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SEP 2022 ELUL 5782 // ISSUE 80

THE HEALTH MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWISH FAMILY

Waffle Iron to the Rescue

Perfect school-day breakfasts that are nutritious too

SWAP

Why you should start seasoning your dishes with pink Himalayan salt

Off to School, but Still Feeling at Home

How to imbue a sense of security in our kids even when they’re away from us

Feel Good Faster

Shani Taub on eating well before and after a fasts

The Mediterranean Diet, Explained The Juice on Juicing Sample: Part II

The Alarm Clock’s Back

This natural energy spray makes the morning routine so much smoother

Educating the Masses

Dr. Jacob Freedman’s new children’s book tells the inside story of mental illness

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you or a loved one had the misfortune of ending up at the Maimonides emergency room, the experience will forever stay with you. Neglect and ridicule were too often the standard of care, and the wait would often only end by the patient’s passing R”L. It’s time to bring these stories and feelings to light — loudly!

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‫ברוך השם ס׳איז שבת‬

WELLBEING FEATURE

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

‫ברוך השם יום יום‬ WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

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.

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“

WELLBEING FEATURE

I G I B L E FO R

Through his tears, Leiby explained he’d been working on his addition and subtraction when he suddenly discovered the concept of multiplication. On his own, this struggling student had reached a milestone he’d never believed possible and the accomplishment had astonished him to tears.

P 3 ST UDE

U I T I ON ET

•

N • I

“One day, I found Leiby crying as he was working on his math lessons,” says Mrs. Mandel, Naaseh math instructor. “I asked him what happened and his response was wonderful.”

N C E AC CE

THEY SAID

YOUR CHILD

is failing?

aaseh isn’t just another tutoring program. We’re the only frum Montessori learning program in Boro Park, and our tried-and-true methods have helped our students’ learning advance tremendously. We believe that every single child, given the proper tools, can blossom. During our Afterschool Program and at personal sessions through our One-on-One Division, we use the Montessori learning method to help children thrive. Montessori is a teaching method that’s centered around children. In a natural and organic manner, the learning technique allows students to firmly understand their learning. Abstract concepts like math and reading can be difficult to grasp; this method brings the learning to life in a concrete way. To teach math subjects, we give the children Montessori props in the form of visual and physical aids like cards, sandpaper numerals, and counting beads, to allow them to understand the relationships among numbers. By learning the logic of how numbers work, students can advance from basic addition and subtraction to multiplication, division, geometry, and algebra. Our students have covered massive ground in their reading progress. To learn the basics of the language arts, the children used interactive props including sand, a moveable alphabet, and hands-on phonic cards. These tangible elements help them understand and internalize the fundamentals of reading and grammar. Naaseh students have gone on from comprehending the basics of reading to becoming avid readers. Earlier in the year, they were reluctant to

montessori services

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

read books at all. Today, we have to coax them off the library bean bags when their session is over. Whereas writing felt insurmountable before, now our students feel confident with various styles of writing. The Naaseh students learned how to research various science topics and wrote their own research book with their findings. We also went in-depth on learning persuasive writing. One of our students wrote a letter to the Lego company and in response, received a piece of Lego with his name written on it. The hands-on, real-life experience gave him and his fellow students powerful motivation to continue progressing. At Naaseh, we meld high hashkafic standards with the internationally recognized science of the Montessori method. Our curriculum is geared toward children of frum families, with lessons including English, Mathematics, and a Bonus Science Track. In addition to excelling at their studies, we help children succeed on pen and paper tests by applying the knowledge they learn at our Test-Taking Skills course. You’ll enter the new state-of-the-art Naaseh classroom and find children working at tables, on bean bags, and on carpeted floors. The atmosphere is cheerful, with progress happening everywhere. Here’s one student advancing in multiplication, and there’s another working on his writing skills. The space is a snug haven with cozy lamps dotting the room and kid-sized shelves and tables all around. Bright and friendly walls lend lively energy. There’s an outdoor deck off the classroom where our students can revel in the fresh air while completing their work. All these design elements were placed here with

purpose: this is a prepared-learning environment, a space where children come to thrive. To give each child the boost they need, we begin from the very beginning to understand what’s lacking in the child’s learning foundtion. Our trained instructors perform a full assessment of their skills to understand their learning level. This allows us to reach students of all stages, from those who are falling behind to those who are excelling and need more stimulation. With evaluation results in hand, we build an individualized learning program and begin filling in the gaps in their knowledge, and from there, continue learning and growing. Our program is designed to be interactive in the way that students work together to help each other understand their lessons. This teamwork benefits them to learn vital social skills that they can take out into the world. Together they’re a team, a pack, a circle of friends developing knowledge and social prowess. At our Afterschool Program, the girls' sessions are on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and the boys'

WE’LL GLADLY

prove them wrong sessions are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Our students arrive at our classroom after a full day of school, yet the vibe is energized and excited. They experience the feeling of being successful in their work and strive to continue that way. For our One-On-One Division, a Naaseh instructor comes to your home or your child’s school at the times that work for you. These personal lessons bring the Naaseh teaching method and curriculum to your child to help their learning advance.

“

We believe in every single child, and they know it and feel it. Parents who’ve tried other methods find Naaseh and finally see blossoming growth. Children feeling like a failure now see that they can learn.

Our student Raizy expressed her relief. “I knew my 2 times table, I knew my 4 times table,” she said, “but now I actually understand how multiplication works.” In an organic and natural manner, she’s learned essential skills that will carry her through life.

We keep in close communication with the children’s parents and teachers, always remaining updated on where each child is up to. Parents are eager to track their child’s growth, and we send a weekly newsletter report along with pictures of their child hard at work. In fact, the students are so proud of their work, they ask us to take pictures so their parents can revel in their progress.

“

“I knew my son was learning math,” says Mrs. Berger, mother of a 7-year-old Naaseh student, “but the other day when we did math examples together, I was astonished at the level of logic he was using. It’s incredible.”

We’ve come to the end of a successful semester at the Naaseh Afterschool Program and now we’re helping our students flourish through the summer and beyond with the Naaseh One-on-One Division. The Naaseh Afterschool Program runs from September through June in Boro Park; the Naaseh One-on-One Division operates through the entire year in Boro Park and Williamsburg.

