By: Colleen Stone

With so much unsettling news these days, much of our country lives in fear, stress and anxiety says Colleen Stone, Certified Hypnotherapist.

In working with her clients, Colleen sees and hears similar complaints such as, “I am so afraid …”, “I have so much anxiety that I cannot sleep!”, “My migraine headaches are so much worse” or, “I cannot leave the house without taking a pill!” Colleen believes that core beliefs play a big part in how the mind/body operates affecting our thoughts, emotions and our health. The body can heal itself once the negative energy from these emotions has been resolved and released and Ms. Stone states, “This is what I do everyday….with the use of hypnosis, self-hypnosis and EFT.” In addition, Colleen believes that ENERGY MEDICINE is the medicine of the future…just think if we could resolve and release negative energy before they manifest into an illness!

Look what Dr. Candace Pert has to say in her book, “Molecules of Emotions”, about the power of releasing negative emotions with the use of forgiveness, and how the process actually affects our mind/body, and the immune system:

“Releasing blame requires a quantum shift in which the whole body/mind is altered, a true state change that affects the entire system. It isn’t a small thing that is done by degrees, but a whole-body turnaround. Who you are when you forgive yourself and others is someone living a new reality. You are free and experience true happiness. You can also be healthier; because physical inflammation in your body is diminished, (it is no longer continuously triggered by resentment and rage).

If you experience a constant, suppressed state of anger in your body/mind over many years, holding grudges and not forgiving people for incidents that happened in the past, then you are most likely using energy to make antibodies, and keeping yourself in a chronically inflamed state. As a result, you tax your immune system to overreact, aggravating autoimmune disorders such as Fibromyalgia, lupus, CFS, and rheumatoid arthritis, and many other illnesses.

Colleen’s goal for each client is self-awareness through positive changes in their core belief systems allowing for desired behavior changes, ultimately self-love and reconnecting with the original/true self that is happy, healthy and strong!

Colleen uses a five-step process of one-on-one hypnosis, including one session of Direct Suggestion, and four other steps of letting go and resolving negative emotions including “Forgiveness of Others” and “Forgiveness of Self”. Forgiveness is about no longer having to carry around the pain and anger caused by these negative emotions. This is when the self-healing begins!! Colleen teaches her clients what she has learned after ten years of researching and working successfully with other clients that, “the bottom line to healing is learning self-love and allowing the body to heal itself!” Forgiveness is a gift to self and it is not about the other person.

Self-Hypnosis and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) are two methods of self-healing that Colleen teaches to all her clients, along with the one-on-one process of 5PATH.

Self-Hypnosis is a method of resolving and letting go of negative emotions daily so that they no longer accumulate and manifest into illness. EFT is an amazing healing technique that is easy to learn and has profound effects. It is a simple, rapid and remarkably effective approach to healing emotional disorders that is based on a synthesis of Chinese Acupressure and Applied Kinesiology.

As clients clear away the negative emotions related to the illness, they experience a process of improvement and inner peace and find a transformation of energy for the good. From there many clients use that energy in a positive way to achieve lifetime goals.

Testimonial:

“Dear Colleen, After five long months of suffering with ‘Post Traumatic Stress with Repressed Memories”, I was so thankful that God finally lead me to you. You helped me “rescue that little girl” from the torture that I suffered from childhood sexual abuse that had now surfaced into my adulthood. I was living partly as an adult and partly as a five-year-old girl. No doctor, psychologist, clinical social worker, mental health worker, drugs, or “talk therapy” was able to help me. Thankfully, with your understanding, compassion, and field of expertise in Hypnotherapy, my life was brought back to normal and continues to be.

May God bless you and continue to use this alternative field of medicine to free those who are in mental bondage, and feel there is “No Hope”. ~ In sincere gratitude, CP”

Colleen Stone is a Certified Hypnotherapist through the Banyan Hypnosis Center in California and a member of National Guild of Hypnotist, Inc. www.ngh.net. She has a successful business, ADVANCED HYPNOTHERAPY OF DELAWARE, www.ahode.com, located in Felton, Delaware. Colleen is also certified in Anti-Aging Principles and Natural Hormone Replacement Theory through Giovane Medical Services Inc., member of American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and sells natural hormone trandsdermal creams. She is trained in Energy Medicine by Donna Eden through Omega Institute in New York, and all of Colleen’s clients are taught how to use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) a form of acupressure, and Self-Hypnosis.

Colleen holds a Bachelors Degree of Education with thirty plus hours of graduate work. She spent sixteen years in the classroom teaching in addition to four years at the Caesar Rodney School District Office training teachers. She has also presented workshops across the country through involvement in two national projects. This nurturing, giving quality and her trusted rapport has carried over to her practice by helping her clients achieve positive changes in their lives through hypnosis for nine years.

Ms. Stone provides workshops and talks in many of the titles listed in this article.

Anthony B. Furey, DO
Cardiology Physicians

Dr. Anthony B. Furey joined Cardiology Physicians in March 2011.  Dr. Furey has been a Cardiologist in Delaware since 1996.  Dr. Furey grew up in Chadds Ford PA. He attended Bishop Shanahan High School and Lafayette College where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.  During his four years at Lafayette, he lettered in Varsity Basketball and was Captain of the 1983 squad.

Dr. Furey attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. His post doctorate training involved internship at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH, and Internal Medicine residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA.  His Cardiology fellowship was completed at The Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Furey is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has been recognized as board certified in Adult Echocardiography by the American Society of Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology.

