By Tina Bradford

Science fiction, psychological mystery authors Dr. Francis Gaal, and Nancy E. Dutt, two practicing psychotherapists are out to challenge Dr. Freud, the father of psychoanalysis.

“The Light in the Shadows, Beyond the Flat Line,” a futuristic page turner, depicts the future of brain imaging technology that would ultimately redefine dreams, the subconscious and psychoanalysis.

“Imagine what could be revealed if brain monitoring technology was able to access the secrets hidden in our unconscious mind? Such technology could profoundly impact our understanding of self,” states Dr. Gaal, who specializes in marriage and family therapy.

Co-author Dutt adds, “Dreams speak to us, telling us we have unfinished psychological work to do, and in some cases, are a conduit for the spiritual realm to deliver messages we are not receptive to during our waking life.”

The novel depicts Tiffany, and other post traumatic stress disorder patients at the fictional Hillman Sleep Disorder Clinic. There, the “CV7,” a brain imaging computer with capabilities far beyond the MRI of today, takes on a life of its own.

“This is the visionary leap that we take in the fictional novel. We believe that brain imaging technology is likely to progress far beyond the present capabilities of the MRI. The unique feature of the CV7 in the novel, is that it will take pictures of what the mind is visualizing and put it into a picture. Imagine the implications of technology that can record the contents of our dreams? Currently, the MRI looks more at the anatomical features of the brain and not the manifestations of the mind,” Dr. Gaal explains.

The authors point to major developments in brain imaging, including studies that show magnetic resonance that has enabled scientists to visualize and identify the exact location of brain activity during dreaming, and that dream content can be measured. Recent studies have found that our dreams are therefore not a ‘sleep cinema’ in which we merely observe an event passively, but involve activity in the regions of the brain that are relevant to the dream content.

Freudian theory would have to re-work psychoanalysis if dreams can be measured in a conscious method, adds Gaal. “The Light in the Shadows” is available in e-format at Barnes and Noble and on Kindle. In paperback ($13.99) it may be purchased at Amazon.com and at www.iuniverse.com. For additional information, visit www.thelightintheshadows.com.

By Kyle Peters, certified personal trainer, Steel Fitness – Riverport, Bethlehem, PA

1. Add Cardio in-between sets – (i.e. jump rope, cardio machines, or any plyometric exercise). Doing this will help you to raise your heart rate which in return will help you to burn more body fat.

2. Take a group fitness class – Look at your gym’s group fitness schedule and take a class that fits with your workout schedule. You will be glad that you did and your body will appreciate the new workout variety.

3. Talk to a personal trainer – Seek out an experienced fitness trainer to help you set up a new workout routine. We see great results at Steel Fitness when a member sets aside 45 min – 1 hour to work with a trainer. A trainer can show you different exercises that you may have never tried. Plus, a certified trainer can show you the correct way to perform a set of exercises, plus how to meet your own fitness goals.

A New Fitness Classes that is Getting Great Buzz and Results

TRX Suspension Aerobics Class – This new band resistance class helps build total body strength, balance, flexibility, and core stability for people of all fitness levels.

However, as founders of the newly launched Le Ninja Inc., Joel Funk and Jon Morris are out to expand Le Ninja into a collection of hip clothes for men and women.

With a mission to offer quality made in America sportswear, the Le Ninja brand plays on the ironic, says co-founder Funk.  “Le Ninja is a blend of East and West, of haute couture and the young American movement to develop our own fashion, culture, and ability,” says Funk, noting that his entrepreneurial skills were honed as a child.

Launched online in early December, Le Ninja offers high quality, super soft spun cotton crew neck and v-neck t-shirts all bearing the unmistakable Le Ninja logo.

Genuine Swarovski crystals accent a selection of Le Ninja V-neck shirts. Price points range from $24.99 for basic screen-printed styles, to $39.99 for the Swarovski accented numbers.

For spring, a collection of knits, with fitted polo shirts, woven shirts, shorts and trousers, will be added.

Prior to launching the brand, Funk and Morris, both in their mid-20s, searched myriad websites and stores for popular clothing brands only to discover it is increasingly challenging to purchase stylish, American made clothing.

“Our mantra is simple, ‘Be Le Ninja.’ It means, whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability with the resources you have, be humble, and never give up.

We love to hear stories from our customers, about their lives, what kind of Ninja skills they possess, and how they’re changing the world.”

Le Ninja Inc. is an American clothing brand designed to fill the growing demand for fashionable, quality clothing made in the U.S.A.

Le Ninja Inc. is located at 2748 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515. Phone 630-964-2066 or visit www.leninja.com

Media Contact is Tina Bradford Public Relations info@tinabradfordpr.com or 610-248-3460.

Strength is Sexy, a women’s empowerment project to benefit women affected by domestic violence, will kick off 2011 with a calendar featuring 13 fit, strong and very busy professional women.

