There will be three days of peace and music taking place August 18 through 20, almost 48 years to the exact weekend of the original Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969. There will be yoga and meditation—maybe even a sighting of “Mud People,” depending on the weather. Just don’t expect any announcements warning about “brown acid” at the second annual Lovelight Yoga ₊ Arts Festival, in Darlington, Maryland, the brainchild of original Woodstock producer Michael Lang. His goal, along with partners’ musician Wynne Paris and event producer Kim Maddox, is to channel the spirit and activism from the original Woodstock, minus the alcohol and drugs.

“We wanted to create an event based on the values of that generation but to make it appropriate for families,” Lang, now 72, said in a recent telephone interview. “This event isn’t just for millennials, it’s multigenerational—and we want everyone to feel comfortable and safe when they come, and for their peace of mind we decided to keep it alcohol-free.” He added, the festival will also be meat-free, as food vendors at the event, which is being held at Camp Ramblewood for the second straight year, will offer healthy vegan foods, drinks and snacks.

Nearly lost in the lore of the performances from the original Woodstock was the key role that yoga played, and how the event introduced yoga into the country’s mainstream consciousness. On the encouragement of artist Peter Max, Lang had His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda open the festival. Additionally, every morning and between musical sets, Tom Law (aka the Hog Farmer) gave yoga lessons to the more than 400,000 people that attended.

Paris, 52, says that about 1,300 people attended the inaugural Lovelight Festival last year, and while he and Lang would be happy for a repeat of that, they believe attendance could increase by 20 to 30 percent this August. The longer-term plan is to expand with other festivals in different parts of the country. Paris said one is already scheduled for Sarasota, Florida, in December. Separately, Lang is also working on a 50th anniversary Woodstock festival for 2019. Lang, whose wife is a yoga instructor, says he practices a “milder” form that helps him stay in shape.

Among the eclectic lineup of more than 30 musical acts scheduled to perform on Lovelight’s three stages are Grammy-nominated kirtan master Krishna Das, Trevor Hall, Tina Malia, MC Yogi and DJ Shango. And in a more direct nod to the original Woodstock lineup, there will be a Grateful Dead tribute band (On the Bus) performing. Lang is also working on some additional “surprise” musical guests. More than 40 workshops will be incorporated into six themed villages on-site, including one village specifically for children and families, where participants can take classes, experience artists, receive healing massages or practice meditation. The full festival lineup and ticket information is available at LoveLightFestival.com.

Paris, who has shared the stage with everyone from Krishna Das to the Dalai Lama to Mike D from the Beastie Boys, approached Lang a number of years ago about developing a festival that took the concept of the emerging transformational festivals like Burning Man but to make it more inclusive. “Yoga is the central poll to the three-ring tent that is the Lovelight Festival,” says Paris. “We are serving separate generations, beginning with the original Woodstock generation to today’s youth culture in their 20s. It will be a spectacle that includes beat poets, fire dancing, drum circles and DJs. We will feature two genres of music not yet in the mainstream—Medicine Music and IDM (Intelligent Dance Music). This is not your mom’s yoga class, but there will be a lot of moms and kids there.”

“One of the highlights for me last year was seeing how few people were on their phones,” says Lang. “It was surprising and inspiring. You go to most musical festivals today and half the people are taking selfies and videos. Lovelight allows different generations to connect spiritually in a way that promotes community, consciousness and activism. Woodstock was a time when we came together as a counterculture to celebrate the ideas we were trying to propagate and to recharge, and I think this generation of youth shares those values. There are such big things at stake for the future health of our planet, and it is critical that young people be part of the solution.”

Dan Martinsen is a freelance writer and strategic communications consultant. He is a former executive vice president of communications for Viacom’s Kids’ and Family Group.

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Vape … the word is everywhere. In fact, it’s a noun and a verb. And if you are like me, a parent of teens, I imagine you are wondering what this thing—which smells like cotton candy and is inhaled through a fancy (often bedazzled) pen-like item—is all about and just how safe it is.

Vape pens, also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, most often are battery powered and contain nicotine solutions that are heated to make a vapor (hence the terms vape and vaping). Adults often vape to curtail their existing cigarette habit; and I guess that seems to make some limited sense, as electronic cigarettes are, until further research proves otherwise, “safer” than regular cigarettes. I maintain, however, that we truly don’t know the long-term effects and how “safe” these devices actually are.

