Wellspring Issue #100 by The Wellspring

MAY 2024 // IYAR 5784 // ISSUE 100

Trust Your Instinct The medical team dismissed it as a routine miscarriage, but I ended up needing chemotherapy

6 Celebration Foods Esti Asher’s ideas to partying with your health in mind

Like the Cycles of the Moon Chany Silber of Lunair is a ray of hope and healing for women on the journey toward fertility

Inner Parenting Your questions answered

Let’s Party! Treat yourself to good food— like Falafel Shooters— that leave you feeling good after

No Excuses This Time A whopping 100 benefits of exercise 100 Years WellLived Shiffy Friedman reflects on the passing of her family’s matriarch

A Hundred Times Over What’s the one meal you never get bored of? Creamy Truffle Mushroom Bulgur Risotto Swap bulgur for rice in this delectable dish

Ask Shani Taub What place— if any at all— should treats have in my healthy diet?

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COPY & RESEARCH

Editor In Chief Shiffy Friedman Deputy Editor Libby Silberman Nutritional Advisory Board Dr. Rachael Schindler Laura Shammah, MS, RDN Tamar Feldman, RDN, CDE Bashy Halberstam, INHC Shaindy Oberlander, INHC Shira Savit, MA, MHC, CHC Esti Asher, MS, RDN, LD Nutrition Contributors Tanya Rosen, MS CAI CPT Shani Taub, CDC

Health Advisory Board Dr. Chayala Englard Chaya Tilla Brachfeld, RN Fitness Advisory Board Syma Kranz, PFC Esther Fried, PFC Child Development Advisory Board Friedy Singer, OTR/L Roizy Guttmann, OTR/L Coordinating Editor Liba Solomon, CNWC Feature Editors Rochel Gordon • Rikki Samson

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The Wellspring Magazine is published monthly by Wellspring Magazine Inc. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part or in any form without prior written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher reserves the right to edit all articles for clarity, space and editorial sensitivities. The Wellspring Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content or kashrus of advertisements in the publication, nor for the content of books that are referred to or excerpted herein. The contents of The Wellspring Magazine, such as text, graphics and other material (content) are intended for educational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding your medical condition.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

CONTENTS

MAY 2024 IYAR 5784 ISSUE 100 Our next issue will appear on Wednesday, June 26th iy"H.

WELL INFORMED 10

Springboard

Spiritual Eating

Torah Wellspring

Health Updates

LIVING WELL

Fitness

Ask the Nutritionist

Community

Cover Feature

Medical Saga

Sample

Cup of Tea

Serial Diary

DIY

WELLBEING

Wellbeing Feature

Tap In

FAREWELL 106 Holistic Mazel Tov to

SEASONED 6

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Faigy Schonfeld

upon the birth of a baby boy.

Torah Wellspring will return next month. Mazel Tov to

Chaya Tziry Retter

upon the birth of a baby boy.

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CENTER OF HEALTH. CENTER OF CARE.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Numbers Don’t Lie…

t’s a refrain you might hear at a diet group, where the instructor gets up and says, “Come on, share those numbers. That’s where your true victory lies!” Whether the reference is to the figures on the scale or measuring tape, those digits certainly do tell a story. But if you’ve come to know Wellspring, you’ll know that’s not where we’re headed with this title. Rather, the numbers we’re referring to are the ones we’ve been counting here, with every issue…and we’ve reached one hundred, baruch Hashem. Shehecheyanu! One hundred rounds of consistently presenting content that aligns with our fervent commitment to bring you, dear readers, only the best. One hundred issues that tell a story of how our community has come so far in recognizing the need for fulfilling venishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem—with the right perspectives in mind, throughout all stages of life. It was never about extreme measures, always about presenting both sides, providing food for thought and encouraging continued exploration. That we’ve come this far is a sure indicator of a niche that’s finally been addressed. As the frum community’s only long-standing health magazine, we’ve been braving the roads not taken. As I wrote in this space many years ago, when we first opened shop, one common question we received was, “But what will you write about every single month? How long can you keep this going for?” Well, we’re here to tell the tale—and numbers don’t lie.

he ultimate show of gratitude is to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, for carrying us thus far. But the thank-you list extends ever further, starting with a special thanks to my family for graciously putting up with all that running a magazine entails— especially on hectic print days, which often coincided with other big events in the calendar. It’s thanks to your help and ease that I was able to juggle all these balls. How appropriate it is that this issue’s cover feature, where we focus specifically on our milestone, features reflections from both our readers and our dedicated contributors—because it is thanks to you all that we’re here to celebrate. It’s been so gratifying to receive feedback from many of you over the years, noting just how instrumental—some-

times even life-saving—Wellspring has been in your lives. Every letter, every message, every voicemail, meant so much! Of course, we couldn’t have done this without the dedicated team at Wellspring, starting with our esteemed content contributors, many of them committed health practitioners, driven by a mission greater than themselves. While they’re too many to name, each one of them enhanced these pages with their words of wisdom, culled from years of experience of being there for their patients, clients, and fellow Yidden with untold caring and heart. In copyeditor Meira Lawrence I’ve found not only an editor who pays exacting attention to detail, but also a wise friend who “gets it.” And spending late nights, often under tense pre-deadline conditions, in the virtual company of our deputy editor, the inimitable Libby Silberman, has made this work such a joy. A special thanks to our chief designer Rivky Schwartz for “pulling this together” month after month after month with exceptional talent, efficiency, and reserves of patience. Thank you to the administrative team at Wellspring for giving me the opportunity to fulfill this special role all these years. May all of you at Wellspring be blessed with continued siyata diShmaya in this important endeavor. It has been a pleasure…which makes saying goodbye that much harder. Yes, because as we celebrate this hundredth issue together, the time has also come for me to take leave of this role. (More about this in my letter to you in the Wellbeing section.) And so, all my thank-yous, including to you, dear readers, are that much more heartfelt. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to utilize my kochos through this venue, for welcoming our monthly culmination of heart, thought, and endless investment into your home, mind, and heart, and for trusting us as your go-to source for all things health and wellness. May you continue to enjoy many, many years of gezunt in every facet, and may we meet soon in Yerushalayim,

n a m d e i r F y f f i h S

WELL- PUT “Our energy goes toward the direction of our thoughts… our hishtadlus is to shift those thoughts toward the positive.”

Health Consultant Chany Silber, Cup of Tea WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SPRINGBOARD

On Edema, Psoriasis, Expectations, and More

Regards from Kerestir Issue #95: Editor’s Note

We’ve just returned from a thoroughly uplifting and very special trip to the kever of Reb Shayele zt”l in Kerestir, and it occurred to me on the plane ride home that I must give credit where credit is due—which means reaching out to you with my words of appreciation. Several months ago, while our family was going through an indescribably challenging time with

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

one of our teenaged sons (we still are…), I read Shiffy Friedman’s letter to the readers regarding her trip to Reb Shayele of Kerestir. Though our family is not chassidish and I’d never yet traveled to a kever of a rebbe, I was so moved by her description of the tzaddik’s ko’ach, so touched by his greatness, that I felt a yearning to be in the shadows of this po’el yeshuos. Now, in honor of his yahrzeit, my husband and I made the trip. And yes, the experience was exactly as Shiffy poignantly described—and more. Walking into the ohel one

is automatically enveloped by an indescribable warmth. That in itself is such a yeshuah for anyone going through a trying time who feels so alone in their struggles. And, of course, we hope and daven that the tzaddik should be a meilitz yosher for us before our loving Father in Shamayim. May all of Klal Yisrael merit their yeshuos and may you at Wellspring be continuously gebentcht. Name Withheld upon Request

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Quick Question

SPRINGBOARD

Question: I’ve been taking laxatives and supplements for constipation for a very long time, increasing and decreasing amounts and changing from one company to another, all in my desperate efforts to obtain relief. For the past few months, I haven’t been getting any relief at all and the situation is making me quite ill. I’ve also been suffering from bad breath and I feel tired and sluggish, as well as bloated and uncomfortable. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Answer:

Your uncomfortable situation is more common than you think. Constipation has become a number one issue for so many. Since laxatives and supplements haven’t been working for you, you may consider taking a break from them for now. It will be a journey to wean yourself off the supplements at first, but with Hashem’s help it will be well worth it. First, making dietary changes is an important avenue to explore. This includes increasing fiber, bran, fresh fruit and vegetables, and drinking lots of water. Another way to help optimize digestion is by taking care not to drink and eat at the same time. You may want to consider reflexology and/or acupressure. You can even learn how to implement these interventions on your own in order to stimulate the colon and digestive system. Of course, exercise, even as simple as walking and stretching, can go a long way to getting the system moving. Remember to be patient with yourself. Your body may be so used to the medicinal interventions that it simply forgot how to eliminate on its own, so it’s important to wean off slowly. Make sure you consult with your doctor for advice and guidance. Take care, Miriam Schweid, Health Consultant

Preventing Flare-Ups Issue #99: Ask Laura Shammah

This is my opportunity to express my appreciation to you for a fantastic publication, one that I look forward to month after month. When I saw on last month’s cover that the topic of psoriasis and its relationship to diet was being covered in that issue, I couldn’t start reading sooner. You see, like the questioner in the article, I’ve also been suffering from psoriasis for a long time. And, for reasons that can only be attributed to Hashgachah, no one ever mentioned the diet interplay to me. I went from conventional doctor to conventional doctor trying to find a pharmaceutical cure, all to no avail.

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It was only after years of suffering that I finally got a lead to a practitioner of functional medicine through a colleague (who also happened to have been a die-hard conventional medicine fan before then). Since I’ve made changes to my diet, most of which Laura Shammah covered in her excellent response, I feel like I’ve gotten a new lease on life. I’m excited for the readers who may have been living in the dark until they were finally treated to this article last month. You are the messengers of so much hope and healing! Keep up your amazing work. D. Schick Flatbush, Brooklyn

The Beverage That Works Wonders Issue #99: FYI

As a frequent sufferer of peripheral edema (swelling of the hands and feet), specifically during pregnancy, I enjoyed seeing the excellent coverage on the topic. As always, Faigy Schonfeld covered the topic from so many angles, providing tips and suggestions in all areas of lifestyle. I was surprised, though, that one very powerful natural healing intervention wasn’t mentioned in the article—one that has truly worked

wonders for me: lemon and honey water. The combination of the two serves as a powerful diuretic, clearing out the system of accumulated fluids almost instantly. A friend once recommended this beverage to me and since I tried it myself, I’ve had excellent experiences as well. The recipe is simple: just add a squirt or two of honey and lemon to a glass of warm water and enjoy. Milka P. New Square, New York

And so, when I got to the article regarding how other women feel the freedom of Pesach on this Yom Tov and read the varied responses— in which each woman was so courageously vulnerable regarding her unique struggles and how she deals with them—I drew so much comfort from their words. The feeling that “we’re in this together” really gave me a good feeling, a comforting feeling. While I wish that all Yidden around the world know of only simchos, taking note of how driven we all are to bring out the best in every situation we’re in gave me a simchas Yom Tov and a pride in being part of this beautiful nation.

It Gave Me Simchas Yom Tov

T. Menzer

Issue #99: Sample

This past Shabbos Chol Hamoed Pesach found me sitting in my room and relaxing for a few treasured minutes—with my copy of Wellspring. While I was certainly counting my blessings as the mother and grandmother of a large family, I was honestly feeling wiped as well from not only the technical aspects of hosting but more because of the emotional stresses that come along with it.

Just the Right Time Issue #99: Inner Parenting

I’ve been an ardent longtime reader of the Inner Parenting column, but never has an article come to such good use as the one in the Pesach issue, on the right response to a child’s emotional expression. That’s because one of the times a child gets most worked up emotionally is in regard to

his afikomen present. This year, one child was insistent about receiving a drone and another child wanted another gadget we didn’t feel was right for her. When such situations came up in other years, it turned into a practical fight between us, which never ended well. Either we just gave in to the child’s tantrum or the child was left feeling misunderstood and unheard and we the meanie parents. But this year, thanks to this illuminating and thorough article, I was able to summon the strength to truly be the “parent” in the interaction. It built my strength and confidence, and I was able to say, “I understand why you want this, but…” The most beautiful part of this interaction was what was briefly mentioned in the article—noticing that when a child is spoken to and addressed in this way, they turn out to be even happier than the child who’s reluctantly provided with his every whim or the one who “wins over” his parents with begging and other means. It gives the child an unparalleled sense of security, and I thank you for opening my eyes to this secret. This was the true gift I granted my children this Yom Tov. H. Paskesz

Get in touch! Wellspring invites readers to submit letters and comments via regular mail or email to [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit all submissions and will withhold your name upon request. We will honor requests for anonymity, but we cannot consider letters that arrive without contact information.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SPIRITUAL EATING By Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS

Less is Truly More They wound their way through a circuitous route while exiting Egypt. They crossed a split sea that up until the last second appeared to be a fatal trap.

They ended up in a barren desert eating miraculous mahn, camped before an otherwise nondescript mountain while preparing themselves for the most monumental episode in human history—a national encounter with the Creator of the Universe. Were these a series of chance occurrences leading up to Matan Torah? Hardly. Chazal tell us that Klal Yisrael needed to experience each of these events in order to acquire the necessary attributes for receiving the Torah and being a mamleches kohanim and goy kadosh. The requisite emunah in Hashem and in the prophecy of Moshe was internalized at the sea through a consummate sense of clarity that Hakadosh Baruch Hu is the Creator and Sustainer of the world, and that Moshe is His navi. But what was the missing link and how did eating mahn in the desert enable the Yidden to reach the higher level of emunah Hashem envisioned for them? The Kli Yakar (Shemos 13, 17) tells us that the Yidden needed to be in an uncultivated land in order to acquire the midah of histapkus—the ability to manage with less. A barren desert has little if any distractions—no amusement parks, no newspapers, and surely no internet. We needed to receive the Torah in this environment to understand that Torah is, and should be, the sole focus of our lives. It’s not a piece in a puzzle or part of any larger picture. It is the picture. It’s our guidebook for living so that when we would eventually enter Eretz Yisrael and divide up into our particular roles in life with the varied and harried distractions and responsibilities incumbent upon us, we’d be rooted in Torah and have the proper priority structure

through which to make decisions and lead our lives. With this “training,” we Yidden would also have the ability to counterbalance and overcome our yetzer hara and one of its most vexing demands—the desire for more. Left to our own taavah we would be incapable of exerting proper boundaries and limits. Extremes would be constrained only by a lack of money, time, or legality—not because we would intuitively know to stop for our own benefit. The mahn was an invaluable tool in this lesson. It wasn’t too little. It wasn’t too much. It was just the right amount. And it was immensely enjoyable on a physical level, commensurate with each person’s spiritual focus. Today, even though we aren’t being showered with mahn, we do have easy access to information regarding the proper foods we should eat and the proper amounts. And since this is part and parcel of the natural world Hashem created, it’s clearly His will for us—not to overeat, not to undereat, and not to consume unhealthy foods. With the Torah as the perfect prescription, we can certainly make the right choices from the menu. Left to our own vision and desires, however, we stand a far lesser chance. That’s why the midah of histapkus is so vital. Succinctly put, we can’t have ein sof in ruchniyus unless we have maspik in gashmiyus. We don’t have the ability to grow exponentially in our spirituality unless we have boundaries and limits on our physical desires. It’s when we guard ourselves properly in regard to our physical behaviors that we open ourselves up to experiencing the infinite pleasure available to us on the spiritual plane. That enables us to truly celebrate, with every fiber of our being.

Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS, is the founder and director of Soveya and the author of the best-selling book Enough Is Enough—How the Soveya Solution Is Revolutionizing the Diet and Weight-Loss World, available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles and Judaica Plaza in Lakewood. He has worked with thousands of clients around the world and has maintained a 130-pound weight loss for the last 19 years. For more information about Soveya’s programs call 732-578-8800, email [email protected], or visit www. soveya.com.

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TORAH WELLSPRING By Rabbi Ezra Friedman

Reflecting at this Milestone A letter from the heart

Dear Readers, It has been a great honor and zechus for me to have contributed to this space since the magazine’s inception. First and foremost, I’d like to express my gratitude to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for enabling me to be the shaliach for so much learning, growth, and healing as the writer of this column. 16

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At this time, I’d like to reflect on the impact Wellspring has had on so many—including myself—and also to express my great awe and admiration of this publication’s readership, comprised of incredible mevakshim. From the kind of feedback I’ve been zocheh to receive over the years, the conclusion is clear: Choosing to turn to Wellspring, whether for inspiration, insights, guidance, or entertainment, is a reflection of an inner depth. It’s a reflection of a discerning palate that appreciates truly kosher content that nourishes, nurtures, and heals not only the body and nefesh, but most importantly, the neshamah. Chazal dedicated so many chapters and teachings to the Torah’s edict of venishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem. Taking care of our physical selves is no simple matter. It requires consciousness, determination, and guidance—all of which this publication provides with special attention to presenting a

healthy, balanced approach that puts the big picture above all. But perhaps most significantly, and this is what has made Wellspring a go-to publication for Yidden with a discerning eye, true wellbeing is grounded in a healthy relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu, His Torah, and His people. It is through this space that He has given me the unique privilege of exploring the foundations of spiritual wellbeing— the crux of general wellness—with an audience that is so eager to drink in words of Torah. Now that the time has come for my contribution in this space to come to an end, I want to thank each and every one of you for being the mekablim that you are. I’d like to express a special appreciation to those who’ve reached out with feedback over the years. I’ve learned so much from your insightful questions and comments, and most of all from your desire to learn and grow. I’ve heard from readers who wrote that it was here in this space that they learned the concept of surrender as the only way to truly heal their pain, and how their lives have changed as a result. In a world of so much suffering, people often—as a last resort and without knowing better—turn to self-sabotaging behaviors that detach them from their deep emotional world. Hearing that readers have learned here a mehalech to approaching pain that is healing, connective, and most importantly, constructive toward their growth, meant so much to me. I’ve heard from readers who shared that through this column they’ve learned how to look at their child as the whole world that they are—a fully developed nefesh—giving them their time, head, and heart. I’ve heard from readers who’ve learned that the way to grow is not to criticize ourselves but to see our inherent goodness and the goodness in others. They’ve internalized that berating ourselves only brings us downward. It’s been so rewarding to hear from

readers who appreciated the message of how unique each of us is, that we each have a unique purpose in this world, and that our role is to tap into our own potential. I’ve heard from readers who were intrigued by the concept that Hashem created all of us humans as pleasure seekers so that we would seek out the only true pleasure to be found in this world: living a Torah life. As long as we don’t find the pleasure in Torah, we’ll be searching for it endlessly elsewhere. Most of all, it has been most gratifying for me to hear that through this column, Yidden have changed their perspective on Hakadosh Baruch Hu. I’ve heard from readers who’ve found it so healing and powerful to learn just how intense and infinite Hashem’s love is for us, turning on its head a lifelong misconception of Him as a frightening and punitive. Only once we grasp this truth can we even start the journey toward acquiring healing in the nefesh, which goes in tandem with authentic emunah and bitachon and a relationship with Hashem. It’s when we feel enveloped in His love regardless of external circumstances that we can let go and allow ourselves to surrender to His will.

one who shares the ideas is granted the opportunity and the insights primarily because of those who are waiting to receive. It was thanks to your thirst to grow and to hear that Hashem planted these insights regarding spiritual health in my mind. It was thanks to you that they flowed through my pen and found their way to your heart, mind, and neshamah. So, yes, I’d like to thank you for enabling me to be not only a conduit, but a traveler too on this journey to more deeply understanding the greatness of a Yid, the Ribbono shel Olam, and all that a Torah lifestyle entails. At this opportunity, I’d like to thank my wife, who stood at the helm of this magazine as its editor-in-chief for the past 100 issues, investing hours upon hours every month into putting out this exemplary publication. Being privy to only some of her intensive behind-the-scenes work, I watched in awe how she ensured that every single part of this publication remained in line with her vision of a solid, engaging, Torah-true product, filtering out anything that felt remotely extreme or controversial so as not to cause damage or hurt in any way.