Give your child the opportunity to discover and grow. 718.500.3765 info@naaseh.org AF TERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Boys Sessions Tuesday & Thursday I 4-6 PM Girls Sessions Monday & Wednesday I 4-6 PM • Grades 1-6 • Flexible arrival time • Transportation provided • Refreshments served • Centrally located in Boro Park O N E- O N - O N E D I V I S I O N • Elementary-age students • Personal sessions • At home or in school • Boro Park and Williamsburg

*While the stories are authentic, all names have been changed to protect privacy

WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

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EDITOR'S NOTE

A Different Kind of Teacher

or the Cup of Tea column in our back-to-school issue, I usually put out a call to our writers, inviting them to look out for an interview candidate who’s making some kind of contribution to childhood education. Be it a special education teacher or a dedicated reading specialist who’s made their mark on the school scene, these are individuals who enter their students’ lives like malachim and whisk them away from a challenging before to an unrecognizable after.

ut this time, we’ve gone on a tangent and put a different spin on the idea of education. In this back-to-school issue, we bring you an interview with Dr. Jacob Freedman, whose mission is to educate both children and adults in our community about mental health awareness. A distinguished psychiatrist who treats his patients not only with expertise but—more importantly—heart, he recently wrote a surprisingly light book on a topic that’s generally perceived as heavy and dark. In Me and Uncle Baruch, Dr. Freedman invites young readers into the life of a mentally ill young man and his family, conveying a powerful message in a story that is both easy-to-read and enchanting. As

opposed to the stereotypical image of the austere and distant psychiatrist, Dr. Freedman is like the gentle and caring teacher we wish for our kids as they embark on a new school year. Firm, yes, because it’s people’s lives at stake here, but also loving and sensitive, perceiving the individual for his pure essence.

hese are the most valuable components in not only every star teacher, but in every human being with a heart for others: to be able to see beyond the exterior, beyond the trappings, into the soul. Whether it’s the child whose behavior isn’t up to par or the one whose academic deficiencies necessitate untold volumes of patience, the caring educator will draw upon her reserves of love to bring out the best in each student. This is essentially the power of Elul, when Hakadosh Baruch Hu looks toward us with eyes of mercy and love to see us for the dear friend we are, the ani ledodi vedodi li. May we merit emulating in His ways in all our relationships. Kesivah vechasimah tovah,

n a m d e i r F y Shiff

WELL- PUT As a parent, it can be difficult to send a child off to school when he’s feeling anxious. The bonding time you spend with him, validating his feelings and providing helpful tips, goes a long way in boosting his confidence on that big day.

Miriam Frankel, OT WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2022 ELUL 5782 ISSUE 80 Our next issue will appear on Monday, October 3rd iy"H.

JAW BREAKER Medical Saga As told to Roizy Baum I’d never experienced such unbearable agony before. Then, without warning, the entire side of my mouth, extending toward my ear, started throbbing with pain.

WELL INFORMED 14

Springboard

Spiritual Eating

Torah Wellspring

Health Updates

LIVING WELL 36

FYI

40 Community 42

Fitness

Ask

Cup of Tea

90 The Functional Dietitian 93

DIY

WELLBEING 96

OT@Home

FAREWELL

111

SEASONED 12

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

139 Random

48 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS Cover Feature By Leba Solomon, CNWC So the days of math class are thankfully over for most of us (anyone miss their scientific calculator?), but here are some numbers that may actually make a difference in your life. Let’s get started on the counting.

JUICING PART II Sample By Libby Silberman You’ve been waiting in suspense for a month now. Let’s start with the results right away, shall we?

102

WELCOME HOME Wellbeing Feature By Shiffy Friedman After weeks or months of sticking around base, many children will once again transition back into spending many hours away from home, sitting at their desks. But just because their physical location is distant from the environment that feels so comfortable and familiar—the smells and flavors and sights of home—kids can be made to feel secure and “at home” no matter where their school bus takes them.

WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

SPRINGBOARD

On Panic Attacks, General Health, Spending Habits, and More

More Guidelines in Place Issue #79: Feature

I enjoyed reading about the Blue Zones study in last issue’s feature. The author points out that five of the nine factors most common to centenarians are specifically related to naturally occurring aspects of our Jewish lifestyle and environment. What I found interesting was that the behaviors associated with these five factors seemed to be related to the communal and religious aspects of Jewish life (e.g., routines such as davening that facilitate anti14

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

stress, purposeful living, a sense of belonging, and emphasis on family and friends), rather than those relating to physically taking care of ourselves through our diet, exercise, and food intake habits, etc. This led me to wonder whether although we have the mitzvah to guard our health, as a community we tend to place less focus on health as a “mitzvah,” with its own set of halachos and parameters. For the communal and religious aspects of life, we have many halachos and a strong infrastructure in place, but perhaps less so when it comes to diet and exercise—and that’s where we fall somewhat short communally.

Perhaps it’s time we treated diet and exercise and the components of healthy living with the same gravity as those behaviors we perceive to be “actual” mitzvos, and be’ezras Hashem do our part to increase longevity in our communities. M. L.

Mind Over Pain Issue #79: Medical Saga

Last issue’s Medical Saga story brought a very true point to light. As

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Quick Question

SPRINGBOARD

Question: My daughter is back in school for barely a week, and I found nits in her hair. I’m really nervous about it. She has long hair, and I would prefer not to cut it, but of course, I don’t want my toddler to catch them from her, either. Can you recommend a product that is safe to use to get rid of lice and nits?

Answer: That’s an unpleasant surprise. There are some products that are sold for this purpose in local pharmacies. Make sure to check they do not contain chemicals that are known to have undesirable side effects, such as pyrethrum, an active ingredient in lice shampoos that is “possibly” safe when using less than two grams. Otherwise, it has been reported to cause headaches, ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing, and other nervous system issues. Lindane, another active ingredient, has been shown to have side effects as well, such as stinging, burning of the skin, and dizziness. Organochlorine, another ingredient, can be toxic to the brain if not used correctly. For a completely natural treatment, use tea tree oil and/or vinegar. The product called Liceaway (available in local health food stores) both prevents and kills lice and is completely natural and safe to use. Regardless, bear in mind that you will need lots of time and patience to comb your daughter’s hair with a lice comb to remove the nits so they don’t lay fresh eggs in her hair. There may be no need to cut your daughter's hair just yet. Give yourself some time for that. To prevent reinfestation, braiding the hair may be a good idea, since that keeps the hair tied up nicely.