My oldest sister smoked cigarettes most of her life. She started in her teens and quit during pregnancy, only to resume the habit again after a particularly stressful office meeting (back then people smoked IN THE MEETING). Why did she smoke? She thought it looked cool. It was the late 1960s and the movie stars and rock stars were all smoking. Honestly, she kind of did look cool. She was gorgeous—long hair, bell-bottom jeans, beautiful smile and a cigarette dangling from her two cool fingers. Did I mention her smile? Yes, I did. Oh good, because her mouth, yup, that was where the doctors found the first lesion when she was just 45 years young—the first lesion that would ultimately kill her in a most horrific fashion a mere five years later.

Back to vape. Maybe it makes sense for an adult trying to kick a bad habit. Maybe. But what adult needs cotton candy and cherry flavors to give up smoking? And if they did, wouldn’t flavored gum suffice? Ah, the candy flavors—those are enticing to another group, aren’t they? Right now, the “pro-vape” peeps are probably saying, “Oh, my God, lighten up [not literally—you don’t even need to know how to strike a match to vape]; it’s no big deal, just some chemical flavoring, nicotine and water.”

I won’t lighten up. Vape is merely a training bra for future drug use. Yes, I said it. Vape is a training bra for drug use. I googled “purpose of a training bra” the other day and this is what I found: “A rite of passage to mark escape from childhood to adulthood—a starter—a first.” As such, yes, vape holds a similar purpose. It will be a first and is training your child and, worse, your child’s brain to begin to experiment with risky behaviors—behaviors they think are “adult like” or “rites of passage.”

When I first broached the topic of vaping with my kids, I asked them: “What’s the point? Do kids get a high off of the nicotine?” They said some vape devices don’t even contain any nicotine. So, I pressed for an answer as to why kids vape. The obvious answer I was looking for was “I guess to act cool.” If they said that, I could have a conversation on the unique distinction of “acting cool” verses actually “being cool.” The truth is I didn’t need their answer. Vaping, it’s the first “risky” choice. What’s next? What are they “training” for?

Wondering just how “dangerous” this chemical-inhaled water actually is as “a training bra” for early onset drug use? I would say pretty damn dangerous. That first naughty vape puff your child attempts in sixth, seventh or eighth grade (maybe even younger) that holds no immediate repercussion, well that’s just a license to try the next seemingly “cool” thing, and the next, until, ultimately, they are in a place where the “cool” thing they are trying next holds very dangerous consequences.

Not for everyone. No, some kid may hit off it two or three times and wizen up or say to himself, “If I need this to be cool, well, s***, then I am just not cool!” But for many, that first vape puff, usually streamed live on some social media channel, is a first step on a slippery path. Just because vape is sweet and easy to get, don’t be fooled by the cotton candy smell and taste. Vape is simply a stone on a path that kids are embarking on much earlier than before, and the path’s end holds dire consequences.

Kelly Martinsen is publisher of Natural Awakenings Long Island and author of A Year of Inspired Living, her first book, which will be available for preorder beginning in September. For more information, visit AYearOfInspiredLiving.com.

Kelly Martinsen’s book, A Year of Inspired Living, is available on Amazon.com. Preorder for $7.80 and plan your 2018 as the most inspired year yet.

The post Letter from the Publisher: Vape—Your Teens’ New Training Bra appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

“The most rewarding part of owning a yoga studio is helping to create a community of like-minded students who come together from diverse backgrounds, different ages and genders, and varied careers and educations. When I see the students become friends and meet before and after class to talk and share their lives, it is like watching a family grow. As a woman owning a business, creating this community has been like bringing a new child into this world and watching it grow and mature, spreading its own light and love.” –Leslie Luft, owner of Absolute Yoga, in Woodbury.

“At the end of a day of working with clients, I feel immensely grateful for the gift I have received as a participant in their healing journey. When I hear of the benefits they are finding this healing work provides in their lives, I have a sense of fulfillment that is truly beyond words. I feel thankful to my clients for allowing me to facilitate this part of their journey to wellness, and thankful to the Divine for this gift.” –Michelle Andrea Stewart, energy healer, in  Lynbrook.

