Health & Beauty

W hen your toddler collides forehead first with a coffee table, you bring them to a top-rated plastic surgeon. Should your child have learning differences, you call the most highly recommended education specialist and book an expert ski instructor if they love to ski but can’t get o the bunny slope. We protect our children and nurture their passions and goals. When our children need guidance, help, or inspiration, only the best will do. SilverBell Coaching (SBC Global) is known for its exceptional commitment to discreet healing, family support, and seamless reintegration care. Whether addressing challenges such as addiction, mental health, or disordered behaviors (eating, ADD/ADHD, OCD), or helping parents engage in loving, efective conversations with their children regarding the risks they encounter in today's world, SBC Global represents the very best. SBC is the best thing that could have happened for my son’s recovery ~ S.G., mother. The SBC Global difference is its founder, Natasha Silver Bell. Natasha’s no-judgment philosophy is steeped in spirituality and acceptance. Under her guidance, SBC Global creates openings for transformation and growth by working directly with a global resource bank of Behavioral / Health, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists, and Diagnostic Clinicians to unearth a unique path for each client. SBC Global ensures its teams receive training from best-in-class clinicians and experts, including Columbia University professors, pioneering practitioners, and leaders in Mental Wellness health and science. SBC further distinguishes itself through its work with clients’ families and loved ones. The client’s path is at the center, with the family invited to weave throughout the client’s journey. SBC surrounds both in a sphere of compassion and healing. “It has been a pleasure to work with SBC for 6+ years. I could not be more appreciative of the high-quality professional coaches that can be made available immediately in most regions worldwide. The clinical work is of the highest quality, and their professionalism is exemplary. SBC is my first call when I need resources for a patient crisis requiring additional in-person support or when a patient needs substantial support in a long-standing substance or mood disorder case. I know my patients are in good hands with SBC, and I refer to them with confidence and peace of mind.” - Dr. Kelly Woyewodzic, MD Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine The need for mental wellness services has never been greater. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, adolescent overdose deaths increased 94.03% between 2019 and 2020, and another 20.05% from 2020 to 2021. SBC knows every crisis presents an opportunity to heal, grow, and repair. To adolescents, SBC is a friend, mentor, cheerleader, and coach. For parents, SBC is a trusted partner, asset, and guide. For both, SBC is a beacon of light in dark times. We will be forever grateful to Natasha for her guidance. You really need to know how important it is to do what she is doing. She is touching lives in ways she may never know. C.W., mother As Natasha says, “Where there is life, there is hope."

R ebesana offers a groundbreaking approach to improving aging and promoting a healthier and more active life. By targeting the root causes of aging, stimulating cellular regeneration, maintaining the immune system, preserving muscle mass, and promoting cognitive function, Rebesana works to decelerate aging targeting all molecular pathways identified today: three longevity gene pathways, telomeres, glucose metabolism and antioxidants. Dr. Carl Giordano has devoted his life's work to understanding and unlocking the key to healthy aging. Applying his years of research to creating Rebesana, he is now putting longevity within reach for anyone. So What Causes Aging? Aging is a series of small cellular errors that our body encounters. These errors accumulate over time and lead to cells losing their identity. As cellular identity is lost, our cells, tissues and organs are unable to maintain themselves and our bodies age. When this occurs, our bodies are less efficient at repairing themselves, leading to issues like loss of energy, impaired immune system, and organ function. The mission of Rebesana is simple: maintain cellular identity, and guide our cells back to peak performance to slow and even reverse the effects of aging across all body systems—skin, hair, heart, brain, lung, muscle, tendons, joints, and even blood glucose. Revolutionizing Aging With Rebesana, aging becomes a journey of continued growth, well-being, and fulfillment, enabling individuals to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Encouraging cellular renewal helps add years to your life and life to your years. Don't just take our word for it. Hear from Gabe Hjertstedt, a two-time PGA winner and professional golfer. "I started Rebesana several months ago and noticed a difference in my energy level. More importantly, as a professional golfer, I no longer need anti-inflammatories. I competed in The Senior Open Championship in 2022 at Gleneagles, and I hope to compete professionally in golf for as long as possible."