Dr. Furey’s professional associations include membership in the American Osteopathic Association, Delaware Society of Osteopathic Medicine, Delaware Medical Society, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Furey’s interests involve clinical and consultative cardiology along with echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and nuclear cardiology.

Dr. Furey is the Medical Director of the Christiana Care Cardiac Rehabilitation program. He was named “Outstanding Specialty Teacher” in 2002 by the Christiana Care Family Medicine program and has been named Delaware Today’s “Top Doctor” in Cardiology in 2003 and 2010.

Dr. Furey and his family reside in Wilmington, DE. He and his wife Katherine were married in 1990. They have three children; Brannock born in 1993, Conor born in 1996, and Corinne born in 2001.

Charles J. Simon, MS, OD
Simon Eye Associates

Charles J. Simon, MS, OD, is the founder and CEO of Simon Eye Associates.  A native Delawarean, Dr. Simon grew up in Dover, Delaware, graduating from Dover High School.  He then attended the University of Delaware, obtaining an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, and a graduate degree in Nutritional Sciences.  An additional degree in Visual Sciences and a Doctorate in Optometry was earned from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

Dr. Simon completed externships in primary care at the JFK Hospital Eye Clinic, and in electro-diagnosis and low vision at The Eye Institute, all in Philadelphia.  He continued with post-doctoral studies at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

He began practicing Optometry in 1982, along with becoming an Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware.  Since starting his own practice, he has expanded from his first office on Bancroft Parkway in Wilmington to become a multi-location practice serving all of Delaware and surrounding areas.  Simon Eye Associates now employs 14 Doctors and over 100 staff members.  Dr. Simon attributes the growth of the practice to his firm commitment to satisfying the eye health needs of his patients.  The mission statement of the practice reflects this belief:

Dr. Simon is a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Delaware Optometric Association.  Past memberships include Student Optometric Service to Haiti and Omicron Nu National Honor Society.  His awards include the Clinical Excellence Award, Outstanding Graduate Student, Outstanding Young Men of America, and Oxford’s Who’s Who.

Dr. Simon and his wife Marina live in Hockessin with their three Chihuahuas.  He enjoys oil painting, running and biking in his spare time.

Ron Sayers
Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists

Ronald Lee Sayers, goes by Ron Sayers is 66 years old and originally from Pennsylvania.   At age 5 his parents, Leroy and June Sayers moved to Smyrna Delaware and opened Sayers Jewelers.   From the beginning Ron was given chores in the store such as counting envelopes, inserting letters and adding stamps.

Ron Graduated from John Bassett Moore High School in Smyrna then went on to Wesley College in Dover which was a 2 year school at the time and then transferred to Delaware State College and graduated with a business and accounting degree.  After joining the family business full time in 1968 Ron began taking courses at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA ) where he earned his Graduate Gemologist degree.

In 1967 Ron married Ellen Killen from Leipsic, Delaware.   Ron and Ellen have three boys,  Ronnie, a commercial waterman,   Rodney, a boilermaker and Tom,who works in the family business and is also a GIA Graduate Gemologist.

Ron and Ellen have worked side by side in the family business since 1968.  In 1989 They purchased the business from Ron’s parents and it became Sayers Jewelers and Gemologists.   Ron, Ellen and son Tom along with seven other employees run the thriving business today.   Sayers was the first jeweler in Kent County to have a gem microscope in their store and Ron was the first jeweler in all of Delaware  to have a high tech Laser welder.   Ron and son Tom also design and manufacture custom jewelry on the premises using state of the art Cad-Cam designing as well as hand carved designs.   Sayers is proud to have customers in 48 states.

Ron has served as Past President of the Smyrna-Clayton Rotary club and currently sits on the board of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and Bayhealth Medical Center.

Interests include snowmobiling, skiing, motorcycles, photography, scuba diving, flying, boating and grandchildren.

Michelle Parsons
ReNove Medical Spa

Dr. Michelle Parsons practices Wellness and Cosmetic Medicine in Rehoboth Beach.  Graduating from Jefferson Medical College 17 years ago, she is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine after receiving her training at Christiana Medical Center, practicing as an Emergency Medicine Physician in Delaware and Maryland.  Enjoying the continuity of care in private practice, Dr. Parsons went on to receive additional training in hormone and endocrine evaluation, vitamin deficiencies, nutrient replacement therapy, and cosmetic medical procedures.

“There is so much to treating the overall health and well being of a person than just addressing their symptoms when an acute illness occurs.  I like to focus on what is going on with a person’s health every day. It’s the little things that are really important in the long run. What kind of nutrients we are taking in and how that affects how our bodies and minds work.  Another example of how closely our minds and bodies are intertwined was demonstrated in a study that showed how a cosmetic medical treatment, such as a rhinoplasty, can have the same benefit to mood and well being as 10 years of intensive psycho-therapy.  Our bodies and minds are very closely related and I really embrace this concept in my practice.”

Dr. Parsons lives in Bethany Beach area with her husband and young son, who is a fifth generation Sussex Countian. Dr. Parsons sees patients in her office in Rehoboth Beach during the week. Appointments can be made by calling 302-227-1079. Please visit her practice website to see what wellness and health services are available at www.RenoveMedSpa.org.  Dr Parson’s wardrobe is from the  CAbi, spring collection, Jody Ryan.