“Opening my new business is truly a blessing because I am combining helping people with their divine path and my joy in having beautiful things surrounding me while working. My family support is the ultimate blessing; I could not do this without my brothers and sister.” –Heidi Husser, owner of Angels Oils and Practical Magic, in Mineola.

“Being the owner of two yoga studios allows me to connect daily with the kindest, most generous and inspiring people. How many business owners are greeted with hugs every time they go to work?” –Cara Stone, owner of Yoga Nanda, in Garden City and Long Beach.

“I am so blessed to be doing what I do because I get to help people reach their wellness goals and help to improve their quality of life, at the same time feeding my soul to achieve its purpose. I am truly blessed by the energy and love my clients, staff, family and God give to me on a daily basis.” –Vanessa Drew, owner of Cleansing Concepts, in Smithtown and Westbury.

“I feel that in the times that we are living, people are really stressed out, and the practice of yoga is an incredibly healing, soothing practice—even if it just makes a tiny, little dent in the way someone feels. I think that if everyone were to be doing it, we would all be in a better place. When you are in this yoga business, it is a calling—you are just creating a vehicle for people to find their own inner peace.” –Gail Grossman, owner of Om Sweet Om Yoga, in Port Washington.

 “As a Long Island-based integrative biological family dentist, my new focus has been bringing health and healing to the community that I live in and love—always striving for new ideas that present themselves during the challenges of raising our families in a fast-paced world by going back to the basic fundamentals: healthy living and healthy dentistry.” –Linda Golden, DDS, owner
of Golden Dental Wellness, in Manhasset.

“I count my blessings every day that I do something that gives back to me in so many ways—a business that I share with Sal and my girls, teaching my children to give back to nature and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Beekeeping is a trade that most people run from, but my family has embraced it, and we have found ways to bring us together.” –Molly Vitale, owner of Miss Molly’s Honeydrippers, in Wantagh.

The post Women Rule the World Part 2 appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

Gum disease results when we do not treat our oral cavity with care. Care involves brushing at least twice daily, flossing, utilizing a hydrofloss machine, oil pulling with clarified oils like coconut or sesame, adding xylitol to your diet, and regular dental checkups at six-month intervals. When we neglect this, bacteria in our mouth act on food particles, producing harmful toxins, which result in infections of the oral cavity, including the gum.

Modern studies have revealed that there are different ways by which oral diseases, particularly periodontal disease, cause systemic conditions. It has been said that the bacteria themselves or the toxins they release may spread through the blood stream to the joints, the heart, and even the brain. Here, these bacteria can cause serious damage and result in disease. Again, as the body tries to fight off infection in the mouth, it releases powerful substances to destroy bacteria, but these substances may get into the blood stream and harm normal body cells, resulting in strokes or heart disease. The bacteria, their toxins and the powerful substances released by the body also worsen blood sugar levels, and thus are seen to affect control of diabetes. As such, people with diabetes and gum disease have higher blood sugar levels. Even more disturbing is that people without diabetes also have poor blood sugar control if there is gum disease present, thus increasing their chances of getting diabetes.

It is essential that we have regular dental checkups with our holistic dentists so infection can be detected and treated early and on time. There must be a good relationship between general health care and oral health care to ensure that we do not harm our bodies through neglect of our oral hygiene.

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 or visit GoldenSmile.com. 

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According to Chinese medicine, it is best to eat warm, cooked foods and avoid cold items when planning to conceive. This allows the body to put more energy into the reproductive organs rather than the digestive system. Chinese medicine believes that dairy is good to avoid since it can be bad for conception, as it causes stagnation and clogs the blood. Once pregnancy is achieved, you may add farm-fresh dairy in moderation, but stick to the hard cheeses, yogurts and milks. Grass-fed butter is totally recommended, along with good fats from avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, sardines and anchovies.

As for grains and gluten, decide for yourself and see if they make you feel bloated, lethargic or cause any inflammation. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, buy organic, fresh and seasonal—eat the rainbow.

Something that may come as a surprise is that based on scientific studies from the Netherlands and Exeter University (UK), when combined with the timing of conception, eating an alkaline or acidic diet can affect the outcome of the sex of the baby. This is a great indicator that the boy/girl sex selection can also be achieved naturally.

