Wing Chun: The Martial Art Said to be Founded by a Woman
by Andrea Hartley "Protect your center. Keep balanced. Get your power from the ground," Sifu David Shaman, of the Smiling Dragon Kung Fu Academy, Northfield, N.J. says to Eva Marie Fuschillo, as he instructs her in the art of Wing Chun, a form of Kung Fu. The 25 year old Fuschillo, looking straight ahead, never taking her eyes off her opponent, moves her hands more to the center as she moves her body in a carefully learned series of maneuvers. She feels confident that, if she is attacked, she is learning to be able to defend herself. "Wing Chun is not about brute force or muscle strength, but about manipulating your body so that even if you aren't strong or big, you are still able to cultivate power," Fuschillo said. Bob Smith, 67, of Linwood, New Jersey, another of Shaman's students, found a profound health benefit to learning and practicing Wing Chun. Smith suffers from cervical spondylosis, a condition where the discs in the neck dehydrate and shrink and develop bone spurs. He was in severe pain. After seeing the MRI, Smith's neurosurgeon had a disappointing prognosis for him. The doctor said, "No one can help you. If any doctor says he can, he is … [Read more about Wing Chun]
From the Publisher’s Heart
by Andrea Hartley With spring comes new beginnings and Lehigh Valley Woman's Journal has also begun anew. I am so pleased to present to you our new online magazine theme. I think it is more spacious, easier to navigate and we have introduced many new features and blogs. It is much more interactive and we welcome your participation in the blogs. Tell us about your favorite animal story and upload a photo of your favorite pet. It's a great way to honor our furry friends, both living and passed. Share with others your inspiring miracle or make us laugh with your best dating story … Read more
From the Heart
FROM THE HEART OF CONNIE CHALLINGSWORTH. When I was given an early retirement from my full time career in 2009, I was delighted. I had a wonderful, long-term career that had provided very well for me, and earlier for my son when I was a single parent. But things had changed in that industry to the point that the only thing I loved about it anymore was the money. My son was raised and I had remarried. My life was at a place where I wanted to do something that I really loved. In the years prior to my “retirement,” I had been reading about life coaching. I loved the concept of meeting … [Read more about Connie's life.]
Alternatives to Attorneys
by Diane Moniz "Divorce" is a word often closely followed by the word "Lawyer". No lawyer can guarantee the outcome of a divorce case, however, you can usually be guaranteed that your legal bill will end up much higher than you expected at the start. See an attorney about a divorce and chances are you will be asked for a “retainer” of anywhere from $1000 to $10,000. This amount is used to pay the attorney’s hourly fees and, sometimes, initial court filing fees. Depending on the complexity of your case, you will be eventually get a request to ‘replenish’ the retainer. … [Read more about how legal forms can help you reduce legal costs]
Top 6 Questions for Choosing the Best Weight Loss Plan for YOU
by Lisa Snow Part 1 Spring is here, and many of us are thinking about getting back in shape. If you know someone who lost a lot of weight, you’re probably inspired by their story and tempted to try the same diet or program they used. But will their plan really work for you? With so many options available today, why not choose a system that fits your personality and lifestyle? Answer the questions below to find your optimal weight loss plan. In your free time, do you usually take groups of friends to lunch or a movie? Or do you feel like your time off work is your only … [Quiz for weight loss plan]
S.E.L.F. Extravaganza: A Great Day for Mothers and Daughters in Lehigh Valley
On April 20, 2013, Ziegels Lutheran Church in Breinigsville, PA, hosted its second extravaganza. Keynote speaker and local Lehigh Valley musician, Sarah Ayers, spoke on the topic of bullying and the consequences of bullying on her self-esteem at such a young followed by a performance of her song Mockingbird from the album, 3 am Epiphany. Breakout sessions on self-esteem, bullying, healthy relationships, and relational aggression were provided by Turning Point and Crime Victims Council. Wellness and nutrition information was presented by Christine Moyes of One Body Wellness. Each … [Read more about S.E.L.F. Extravaganza]
NARI‐BIE Announces People’s Choice Winners from its Pottstown Home Show
At its April Membership Dinner meeting the Building Industries Exchange (NARI‐BIE) announced and recognized this year’s Pottstown Home Show People’s Choice winners. NARI‐BIE is pleased to publicize that Luicana’s Unique Design (first), Hakun Construction, Inc. (second), and Hetrick Gardens Landscape and Nursery Center (third) are this year’s favorite home show display winners. “Attendees enjoy voting for their favorite display,” Eileen V. Gilbert, NARI‐BIE Director of Operations, advises, “I enjoy listening to what criteria they base their vote.” Upon arriving at … Read more
We Won! A.R.K. Report Film
I’m totally flooded with emotions. I just got out of the Pesach holiday vacation and my wife (Remember Margelit Hoffman's From the Heart) informs me that we won our first festival. It's the International Film Festival in Houston Texas. We got the Remi Award. And this is double-puzzling because this has been the first festival that our exec producer Harry Moskoff submitted the film to. I still don’t believe it because, you know, most first films are terrible. I have seen a bunch of my favorite directors’ first films, and they’re just not good. So, I’m thinking to myself, it must be … Read more
Artists Against Fracking: "Don't Frack My Mother"
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Short Introduction
Why Domestic Violence Victims Don't Leave
The List of the Harmed: People Harmed by Fracking in PA
“Sexual Problems are as Treatable as Other Physical, Emotional and Behavioral Problems.” Domeena Renshaw, M.D.
