How to maintain mental focus

The technological advancements made in the 21st century have undoubtedly made life easier in many ways, but this golden age of gadgets has not come without some negative side effects. Thanks to the near-constant availability of the Internet and devices like smartphones and tablets, many men and women find it difficult to maintain their focus throughout the day. But while such distractions are never too far away, there are some ways to stay focused and productive.

Get more exercise. Studies have shown that exercise and improved mental focus are linked. In a 2013 analysis of 19 studies involving more than 500 children, teenagers and young adults, researchers found that exercise sessions between 10 and 40 minutes immediately boosted concentration and mental focus. That improvement might be a result of exercise increasing blood flow to the brain. Men and women who find themselves struggling to focus at work after lunchtime may benefit from incorporating some exercise, whether its a brief walk or a more strenuous workout, into their midday routines.

Perform breathing exercises. Nervousness is an oft-overlooked cause of loss of focus. When nervous, breath can become shallow and restricted, which can have a negative impact on the flow of oxygen to your brain, making it more difficult to concentrate. Professional athletes have long espoused to the virtues of breathing exercises as a means to calming their nerves, and professionals can follow suit. Some simple breathing exercises can help busy professionals multitask more effectively by helping them concentrate on the tasks at hand and overcome the distraction of having so much to do at one time.

Stay hydrated. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that dehydration caused loss of focus and a sense of fatigue among women. While the loss of focus was considered insubstantial and the study only examined women, remaining hydrated throughout the day may make it easier to focus on work and other tasks throughout the day.

Get adequate sleep. One of the best ways to improve focus during the day is to make sure youre getting enough sleep at night. Sleep deprivation produces a host of negative consequences, not the least of which is its impact on cognitive functioning. Research has shown that sleep deprivation compromises alertness and concentration, making it more difficult to focus at work and tackle tasks that require deep analysis and thought. In addition, a survey from the National Sleep Foundation found that sleepdeprived men and women are less likely to exercise and eat healthy diets, each of which can boost mental acuity.

Focusing in todays atmosphere of constant distractions can be difficult, but men and women can overcome diversions by employing a handful of successful strategies aimed at improving concentration.

Aging Excellence

In May 2015, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers changed its name to Aging Life Care Association (ALCA - aginglifecare.org) . Aging Life Care is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for older adults facing on-going health challenges. Aging Excellence has always been a certified and proud member of this organization since its inception. Our Aging Life Care Professionals are certified health and human services specialist who act as a guide and an advocate for families who

live near or far and are caring for older relatives here in Maine. They provide the expertise and answers at a time of uncertainty and assist clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individuals independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Our Aging Life Care Professionals are able to address a broad range of issues related to the well-being of their client. They also have extensive knowledge about costs, quality, and availability of resources in Maine.

Think you need a hearing aid?

If you need or think you might need a hearing aid, you should call Mark Vail today hell test and evaluate you for the hearing aid you need in the comfort of your home and youll be happy with it.

By visiting people in their homes, Mark can make the best assessment of what the persons needs are. Sometimes, he visits people at their places of work because of concerns there. This attention to detail shows up in the low return rate he has.

You can reach Mark Vail at 284-9600 or toll free at 877-284-3400. Call today and youll be hearing better soon.

MassageCraft - CHRONIC PAIN?

We have the answer. Looking for relief from chronic pain that can actually improve your health? Reduce pain, sleep better, and increase your body awareness through massage, acupuncture, yoga and polarity. Strengthen your bodys own healing mechanism. Let the experienced staff at MassageCraft put you on the road to recovery. Our practitioners have over 75 years of combined experience in eastern and western massage techniques, acupuncture, yoga, and polarity.

Not sure whether you need acupuncture or massage? Choose acupuncture for pain complicated by digestive distress, menstrual issues, respiratory problems, anxiety or depression. Too sore for a back massage? Acupuncture can alleviate back pain with a few needles placed in the hands.

Are you feeling the effects of too many hours at the computer? Are golfing or gardening leaving a painful imprint on your body?

A deep tissue massage will work out the stiffness, soreness and knots. Your muscles will be longer, suppler, and you will be less prone to re-injury. Not to mention the positive effects both acupuncture and massage have on your sleep and stress levels.

MassageCraft & Acupuncture Clinic was established in 1991, with convenient locations in Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach. We accept workers compensation and some private insurance upon benefit verification. We offer corporate discounts to UNE, SMHC, and MBH. MORE WEEKEND OPENINGS AVAILABLE. Call 286- 8416 or 934-0849 for an appointment. And please visit us at our web site: http://www.massagecraft.com.

WHAT IS THE CAPE ELIZABETH HOME?

Were a private, not for profit residence offering seniors an attractive alternative to remaining in their own homes.

Who lives at the Home? Men and women seventy and above who are independent enough to care for their own personal needs - those not requiring assisted living or on site medical services.

What do we offer? That safe feeling you get from knowing others are close by... The helplfulness of our caring staff...The pleasures of chef-prepared meals...A warm and homey atmosphere...Laundry and housekeeping services, weekly activities...A residence custom-built with seniors needs in mind.

Conveniently located right across the bridge from Portland, near shopping, medical facilities.

Please call 799-4992 for more information - or better yet, why not arrange for a visit and personal tour of the Home? We look forward to meeting you.

Did you know?

Studies have shown that music can have a beneficial impact on both mental and physical health. In a meta-analysis of 400 studies, researchers at McGill University in Montreal found that music can reduce stress and boost the immune system. Thats because listening to music increases the bodys production of immunoglobin A, an antibody that plays an critical role in the function of the immune system and cells that attack viruses. A 2013 study even found that music can help children during visits to the emergency room. Researchers at the University of Alberta studied 42 children between the ages of 3 and 11, discovering that those who listened to relaxing music while having an IV inserted reported less pain than children who did not listen to music. In addition, children who listened to music during the adminstration of the IV exhibited less anguish than the children who did not listen to music. Healthcare workers even noted the ease of administering IVs to children who were listening to music compared to patients who were not listening to music.