T HROUGH HER 10-STEP METHOD, THE FORMER CORPORATE ADVERTISER TURNED HOLISTIC WELLNESS COACH LEADS CLIENTS THROUGH A TAI- LORED, TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY BACK TO THE BASICS.

D ear Marci, Living in the Northeast, my favorite season is summer. I find I feel physically and emotionally stronger and much happier. I know this is because food grown in the summer sun is better for us, but what exactly makes it healthier?  Summer Foodie Fan It’s true, summer in the Northeast is a powerful time~what’s not to love about long sunny days, warm ocean breezes and vibrant hues of vegetation. It’s a beautiful time of year but there is so much more going on here than just a pretty face. In a synchronized dance of nature, the summer solstice, tilts the earth closer to the sun, and for the Northern Hemisphere, we have longer days, shorter nights, and yes, thanks to the summer sun, we also have much healthier food. The healthier food part is really a collaboration. More sunlight, results in more chlorophyll being produced, and, in turn, photosynthesis increases, producing more oxygen for the air, and healthier, more nutrient dense plants. The true genius of Mother Nature shines through at this time as she infuses the intense heat of the summer sun, with the longer duration of sunlight hours, to create a higher concentration of phytochemicals, the healthy components in plants, that help us prevent disease, repair inflammation, and improve our mental health. The foods we eat that grow in this magical summer sun deliver maximum health benefits, and also because of this powerful summer heat, plant growth is more abundant, resulting in a plethora of seasonal and locally produced food options, harvested at the peak of their ripeness. And even better, much like the sun is absorbed into plants, sunlight exposure on our skin stimulates Vitamin D production in our bodies, helping with calcium absorption, bone health and giving us a much stronger immune system. And for what I like to call Nature’s pièce de ré·sis·tance, the powerful summer sun warms our bodies, nudging our brains to produce more dopamine and serotonin, ultimately delivering a platform for better mental health. My father was the first person to teach me the value of fresh summer foods. Every time we would visit a local farmstead in the summer, he would pick the ripest tomato, take a bite, and tell me, “The only way to eat a tomato is when it is just picked off the summer vine.” Turns out he was right. Eating seasonal foods just harvested results in food that not only taste better but that is more nutrient dense. The nutritional value of produce begins to decline the minute it is plucked from the vine, and when foods are grown out of season, they often have to be transported long distance, which can lead to a significant loss of nutrients. Simply put, the freshest seasonal foods, provide our bodies, and our minds, with the most protective, health enhancing elements, and yes, these foods are much, much healthier. So do you body and mind a favor. Follow the sun, pick up the ripest summer tomato you can find, take a bite, and then bring home a bunch more to make my father’s favorite summer tomato salad. Ronnie’s Native Tomato Salad This salad was a summer staple when I was growing up, on our table almost every night, especially in August. The local, native grown tomatoes peak in flavor and nutrition during this time, especially in the Northeast. And if you have a great bakery in the neighborhood, grab some warm homemade bread and dip it in the juice! 4 large Native tomatoes, sliced in wedges 1 red onion, sliced thin 1 cucumber, sliced 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 Italian long hot pepper, sliced into rings 1/4 cup olive oil 3 TBS red wine vinegar sea salt and pepper to taste crushed red pepper flakes, optional In a large salad bowl mix all the ingredients. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to infuse and intensify flavors. Serve with your favorite crusty bread to dip in the juice and enjoy!

H ow you can keep your skin healthy during the seasonal exposure to the damaging rays of the sun.