Jeffrey Minkovitz, MD
Eye Physicians

Jeffrey Minkovitz, MD is an ophthalmologist and partner at Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Wilmington, Delaware.  Dr. Minkovitz specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, and is one of only a few Delaware surgeons specially trained in corneal diseases and transplantation. He joined Eye Physicians in 1994, after completing a cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at the world renowned Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins.  Previously, he graduated magna cum-laude from Harvard, earned his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, completed his internship at Harvard’s Mt. Auburn Hospital, and served his ophthalmology residency at Washington University.

Dr. Minkovitz participated in the early research on Excimer Laser photorefractive surgery beginning in 1994. He has offered this procedure to Delawareans since FDA approval in 1996, before Delaware had its own laser. These early pioneering individuals travelled to Wilmer Institute with Dr. Minkovitz, where he maintained his teaching and clinical appointment.

Dr. Minkovitz is a co-founder of the Center for Advanced Surgical Arts and serves on its medical advisory board. He is also on active staff at Christiana and Wilmington Hospitals.  While at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Minkovitz received the Outstanding Teacher Award from Wilmer Eye Institute. He was also named Top Doc in ophthalmology by Delaware Today Magazine six consecutive years, including 2010, and has been an invited instructor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meetings.

Dr. Minkovitz served as councilor to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has held several offices including president of the Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology.

Charles Curry, MD
Delaware Eye Institute

Dr. Curry is a board certified ophthalmologist with Delaware Eye Institute in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. His practice ranges from the surgical treatment of cataracts, to the medical treatment of such ailments as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease to ongoing and preventive care through routine eye exams.  Dr. Curry said, “Making sure I’ve addressed my patient’s concerns is a high priority for me.  I want them to be informed and comfortable with the choices we make together.”

After graduating from the Indiana University School of Medicine he completed his residency at Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina where he acquired hands-on ophthalmology training with patients.  In 2003, he became certified with the American Board of Ophthalmology.   After five years of private practice in Indiana, Dr. Curry joined Delaware Eye Institute in 2007.  When not practicing medicine, Dr. Curry spends his time with his family, often camping and visiting water parks.

Delaware Eye Institute is the leading provider of advanced eye care in Southern Delaware.  Each year thousands of new patients, from infant to adult receive care ranging from routine eye exams to services for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes.  Delaware Eye surgeons perform thousands of surgeries for cataracts, retinal disorders, functional and aesthetic eyelid problems.

Please take time to view our website at DelawareEye.com to learn more about our doctors, our staff and our services.  With our goal of doing everything possible to enhance and preserve your vision, we look forward to helping you see your world more clearly.

Heather Rooks, DC
Wilmington Delaware

As senior clinic director, Dr. Rooks is skilled and experienced at treating the root physiological, biochemical, and hormonal imbalances associated with Type 2 Diabetes and with Hypothyroidism.

Dr. Rooks uses breakthrough diagnostic testing and analysis that’s rarely done in conventional settings, to uncover the hidden, underlying causes a person may be experiencing from Type 2 Diabetes and Hypothyroidism.

She also takes great pride in delivering personalized healthcare treatment to patients as well as providing an environment that supports and inspires patients to reverse their poor health.

Dr. Rooks graduated from the University of Delaware, with a BA in Biology and has a Minor in Women’s Studies. She attended Life University for her Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and has extensive Postgraduate education in Functional Endocrinology.

Outside the office, Dr. Rooks enjoys being with her Cream French bulldog, Romeo, traveling and consciousness raising activities, spiritual retreats and humanitarian mission trips. She also loves Yoga and any kind of fitness.

Royal Photography
302-438-1308
Roy McDowell, owner
royalphotogde@aol.com

Royal Photography’s owner, Roy McDowell, brings a wealth of experience, both creative and business, along with an unmatched ability to put people at ease, to every occasion he photographs.

Over the past 18 years, Roy McDowell has captured “that” moment for more than 300 brides and grooms and preserved high school memories too numerous to count. Such exposure has led Roy to become one of the most recognizable photographers in Delaware. He creates a lasting impression, not only of an event, but of himself. The pride, precision, and passion he exudes has compelled brides-to-be to track down, “the photographer who took their senior portrait years before”.Roy exhibits this same commitment and customer service when working with the many schools and businesses with whom he’s managed contracts.

“The consumer drives the product I provide; not the other way around”. With the help and support of family, friends, and business associates, Roy McDowell strives to achieve his goal of providing an unforgettable experience with superior photographs, exceptional customer focus, and lasting relationships.

J. Christian
Owner of  J. Christian Studio
7465 Lancaster Pike,
Hockessin, DE
(302)-235-2306

Hair styling & make-up application were provided compliments of J. Christian Studio, where hair and art perform.

J. Christian is a Master Artist with more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry. Together with his wife Marcy, they own and operate J. Christian Studio, an upscale salon located in Hockessin, DE.

As an International Platform Artist and Master Educator for Sexy Hair Concepts, J. Christian travels here and abroad teaching other Stylists about hair fashion. He regularly teaches at the Institute of Courage, a hair academy established by Michael O’Rourke, founder of Sexy Hair Concepts located in the Topanga Canyon just outside Los Angeles as well as at the Paul Mitchell School in Delaware.

By: Sarah E. Willette, LMT & NCTM

Massage, it’s what your body kneads to feel so relaxed at “S.E.W. Relaxed”.