Rolnick Chiropractic Wellness Center

Dr. Ellies Health Tips:

Health Tip of the Month: The importance of the proper amount of sleep cannot be ignored. Yes, not getting enough sleep in a night results in a very tired day. But new research shows if your overall pattern of quality sleep is lacking, the negative impact on your health can be huge. According to the Journal of Neuroscience, without sufficient sleep, the neurons in the brain show signs of degeneration. Interestingly, catching up on sleep, like a weekend of sleeping in, does nothing to repair the damage. In the journal, Neurobiology of Aging, research shows that poor sleeping habits cause brain damage and even accelerate onset of Alzheimers disease. Sleep deprivation causes disruption of certain synaptic connections that can impair your brains ability for learning, memory formation, and other cognitive functions. Maintaining a natural rhythm of exposure to sunlight during the day and darkness at night is a crucial component of sleeping well. Suggestions for improving your sleep include keeping the temperature in your bedroom below 70 degrees F, and avoiding electromagnetic fields near your bed. This means that you have to keep cell phones and other wireless devices, like modems away from your bed.

Thought for the Month: Finish each day before you begin the next, and interpose a solid wall of sleep between the two. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chiropractic Thought for the Month: The brain is the master controller of the body. If there is miscommunication between the brain and other parts of the body this can also impact your sleep. Chiropractors specialize in removing that miscommunication and helping your body function at its optimum. Many of our practice members report more restful sleep as one of the side effects of their chiropractic care!

For more information, call Rolnick Chiropractic at 207-283-1168 or check out our web page at http://www.rolnickchiropractic.com

Home Snuggers answers your questions about RetroFoam Insulation:

1) How much will it cost? It depends on your homes size, age, and configuration. The average is about $4,500 and Efficiency Maine pays about $1,200 of that for most customers. 2) How long does it take? Usually no more than a day or two, and its usually applied from outside. 3) How much will I save on my heat bill? That varies between different homes. We find 30% - 40% is common. 4) How does RetroFoam work? RetroFoam goes into the enclosed cavities and hidden gaps. It reduces outside drafts and

increases thermal resistance / R-values. 5) What else should I know? RetroFoam is eco-friendly, odor-free, a Class 1 fire material, pest-resistant, and sound dampening. 6) Where does it come from? Its made in Scandinavia. We import it from Norway. 7) How can I be sure that its well sealed? First, our technicians are highly trained. We check everything with a thermal imaging camera and the post testing by the Efficiency Maine Certified Energy Auditor gives you and us another level of quality control.

Individual Care of Maine

Q. What makes Individual Care of Maine different from other In Home Care companies.

A. A few things separate us from other in home care companies.

First; We prioritize getting outside daily as it pertains to each client. depending on the physical abilities of each client we try to walk an move each day.

Second; We believe in cooking exceptional meals. There is just something about a home cooked meal that is good for the soul. When we train we also incorporate some cooking lessons to get our caregivers thinking about exceptional nutrition.

Third; We pay our caregivers way above the industry norm. We work as a team and help one another. When the caregivers are happy everybody is happy. In most situations the saying the client comes first is the norm. We believe this but we also feel that the caregiver also comes first. If the caregiver is well compensated and well supported by their employer, inevitibly ensures that the caregiver takes pride in the job that he or she is doing. When you take good care of your employees they, in turn take good care of the client.

Q. What was the inspiration for Individual Care of Maine

A. A dear friend was having a terrible time finding quality help with her mom who was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago. She was going through many caregivers and was continuously stressed about what was going on at hom while she was at work. Caregivers were calling in sick, not showing up, and sometimes just not a good fit for the family. Having been in a role as a caregiver as early as age 22 when my dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor and then with a son needing ongoing surgeries from a bone disorder, and then being a cancer survivor myself I understood both sides of caregiving. I understood the stress and worry of caring for a family member and also recognized the difference my caregivers made in my and my familys life while I was undergoing my own treatment for cancer. I was inspired and I knew how I wanted our company to look. More human and less corporate.

SANCTUARY HOME ORGANIZING Get Ready for Summer!

As summer approaches, you will definitely want to be outdoors enjoying all Maine has to offer. But are you ready for summer--or guests? Together we will take on the coat closet, mudroom, and garage to set aside winter clothing & sports equipment and make room for summer. While we are at it, we can clean out that spare bedroom, re-evaluate the linen closet and get the bathroom decluttered to create an inviting space for your guests. If the living areas need paring down, we can tackle that as well. Getting your home ready for sale? I can help with downsizing & staging using your own furnishings. You will be amazed at what we can accomplish in 3 to 4 hours! Call me, Leslie Girmscheid, of Sanctuary Home Organizing for a free evaluation. For more information and organizing tips, check out my website at http://www.SanctuaryHomeOrganizing.com. Contact me at 207-272-6027 or leslieg@maine.rr.com.

Did you know?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks occur suddenly and are periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, pounding heartbeat and/ or accelerated heart rate. People in the midst of a panic attack may also experience shortness of breath or feel as though they are choking or being smothered. Feelings of impending doom may also occur during a panic attack. Anxiety disorders, including panic disorders, may be caused by the interaction of certain genetic and environmental factors. These factors include behavioral inhibition in childhood, exposure to stressful life events in childhood and adulthood, anxiety disorders in close biological relatives and a parental history of mental disorders. Anxiety disorders are generally treated with psychotherapy or medication, or a combination of both.