Especially during times when the schedule was intense, the knowledge that the words of Torah Wellspring were being mechazek so many Yidden and that readers were looking out for their monthly dose of spiritual medicine was what propelled me forward.

Her dream was to bring to Klal Yisrael a product that is 100 percent pure and meaningful—and she invested hours upon hours, week after week, month after month, toward that endeavor. Her aim was to provide only the best for you readers, and I’m sure her efforts have been well appreciated.

Often, when the time came for me to prepare the next article, I wasn’t sure which concept to explore that month. And it was especially rewarding in these times when Hashem arranged for me to hear back from a reader that those were just the words they needed in their life at that point.

Now that this avodas hakodesh is coming to a close, I want to wish siyata diShmaya to the incoming team of this important publication. May Wellspring continue to be gebentcht with much siyata diShmaya and be zocheh to serve as a conduit through which Klal Yisrael will enjoy physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

This feedback only further highlighted what we already know from the Tanya and other sefarim: it’s not just the mekabel who draws kochos and insights from the mashpia; the

May you continue to enjoy spiritual health and connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, others, and yourself for many years to come, Ezra Friedman

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

UPDATES By Bayla Brooks

Hide Those Gummies The rising issue of accidental melatonin overdose We’ve all heard about that innocuous bottle used by some people and despised by others. Some parents give their child a dose of melatonin on occasion while others use it on a nightly basis. While giving melatonin to children is a highly debatable topic with many fierce opinions on either side, regardless of the questionable health status of this sleep-aid, a new issue has cropped up: Kids are finding these gummies alluring and helping themselves to a handful. Often, the melatonin tablet is sweet, especially when in gummy form. To a child, there is no clear differentiation between jellybeans and this potentially harmful substance. On April 15, 2024, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, announced updated guidelines for melatonin supplements that aim to improve formulation, labeling, and packaging. The voluntary guidelines will also help tighten standards for melatonin gummies to address growing concerns over accidental ingestion and overdose 18

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

among children after a recent rise in emergency room visits. To reduce the risk of unsupervised access to melatonin gummies by children, the CRN has asked manufacturers to add child-deterrent packaging and include cautionary language on product labeling. The CRN suggestions came after a March 2024 report by the CDC that found a sharp increase in childhood ER visits following accidental melatonin ingestions. The report shows that around 11,000 children visited the emergency room between 2019 and 2022 after ingesting melatonin, with nearly 5,000 cases involving melatonin gummies. More than half of all cases involved very young children aged three to five years old. While the sweet taste of melatonin chewies may make bedtime a smoother process in your home, make sure to keep them far away from your child’s reach. That way, only the parent can dole it out—and only when needed.

UPDATES

Speed Up the Process Blinking is about more than moistening the eye Have you ever had some dust—or even a bug—caught in your eye? The experience can leave you feeling extremely uncomfortable until you engage in a good stream of blinks. After that, you feel the liquid drain out of your eye, and new, fresh lubrication comes in. Ah, the inherent goodness of the simple act of blinking! Blinking takes up a surprising amount of our waking time. Humans, on average, spend a remarkable 3–8 percent of their awake time with their eyelids closed. Most folks think of blinking as the eyes’ version of windshield wipers, clearing the eye of debris and maybe lubricating it, too. But blinking is much more than eye clean-up, researchers report. Interestingly, blinking is directly related to mind processing and functionality. It helps the brain process what it’s seeing. This concept brings up the image of an intellectual professor, blinking rapidly as he speaks. When the IQ levels are exceptionally strong, they often come along with a hard and fast blinking habit. But this may be seem counterintuitive: wouldn’t it make sense to not blink, so the eyes receive an uninterrupted stream of information? Investigating further, a team led by Michele Rucci, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester, tracked the eye movements of people looking at

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different types of stimuli. They combined that data with computer modeling and found that blinking enhances a person’s ability to track “big, gradually changing patterns” in a visual field, according to a university news release. The simple act of closing the eyelid for a nanosecond over the eye offers the person a greater ability to take in more information in a sharper, more effective way. Blinking does so by altering light patterns as they strike and stimulate the eye’s retina. It creates a different kind of “visual signaling” than would occur if eyes simply remained open at all times, the researchers explained. So, contrary to common assumption, blinks improve rather than disrupt visual processing, amply compensating for the loss in stimulus exposure. Similarly, when people smell or touch something, body movements that happen during these encounters help the brain understand the space around them. According to Rucci, blinking is another form of movement that helps create the “big picture” of what is being seen. Think of blinking as a recharge moment for the brain to process and regroup for more effective information input. So yes, it’s so more than a dust clean-up. Feeling confused or overwhelmed by an onslaught of information? Try being liberal with your blinks and feel that processing power pick up speed.

UPDATES

Part

17 in a series

Demystified

Myth: Applying Butter to a Burn Eases the Pain From potato peels to honey with saran wrap, the options for burn care abound. It would do us well to research each technique to determine its efficacy. So how about butter? Would that work well to cure the burning skin and ease the pain? Or is it one fat myth? According to the Dermatology Clinic at UAMS, it is very important to immediately cool the skin after receiving a burn. This helps stop the damage from the burning process. Thus, applying butter or other greasy ointments to a burn may actually exacerbate the burn, since grease slows the release of heat from the skin. This causes more damage from the retained heat. Unfortunately, the butter-for-a-burn remedy has become widely accepted because the greasy substance is believed to be cool and soothing, when, in fact, the opposite is true. The best way to release heat from the skin is with cool water. Ice and ice water are too harsh and may further aggravate already damaged skin. Cool water helps to gently remove heat from the area. Keep the affected area in a cool cup of water or with a cool washcloth placed on it for at least 20 minutes. Do not apply substances that can retain the heat and aggravate the skin.

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WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

FITNESS

REASONS TO EXERCISE By Chaya Tziry Retter, RDN, BS, CPT

In honor of this milestone issue, here are 100 reasons for you to start exercising today. You may find that you don’t need an extra motivator during this post–Yom Tov period, but if you do, check this list out and you’re sure to be convinced. If you’ve already implemented an exercise routine into your lifestyle, you’ll enjoy reviewing this list—practically a summary of the many articles we’ve featured until now—and reminding yourself of the many benefits you’re reaping from this important outlet. Of course, the main reason to take care of our body is because of the responsibility we were given by Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Each of us has been bestowed one body to maintain from birth onward, and our job is to do the hishtadlus to keep and maintain our health in the best way possible. This is not a list of guarantees for any outcome, but a list of comprehensive potential benefits based on the myriad health effects of being physically active on a regular basis. The benefits are listed in no particular order, we recommend reading them along with a prayer for a strong dose of siyata diShmaya!

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1. Improves immune system function

40. Manages arthritis

74. Reduces triglyceride levels

2. Reduces risk of heart disease

41. Can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes

75. Helps us relax and unwind

42. Improves glycogen storage

77. Helps body use calories efficiently

3. Reduces risk of developing high blood pressure 4. Helps manage stress

43. Regulates hormones

5. Burns excess calories

44. Can lessen medical bills!

6. Improves athleticism

45. Reduces inflammation

7. Improves sleep quality

46. Releases toxins

8. Increases levels of HDL (good cholesterol)

47. Alleviates cycle cramps

9. Improves digestion

48. Helps curb unhealthy cravings

10. Increases muscle strength

49. Improves bone density, preventing osteoporosis

11. Boosts creativity

50. Strengthen pelvic floor

12. Boosts energy levels

51. Builds confidence

13. Improves posture 14. Increases flexibility

52. Helps to prevent multiple chronic diseases

15. Increases muscle mass

53. Reduces anxiety and depression

16. Boosts mood

54. Helps prevent gallstones

17. Relieves constipation

55. Reduces bloating due to better digestion

18. Helps control blood sugar 19. Improves mental cognition 20. Improves glucose tolerance 21. Boosts metabolism 22. Improves balance 23. Improves coordination 24. Increases heart rate so blood circulates efficiently around the body 25. Reduces LDL (bad cholesterol levels) 26. Strengthens lungs 27. Provides more oxygen to body and brain 28. Helps alleviate varicose veins 29. Helps maintain cartilage in joints 30. Improves skin health 31. Releases positive hormones 32. Decreases worry and tension 33. Improves self-esteem

56. Reduces severity of asthma 57. Increases awareness of the wonderful body Hashem gave us 58. Can alleviate back pain 59. Enables us to enjoy slightly more liberty in food indulgences 60. Helps the body support a pregnancy 61. Helps in postpartum recovery 62. Helps conditions like PCOS in multiple ways 63. Builds core muscles 64. Builds endurance 65. Can be done at any age and stage 66. Reduces risk of falls and injuries 67. Reduces fatigue 68. Reduces risk of obesity

34. Increases self-control

69. Promotes healthy growth and development (kids and teens)

35. Provides a healthy outlet for energy

70. Provides a sense of accomplishment

36. Provides a chance to connect with friends

71. Increases capacity to lift heavy items

37. Can relieve tension headaches 38. Helps maintain weight loss

72. Enables us to become a good example to others

39. Improves physical appearance

73. Tones muscles

76. Improves glycogen storage 78. Enhances nutrient absorption 79. Provides pleasure and fun! 80. Helps control unhealthy behaviors 81. Can reduce health insurance premiums! 82. Increases agility and mobility 83. Helps maintain independence in advanced age 84. Enables us to burn more calories during sleep/rest 85. Helps recovery from injury or illness 86. Builds confidence 87. Increases longevity 88. Provides time to be mindful 89. Tones arms, legs, and core 90. One of the many ways to fulfill the mitzvah of “Venishmartem” 91. Improves muscle contractions, most importantly, of the heart 92. Stimulates growth of nerve cells in memory center of the brain 93. Burns excess fat tissue 94. Enhances connection with others by being more present and focused 95. Provides a natural high 96. Aids in pain relief/resistance 97. Can be entirely free of cost 98. There are no time constraints or restrictions 99. Helps increase productivity due to alertness 100. Inspires gratitude to Hashem for the ability to be active

Chaya Tziry Retter is a Monsey-based Registered Dietitian, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, and group fitness instructor. She is passionate about helping others lead healthier lives in a way that suits their needs. She can be reached at 845-540-4487.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

ASK THE NUTRITIONIST By Shani Taub, CDC

REAL TREATS In my mind, celebrations call for treats. Whether it’s Yom Tov, Shabbos, or a particular occasion, edible treats go hand in hand with special events. But, while I enjoy eating healthy and preparing nutritious foods, the “treat” concept confuses me. There are times when I want to treat myself to something sweet in honor of a milestone or accomplishment—it gives me that “unwind” feeling, and I appreciate it—but my issue is that in most cases, I can’t stop at one and I find it wreaks havoc on everything I try so hard to maintain. Is there a way for me to incorporate “treats” in my diet while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle? If yes, I’d love to know what it is.

Thank you for a great question. There are times when we want to treat ourselves to foods that are sweet and delicious. As you point out, this is not only on Shabbos and Yom Tov, but also when we’ve reached a milestone or when we want to congratulate ourselves. For many, doing so is important for continuous motivation. I’m with you on that. It gives us a moment to reflect on the hard work that went into making this milestone happen. Giving ourselves that pat on the back in the way that talks to us is very important, and it’s great that you recognize that. However, the question you ask is whether there is a way to do this without sabotaging our health. Let’s explore when the answer can be a sure yes and when it’s a no. Perhaps the best way to incorporate sweets into our diet in a non-sabotaging way is to keep them natural. Fruits are full of natural sugars and offer a perfect alternative to processed sugar. Fruit ices, fruit snacks, or even a ripe, fresh mango are excellent options for a sweet treat. Get 26

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creative with how you can make a fruity treat satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re like many women I work with, you might like your sweet treat in beverage form. In that case, a fresh fruit shake can be a refreshing and delicious treat. But what happens if you prefer the kind that is packed with added sugar, such as a fully loaded sugary frappe with a double serving of whipped cream? Of course, “treating” ourselves to foods and drinks like that all the time is not a good idea, but some of us can have such treats every once in a while and then continue with our generally healthy lifestyle. It’s important to keep balance in mind whenever we veer out of the natural sweets arena. An absolute no doesn’t usually last and it’s important to give ourselves some breathing space, whether it means a frappe, an ice cream, or a slice of chocolate cake. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that added sugar is highly addictive. For most people, eating a high-sugar diet eventually dulls the taste buds, and many have reported that it takes more and more sugar to get them to reach their satisfaction level. While balance is key for most people, others—and that may include you—find they’re best off not starting with even one bit. It’s the kind of individual test you need to run on your own body and see where it takes you. Can I have that one sugar-loaded treat and move on? If so, it’s something I can treat myself to every now and then. But

if giving myself that treat sabotages my healthy eating patterns, it may need to be off-limits completely. If you find yourself going for foods that are high in sugar and then getting stuck in the addiction cycle, know that it is possible to minimize the craving toward them. When one woman I was working with went through a rough period in her life, she would order a sugary coffee every single day. Once she rehabilitated herself and got onto a better eating routine, she shared with me: “I can’t even try to consume those drinks anymore; the overload of sugar shocks my system and I have to lie in bed for a long time until I feel better.” This scenario is important because it shows how all of us can truly adjust to a no-processed-sugar diet. After making mindful dietary changes, we can actually dull our intense desire for sugars and appreciate the sweetness that healthy sugars have to offer. Taste bud cells undergo continual turnover, even throughout adulthood. Their average lifespan has been estimated at approximately ten days. In that time, one can actually retrain their taste buds to crave less processed foods and to really appreciate the vivacity of plant-based foods. After eating a diet with less refined foods—think wheat, dairy, and refined sugar—you will probably notice that when—or if—you reintroduce them to your diet, their flavor will be much more pronounced, tasting sweeter or saltier than they did before. This is similar to an adult turning down their child’s “nosh” food. Double-Dippers and fizzy lollipops—such exciting treats for kids—generally don’t entice adults. That’s because these highly processed sugar foods have been obsolete from the adult’s diet for so long that the taste buds no longer find them alluring. A woman shared with me that even when she only smells her children’s sugary treats, she feels nauseous. The previously enjoyed food becomes uncomfortably sweet and is no longer pleasurable. As adults, we can use this concept to handle cravings for sugar or junk food. We do so by retraining the taste buds to appreciate healthier choices. Here are some tips to help you get into better eating habits and to ultimately help adjust your taste buds to a healthy indifference to sugar. First, get into the kitchen. Cooking from scratch and avoiding processed foods is the best way to have more control over your diet. You’ll immediately be cutting out the added salt, sugars, oils, and preservatives used in a lot of processed and take-out meals. Experiment with lots of flavorsome ingredients like citrus, herbs, and spices. Cook

and prepare food with your intuition. Tap into your healthy food interests and make them come to life. If you can, try to reduce caffeine intake, which affects blood sugar levels. When our levels are more regulated, it’s been proven that we are less likely to crave quick-fix foods. Try simple swaps like having a cup of herbal tea in place of that extra caffeinated cup. Skip the sugar, and if needed, opt for honey instead to sweeten your tea. Eating colored fruits and vegetables will get you accustomed to eating a wider range of flavors, with a higher intake of nutrients. This way you will feel more nourished and satisfied, as well as more likely to appreciate food that doesn’t have all the added sugars. A fresh, colorful smoothie is a great way to up your fruit intake, and makes for a great treat, too. Of course, make time for breakfast. Set yourself up for success so you feel and nourished and satisfied from whole, unprocessed foods. When in a rush in the morning, it’s common to reach for sugary quick fixes. These will set you off on the wrong path because you’ll probably find that you want more of these foods throughout the day. It’s worth waking up those 10 minutes earlier to enjoy a breakfast that contains slow-release carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels, as well as protein and healthy fats to help keep you feeling fuller longer. Once you’ve incorporated some of these ideas for a few weeks, you will notice a difference in what you crave, having retrained your taste buds for the better. Give yourself time for your body to reset and heal from sugar cravings. You will find that with your more “refined” taste buds, you’ll start to appreciate flavors that may have gone unnoticed until now—such as the sweetness of a cherry tomato or the tastiness of even a piece of chicken. Sugary treats or overeating junk food—which happens to many people once they start with one treat—may feel like an “unwind” in the moment, but in most cases, it leaves us feeling sick and sluggish afterward. When I overeat, I’m left with no energy. But when I eat light and healthy, I feel energized and can accomplish so much. And here’s a final suggestion. Often, when I look for a way to “treat” myself, I opt for a non-food “reward.” Why not treat yourself to a real gift or item? It doesn’t even have to be more expensive than the food you were eyeing. Especially if you find that having a sugary treat is a self-sabotaging behavior for you, the joy of that indulgence is so short-lived; you deserve better. Often, opting for a non-food unwind activity and forgoing that piece of chocolate is the real treat.

Please send your questions to the nutritionist to [email protected]. Shani Taub, CDC, has been practicing as a certified nutritionist in Lakewood for almost a decade, meeting with clients in person and on the phone. She also owns the highly popular Shani Taub food line, which carries healthy, approved, pre-measured foods and delicacies sold at supermarkets and restaurants.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

WELLSPRING COMMUNITY

Dry Lips

In this space, we feature a health-related question or predicament submitted by a Wellspring reader. Fellow readers are invited to participate in the conversation by sharing their tried-and-true advice and suggestions. Join the community!

My lips are very often dry. I find myself carrying Vaseline with me wherever I go. Any tips on how to keep my lips healthy and moist all year long?

My response may not be what you’re looking for, but I’m sharing it in the hope that it’ll help at least someone out there. Every and any physical symptom is a result of an emotional state. And so, when we feel dry, we can ask ourselves: Am I stressed about something? Feeling a negative emotion? Unhappy with myself? If we’re brave enough to honestly ask ourselves these questions in the midst of a symptom, we may be surprised at what comes up for us. Yes, a condition as innocuous as dry lips may very likely be a physical demonstration of our emotional state. It is up to us to use the symptom as a means to look inward, release or clear up whatever is holding us back, and watch our symptoms slide away, with the help of Hashem. - T. R. 28

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Chapped lips can occur throughout all seasons, from the bitter cold to the beating sun. Often, it’s the very processed cosmetics that dry out the skin and lips, so look into the ingredients of what you use. Basic ingredients are always a better choice. A sweet mixture of honey and sugar is a great way to start. Gently rub it on your lips with a cotton swab, and then wipe it off with a damp washcloth. I hope you find this relieving! - Tova T.

