrible cycle. What if we were to look at weight a little differently? Maybe then this cycle could end. Maybe there are reasons we have weight issues beyond calories in and out. There might be metabolic issues that have changed the way our body functions.

We find several major categories of problems that can interfere with how the body controls the metabolism. The first is digestion. Poor digestion has the most powerful effect on weight. If the body cannot breakdown the food into its constituent nutrients, it will constantly be in a state of starvation. When in a starvation state, the body is then busy storing what it can as fat. Poor digestion will also cause a huge amount of inflammation and irritation to the immune system due to the buildup of foreign matter from the incomplete breakdown of nutrients.

The next factor involved in difficulty in losing weight is hormone imbalance. If the body’s hormones are not in check, weight loss can be impossible despite how much we eat. There are dozens of hormones involved, but the most common imbalance are of the thyroid hormones, estrogens and cortisol. Any hormone imbalance can make it difficult-to-impossible to lose weight. And we might think, “I can just take a prescription thyroid hormone or take hormone replacement”; however, most people find doing either of these does not cause the weight loss and great feelings as advertised.

The last factor is overall inflammation. While this can be caused by the previous two issues—poor digestion and hormone imbalance—there are many sources of inflammation. These include everything from muscle pains to old injuries to headaches to toxicity to nutrient deficiency, such as essential fatty acid, protein or mineral deficiencies.

Addressing and repairing the body’s ability to control these major functions can return the ability to lose weight and keep it off, back to the body. There are excellent strategies to achieve this. The most important factor is a desire to have real improvement.

Source: Dr. David Pollack, of Pollack Wellness Institute, located at 66 Commack Rd., Ste. 204, Commack. For more information, call 631-462-0801 or visit PollackWellness.com. 

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With aging comes normal changes in cognition, and the desire to slow the process for those most affected. The three specific changes in cognitive health as we age include a greater tendency to be distracted, reduced processing speed, and reduced capacity to remember and process information simultaneously. A large majority of baby boomers fear the loss of mental capacity as they age. Mild cognitive impairment can be defined as cognitive decline that is more than normal for someone of a specific age, and is said to affect up to 25 percent of those that are more than 70 years old. The further rate of decline to dementia is about 10 percent. So, what can be done to help patients remain in good cognitive health?

Research suggests prevention is the key to the slowing of cognitive decline, mainly through nutrition and exercise for people of all ages.

Nutrition for the brain is just as important as nutrition for the rest of the body. Proper nutrition is essential to combat negative factors, like stress, fatigue, depression and prescription medications and their side effects—which can all contribute to cognitive decline. The brain especially needs to be properly nourished through nutrient-dense foods, like fruits and vegetables. The brain is more sensitive to toxins, high sugar levels, pro-inflammatory foods and bad fats. A person needs to get nutritional support with a multivitamin that contains folate, B12 and zinc, and he/she needs a good amount of omega 3s. For those with a family history of Alzheimer’s, it is recommended that they take a curcumin supplement. India has a 70 percent lower rate of Alzheimer’s than the U.S., and this has been tracked back to the high curcumin levels in the diet. Nutrients high in omega-3 fatty acids are important not only for memory, focus and cognitive function but also to help treat age-related cognitive decline. The brain is sensitive to the process of inflammation that underlies all the degenerative diseases of the brain, including Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, autism and Parkinson’s disease. The health of the gut modulates inflammation—where there is an imbalance of gut bacteria, various chemicals can escape the gut as it becomes more permeable and enhances inflammation.

Eating the right nutrient-dense foods is only half the battle when it comes to healthy cognitive function—getting plenty of sleep, supplementing when needed and being active are major contributing factors to stay ahead of the brain game. Some additional brain supplements include vitamin D, DHA and omega 3s. Providing the brain with critical nutrients, oxygen and rest are all essential.