Sarah E. Willette is a Licensed Massage Therapist, she is Nationally Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage, and has her own business called “S.E.W. Relaxed”.  She is certified in several different modalities but her favorite one is Mu-Xing Massage which Sarah studied under Karin Hampton and Susan Hanna who developed Mu-Xing Therapy Massage here in North Wilmington.

Mu-Xing Therapy uses heated bamboo and rosewood tools varying in special shapes and sizes depending on the area of the body they are being used on.  For instance, the warmth of the Embracing Spine tool allows the Massage Therapist to work the muscles that are along the spine; the affect of the warmed Half Moons, which fit perfectly into the Massage Therapist’s hands, allows the Therapist to work deeper into the muscles all over the body.

The theory behind this modality is twofold: The warmth of the instruments creates a deep sense of overall relaxation, which ultimately enables the Massage Therapist to work deeper into the client’s muscles and tissues.  In addition using these tools will save the Massage Therapist’s hands, using less exertion and reduces fatigue, which in the long run, can help to ensure a longer career for the Massage Therapist.

Bamboo comes from a living stalk and Rosewood is a natural hardwood; wood symbolizes life and energy.  Mu means wood and Xing means element, in Mu-Xing we bring the wood element to our clients massage, enhancing one’s connection to Mother Earth.  Our bodies have their own energy known as “chi” which becomes depleted from stress, insomnia, and tension, stimulating the muscles and tissues helps the body regain its strength and balance.  I believe using Mu-Xing Therapy is more beneficial in stimulating one’s chi than hot stones which are a non-living mineral; not to mention that the heated wooden tools on one’s skin feel exceptionally relaxing and calming.

With the holidays nearing and Valentine’s Day around the corner, be sure to ask Sarah about gift certificates for massage therapy sessions; they make excellent gifts and are appreciated by everyone.  Purchase a gift certificate during the months of December &/or January, mention this article, and you will receive $10 off each one-hour massage session you buy.

To schedule a Mu-Xing appointment with Sarah, contact her at 302.650.0763. Visit her website at www.sewrelaxed.com.  If you would like to learn about Mu-Xing courses, please visit Karin and Susan’s website at www.mu-xing.com.

Presented By: Crystal Gooding

The holiday season is here! Whether you’re looking for something far different from the icy, cold weather or just have an inkling for a fulfilling alternative to the holiday routine, Christmas and New Year’s in the Caribbean offer a distinctively different experience we warmly welcome.

Cruising the Caribbean or staying at a Caribbean resort during the holidays is one of the most popular times of the year.

• Timing – the sooner the better – Historically, vacationers were only able to get great deals and values when booking very early in advance.  However, premium accommodations such as balcony or window cabins on cruises and family size suites at resorts are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.
• Flights – Often expensive and overbooked this time of year, consider the cruise line’s flight offer and reserve as soon as possible.  For Resorts, leave from the nearest airport to your hometown.  This will save on drive time and money.

Here are a few specials for you to consider:

• Aruba: Book Now – April 12, 2012 Travel January 3 – December 16, 2012
• Mexico: Book Now – April 7, 2012 Travel October 1, 2011 – April 7, 2012
• Punta Cana: Book Now – April 30, 2012 Travel December 23, 2011 – December 23, 2012

Note: Above specials are based on availability.  Hotel blackout dates may apply.

Testimonials:

With all our traveling together, my husband and I have never used a travel agency.  Preparing to plan our honeymoon, together we decided to use a travel agency because it was for a special occasion.  We used Simpson Travel which was referred to us by our parents.  It was the best decision we made!  Our agent was Crystal, and we were taken care of extremely well.  All of the location options she recommended to us made it hard to decide.  Finally we decided on the resort, Royal in Cancun.  It was AMAZING!  The staff was magnificent and made us feel like royalty.  We are looking forward to using Simpson Travel again for future travel. ~ Rachel & Jason

Crystal, I never really thanked you for arranging everything for us.  I know I can go online and do it myself but I’m not the professional and would worry constantly about making an error.  It’s nicer to have somebody who knows what they’re doing.  Thanks so much. ~ Joyce N

For further information please call Simpson Travel 302-378-0894 OR

email simpsontravel@yahoo.com.

Check out additional specials at

www.simpsontravel.biz

By: Leah Gray

To the individual who believes that how you look, act and feel should not be limited by age,

ASEA is the world’s first and only stable and bioactive solution that slows aging at the cellular level through the power of Redox Signaling, allowing you to live younger longer.

What is ASEA? ASEA is trillions of stable, 100% safe, perfectly balanced Redox Signaling molecules suspended in a pristine saline solution – precisely the same molecules that exist in the human body.  Redox signaling molecules are created within every cell of the body, and are vital to the immune system and to cellular healing mechanisms.  Redox Signaling molecules are so essential to life that without them, you would die within minutes.  A proper supply of Redox Signaling molecules enables cellular healing: damaged, dysfunctional cells fading away and healthy, vibrant cells taking over.

The reactive molecules in ASEA are produced by a complex proprietary electrochemical process that reduces and oxidizes the base saline solution, resulting in an equilibrium of several known reactive molecules.  These reactive molecules are the same as those that are naturally produced inside of living cells and have been successfully measured over the last 30 years by the use of certain fluorescent dyes that act as indicators.  Antioxidants are incapable of fighting free radicals without the help of reactive molecules.  ASEA increases the effectiveness of the body’s most important natural antioxidants by over 500%, supporting the immune system functions that reduce oxidative stress and repair cellular damage.