Sales and sponsorships from the premier edition of the Strength is Sexy will aid the Beginning Over Foundation, a non-profit with a mission to empower, educate and serve victims, survivors, teens and families affected by domestic violence.

Sponsors include Moving Comfort, a sports and fitness line for women, and Empower fitness equipment by Danskin and Fitness EM.

Heidi Markow of Easton, founder of the Beginning Over Foundation, is a featured model in the calendar. Other women include Sarah Schaffer, a proprietor of family-owned coin and jewelry business, creative director, Jane Brown Heft, and Zakiye Ohanian, a 26 year old mental health counselor that lost 130 pounds.

Founded in memory of Markow’s late sister, a victim of domestic violence, the Beginning Over Women’s Center, Easton, PA, features wellness, fitness and nutrition programs free to survivors in an effort to combat the chronic effects of abuse.

“Medical studies link long term effects of domestic violence with myriad health problems including obesity, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, eating disorders and substance abuse,” says Markow,

All women featured in the Strength is Sexy calendar have been trained by Allen J. Davis, a certified USA boxing trainer and former member of the USA Power Lifting Team. Davis is the owner of The One You in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania.

Peter Gourniak, whose work has been internationally published, photographed the calendar. Jane Heft, creative director of Enze, is the art director.  Jane and Peter have collaborated on many major national branding campaigns.

The calendar will also be available for purchase after December 4th, on Facebook.com/StrengthisSexy for a donation of $20 or more to the cause.

http://apps.facebook.com/fundrazr/activity/933ece4958344d5386391cf51e318d50

For more information about the Beginning Over Foundation and the empowerment program, visit www.beginningover.org. For sponsorship information email Strengthissexy@gmail.com.

Senior citizens are on the move, downsizing to smaller homes, apartments and assisted living facilities across the country, from New Jersey to California, and every where in between.

One senior move specialist, Tony Baumer, owner of the New Jersey moving firm, BD Movers, Manahawkin, New Jersey, and a board member for the New Jersey Warehouse and Movers Association, says about 50 percent of the residential moves currently on the housing market are seniors moving to downsized living quarters.

“Reducing the amount of furnishings and personal items can be a daunting task, but with the proper preparation and moving firm, a senior move can be completed in a timely, stress-free fashion,” works with clients to ensure the move and down sizing is smooth for the older set.

BD Movers offers senior citizens advice and complete references from handy men, to charities, even CPA’s and elder lawyers.

A senior move can be daunting, but with the correct planning and strategy, downsizing is another step in the life process, adds Baumer.

Senior Move Advice: The Basics of Senior Downsizing

Create senior downsizing task list one to three months in advance.

Get the family involved in the senior move. If you need help, consider hiring a senior move manager.

• Designate items that will be moved, sold or given away. Decide on the item the senior will want to keep, and will fit into the new senior home.
• Be prepared to provide list of inventory to mover, including any legal documentation, regarding power of attorney, etc. if applicable. For instance – if the children are handling the senior moving details, they should show they have authority to do so.
• Sell what you can at auction, online or a yard sale. Some items may have value that can help defray senior moving expenses.
• Donate the rest to reputable charity. Keep receipts for senior tax purposes. If the furniture is still in good condition, a senior’s sofa or dining room table may be a godsend to a family that needs furniture.
• A senior move is not a “self move”. A senior move takes the efforts of many people, family and professionals, to make it go smoothly.
• To save on cost, pack as much as the senior and their family can do themselves. A mover will provide this service, but packing items is the simplest way to save cost for the senior move.
• If the senior moving is in their 80′s, and their children are in their 60′s, carrying heavy furniture should be designated as a senior moving service. Use the movers for heavy items and let family members move lamps and pictures.

For more information on senior moving advice and other moving tips for residential and business, visit BD Movers at http://www.BDMovers.com, or the senior page at http://www.bdmovers.com/seniors-moving-nj.php.

Follow BD Movers on Twitter.com @njmovingguy or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bdmovers.

For more information, call BD Movers at 800-310-0912.

UV Safe Eyes – our editor’s top 5 tips for choosing sunglasses

By Tina Cantelmi and Sophia Abud

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae, pterygia and photokeratitis, ailments that can lead to permanent or temporary vision loss. The right pair of sunglasses can provide a chic fashion statement and UVA protection.

Here, some details to consider when out to keep your peepers in top shape.

• Wrap it. Stylish and chic, close-fitting frames with side coverage help avoid UV ray exposure to the eyes.

• Go uniform. A uniform tint on sunglasses better protects the eyes.

• Total blockage: Look for styles that specifically block Ultraviolet rays. While some shades tote an OSHA label that states when lenses offer 99 or 100 percent UV protection, some lenses also boast that 99 percent of UVB rays are blocked. The double level of UV protection is in accordance with guidelines established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

• Choose no glare. Zero glare lenses are best for driving, sports, and all outdoor work and recreation.