Cardiovascular health has long been linked to cognitive health, and new studies show that cognitive function may peak at age 22 and decline as early as 27. That’s why starting early to create better lifestyle habits is crucial. Choices that are made early in life can ultimately impact cognitive function many years later. If patients make the right lifestyle choices at a young age—starting in the 20s—like practicing meditation and getting exercise, it can help manage stress and anxiety, which can later result in better cognitive health later in life. But no matter your age, getting started now and making better diet and lifestyle choices will contribute to the prevention of cognitive decline.

Source: Steven M. Rachlin, M.D., of Rachlin Medical Center, located at 927 Willis Ave., Albertson. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-873-7773 or visit RachlinMedical.com. 

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According to research from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in 2011 about two-thirds of pregnant women had their teeth cleaned in the year prior to delivery, but approximately one-half had their teeth cleaned during pregnancy. While plenty of factors may keep pregnant women from visiting their dentist, some may avoid going because they are unsure if it’s safe.

If you’re planning on becoming pregnant or suspect you’re already pregnant, it’s important that you see a dentist right away. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones—particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone, which can exaggerate the way in which gum tissues react to plaque. Research continues to show that overall health and oral health coincide, so it’s especially important for you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy. Visiting your dentist will allow him/her to assess your oral condition and map out a dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Not only are women more likely to have oral health problems when they are pregnant, but these oral health problems may lead to systemic health issues for mother and baby. Avoiding dental care is a
problem, because normal health changes during pregnancy cause women to have more gum disease, called periodontitis, and tooth decay. The growing womb presses on the stomach, which can cause heartburn or gastric reflux and result in softening or dissolving tooth enamel. Teeth with thin or weak enamel have a high risk of decay and are sensitive to cold food and drink.

In addition, during pregnancy increased hormone levels cause gums to be more sensitive to bacterial plaque that normally forms on teeth. When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis—red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree and generally begins to surface as early as the second month of pregnancy. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss.

Research suggests a link between preterm delivery, low birth-weight babies, and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums; the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.

Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors—inflammatory, noncancerous growths that develop between the teeth or when swollen gums become irritated. These localized growths or swellings are believed to be related to excess plaque. Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own after the baby’s birth; however, if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing or other oral hygiene procedures, your dentist may decide to remove it.

Source: Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cardiodontal (310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-282-0310 or visit Cardiodontal.com. 

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Natural Awakenings Long Island staff writer Catherine Driscoll was able to sample TAP and had this to say: “It was really fun to have a healthy, natural product to use in place of a wheat-based wrap. I made breakfast burritos with it as well as crepes, and really enjoyed the taste as well as the healthy vitamins and minerals that I was feeding my body!”

For more information, to order TAP or to learn about the restaurant of the same name coming to NYC, visit TAPNYC.com.

The post Introducing a Brand New Food Called TAP appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

After we spend three nights in the magical city of Udaipur for processing and R&R, participants will then be offered an optional add-on tour to the Taj Mahal at the end of the trip.

Wolff has been passionate about combating human trafficking since she became aware of it in 2012, when she raised more than $20,000 for the Off the Mat, Into the World Global Seva Challenge India. She went to India with Off the Mat, Into the World co-founders Seane Corn and Suzanne Sterling, and saw firsthand the horrors of human trafficking, but also the positive impact that love, compassion and care have. That trip has left an indelible imprint on her heart and soul. She has visited India every year since then and is committed to continuing to raise awareness of this crime against humanity.

For more information, visit Yoga-Nanda.com.