Did you know?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessivecompulsive disorder, often referred to as OCD, is a common, chronic and long-lasting disorder. When a person has OCD, he or she has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts, or obsessions, and behaviors, or compulsions, that he or she feels an urge to repeat over and over. Common symptoms that a person is suffering from obsessions associated with OCD are a fear of germs or contamination; unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion and harm; aggressive thoughts towards others or oneself; and an urge to have things symmetrical or in a perfect order. Examples of compulsions associated with OCD include excessive cleaning and/or handwashing; ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way; repeatedly checking on things, such as checking to ensure the oven has been turned off; and compulsive counting. While many people experience one or more of these symptoms from time to time, those who cannot control their thoughts and behaviors, even when they are recognized as excessive, may be suffering from OCD. In addition, the amount of time a person spends on these thoughts or behaviors may be indicative of OCD. The NIMH notes that people with OCD generally spend at least one hour per day dealing with obsessions or compulsions.

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Health & Medical | sentry.mainelymediallc.com | South Portland Sentry - Sentry

Composerand sitarist AnoushkaShankar is among the most recognisedIndian classical musicians.

Since she began playing the instrumentfrom a young age under the tutelage of herfather, the late Pandit Ravi Shankar, Anoushkahas become a master in her own right, releasingeight studio albums andgarnering sixGrammy nominations, as well as a British House of CommonsShield and a Songlines Best Artist award.

She was also named an Asian hero by Timemagazine and was one of the first five femalecomposers to be added to the UK A-level musicsyllabus. Her latest album, Land of Gold,is a bold statement on the refugee crisis.

Anoushka spoke to Eastern Eyefrom her home in California.

What projects are you working onright now?

Ive just finished a classical tour andIm still touring my album Land ofGold on and off throughout the year.The main project I have coming up isthat Ive just been commissioned towrite the score for the BFIs main restorationfilm this year; its a silent filmfrom India called Shiraz from the1920s. The premiere performance willbe at the Barbican in October.

Youve worked with quite a few differentartists in quite a few differentgenres. What is it like to do that?

Its always been one of my favouriteways of growing and learning and alsomaking music that represents myworldview. I grew up learning classicalIndian music but I also grew upacross three continents, living a verymulticultural and globalised lifestyle,so it made sense to make music thatfelt like who I was.

Is there anyone in particular whoyoud like to work with in the future?

Bjrk is always my stock answer becauseshes been one of my favourite artists since I was a teenager. If I ever had the opportunityto work with her, I definitely would. Iveloved her music for 20 years. Shes an incrediblerole model for female artists.

Youve worked extensively in both Britain andthe US. Has the shifting political landscape inthose countries affected your music or yourpersonal life?

Both, yes. My last album was written in responseto the refugee crisis and its given me an opportunityto tour around the world and talk aboutsomething thats so incredibly urgent and important,while also connecting with people from anartistic viewpoint about it, which sometimes canreach people in a different way.

As you say, Im from London, I live in Europe at least for now and Im an American and an Indianas well. Everything thats happened this pastyear, while it affects us all, I feel that it affects meon a personal level. It still remains to be seenwhat is going to happen as far as details go withBrexit. Im a touring musician and I work withpeople from around the world, so theres nodoubt that its going to have a huge impact on theway I work and probably the content as well.

While touring the US, has there been any noticeablechange?

Its been interesting, I almost feltso trepidatious before cominghere (to America), but in someways I was almost surprised thatlife is kind of continuing on, andof course it would be. Ive had asuccessful tour and played somelovely concerts for some lovelypeople, and that isnt so differentthan it was a year ago. It kind of gave me a bit ofhope that maybe the world is not ending.

Do you feel that Americans and Europeans reactany differently to your music compared to Indianaudiences?

I get asked that a lot, and its hard to pinpoint thecorrect answer. Because I do so many differentkinds of things in the past few months aloneIve come to America to play at the Lincoln Centreand Disney Hall with an orchestra and Ivecome with my own projects as well as well asplaying in many different kinds of venues to differentkinds of audiences, I feel like that makesmore of a difference than what country youre in.

An opera house audience in England is similarto an opera house audience in any other country.Playing in a little jazz club in one country is thesame as playing in a little jazz club in anothercountry. But playing an opera house and a jazzclub in the same city can feel like universes apart,as far as the type of audience and the musictheyre looking for.

I feel like one does find an incredibly sophisticatedaudience for something like Indian classicalmusic whether youre in New York or Chicagoor Paris. Its a wrong assumption to think that onehas to play in India to get an audience that knowsthat music.

Can you tell us about Sukanya, the opera thatyoure working on?

Its my fathers opera, he wasnt able to finish itbefore he passed away. The conductor, DavidMurphy, has been the one who is mainly workingto complete it. Ive been helping him in an advisoryrole when it comes to some of the Indian elementsand aspects. Thats been really fascinatingbecause opera and Indian music have never reallycome together before in this way. It kind ofmakes me laugh that my dad, even at the age of90, was still coming up with new areas to createbridges. Thats going to have a big premiere thismonth, so Im looking forward to that.

Some people have the view that opera is somewhatelitist. Do you feel that Sukanya, as it hasyour and your fathers names attached to it, isexposing opera to a new or younger audience?

My experience is that exposure to an art formcreates an understanding and an intimacy withthat art form; its that simple. If children grow uplistening to classical music, then classical musicdoesnt feel foreign or elitist to them. I thinktheres a lot to be said for countries where schoolsstill teach music and dance, and the kind ofthings that can normalise the kind of stuff a lot ofpeople dont have access to.

Do you have a specific audience in mind whenyoure writing music or is it a more personalprocess for you?

I write from a personal viewpoint. My attempts atwriting music for a specific audience dont workas well as when I write from a place of truth. I feelthat as an artist, if you write from a place of truth,there will be an audience for that. We dont necessarilyhave control over who that audience willbe or how big it will be, unfortunately. People respondto truth in art, it has to come from the soulin order to move people, so as much as possible Itry to come from an internal place.