ASEA is the only stable perfectly balanced mixture of reactive molecules that exist outside of the body, and is the single greatest source for nature’s anti-aging molecules.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

To learn more, view informative videos at www.leahgray.teamasea.com or call me directly with questions at 302-463-8989.

By: Beth J. Keil
Board Certified Hypnotist;
RN, BCH, CHBE

A few questions may have come to mind:
Can I be Hypnotized?
What does Hypnosis feel like?
Why do people use Hypnosis?

Many people use hypnosis because what they’ve been doing isn’t working.  Perhaps they want to become a non-smoker but the nicotine patch, gum, or medication hasn’t worked.  Perhaps they want to lose weight and have been on just about any diet you can think of, but the weight always returns.  On the other hand, they have been in counseling for years and still have issues they want to eliminate.  Hypnosis seems like it just might work when nothing else has.  Maybe you’re wondering if hypnosis will work for you.

First off, you can only be hypnotized if you want to be hypnotized.  You need have an average intelligence and want the change you’re seeking.  Did you know, you experience hypnosis all the time and may not realize it!  Have you ever driven your car and not remembered landmarks along the way or watched a movie and emotionally reacted to what was happening on the screen?  Both are examples of spontaneous hypnosis.

Hypnosis is simply an increased state of focused concentration.  You are awake, aware and totally in control.  The first time you experience hypnosis you may smile and say, “That wasn’t what I thought it would be like!  That was easy!”  Being hypnotized is like driving a car: You are in the driver’s seat, with your hands on the steering wheel and your foot on the pedals.  Your hypnotist is like a navigator who is there to direct you where you want to go.

The following are a few experiences recent clients have shared with me:
Jeff was a pack a day smoker and had smoked for years.  Perhaps you feel like he did, out of control and unhappy.  When we were done working together he said to me, “I came in to be a non-smoker and what I got was my life back!”

Tracy wrote to tell me, “You helped me quit smoking with hypnosis!  You helped me dig deep within myself to rid myself of the things that were making me use the distracter in my life: Cigarettes!  I have so much more energy now and am very healthy!  I can run and not be out of breath now!”

Paula was interested in self improvement.  She said, “The process made me reflect on all of the suppressed, hidden, visible, tucked away, and overwhelming tons of feelings and memories that I have been stock-piling, safe-guarding, protecting….yes…hoarding in my life.  Fear, frustration, guilt, loneliness, anger, stress….all splattered across my life in the form of work, projects, obligations, and other professional and personal distractions.  Hypnotherapy has helped me take one “room” at a time, decide to keep or toss it, and discover a sense of clarity that I have not experienced for as long as I can remember.  It is an enlightening journey that continues to give me insight and reflection every day.”

Karen was dealing with stress and all the problems it brought into her life.  She said, “So, have I eliminated stress from my life?  Of course not.  However, I now feel equipped to respond to stressors in a positive way.  When a stressful situation arises and negative thoughts cross my mind, I try to simply acknowledge the thought and to understand what’s behind any feelings the thought evokes.  Then I remind myself that I have the power to choose how I react.  It’s not always easy, but I’m working to unlearn decades of habitual responses, so I know it will take time.  The important thing is, I now feel that I have the tools I need to make the right choices.  Moreover, I gained this ability in only six short hypnotherapy sessions, as compared to years of traditional counseling.

For the first time in years, I have a renewed sense of hope and possibility.  It reminds me a little of my college years, when I believed that anything was possible.  The best benefit of all?  I’m dreaming again.  Thank you, Beth, for helping me to win back my life!”

What kind of training does my hypnotist have?
Beth Keil is a Registered Nurse, Board Certified Consulting Hypnotist, Certified 7th Path ™ Instructor and HypnoBirthing-The Mongan Method ™ Certified Educator.  Beth has her Bachelor of Science degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in Individual and Family Studies and The University of Delaware in Nursing.  She is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists with her advanced Hypnotherapy Certification through The Banyan Hypnosis Center.

In addition to working privately with clients, Beth has worked with a local MTV MADE participant; been a presenter at the Delaware Women’s Conference; the 2008 Delaware Women Lawyers and Judges Retreat, and is a faculty member and presenter at the National Guild of Hypnotists conventions.  She has presented programs for the Wilmington Montessori School, The Pilot School and RESOLVE of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Beth@BethKeil.com

www.BethKeil.com

302 598 9642

To experience firsthand the benefits of using
Hypnosis for Relaxation, Menopause, and Fertility
order these CD’s at www.BethKeil.com

By: Lisa Harkins, RD, LDN

Another year down, another new year approaches…many of us make the same New Year Resolution over and over again:to lose weight.

But for some reason it doesn’t seem to stick, and some of us will blame it on our “metabolism”.  But what is metabolism and why does it seem to help certain individuals and hinder others?  First, we need to define what metabolism is, and then learn what affects it in order to truly understand how it may determine our weight.

Metabolism, defined: Metabolism is the process by which the body changes nutrients we eat into energy that are in turn used by the body to maintain it.  It is essential to survival: our metabolism helps the body repair tissue, heal itself from injury, fight disease, and eliminate toxins and metabolic by-products.