The post Do You Long to Take Your Yoga Off of the Mat  appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

What makes Nature’s Green different is the ingredients. Rather than a long list of chemicals that you can’t pronounce, Nature’s Green has four simple ingredients that are naturally detoxifying. The base of the toothpaste is calcium bentonite clay, which contains 71 trace and ultra-minerals that are dietary supplements, which are said to enable the body to absorb nutrients while preventing the absorption of heavy metals and toxins. Bentonite clay is also proposed to reduce cavities and gum disease by absorbing fungus and bacteria and having alkalizing pH 8.5, which boosts the immune system and alleviates allergies. The second ingredient is alkaline water, which has a 9.5 pH level that helps reduce cavities by neutralizing the acid in the mouth, and promotes overall health by supporting healthy digestion, teeth and bones. The doTERRA essential oils used in this product are certified pure therapeutic grade and reduce gum inflammation and cavities, relieve pain, and have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The flavors of the new product are mint, spearmint, wintergreen, orange, cinnamon, chocolate mint, and chocolate orange. For expecting mothers, the flavors are lemon, ginger and lemongrass—great for any morning blues and a perfect aid for optimum digestion. The final ingredient is stevia: a true natural sweetener.

Whether you use Nature’s Green as a preventive measure to boost your immune system, for its detoxifying effects, or simply due to its pleasantly smooth and natural earthy flavor—you’ll find your mouth feeling rejuvenated, energized and naturally clean with Nature’s Green.

Nature’s Dental is located at 50 Broadway, in Greenlawn. For more information, call 631-316-1816 or visit NaturesDental.net.

The post Holistic Toothpaste for a Healthy Body, Mind and Spirit appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

“Manny and I got our first apartment together in Oceanside 20 years ago and decided to buy our home and raise a family here,” says Leah. “Our family has grown into something beyond our imagination. Now, we are branching out and giving our ‘yoga family’ a second studio that makes you feel at home. We love the residents of Oceanside, the schools and the small family-run businesses.”

Breath N Flow Yoga (BNFYoga) will be the only exclusive yoga studio in Oceanside. BNFYoga is a safe, peaceful, friendly studio where families can come together to bond while maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. BNFYoga Oceanside will also offer the community a Special Meditation Zen Den, which will be available for private use and small guided group meditation classes. Now, BNFYoga members will have twice the amount of yoga classes and offerings with the option to practice in the Freeport and Oceanside locations.

“Our doors are open to everyone!” enthuses Leah. “Whether you are new to yoga or consider yourself an experienced practitioner, BNFYoga has just the right variety of classes to choose from.”

Breath N Flow Yoga Oceanside will be located in the heart of Oceanside, at 2882 Long Beach Rd. For more information, call 516-544-2188. To reach the Freeport location (361 Atlantic Ave.), call 516-632-9626. 

The post Breath N Flow Yoga to Open Yoga Studio in Oceanside appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

Halotherapy, another word for salt therapy, belongs to the category of the physical therapies—nondrug treatments of diseases. Halotherapy helps in cleaning pollens, viruses, pollutants and toxins out of the lungs, sinuses and nasal passageways, thus preventing illness, and decreasing allergies, irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Within the Country Village Salt Therapy Room is a micronizer, known as a halogenerator, which aerosolizes microparticles of pharmaceutical grade, 99.9 percent NACL into the air. As the salt is inhaled, it travels through the sinuses and respiratory tract, absorbing, cleansing, clearing mucus, and killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. “Sitting in the intimate setting and inhaling the benefits was wonderful. I also loved speaking to the knowledgeable staff about other treatment modalities for my ailments. It is great to have the salt room within the pharmacy,” says Natural Awakenings Long Island staff writer Catherine Driscoll, who experienced the salt room when it first opened.

The medical professionals at Country Village Chemists can tell you if salt therapy is right for you, and they advise people not to go to a salt therapy treatment without first discussing it with a professional, like one of the pharmacists at their location.

Location: 229 East Main St., Huntington. To schedule a salt room visit or speak with a pharmacist, call 631-351-8989.

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To do that Ejnes discovered a family in need this past holiday season, and the girls on the team and their parents went out to purchase gifts and held a wrapping/pasta party. The Long Beach High School Girls Varsity Gymnastics team has a deep roster and “looks to be one of the best performance teams we have ever had,” says Coach Meurhead, but “they also seem to be the most impactful.”

Source: Long Beach High School Girls Varsity Gymnastics team. 

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