Take care, Miriam Schweid, health consultant and kinesiologist

a health kinesiologist, I come across this so often that I wanted to relate a couple of anecdotes to share with your readers who might identify with these and help themselves in their own situations. When a person has a condition that is not getting better for some time even though they are doing medical treatment, alternative treatment, diet changes, chiropractic, etc., it may very well be due to some emotional blockage, disturbance, or something that is bothering them. (Dr. Sarno discusses this in his book Mind Over Back Pain.) The first step is for them to identify 16

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

the stress they are having. It may be that they are overwhelmed, overtired, unappreciated, not managing, etc. They should find someone with whom to discuss their issues. This person does not have to be a professional; it can be a spouse, family member, close friend, etc. This in itself usually offers at least some relief. Once they know what is causing their condition—and it might very well be emotional—they know in which direction to go in order to heal. A friend who runs a busy children’s store in Brooklyn used to contract strep during every busy season, including Erev Pesach. She had fever

and throat pain. This past season, she took some relaxing supplements and hired additional help and reported that she felt perfect this time. In another case, a teenager could not get rid of her acne for three years. She was seeing a top dermatologist and following a strict diet. When she came to me to test her moisturizer and make up for chemicals, I could not help but hear the constant criticism she was subjected to by her mother—about ten times in the 15-minute session. (“Fix your hair, sit up straighter, say thank you, make sure your pimples are covered before you go out on the street…”) The mother was not happy to hear that

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The Doctor Is In

SPRINGBOARD

Question: My elderly mother recently broke her hip. The doctor mentioned that brittle bones are common in women her age. I’m worried that I may have the same condition. What can I do to strengthen my bones now so I don’t end up with broken bones as I age?

Answer: In the United States, an estimated 10.2 million people aged 50 and over have osteoporosis, a disease that causes weak bones. People with the disease can break their bones too easily, such as breaking a hip after falling down at home. Osteoporosis does not cause symptoms until there is a fracture. However, doctors can evaluate bone strength or “density” using a DXA test. If the test shows lower than expected bone density, doctors may choose to treat this with additional calcium and vitamin D. As people age, their bones weaken. All women aged 65 and older should have bone density testing at least once. Bone density testing might also be appropriate for some men who are older than 70. Factors that increase your risk of breaking a bone include: • having already broken a bone as an adult • taking steroids for a long time • weighing less than 127 pounds • having rheumatoid arthritis

a bone so easily. While there are treatment options for osteoporosis, the best treatment is prevention! To keep your bones healthy, do the following: • Eat foods with a lot of calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables. • Eat foods with a lot of vitamin D, such as milk that has vitamin D added, and fish from the ocean. • Take calcium and vitamin D pills. • Be active for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week. • Avoid smoking. • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to 1 to 2 drinks a day. In addition, you can increase the safety of your home as follows: • Make sure all your rugs have a no-slip backing to keep them in place. • Tuck away any electrical cords so they are not in your way.

• having a parent who broke a hip after a minor injury

• Light all walkways well.

Often, people learn that they have osteoporosis for the first time when they break a bone during a fall or a mild impact. This is called a “fragility fracture” because people with healthy bones should not break

• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with rubber soles.

• Watch out for slippery floors.

Wishing your mother a refuah sheleimah, Jennifer Berkovich, DO, FAAP Member, JOWMA Preventative Health Committee

her daughter’s issue may be emotional pain. (I discussed it with her not within her daughter’s presence.) But since she came to this realization and started doing her part in improving the relationship, the daughter has been showing great progress. 18

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

In another case, a woman sent me a picture of the most unusual skin condition I had ever seen: a blotchy red rash across her neck, chest, and upper arms. It first appeared three months ago, immediately after a shidduch for her daughter did not

work out. She was using creams that cost her $100 every few days, yet the improvement was minimal. I told her to go for yoga classes and take some B vitamins and Bach remedies. Her pain left in a few days, and the blotches are starting to disappear.

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Question:

Now that I’m restocking the pantry for backto-school season, I’d like to know if there are any foods I should keep away from my children.

Answer: I get this question all the time. Parents should be careful to keep the following foods away from their children because of their inherent dangers: • Food that is rotten • Food to which they are allergic Regarding keeping other foods away from children, it’s important to remember two main points: 1) Health is more than just the physical; mental and emotional health need to be prioritized too. When it comes to food choices, if physical health is unduly prioritized over the emotional, this can lead to truly unhealthy relationships regarding one’s food and body. 2) When choosing to limit their children’s consumption of certain foods because they are less nutritious, parents should keep in mind to do so in a balanced and non-pressured manner. Remember that if you make a big deal about “keeping foods away” now, you may find those very foods on the top of your child’s shopping list in years to come When you enjoy a lot of different types of food experiences, you get everything you need. All foods have a place. It’s up to us as adults to teach kids that food is to be enjoyed, not feared. Yaffi Lvova, RDN

Yaffi Lvova, RDN, is a dietitian and food enjoyment activist who encourages positive nutrition through writing, speaking, and Nap Time Nutrition, her video blog and podcast. Find out more at babybloomnutrition.com.

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

Pediatric Nutrition

SPRINGBOARD

While the results of emotional work aren’t always immediately evident, it’s always worth looking into to foster better health and wellbeing. Miriam Schweid, health kinesiologist

Another Tip for Anxiety Issue #79: Community

For the reader who wanted an alternative tip to help with anxiety until she starts to see results from a more rigorous interventions, I’ve had absolutely tremendous long-term results from the 15-week audio program created by Lucinda Bassett, founder of the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety. It’s for people with general anxiety as well as those suffering from panic disorder. She teaches how to get rid of panic attacks. The program is available on Amazon. Name withheld

Why the Omission? Issue #79: Medical Saga

Firstly, thank you for an incredible magazine. I eagerly await the arrival of each new issue and I make sure to read every single page. I especially enjoy Libby’s Sample; she is so refreshingly candid and honest in her findings. The story about the woman who worked on her marriage and cured her daughter from eczema in the interim really resonated with me. I suffered from a mysterious rash that seemingly appeared out of nowhere about two years ago. After spending enormous amounts of time, effort, and hundreds of dollars on vitamins, creams,

I was therefore quite surprised when the article did not mention Dr. Sarno’s method at all, though it is gaining widespread popularity due to the thousands across the globe doing it and being healed from a wide variety of physical problems. (Ditto for the amazing FYI column by Faigy Schonfeld. Acne is another condition for which the Sarno method is helpful, yet it was not mentioned at all, and I know from previous articles

that Faigy is a fan of his method.) Thanks again for all the unbelievable work you are doing in educating the frum world about health. G. R.

It’s Not Only the Food Issue #79: Medical Saga

Thanks so much for the very important Medical Saga that opened a window into emotional healing for physical conditions. I feel that it’s something that needs to be constantly brought to the forefront so that those who are suffering with physical conditions can give this possibility more thought. The more we hear of this connection, the more it encourages us to look into it so we don’t need to suffer in vain.

living in Eretz Yisrael, we were once spending a Shabbos on a moshav, and on Sunday morning I woke up with very itchy hives covering my entire body. I had eaten take-out food on Shabbos, so we figured it must have been an allergic reaction to some ingredient. Still, this was very interesting to me as I’d never been allergic to any foods before. When I later discussed it with a health coach and I added that I had also been terribly aggravated that I’d lost my camera on Friday afternoon, she explained that when the body undergoes a trauma it loses its ability to fight any small allergic reaction. Under normal circumstances, my body may not have reacted at all but because in this case I was under stress, I had to deal with the physical repercussions of my emotional state.