Our metabolism is affected by the following factors: Nutrition, Hydration, Physical activity, Body type, Gender, Age, Genetics, Bone structure, Body composition, and Hypothyroidism.  Some of these things we can’t control, like Age – our metabolism slows about five percent for each decade after 40.  That’s because as we get older, we tend to lose muscle and gain body fat; lean muscle mass is more metabolically active than fat tissue.  Gender also makes a difference – men generally have faster metabolisms than women because they’re larger and have less body fat.  A man’s basal metabolic rate is estimated to be 10 to 15 percent higher than a woman’s.  Hypothyroidism can also be a hindrance – an underactive thyroid will slow down your metabolism and ultimately lead to weight gain.  The good news is that a simple blood test can determine whether you have this condition or not.  If you do, you can control it with the proper medication (talk to your doc).  Genetics play an extremely critical role: some people are lucky enough to be born with speedy metabolisms, and others are not.

But these factors don’t grant us a “gimme” to give up and say “The odds are stacked against me, there is nothing I can do to change my metabolism”.  There are factors that affect metabolism that we CAN control, like the amount of physical activity we participate in each week, what we eat and drink each day, how much sleep we get each night, and if we take time to relax and de-stress.  Here are my tips to help you master your metabolism – all are research-backed and tried and true – no pills, shakes, sprinkles or other concoctions required!

Bring on breakfast – it is a must every day.  Breakfast jump starts your metabolism, and helps your burn calories consistently all day long.  Ladies, shoot for around 300-400 calories, gentlemen, around 500-600.

Skip the sugar – Reduce the amount of refined sugar-containing foods; they’ll spike your blood sugar giving you immediate energy but then cause you to crash and want even more sweet, initiating a vicious cycle.  Limit jellies, candies, cookies, pies, cakes, muffins…you get the picture!

Spice it up – the compound capsaicin that burns our mouths and causes us to sweat when we eat that enchilada raises your base metabolic level, has an inhibitory effect on the forming of fat cells, and also acts as an appetite suppressant.  Research has shown that people eat up to 15 percent fewer calories after eating spicy foods when compared to people who ate foods that did not contain capsaicin.  Try hot peppers, cayenne pepper, roasted red pepper flakes, and curries.

Snack smart – no more than 200 calories per snack, and be sure they contain lots of weight whittling fiber.  Try fruit and cheese, whole grain crackers and peanut butter, hummus and raw veggies.

Pump up the protein – eating protein gives your body a bigger metabolic boost overall than eating carbohydrates or fats.  Plus, eating enough protein will ensure you’ll maintain and build muscle mass (Remember, the more muscle mass you have, the greater your metabolic rate).  Make sure to incorporate lean protein (like eggs, skinless chicken, fish, beans and nuts) into most every meal.

Feast on Fish – Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, trout, mackerel and fresh tuna help you lower the leptin levels in your blood.  Leptin is a hormone that is directly linked to your metabolism.  Scientists have found that lower levels of leptin lead to a higher metabolic rate and a decreased appetite.

Dive into dairy- Research shows that low-fat yogurt, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheese raise your body’s metabolism.  Get your three eight ounce servings a day.

Get you some grapefruit – Grapefruit contains hydroxycitric acid, which inhibits production of cholesterol and fat that is produced from leftover glycogen (stored glucose in our muscles and liver).  Try eating a whole fruit every day.

Kick it with kelp – This green from the sea has metabolic precursors of the active hormones of the thyroid gland, as well as naturally occurring iodine, which together are believed to increase our basal metabolic rate and help with fat metabolism.  Just be sure you keep your intake to 1,000mcg of iodine/kelp per day.

Don’t forget to exercise most days (moderate to vigorous activity is encouraged for 45-60 minutes per session), strength train at least two-three times per week (more lean muscle mass means more fat-burning potential), reduce your amount of stress (mediate, try yoga, play with the kids), and get enough sleep (seven to eight hours is the new minimum).  I also encourage my clients drink plenty of water (six to eight 8-ounce glasses daily, more if exercising), as well as try decaf green tea (three cups per day has a thermogenic, i.e. fat-burning effect).

Lisa Harkins, RD, LDN
Ideal Nutrition and Fitness LLC

P.O. Box 684, Lewes, DE 19958 | Phone: 302-388-2856 | Email: lisa@idealnutritionandfitness.com
Website: www.idealnutritionandfitness.com Follow me on twitter.com: lisaharkinsRD
Become a fan of my business on facebook.com: Ideal Nutrition and Fitness LLC

Lisa Harkins is a Registered Dietitian and the owner of Ideal Nutrition and Fitness.  She consults for Quest Fitness located in the Village of Five Points in Lewes.  Quest Fitness is a full-service fitness facility offering personal training, fitness classes, spinning, yoga, pilates, nutritional counseling, youth camps, and seasonal kayak tours, rentals and sales.

Visit www.questfitnesskayak.com for more information.

]]> http://thewomensjournal.com/20111226/master-your-metabolism/feed/ 0 http://thewomensjournal.com/20111226/pilates-practice-helps-you-cope-with-holiday-stress-2/ http://thewomensjournal.com/20111226/pilates-practice-helps-you-cope-with-holiday-stress-2/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:01:41 +0000 Nancy Hawkins Rigg http://thewomensjournal.com/?p=15526 By: Nancy Hawkins Rigg, Founder and Owner, Forever Fit Foundation

It’s that time of year when holiday activities, social commitments and family gatherings make it difficult to keep a sane and manageable schedule.

It’s so easy to scrap the hour of Pilates for a luncheon gift exchange or shopping spree.

Wait a minute!  Where do you get some very real and lasting benefits?  Practicing Pilates.  Those benefits extend far beyond the hour spent on the apparatus or the mat.