People respondto truth in art, it has to come from the soulin order to move people

The things I do to be mindful of connecting topeople is more about presentation and communication.When I do a show, especially a classicalshow, Im a little different than alot of the classical artists out there;Ive always made it a point tobe very comfortable on stageand show people that werehaving fun and to laugh ifwere laughing and sharejokes, and not create thatreally sterile and formal atmospherethat can sometimesbe a part of that world. I feel that it invitesthe audience to relax as well. Ive heardpeople say I perform as if Im in my livingroom, and I try to approach it that way aswell. That can make a huge differencewith music that some people mightbe a little afraid of or are notsure how to approach.

Can you share your Riyazpractice routine for us?

It really depends, right nowIve just finished an intensivetour and performed 14 showsin the past 16 days, so I probablywill very happily not playfor a week to 10 days. For me,thats actually an importantpart of the process.

I have two very differentways of practising. One is verymuch about warm-ups andscales and strengthening exercises,and theres somethingvery calming and meditativeabout that for me because Ivedone that my whole life. Thentheres another more creativeway of practising, which is morelike playing than practising. Itsjust about sitting in a room andplaying a melody to immersemyself in music.

What have you been listeningto in your free time?

When Im busy, I listen tovery relaxing music. Ivebeen going through a bigpiano phase at the moment,and then Im reallyinto some of the newwave classical minimalism,especiallywhen it crosses over into electronica bit. Nils Frahm, OlafurArnalds, that kind of really vibey,trancey, meta stuff. Other thanthat a lot of world music, likeImarhan and Tinariwen. Itspretty eclectic but when Imvery busy it definitely tonesdown because it helps me relax.

Is that a conscious choice, tokeep your tastes eclectic andfind new artists?

Occasionally, but Ive alwaysbeen drawn to that. I hit a saturationpoint with each individualsound and style at some point,and having that kind of broadmusical taste keeps things fresh.I just love music, so it blows meaway the amount of styles andforms of music there are and howincredible they can all be.

Do you think of your legacy?

I grew up around so many masters, my fatherprobably being the greatest example ofthat, so the concept of legacy has been aroundmy whole life, but certainly not in context ofmyself. I know that Im in my 30s now but I tendto think of legacy in terms of the people I grewup around. Maybe in 10 or 20 years Ill startthinking of what I want to have left in theworld, but Im not quite there yet, Im still seeking and moving forward, learningand growing.

How important is recognitionto you?

Its a mixed bag because I grew upwith so much recognition, almostbefore I had earned it for myself.That can be an odd feeling, like Istarted out with something toprove, to prove that I deservesomething that I had just beengiven. That can feel somewhatuncomfortable. When I work I putmy sweat, blood and tears into it;when something I have workedreally hard on and is really specialto me gets a response and resonates.

aperson telling me that my music has meantsomething to them, that kind of recognition ismind-blowing.

Recognition is such an intangible concept thatits so hard to give a single answer. When its aperson telling me that my music has meantsomething to them, that kind of recognition ismind-blowing.

Do you pay much attention to critics?

I wish I could say I dont. I try not to, but I do. If Ihave a new album Ill fall into temptation andread my own reviews. There might be eight thatmake me feel really good and then two that willmake me wish that I hadnt started reading in thefirst place.

If it is criticism of the constructive variety there have been a few reviews over the years thathave come from very knowledgeable reviewers, Itake some of that criticism on board. But thatsvery rare in the grand scheme of music criticismthese days.

Do you play any instruments in your free timeaside from sitar?

Not really. I learned piano as a teenager andsometimes in the studio that can come in handyas an aid when composing or writing. But I dontplay anything else to the level of playing in frontof anyone. Very occasionally, if theres somethingin the studio that needs to get padded out I cando that on a drum, but I would never record myself,I would get someone else in to do it.

Do you have a routine that you like to performbefore going on stage?

I can be quite ritualistic about that time beforestage. Its pretty relaxed but also focused. Eventhe act of putting make-up on is 20 minutes bymyself away from the band and just thinkingabout the show and getting kind of quiet. Thereare some stretches I do too. Sometimes Ill listento music and sometimes I prefer the quiet. I likea mix of having a bit of social time with my bandand then going off on my own.

What is your favourite venue to perform at?

There are a few; I love the Royal Festival Hall inLondon, the Barbican, and although I haventdone a solo gig there, the Roundhouse. On a classicalscale, the Chicago Symphony Hall is one ofmy favourites. I love Joes Pub inNew York in terms of more intimate,jazzy venues. There are a lotof amazing venues out there.

What about festivals?

The real magic happens whenyoure outdoors. My favourite festivalever was in 2013 when I playedBoom Festival in Portugal. I listenedto a lot of psytrance growing up, itwas a big part of my life and I hadbeen to that festival a few times as apunter. There was something aboutgoing back there with my music.

There were 30,000 people there alldancing to my music with the fullmoon rising in the sky, and it justfelt like one of those really magicalmoments of confluence where allthese different threads of my lifewere coming together.

Youre performing one of your fatherscompositions at the Proms.How do you approach playingsomeone elses music, particularlyyour fathers?

Maybe a classical violinist wouldhave grown up playing lots of peoplescompositions, whereas for me, in Indianclassical music its not so common to play otherpeoples compositions. But I learned from my father,I grew up playing his compositions almostexclusively until I started composing for myself.So playing his music is something that is verynatural for me. Its the music I learnt, its musicthat I feel like I have a relationship with.

playing his music is verynatural for meits musicthat I feel like I have a relationship with.

Its been an interesting journey in the yearssince he passed away because something has obviouslychanged about playing his music now. Idont do it as much as I used to, so now when I goback and play his music theres something verymagical about it. It brings something to life forme, Im engaging with something that was createdby my father. Its just a very beautiful experience.