When we were a newlywed couple

Get in touch! Wellspring invites readers to submit letters and comments via regular mail or email to info@wellspringmagazine.com. 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.

P. S. Jackson, New Jersey

Any health information, advice, or suggestions published here are the opinion of the letter writer and are not independently investigated, endorsed, or validated by Wellspring. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional or medical practitioner regarding any medical advice, condition, or treatment.

naturopathic consultations, and homeopathic doctors (knowing that cortisone cream isn’t the answer, and all the while knowing in the back of my mind that my symptoms were probably psychosomatic but not being ready to face the music…), I finally was ready to acknowledge that there may be another reason for my suffering. I am currently doing Dr. Sarno’s method with a Sarno coach and be’ezras Hashem I am on the way to being fully, truly healed.

WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

SPIRITUAL EATING By Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMS

A Fence for Your Food “When you build a new house, you shall make a fence for your roof so that you do not place blood in your home if someone falls from it” (Devarim 22:8)

This mitzvah might not seem to have such universal application. After all, how many of us are builders or contractors concerned with fencing in our roofs? And even if we were, wouldn’t we expect the Torah to speak about the more fundamental aspects of building a home, such as ensuring a sturdy foundation and strong walls to protect us from storms and other natural disasters? The brilliance of this pasuk is that it actually teaches us all of the above. Chazal understand this commandment as prohibiting us from creating any structure or situation in our lives that can lead to physical harm: We are not allowed to place ourselves in a dangerous situation; we are obligated to invest the time, forethought, and energy into creating fences in our lives that protect us from people, places, and things that threaten our wellbeing. If Reuven is trying to recover from alcoholism, he probably shouldn’t take a job as a bartender. If Sarah is prone to speaking lashon hara, she should avoid hanging around the water cooler where her co-workers gossip endlessly about anyone not in earshot. There’s a good reason that no yeshiva building is in the middle of Times Square.

And for those struggling with food, this mitzvah is extremely pertinent. If we really want to lose weight and eat in a healthy and appropriate manner, it might not be in our best interest to attend every kiddush on Shabbos morning. Maybe we can find a way to say mazel tov to the baalei simchah just as davening ends or at some other moment. Maybe we don’t have to show up at a wedding in time for the smorgasbord; we can instead get there in time to witness the beautiful chuppah. And maybe we don’t have to stay until the Viennese table at the end of the night. We can make sure we dance with the chassan or kallah and then leave before the temptation of chocolates, cakes, and sweets becomes too overwhelming. In the month of Elul, when we are focused on teshuvah, it’s not enough to just talk the talk. We have to be willing to make concrete plans to walk the walk—to change our habits. There are many steps we can take if we’re willing to invest the time, forethought, and energy to create a fence for what’s most important to us—taking care of the precious body Hashem gave us. For we, and we alone are responsible for fulfilling this mitzvah.

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 info@soveya.com, or visit www. soveya.com.

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TORAH WELLSPRING By Rabbi Ezra Friedman

It’s All Right There Reconnect to Hashem’s love by finding it within

During the month in which the King is in the field, we get to experience a concentrated version of Hakadosh Baruch Hu’s love. While Tishrei is the month of judgment, Elul is the month of mercy. 26

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Even if we just take a moment to absorb the depth behind the familiar acronym for Elul, ani ledodi vedodi li, I am to My beloved and My beloved is to Me, we can come away with an awe and joy of the love and closeness Hashem feels toward us. Elul is the time when we can tap into this great fountain of love that pours forth from Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Indeed, Rav Moshe of Kobrin zt”l would say that one could feel intoxicated from the love of the ani ledodi vedodi li during these days. It’s the month when, the sefarim tell us, the King is not in His inner chambers, kavyachol, where guards and barriers must be

crossed in order to reach Him, but rather He’s out in the field, where He’s so much more accessible all of His constituents, with a listening ear and an eagerness to connect. These are the days to take advantage of the opportunity to fortify a connection that will last us through the year so we can always feel this love. The Shulchan Aruch teaches that one shouldn’t daven maariv of Rosh Hashanah before the time in order not to usher in judgment in a time of mercy. Commenting on this ruling, the sefarim remind us that since Elul is a month of love, we don’t want to miss out on even a few moments of this precious time. We usually end up hearing this vort, which conveys the awe-inspiring power of Elul, when it’s already erev Rosh Hashanah, but this year, let’s discuss the significance of this month while we can still benefit from this fountain of love and the opportunity of connection, while we can still tap into its incredible power. But when we hear such powerful sentiments, we may wonder what that means for us practically. Okay, so this is a time when Hashem exhibits more love toward me. What does that mean for me in reality? How can I feel connected? We may conclude that what’s required of us is a more extreme avodas Hashem, perhaps more learning, more tefillah. If I do that bit (or lot) more, I’ll finally be able to feel this love. Until we make significant changes, we assume, this celebrated love won’t be coming our way. And with that perspective, Hakadosh Baruch Hu’s ahavah for us feels all the more distant and out of reach. Sefer Devarim, from which we read

during these weeks, is peppered with verses that summarize many of the mitzvos and inyanim that were previously discussed in the Torah. Each summary essentially offers a route through which a Yid can achieve the mitzvos. When the Torah ends its summary of some of the most fundamental mitzvos, including ahavas Hashem and yiras Hashem, the direction it offers lies in a most powerful verse: “Lo baShamayim hu…ki karov eilecha hadavar me’od…—For this commandment which I command you this day is not concealed from you, nor is it far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us and fetch it for us… so that we can fulfill it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and fetch it for us… so that we can fulfill it?’ Rather, [this] thing is very close to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can fulfill it” (Devarim 30:11). Journey Inward Before we start by assuming that loving and fearing Hashem requires extreme measures or is out of our reach, the Torah comes to clarify the reality for us, to offer the truth. All the madreigos in serving Hashem that we can ever attain are already within us: in our mouth and in our heart. We were sent into this world already possessing the blueprint for achieving our greatness, for feeling this connection to Hashem. All that’s left for us to do is discover this within our hearts. With the recognition of this reality, we experience a sense of relief and comfort, knowing that what we

seek is essentially inside us. Still, this behooves us to take a journey within, as opposed to a journey outward. No, the Torah reminds us. You won’t find spirituality only in this place or that location. It’s not in some faraway land or only accessible through undertaking extreme measures. Rather, look for it inside of yourself because it is there. We’re All One What exactly is inside of us, we may wonder. What’s this great love we always hear about that lies dormant within us, that’s at the core of our desire to connect? Our true sense of self, our neshamah, is essentially a part of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. All of us Yidden are practically one, as the Zohar tells us, “Kudsha Brich Hu, Yisrael, ve’oraysa chad hu.” Hashem took a part of Himself, kavyachol, and implanted it into a guf, intending that through our lives in this world we would work toward feeling this oneness again with Him. When a child is first born, he naturally experiences the joy in that oneness, in being one with Hashem. Ahavah essentially means feeling one, and that’s what an infant fully and truly experiences. But soon after, as the child develops, he starts to absorb that there’s an “other.” His little feet bang into the spindles of the crib, and he starts to process that there’s me, and then there’s the crib. With this cognitive development, the child—which was us once upon a time—begins to grasp that there’s an entity other than him that exists. At the same time, he also begins to understand that there are other people out there, too. All of these observations