My favorite cream to the rescue: shea butter! This cream is the fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. It is off-white or ivory in color and is a common ingredient in many moisturizers. It acts as a rich softener and moisturizer for the skin, hair, and scalp due to its semi-solid properties and buttery consistency. It also shows sun-screening activity, thus protecting against sunburns. Shea butter can be applied directly or by mixing with other oils for application over the lips. I like mixing it with coconut oil first, which creates a really smooth consistency. Apply it on your lips and let it do its thing. You’ll feel great in no time. - Fraidel, Detroit

- P. Trytel, Chicago

Oh, yes! Dry lips, all day long. After dealing with this for a long time, I discovered some fascinating information. Unlike most of the skin on our body, the lips have poor barrier function. This means they’re more sensitive to the elements—like the wind, heat, and cold—than the skin on other parts of our body. That explains why so many of us are dealing with chapped or dry lips, so much of the time. Coconut oil is a very soothing oil that not only moisturizes the skin but can also protect it by enhancing its barrier function. Other benefits of coconut oil, especially with regard to chapped lips, are its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It’s a great option for chapped lips sufferers and it works wonders for me. You can apply coconut oil as needed throughout the day with a clean finger (or q-tip). I’m sure you will find it helpful and effective. - Sara Raizel M., Lakewood

Exercise good lip maintenance. Don’t breathe through your mouth as the constant air can irritate your lips. For some, this may actually be difficult. It’s really all about a habit; nose-breathing is something you can easily get used to. Also, don’t lick your lips! It’ll only worsen the symptoms because saliva evaporates quite quickly. Use moisturizing lip cream that contains sunscreen. Avoid lip products that contain irritants such as fragrances, dyes, or alcohol. - Shoshana H., Monsey

Luckily, petroleum jelly or Vaseline comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Get the small one for your purse, the large one for your bedside, and the medium size for the kitchen. This is literally the set-up in my home. Whenever we go away, the first thing I pack is my Vaseline and hand cream. A few months ago, my family and I went away for a few days’ vacation—and I forgot my Vaseline at home! It was a disaster. I was so dry and uncomfortable that we actually drove twenty minutes to the nearest CVS to stock up on Vaseline. That’s how it goes around here. Lip moisturizers are an essential part of my day. Recently, I wanted to try a new option instead of petroleum jelly and went with avocado butter. It’s not too greasy and is well absorbed by the skin. It also contains several fatty acids and antioxidants known to benefit the skin, including oleic and linoleic acid. You can buy organic avocado butter or make your own at home using organic avocados in your food processor. I find that when I apply the avocado butter, my lips stay moistened for longer than when I apply the Vaseline. - C. L. Rosen, Brooklyn

The lips are one of the thinnest layers of skin on the body, making them fairly prone to drying out. They’re also packed with nerve endings that help us sense the outside world, including temperature, taste, and more. Basically, they’re pretty sensitive. When your lips are chapped, it means they’ve become too dry or irritated for one reason or another. The most common reason for chapped lips is exposure to dry, chilly air. But this isn’t the only reason your lips might be chapped. Try avoiding spicy foods. Look into any vitamin deficiencies or allergies. Sometimes, there is an underlying infection or condition causing the chapped lips. - B. Rosenbaum, Los Angeles

My sisters and I all walk around with Vaseline all day. When I got married, my husband didn’t know what Vaseline was! He never suffered from dry lips and didn’t even realize it can be a thing. I wonder if dry or chapped lips are hereditary or genetic. Perhaps we can run an impromptu study on that one… In any case, from all my family members, my case was the worst. I went to a dermatologist who prescribed a medicated lip balm, which helped the cracked parts to heal. If your case is that severe, you may want to do the same. - Rikki S., Boro Park

Next Up: Impetigo has been reoccurring in my family for the past few years. It travels from one child to another and can last for months, even years. Are there any effective methods out there to stop this condition and heal it completely? Want to share what worked for you with a fellow Wellspring Community member? Send your response to [email protected].

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

Please note: These suggestions should not be implemented in place of guidance from a medical practitioner.

I can very much relate to your question! When my lips are dry, it becomes hard for me to function properly. Sometimes on Shabbos or Yom Tov, it can get quite uncomfortable. I’ve learned that dehydration is a major factor when it comes to dry lips, hands, and skin. Often, we may not even be feeling thirsty, but the body is craving a large dose of water. When I’m feeling dried out, I’ve trained myself to immediately drink a lot of water. Afterward, I apply Vaseline or Carmex. Be ahead of the game and stay on top of your water consumption. Prevention is key when it comes to dry spells. Have large drinking cups handy and push yourself to drink often.

COVER FEATURE

Let’s Cel Reflecting on 100 issues’ worth of health and 30

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lebrate! wellness content Compiled by Wellspring Staff WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

Look Who Joined the Party! health practitioners: Tamar Feldman, RDN, CDE

Esti Asher, MS, RDN, LD

Tamar Feldman is a dietitian whose mission is to improve lives by empowering individuals to use nutrition to enhance their gut health and hormone balance. She is a recognized expert on IBS/SIBO and has developed the Gut Dietitian training protocols on IBS and IBD for Registered Dietitian education. She writes, lectures, and counsels extensively on IBD, IBS, PCOS/fertility, and thyroid health, and is the founder of the gutdietitian.com virtual practice and co-founder of the Belly app.

Esti Asher is a registered dietitian nutritionist who is passionate about helping women reach their ultimate health and wellbeing potential. She shares credible, clear, and inspiring nutrition information (in addition to a lot of support and cheerleading) with women via her virtual private practice.

Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS, is the founder and director of Soveya and the author of the best-selling book Enough Is Enough—How the Soveya Solution Is Revolutionizing the Diet and Weight-Loss World, available on Amazon and at Barnes & Nobles and Judaica Plaza in Lakewood. He has worked with thousands of clients around the world and has maintained a 130-pound weight loss for the last 19 years. For more information about Soveya’s programs call 732-578-8800, email [email protected], or visit www. soveya.com.

Gila Glassberg, RDN, Intuitive Eating Counselor Gila Glassberg is a Master's level registered dietitian and a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. As a teenager, she was faced with constant diet talk, body shaming, and obsessive guilt around food, but now that she has found food freedom through the process of Intuitive Eating, she's eager to share its wisdom with others. Gila works privately with clients and she also presents workshops. The name of her podcast is Get INTUIT with Gila, and she writes blog entries on her website, www.gilaglassberg.com. She can be reached at 570-878-3642. 32

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Chaya Tziry Retter, BS, RDN, CPT Chaya Tziry Retter is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer in Monsey. She developed an academic nutrition curriculum, which she currently teaches in high schools.

Tanya Rosen, MS, CAI, CPT Tanya Rosen is a nutritionist, personal trainer, and owner of Nutrition by Tanya with multiple locations in the United States and Israel. Nutrition by Tanya encompasses all aspects of health and betterment with a line of dietetic foods called TAP (Tanya Approved Products), personal training, fitness classes, kosher workout DVDs, body sculpting, pelvic floor therapy, teeth whitening, gourmet food delivery, weight loss vitamins, and more.

Sheindy Unger, CDC Sheindy Unger is a nutritionist in private practice. She is the host of the Nourished by Nature podcast, as well as the author of the Nourished by Nature cookbook.

Leah Wolofsky, RDN Leah Wolofsky is a Florida-based registered dietitian with a virtual practice.

Shira Savit, MA, MHC, INHC Shira Savit is a mental health counselor with multiple certifications in nutrition and health. She specializes in weight loss, emotional eating, and binge eating, incorporating both nutritional and emotional components in helping her clients reach their goals. Shira has a private practice in Yerushalayim and works with women in any location via phone call or video session.

Miriam Schweid, health kinesiologist

Content Contributors/ Editorial Team Roizy Baum

Miriam Schweid is a Brooklyn-based health consultant with decades of experience in facilitating healing of all kinds.

Libby Kasten Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC, a graduate from Mercy College and IIN, runs her functional medicine–based nutrition practice in Toms River, New Jersey, and virtually. Shaindy has tracks for teens, nursing and pregnant mothers, and women peri/post menopause, and tracks for women suffering from hormonal issues. She can be reached at 212.470.7660 or via her website at www.benefithealthprogram.com.

Meira Lawrence

Esther Malky Retek

Shaindy’s latest endeavor has been bringing the full BeneFIT Health food line to Avocado Cafe in Lakewood.

Pnina Schoss Dr. Rachael Schindler Rachael E. Schindler is a psychologist, pediatric and adult nutrition counselor, pilates/yoga and fitness master trainer for over 25 years, practicing in Woodmere, NY. She specializes in fitness, food, biofeedback, and autoimmune/hormonal issues for both children and adults.

Laura Shammah, MS, RDN Laura Shammah specializes in eating disorders and infertility but has a clientele that runs the gamut from those dealing with hypertension, high cholesterol, PCOS, Crohn’s, diabetes and cancer. She also helps clients who run in marathons, are pregnant, or are looking to lose or gain weight in a healthy-minded way.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

How did you first get involved with Wellspring?

Esti Asher

Chaya Tziry Retter

Three years ago, I was reading a beautifully written and inspiring article by Shiffy Friedman on Between Carpools (I don’t remember which—there are so many!). Blown away by the article, I read through Shiffy’s bio and learned about Wellspring for the first time. Excited by the concept of a frum health magazine, I emailed Shiffy explaining that I loved the idea of this magazine and wanted to be involved if possible. A little while later, I pitched an article idea, and my first Wellspring article was published in a feature article for the Pesach 2021/5781 magazine, issue 63: Reframe Your Nutrition Mindset from Oppression to Freedom. A short time later, I took over the Tidbits column, and have been part of the Wellspring family ever since!

I was lucky to first connect with Shiffy Friedman in my years living in Eretz Yisrael, during exercise classes in our local gym, and we stayed in touch. In August 2021, during the summer after I moved to the States, Shiffy reached out to me, asking if I would write a fitness column for Wellspring.

Tamar Feldman I saw the magazine on the shelves, took a quick browse, and realized my message was a fit for the target readership. I reached out to the editor, Shiffy Friedman responded, and we had a great interview. The rest is history…

Tanya Rosen For close to a decade, my contributions to this exceptional magazine have included general health tips and recommendations, first with a focus on specific people (in the Profile column), then with sharing healthy habits, preparations for upcoming Yamim Tovim, and so much more. I’ve been lucky enough to impart healthy knowledge to a huge demographic that has benefited, regardless of whether they’ve joined my program. It’s what I do and who I am, and I feel blessed to be featured on a platform that reaches so many readers.

Shira Savit Gila Glassberg This was a long time ago—around the COVID era. I was just getting my private practice off the ground, and I wasn’t feeling very sure of myself or confident. I took the plunge and reached out to pitch my idea. I started out by writing about the process of going through the Intuitive Eating journey. It was a great start! 34

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I first appeared in Wellspring in a Cup of Tea interview with Shiffy Friedman in 2018. Many readers reached out to me in response to that interview (two of those special women ended up working with me for over two years). Some time after that, I began writing the Clean Slate column on emotional eating. I saw it as a zechus to be part of such a publication—a magazine that is purely aimed at enhancing and enriching the lives of its readers through the physical, emotional, and spiritual realm.

Rachael Schindler

Sheindy Unger

I got involved with Wellspring a few years ago, when I was interviewed about the negative effects of sugar consumption on hormones, fertility, and weight. Since that interview, I’ve contributed many times, often with no-added-sugar recipes.

I got involved with Wellspring last winter, prior to the release of my debut cookbook Nourished by Nature.

Meira Lawrence Miriam Schweid There were many successful natural healing formulas and ideas I was seeking to share with readers from my experience as a member of a wound-healing gemach, which later turned into a full-time natural healing platform. I noted that people trusted Wellspring as the only kosher publication with tried-andtested formulas, ideas, and recipes. This was the perfect place to reach people interested in alternative healing ideas, and so I reached out to get connected.

Laura Shammah I picked up my first copy of Wellspring—its first issue!— in a health food store in Flatbush, and I kept going back for my copy every month. The nutritional consultant at the store, who was familiar with the editorial team, told me he would put me in touch with the editor and I was very excited at the idea. I was interviewed by Shiffy Friedman for the Cup of Tea column in May 2018 and was so impressed with the way the article was written. I loved the piece and the entire magazine. This was the only Jewish nutrition magazine I knew of that was so interesting to me.

I’ve been proofreading articles every month for Wellspring since issue #54, so that’s almost half its lifetime so far.

Esther Malky Retek I started contributing to Wellspring in issue #41, writing the Updates, Tidbits, and Medical Mystery columns.

Pnina Schoss About 18 months ago, I suffered from a terrible bout of vertigo and experienced an incredible recovery via the Sarno method. Throughout it all, I discovered the exquisite wisdom of the inner body and the very powerful tool that is the mind. At the time, I was writing for multiple publications. I wrote up my story and, while only vaguely familiar with Wellspring, I knew that was where it belonged; no other publication would do the story justice. I submitted it to the editor, and it was published in the Pesach magazine of last year, issue #87. That was my welcome to Wellspring, and I cherish the ability to stay connected to the magazine on a monthly basis.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

Tell us about a memorable client, experience, or exchange you had through Wellspring.

Tamar Feldman

Shira Savit

So many readers reached out to me for guidance in dealing with severe gassiness and bloat after reading my series on SIBO, and I was able to help almost all of them. The magazine has been an amazing conduit for a lot of people who otherwise would still be suffering.

I’ve gotten such beautiful feedback from women I’ve been working with through Wellspring. One memorable client shared her personal experience in a beautiful poem about her work with me through Wellspring. Here’s an excerpt: Lost and in pain… Are all my diets in vain?

Gila Glassberg I’ve had the most amazing clients through Wellspring. They’ve been curious and dedicated, many of them (understandably) scared to reject the diet mentality but also so motivated. They’ve been ready to invest hard work—it’s impressive.

Binging and restricting, My thoughts so conflicting. Should I try again?! Which diet and when? But I am tired and exhausted, I want to stay focused… And then I read an article with wonder, Is this possible? My mind would thunder…

Shaindy Oberlander

For the first time in many years,

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to share details about my gardening story with Wellspring readers. One of the readers reached out to me to see if I could help her grow a garden in Brooklyn. We went through many steps over the phone. I didn’t hear back from her after that, but I sure hope her garden yielded produce!

My eyes are healing from all those tears

Chaya Tziry Retter A reader reached out to request an instruction “manual” for her husband with tznius-compliant exercise images. I used Stock photos as my base and then used Paint (old school!) on my computer to doctor up the images until they were unrecognizable. That was a fun project! 36

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

From guilt and pain, And all diets that were in vain. My mind is finally healing, And those extra pounds are peeling…

Sheindy Unger I sometimes ask new clients how they heard about me. A few months ago, a new client answered that it was through my interview in Wellspring, which had taken place months before. To me, her answer was doubly inspiring. First, we never know how far-reaching our work is. Second, and this is something I emphasize often, change takes time.

Roizy Baum

Laura Shammah

“Have you informed your parents?” I asked an interviewee as he recounted his medical journey in great detail for a recent Medical Saga article. “I haven’t yet, but I’m planning to show them the Wellspring magazine and encourage them to read it in print.” Talk about being the bearer of news!

My most memorable client through Wellspring was one woman who had PCOS. She came in with many symptoms, including irregular cycles, infertility, and nutrition insufficiencies, and she was very motivated to change around her entire household in order to heal. Her husband was on board as well. They had two children and were struggling to have more. She followed everything I said with ease, and she didn’t even need to come in that often—she soaked in the wealth of information she got in a short time. It is a special experience every time a woman shares the good news with me, but even more so when she finally gives birth to a precious baby, and then two years later to another one. I work with many women with PCOS and infertility, but this woman was extra special in her attitude and gratitude toward Hashem and her family. It’s been beautiful for me to witness it.

During a past interview with a health enthusiast (not all interviewees’ views are necessarily endorsed by Wellspring!), she shared the mental process she experiences when merely contemplating the consumption of an iced coffee. Since then, whenever I treat myself to one, I can practically sense the granules of sugar coursing through the straw—but I drink it anyway.

Libby Kasten Working on my Cup of Tea interview with Dini Ettinger afforded me the privilege of speaking to Lucia Capacchione, the founder of this journaling modality from which I had gained so much, at a very advanced age. It was very rewarding to be able to hear about her journey and thank her personally for being a shaliach for so much healing. Bumping into a (long-distance) school friend—Libby Silberman—has been a huge perk, as well. It’s been fun to schmooze with her about articles I wrote that she was editing, and just reconnect. The article I wrote on Lyme disease stands out in my mind as the time I came to a huge realization that neither the medical world nor the natural healing world have all the answers. It’s only pure siyata diShmaya that brings about true healing. It took a lot of emotional energy to come through with the piece after speaking to sufferers of the disease and doctors in the field, and coming face to face with the devastation it wreaks. I wrote the crawling and therapy article starring my baby’s incredible PT, Annie. I could not get through to her for a final review of her anecdotes before it went to print, and I planned to publish it without her real name. Somehow, though, I forgot to mention this, and before I knew it, her name was in print. It took me a few minutes, and some rationalization (what are the chances my non-Jewish therapist would ever find out her name was in Wellspring?), but I dialed her number to apologize for the oversight. It was just a day or two after the magazine arrived at my doorstep, but to my surprise she had already gotten regards from another frum client about the article and graciously accepted the oversight. I’m so grateful I called her and avoided a huge chillul Hashem.

Esther Malky Retek Someone I once interviewed for a feature article helped me immensely, sharing her personal experience, sending me many informative articles on the topic, and in general giving me a lot of encouragement to go ahead with the subject the article was tackling. However, she did all of it anonymously. Just a few weeks later, at a family simchah where I was related to the kallah, I mentioned how this anonymous woman went out of her way to help me with the article. To my surprise, a family member of the chassan piped up that the anonymous interviewee was none other than her! It was a sweet and memorable encounter.

Pnina Schoss I’ve made so many new friends throughout the interviewing process! Often, when interviewing a person for Cup of Tea or a feature, I spend hours with them preparing the information. It’s a meeting of the soul, and we really form a connection. As a result of these new friendships, I’ve been invited to free yoga classes, added to multiple newsletters, and even got a wedding invitation recently from one of my new friends! There is something about the writing and health field that leads you to deeply inspiring, thought-out, and insightful people.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

What is the most common reason or issue Wellspring readers have reached out to you with over the years?

Tamar Feldman

Tanya Rosen

Definitely for GI issues such as IBS, SIBO, Crohn’s, and colitis. The awareness spread though these articles has been huge. People who had no understanding of the diet connection are now so much more educated.

There isn’t one specific experience or client that stands out because there are so many to choose from. That being said, a recurring situation people want more clarity on is foods disguised as “healthy.” For instance, eating soups, salads, and sushi can be part of a healthier eating lifestyle, but it’s important to question the ingredients and forms of preparation to assess the true nutritional value of what you’re consuming. Is the soup made with oil, butter, and/ or margarine? Does it have lots of starchy vegetables or fatty proteins? Is the salad drenched in oil or dressing? What else does it include other than vegetables? What type of fish was the sushi made from, and what comprises its wrapping? All these factors (and more) affect the overall level of nutrition a meal can provide, and I find a lot of the confusion is because of how foods are marketed.

Chaya Tziry Retter The most common feedback from readers involves them asking me if I actually follow all of my own advice!

Gila Glassberg Readers have been intrigued by the concept of Intuitive Eating. They wanted to make changes with their food but were so done with dieting.

Shaindy Oberlander Readers have been interested in my holistic approach to restoring their fertility and to helping them lose weight. Every time a Wellspring reader reaches out, it brings me joy. I appreciate helping all women, especially those who are interested and invested in their health and are readers of this phenomenal magazine. 38

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Marketing can be tricky for the consumer because companies are allowed to advertise in ways that make people believe they’re consuming the best, while the opposite is true. For example, a low-fat food might be high in sodium. “All-natural” can also mean that the most minimal amount is made from natural ingredients, whereas the rest of the ingredients are not natural at all. My best recommendation would be to always look at the ingredients and nutrition facts to make better food decisions. Additionally, joining a nutritional program alleviates most of the guesswork. A guided plan often helps one consume a truly healthy diet.

Roizy Baum I received inquiries from several teachers, asking if they could incorporate my Insider column into their science lessons. It made me reflect that I wished I had written the column when I was teaching science myself!