Do you have any advice for any younger classicalmusicians?

Playing a classical music form is hard, theres noescaping that it takes dedication and focus. But italso takes not losing sight of why youre doing itin the first place, not to get lost in that seriousnessand to keep in contact with that love andthe fun of it as well. Theres a piece of magic thatcomes from that that gets lost otherwise. To havea good teacher is pretty essential in our classicalmusic especially, because its not a written downform, you really need to get the best teacher youcan find.

What do you see as the future of Indian music,given the dominance today of film music inpopular culture?

Theres been such a marriage of the corporateworld and the artistic world, nothing seems to beable to happen without sponsorship and corporateinvolvement. Its great that its helped financestuff that has no room otherwise, because of theway the media only sort of focuses on film music.But that also doesnt bode well for artistic creativityand freedom because everything ends up havinga commercial angle. I can find that a little dishearteningat times. I just hope it all goes well.

Do you feel like youve been able to work outsideof that system given who your father was?

Yes and no. Ive had the fortune of being able tocreate a very strong platform for myself based onthat foundation, so Ive been able to have certainartistic choices throughout my career where Ican say no to a lot of things. Because I work on asort of international scale, I can work elsewhereif one place is too corporate-heavy and I feel likeI dont want to sell myself.

But then again Im not outside the systemwhen the system is operating in an area I want towork in. India is an important country to me andI like playing in India. When I go there, with eachpassing year the scene kind of changes and thataffects me too.

From your perspective, how has it changed inthe past decade or so?

Some of the changes are good. There is the youngergroup of my peers and people maybe 10 yearsyounger who have grown up in the 1990s andhave been exposed to a more international artisticoutput; theyve created a really beautifulchange on the modern side of India, where theywanted to have access to the music they love.

Theres kind of a whole scene that is a lot moreopen and a lot more varied, and thats fantastic.

As told to Drew McLachlan

Read more from the original source:

Anoushka Shankar on music, refugees and her legacy - Easterneye (press release) (subscription)

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Beatrice Trum Hunter, who wrote "The Natural Foods Cookbook" in 1961, long before organic foods became a staple at supermarkets, and who took an early stance against pesticide exposure, sharing information with "Silent Spring" author Rachel Carson, has died. She was 98.

Family members said Trum Hunter, died Wednesday night in hospice care in Hillsborough, New Hampshire.

Trum Hunter "was writing and educating Americans about whole, organic foods decades before the farm-to-table movement took the country by storm," said Vita Paladino, director of the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University, which has a collection of her personal and professional papers.

"Her quiet determination forever changed America's relationship with food and nutrition; we are proud to safeguard her remarkable legacy," Paladino said.

A native of New York City's Brooklyn borough, Trum Hunter and her husband, John Hunter, bought property in Deering, New Hampshire. They turned their home into an inn in the summer that exposed city dwellers to organic and natural foods. Trum Hunter made her own muffins, bread and soups.

Her interest in nutrition grew after she read what she called a "mind-blowing" book published in 1933, "100,000,000 Guinea Pigs: Dangers in Everyday Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics," by Arthur Kallett and Frederick J. Schlink. It argued that the population was being used in a massive experiment undertaken by food and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

"The first thing I did was to cut out sugar," she told Yankee Magazine in a 2015 interview, "and then I began to use more whole grains and more fresh vegetables." She even gave up apples for a while, concerned about the chemical sprays. Schlink published "Consumers' Research" magazine, which she joined as food editor.

When "The Natural Foods Cookbook" came out, Trum Hunter said she attracted some criticism from some dietitians and nutritionists because she wasn't using processed foods. She said others thought of her as a "crank." Through the years, though, the book has become a classic.

"Beatrice blew my mind and my sense of possibility wide open," Frances Moore Lappe, author of "Diet for a Small Planet," told The Associated Press in 2002. "I still remember my excitement in trying out her shocking combinations: barley, dill and mushrooms? Wow!"

Trum Hunter also favored meat, eggs and butter. Years later, she said she would have eliminated many of the organ meats from her book, which carried a recipe for brain salad, for example. "They were so ignored by many other cookbooks at the time," she told New Hampshire Public Radio in 2004.

Trum Hunter also was contacted by Carson before the publication of "Silent Spring" in 1962, about the potential harm of chemical pesticides to the environment. She shared research with Carson about DDT and other pesticide use.

"She was influential in helping Rachel Carson find evidence for the damage done by chemical sprays to wildlife and birds," said Linda Lear, who wrote the biography, "Rachel Carson: Witness for Nature."

In all, Trum Hunter wrote 38 books and numerous articles and columns. Some of her other works include "Gardening Without Poisons," ''The Great Nutrition Robbery," ''Our Toxic Legacy," and "The Sugar Trap and How to Avoid It."

Another passion was photography. She inherited photo equipment from her late mother-in-law, photographer Lotte Jacobi, known for her candidate portraits of such renowned figures as Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt. Trum Hunter's work focused on ice crystals. She exhibited her work throughout New England.

More:

Pioneer of organic food cookbooks dies like she lived, quietly at 98 - NH1 News

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Organic Foods And Beverages Market Analysis By Product (Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Fish & Poultry, Dairy Products, Frozen & Processed Food), Organic Beverages (Non-Dairy, Coffee & Tea, Beer & Wine)), And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" report to their offering.

The global organic food & beverage market is expected to reach USD 320.5 billion by 2025. Growing popularity of non-GMO products among consumers, owing to the health benefits associated with their consumption, is expected to drive the demand over the forecast period.

Fruits and vegetables dominated the global organic food market accounted for over 37% of revenue share in 2015. Furthermore, increasing consumption of meat and poultry products resulted in the fastest growth of the segment and is expected to grow substantially at a CAGR of 13% over the forecast period.