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TORAH WELLSPRING

We were sent into this world already possessing the blueprint for achieving our greatness, for feeling this connection to Hashem.

and conclusions in our youth contribute to our experience of feeling separate, of feeling the opposite of oneness. When a child merits being raised by caring parents, his being surrounded by love helps him maintain a feeling of oneness—in this case, with his parents. Since the oneness with which he was born is more intact—he didn’t feel too much separateness, loneliness, abandonment, or distance early in life—such a child will find it easier to feel a sense of oneness with others later on, including in his own marriage, and of course, with Hashem. The experience of oneness comes more easily to him because he hasn’t experienced such intense separateness in his past, but every individual can feel this oneness, as the Torah reminds us in Sefer Devarim: it’s not out of reach for you. And the way to do it is not by chasing after something or overextending ourselves on an external journey, but rather, by removing the misconceptions we’ve 28

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had that fostered the separateness we’ve been feeling. It is this errant belief that we are all separate from one another and from Hashem that drives us to seek popularity, fame, material success and that also damages our self-esteem. Our work, then, is to tap into our place within that has never really experienced separateness. It’s the place that has always felt one with Hashem and all of Klal Yisrael. It’s the work of a lifetime, to keep removing the layers and misconceptions we’ve been harboring about Hashem, other Yidden, and ourselves, which brought us to the belief that separateness is a reality. Find the Treasure Like an individual who seeks a treasure in the depths of the earth, the Ba’al HaTanya (1:42) teaches, we too should be digging with great effort, toiling to uncover the treasure of

yiras Shamayim that’s concealed and hidden within. Through this analogy, the Ba’al HaTanya conveys that in order for us to truly find that treasure within, we need to first dig with great effort—to remove all the layers of grime surrounding that diamond, and that the diamond is hidden deep inside of us. True, we’ve piled on the misconceptions over the years, but if we want to tap into our yiras Shamayim, which represents the love and awe we feel toward Hashem, we need to first shed those layers: we may have viewed ourselves negatively, we may have harbored the belief that we’re not worthy of His love, and we may have believed that we are separate from our fellow Yid, a different entity. All of that has left us feeling apart until now, when in reality we’re open to so much oneness— we are all a chelek Elokah mima’al. We’ve never really been separate in the first place! A story is told of a young boy whose father was imprisoned, and he

dazzling geulah. Life, for him, was total bliss. That is, until one day when this now-adult child knocked on the door of his home only to be met with the sound of silence. There was no answer. After knocking incessantly for quite some time, to no avail, he decided to find a place to sleep and to return in the morning. The next morning, when the young man returned, eager to be embraced by the man he considered his father, he was greeted by an angry, agitated ogre, one who didn’t resemble the father who raised him at all, but who was very much the same person. “Get out of here,” he suddenly hollered at the innocent young man, “I don’t want to know you!”

lived with his mother. At one point, the mother could no longer take care of her son and so she was forced to send him away from home. The child wandered from place to place, pining for his father’s love and his mother’s warmth. He yearned for the day when he’d live together again with both of them, embraced by their affection for him. One day, a man who noticed that the child had no home approached him and offered to raise him as his own. True to his word, he provided this child with all of his needs—and then some. The child finally started to thrive again, buoyed by the kind man’s warmth and care for him. At some point, he even started experiencing a deeper sense of connection to this adoptive father than he had for his own father. He felt such an intense love that he felt that he was emerging from a painful galus to a

Understandably shocked and downtrodden, the young man trudged away. Desperate to make sense of the catastrophe that has just occurred to him, that had shaken him to the core, he started inquiring to find out more about his adoptive father. Soon enough, he discovered that the care he’d been given until that day was entirely not the altruistic endeavor he had thought it was. On the contrary, it was merely a ploy so the selfish, money-hungry man could extract great sums from the government. The moment he’d reached a certain age, when the man no longer qualified for receiving those benefits, he had no more use from caring for the child and thus shooed him out of his life, now on the lookout for a new “client.” All of the loving, warm letters the man would write for these children, the young man now understood, were mere words, copies of the letters he’d written before for many others whom he exploited, with no heart behind them. Shocked at this discovery and feeling utterly abandoned and betrayed, the young man spiraled into a state of depression. For days, he couldn’t make sense of what had happened to him, how so much of what he thought felt so right was actually just a farce.

So this man hadn’t truly loved him after all—only the very opposite. But how could it be that he had felt such care and love all those years? It had all been so fake! After much thought and contemplation, the young man finally understood the comforting truth: He realized that ahavah is not something that we get from others. It’s essentially what we have within. All of us are born with the feeling of oneness, of feeling at peace and in love with who we are at our essence. It often happens over time that we begin to pick up messages that we’re not okay, that we’re not deserving to feel that love, but at our core we really do feel a sense of love for who we are as we are. When we’re surrounded by people who mirror that love, who allow us to be who we are, the love we feel is essentially ours from within, the feeling that “feels comfortable” to express itself and be heard. It’s our own appreciation of our self that comes to the fore. Hakadosh Baruch Hu loves us boundlessly. And since we were created in His image, we each have a place in us that is able to experience that feeling of ahavah. The more we uncover the treasure within, the more one we will feel with ourselves, with others, and with Hashem. Sometimes it takes an encouraging Rav, Rebbe, or mashpia, or even a good friend, to facilitate our deepened connection with our self—which is why we enjoy being in their presence, but what must happen in order for us to feel love is to find it within. And there’s no better time than now, in the month of Elul, when the fountains of ahavah run deep, to discover all of this exhilarating oneness inside ourselves, to allow ourselves to feel Hakadosh Baruch Hu’s love for us and to establish a connection that will last us through the year. May we be zocheh to maximize the koach of these days in order to feel truly connected to ourselves, others, and Hashem.