Shira Savit While the most common issue women reach out to me for is to heal their relationship with food, I found that my Wellspring clients shared a common thread—they felt understood and related to, like somebody “gets the struggle,” and they are thus hopeful for their opportunity to heal their relationship with food. Their details have varied regarding age, stage, location, and life circumstances, as many women share a similar struggle around food and body, regardless of external circumstances.

Was there a particular article of yours that garnered notable feedback? Tell us about it. Tamar Feldman The SIBO series, hands down.

Rachael Schindler Many of the dedicated readers of Wellspring came to me as clients with help with MTHFR, fertility, and more recently, for my biofeedback work. What I found most rewarding was the help I gave to women trying to have a child, supporting them during their pregnancies with myriad different concerns—and then seeing the healthy babies born and the joy they bring to their families. Thank you, Wellspring, for being that shaliach!

Sheindy Unger Since my expertise is weight loss with a health-promoting approach, that’s usually what draws readers in my direction. Many people claim they know what to do to lose weight, yet they reach out for either of two reasons: they want to feel good while they’re at it and they want lasting weight loss.

Esther Malky Retek To follow up with someone I interviewed or featured.

Chaya Tziry Retter I got a lot of “heat” (pun intended!) about my article on heated workouts.

Sheindy Unger Included in my interview was an excerpt of the cookbook, and I got lots of feedback on those recipes. There’s a huge demand for recipes that exclude processed ingredients. From my personal experience, when I started eating clean, I needed to filter through thousands of recipes, many of them nonkosher. I could only have wished for a Nourished by Nature cookbook that I could trust and follow blindly.

Pnina Schoss I was particularly moved by writing the ValAsta feature. The chessed behind the ValAasta movement impressed me a lot. I was fascinated that there is a food item out there that can truly heal so much of our suffering—and its details are barely known! While prepping the article, I was on a high that ValAsta was going to finally be celebrated and given its due attention. The cover spread on the Sukkos issue (where it was featured) of veshaavtem mayim…mima’ayanei hayeshua brought me to tears. I’m hopeful that this article has and will set the wheels of salvation turning for all those who may need it.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

How do you feel Wellspring has impacted the landscape of health and wellness in our community?

Esti Asher

Chaya Tziry Retter

Wellspring has made credible health and wellness information more accessible and relatable for frum families. Taking care of ourselves is a part of our avodas Hashem, and Wellspring enables people to learn about health topics in a way that is sensitive to our community, while also being comprehensive and relevant.

Wellspring has definitely made conversations about health and natural living more popular and mainstream. People seem to be more open-minded about trying out “cleaner” ways of living as well as trying to upgrade their menus to lean toward more nourishing options. I believe that the magazine’s combination of general/physical health along with the emotional health pieces and chinuch makes it stand out.

Tamar Feldman I think readers have gained a more holistic view of health that encompasses diet, exercise, supplements, and emotional/mental wellness, rather than just treating symptoms. The magazine has really raised the bar in our community when it comes to education about and understanding of the link between these factors and true health.

Gila Glassberg I don’t believe in fearmongering, especially when it comes to food. Hashem created this big, beautiful world and within it, He created food for us to eat and enjoy. Somewhere in recent history, food has taken on a totally new life of its own in most people’s lives. Food is meant to be eaten and enjoyed—and then we’re meant to moved on from it. Nowadays, it feels like food is all we talk about, whether it’s what we are cooking, what we are eating, or what we are no longer eating (be it sugar, white flour, carbs, gluten, dairy, soy, bananas, and so on). I’m so glad and grateful that Wellspring has given a voice to the frum Intuitive Eating community. I believe this is the only frum magazine that is willing to address this on a consistent basis.

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Tanya Rosen Wellspring has been a huge driving factor in the overall awareness of the Jewish community toward healthy eating, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle. The ability to reach out to as many people as possible, to spread knowledge and understanding, is so important and admirable. It has been an honor to contribute to our wonderful community in this way, and I’m thrilled to be part of Wellspring’s 100th issue! Mazel Tov!

Miriam Schweid I believe Wellspring has given people an opening so that when they’re faced with a medical dilemma, they should certainly follow a doctor’s advice, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also explore natural options to speed up healing, eliminate pain, and experience a less stressful process. Wellspring has proven itself over the years to reach and touch the hearts of parents, teachers, healers, and yes—even conventional doctors. I’ve received letters and positive feedback from readers all across this spectrum.

Leah Wolofsky

Laura Shammah

I believe Wellspring came into the frum market at a time when consumers/readers became more aware of many health issues and society in general recognized the complexities and many facets of health topics. It also came at a time when more frum professionals were getting into the field, which was good timing for getting high-quality written content.

Wellspring helps our community in many ways by talking about subjects that often get swept under the rug. Many people are ashamed of situations they are going through, but when they read about them in Wellspring, it gives them the courage and direction to seek the proper help. I also believe Wellspring gives mothers—the builders of our community—a great education, a source from which to cull knowledge, ask questions, and raise awareness.

Wellspring has changed the landscape by providing a standalone forum for health- and nutrition-related topics, as opposed to integrating health articles into other magazines (which of course has pros and cons). For example, Wellspring is able to take a deeper dive at different angles of content, whereas other publications generally cannot feature too many nutrition articles with different views on the same topic in one issue.

Meira Lawrence A unique feature about Wellspring’s ethos is that the writers don’t shy away from including Hashem in the picture. Publications usually aim to keep articles informative and professional, and while frum writers and their audience all know Hashem is guiding the process, it’s common practice to leave this unsaid for the sake of journalistic professionalism. In Wellspring articles, scientific information and expert advice can appear hand in hand with reminders about Who is really in charge of our health and wellbeing, and I think that incorporating that sense of emunah—and also humility—really sets the magazine apart.

Shaindy Oberlander It is an honor and pleasure for me to be contributor to Wellspring and on its nutritional advisory board. There is no other magazine in the Jewish world like this one. Every article is researched and reader friendly with no highfalutin information that’s too hard for the average reader to grasp. The graphic design, layout, and photography are truly spectacular. Every article is both light and enlightening with no room for confusion. I think that Wellspring has brought many basic and complex topics to light in a respectful and sophisticated manner.

Sheindy Unger The impact of Wellspring is huge in so many ways. First and foremost, awareness of health and wellness is half the cure. Our body is a gift, but with strings attached. It’s crucial to know your body well and take proper care of it—which brings us to another great impact of this magazine. It’s a trusted source of well- researched information. Wellspring is truly one of a kind.

Pnina Schoss I believe it’s Shiffy Friedman’s voice that has made the greatest impact. Through her impeccable writing style, deep yiras Shamayim, refreshingly honest outlook, commitment to healthy parenting, and devotion to what is real and right, Shiffy has created an opening for all to enjoy quality literature on spiritual, emotional, and physical health. She radiates health, and I believe it is her example that impacts us all. I was recently espousing some “emotional wellness” talk with a family member, who had asked my advice. She was thoughtful for a moment and then said, “You know, you sound like a speaker I once listened to. Her name is Shiffy Friedman. Ever heard of her?” Talk about the ultimate compliment.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

Now come onstage at our celebration. What’s the message you’d love to announce for all to hear? Spotlight’s on you!

Esti Asher I would love to wish all readers hatzlachah in their health and wellness endeavors (and all your endeavors). May your pursuit of a healthier lifestyle have a positive ripple effect on you, your loved ones, and those around you, and contribute toward you reaching your ultimate potential.

Shaindy Oberlander I believe our society has made great strides in seeking alternative approaches to managing its health and wellness other than hard medicine. Wellspring gives readers the advantage of understanding the medical background of conditions and issues yet brings alternative approaches to the table in a responsible way, with room for both opinions to be explored. I look forward to seeing what else is in store for us!

Rabbi Eli Glaser It is an honor to have been a lead columnist from the early days of arguably one of the most important publications in the Jewish world. One hundred issues of Wellspring is a great recipe for living a healthy 120. Congratulations and keep up the great and critical medium and message.

Gila Glassberg I would love for more people to know about Intuitive Eating—and what it’s not. Many erroneously see it as a ticket to “eat whatever you want, whenever you want,” but it’s really about getting in touch with ourselves and giving the body what it needs. It’s about taking the moral judgment off of food, and therefore ourselves for eating a certain food. And it reminds us, especially as frum Yidden, that while our body is so important, it is primarily a vessel for our neshamah. It’s important to take care of it and even to make sure we look and feel good, but when it takes up so much of our time and headspace, we may have taken it too far. I hope my articles have helped put things in perspective!

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Chaya Tziry Retter I applaud Shiffy Friedman and the rest of the team for being stringent about providing evidenced-based information. There is so much misinformation and confusion when it comes to general health, fitness, and nutrition. People rely too much on Google, anecdotal pieces of advice, and product claims or labels to make their health choices. This publication really provides a much-needed service to the general public, whether super health conscious or not.

Tanya Rosen Your weight does not define you. It’s a number on a scale that fluctuates for everyone. Love yourself and the skin you’re in. Do keep in mind that your health is the most important part of your life. Compliments and a new wardrobe are just amazing bonuses. A healthy lifestyle will give you more focus, energy, and overall health to be a better partner, parent, employee, student, friend, Yid—and most importantly—the best you!

Gifting Time at the Party And the Winner Is…..

Toby Weiss Monsey, New York Shira Savit Through her endless and devoted effort and work, Shiffy Friedman has enabled women to heal and grow in all areas of life. Hashem should bless all Wellspring readers with continued health, inspiration, transformation, and yeshuos in their lives.

Miriam Schweid Wellspring has provided information on a plethora of health topics, including vitamins, remedies, essential oils, and their interplay with various diseases. But most of all, I believe what readers struggling with health issues have most appreciated is getting the feeling that they are not alone and that help is available for them. May the entire Wellspring team continue to have much success and may it be a zechus for all of you.

Please reach out to Wellspring to claim your 6-month subscription gift.

Fun Facts 5 columns that have been appearing since issue #1 1. Ask the Nutritionist (featuring Shani Taub, CDC, every month) 2. Cup of Tea (first interviewee: Dr. Miriam Adahan) 3. Torah Wellspring (first topic: How Simchah Correlates with Health) 4. Tidbits 5. Updates

Laura Shammah I’d like to thank Wellspring for giving me the opportunity be part of such a beautiful magazine, enabling me to spread awareness and knowledge, and to help the community in any way I can. I love what I do, but this magazine has helped me relax and take time for myself. It has also helped me spread my passion of what I do—helping people enjoy a healthy mind and body.

10 columns that have since phased out 1. Profile, with Tanya Rosen 2. Random (mini interviews on the back page) 3. Insider (a science-book-style review of the human body) 4. Dental Health, by Dr. Jacques Doueck

Meira Lawrence Kudos to Shiffy Friedman for her exceptional dedication to the magazine over all these years and all these issues! Many a closing night I’ve hit “send” on the last article well after midnight and switched off my laptop, while Shiffy continued working well into the night, her job far from done. Her imprint and magic editing touch can be found all over the magazine, and I’m sure I don’t speak only for myself when I say that I’ve gained so much from her gifted writing and the wisdom she has shared.

5. Ten Questions (featuring health-oriented organizations) 6. Clean Slate (on emotional eating) 7. Health Secrets, by Beth Warren, RD 8. Child Development, by Freidy and Roizy Guttman, OTR/L 9. Heart-to-Heart (the full dialogue in counseling sessions, by Shiffy Friedman) 10. Wellness Platform, by Rabbi Hirsch Meisels Wellspring’s Kid’s Section (Well of Youth)

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

also at the Party.. Valued Readers (A Sampling) Glinting Gems

The Nut Is Gone

When I picked up my first copy of Wellspring, well over two years ago, I immediately sensed that something was unique here. I flipped through the pages, curious about the content. What won my heart was the wholesome balance running across the magazine. From articles on child development to nutrition to inner healing, from stats to fitness to Torah wisdom, the holistic view on wellbeing flowed through the pages with refreshing appeal. Such bounty, in such beautiful synchrony.

The impact Wellspring has had on my life may sound ironic, but it’s really not. Externally, if you looked at the life I was leading before I became I diehard Wellspring fan—haven’t missed an issue since issue #10—you would have wondered why I needed a health magazine in my life at all. I knew it all, from the hazards of processed foods to the benefits of exercise to the importance of adequate hydration and everything in between…and oh did I live by what I knew. Looking back, I was officially obsessed. I was the health nut in the family, the one everyone called to ask for recipes that excluded this or that, and the one who knew just what supplement would heal each ailment.

With time, I became particularly drawn to the Torah Wellspring column. Rabbi Ezra Friedman’s Torah-true words laced with contemporary hashkafah speak directly to the soul. One concept that resonated strongly was a piece discussing Hashgachah pratis, that Hashem takes care of each of us. The article recommended embracing a mindset of positivity, of yesh. It highlighted switching the resigned mindset of “It’s just not bashert for me,” with the reassuring “It’s bashert for me not to have this or that.” This idea—of acknowledging on a real level that Hashem gives me exactly what I need, and if I don’t have it, it’s not a mistake, but rather a direct result of Hashem’s love for me— has helped me effectively process disappointment or envy many times over. And for this, and for the numerous other gems glinting throughout the Wellspring pages, I am truly grateful.

As counterintuitive as it seems, it was through Wellspring, a health magazine, that I’ve let go, big time. I’ve learned to chill. It was in Wellspring where I learned about true health, finding a balance, letting go of anxieties, and letting Hashem run the show. I still take care of my health, but the nut in me is gone. I still eat a healthy diet and try to do exercise a few times a week because I feel better that way, but I don’t obsess over it. And I don’t panic when my son comes home from his siyum with a huge pekeleh of treats in every color of the rainbow that I’d immediately have him trade for a prize back in the day. It’s hard to pinpoint the one column that is most responsible for this exquisite transformation, but it’s certainly a lot of the magnificent Wellbeing articles, as well as Torah Wellspring, and the wisdom of the many Wellspring contributors who encourage wellness from the inside out. E. Weingarten

Toby Weiss Monsey, New York

Resonated with Me Most Fluent Reader of All In September 2016, Wellspring ran an interview with kriah specialist Dr. Rinat Green that opened my eyes regarding my then-five-year-old son’s struggles. I was sure he’d never be able to read, but thanks to the intervention that happened once I connected to Dr. Green, he transformed into one of the most fluent readers in our family and in his class baruch Hashem. What a zechus for you—every time he davens, says Tehillim, and learns Torah, the zechus is yours. M. Davidowitz

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

I love your magazine and have been enjoying it since its early days. It’s hard to express appreciation for so much! One column that truly impacted my life, and I miss it very much, is Heart-to-Heart, where Shiffy Friedman took us through the actual dialogue in counseling sessions. So many of the topics raised there (especially “I Have Everything Going for Me, but I Don’t Feel Happy” in issue #38) resonated deeply with me, and I came away with a wealth of insights regarding myself, my childhood, and so much more. Can we pretty please see the column reinstated in the pages of Wellbeing? T. L. Lakewood, New Jersey

Feel Comfortable Here

Long List

I’m writing not just as a wife and mother who highly appreciates all relationship-oriented columns, but also as a practitioner of conventional medicine. Despite the considerable coverage of alternative practices in the magazine, I feel very comfortable reading your pages, appreciating the healthy balance of content and perspectives and careful wording, as well. I find the publication to be of a high caliber when it comes to journalistic professionalism.

When I saw your call for submissions as an invitation to join the celebration, I realized just how overdue my thanks to you is. I’ve been reading and loving Wellspring for years but have never reached out to let you know what an impact the magazine has had on our lives. As a bubby many times over who has an appreciation for the (well!) written word and for all things depth, I’ve found so much good content in Wellspring, but the list is too long for me to mention all the different ways that I’ve been benefiting from your magazine.

Of note, I’ve come away with an appreciation for functional medicine after reading Tamar Feldman’s contributions, which are backed by evidence-based research as well as her positive experiences in the field, and I’ve even referred some people to her practice. Name Withheld upon Request

For starters, I’ve gifted all of my marrieds with a subscription to your magazine, and not only do they all enjoy it immensely, but it provides us with such quality conversation pieces when we gather together, which is quite often baruch Hashem. (Some of them have submitted questions to various columns and benefited greatly from the responses.) If I’d have to choose just a few, we especially enjoy discussing Torah Wellspring and the many insightful Cup of Tea interviews that you’ve featured over the years. After reading an interview with craniosacral therapist Yocheved Hardt (in issue #40), my daughter paid her a visit with her very unhappy baby, and they experienced excellent results. May you be gebentcht with many more years of siyata diShmaya! L. P. Brooklyn, New York

Emerged from His Shell I’ve been reading Wellspring since I found it in the guest room at a home we stayed in for a Shabbos simchah, about six years ago. It’s an exceptionally well-done publication that never ceases to present fresh, thought-provoking content in such an appealing, smooth style.

Self-Care Clarity Wellspring has been part of my life for a few years now and deserves a heartfelt congratulations and applause for the awareness it is spreading. I’ve been deeply impacted by several columns. Here’s just one.

One of the articles that most deeply affected us came just when we needed it— on the subject of PANDAS (in issue #38). We’d been running ourselves ragged, trying to get to the bottom of our son’s behavioral and physical issues, until a feature shone light on this misunderstood condition. After reaching out to the protagonist, whose son had displayed similar ADHDlike symptoms to ours, getting much-needed guidance regarding diagnosis and healing, and following the protocol, he finally, slowly started emerging from his unrecognizable shell. What a relief!

Self-care is all the rage these days and, of course, the topic has also been explored in Wellspring, specifically in a Wellbeing feature (issue #71) by Libby Silberman. However, this article was different from others I’ve seen on the topic. As someone who was never into self-care at all (I saw it as a waste of time, as a purely gashmiyus endeavor that would make me feel good in the moment but then what?), it opened a new door to me that the reason I’m engaging in self-care is because I’m special and worthy enough to be cared for. By doing small acts of self-care, I’m giving myself the well-deserved care that no one else has given me or can give me. And that is so relieving. There is no need to depend on others anymore. I can do this on my own and actually fill my cup so that I can continue being there for others.