F or years, nutrition experts and whole-body health advocates have recognized the power of probiotics on the digestive and immune systems. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has published research on the benefits of probiotics for the skin, when consumed in foods like yogurt, kefir or kimchi and in supplement form. Dermatologists and scientists researching topical probiotics have concluded that probiotic creams and serums are highly effective in treating skin conditions including acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. In addition, they have found that when used topically, probiotics offer barrier protection to the skin and also have a calming effect on all skin types. Topical probiotics can treat a wide range of skin conditions effectively and safely because they work in harmony with the skin’s natural ability to heal. These products are effective in helping balance the skin microbiome, creating a healthier environment, while decreasing skin sensitivity, redness and inflammation. Human skin plays host to trillions of bacteria, some helpful and some harmful. A healthy level of good bacteria is essential to our skin health. The outer layer of our skin is our “first responder” against infection, inflammation and disease. By using a precisely formulated complex of probiotics, peptides and antioxidant plant stem cells Columbia SkinCare probiotic products help balance the skin microflora and primes the skin to receive nourishment. These products rely on the most powerful and effective active ingredients available, derived from only the highest quality natural sources. The unique formulations are the new age-defying Holy Grail. Our natural complex of beneficial probiotics, botanicals and peptides will keep the bacteria in and on your skin balanced by promoting “good bacteria” at the expense of “bad bacteria.” The result? The renewal of skin cells is naturally stimulated and accelerated, making the skin function more efficiently and promoting more rapid cell turnover to mimic the activity of younger skin. Topical probiotics offer a perfect complement to any facial service for any skin type. This enhancement offers a healthy dose of probiotics to the skin’s microbiome, to rebalance and restore the skin’s natural bacterial environment, which is the key to beautiful skin. What is the skin’s “microbiome”? The outer layer of the skin is literally an ecosystem made of 10 trillion human cells and nearly 100 trillion bacterial cells. In science, we call this the skin’s “microbiome,” or the community of bacteria t  hat serve as your skin’s first line of protection. The microbiome is also directly related to the health and balance of the skin’s immune system. Our modern lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, environmental stressors can create an imbalance in this bacterial universe, which can lead to skin issues such as inflammation, chronic breakouts, dryness and the appearance of aging skin. Using probiotics on the skin is a natural choice to anyone wanting to improve and sustain the health and well-being of the skin. Using quality topical natural skincare products is important, but what you put on your skin works hand in hand with a holistic approach to inner health. Even with the benefits of a ground-breaking probiotic skincare product, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by following these tips: Y OU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Limit sugar intake, avoid processed foods and focus on good-for-you fats like olive oil and coconut oil, instead of refined fats. Take the time to prepare healthy meals with fresh, seasonal, o rganic ingredients. A RESTORATIVE SLEEP Getting enough sleep—eight hours is recommended—is essential for optimal functioning of the heart and mind. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), getting inadequate sleep on a regular basis affects your health, memory and mood. MAN AGE YOUR STRESS Learn to manage stress through meditation, yoga, simple breathing practices and a positive attitude. Optimism builds our resilience, and helps us cope with stress. WO RK OUT! Even a 20-minute walk every day, to get your heart rate up, will have a tremendous impact on your health. Or get moving with mindful exercises like yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and others.