Rabbi Ezra Friedman welcomes questions and comments on this column. Please write to rabbiefriedman@wellspringmagazine.com.

WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

UPDATES By Esther Retek

Make the Cafeteria at Home Where your kids eat their breakfast matters The importance of eating breakfast has been underscored by nutritionists and educators for a while now. However, there might be more to simply eating breakfast, according to a new study conducted in Spain. The results came out just in time for the new school year to inspire you to make some changes if need be. Published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the researchers concluded that eating breakfast at home rather than in school and consuming a nutritious, less processed meal is more important to children’s emotional health than previously realized. Furthermore, eating away from home may be almost as detrimental as skipping the meal altogether. “Our results suggest that it is not only important to eat breakfast, but where young people eat breakfast and what they eat is also important,” says study author Dr. Jose Francisco Lopez-Gil, of the University of Castilla-La Mancha. For the study, researchers examined data from a 2017 survey of parents and guardians in Spain. The survey included questions about kids’ breakfast habits and separately about their psychosocial health, including factors like self-esteem, mood, and anxiety. The study included 3,772 children in Spain between the ages of 4 and 14. The results showed a huge difference between those who ate a more homemade, less processed meal such as homemade cereals, bread, pastries, milk, etc., and those 30

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who didn’t. The first group showed lower odds of behavioral and emotional issues. On the other hand, certain processed foods were associated with higher risk of problems in these areas. More interestingly, the study also highlighted other factors besides nutritional value of the meal that played a role in the results. For example, being surrounded by family while eating and receiving family support at home during breakfast may also play a role in the observed benefits. However, more research is needed to understand the cause-and-effect relationships, the authors said. “The fact that eating breakfast away from home is associated with greater psychosocial health problems is a novel aspect of our study,” Lopez-Gil says. “Our findings reinforce the need to promote not only breakfast as part of a healthy lifestyle routine, but also that it should be eaten at home,” he said. “Also, to prevent psychosocial health problems, a breakfast that includes dairy and/or cereals, and minimizes certain animal foods high in saturated fat/ cholesterol, could help to decrease psychosocial health problems in young people.” Now that the back-to-school morning routines are on the horizon, we may want to reassess how breakfast looks in our home, and what we can do to ensure that our kids get the utmost nutrition to kick-start their day.

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UPDATES

A Good Night's Sleep Can a little more shuteye turn you into a better person? If there’s any month in which we try to flex our giving muscles, it’s Elul. Chazal repeatedly remind us of the importance of working on our interactions with others as we prepare for the Day of Judgment. But turning into a real giver is not that simple a feat—and there may be more to it than just selfishness. Surprisingly, a new study by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, reveals that a lack of sleep can get significantly in the way of this fundamental attribute, with real-world consequences. In the study, published in PLOS Biology, researchers showed how lack of sleep can lead to less giving. This new study adds to a growing amount of evidence suggesting that inadequate sleep compromises on and impairs our basic social conscience, making us withdraw from our desire and willingness to help other people. “Over the past 20 years, we have discovered a very intimate link between our sleep health and our mental health,” says study author Matthew Walker. “But this new work demonstrates that a lack of sleep not only damages the health of an individual, but degrades social interactions between individuals and, furthermore, degrades the very fabric of human society itself. How we operate as a social species—and we are a social species—seems profoundly dependent on how much sleep we are getting.” The new report describes three separate studies in which the impact of sleep loss on people’s willingness to help others were affected. In the first study, the scientists placed 24 healthy volunteers in a functional magnetic resonance imager (fMRI) to scan their brains after eight hours of sleep and after a night of no sleep. They found that areas of the brain that are engaged when people empathize with others were less active after a sleepless night. In a second study, they tracked more than 100 people 32

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online over three or four nights. During this time, the researchers measured the quality of their sleep—how long they slept and how many times they woke up—and then assessed their desire to help others, through, for example, holding an elevator door open for someone else, volunteering, or helping an injured stranger on the street. The researchers found that a decrease in the quality of someone’s sleep from one night to the next predicted a significant decrease in the desire to help other people. The third part of the study involved mining a database of three million charitable donations in the United States between 2001 and 2016. Did the number of donations change after the transition to daylight saving time and the potential loss of an hour of sleep? The researchers found a 10 percent drop in donations. This same dent was not seen in regions of the country that did not change their clocks. “Even a very modest ‘dose’ of sleep deprivation—here, just the loss of one single hour of sleep opportunity linked to daylight saving time—has a very measurable and very real impact on people’s generosity and, therefore, how we function as a connected society,” Walker says. “When people lose one hour of sleep, there’s a clear hit on our innate human kindness and our motivation to help other people in need.” This finding led to a novel approach by the researchers, who suggested that in a society in which people who keep going on minimal sleep are admired, it might be time to shift that focus. Indeed, sleep is one great form of kindness we can offer ourselves—and those around us. And yes, you’ll get more credit for sleeping than staying up late to bake one more cake for Yom Tov.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

I’m glad I went to Maimonides and didn’t go to any other hospital in the city. Jacob Abilevitz

Brain Surgery Maimonides Hospital April 2022

MY STORY:

Hi, my name is Jacob Abilevitz. I was diagnosed with a huge growth on my brain and was recommended to go to Dr. Amit Schwartz, the Chief of Neurosurgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn. I have no idea how he did it because the brain was fitting on the growth and the growth was fitting on the brain with blood vessels going back and forth. It’s unbelievable how he was able to separate it, but he did it. When they woke me up there in the ICU they told me that everything was taken out! The staff at Maimonides was reassuring and stayed with me throughout the entire process.

�

One of many such stories we hear every day from the 300,000+ patients who trust us with their care each year.

UPDATES

Tip

24 in a series

Well Spent

Lunch on the Go Whether or not your child’s school provides meals, your child likely needs an extra snack during the day. Here are some ideas you can try to help you budget those snack expenses.

Get lunchboxes.

Plan meals.

If your kid is taking a meal to school, it may be worthwhile to invest in lunchboxes. Ditch the disposable baggies and other single-use plastic storage items that you find yourself buying over and over. Instead, invest in bento boxes or other reusable lunch containers. There are so many options that are kidfriendly, easy to clean, and perfectly suited for lunch.

When your child chooses what goes into their bag, they’re more likely to eat it, and you won’t be left with soggy cucumbers, grapes, or sandwiches that end up being tossed in the trash. I like to create a list with a few options for each food group and have the child choose which ones they want. For example, I offer them a banana, apple, or nectarine for a fruit; and cheese, nut butter, or hard-boiled egg for protein. If you prefer not to offer options, you may want to tell the child what you’re putting into their bag so that they know what’s in there.