B. K.

Name Withheld upon Request

Monsey, New York

Montreal, Canada

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COVER FEATURE

Listening to My Inner Voice There is no way to praise any article or interesting feature without first acknowledging the individual behind this treasure called Wellspring! Shiffy’s goal of encouraging all women to dig deeper and find their inner natural healing is so clearly felt through the pages. Every word she writes in her column is another gem of wisdom. Her words really propel me to become a better wife, mother, and human being. Reading Wellspring from its inception caused my cynicism of a holistic way of life to shift toward an inquisitive, inspired perspective. It’s become a value I strive to attain more of every day. The wealth of knowledge on every page is truly remarkable! Here’s just one example that highlights how much I’ve changed. A few years back, a dear friend of mine chose to have a homebirth. At the time, I thought she was so irrational and weird for doing such a thing. Then, I started reading Wellspring, becoming more aware of my healthy self. When I was expecting in the recent past, the trauma from the previous birth kept coming up for me. Just thinking about giving birth in the hospital gave me the shivers. Slowly and shockingly, I noticed that what I really wanted was to give birth at home. With a berachah from our da’as Torah, that’s what I ended up doing— and it was a beautiful experience baruch Hashem. Before I started reading Wellspring I never dreamed I would want to and be capable of doing a homebirth. It’s not even a topic that’s been extensively covered or endorsed in the magazine per se, but as a Wellspring reader I’ve simply learned to tap more into my own voice. And I’m so grateful that through the magazine this has indirectly become part of my reality. Name Withheld upon Request

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Solid Foundation Where do I begin to extol the virtues of a magazine that I’ve come to cherish? Every issue is rich with content that I mull over all month long until the next issue finally comes along. My one complaint is I wish it would be a weekly! I started reading Wellspring upon the recommendation of a friend, a longtime fan, after kvetching to her about my parenting woes as a mother of a few young children. She spoke of the parenting column with such positivity, calling it life-changing and other such adjectives, that I was curious to see how a few words on a page can make an impact of one of my most treasured relationships in the world. What can I say? And how it did! I’ve been clipping and savoring every parenting article (and many others) since I started reading the magazine. What I so appreciate about the magazine, especially the Inner Parenting column, is that issues are addressed at their core. Instead of just giving practical lists and quick fixes, which are sometimes certainly welcome, the columnists enable readers to come away with a solid foundation regarding the issue being explored. I’m also loving the Sample column—its light, fun style and the interesting topics that are experimented in that space. One day, I may just be brave enough to join some of those trials! And (can I add in just one more?), Shaindy Oberlander’s tidbits in Holistic are always spot-on and much appreciated. Baila D. New Square, New York

Clear the Air It’s a tough assignment to choose one article that had the greatest impact because Wellspring has become our family’s go-to publication for all things health, wellness, and even just an enjoyable read. I assume I’m in the minority of your readership as a male who truly appreciates all the content, but it’s been nice to hear from this one and that one, whether in shul, at work, or at a simchah, that I’m not the only one. We started buying the magazine from issue #11, in December of 2016, where we actually came across an article that has really helped us over the years. It was an interview with the founder of Genuine Air, who shared horrifying tales of what happens when the air in the home is potent with toxins. This was right before we were about to paint our home, and we reached out to Mr. Sofer to discuss what our best options would be. We have since referred him to many people, including one couple whose child was born with one of the conditions he mentioned in the article, and they were desperate to get their home air purified. Moshe P. Jackson, New Jersey

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

MEDICAL SAGA

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Trust Your Instinct I knew this wasn’t a routine miscarriage. Its misdiagnosis resulted in heartache, pain, and seven months of chemotherapy As told to Pnina Schoss WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

MEDICAL SAGA

Can a gut feeling be more telling than a doctor’s diagnosis? Throughout her gripping journey, Basya Loeb trusted her inner knowing. After weeks of suffering, she was finally on the road to recovery despite indifferent doctors and indolent hospital staff. While her story is personal and sensitive, she’s determined to share it in the hope that it will spare other women the pain and difficulties she and her family experienced.

Early pregnancy is a paradoxical time—exciting, yet physically sapping. After discovering that I was expecting my third child, my feelings mirrored that exactly. I was so thrilled, yet so weak. At the time, I worked mornings as a teacher in a preschool. The classroom full of waiting children gave me a good reason to combat morning nausea and get out of bed each day. But, oh was I exhausted from the work! After a day of caring for my twenty-something class of five-year-olds, I was beaten, completely wiped out. Yet, I counted my blessings, and breathed through each day, hoping the symptoms would ease up soon. But one day, when I was spending much-needed quality time with my husband, I sensed that something was off. We were sitting on a graying wooden bench along the boardwalk after I’d read something about salty mist doing good for nausea (I’d tried everything—tea with ginger, lemonade for breakfast), and there we were, watching the waves. “Shua, something doesn’t feel right,” I said to my husband. I’d had the usual pregnancy complaints before, but this time it was different. “Something is wrong. I just 50

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know it.” Shua nodded. He knew me by now. There was complaining, and then there was my intuition speaking up. This time it was the latter, and he was all onboard. “Listen, Basya,” he said, his expression serious. “We’re getting to the bottom of this. Tomorrow, I want you to request further testing.” Easier said than done, I thought ruefully. It was October 2020, at one of the peaks of the COVID pandemic. Consultations were done via video and phone call unless it was absolutely necessary to be seen in person. In England, prenatal appointments are mainly run by midwives, with a head doctor manning each practice. No one had the time or patience for another woman who thought her pregnancy symptoms were the worst case yet to be seen. “You’re too early for a check up,” came the inevitable reply from the midwife the next day, as I lay on my couch, sick, weak, and shivering. Another missed day of work. Bless my principal, she was so understanding when I called in sick. “Come back when you’re at eleven weeks, and we’ll send you for a scan,” was the verdict. I don’t know how I managed for the next two weeks. I felt utterly sick and could barely move. I intuitively felt that something very wrong was going on inside of me, and I was anxious to figure it out pronto. Finally, the day arrived. I went to the hospital all alone as the COVID regulations did not allow spouses to join any appointments. After a wait, I was finally called in for my ultrasound. The nurse looked at the screen, at me, and then at the screen again. “Sweetheart,” she said, “I see an empty sac.” She hugged her laptop to her chest. This was obviously not the most charming part of her job. I gripped the sides of the chair I was in and then sat up. Empty sac? I thought. Where on earth is this baby of mine? The nurse understood my unspoken question. I saw her grappling with what to say. She fingered the side of her uniform. And then she said the line that I have come to abhor: “Come back in two weeks.” Throughout my ordeal, I came to understand that phrase as a euphemism for “I’m not bold enough to make a thorough decision right now, so let’s push it off a bit.” In my language, it meant another 14 days of pain, discomfort, worry, and lots of unknown. Looking back, this was the first open showing of hash-

gachah pratis that I treasure to this day. There was no reason why the nurse, and so many professionals after her, did not easily connect my case to a molar pregnancy. Obviously, in Hashem’s master plan, I was not meant to have relief just yet. I, my worried husband, my family, and my employer remained in limbo as my physical conditions had no explanation or diagnosis that made any sense at all. But this wasn’t the only missed diagnosis. There was more coming. Turns out, I didn’t have to wait two weeks to be examined again. A few days after the scan, I was walking back to my car in the parking lot, having just finished preparing my students for their upcoming Chanukah performance. The distraction that teaching offered me from my unfolding medical saga did wonders. I hummed Al Hanissim to myself and slid into the driver’s seat, when I had the scare of a lifetime. The hemorrhaging attack right there in my car was intense, unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. I screamed, and then collected myself. I fished through my bag for my phone and dialed the midwife. The indifference on her part was incredibly disappointing. “Oh, sweetie,” she crooned into the phone. There was absolutely nothing sweet about my current situation. “You should know that this is the process of a miscarriage. It seems that it is happening naturally.” I started driving and turned onto the main road. There was no way I was going home in this state. “Ms. Leons,” I told the midwife, signaling left onto the highway, toward the hospital. “I want to be seen immediately. I don’t feel comfortable with what is going on. This isn’t a regular miscarriage.” “Lost lots of blood. On way to hospital,” I quickly texted Shua. Poor man. He was at his wit’s end with this entire saga. “I’ll be davening. Wish I could be there with you.” How I wished, too. Bechasdei Hashem, I made it to the hospital in one piece and headed straight to the emergency room. The place had a weird hush about it. Doctors and nurses rushed past each other in their full COVID gear; hazmat suits from head to toe. Their eyes peeked out of their ensembles with determination and fear. I remember feeling as if I were on an alternate universe, something like outer space. It was fascinating to watch. I waited three hours to be seen. A midwife from my practice finally arrived and took me in to be examined.

“Your vitals are fine. I don’t see any reason to run further scans. This is how a natural miscarriage can look. Go home and rest up.” She was already packing her bags. Three years later, the lead doctor of the OB-GYN practice I used asked me if she could use the notes on my file for a training in molar pregnancies. She was humbled at her misjudgment and that of her staff. Of course, I allowed her. I’d do anything at this point to educate my fellow women on how to identify this condition. I went home that Tuesday feeling awful. Shua, bless him, was manning the kitchen and tonight’s delicacy was… store-bought pizza! The kids were delighted. My husband and I were so done with this saga, climbing the walls with frustration. Why did I still feel so awful? When would the hemorrhaging stop? Was I in the clear?

“We’ve never seen a reaction like this before. Please check out your wife’s condition more thoroughly.” My in-laws graciously invited us to come for Shabbos. I collapsed into bed after licht bentching, just counting my breaths and hoping for better times. And then, the hemorrhaging began again. Before I knew it, I was in an ambulance, being rushed to the hospital. In my hazy state, I remember watching a Hatzolah member lean over to my husband. He said to him in a low tone, “We’ve never seen a reaction like this before. Please check out your wife’s condition more thoroughly. I sense there is something beyond the typical miscarriage going on here.”

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MEDICAL SAGA

He had taken the words out of my mouth. I knew it. I knew that something more serious was happening to me. But, please, Hashem, I whispered as the sirens blared in the dark London night, when will You tell me the answer? The techs who admitted me to the hospital showed me a large piece of tissue that had been expelled—a giant red flag in any sort of pregnancy. The nurse asked me if she could send it in for testing, and I readily agreed. Through another stroke of Hashgachah, the tissue was never sent to any lab. This piece of tissue, perhaps containing the answer to all my angst, sat in the hospital, untouched. Hashem had a plan; it wasn’t time for clarity yet. Eventually, through the involvement of a private doctor (who also missed the molar diagnosis), I underwent a D&C, but was still testing positive for pregnancy and feeling sick a few weeks later. And then, finally, after weeks of suffering, the moment arrived when our eyes were opened. The yeshuah was set in motion through a friend of mine who worked as a secretary for a Jewish medical organization. “You know, Basya,” she began, as I nursed a chamomile tea, sitting with my feet up on a recliner. “This sounds like a molar pregnancy.” She had inadvertently dropped the bombshell that would finally set me on the difficult yet long-awaited road to recovery. “A what?” I asked. My friend explained that a molar pregnancy is when the baby and placenta do not develop as they should, which—if left untreated—can result in a tumor growth, among other complications. When I called the doctor’s office just a few moments later and suggested that perhaps this was the case, the secretary practically slammed the phone down on me. They’d been hearing from me far too much. Obviously, in the event of a confirmed diagnosis, the practice would be in big trouble regarding how they had handled the case. At the time, my hCG levels were skyrocketing—and I wasn’t even expecting! Here I was, educating the hospital about my condition when they had missed the major warning signs multiple times. People often ask me if I was upset with the midwives and the hospital at how they misdiagnosed my case for almost two months. Due to my condition, I was so hormonal at the time that I wasn’t even thinking straight. All I wanted was to recover and feel like a normal person again. Eventually, the head doctor caught on to what was happening and got quite nervous. This was her second molar pregnancy episode in forty years, and she realized that it 52

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had been mishandled. From that moment on, she was on board, guiding me every step of the way. We switched hospitals so I could receive more expert care and were finally on our way to recovery. That day was the shortest Friday of the year, Erev Shabbos Chanukah. I sat in the hospital from 7:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. waiting for blood test results to confirm the diagnosis that I had informed the doctors about. After being in limbo for another few days, the call finally came. I was just wrapping up my day in school when I glanced down at my phone. There were four missed calls from the head doctor and three from another number I didn’t recognize, which turned out to be the hospital. The diagnosis was in: I had experienced a molar pregnancy that had gone undiagnosed for two months. All this while, I had been going into work whenever I was able. Now, my work life completely stopped. I dropped everything to focus on my recovery. Because the diagnosis had come so many weeks after the procedure, I had to be treated with a low dose of chemotherapy. I was also at great risk of hemorrhaging. Since a tumor that grows from a molar pregnancy is aggravated by movement, I wasn’t allowed to move. The scans revealed that the tumor had spread to the lung area, which officially changed the diagnosis to cancer. One of the tests that was done was a spinal tap, which threw me for a wild loop—it was a more physically painful experience than all the treatment that was to follow.

My initial week in the hospital occurred during New Year’s weekend when the hospital was barely staffed. I was in the hospital without my husband for a full week, navigating it all alone. During this period, my dear grandfather passed away. It was a very lonely, trying time. The nurses realized that I was a very active person and how difficult it was for me to sit still for days. Eventually, when it came time for discharge, the nursing staff pleaded with my husband, “Promise us she won’t move too much.” Throughout the seven months that I underwent chemo, there were silver linings that I was grateful for. First, I had private insurance, which meant that a nurse would come to my home to administer the treatment. Second, I didn’t react too badly to chemo, unlike many other cancer sufferers. This all occurred during the COVID lockdowns, and my children aged three and four were home from school. I was so relieved to be able to spend the quality time with them. I was upfront about my ordeal, which helped them get used to it. Nurses, IV lines, a weak mother, and sporadic hospital stays were part of their day-to-day life. I was glad they were easygoing as opposed to fearful and anxious. They even called the IV line a printer and asked the nurse if it could go any faster. There were many other rays of sunshine that lit up my darkened journey. My two young sisters, still single at the time, were a huge help throughout, stepping in to

help with boundless energy and positivity. My husband is an extremely hands-on parent, and took over running the house without a complaint. My mother was a pillar of support both emotionally and practically. She would come to my home, take our laundry, and return it cleaned and folded into each drawer. My neighbors and friends sent me dinners for three months straight, which made me feel cocooned in their support. The chemo did a job on my appetite. I remember my cleaning lady laughing at me that I subsisted on toast and hard cheese for weeks on end. With the help of an organization, I was connected to another frum woman who had experienced a molar pregnancy too. She provided me with real support in the “been there, done that” kind of way. In jest, I call her my “molar friend.” The greatest chizuk she gave me was the sound of her newborn baby cooing in the background. That gave me hope for the future while I persevered throughout the rocky treatment and recovery. After seven long months of chemo, I was elated to learn that I was in remission. Ah, the gift of life, the gift of health—how precious! Two years later, as Shavuos approached, my circle of suffering was inching closer to a full completion; on the first day of Yom Tov, we were given the tremendous gift of a gorgeous baby girl. Our Ruti is a symbol to all: Trust your instinct and follow through on your inner knowledge. The pain will pass, hold on tight. The sun is peeking through the clouds. Good times are coming.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SAMPLE

SAMPLE By Libby Silberman

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Leaving the Lab… Cumulative Results Remember the day over three years ago (in issue #63, to be exact) when we taped a humble sign over the door of our very own lab? It was a happy day for me as the lab’s chief researcher, but I definitely didn’t reckon on the enormous fan base our experimental space would garner in the ensuing months. You know where this little speech is headed, right? Help me get the words out. This is hard for me. Well, yes. Our lease is up, and the owners want the space. Some other great endeavors, they said. Time to make room for other bright ideas. Regretfully, that means a goodbye for us. I’ll miss hanging out with you here at the lab (but I’ll still be staying on at Wellspring, doing my duties in other capacities). Thank you for being a part of Sample. Thank you for all your suggestions, for pushing me beyond what I thought were the limits and forcing me to explore new territories in health and wellness. Thank you for joining me here, month after month, and for all your feedback. What a great group of participants you proved to be! And a standing ovation for our loyal Samples who fearlessly, boldly, lionheartedly tried the weird and the wacky, the challenging and the trivial, and then reported honestly and openly to the rest of you community members. I’ve learned so much here, and it is my fervent hope that you did too.

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SAMPLE

Sample Results, Final Take Each month, after exploring a specific topic in depth, I offered my take based on the results of all trial participants. For our final experiment in this space, I bring you the results of the results—cumulative takeaways that pertain to healthy living, in general. 1. All in moderation. Don’t get too carried away in your quest for health. Going on restrictive diets, running to the reflexologist for every sniffle, and skipping antibiotics when you’re sick because “it’s emotional stuff” will not lend themselves to optimal wellbeing. If a health practice or idea is taking over your life or bank account, consider taking a step back and evaluating whether you’re overdoing it. 2. It needs to work for you. Your neighbor has seen “miraculous” results by juicing green leaves each morning. Her digestive inflammation is gone. That’s really neat, but it doesn’t mean it’ll work for you. Each person is unique, and so, swearing by a health practice or writing it off because it did or didn’t work for someone else isn’t conducive to better health. Different things work for different people. 3. Two Jews, three opinions. You’ve seen it here in these pages, time and again. 4. Ultimately, it’s in the Hands of Hashem. Sure, it’s incumbent upon us to do our hishtadlus to raise physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy families. And after that, our work is to let go, to daven and to trust. To Hashem, it doesn’t matter what kind of hishtadlus you’ve done. Ultimately, the ball is in His court only. (I know, this one’s certainly easier said than done…) How’s that for cumulative results? Could this be the one set of findings that leaves no room for arguments?

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As for this month’s Sample… Now that we’ve packed all our jars and test tubes into boxes, I can finally bring up and dissect our last Sample topic. You see, for a long time I wanted to do this one, but I feared the windows in the lab might not withstand the mobs of angry protestors (and counter-protestors). Now that this space is no longer mine and I don’t run the risk of having this place vandalized (with the permission of the editorial board!), we can actually sink our teeth into this no-go topic. “Do you vaxx? Why or why not?” Deathly silence. And the mob. No, no, no. Forget it. I didn’t say anything. Shame, we could have had so much fun on this one!

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SAMPLE

Greatest Impact We’ve discussed a plethora of health topics in this space and opened up the floor for independent exploration of other topics. As we’ve been wrapping up, I decided to turn to you, friends. If you were given the opportunity to select one healthy habit, one remedy, one kind of intervention, one deep belief—whether in the realm of physical, emotional, or mental health—that you feel has the greatest impact, and you could have a soapbox moment to tell the world about it, what would it be? I posed this question to 52 people and received many interesting replies. Here’s a sampling. (The numbers in parentheses represent the number of respondents who submitted this response.) Which one do you agree with? • Miracle clay! It works for everything from toothache to topical infection to diarrhea. • Cutting out white flour and sugar from your diet. (13) • Getting adequate sleep. (5) • Drinking enough water. It helps digestion, headaches, skin, weight loss, and cravings. (3) • Go to therapy. Your marriage, parenting, self-esteem, and physical health will be’ezras Hashem improve. • If I could get rid of my fear of failure (or at least lessen its intensity!), I know I’d be in a better, happier, more satisfied place. • Craniosacral therapy. It works for so many issues. (2) • If people would understand and implement the core principles of Intuitive Eating, weight management would be much, much easier and our culture wouldn’t be so into diets, weight loss, and appearance. • Acupuncture • Practicing the Sarno method, as well as good stress management habits • Proper nutrition • Do exercise and get outdoors every day, even if it’s just 7–10 minutes! (If I did that, I think my physical, mental, and emotional health would be transformed.) • If I’d stop comparing my life to everyone else’s and try to focus on my countless gifts, I would enjoy everything I have so much more and stop grieving over the small things I don’t have.

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From Libby: So, I’m neither a doctor, a nutritionist, or a therapist. I’m just a self-appointed scientist, about to share anecdotical, highly unscientific findings of years observing and reading and listening. I believe the three main factors that impact overall health are sleep, nutrition, and hydration, as well as one’s emotional state. When any of these are neglected, we are bound to get sick, tired, weak, moody, and all the other not-great stuff.

Just So You Know… For every Sample that appeared in these pages, I read up on and researched another three that were ultimately not featured. And that doesn’t include the rabbit hole of tangential topics I chanced upon and read up on while researching. The joys!

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SAMPLE

Emptying the Backroom at the Lab While we’re clearing out this space, let’s have some fun as we reach into the bowels of the lab to retrieve some dusty specimens and focus the spotlight on those Samples that stand apart in one way or another.

The Sample I thought would get wild feedback but did not receive even one letter: The Anat Baniel brain-training method. Being similar to the popular Feldenkrais method, I thought it was fascinating, but not many readers agreed, apparently :) The Sample that garnered the most feedback: Fermenting vegetables (our very first Sample!) and making sourdough bread (I guess it’s still in style!). I got dozens and dozens of questions on the topic.

The Sample I’ve been holding onto: The Sarno Method. The mindbody connection is real and relevant every day.