If you suffer from endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), candida, diabetes, food sensitivities or allergies, this list below may need to be altered. There is a special diet and supplement protocol if male factor infertility is an issue. Give your future baby the best chance by eating for fertility.

Fertility-Boosting Iron-Rich Foods
Liver or pate from organic chicken or beef
Red meat, such as bison, venison, lamb or beef
Caviar
Egg yolks
Sesame butter/tahini
Clams, oysters, mussels
Sardines
Cacao powder
Sundried tomatoes
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Thyme, parsley
Spinach, Swiss chard
Broccoli
Beans (lentils, chickpeas, kidney, pinto, butter, peas or haricot)
Curry powder
Nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts)
Sulfite-free dried apricots
Quinoa

Source: Wendie Aston, fertility and hypnobirthing practitioner and author of Going Green Before You Conceive (Balboa Press 2016). For more information, contact her at 917-495-8821 or WendieAston@gmail.com.

The post The Fertility Diet   appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

GERD, gastro-intestinal reflux disease, is a conglomeration of various disorders all causing the movement of stomach contents into the esophagus. Often, this comes with burning in the upper abdomen upwards to the throat. A few experience a sour taste in their mouth. But this really just describes a symptom—a symptom that not all individuals even feel. Some with GERD have barely any symptoms, or distant, seemingly irrelevant signs, such as a cough, postnasal drip, nasal allergies or difficulty swallowing, among others.

There are many different causes of these symptoms—from a breakdown to the lining of the stomach wall, to changes in the function of the liver and gall bladder, weakness of the diaphragm causing hiatal hernia, imbalances in the gut flora, to stress causing cortisol imbalances affecting gastric motility. There are really dozens of reasons why one could experience GERD symptoms. Each requires different techniques and strategies to resolve. Be it physical, chemical or emotional in its origin, GERD must be dealt with at its source. Many types of therapies may be required to resolve this problem, but most cases heal rather quickly, often with significant relief in just a few weeks.

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

The post Years and Years of Heartburn, Reflux: GERD appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

Dr. Jonathan Richter

Dental implants are the ideal choice for the replacement of missing teeth for many reasons. There are high success rates with dental implants, ranging from 88 to 98 percent depending on the type and source of research. They also help preserve facial harmony by preventing resorption of the jaw bone, which is when the tooth structure is lost due to activation of the body’s innate capacity to remove mineralized tissue. Dental implants also provide a better quality of life by improving your ability to eat while looking and feeling almost identical to the natural tooth. But although they aren’t visually distinguishable from natural teeth, they need to be cared for in a slightly different manner.

Smaller Necks, Mean Bigger Gaps

It’s important to understand that there are anatomical differences between a natural tooth and a dental implant that need to be accounted for in a home maintenance practice. Natural teeth have a wider neck, while dental implants have a smaller neck. The difference in design is more apparent in molar teeth because natural molars have multiple roots, while dental implants only have one root or fixture. Since implants have a smaller circumference at the neck of the crown, the patient may experience the feeling of a wider space between teeth, especially near the molars. Patients that have a single implant next to natural teeth have an increased risk for caries on the opposing natural teeth if a proper home care routine is not established.

Calculus, an Implant’s Foe

The life expectancy or success of a dental implant can become jeopardized in the presence of inflammation or the periodontal infection known as implantitis, where the soft and hard tissues surrounding the dental implant become inflamed. The same destructive bacteria that cause periodontal infections in natural teeth can colonize dental implants. If left undisturbed, these bacteria can develop into calculus. Calculus is a rough, hard deposit that can destroy the supporting gum and bone that surround the implant and lock into the jaw.

How to Prevent Implant Failure

The trick to caring for dental implants is to properly maintain healthy gum tissue and supporting bone.

Brush your teeth for a full two minutes with a soft-bristled brush or, better yet, an electric brush.

Try a water pic, which have been shown to disrupt bacteria even in deep pockets.

Use a nonabrasive mouthwash that contains antimicrobial ingredients.

Consider a protective appliance that will protect your teeth from sports- or sleep-related grinding and clenching.

Avoid plastic or metal “picks” that you can buy over the counter that mimic professional instruments. Metal instruments can scratch the implant surface creating areas for bacteria to colonize.