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Keep dairy to the minimum. Dairy tends to be a rather pricey protein. Yogurts (especially if they remain half eaten) sliced cheese, and cheese spreads can add up to a nice chunk. Instead, there are other great protein options, including eggs, chummus, or nut butters. If your child specifically wants dairy, a refreshing cup of milk is healthier, and more economical.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

MY EXPERIENCE IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT MAIMONIDES WAS OUTSTANDING... I AM HERE TO STAND WITH YOU

Rabbi Leib Kelman

Dean of Bnos Leah Prospect Park Yeshiva August 2022

MY STORY: “My father suffered with ill health towards his later years and was a “regular” in Maimonides… I witnessed the consideration the staff displayed in very high-stress situations. And yes - it has been crowded, especially during the height of Covid, but we always were seen, treated, and given respect. A while later, when I was the emergency patient, the quick and on-point diagnosis of the ER doctor had me set up in an OR immediately… The cardiac staff from the surgeons to the nurses are recognized as top in the field for good reason… They are truly outstanding!” �

One of many such stories we hear every day from the 300,000+ patients who trust us with their care each year.

WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

ALTERNATIVE VIEW

BY FAIGY SCHONFELD

VARICOSE VEINS VARICOSE VEINS ARE ANNOYING, UNSIGHTLY, AND SOMETIMES PAINFUL, AND ONCE THEY SHOW UP, THEY TEND TO STICK AROUND AND STAGE OCCASIONAL PROTESTS. WOMEN ARE TWICE AS LIKELY AS MEN TO DEVELOP VARICOSE VEINS, ALTHOUGH THEY CAN AFFECT BOTH MEN AND WOMEN—APPROXIMATELY 23 PERCENT OF AMERICAN ADULTS. TREATMENTS RANGE FROM INVASIVE AND EXPENSIVE (SURGERY) TO HOLISTIC AND LIFESTYLE-BASED (BETTER PLACE TO START, IF YOU ASK ME).

WELLSPRING / SEPTEMBER 2022

WHAT IS IT? Blood travels from the heart to the rest of the body through a network of arteries and capillaries. It then returns to the heart through veins, which contain oneway valves that keep the blood from flowing in the wrong direction. In varicose veins, the valves are weakened or damaged, leaving some blood collecting in the veins, which then causes swelling. Hello, bulgy, lumpy veins.

WHAT CAUSES IT? In a word, increased blood pressure in the veins is the culprit. Any condition that puts excessive pressure on the legs or abdomen can lead to varicose veins—such as pregnancy, obesity, or standing for long periods. Chronic constipation as well as a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute to the cause. Of course, you can always blame your genes; varicose veins do tend to run in families. The likelihood of varicosity also increases as veins weaken with age. Believe it or not, sitting at your desk all day can factor a role too. That’s because sitting puts enormous pressure on the vein valves; the constant downward gravity pressing on the veins can obstruct circulation, causing the veins to swell and push outward. (Getting up for a quick stroll and a stretch is a good idea, but it’s okay to sit with crossed legs. Your sitting position probably won’t cause varicose veins— though it may aggravate them once they’re there.)

WELLSPRING / ELUL 5782

ALTERNATIVE VIEW

STANDARD TREATMENT The good news is that for the most part, varicose veins are not dangerous. Still, most people would like to see them go, as they are rather unsightly and can cause pain as well. There are several options available, including surgery and laser treatment. But they are not all risk-free, nor do they guarantee a successful outcome with no recurrence. So (in addition to compression stockings—some people really like them!) here are some gentler, happier ways to do away with those bulges, with the help of Hashem. Exercise One of the best ways to improve blood flow and lower inflammation is to get moving. According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, remaining stagnant (whether sitting or standing) for a long time is associated with a greater risk for varicose veins. By exercising, you’re helping your veins fight the effects of gravity, making them more efficient at pumping blood back to your heart. On top of that, exercise promotes hormone balance, a healthy body weight, and lower blood sugar—all of which play a role in the development of varicose veins. The Carolina Vascular Institute recommends doing leg lifts, calf raises, bicycle legs, and side lunges—all exercises that strengthen and stretch the veins around the legs and may prevent varicose veins. Walking and swimming are also great since they alleviate pressure. If you already have varicose veins, it’s best to stay away from high-impact activities like jumping and running on concrete or treadmills. (Running on softer surfaces like grass or sand is more advisable.) Diet We want to get rid of inflammation and improve blood flow—and that translates into eating good food and avoiding the bad guys. You don’t want too much sugar, trans fats, processed foods, or caffeine; these can contribute to lots of unlovely things, such as blood pressure issues, low circulation, and hor-

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monal imbalances, among others. Many of these foods are also high in sodium, which is dehydrating, and contain toxins that may aggravate vein swelling. What you’re aiming for is a diet rich in phytonutrient-dense vegetables, healthy fat, and clean protein sources. Some antioxidant-rich foods include citrus fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and certain herbs and teas. Healthy fat sources include coconut products, avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and purified omega-3 fish oil supplements. Wild-caught fish and organic poultry are great sources of protein, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which improve blood flow. Vitamin C is a potent anti-inflammatory that is beneficial for skin, while vitamin E acts like a natural blood thinner, so foods that are rich in these vitamins are recommended, as well. Magnesium is also important for regulating blood pressure, blood sugar, and muscle and nerve function (blood pooling, leg cramps, and blood pressure problems are warning signs of a deficiency), so have some more avocado and nuts, plus bananas, sweet potatoes, and cruciferous vegetables. Foods high in fiber (fruits, veggies, chia seeds, flaxseeds) are also recommended, and so are spicy foods, especially those with cayenne pepper. They heat up the body and get blood flowing, improving circulation and sometimes also appetite control. CRP and Homocysteine Levels According to some, elevated CRP (C-reactive protein) levels, as well as elevated homocysteine levels, are common in individuals with varicose vein or other circulatory issues. High homocysteine levels are associated with deficiencies in nutritional methylation agents. A whole-food-based B complex supplement (containing B2, B6, B9, B12, and zinc) may help with providing the necessary methylation elements to lower homocysteine levels, while systemic enzymes may be helpful for lowering inflammatory proteins like CRP. (Systemic enzymes can also be found naturally in pineapples, papayas, mangoes, honey, bananas, avocados, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kiwifruit, and ginger.)