• Clip on’s have come a long way baby. The newest clips on are easier and far less expensive than purchasing a separate prescription pair.

• Pricey does not always mean higher level of protection. Pricey sunglasses don’t necessary offer better protection. Less-expensive plastic frames and lenses can also provide effective UVA blockage.

• Don’t go strapless: Sport function and fashion with a strap. The simplest way to keep track of your sunglasses may be with a strap or “leash” found in myriad colors, materials and styles.

Oakley Jupiter Glasses: $100.00 – For the active set, a fashionable frame with comfortable grip decreases Ultraviolet ray damage to the eyes. High Definition Optics® with Oakley Men’s Sunglasses.”

Ray Ban 4105 Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses: $89.99 – Travel ready, these light-weight sunglasses offer 100% UV/UVB protection as well as scratch/impact resistant lenses. The coolest part: these glasses fold to fit even in the tiniest of places!

Gucci – GG 3063/S: $325.00 – Classic aviators fly high with retro flair. Gucci light-weight tortoise shell frames with lenses with 100% UVA/UVB protection.

The Basics: Sun Sense Recommendations

By Isabelle Piermattio

Exposure from the sun causes aging, wrinkles and worse, as studies show, the sun often acts as a precursor to skin cancer. Thus, recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Center for Disease Control should be taken to heart.

Here, a few tips and reminders for the whole family.

• Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.

• Apply sunscreen before dressing, eliminating possible sunburn around sleeves, edges of clothing and/or swim attire.

• Apply sunscreen daily with SPF of 15 or more. Fair to medium skin toned people should consider higher SPF products, particularly for parts of the body with greater sun exposure including face, nose, upper chest, shoulders, top of feet, and hands.

• Apply ample amount of sunscreen, roughly one ounce, or equivalent of a “shot” glass to sufficiently cover the average adult.

• Reapply sunscreen after immersion in water, or activity.

• Stay in the shade when possible; wear a brimmed hat and consider clothing made of sun safe fabrics.

• Sport sunglasses, most preferably a large pair with wrap style, perfect for extra protection around the eyes. Outdoors, always use sunglasses that tote UV protective coating to help block UVA & UVB rays.

• Indoor Protection for Your Eyes – Individuals who tan indoors not only risk sun damage, aging and skin cancer, but without eye protection, they also risk eye damage, including retinal burns, and cataracts. Indoor tanners should always wear protective goggles. Sunglasses or towels will not offer enough protection from indoor equipment.

Fans of the re-spun fad range from teens hooping for a good cause to earthy music festival goers, moms at a fitness studio, physical therapists at work, even Michelle Obama on the White House Lawn.

Hooping entrepreneur Tina Hemmerle, principle of Hemmerle Hoops, founded the handmade hoop firm Spirit Hoops several years ago and subsequently whittled her current sinewy form, dropping more than 35 pounds simply by hooping.

“Hooping is fun, social and highly aerobic,“ says Hemmerle, who even hoops with fire for special events.

As one progresses with their hooping skills, new and different hoops can be added for fitness, and extra fun.

“Hooping works by burning calories while building aerobic capacity and muscle,” says Hemmerle. We work up a sweat and work every muscle group,” she says, noting that smaller hoops can be added to tone arms and legs.

With high-energy music with touch of funky beat and disco, hooping buffs like Hemmerle teach classes from “Introductory Beginner Classes,” to “Hoop Muscle,” “Spin Time,” and even “Hoop Tricks for Dummies.”

Check out your local fitness centers to learn if they offer classes on hooping. For more information visit http://www.spirithoops.com.

The Ancient Art of Looking, Feeling Oh So Much Younger

Face it, women of Asian descent often look so fabulously young. Could it be their diet? Supplements? Or, the manner in which they express emotion and facial expressions?

All of the above, says Dr. Ming Ming Molony, who also professes the use of acupressure and pressure to points for an au natural, truly affordable facelift.

Dr. Molony, recently released the DVD “The Ancient Art of the Acupressure Facelift,” shows the natural, super affordable way to a rejuvenating facelift, all for less than pennies a day.

The Chinese acupressure facelift is the natural way to achieve a youthful radiant appearance, increase circulation, reduce double chin, eye wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, jaw pain, stress, headaches and more. The program instructs how to use facial exercises and acupressure points to tone facial muscles, and soothe the skin.

“Looking younger naturally is possible with little effort, no surgery and no expensive topical creams,” says Ming Ming, a native of China. Ming practices Chinese medicine, acupuncture and acupressure in northeast Pennsylvania with her husband, author, speaker and Chinese medicine practitioner, Dr. David Molony, who in 2006, was the first ever Caucasian to earn the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Renji Award.

Both Drs. Ming Ming and Dr. David Molony are featured on the DVD. The Chinese Acupressure Facelift is available online.

For more information on the DVD please call (610) 266-6110 or visit the Amazon.com store.

By Isabelle Piermattio