Non-dairy beverages such as rice, soymilk, and oat beverages accounted for over 33% of the total share of organic beverages market in 2015. However, beer and wine is projected to grow substantially at a CAGR of 13.5% over the forecast period owing to increasing global economic conditions and high consumption of a broad range of flavored beverages.

Companies Mentioned

Key Topics Covered:

1. Methodology and Scope

2. Executive Summary

3. Organic Food & Beverage Industry Outlook

4. Organic Food & Beverage: Product Outlook

5. Organic Food & Beverage Market: Regional Outlook

6. Competitive Landscape

7. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pwrfvd/organic_foods_and

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Organic Foods And Beverages Market to Reach $320 Billion by ... - Business Wire (press release)

Soybeans on a Central Illinois farm.

Earlier this year, an investigative piece inthe Washington Post revealed thatsomeorganic milksmay not deliver the health, animal welfare and environmental benefits shoppers expect. If that already hasyou rattled, another bit of discouraging news may further alter your shopping habits.

It turns out that some organic corn and soy imported into the U.S. does not meet USDA organic standards, the Washington Post reported in an otherinvestigation.

As much as half of the organic commodities American food companies use is imported, including soy and corn. And where those products are used, which is usually within a companys supply chain as ingredients or feed, imposes countless problems for the food industry.

On one hand, the organic edamame purchasedat a store such as Trader Joes or Costco is probably safe. The same goes for any other frozen or canned vegetable product you have stored in your kitchen.

The trouble, reports Peter Whoriskey of the Post, is that shipments of soy and corn on their way to become animal feed for organic food companies often dont meet organic standards. The USDA requires producers of organic foods such as eggs, meat and dairy to use organic feed which is why there is often a sizable price difference between conventional and certified organic food products.

But the problem is the paper trail. Companies that import certified organic products must keep receipts and invoices. But the USDA does not require companies to trace these products back to the farms at which these crops were grown. Meanwhile, records that Whoriskey and his team at the Post were able to obtain revealed high levels of residue on products grown in Ukraine and China. Yet dubious paperwork some importers had submitted allowed them to fetch a far higher price for the product due to the organic label on its products.

The USDA claims to take a harsh stand against companies that flout its organic certification rules. The agency says that the use of fraudulent documents to market or sell crops as organic can result in fines of up to $11,000 per violation. And the agency publicly posts a list of companies found to violate its rules; it was last updated on Monday.

The problem, however, is that such enforcement measures are weakened by spotty inspections. Farmers can hire the inspection companies of their choice, and they are often scheduled days or weeks ahead, which eliminates the chance of any spontaneous visits. Furthermore, testing for pesticides is not a standard practice, and is only conducted sporadically. The result, said Andrew Porterfield of the Genetic Literacy Project, is that as many as 43 percent of the organic foods sold in the U.S. could have substances prohibited by USDA organic guidelines.

Everyone is hurt by the USDAs lack of rigor when it comes to ensuring that organics are actually organic by definition. Farmers and ranchers in the U.S., already squeezed by thin margins, find it tough to compete against imports that are often cheaper and may not even be a genuinely organic food product in the first place. Food companies and retailers have their brand reputation put at risk because of doubts sowed within their supply chains. And consumers are left wondering if the extra money spent on supposedly certified organic products was a waste not to mention the fact that they and their families could have been exposed to chemicals they thought would never occur due to the premiums they had paid for supposedly safer foods.

Image credit: Kevin Dooley/Flickr

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Not-So-Organic Corn and Soy Revealed in Food Companies' Supply Chains - Triple Pundit (registration) (blog)

Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska on this day, May 19th, 1925. I consider him one of the signal figures in the spiritual history of the United States. Ive written here about him before. But, I never feel Ive quote captured what I hope to share. So, one more time

Malcolm was the fourth of seven children. His father a Baptist preacher and an outspoken advocate of Black self-reliance. The family moved first to Milwaukee and then to Lansing.

His father was killed when he was six years old, while ruled an accident the family believed in fact he was murdered for his outspoken call for social justice. His mother was committed to a mental institution when he was thirteen. After bouncing from foster home to foster home, he fell onto the streets and into crime.

At the age of twenty, while serving a term in prison Malcolm discovered the Nation of Islam.While a controversial American religious movement with little connection to normative Islam, it offered him sobriety and a purpose. And he embraced it like a life raft in a raging sea. There he also received a new name.

Malcolm X.

Malcolm quickly rose to leadership. But at the same time he was increasingly aware of the problems within the Nation as well as how far its teachings were from authentic Islam. He delved deeply into the religion that the Nation had lifted its name from, and eventually converted.

Within his conversion we find the beauty to be found in the Muslim faith. For him a major step in his deepening spirituality, now as Hajj-Malik El Shabazz.

I think about his relationship with first the Nation and later with normative Islam. For African Americans, particularly black Americans in the mid nineteen sixties, the complicity of the Christian churches not only with slavery, but with its half life continuing at that point for just shy of a century, had soured many hearts with that tradition.

With Islam here was a religion that, while it has many, many shortcomings as well, at least preached racial unity from its inception. This proved something powerful. And opened a world of possibilities both for him as a person, and, truthfully, for all of us. While still holding everyone to a sharp accountability, Malcolm Xs Islam was a path toward reconciliation of both the spirit and the world.

Sometime in 1963 he began collaborating on a memoir with Alex Haley.And then it all ended. On the 21st of February in 1965, he was assassinated by three members from the Nation, who saw him as an apostate.

But they were too late to shut down his message.Mr Haley finished the project and the Autobiography of Malcolm X was published later that year.The Wikipedia article on the book tells us When the Autobiography was published, the New York Times reviewer described it as a brilliant, painful, important book.