And don’t forget routine professional maintenance appointments, which are imperative to maintaining dental implant health and ensuring longevity.

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

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Balancing low and high-impact cardio is important to joint health. Plyometrics, running and other high-impact cardio are all great tools for the activation of fast-twitch muscle fibers, but too much can cause potential damage or stress. Adding low-impact exercises with equal balance to high-impact activities will strengthen the muscles to help protect your joints through strength. Even strength across the joint stabilizes and protects it. Elliptical machines, rowing machines and swimming are examples of low-impact cardio that will provide continued muscle strengthening.

Keep the Diet in Check  

Minimizing and reducing the amount of body fat and inflammatory responses are two ways to ensure healthy joints and muscles. To help improve energy levels and to reduce the amount of inflammation, a more alkaline diet is recommended. Avocados, apples, berries, ginger, kale and dates are important foods to include in the diet. Avoiding processed foods is also important to joint health. Try adding fish and whole grains.

Wear the Right Shoes  

Shoes should always provide stability and cushioning. The arches of the feet can be high, normal or nonexistent. Knowing the arch type and foot strike pattern is necessary for finding the right shoe. The main factor in shoes and protecting the joints is the compression ability, which is broken down with use. Replacing worn out shoes will reduce the amount of abnormal stress on weight-bearing joints.

Source: Dr. Nakul Karkare, who is an orthopedic surgeon highly specialized in limb reconstruction and joint replacement surgery. Contact him at 212-951-0182 or visit one of his nine Complete Orthopedics locations at NewYorkHipKnee.com. 

The post Joint Health 101 appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

The only prerequisites are that participants have a passion for working with children and a love of yoga or meditation. Yogi Beans’ kids’ yoga teacher trainings teach anyone how to translate the practice of yoga into a language that kids understand and enjoy. This popular training makes it easy and accessible to teach yoga to any child from ages 2 through 10. In just 25 hours, trainees receive all the tools necessary to teach a kids yoga class—while having a blast! Yogi Beans’ trainings incorporate all standard kids’ yoga training topics, including child-appropriate breathing exercises, poses and meditations, yoga games, mindfulness activities, disciplinary techniques, and parent and child classes. A comprehensive 100-page training manual is provided to each trainee, along with a certificate of completion at the end of the training. The training is designed to ensure that participants know how to “put it all together,” dedicating significant time to sequencing classes, incorporating age-appropriate themes, practicing teaching, and providing targeted feedback for each trainee.

If you are passionate about sharing the teachings of yoga with the next generation, reserve your spot in this unique training today!

Location: 52 East Park Ave., Long Beach. For more information about this and other events, visit Yoga-Nanda.com. 

The post Kids’ Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Nanda: Long Beach appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

Each workshop features a different topic, such as essential oils, crystals, psychometry and tarot cards. Through this series format, you get to play but also get consistent practice with your psychic skills to increase your confidence and certainty. You will learn to experience what these psychic abilities feel like for you and how you can practice them in your daily life. The workshop is open to all levels.

Each workshop includes:

Group meditation

Group healings and readings

Lessons in psychic skills and tools

Location: 150 Bayview Ave., Port Washington. You can attend online as well on Skype or Zoom (you will be sent an easy link to connect). Cost: $40 for each workshop; series of 5 workshops: $175. Preregistration is required. To register, email Tori@ToriQuisling.com. For more information, call 516-423-1794 or visit ToriQuisling.com.

The post Intuition and Psychic Skills Summer Workshop Series to Begin July 6 appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.

Hershlag, MD, FACOG, is chief of the Fertility Center at Northwell Health, providing fertility services to the greater New York region, where he has cared for patients for more than 20 years. Hershlag serves as an attending physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at North Shore University Hospital. He holds a faculty appointment as Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine at the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine.

This meeting will be held at Alumni House, 154 Cambridge Avenue, at the Adelphi Campus in Garden City.

To register, call 516-877-4325 or email BreastCancerHotline@Adelphi.edu.

Register online at Breast-Cancer.Adelphi.edu/we-can-help/forums. The forum can be watched live on YouTube.com/aubreastcancer or listened to the next day on YouTube.com/aubreast cancer.

The post Free Fertility and Breast Cancer Forum on July 10 appeared first on Natural Awakenings Magazine.