The exercise system was created by German-born Joseph H. Pilates a century ago.  As a prisoner of war, he developed a discipline to combine the physical training of the ancient Greeks with the meditative strength of the East.  He called it “contrology,” because it required concentration, a strong abdomen plus deep stretching with a focus on breathing.

Pilates develops improved body mechanics, enhances balance, strength, coordination and flexibility, qualities we all need to function well each and every day.

Pilates focuses on developing, enhancing and maintaining core strength.  Your core is the center of your torso and the muscles that wrap around and support your body, front and back.  Pilates also develops spinal flexibility.

During the holiday season, there are increased demands on the body and on the mind.  Like it or not, there are more social activities, additional shopping trips, entertaining, cooking, cleaning … the list goes on.  Let’s face it, the holidays can be exhausting.

Remember that Pilates demands mental focus, creating a strong mind/body connection.  Pilates students know they must focus on breath as their mind directs their body to flow from one pose to another.

Pilates is not easy, nor can it be practiced without focus.  A personal trainer can instruct, motivate and encourage, but students themselves must bring the focus and intention.

Pilates benefits emotional health.  The smooth, steady movements quiet the mind and soothe the nervous system.  It’s the perfect prescription for a sane holiday season, so maintain your practice instead of postponing it.

As you lengthen and strengthen muscles, you’ll improve your circulation and whisk tension away.  Each workout will leave you feeling calm, balanced, and rejuvenated, and who doesn’t need that, and even more so during the holiday season?

A skilled personal trainer can customize your Pilates session so that you’ll be physically challenged, but able to let go of the tension seems to go hand in hand with the holiday season.

For people who haven’t experienced a Pilates session, the holidays are a great time to start.  Why not give yourself the gift of fitness?  Pilates does not stress your joints, but its exercises condition your muscles and your mind.

That’s right.  Pilates requires focus in order to properly execute the movements.  Focusing on your body and tuning out the distractions life offers increases self awareness.

Since Pilates is gentle, it can be practiced every day.  In fact, like anything else, in order to see results, it takes consistent and regular practice.  Your personal Pilates instructor will guide you in the practice, making sure that you are executing the appropriate exercise safely and correctly.

Pilates reverses this aging process by stabilizing your core.  Pilates works the small, deep muscles needed to keep your body steady when walking.  Pilates
also leads to subtle posture improvements, which will also eliminate tension, driving away headaches, backaches, neck aches, and other aches and pains.

Your core will become flexible, and you will become more balanced, both mentally and physically.  Take care of yourself so you can care for others.  Handle seasonal stresses with a smile, and keep those Pilates sessions on your calendar.

Nancy Hawkins Rigg is the founder and owner of Forever Fit Foundation, a personal training business specializing in Pilates, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, Yamuna Body Rolling and sport specific training.  Forever Fit Foundation accepts clients at three sites: Dover and Lewes, Del., and Mendenhall Station, Pa., just over the Delaware line.  A certified athletic trainer, she earned her bachelors degree from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in exercise science and sports medicine from Miami University in Ohio.  Please call (302) 423-1816 or (302) 698-5201 to schedule an appointment for more information.

By: Lisa Torbert – MS, CADC, Owner, Massage Therapist, QRA Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, pH Testing, Nutritional Healing

Colon Hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle, natural method of washing long-term wastes from the entire colon.  When this is done, the body no longer has to deal with waste accumulated during a lifetime, and can use more of its own strength to heal itself and fight disease. Virtually everyone has these built-up wastes in their colon, especially from eating processed foods, foods with preservatives, pesticides, and the chemicals and hormones that are added to many of our foods.  Colon hydrotherapy is not painful or dangerous. The pressure felt is less than naturally occurring gas.  Colon hydrotherapy helps control weight. Research from scientist in both America and Europe, have demonstrated that people in the richer nations carry within their bodies anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds of accumulated toxic materials.  Some aliments, which may be relieved by colon hydrotherapy, are; allergies, colitis, low back pain, halitosis, arthritis, constipation, headaches, indigestion, and lack of energy are just to name a few.

How does it work: A soothing flow of purified warm water is instilled gently into the colon through a disposable rectal nozzle.  The small rectal nozzle is easily inserted to cleanse the contents of your lower colon.  The system is designed to allow evacuation of the contents of the colon during the administration of colon hydrotherapy.  The pressure, temperature, and flow of water, are all safely regulated throughout the session.  There is no odor since the waste is evacuated directly through the sewer drainpipe.

Ionic Detox Foot Bath
The Ionic Detox Footbath assists in recovery time from injuries and surgery.  The Ionic Detox Footbath can also assist with: headache & pain relief, joint stiffness, improved sleep patterns, removing heavy metals, menstrual pain, arthritis pain, and boosting the immune system as well as improve kidney and liver functions.  While immersing your feet in the water, positive and negative ions are emitted by the machine, which re-energize the body.  This type of machine is described as a Detox machine because the response of a re-balanced body is to excrete any excess toxins via the kidneys, liver, bowels, and skin not only DURING but also AFTER treatment.  Therefore, you will experience the beneficial effects of a Detox experience.  The entire process takes 30-40 minutes for adults and is completely safe to use.  It is however, not recommended for pregnant woman, anyone with a heart pacemaker or an organ transplant.