In 1967, historian John William Ward wrote that it would become a classic American autobiography. In 1998, Time named the Autobiography of Malcolm X as one of ten required reading nonfiction books. James Baldwin and Arnold Perl adapted the book as a film; their screenplay provided the source material for Spike Lees 1992 film Malcolm X.

One could call it one of the great American spiritual narratives. If you havent read the Autobiography, you might find it worth while doing so. It is an indictment of white America. Brutally honest, with both himself and the world he found himself in. And at the same time the Autobiography sings a deep and authentic song of hope.

Because of his death people can speculate without consequence as to where his spiritual and political journey would take him. Me, I like to think he would have found Sufism. There are aspects of his spiritual journey that suggest it could have been the culmination of the journey.

But, of course, only a fond fantasy. Malcolm Xs life becomes one of those great ifs.

Kind of like ours at this moment. Where this choice or that dictates a whole different story going forward. Doors opening and closing, all depending on what we, that is you and I choose to do.

May we choose wisely

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Malcolm X: A Meditation - Patheos (blog)

FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can come with a lot of anxiety, depression and other symptoms that affect quality of life. But mind-body therapies, such as yoga or meditation, may help ease these troubling concerns, a new study suggests.

The researchers reviewed previous studies done on 80 integrative therapies.

"We have good evidence that [some] mind-body therapies -- such as meditation, yoga, relaxation -- can provide benefit to breast cancer patients during and after treatment," said study researcher Heather Greenlee. She's an assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.

"And we do have evidence that acupuncture is very useful in managing pain," she added.

Evidence about dietary supplements and botanicals, however, are lacking when it comes to helping symptoms and side effects, she said.

Greenlee and her colleagues conducted the study to update clinical guidelines for the Society for Integrative Oncology. Greenlee is past president of the society. She said that past research indicates that as many as eight in 10 people with cancer turn to complementary or integrative therapies at some point.

The study looked at complementary and alternative therapies, defined as those outside the range of conventional treatments. Complementary treatments are those used along with conventional care, she said. Alternative treatments are often used instead of conventional care. She prefers the term integrative therapy, which describes the use of non-conventional treatments in conjunction with conventional care.

The researchers limited the study to integrative therapies for breast cancer patients. Use of these treatments is popular among women with breast cancer, and there is evidence for some treatments.

The research didn't include information on any potential survival benefits, because the studies are lacking that evidence.

The integrative therapies were graded. An A grade indicates there is strong evidence in favor of that treatment, and B is moderate. C represents preliminary evidence. D means the evidence suggests the treatment is not effective. H means the treatment has the potential to be harmful.

Meditation got an A. This therapy was found to have the strongest evidence, recommended for lessening anxiety, improving depression and quality of life. Yoga and music therapy got a B for lessening anxiety and improving mood. Yoga also got a B for improving quality of life. Yoga, acupuncture and hypnosis got a C on fatigue improvement.

Acupuncture and acupressure, when added to conventional drugs for lessening chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, got a B.

One supplement, acetyl-L-carnitine, can cause harm, the study found. This supplement is used by breast cancer patients to help with fatigue or with nerve problems associated with chemotherapy, according to the study. But the investigators found the supplement was ineffective for fighting fatigue, and could worsen nerve problems.

The new guidelines are welcome news, according to Matthew Loscalzo. He's a social worker and the executive director of supportive care medicine at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif.

Loscalzo's program includes mind-body and other treatments with conventional care, and he said the treatments recommended by the guidelines do help reduce stress and other symptoms. He also agreed with the finding about supplements.

Loscalzo said that his biggest concern is patients who turn to the unproven supplements and don't seek conventional medical care. "I have women coming in with cancers that would have been cured a year ago," he said, if they hadn't chosen to seek only alternative treatments.

In particular, Loscalzo said that he especially cautions people to avoid St. John's wort, used for depression, and mega doses of supplements. Some treatments can interact with chemotherapy, he explained.

But mind-body therapies are helpful for treating emotional stress and other problems that can accompany a cancer diagnosis, Loscalzo said.

Patients need to start with their doctor when considering a non-conventional therapy, he suggested. "Your doctor should be able to direct you," Loscalzo advised.

The guidelines were published online April 24 in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

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Yoga, Meditation May Ease Some Breast Cancer Symptoms - Arizona Daily Star

Many of us dont look at peoplesitting motionless on cushions with their legs crossed meditating and associate that scene with joy and happiness. Weve been conditioned by daily exposure to advertising to associate joy with a fizzy soft drink, a delicious looking alcoholic beverage in a glass with a long stem, a slim model wearing glamorous clothes, a tropical beach gently caressed by clear blue water bordered by a shady grove of palm trees, a brand new sports car with the top down cruising along Californias route 1 toward San Francisco and a penthouse apartment that looks out over New Yorks Central Park at sunset. These are the paths to joy and happiness we crave, not being bored watching the breath come in and out.

I remember bringing an optimistic but grim attitude to my first week long meditation retreat over thirty years ago. I knew Id be expected to sit very still for up to an hour at a time, then alternate that with very slow walking meditation from early in the morning until late at night. I was ready for meditation boot camp. I knew my body would ache, my knees and back would be sore and my mind would want to run away. But I hoped that if I could survive the first few days, then maybe Id get some joy out of it. Sort of like the enjoyment I might get when I stop hitting my head against the wall.

I did hit a different sort of wall at my second meditation retreat about a year later. I had been pushing myself very, very hard to excel at meditation. After about five days I was exhausted and in agony. There was a painful knot in my shoulder I just couldnt make go away no matter how hard I tried to relax. I finally gave up and let the knot win. Defeated, I returned to the basics of the meditation practice and started all over again. And a few minutes later, it changed and let go. And in that moment I suddenly realized the goal of meditation practice. And then I tasted an exquisite kind of joy that has deeply changed me.