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

A Sample that would change my life, if only I’d possess the willpower to implement it: Avoiding consumption of sugar and white flour, as well as redoing the mindful eating challenge.

The Sample my family is holding onto: Kefir, but only my husband, to be honest.

A Sample that disappointed me: The gratitude challenge. I thought it would dramatically change people’s lives, but most of the challenge participants didn’t report any major transformation.

Easiest Sample to pull off: Drinking water according to the Rambam (but that’s mainly because of the most incredible Savits. Thank you!).

A Sample that wasn’t a success: Drinking tea. You can have coffee and apple juice just as well, it seems, according to the results.

A Sample that hosted the highest number of participants: The yoga challenge. We hosted 118 women! It sure was squishy and fun in the Lab!

Messiest Sample: Juicing. Those juices were heavenly good, but the prep involved such a sticky mess!

Samples that I can’t even recall how to do anymore (don’t tell!): How to extend the life of produce—do not test me! Sprouting beans and nuts. A reader recently reached out with specific questions about sprouting. I didn’t know what she was talking about!

The Sample I did not believe in if you paid me—until the results came in: Bowen therapy. Was I in for a surprise!

The Samples that took the most time to pull off: Jump into Shape. Doing exercise with weighted jump ropes took many months to complete. The Sarno Method also took a lot of time, but mostly because I hesitated over how to execute it for over a year.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COMMUNICATED

Subtle but Serious The truth about tick-borne illnesses.

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Stay aware, stay serious. Silent illnesses still harm. When Shuey's mother contacted Wellsprings magazine, her intent was clear: She wanted to raise awareness among people about safeguarding their well-being. It is a tale that demands attention, serving as a beacon of caution for everyone. It empowers individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. So, herein lies the story. Have you ever watched a kid who seemed just like any other turn into every mother's nightmare? That's exactly what happened with my Shuey. He'd been a joy-giving, activity-seeking, and typical trouble-making inquisitive eleven-year-old who loved life. Just like every boy on earth. And then, over time, the light disappeared from his eyes. "Mommy, I just don't have koach," he'd whisper as he shlepped himself across the kitchen floor, head hanging low, eyes half shut. "I can't go to cheder today." I'd try to encourage him, but he'd just dissolve into a puddle of tears, feeling guilty that he couldn't push himself to get dressed and make it through the day. Of course, seeing him act so unlike himself, I'd let him head back to bed, wondering if I was just giving in to a behavioral issue. As the days stretched into weeks of weakness, we began to investigate and quickly became weekly visitors at the doctor's office. Shuey was pricked and prodded multiple times, and the doctor tried to find the source of his symptoms, which ranged from severe headaches to stomach pains to general malaise. But each time, the tests came back more or less normal. But Shuey was not "normal." He wasn't normal for himself, nor was he normal for a boy his age. I knew, deep down, that something was wrong. Very wrong. And anomalous. "I really think you should test him for Lyme disease," my well-meaning neighbor told me one day when she noticed my very pale son lethargically sprawled on a lawn chair while his brothers and sisters played all around him. "We've tested for Lyme already," I answered. "It came back negative." "But this reminds me so much of my teenage cousin. She was also constantly exhausted, pale, in pain...” My neighbor leaned in, and her voice dropped to a whisper. “And then, as time progressed, it started affecting her emotionally. Everything became very hard for her. She couldn't handle the slightest stress. Worse yet, she started behaving oddly. She began acting out of character so badly that she was almost institutionalized." I gulped, my body flooding

with fear. "My aunt kept looking, searching for the cause of my cousin's illness. She ended up going to someone who specializes in Lyme; he was able to catch it even when other doctors missed it." "Go," she said. "Just go." So I went. "Are you here for Lyme disease testing?" the secretary asked me. When I replied in the affirmative, she handed me a questionnaire that I filled out. As I read the list of 40 questions regarding symptoms, my eyes filled with tears. I was able to check off almost every box. "Over 20 symptoms suggest that a tick-borne illness is a definite possibility," the physician told me as he examined Shuey. “Let's run some testing and see what turns up." A few days later, the phone rang, and the specialist's number was displayed on the ID. My heart lurched as I grabbed for the phone, scared, anxious — and hopeful. "So we have the results," the physician said. "It's not Lyme disease. But your child is very ill." He paused and then pronounced the verdict. "Shuey has Rocky Mountain spotted fever." A Spotlight On The Overlooked Illness Rocky Mountain spotted fever is more than just its name suggests; it's not confined to the Rocky Mountains but is widespread throughout the United States, including our own state. Recent years have seen a concerning surge in tick-borne illnesses, and if current trends persist, the situation will only deteriorate further. Here's everything you should know about Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Due to its low prevalence in New York, Rocky Mountain spotted fever wasn't high on physicians' radars in previous years. With the current drastic rise in infections, however, medical personnel are being encouraged to keep the possibility of infection at the top of their list. To this end, the CDC has begun offering medical personnel a Rocky Mountain spotted fever training program. The concern with Rocky Mountain spotted fever is that an acute presentation of the infection can quickly become fatal. Symptoms usually appear within two to nine days of a bite from an infected tick, and once the symptoms appear, they come hard and fast. Sudden fever is usually the first symptom, with severe headaches a common plaint. (Children report headaches

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COMMUNICATED

less frequently than adults.) There can also be muscle pain, stomachaches, and lack of appetite - all of which can mimic flu-like illnesses. These non-specific symptoms can be confusing to diagnosticians, running the risk of missing an early detection of the disease, which can prove fatal. Beginning antibiotic treatment within the first five days significantly increases the chances of survival; after that, the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for acute infection diminishes. While many physicians are trained to look for the trademark "spotted rash" that gives the illness its name, that rash (if it even appears) usually only appears around the sixth day - well after the time when it is imperative for patients to have begun treatment. Even if a patient survives an acute infection despite late treatment, serious damage to the blood vessels, which are drastically affected by the bacteria, can occur and may even result in limb amputation due to the onset of gangrene. An untreated acute infection can quickly lead to sepsis and septic shock. Children are particularly at risk for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, with the fiveto-nine age range being the most often affected. Unlike acute infections, chronic infections cause a slower breakdown of the body, causing a person to feel generally unwell for extended periods of time. 64

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So what to do? There are a few things we can do to hopefully prevent this horrific disease from affecting our family members: • Wearing long sleeves and long pants helps to protect the skin when in grassy/ brush-filled areas that may harbor ticks. • Individuals should be inspected head to toe, and bathed, after outside play in grassy areas. • Consider using insect repellent on clothing. • Lawns should be well maintained, with short grass and well-trimmed shrubbery. • Don't invite deer into your yard with salt licks or the like; they bring ticks! • Consider raising a few tick-eating chickens... (You'll also get the added bonus of keeping your kids entertained with their feathered friends!) • If a tick is found, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with a pair of tweezers, and pull it out using a firm, steady movement. Save the tick for testing!

Common Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Early: (1-4 Days) • High Fever • Severe Headache • Malaise (general ill feeling) • Myalgia (muscle aches) • Edema (swelling) around the eyes and on the back of hands • Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite) Late: (5 Days and Beyond) • Altered mental status, confusion, out-of-character behavior, loss of consciousness • Difficulty breathing • Severe skin discoloration • Scant urine output • Low blood pressure Note: Other unusual symptoms can also occur, indicating multisystem organ failure. Rash • Early forms of the rash (that may or may not appear) can be seen as small, flat, pink, non-itchy spots that begin on the hands and feet and spread inward. • Later forms of the rash appear as red or purple spots and are seen as progression toward severe disease.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

COMMUNICATED

INTERVIEW WITH THE EXPERT

LEON KOHANBASH Family Practitioner Specializing in Lyme and coinfection Leon Kohandbash, FNP, has become the go-to practitioner for the heimish community for complicated and chronic tick-borne illnesses treatments. Many of his patients even travel from Rockland and Orange County to Brooklyn to avail themselves of his expertise. One of his patients was "Shuey" in our article, who is now Baruch Hashem, on the mend. We deeply appreciate Leon Kohandbash's dedication to imparting his knowledge and experience to the Wellsprings readers.

HOW PREVALENT IS ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER IN THE NEW YORK AREA? IS IT BECOMING MORE COMMON? The CDC's numbers showed that there were 495 Rocky Mountain spotted fever diagnoses in America in 2000, a number that rose to over 7,000 cases last year. But this data isn't very accurate. I believe that many more cases have gone undiagnosed, either because the patient didn't visit the doctor when confronted with these symptoms or because the examining physician didn't apply correct testing.

HOW MANY ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER PATIENTS TYPICALLY VISIT YOU PER SEASON? I see nearly 20 patients per day(!) who are diagnosed with any one of the many tick-borne illnesses, not just Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease seems to be the most common, but quite a few tick-borne illnesses are seen in New York State. It is possible for a single tick to transmit more than one type of

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infectious disease, so I test for all the infections commonly found in our area. I don't see acutely affected patients, as they are typically from upstate and undergo testing there. These patients usually get correctly diagnosed because the severity of their symptoms leads to blood testing. However, even when the diagnosis is correct, many doctors prescribe a very mild treatment that doesn't fully cure the illness. Many of those patients end up coming to me for the correct treatment. Then, there are the patients whom physicians have difficulty diagnosing. Take, for instance, a young person who has been previously healthy and begins to have muscle pains, headaches, and extreme fatigue. They become chronically ill, with no known cause. These patients will often be sent to me, and many times testing will indicate that they have a tick-borne illness.

IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC SYMPTOM THAT SEEMS TO INDICATE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER? Yes. People must be aware that the most common symp-

toms are fever, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain. Many people believe they've probably come down with the flu. If someone experiences flu-like symptoms during the summer season, that is a significant indication of a tick-borne infection; the flu isn't typically contracted during the summer, but ticks are very active at that time.

CAN A PATIENT WHO HAS GONE UNDIAGNOSED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME FULLY HEAL, OR ARE LINGERING MEDICAL ISSUES COMMON EVEN AFTER TREATMENT?

Of course, the classic symptom of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the spotted rash, but 20% to 50% of people don't even develop the symptom. And when they do, it appears five or six days after the fever begins, at which point they are already very ill. Treatment should not be dependent upon the appearance of the rash.

The majority of patients don't need to return after completing a full treatment, though there will be some relapses.

IN WHAT WAY DO YOUR TREATMENT METHODS DIFFER FROM OTHER DOCTORS' METHODS? The patients who come to me don't have fever; they're the chronic patients who've been suffering from head and body aches, fatigue, and other symptoms for a long time. These patients need longer-term treatments than are routinely prescribed. Some of the patients have even done the shorter forms of treatments - three or four weeks of antibiotics - but later relapsed, as the treatment wasn't fully effective. It's important to understand the nature of Rickettsia rickettsii, the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. When an infected tick bites someone, bacteria are injected directly into the bloodstream, invading and entering the host's cells, hiding out, and multiplying. Not all bacteria do this; some can't live inside of cells. The bacteria also create what's called a biofilm, like a protective shell, to prevent the medication from doing its job. It's very difficult to kill off r. rickettsii, and to do so, we have to be able to penetrate the biofilm to kill the bacteria within their hiding spots. My method is to treat the patient using two, sometimes three, antibiotics over the course of several months. The now-famous hydroxychloroquine and grapefruit seed extract have also indeed proven helpful in killing the bacteria. We change medications periodically because the effectiveness of the medications declines over time. Because such strong antibiotics are used for an extended period of time, I put my patients on several complementary vitamins and probiotics. Part of the treatment includes using "biofilm- busting drugs" to break down the biofilm, giving us access to the bacteria. Stevia, the sugar alternative, as well as serrapeptase and monolaurin, helps break down the biofilm. After several months of treatments with the stronger drugs, the patient will be put on more natural, plant-based treatments.

IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU WISH TO ADDRESS TO MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN TERMS OF WHAT TO BE VIGILANT ABOUT REGARDING TICK-BORNE DISEASES? I check the patient's Immunoglobulin G when ordering blood tests. The CDC only recommends paying attention to IgM, which indicates an active infection. The IgG indicates a past infection or a chronic infection. When a patient has IgG antibodies and they are presenting with chronic symptoms, this shows me that we need to treat the infection aggressively. When the treatment is shorter, at only three or four weeks long, around 50% of the patients relapse, and then future treatments have to be even more aggressive. Longer protocols, together with supplements, provide a more effective treatment.

IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE WELLSPRING READERS? Many people travel upstate for the summer, and of course, many live upstate year-round. They have to make sure to use preventative measures at all times. These can be sprays that discourage ticks from attaching themselves to a person, such as DEET-based sprays or permethrin, which actually kills ticks. These can be sprayed on clothes and shoes to protect yourself. Make it your due diligence to check your skin and shower yourself every day after hunting around outside. Lawn care is also a very important factor to bear in mind. Keep grass cut short and leaves raked. And create barriers to reduce the presence of deer around your home or bungalow district. Deer are perfect hosts for ticks, so don't leave anything around that will invite them in. There are also certain pesticides that can be sprayed once a season on the lawn that kill ticks and reduce the chance of infection by up to 75%. Ensuring you diligently avoid residing near areas where ticks thrive will ultimately safeguard the health and well-being of you and your loved ones. With this knowledge in mind, may you avoid needing my expertise and remain healthy and strong.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

CUP OF TEA

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Cup of Tea with

Chany Silber Chany Silber

AGE: 46 OCCUPATION: Health Consultant LOCATION: Toms River FAMILY: 8 kids ka”h PASSION: Helping women in all aspects of fertility with alternative options; gardening

By Roizy Baum WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

CUP OF TEA

Health consultant Chany Silber, I learn very quickly, is not just a practitioner. In her I find a compassionate guide on a mission to empower women and change lives through the transformative power of her work. It’s about her empathy and understanding as much as it is about her expertise and knowledge.

While Chany uses her training to help clients with various health issues, such as tics and recurring strep, she brings to her practice—called Lunair, years-long expertise in the area of women’s health, specifically in regard to fertility.

wrong with the person,” Chany reflects. “The process felt highly unpleasant and traumatic for many, especially young women who are suddenly thrust into the complexities of fertility treatments without proper understanding.”

How did Chany, a Toms River–based busy mother of eight, get to doing this unique and incredible work? She shares her journey toward her niche and the transformative power of Lunair. With a background in health, Chany recognized a significant gap in traditional approaches to women’s fertility issues. For years, she observed a recurring pattern of women undergoing repetitive protocols without truly addressing the underlying causes of their challenges.

Deeper Understanding Driven by a passion for helping others and a desire to offer a more compassionate and comprehensive approach, Chany delved into the realm of women’s fertility with a fresh perspective. She emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment, advocating for proactively learning about one’s own body long before fertility issues arise. “I believe there should be classes for women to understand their bodies before marriage,” Chany remarks. “Un-

“The practitioners were never addressing what was really

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derstanding what’s going on inside can make a world of difference in navigating fertility challenges later on.” To prove her point, Chany shares a recent experience with a client. “While I was sitting with this woman, I gave her an overview of what was happening with her system. She was incredulous: ‘Nobody ever explained to me what’s going on!’” Often, mothers who come to Chany with their daughters who are already kallahs say, “I wish I would’ve known this twenty years ago.” Too many women, Chany laments, are lacking education about what takes place inside of their own body. Frequently, individuals take action due to personal experiences or challenges they’ve faced. However, in Chany’s

case, her motivation stems from a desire to assist others. Chany shares, “Going through medical procedures to enhance fertility can be really stressful. I remember a friend of mine passing by the clinic where she had undergone her treatments. Her husband joked about going back in, but it brought back a flood of negative memories for her. When my friend shared this with me, I knew it shouldn’t have to be like this.” Chany’s path was shaped by a profound realization of the challenges women face in navigating fertility issues. Witnessing the emotional toll of repetitive treatments and the lack of comprehensive care, Chany embarked on a quest for something more. “Every woman deserves to feel supported and empowered

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

CUP OF TEA

on her journey to motherhood,” Chany emphasizes. “It’s about more than just addressing physical symptoms; it’s about nurturing the whole person and guiding them toward healing and wholeness.” Side by Side Many women come to Chany while they’re already undergoing invasive interventions— and she doesn’t discourage that. Rather, she believes that conventional medical treatments definitely have a place. However, her focus lies in complementing these treatments by strengthening reproductive organs to ultimately increase the likelihood of treatment success. Rather than merely addressing symptoms, Chany aims to set individuals up for success by nurturing their overall reproductive health. “I was recently helping someone who wanted to understand why her treatment wasn’t working,” Chany shares. “She was still keen on continuing with her doctor, and I was supportive of that. However, the doctor decided to stop the treatment because it wasn’t helping. But once we figured out why it wasn’t working, the doctor was able to address her issue much better. And baruch Hashem, there was good news to share soon after.” Central to Chany’s approach is the recognition of each individual’s unique journey and the importance of personalized care. Whether working with young girls just beginning to understand their bodies or newlyweds embarking on the path to parenthood, Chany offers a wealth of knowledge and support every step of the way. As part of her role as educator, she often emphasizes how detrimental stress is to reproductive health. “Stress can lead to fertility issues, and fertility issues causes stress, creating a vicious cycle.” For many women, Chany’s approach offers a refreshing perspective after trying numerous methods without success. By addressing underlying issues and empowering her clients to understand their bodies, she provides a sense of clarity and purpose in their fertility journey. Chany is passionate about starting early. “I begin working with girls as young as sixteen to seventeen years old. Many newlyweds also seek assistance immediately. Why delay edu72

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cating yourself until you’ve been married for a year? Strengthening your system and understanding what’s happening can make everything much easier.”

“By adjusting her thyroid medication as part of the program, she was expecting a child after just six months. Two years later, she joyfully welcomed another baby into her life.”