Our bodies are like an orchestra; if one instrument is out of tune it throws off the entire arrangement.  Our center offers valuable resources to fine tune your body by using holistic therapies to direct your body in a way that it can perform and play in harmony without the use of drugs or surgery.  Preventative Health can help us to discover ways to nurture and heal our daily aches and pains.  It can help us bring about physical and emotional changes, creating a feeling of wholeness in a way that makes a connection to our mind, body and spirit.  Come and experience a new and better way of achieving health and wellness here at Heathers.

LaDonna Graham
The world today is becoming a toxic mess.  We are overwhelmed with thousands of chemicals that bombard our precious body. Personally, she feels that body cleansing is good for overall health, since cleansing and detoxification are among the oldest of the natural health care practices.

Since 1991, LaDonna Graham has practiced professionally in the environmental health and total body wellness field.  After years of struggling with her own childhood health issues, she had the good fortune to be guided by great teachers and doctors, which lead her to her subsequent career.  She has a degree in Chemistry from Lincoln University.  She is also a heath practitioner with Premier Research Labs and became a trained Colon Therapist in 2000 through the Tiller Mind and Body School of Colon Hydrotherapy. LaDonna is looking forward to being your detoxification and nutritional coach for optimal digestive health.

Who Is Heather?
Heather Torbert is Lisa Heather Torbert’s mom.  She died at the age of 66 from diabetes.  Mom’s life was not easy, as she became addicted to drugs and alcohol in her twenties.  She also suffered from depression most of her life.  At the age of 40, she finally was able to “kick the habit” forever.  However, she substituted into some very unhealthy “other addictions” such as smoking, caffeine, and food addictions (chocolate, sugar and carbohydrates), which eventually lead to her death.  This center is dedicated to my mom, Heather, my best friend and special angel.  Because of her, we here at Heather’s are able to offer a touch of heaven to everyone that visits our center.

By: Jodi Briden, CHHC, AADP

You have likely heard the phrase “You are What You Eat,” but what does it really mean?

Anytime we eat or drink, our body works to digest and absorb the nutrients of our food, ultimately with the intention of providing us with the essential ingredients for energy, vitality, and good health.

Unfortunately, many of the choices available to us today do not promote good health.  Much of the foods found in grocery stores are filled with additives, preservatives, toxins, and chemicals in order to provide a longer shelf life (for the food, not us).  However, whole natural, life-giving foods will provide us with the nourishment we need to sustain long-term good health.

What are whole, natural, life-giving foods?

These are foods that are edible in their original state.  They can be eaten with minimal or no preparation and usually can be eaten raw.

So what might be a long-term sustainable way to ensure the foods you are eating, are providing the nutrients you need to be healthy?  Taking an “80/20” approach to food can provide a good health sustaining balance without feeling as if you are depriving yourself of the food you love.  The 80/20 approach means eating whole, natural, life-giving foods 80% of the time, allowing for the occasional indulgence.

Whole, natural foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts/seeds, and water.  They are not only nutrient dense, but also support the body in cleansing and detoxifying, as well as being naturally anti-inflammatory.

‘Eating a rainbow’ of vegetables and fruits every day, at every meal, with an emphasis on dark leafy greens, your diet will be filled with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fiber, and variety to keep you healthy and feeling good.  Fruits and vegetables are one of the most critical foods for maintaining good health.  Grains are also an important element of a healthy diet.  All grains when harvested are whole grains, meaning they have all of their original parts (germ, bran and endosperm).  Most packaged foods are often processed, stripped of their full nutritional benefits and are no longer a whole grain.  Some of the most common and readily available whole grains that are brown rice, millet, amaranth, barley, quinoa, oats, spelt, wheat, and rye.  These foods are some of the best sources of fiber and do not cause a blood sugar spike or drop like many processed and refined carbohydrates.

Nuts and seeds along with whole natural, healthy food choices, are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fat and provide some of the best plant sources of protein.  There are many varieties to choose from including: almonds, walnuts, coconut, cashews, pistachios, pine nuts, and brazil nuts.  Eating these raw and unsalted ensures you are receiving the greatest benefit.

Drinking water is one of the most critical sources of nourishment our bodies need to fully function.  Hydrating with other liquids does not provide the same kind of benefit.  By regularly replenishing the water in our body, especially when we first wake up, we are providing one of the most crucial elements for maintaining and restoring good health.

Consistently eating a diet of primarily whole natural foods, will leave you feeling good and being well.  If you have a chronic health condition, eating such a diet can help support the body’s natural ability to heal. The ancient words of Hippocrates: “Let medicine be thy food, and food be thy medicine,” still applies today.

Be sure to read next issue’s article from Your Wellness Partner for the primary ingredient to ensure your life of vitality and great health.

Testimonials:

“Working with Jodi to choose the right foods for me and my lifestyle not only made me feel better physically, it had a positive impact on my mood and concentration levels and the new practices helped me to significantly reduce my stress.” ~ MS, Philadelphia, PA

“Jodi has genuinely helped change my thinking and behavior surrounding food, health and wellness, not only for myself but my family as well.  She has been instrumental in encouraging me to set goals and ultimately achieve them.” ~ AL, Ellicott City, MD

Jodi Briden, owner of Your Wellness Partner, and a Certified Holistic Health Coach, provides customized holistic wellness programs for individuals and groups; coaching, supporting, and guiding clients to regain their health, heal chronic conditions & autoimmune diseases, and live a life of wellness, naturally.

www.yourwellnesspartner.org
267-975-6367