Many people build their lives around serial experiences of pleasure. We look forward to attending the next game, the next concert, the next date, the next trip. These are the moments we prepare for hoping that well experience exuberant joy as our team wins, the stimulation of the concert washes through us and transports us, bodies touch releasing intense flows of intoxicating hormones, and exotic food delights our taste buds. All these experiences have to be arranged so the intense stimulation comes from the outside of our bodies to generate feelings of joy and pleasure inside our bodies.

The joy and pleasure I experience at a meditation retreat can be a little different. As I am sitting quietly watching my breath or walking slowly feeling the soles of my feet, I notice things that spontaneously bring me joy and pleasure. I notice a feeling of warmth as sunlight touches my skin; a cool breeze that strokes my arm; the bright color of a flower on a table in a vase delights my eye; the sound of gurgling water in a stream or the wind softly rustling leaves in a stand of trees soothes my ear. Simple foods can be ecstatically pleasurable as I taste them with undivided attention even oatmeal! Ordinary, daily experiences become extraordinarily enjoyable. The only difference from normal life is the level of peace in my mind and of continuous attention to each moment.

Spending a few days quieting the mind and body and developing greater moment to moment attention cultivates a quality of consciousness that is commonly referred to as mindfulness. It is a very familiar kind of consciousness for most of us that arises when we have self-awareness or self-knowing. I feel my fingertips and I know that what I am doing in that moment is experiencing sensation in my fingers. This is a different experience from tapping my fingers on the table absent mindedly while being distracted thinking about dinner plans or organizing a to-do list. We go in and out of this self-knowing experience. At a meditation retreat, the goal is to develop a continuous experience of this self-knowing which can bring big shifts in our experience. The mind becomes much clearer, more present, and more responsive to what is happening in each moment.

When we are attentive to the interface between our minds and bodies and the world and let go of trying to control, add to or remove from that interaction but just sit still and watch it, gaps appear between our desires, aversions and distractions. In those gaps, there are unanticipated and unexpected moments of peace that have a sense of joy and heart opening that spontaneously arise. Suddenly there is the experience of joy and peace without being cultivated, planned or plotted out.

Knowing that the joy and peace I seek isnt someplace else to be sought out and collected but right here under my nose and available in any moment has been deeply liberating. It has progressively freed me from thinking there are some external or internal conditions that need to be satisfied for me to be happy. There can even be joy in the grip of great pain and discomfort.

The conditioning of our minds stands in the way of this liberating experience of joy. The belief that satisfying desire, avoiding discomfort and distracting the mind from the present will bring enduring joy is a delusional error perpetuated by our culture to enslave us and future generations. The path to liberation is already right here, right now and instantly available.

We just need to change our minds and begin knowing it.

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The Joy of Meditation - Albany Times Union (blog)

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 23-year-old woman cut off the genitals of a so-called "swami", or godman, who was allegedly sexually abusing her since she was in her teens and who allegedly tried to rape her on Friday night in Pettah.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan called her "courageous".

According to the police, the incident occurred on Friday night when Gangeshananda Teethapadam, alias Hariswami,allegedly tried to rape the woman at her residence. Sources told TOI the woman alerted the police immediately after she chopped off the man's genitals with a knife. She called the emergency 100 number because she was afraid the alleged rapist would kill her.

Read this story in Gujarati Police said that the man, 54, had been allegedly sexually abusing the woman since she was in Class 12.

The accused claimed to be a saint associated with the Chattambi Swami Ashram in Kollam, but the ashram authorities denied any association with him.

"He was a brahmachari at the ashram 15 years ago. Later, he quit. But it is learned that he was using the ashram for his fame," said an official at the ashram.

Read this story in Malayalam

Deputy Commissioner of Police Arul B Krishna said the woman's father has been bed-ridden for years. Her mother became acquainted with Hari as she appointed him to conduct regular 'poojas' at the house for "removing all the problems faced by the family."

Police have charged the alleged rapist with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act because the woman said that she had been facing abuse since she was in Class 12. The woman said to the police that she had told her mother she was being sexually abused by the 'swami'.

"We may also register a case against her mother for abetting the crime," the DCP said.

Pettah police said they have not filed a case against the woman who's been allegedly abused "as they feel it is their responsibility to morally support her."

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Woman cuts off genitals of alleged rapist in Kerala, CM calls her "courageous" - Times of India

By FPJ News Service|May 20, 2017 07:49 am

Ujjain: A grand religious feast will be organised at Jaigurudev ashram from Monday to Wednesday. Lakhs of devotees from India and across the world have begun arriving in the city to participate in the grand event. Successor of Jaigurudev, Umakant maharaj will host a naamdan ceremony during the event. At the event , one lakh people will take a pledge, under the guidance of Umakant maharaj, to follow a vegetarian lifestyle on May 23 at 7 pm, which will be included in the Golden Book of world records. The ashram authorities have made extensive arrangements to host lakhs of people for 3 days. The ashram, spread over 185 acres, has been turned into state wise colony which will not only host devotees from India, but also USA, Dubai, Nepal, Australia and other countries.

To cater the distinct tastes of these devotees, 100 temporary kitchens have been set up in the ashram premises, providing delicacies from different parts of India. The participating devotees will render their services in all activities, right from cooking to cleaning, during the event. Media in-charge Pushkar Dutt Sharma informed that teams have been created for the smooth functioning of different departments like cleaning, security, medical care, potable water, media, administrative and electricity amongst others. The Clean India movement will get special mention during the event, with hundreds of volunteers continuously endorsing the movement. They will render their services around the clock in order to maintain cleanliness in and around the ashram, by collecting litter in cloth bags. They will also motivate visiting devotees on cleanliness.

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