Dear Marci, I want to know more about the connection between better food and better mental health. My daughter has struggled with depression and anxiety for most of her life. She once told me, “ I just want to remember what it feels to be happy, even if it is only for a few minutes.” It’s hard for my family to watch someone we love live in this cycle of pain. It hurts all of us. How can food help? Sad and Searching for Answers  Dear Sad and Searching for Answers, Your question comes at a very pertinent time. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and now, more than ever, we need to reflect, acknowledge, and understand the significant impact of mental illness. We also need to reduce the stigma, facilitate better treatments and recovery, and we definitely need to make food a part of the treatment plan. I believe, at this moment, the world is experiencing a mental health crisis. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are at an all time high, suicide rates are on the upsurge, and too many people are suffering from the addictions and comorbid manifestations that often accompany mental illness. And more, the fall out extends to family, friends, and the network of professionals on the front lines, with the contagion effect of mental illness continuing to ripple through too many lives. In order to be healthy and well, we need to address this crisis now, and we need to do better. After all, there is no health without mental health. And, yes, yes, yes, I believe food can help! I’ve had to believe. I grew up in a time when there was not aware- ness for mental health issues, like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD), Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Depression, and Post Traumat- ic Stress Disorder. Actually, any topic related to mental illness was not talked about, at least not in a positive way, and certainly nobody had a therapist. So I did my best to hide my rituals of having to do certain things before I walked out of a room, and then ignore my thoughts that were telling me if I didn’t touch the wall three times I would die, or worse, someone I loved would die, and it would be my fault, because that is how OCD talks to you. Most of the time my thoughts got the best of me. Then, of course, came the panic attacks, which were much worse whenever I was away from home. Something as seemingly normal as going to watch a basketball game at my high school turned into a night of horror for me. I’d sit in the stands, on high alert, scanning the room for the exit because i needed to know I could escape, but that still wasn’t enough to make the anxiety go away. My chest would tighten, my heart race, and I felt like I was suffocating, but I sat there, smiling, trying to figure out how to get air into my lungs, so nobody would know the battle going on inside of me. By the time I got home I was depleted and exhausted but could never fall asleep. There was just too much to worry about. So when my mother came in the room to check and see if my sister and I were sleeping, I laid there quietly, with my eyes closed, until she turned off the lights and left. I didn’t want her to know either. I remember the day I read an article about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and the depression and anxiety that accompanies it; putting a name to my struggles made me feel more normal and less like a freak. To know all of this was happening because of a discrepancy between my brain and my body was a huge relief because maybe I could feel better. I started doing research and eventually found some information about food and mental illness. I started to eat better and I noticed I felt differently when I ate certain things. I was less anxious, and less stressed, and the chatter of OCD was much quieter. It’s what I have been doing for years and I never told anybody. Nutritional Psychology brings more power to treatment for mental health. Today we call it nutritional psychology but I like to call it exactly what it is...The Power of Food. Either way emerging research is exploring the impact of food on the brain, and on our mental health status. Science is examining the various components of our diet and finding connections between food with an optimal nutritional profile and healthier brains. It’s like a perfect storm of health and wellness. The research shows certain foods can decrease anxiety, depression, and PTSD...This is life changing because this is lifesaving for so many people! This is how food can help. EAT CLEAN What I’ve learned from studying and researching food, is that the things our bodies need most are provided for us, naturally. And the less we do to food, the better it is for us. This means starting with food grown in soil that is clean and cultivated, naturally, not genetically mod- ified, and avoiding foods that are treated with chemicals and pesticides. In other words – eating whole, clean, organic whenever possible. Including foods with the most protective elements, and omitting processed, refined, and manufactured food with harmful ingredients, is the best formula to keep our body and mind functioning the way nature intended. Processed foods increase inflammation and wreak havoc on our gut and can be a source for anxiety and depression, so cleaner food means the natural rhythms, processes, and systems in our body function more effectively. TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT The gut-brain axis is the communication network for our gut and our brain. It is how our gut talks to our brain, and this communica- tion originates in our gut microbiome, which refers to the world of bacteria, viruses, fungi and all living things that live in our intestines. When all of these things are balanced, through chemical messen- gers called neurotransmitters, our gut can communicate better, and we have a healthy gut and a healthier mind. Better food is the best frontline defense for a more well balanced gut. Some of the foods that promote better gut-brain health and help to regulate neurotransmitter production are things like quinoa, grapes, salmon, mushrooms, dark chocolate, foods with probiotic, like kefir, yogurt and fermented foods. FOCUS ON BRAIN HEALTHY FOODS, INCLUDE PROTEIN, FALL IN LOVE WITH PLANTS Include the complex carbs and green leafy greens, lean proteins, especially fatty fish with omega-3’s, and berries with flavonoids. All are crucial for the proper functioning of our gut, and our brain and nervous system, with the latest research also suggesting levels of protection from cognitive decline. Lean protein will also help stabilize our blood sugar levels and regulate mood, and anything with magnesium will help curb anxiety.