Westchester Women Making a Difference

Local women leaders are helping to change our planet, and they’re inspiring others to do the same. We caught up with five such women, to find out what they’re doing and what they have to say about making an impact.

Dr. Susan Rubin – Improving School Food and Community Health

Dr. Susan Rubin is the founder of Better School Food (BSF), a coalition of health professionals, educators, and parents whose mission is to raise awareness about the connection between food and health. Also widely known as one of the mothers in the film, Two Angry Moms, Susan is a crusader for both children’s health and the health of the planet, noting that the environment benefits as well when local food is served in school cafeterias and other institutions. Susan says that shipping Washington grown apples to NY schools, is like “eating oil,” environmentally speaking.

Susan’s rise to food stardom began when, as a practicing dentist, started a PTA nutrition committee called “No Junk Food January.” Upon finding her passion, Susan used technology to spread her message—from email newsletters to Facebook to blogs—building visibility for her cause and growing the movement. Her appearance on the Rachael Ray show last year to promote Two Angry Moms allowed Susan to take her message to national audiences and shed light on the dismal state of school lunch programs in our country.

Currently, Susan co-leads the Westchester chapter of Slow Food USA, a global, grassroots movement that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. As summer approaches, Susan’s new dream is to see vegetable gardens popping up in every home, school and childcare center. “More community gardens too,” she says. “This would be the most effective way to build our food IQ, along with helping our waistlines, our wallets and the world.”

Susan says that anyone can do what she’s done to impact the community. “Start small, start local, and follow your passion,” she advises. “Don’t overthink it! Rely on your heart and your gut and trust that they will lead you in the right direction.”
Joy Rose – Leading Moms who Rock

Mamapalooza, the corporation, was born out of Joy Rose’s euphoria for life. After recovering from SLE–Lupus, that had her bedridden for years, Joy created Mamapalooza to use music as vehicle for change, amplify the voices of moms, and create a large scale platform on which women could gather.

In the beginning, Joy was focused on philanthropic work through Mamapoolza. After the corporation took off, she added a publishing arm, filmmaking, and online blogs and communities. Joy reports that she is only now thinking about becoming a business entreprenuer, after her organization has become well-established. Next on Joy’s wish list is building a Museum Of Motherhood. Women are invited to contribute to the inaugural exhibit by writing their story or the story of a mother they love at museumofmotherhood.org.

Joy herself says she’s never done creating, and believes that everyone has the power to make a difference. “Wake up in the morning and take one courageous action,” she says. “For some of us, that means getting out of bed! For others it means extending a hand to someone who needs help, or acting on something despite our fear-based thinking to create something truly G.R.E.A.T.”

Joy says that prayer has been important for her. “Basically, my inspiration is God-sourced,” says Joy, “with a sense of humor and the addition of some pink lipstick.”

New Yorkers can experience Mamaplaooza for themselves on Saturday, May 16 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla (and be sure to visit the Natural Awakenings booth in the Sustainable Women area!)
Katie Ginsberg – Educating Kids about the Environment

Chappaqua resident and mother of three, Katie Ginsberg is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF), a non-profit organization geared towards ensuring that sustainability education – an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning that helps kids understand how a healthy ecosystem is the foundation for stable economies and equitable societies –  is an integral part of every student’s learning. Since sustainability essentially means leaving the planet in better shape for future generations, it makes sense to get children involved, says Katie. After extensive research, it was apparent that environmental education existed, for the most part, as an isolated part of the curriculum, and generally only in the sciences. Katie created CELF to turn that around. One of the organization’s highlights is their annual expo, which unites businesses and community leaders with schoolchildren and the environmental activist community.

Essential to Katie’s and CELF’s success has been help from a small but knowledgeable and dedicated board. Katie also honors her “right hand person” Patti Bressman, and the value of pursuing continuing education to expand her knowledge base. CELF hopes to reach and support thousands more students and teachers by building a national platform for professional development and student programming in Sustainability Education. “My wish,” says Katie, “is to see more students, teachers and parents with the optimism, the knowledge, and the will to (work toward) a healthier, more equitable, greener future.”

Katie advises those seeking their calling to “start with what really, truly moves you.”“You have to believe in something—deeply—to be able to sustain your commitment and have an impact,” says Katie.
Hasita Nadai – Mind-Body-Spirit Leader with a Green Conscience

Hasita Nadai is perhaps best known as founder of YogaGaia, a guided experience of story and movement that facilitates the awakening of cellular memories and re-affirms the body’s connection to the earth and the larger universe. Interestingly, Hasita started out as a cell biologist and geologist, working at places like the Environmental Protection Agency. Over the years, she kept exploring and learning beyond her traditional training. “My work has to make sense to my heart, my calling and my talents,” says Hasita.