REMEDIES Apple cider vinegar (ACV): ACV improves blood flow, circulation in the vein walls, and reduces inflammation—all of which lead to lower swelling of varicose veins. Gently massage undiluted ACV on the skin over the varicose veins twice a day for a few months. (When used in conjunction with witch hazel, some report seeing an improvement in just a few weeks.) Another good idea is to add two teaspoons of ACV to a glass of water and drink up! Do this twice a day for at least one month. Olive oil: This may improve blood circulation, reducing pain and inflammation. Mix equal parts olive oil and vitamin E oil and warm slightly. Massage the veins with warm oil for several minutes, twice a day for a month or so. You might want to add cypress essential oil to the mixture, as it’s known to increase circulation and support the circulatory system. Cayenne pepper: We mentioned this earlier in the food department, but if you don’t do spicy, here’s another way to incorporate cayenne pepper as a treatment. Considered a miracle treatment for varicose veins, cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, increases blood circulation, and soothes congested, swollen veins. Stir one teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper into a glass of hot water and mix well. Drink three times daily for a month or so. Parsley: High in vitamin C, parsley is a powerful antioxidant that encourages the production of collagen and aids in cell repair. It also contains rutin, which helps strengthen the capillaries. Boil a handful of chopped fresh parsley in one cup of water for five minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and cool to lukewarm. Strain the solution, add one drop each of rose and marigold essential oils, then refrigerate for a few minutes. Using a cotton ball, apply daily to the affected area for several months. Grape seed: Loaded with numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, grape seed extracts are proven to treat circulatory conditions. Grape seed is commonly found in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract form and can also be applied topically to promote healing.

PUT YOUR FEET UP! Of course, everyone knows that elevating the legs is a good idea if you’ve got varicose veins. In fact, I think it’s a good idea even if you don’t have them. So get yourself a good drink (with apple cider vinegar or without) and put your feet up! It’s good not only for your veins, but for the mind, body, and soul as well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a medical practitioner before administering any treatment or implementing lifestyle changes.

Garlic: A powerful anti-inflammatory, garlic also helps strengthen veins, break up harmful toxins in blood vessels, and improve circulation. Make a paste out of 10–12 garlic cloves by crushing them into a texture that can be diluted. Add the juice of 2–3 lemons (these are high in vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients), and 4 teaspoons olive oil. Allow the mixture to sit overnight, then massage the affected area twice a day for two months.

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WELLSPRING COMMUNITY

Breast Infections

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!

I’m fed up with recurring breast infections. Any solutions to help this exhausted, nursing mom?

There are several natural alternatives you can try, in my experience that have only been effective when taken along with antibiotics. It’s crucial to complete the entire antibiotics regimen, even after you’re feeling better. Another thing that worked for me was getting looser undergarments. I also leave a warm compress on the area throughout the day. This helps avoid clogging. - D. Glaser 40

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After struggling with recurring breast infections after the birth of my second child, a lactation consultant advised me to give her more frequent, shorter feedings instead of longer feedings with longer breaks in between. Baruch Hashem that really worked for me and I stopped getting the infections. Keep nursing on the inflamed side and the infection should go away within a day or two. Warm compresses also worked well for me. Apply them gently on the affected area whenever you have a few minutes. - Chana Grunfeld, Far Rockaway

Breast infections are not fun! You have my sympathies. There are many variables that can cause a breast infection and if you’re getting it so often, you may want to get to the root of the issue. My best advice would be to schedule a session with an experienced lactation consultant who can help discern the root of the problem. It may be the feeding position or a wrong latch. You may too rigid with a feeding schedule, your garments may be too tight, or perhaps you’re not drinking enough water. Reach out for professional guidance so you can resolve the issue permanently. - Menucha H., Monsey

This is my magical cure for mastitis. I keep fresh green cabbage leaves in the freezer and apply a piece to the infected area as needed. I also take sunflower lecithin supplements daily as a prevention and cure. It’s an emulsifier, which makes the milk smoother and helps prevent the ducts from getting clogged. The supplements are available in a tablet or powder. Their taste isn’t especially palatable so you may want to take them with a sweet drink or mixed into applesauce. For me, these supplements completely stopped the infection cycle.

For an infection with fever, mastitis and blocked ducts, try placing raw, shredded potatoes on the area. The process may be messy but it works quickly. You can also try massaging the painful areas using lavender essential oil. Phytolacca is also an effective homoeopathic remedy. - Mimi Schweid, kinesiologist

From my experience, breast infections are often a result of emotional distress, specifically pertaining to mom and baby. For example, when my youngest was just a few weeks old, I married off my oldest daughter. I found that every time I was stressed about taking her along “inconveniently” to appointments or trying to find a babysitter at the last minute, my body would respond with a breast infection. It was almost my body’s way of telling me that these subconscious negative thoughts were an obstacle between my baby and myself. Once I realized what caused this cycle, I tried to work on my thoughts and emotions, and the situation vastly improved. If this resonates with you, you can try what helped me. First, give yourself “me time” for just a few minutes a day. Sometimes we bear subconscious negative thoughts about the baby because we feel they consume our entire day. Giving yourself a few minutes will help that. Second, turn at least one feeding per day into a baby-focused experience. Although nursing in itself is an opportunity to bond, if we’re juggling too much, it may easily turn into just one more task we can do while busying ourselves with another several tasks (getting phone calls done, reading emails, texting, listening to a podcast, etc.). So for at least one feeding per day, try to remain focused on your baby. Enjoy the bonding experience and see what it does for you and your baby. - Breindy S., 3DT Practitioner, Jerusalem

I recommend reading Much More Than Milk by Mrs. C.N. Schreiber. It’s an incredible book about nursing that is a must-read for all moms, regardless of stage. In her book, the author lists some of the reasons why a woman may keep getting infections: You may be feeling stressed and demanding too much of yourself; the baby may not be latching on properly; you may have used a pump soon after birth, which interferes with the natural rhythm of nursing; the baby may be missing too many feeds; clothing or undergarments may be too tight. She also writes that often, a woman will get an infection when other family members have the cold or flu. When you feel an infection or blocked duct coming on, here are four simple things you can do to relieve symptoms and avoid infection: 1. Get into bed and rest all day. 2. Let your baby nurse all day as much as he wants, especially on the inflamed side. (The baby will not catch the infection.) 3. Warm the area with a hot shower or warm compresses. After feedings, you can apply cold compresses to reduce fluids and swelling. 4. Drink a lot of water. - G.R. Canada

Next Up: From when they’re about four weeks old, my babies start spitting up a lot. One of them even lost too much weight from spitting up so excessively. Acid reflux has been ruled out as a culprit. Any tips or tricks to prevent or at least minimize the spit-up? My pediatrician suggests holding the baby upright for a minimum of 15 minutes after each feeding but I don't find that foolproof and I'd love some more advice. Thanks! Want to share what worked for you with a fellow Wellspring Community member? Send your response to info@wellspringmagazine.com.

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

- Bruchy D., Williamsburg

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