In Action Central to Chany’s approach is the integration of supplements and biomagnetics—a therapy that utilizes magnets to rebalance the body’s pH levels and address lingering pathogens. Through targeted magnet therapy, Chany identifies and corrects imbalances that may be impacting fertility, offering personalized support tailored to each individual’s needs. “I practice biomagnetics, a technique aimed at balancing out lingering issues in the body such as viruses or bacteria. By utilizing both negative and positive magnets, each exceeding 1,000 gauss (a unit of measurement of magnetic induction), I target and neutralize harmful bacteria,” Chany clarifies. Chany systematically works through various locations on the body, using the feet as a gauge for imbalances. During a session, the individual lies down and Chany takes note of their soles while going through the entire body with a negative magnet, searching for discrepancies. “As soon as one of the feet shortens or lengthens,” Chany explains, “I know I’ve hit a spot on the body that has a discrepancy. For instance, suppose it’s the shoulder. I’ll leave the negative magnet on one shoulder and if something happens with the leg, I’ll put the opposite magnet on the other shoulder until the feet straighten. I keep checking the soles while going through all locations and when they’re both even, I know we’re done.” In a similar vein to the story about Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai and Vespasian and the boot that would not go back on, Chany explains that we can draw parallels to the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Just as Vespasian experienced physical symptoms in response to emotional news, biomagnetic therapy acknowledges the profound impact of emotional wellbeing on physical health. In the story of the Churban, the messenger’s announcement of good news resulted in Vespasian’s physical reaction—a boot that wouldn’t fit. Rabbi Yochanan attributed this to the positive news, citing the proverb, “Good tidings make the bone fat.” Rabbi Yochanan

suggested that Vespasian’s enemy should pass him. Indeed, Vespasian's bone thinned, aligning with the wisdom that “a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Similarly, biomagnetic therapy recognizes the body’s innate ability to respond to emotional stimuli. “By restoring balance and harmony within the body’s energy field, we address not only physical ailments but also emotional imbalances that may contribute to illness.” One notable success story involved a woman struggling with fertility due to bacterial issues. After incorporating supplements into her regimen, she was expecting a child just six weeks later. Witnessing such transformations reaffirms the effectiveness of biomagnetic therapy in restoring balance and promoting overall wellbeing. For her training, Chany traveled to California to participate in intensive sessions led by Dr. Issac Goiz, a renowned figure in biomagnetic therapy. Dr. Goiz, originally from Mexico, offered courses attended by over 100 participants, including doctors (many doctors who are open to alternative treatments are open to this as well), naturopaths, and chiropractors. Chany’s training consisted of immersive weeklong sessions for each level of proficiency. These comprehensive programs equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to master biomagnetic therapy and apply it effectively. Emotionally Invested Thirteen years ago, Chany welcomed her first client, marking the beginning of her career. Over the course of six weeks, Chany diligently worked with that client, utilizing supplements tailored to address specific imbalances in the

CUP OF TEA

Chany’s Tips for Healthy Living Prioritize sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for the body to rest and repair. Sleep is when the body undergoes essential processes for healing and rejuvenation. Going to bed late can increase stress levels, leading to cravings for sugary foods as a quick energy fix. Opt for a balanced diet: Consider adopting a ketogenic diet, which focuses on consuming ample protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. This approach promotes the creation of healthy cells, which is beneficial for both fertility and the development of a healthy baby during pregnancy. Manage stress: Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, regular massages, and the use of supplements known for their calming effects. Spending time outdoors surrounded by nature and walking barefoot on the ground can also help alleviate stress. Cultivate a positive mindset: Positive thinking plays a significant role in overall wellbeing. Practice gratitude, mindfulness, and affirmations to shift your mindset toward positivity, which can have profound effects on your mental and emotional health.

body. These supplements were carefully selected based on individual needs and targeted areas of imbalance, with a focus on restoring overall balance and wellbeing. The beauty of Chany’s program lies in its effectiveness in restoring balance and promoting healing. “I’m the happiest when my clients no longer need me,” she says. “Once they achieve balance, they often no longer require ongoing assistance. Is there anything better than that?” In addition to addressing physical imbalances, Chany also integrates emotional programs into her practice. She recognizes the profound impact of emotions on overall health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of positive thinking and emotional awareness. Chany employs custom-made emotional programs that

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complement the biomagnetic therapy, helping individuals deactivate negative thoughts and beliefs that may be hindering their progress. “Sometimes, I sense that a client needs to become more aware of her emotions. It’s important to realize that our energy goes toward the direction of our thoughts. In the very recent past, two clients who obsessively feared losing their pregnancies unfortunately ended up miscarrying. Of course, this was bashert, but our hishtadlus is to shift our thoughts toward the positive. It’s of utmost importance.” There’s News! For Chany, the sweetest reward for her work is when women share long-awaited good news with her. Relating

just one example of such a case, Chany recalls working with a client who faced fertility challenges following a medical procedure. Despite a year of treatment with her doctor, the underlying issue persisted. However, after just four months of following the Lunair program, she was thrilled to get the good news. When she returned to her doctor with the joyful news, the doctor was pleasantly surprised by the outcome and inquired about the changes she had made. “She was so impressed by the results,” Chany adds with a tinge of pride, “that she requested my contact information.” One of Chany’s clients had been told that she had passed the age for bearing a child, but through the Lunair program, she experienced a remarkable journey. Chany enthuses, “By adjusting her thyroid medication as part of the

program, she was expecting a child after just six months. Two years later, she joyfully welcomed another baby into her life.” Another client sought Chany’s assistance after facing various challenges. “We’re after weeks of work and it’s all looking so positive. I’m being hopeful, acknowledging and davening to the One in charge.” The sense of humility with which Chany approaches her work is nothing short of inspiring. “I remind my clients that while I can assist in restoring balance, the ultimate outcome is in the hands of a Higher Power,” Chany reflects. “It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring journey, and I feel privileged to walk alongside my clients as they embark on it.”

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SERIAL DIARY

Recap: Fradel undergoes a colectomy and gets an ostomy. The recovery is a bit rough, but once she moves past that, she doesn’t look back.

I was given a ten-chapter slot to write my story—at least the colitis part of it—so here we are at our final chapter, but the story’s far from over. I still live with the long-term effects of my condition, primarily the ostomy, but overall, life has taken on a wonderful rhythm. Reflecting on the life Hashem chose for me, I can’t help but notice the silver linings. One of them is the incredible appreciation I have for what I could have taken for granted, especially in regards to my growing family. I grew up in a pretty small family. It was always my dream to raise a large, busy brood with lots of action and company for my children. Obviously, I knew this didn’t lie in my hands, but it was my deep, burning desire—perhaps more so than for the typical woman.

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During the years of my active colitis, there were times when this dream felt completely out of my reach. In those periods, when pregnancy was rendered dangerous for me, I was obsessed with the thoughts of when my situation might be stable enough for me to bring another baby into the world. I would pine to be blessed with just one more, and, preoccupied with the subject as I was, I would notice every baby carriage and every expectant woman walking by. When they did happen, baruch Hashem, every pregnancy and subsequent baby was appreciated as a true blessing. Once I underwent surgery, I again feared how living with an ostomy would impact my chances of continuing to pursue my lifelong dream. Baruch Hashem, I later learned that what may make childbearing difficult is the recon-

Chapter 10 Silver Linings

by Fradel Bergstein, as told to C.L. Beer

structive surgery, in which a “reversal” is made possible. Of course, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule and Hashem is the One who determines our destiny, but once I had that information, I was reassured that I could choose to postpone the reconstructive surgery—or never do it at all—and I felt empowered and grateful to have that choice. Removal of the colon wasn’t negotiable, but thankfully, that part of the surgery does not affect fertility in any way. I am grateful to Hashem a thousand times over that our home is one with lots of life, love, and laughter. I treasure each and every one of my precious gems, especially my baby daughter, who was born 18 months post-surgery. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my journey with colitis and all it entails, it’s that Hashem has a plan for everyone. We weren’t sent into this world to simply sit back and enjoy the scenery; we’re here to work with whatever we have and make the most of it in our own unique way. Over the years, there were many times when life felt like it

was just too much. Only now in hindsight do I realize that it was precisely when I was pushed past my limits that I gained the strength I’m grateful to possess, forever. No one gets away scot-free; everyone has their challenges, whether hidden or revealed. There is no reason to be ashamed of our situations or apprehensive about showing our weaknesses. As I mentioned in the introduction to this series, I initially kept my condition under wraps—for way too long. Finally deciding to open up and share has lightened my load and enabled me to connect with so many silent warriors out there. A struggle shared is a struggle halved—and its gifts multiplied. Fradel can be contacted via Wellspring.

THE END WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

DIY

s t n a l l e p e R t n A By Miriam Schweid Summer is on the horizon, and with the delightful change of season, you may find that ants are back in town. Before you head for the commercially-produced spray and coat your kitchen counters or other home surfaces with toxic chemicals, here are some all-natural repellents to make your intruders feel unwelcome. While most of us love the sweet and spicy scent of cinnamon, ants don’t. According to research, the scent makes them want to avoid your home altogether. And so, if you know where the ants are entering from, sprinkle cinnamon at those entry points. Alternatively, mix a few drops of cinnamon essential oil and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on their travel route and wipe it down. Peppermint is another nice-smelling scent that ants don’t appreciate, so that’s an option too.

Follow a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and squirt the areas the ants travel and their entry points once a day until they’re all gone. Another recommendation is to sprinkle table salt or ground pepper at the entry points and along the paths the ants travel in your home. This is an inexpensive and natural method of getting rid of them.

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

100 Years Well-Lived Reflecting on my grandmother’s legacy

TAP IN THE REPERCUSSIONS OF EVEN SHORT-TERM DIETING

EDITOR'S NOTE

Paved With Sweat, But So Sweet A Tribute to Babi a”h… and a Farewell Message

t is no coincidence that I write these words in the issue celebrating one hundred “birth processes” of Wellspring while en route to be menachem avel my father on the passing of his beloved mother. Our dear Babi a”h, who was zocheh to live past her hundredth birthday, lived a full and vibrant life. While the abrupt ending to her idyllic childhood told a story of horror and heartache, the story of her adult life was one of love and acceptance. You see, Babi, the aristocratic matriarch of our family, was a homemaker in every sense of the word. The quintessential Hungarian bubby, whose perfectly formed nut-filled flaky rugelach (made from scratch and dipped in chocolate on both ends—with symmetrical precision) perpetually graced the stiffly starched Wall of China tablecloth (never covered in plastic—but always pristine), was the ultimate balabusta.

tenacity and persistence—but it’s what made us, their tens of descendants—all leading Torah lives, baruch Hashem— who we are today.

This introduction might seem more fitting for an article in Seasoned, but, as tasty and consistently perfect as those holupches and cheese blintzes were, it wasn’t the culinary excellence of Babi’s fare that made her who she was. It was the underlying seasoning in every one of those perfectly crafted dishes that kept us coming for more and more. You see, what we most enjoyed in those traditional delicacies was the heart with which they were lovingly, meticulously crafted—a heart that fought fiercely to maintain the standards of her tradition. This was what my Babi embodied, and this was what the Nazis ym”sh sought desperately to uproot and eradicate—and dismally failed.

Standing up against fierce winds is not a new concept to Klal Yisrael; it is our lifeblood, simply taking on new forms in every generation. Wellbeing—the emotional health section we’ve been proud and humbled to run since the early days of Wellspring—is perhaps what most sets this publication apart, even in the frum community. It is here that we bring you content sourced purely in Torah hashkafah, where we explore topics that are so central to our lives, including parenting, marriage, and self-esteem, without a smidgen of chochmah chitzonis. It epitomizes pure, solid guidance and insights—with an unabashedly spiritual bent—all culled from Torah-true approaches largely untainted by the spiritual pollution of modern psychology.

Not yet twenty years old after having endured the horrors of the Holocaust—Auschwitz and all—Babi found herself orphaned of both parents and bereft of nine loving siblings (two sisters miraculously survived along with her) and an entire flourishing community in der heim. Still, like her fellow warriors to whom the credit for Klal Yisrael’s burgeoning growth today is due, she fought heroically to start anew, marrying an equally valiant widower almost 15 years her senior who had lost his own five children in the Gehinnom there—and together, my grandparents built their empire. The journey they traveled could not have been easy by any stretch of imagination, upholding their traditions at any cost, braving forward with old-world temimus and yiras Shamayim. It was paved with sweat and blood,

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

On one of the last times my kids got to see their great-grandmother during a visit to the States from Yerushalayim, they asked her what it was like to live through the Shoah. Already quite weak and abstracted, she summoned the strength and mental energy to describe to them how when she and her young sisters were finally liberated from Auschwitz, it was during the springtime, and they were unsure of the exact date. So they went without bread and other questionable foods, even after days of hunger and thirst, until they were absolutely sure it wasn’t Pesach. This despite witnessing others who couldn’t stand so strong being nourished before their eyes. And that was just one incident…

Honestly, running this section has been quite the challenge. In a world that’s advancing at a dizzying speed, and where so many are at such a loss when it comes to dealing with the hurdles of galus and desperate for any respite or solution, contributions that fit our filtering requirements are hard to come by. However, now that we have reached this milestone—our centennial issue—without yielding from our original vision, I’m taking a moment to reflect in awe at the tremendous siyata diShmaya that has guided us all the way through. It’s not simple to be that lone warrior holding up a flag, but there’s such sweetness in that victory, such beauty in living with emes and clinging to what’s real and wholly healing.

The current mood in our family, with the petirah of our Babi, is reminiscent and wistful. This fits right in with my personal mood regarding Wellspring, as I prepare to take leave from a post that metamorphosed into a work of heart for close to a decade. In fact, in my communication with the talented and highly capable Tziri Hershkovitz—who will be stepping in as the incoming editor-in-chief at Wellspring and bringing with her years of experience in the editorial field—I sometimes got the awkward feeling that I was talking to someone who’d be caring for a child of mine while I’d be away. (I’m sure she’ll do a great job!) This has been a project in which I— along with our dedicated team—have invested my heart and neshamah. I’ve seen it not just as a means to support our growing kollel family, but more importantly as a calling, a tafkid, to help bring clarity, vital information, and even simply constructive, appealing kosher entertainment to thousands of Yidden who want only the best for themselves and their family. It has always been our goal to present not only reliable, reputable content, but also content that readers can count on for its discriminating hashkafic standards. It is our hope that we’ve come through—and may the dedicated Wellspring team merit continuing to come through—on both.

hen I put the word out among the Wellspring team and beyond regarding my leaving the publication, there was one question that kept coming my way: Was the reason for my leave a “bigger and better” job in the wings? Would my career be taking off in a different direction? They weren’t wrong, but not in the way they imagined. That’s because the primary reason

for this decision, guided by da’as Torah, was that while I will still be involved in klal work to some extent—including teaching, counseling, and even writing an occasional article in these pages be’ezras Hashem—the “career” I’m most looking forward to investing myself more in right now is my exalted calling as wife and mommy. In the achievement-oriented culture of the mainstream world, this may appear to be a backward step, but for us Yidden, descendants of women like Babi, who gave their full and total attention to raising their family, it’s the ultimate upgrade. “Give your children your best, not the rest…” a wise saying goes. Of course, there’s a time and place when we mothers must take on work outside the home, and that may even be woven into the tapestry of our motherhood and Yiddishkeit duties, another angle of our dedication toward our family. Also, having that secondary role often serves as a constructive, important outlet that empowers us to invest ourselves more fully in our marriage and parenting. But to be able to take a step back with acute self-awareness and ask ourselves, “Is this enabling me to be more present in my primary roles in this world?”—and to follow that response until the end—is what ultimately ushers so much more joy and love into the most important posts we’ll ever hold, helping us tend more presently to the wellbeing of our family. I don’t think I’ll ever make kreplach as perfect as Babi’s—and that’s okay. But may I, all of her descendants, and all of us women be zocheh to bring our best selves to our families and to Klal Yisrael. I’ll miss you all,

Shiffy Friedman

If you’d like to reach out to me, please write to [email protected] or call the LAHAV Hotline at 646-693-1700 and leave a message. Due to space constraints, the final installment of the parenting series, Unprocessed Emotions Don’t Go Away, will appear in an upcoming issue. You can still submit your questions to [email protected].

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

TAP IN

TAP IN by Gila Glassberg, RDN, CDN, Certified Intuitive Eating Coach

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

QUESTION I was doing well on the Intuitive Eating approach for a nice chunk of the winter, baruch Hashem. Throughout Yom Tov, however, my eating habits left much to be desired. I found myself snacking mindlessly, ate double portions too often, and didn’t concentrate on the nutrient value of the foods I was eating (often late at night). Now that Pesach is over, I am ready to take a good look at my unhealthy eating habits and make some important changes. I know Intuitive Eating isn’t about dieting, and I’ve come to understand that a long-term diet mentality is not what I want, but is it okay to just “go on a diet” for a few weeks to get myself back on track?

ANSWER I totally get your question and your urge to “diet.” I’d like to start by dissecting the question before giving an answer. It is true that for many people, Pesach—and all Yamim Tovim—can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety and guilt around food. At the same time, let us remember that eight days of eating do not significantly impact our overall weight and health. Even if we ate double the amount of calories we usually eat over Pesach, the body knows how to recalibrate on its own and will readjust to our eating after a few days (just like it adjusted to our eating over the eight days of Pesach). This is specifically the case if we’re not ridden by guilt, which generally leads to more and more bingeing. This means that if you’re concerned about your post-Pesach weight gain, know that if you return to an intuitive way of eating, where you do pay attention to what goes into your body without obsessing about weight loss, things will naturally fall into place, with the help of Hashem. On the other hand, every time you choose to “diet”—even if you decide that you’ll stop once you

lose a certain number of pounds—you’re putting yourself through that vicious restrict-binge-restrict cycle again. This can make you feel worse once you stop dieting, leading you down an even more negative path when it comes to food and your body. Now that Pesach is over, all the late-night eating and heavy meals are over. There’s no need for you to detox or reset your system; your liver and kidneys are perfectly good at that. But you can always think of a new day as a great place to start. If you are feeling ready to work on gentle nutrition, you can start slow. Are you having zero fruits and zero vegetables a day? Start with a goal of one fruit a day. Then add one vegetable. See if you wouldn’t mind switching some of your grains to whole grains. Taking on a more nutritious lifestyle doesn’t have to necessitate a complete overhaul of how you eat. We all know that it doesn’t work anyway. Life isn’t black and white—it’s all about the gray. Be gentle with yourself and remember to take baby steps with self-compassion and grace. Diet culture is hard to reject, so kudos to you for doing that.

Have questions about the Intuitive Eating approach? Send them to [email protected] and Gila will be glad to answer them in this space. Gila Glassberg is a Master's level registered dietitian and a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. As a teenager, she was faced with constant diet talk, body shaming, and obsessive guilt around food, but now that she has found food freedom through the process of Intuitive Eating, she's eager to share its wisdom with others. Gila works privately with clients and she also presents workshops. The name of her podcast is Get INTUIT with Gila, and she writes blog entries on her website, www.gilaglassberg.com. She can be reached at 570-878-3642.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

.‫יין מיוחד למהדרין‬ . ‫מיוצר ע״י שומרי תורה ומצוות‬

Heart.Works

sweetness meets sophistication

MAY 2024 / IYAR 5784 / ISSUE 100

Party Time!

Feast on dishes like Falafel Shooters that feel good even after

SWAP BULGUR FOR RICE TO UP YOUR FIBER AND NUTRIENT INTAKE

96 Encore By Yossi & Malky Levine

98 6 Celebration Foods By Esti Asher, MS, RDN, LD

89 Party Time By Yossi & Malky Levine

100

SWAP By Yossi & Malky Levine

My Table Wellspring contributors

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear Cooks,

When we sat down to plan this issue of Seasoned, the big question that came up was whether the celebration should carry over to here, too. After all, “celebration” is the theme of the entire magazine, so perhaps it would be too much to find it in the pages of Seasoned as well. But let’s not kid ourselves. Just as with Yamim Tovim and other celebratory events, food is one prominent way through which we concretize our emotions. Whether we go for comfort foods when we feel the need for them or to party foods when that’s the mood we’re trying to experience, it’s all a part of our humanness. Of course, when food is the only means through which we experience a feeling, that’s an issue of its own that I’ll leave for the Wellbeing crew to address, but here in Seasoned, we’re all for having our menu manifest the kind of vibe we’re trying to create. And so, in this hundredth issue of Seasoned (yup, it’s been around since issue #1), we treat you to an eye-catching spread by the inimitable Levines so that you too can join our celebration. It’s been a pleasure to hear from readers

over the years who’ve enjoyed the hundreds of nourishing, easy-to-follow recipes that have been featured in these pages. We’re proud and humbled to have introduced so many healthful ingredients (like silan and coconut aminos) and foods (like sourdough bread and energy bars) to our widespread Wellspring community. We often hear from readers, “I never thought of using this ingredient/trying this recipe until I saw it in your pages. Its appearance in Seasoned tempted me to give it a try and it has since become a staple in my kitchen…” Our most common request? “I clipped the recipe for ___ and have been making it over and over ever since. I’d love to make it again for Shabbos/supper/snack today and have misplaced the clipping. Can you please send it to me ASAP?” And our response is always a resounding “Sure!” So, never hesitate to reach out. To many more years of happy and healthy celebrations,

Esther

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

Party Time Join us in raising a toast to 100 fabulous Wellspring issues with these party-ready creations. In the spirit of celebration, we bring you elegant appetizer ideas, perfect for entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to something special. Thinking ahead, we’ve chosen to feature foods that can be pareve or dairy so you can display them at your Shavuos kiddush or meal. Whether you’re celebrating a Yom Tov or another event, may it be with happy hearts! Yossi and Malky Levine

Recipes, Styling, and Photography by Yossi & Malky Levine

PARTY TIME

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Avocado Feta Salad with Parmesan Crisps Who doesn’t love a beautiful dish that comes together easily? This vibrant avocado feta salad is paired with crunchy parmesan crisps to make that perfect bite.