Today, Hasita leads Kripulu style yoga classes in Dobbs Ferry, YogaGaia retreats in the Italian Alps, and Green Yoga Sangha discussion groups in her home. Green Yoga Association is a growing circle of yoga practitioners, teachers and businesses who believe that taking care of the planet is an essential part of their yoga practice. Hasita, also facilitates new groups so that others can start them in homes and churches to bring about needed change in the world.

Not surprisingly, Hasita advocates stilling the mind with yoga, meditation, or energetic healing, and when seeking, follow the heart’s deepest call. “Practice curiosity and openness,” says Hasita, “and then the doors of opportunities will open. Most importantly, leave your ego behind.”
Patricia Wood – Safeguarding our Health

Patti Wood is an educator, author and environmental advocate who believes that global change begins locally. “To make a difference, first set a good example for your kids at home,” Patti says. “Then, reach out to your kid’s school, your neighborhood association, women’s club or house of worship.” As Founder and Executive Director of Grassroots Environmental Education, a non-profit organization that seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and public knowledge, Patti works to educate people about the connection between environmental toxins and human health.

Patti says the “David and Goliath” scenario often applies to her battles with the status quo. Enlisting the help of community members is one way to fortify her efforts. One of Grassroots’ new programs is “howgreenismytown.org,” a web-based initiative for people who want to get involved with climate change, sustainability and environmental health issues in their own towns.  Natural Awakenings readers can hear more from Patti at this month’s Natural Network Night in Rye on Wednesday, May 27.
Resources
Dr. Susan Rubin – drsusanrubin.com
Slow Food USA – slowfoodusa.org
Better School Food – betterschoolfood.org
Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation – celfoundation.org
Mamapalooza – mamapalooza.com
Museum of Motherhood – museumofmotherhood.org
YogaGaia – yogagaia.com
Green Yoga Association – greenyoga.org
Grassroots Environmental Education – grassrootsinfo.org
How Green is My Town – howgreenismytown.org

Colon Hydrotherapy – What’s it Like?

If you’ve been curious about colonics but nervous about the procedure, read on. We’ve interviewed five local colon hydrotherapists who tell us that the practice is safe and even relaxing.

“We explain everything about the procedure to the first timer so they know what to expect,” says Tovah Finman-Nahman, owner of Lifeline Hygienics, “and to alleviate any anxiety or misconceptions regarding colonics.” According to Tovah, people who have never had a colonic are usually surprised to learn that it doesn’t hurt and can even be a relaxing experience. “Everything about our office is designed to be relaxing and calming, Tovah adds, “from the decor, to the furniture, the pictures on the wall and the music.”

Sandy Santucci, owner of Spatucci, also seeks to reassure clients. “Our hydrotherapist is highly trained to educate you prior to your colonic,” Sandy says, “and to help address any of your concerns or fears.” At Spatuccis, clients are treated with professional care and confidentiality in rooms designed for comfort and tranquility.

Education and comfort are priorities mentioned by all of the hydrotherapists that we interviewed. At Whole Body Medicine, clients relax to soothing music and the scent of aromatherapy oils during the procedure, or even watch a favorite television show. At the end of the session, many say they look forward to their next visit.

In fact, people are usually surprised by how good they feel after a colonic, says Jacqueline of Colonics By Jacquelyn. Part of that may be due to an added benefit. “My clients have reported—right after the colonic—being two to eight pounds lighter and losing inches,” says Jacqueline. “One half inch to six and a quarter inches can come off the biggest part of the belly,” she adds, “and their skin is glowing.” Colonics By Jacquelyn provides colonics in a private, clean, spa-like setting where a medical intuitive is also available for those interested in learning about the root causes of their physical ailments.

And in case you were wondering, safety is taken very seriously by reputable hydrotherapists. Sauca Colon Hydrotherapy Center in the Bronx assured us they are FDA registered and use disposable single-use rectal tubes, or speculae, for sterility. The facility also uses temperature-controlled water mixing and back flow prevention valves, along with pressure and temperature sensors, and built-in chemical sanitizing units.

Colonics By Jacquelyn, Northern Westchester. Info: 914.737.0646; ColonicsbyJacquelyn.com

Lifeline Hygienics: 914.921.5433.

Sauca Colon Hydrotherapy Center, Bronx. Info: 718.759.6357; saucacolonhydrotherapy.com

Spatucci, Mohegan Lake. Info: 914.528.1140; spatuccis.com

Whole Body Medicine, Fairfield County. Info: 203.371.8258; wholebodymed.com