1 pkg cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters (reserve some for garnish) 1 small purple onion, finely diced 5 sprigs parsley, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 4 oz feta cheese, cubed (omit for pareve salad) 2 avocados, cut into chunks 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Whole cherry tomatoes, for garnish Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish Lemon wedges, for garnish Parmesan Crisps 1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese

For the salad, place all ingredients in a bowl and toss. For the parmesan crisps, preheat oven to 350°F. Spread cheese on a lined cookie sheet in a dense layer (with no spaces), and bake for 5–7 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then break cheese into long, random shapes. To assemble, fill individual shot glasses with salad, about a third full. Top each serving with one whole cherry tomato and a lemon wedge, for garnish. Place a parmesan crisp over each shot glass and top with fresh parsley.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

PARTY TIME

Falafel Shooters These flavorful falafel shooters are bite-sized perfection. Packed with rich Middle Eastern flavors, they make a beautiful appetizer to display at your event or meal.

2 cups dry chickpeas

½ tsp ground black pepper

5 sprigs fresh coriander

1 Tbsp baking soda

5 sprigs fresh parsley

1 Tbsp sesame seeds

4 garlic cloves

¼ cup cornflake crumbs

1 onion

1 cup techina

1 Tbsp salt

Israeli salad

1 Tbsp paprika

Lemon wedges, for garnish

1 tsp cumin

Soak chickpeas in water for 12–18 hours. (In the summer, it’s recommended to refrigerate while soaking). Change the soaking water every few hours for quicker, softer results. Once done, drain water and set aside. Use a food processor to blend coriander, parsley, garlic, and onion (do not overblend, as mixture will lose its airy texture). Add chickpeas, salt, spices, baking soda, and sesame seeds, and pulse several times. Scrape the sides with a spoon, then pulse several more times until mixture is fully blended but still has a coarse texture. Transfer mixture to a bowl and incorporate cornflake crumbs. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Use a tablespoon to form equally sized balls. Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes on 200°F. Carefully place balls into frying basket and fry for 10 minutes. Repeat with rest of balls (about three rounds). If you’re using a frying pan, fry the balls until crispy and golden. To assemble, fill individual shot glasses with 1–2 tablespoons techina and top with some Israeli salad. Skewer the falafel balls and place over each shot glass. Add a lemon wedge for garnish.

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

SWAP

SWA P

By Yossi & Malky Levine

Rice

Bulgur

Bulgur is an excellent source of fiber, which promotes digestive health. A single cup of cooked bulgur provides about 8 grams of fiber. Packed with essential nutrients such as manganese, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins which play a vital role in energy production, bone health, and immune function, bulgur has a low glycemic index (GI) too. This means that it releases glucose into the bloodstream slowly and steadily, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Due to its high fiber content and relatively low calorie count, bulgur can contribute to weight management and healthy weight loss. The fiber promotes satiety, helping you feel full for longer periods, which prevents overeating. As an added bonus, bulgur contains antioxidants such as tocopherols, which are beneficial compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants contribute to overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Creamy Truffle Mushroom Bulgur Risotto This risotto dish offers all the creamy, indulgent flavors you love, with a nutritious twist. We swapped traditional rice for wholesome bulgur wheat, enhancing the dish with its nutty flavor texture resembling risotto, perfect for those looking to enjoy a lighter yet equally delicious meal. Treat yourself to a bowl of comfort!

In a saucepan, bring water to a simmer. Add bulgur, reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 15–20 minutes until bulgur is tender and liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

1 cup water

2 tsp truffle oil

½ cup bulgur

1 tsp honey

1 Tbsp olive oil

1½ tsp salt

1 small onion, finely diced

¼ tsp pepper

2 frozen garlic cubes

Fresh parsley, chopped

8 oz Shimeji mushrooms, sliced

Fresh parmesan shavings

¾ cup plain Greek yogurt

Olive oil, for drizzling

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are tender. Lower flame, add cooked bulgur, and mix well. Stir in Greek yogurt, truffle oil, and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from flame and transfer to a dish. Sprinkle with parsley and parmesan shavings. Drizzle olive oil around risotto before serving.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

ENCORE

Culinary Memory Lane: Seasoned’s very first recipe feature… Recipes, Styling, and Photography by Yossi & Malky Levine

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

TIDBITS

6 CELEBRATION FOODS

LET’S PARTY! Esti Asher, MS, RDN, LD 98

WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

One of the characteristics of an exciting celebration is that it often features special food and drinks. While many advise finding strategies to avoid celebration foods, my belief is that Hashem gave us tastebuds for a reason, and it is important for us to enjoy these foods— within moderation and with an empowered, positive approach. With this in mind, whether you’re planning to celebrate this hundredth issue together with us, or any upcoming event with family, friends, or colleagues, the following are six ideas of beneficial-to-your-body foods that make for delicious and nourishing options for celebrations and day-to-day festivities.

Vegetable platter with dips Vegetable platters featuring ready-to-eat goodies like carrot, pepper, and cucumber sticks can be a colorful and nourishing addition to any celebration. The variety of color, texture, and flavors guarantee an option for almost everyone at the event, and including flavorful dips will go far to enhance this option.

Yogurt parfaits Both individual yogurt parfaits in elegant cups or a bar displaying different components where guests can assemble their own yogurt parfait can be a fun and customized option for a celebration. Consider including a plain (or lightly sweetened) Greek yogurt for additional protein, and some add-ins such as dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and even sprinkles, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes.

Fruit kabobs Fun for guests of all ages, fruit kabobs are both aesthetically pleasing and refreshingly appealing. Simply cut up fruit into bite-sized pieces and slide onto skewer sticks (or cake pop sticks to avoid a sharp edge). If you experiment with different shapes and colors, the skewers will make an eye-catching centerpiece.

Chicken wraps For a fleishig option, chicken wraps can be a great idea to include at an event. Cut them diagonally in half or into miniature bite-size portions for a beautiful and practical display. Consider using a variety of colorful vegetables (such as romaine lettuce, purple onion, and tomato) along with the chicken for an increased visual appeal in addition to an upgraded nutritional profile.

WELLSPRING / IYAR 5784

TIDBITS

Infused water Clear water pitchers filled with water, ice cubes, and slices of fruit (such as lemons, oranges, and strawberries) provide a cool, refreshing, and nutritional drink option, especially in summertime. Serve with pretty paper straws to upgrade the celebratory vibe.

Stuffed dates This is a snack/dessert option that my clients absolutely love! It’s very rich and sweet yet also nourishing and filled with fiber and protein. Simply slit open a date to remove the pit and check. Then, stuff with nuts of your choice, such as a whole walnut or sliced almonds. For added flavor and texture, drizzle with a nut or seed butter and/or melted chocolate. Enjoy at room temperature or frozen.

Healthy Diet May Reduce Dementia Risk and the Pace of Aging A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and The Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center has provided additional reasons for consuming a healthy diet. Published in the Annals of Neurology, the researchers sought to better understand the biological mechanisms connected to healthy eating and the slowdown in the processes of biological aging. An epigenetic clock called the DunedinPACE was developed by Professor Belsky and colleagues at Duke University and the University of Otago in order to measure the pace of aging. Ultimately, the researchers determined that higher adherence to the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet was most effective for slowing one’s pace of aging. The MIND diet includes whole grains, vegetables—specifically leafy greens—nuts, beans, berries, poultry, fish, and an emphasis on olive oil for a healthy fat.

Esti Asher, MS, RDN, LD, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Self-Care Enthusiast on a mission to help women reach their ultimate health and wellbeing potential inside and out. She shares credible, clear, and inspiring nutrition information with women via her virtual private practice. To contact Esti with feedback or inquiries regarding her nutritional services, please email her at: [email protected] or visit estiashernutrition.com.

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WELLSPRING / MAY 2024

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In a recent study published in Nature Mental Health, researchers studied the brain health of participants in four different diet groups: starch-free, vegetarian, high-protein-low-fiber, and balanced. Previous studies have determined that there are changes in molecular biomarkers, gut microbiota, and brain structure and function when it comes to the impact of food intake on brain health. This current study obtained data from the United Kingdom Biobank with a total of 181,990 participants with a mean age of 70.7. After an analysis of data, including measurements of anxiety, depressive symptoms, psychotic experiences, trauma, selfharm, mental distress, and well-being as some indicators of brain health, researchers determined that those in the balanced diet had the best results.

Before

Despite what fad diets would have us believe, there are many reasons why a balanced diet is ideal. Balanced diets include a variety of foods in moderation and also allow the body to receive what it needs in order to function optimally. In addition, the balanced approach, unlike a too-restrictive diet, is often accompanied by a healthier mindset and long-term successful results in many areas. Recent research has added another reason to be on the balanced diet team—better brain health and cognition.

After

Better Brain Health and Cognition Is Linked to a Balanced Diet

THIS MONTH

In the pages of Wellspring, we share expert advice from some of the community’s most popular and competent dietitians and nutritionists. In this column, you get to see how they practice what they preach in their own kitchens. Pull up a chair at “My Table” and join the chat.

A HUNDRED TIMES OVER What’s the nourishing meal or recipe you can enjoy “a hundred times over”—again and again and again—the type of food you can eat on repeat and never get bored of?

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W L I tell my clients all the time, “If there’s a food you enjoy, eat that more often rather than eating something you don’t love.” No one ever told me they were bored of eating chocolate. For me personally, it’s grilled chicken salad—my go-to supper!

Laura Shammah, MS, RDN

Shani Taub, CDC

Compiled by Shiffy Friedman

Greek yogurt is one food I never get sick of. I may get bored if it’s plain and need to spruce it up with maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and fruit, or mix in protein powder or a cooked fruit. Over the years, I’ve eaten yogurt in so many different ways, including just grab and go straight from the container. It never gets old for me.

My favorite nourishing repeat recipe is my “creamed” spinach. It’s comforting, delicious, and filling as a meal or a side dish. I brown six cloves fresh garlic in a teaspoon of coconut oil. I then add 2–3 pounds of spinach—either frozen or fresh, chopped or whole—and then I add some salt and pepper to taste. In a small cup filled with unsweetened almond coconut creamer or milk I add two tablespoons of either cornstarch or flour. Mix well. And voilà! The smell is so enticing, and you can add this as a base to any meal.

That food would be NuGo slim protein bars, peanut-butter flavored. I’ve been having these bars for breakfast for years! They are tasty and filling and go great with coffee. I order them on Amazon and by keeping them stocked, I know what I’m having for breakfast each day. This way I get carbs, protein, fat, and fiber all in one small, tasty bar.

The food that fits that bill for me would certainly be a super toasty sourdough sandwich with a mozzarella omelet + veggies or a massive romaine salad with tuna, egg, lots of colorful vegetables + caesar dressing (my favorite is from Danielle Renov’s cookbook).

Tanya Rosen, MA, CAI, CPT

Gila Glassberg, MS, RDN, CDN, Bina Gottdiener, CN, CHC

Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC Dr. Rachael Teichberg

When I first saw this question, I couldn’t think of any food that fit the bill. This may sound amusing, but there’s no one food that I love intensely. But then it hit me—my peanut butter and jam bread! This is a breakfast I’ve been having for years, seven days a week (yes, even on Shabbos, with pre-toasted bread). I love toasting a whole wheat bread, smearing some peanut butter, and adding a tiny dab of berry jam. The fat in the peanut butter keeps me satisfied for a good three hours. Paired with a coffee? Pure yumminess.

Food favorites can be tricky for a lot of people. If I had to choose any food, one of my favorites would be French fries. Of course, when people hear this, they often ask, “How can a nutritionist who preaches healthy eating habits dare to announce that one of her favorite foods is deep-fried potato sticks?” Well, first, being a nutritionist doesn’t make me any less human. I too like to indulge in less healthy foods, but I do so in moderation. My program incorporates that moderation, because one of the main issues when dieting is that people think it’s an “all or nothing” situation. It isn’t! Unless, of course, you have a health condition, in which case, you may need to cut out some foods, and even then, depending on the condition and severity, you may still be able to have some favorites—in moderation. Second, I know from experience that cutting out too many things completely will eventually backfire. Most of us will want our favorite indulgences from time to time and should be able to indulge in them. The key is to balance it out and in the right way. I like to add vegetables to most things I eat. There are a plethora of vegetables that count as free on my plan, and there are endless ways to prepare them. Experiment with raw, steamed, baked, grilled, and other methods of preparation, in addition to changing up the spices for more flavor varieties. Last, just because one of my favorite foods is French fries, doesn’t mean I don’t have healthy favorites…but that list is endless.

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The basic idea is to roast a whole bunch of different-colored veggies with salt, pepper, and olive oil. The dressing is an olive oil base with plenty of herbs, some mustard, maple syrup, and garlic. It’s a really forgiving recipe and I don’t think I’ve ever followed it to perfection, but it’s always a hit. That’s what I call a good recipe!

Sheindy Unger, CDC

Esti Asher, MS, RDN, LD

Chaya Tziry Retter, RDN

One of my most successful dishes for any occasion is Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad by Rivky Kleiman. It’s the perfect dish to send to a kimpeturin or to enjoy at shalosh seudos, melaveh malkah, a special dinner, or brunch. It can be paired with milchigs or fleishigs. I have yet to send it to someone without being asked for the recipe! The best part is that it’s so versatile and can be adjusted to anyone’s vegetable preferences.

A meal component that can be enjoyed and requested “a hundred times over” in our home is roasted potatoes! While potatoes often get a bad rap, they have a lot of nutrition to offer, and I’m happy to include them frequently in our family meals. The crispy, flavorful (but nothing fancy—think basic salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder), and hearty potatoes are most often accompanied by a blended vegetable soup and scrambled eggs.

I use my cookbook on a daily basis, “a hundred times over!” Some of the recipes I keep repeating are Power Bowl Loaded Salad (p. 186), Roasted Cauliflower with Techina (p. 21), Razzle Drink (p. 158), and of course Sourdough Bread (p. 200). Here’s just one of my repeat recipes. Razzle Drink 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk 4 Medjool dates, softened in boiling water 2 Tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter) Handful ice cubes Blend all ingredients.

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Heart.Works

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HOLISTIC

C I T S I L O H Why Does My Doctor Claim That Diet Has No Effect on My IBD?

Tamar Feldman RDN CDCES

Digestive Health

This is one of the most common questions I get, usually within the first five to ten minutes of meeting a client with inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. And it’s a good question, particularly as more and more research points in the direction many people instinctively believe to be true—that what you eat can have a direct impact on disease activity in IBD. Patients are often told, “Eat what you can tolerate.” Despite this refrain, approximately 80 percent of patients with IBD believe diet is important in the overall management of disease, and 40 percent of IBD patients have attempted various diet therapies, often without the assistance of a physician or dietitian. Based on the developing research and my own clinical experience, I believe that if an individual is willing to try a dietary approach under the supervision of a trained dietitian and their physician, so long as quality of life and maintenance of nutritional status are monitored, there are few risks with potential benefits. Of course, stopping medication without medical supervision is strongly discouraged and dangerous. But using diet with medical supervision as an adjunct therapy when medication alone has not controlled the disease— or to prevent progression to the need for stronger pharmaceutical therapy—is a discussion patients should be having with their medical professionals. To answer the initial question regarding hesitance on the part of medical doctors to support dietary interventions, I would say that there are three main factors: the still-developing body of research, a fear of patients discontinuing medication without proper medical supervision, and a concern for malnutrition. While expanding research in the coming years will likely bring more doctors on board with dietary interventions, with proper communication, even current patients and their doctors can find common ground on this topic. Tamar Feldman, RDN, CDE, is a dietitian whose mission is to improve lives by empowering individuals to use nutrition to improve their gut health and hormone balance. She is a recognized expert on IBS/SIBO and has developed the Gut Dietitian training protocols on IBS and IBD for Registered Dietitian education. She writes, lectures, and counsels extensively on IBD, IBS, PCOS/fertility, and thyroid health, and is the founder of the gutdietitian.com virtual practice and co-founder of the Belly app.

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Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC

Physical Health

On Metabolism Metabolism, an oft-used word, the clear definition of which many are unfamiliar with, refers to the complex set of chemical processes that occurs within your body to maintain life. While it’s most commonly known for being involved in the conversion of food and drinks into energy, it is also responsible for the building and repair of tissues, and the elimination of waste products. Essentially, metabolism is the engine that keeps the body running. We tend to think that metabolism slows down with age, but this is primarily due to a decline in muscle mass—which makes maintaining an active lifestyle and incorporating strength training crucial for overall health. In short, metabolism does not really slow down as we age; rather, it is the decrease in muscle that impacts our metabolism as we get older. It is important to understand this because it can be prevented. Thyroid hormones, such as T3 and T4, play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Imbalances in thyroid function can impact metabolic rate. Often, one may require a small dose of thyroid medication to speed up metabolic rate. See an endocrinologist if you suspect your thyroid is not under control. Efforts to keep the metabolism in good shape include adequate sleep, movement, a protein-rich diet, and adequate hydration. Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC, a graduate from Mercy College and IIN, runs her functional medicine–based nutrition practice in Toms River, New Jersey, and virtually. Shaindy has tracks for teens, nursing and pregnant mothers, and women peri/post menopause, and tracks for women suffering from hormonal issues. She can be reached at 212.470.7660 or via her website at www.benefithealthprogram.com.

Making Each Day Count

Shiffy Friedman

Spiritual Health

I’ve been counting sefiras ha’omer daily with a berachah for many years (starting from when I was very young, as the final day coincides with my birthday), but this year, I gained a deeper understanding of the seven (actually, ten) sefiros that correspond with the weeks of counting. A few months ago, while teaching the second cycle of Project Kindle, a Torah-sourced program on emotional wellbeing, I came away with a new appreciation for counting the days of sefiras ha’omer. While preparing for the series, I discovered just how intertwined the sefiros are with our inner world, and how, together, they make up the consummate spiritual health we all have the potential to achieve in our lifetime. The first three of the seven sefiros—chessed, gevurah, and tiferes—are primary middos of the heart, and they correspond to important emotions that are at the crux of emotional wellbeing: love, security, and respect. The subsequent three sefiros—netzach, hod, and yesod—are extensions of the first set of emotions. The final sefirah—malchus—is a culmination of them all. (In the count of ten sefiros, the first three are middos of the mind—chochmah, binah, and da’as.) While the sefiros are the modes through which Hashem manifests Himself in this world, we were created in His image, so this time period has great potential for us to perfect ourselves in these middos as well. This means that even if several weeks of sefiras ha’omer have already passed and we haven’t been counting with a berachah, it’s never too late to get working on these particular middos. Perhaps, by the time we reach Matan Torah this Shavuos, we will be vessels that are that bit more polished, ready to usher the Torah’s light into our very selves. In addition to her work as a writer, teacher, and counselor, Mrs. Shiffy Friedman is the founding director of LAHAV, an initiative that spreads awareness about the pathways to connection, contentment, and inner peace through Torah. To receive her free thought-provoking messages on the topic or to learn more about LAHAV, write to [email protected]. To listen to her classes and shiurim, call 646-693-1700.

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