by Andrea Hartley It was an honor to speak with Domeena Renshaw, M.D., a woman who is a true pioneer of the woman's rights movement. Born in a day when women were supposed to “stay at home”, Renshaw decided that she was going to become a psychiatrist. The 83 year old doctor recalls, “My parents threatened to disinherit me. They said they would never speak to me again and declared that I would be responsible for their early deaths from stroke.” A heavy guilt trip to lay on anyone. But Renshaw was used to the clamor and declared that it would pass, and it did. “I … [Read more to find out about self help sex therapy for couples.]
Artists Against Fracking: New Video “Don’t Frack My Mother” Is an Anthem for Everyone
Directors: Sarah Sophie Flicker, Maximilla Lukacs and Tennessee Thomas Video Producer: Rebecca Fernandez Editor: Maximilla Lukacs The artists of Artists Against Fracking worked together to create this music video for "Don't Frack My Mother," Sean Lennon's very own anti-fracking anthem. This is the perfect time to celebrate our progress. In case you missed it, the New York State Assembly passed a two-year moratorium on fracking in New York. But this is also the perfect time to keep the pressure up! The bill's not a done deal. It still has to pass the State Senate and then get … [Read More...]
Cancer – Not A Dead End
Depression, anxiety, and isolation…bewilderment and hopelessness. It’s tough enough getting a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment, but now these feelings, too? That’s where the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley fits in: by offering support and education to people and their loved ones affected by cancer so they can restore a sense of control, reduce isolation and stress, better manage their care—and redefine hope. The medical community fully endorses the goals of providing psychological, social, and emotional support and education to people affected by … [Read More...]
Saving the Susquehanna from Drilling: Why It Matters and How to Do It
Courtesy of Julie Ann Edgar The mighty Susquehanna River stretches 400 miles across three states (Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania), provides drinking water to millions of people, and supports many unique natural environments. But in 2011, American Rivers named it the nation’s most endangered river because of the risks posed by natural gas development. That’s why a broad network of organizations and citizens across Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania have come together to make sure that the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) steps up to protect communities and the … [Read More...]
IN THE BATTLE AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PREVENTION IS THE KEY.
Domestic Violence is an epidemic in our society. One in four women in the U.S report being a victim of intimate partner abuse at some point in her lifetime. That is more than have contracted all forms of cancer, heart disease, or any other serious illness. Yet, when you hear about the major reasons for emergency room visits, hospital stays, and even death, domestic violence is rarely mentioned. Yes, domestic violence is an epidemic. It impacts everyone. It is a primary cause of homelessness. It costs employers billions (with a b) of dollars in lost wages. And domestic calls are listed … [Read More...]
Collaboration Creates Community That Works
By Brenda Lange A group of sixth graders at Nitschmann Middle School are getting an early dose of college life. Through a partnership with Moravian College, one team of 11 and 12-year olds are now known as “Team Moravian.” “Initially, our principal, Jacqueline Santanasto, shared her idea for the four teams in sixth grade to pick a local college as a mascot, where they would decorate their classrooms and so forth,” explains Bryce Stewart, one of the team teachers participating in the collaboration. “And then the idea grew into an educational partnership.” Two of the team’s … [Read More...]
Fall Prevention for Older Adults
by Lisa Snow As a personal trainer with many clients in their 70s and 80s, I am always amazed to see the class formats most gyms choose to offer older adults. The typical gym or Y offers water aerobics, which is fantastic for older people. But their classes outside the pool, in the gym itself, are usually seated classes, meaning students sit in folding chairs for the whole hour. I’ve never understood the logic of this. Having chairs available for people who need them is good. Doing some seated exercises is good. But you can’t work on balance in a seated class! For most … [Read More...]
Integrity
by Andrea Hartley Are we living in a time when people feel justified in eliminating integrity from their dealings with others? We've all heard people who complain that their employer doesn’t pay them enough or that they feel mistreated by their employer in some way. They may used this excuse to steal goods, services or time from their employer. What about the husband/wife who says they just don't love their spouse any more and so they have affairs. Consider businesses who display misleading ads or withhold truth from their customers or cheat them in some way. Are … [Read More...]
Living the Faith
by Andrea Hartley It was at the airport in Rome, 1970 where the young seminarian waited for the arrival of the plane which would bring a nun from Calcutta. The nun, who would later become known worldwide as “Mother Teresa” usually traveled by bus, but now had a broken rib and so required a car. She was coming to see the sisters who had opened a home to serve the poor. The small woman he saw moved at a fast pace. She expressed no visible fatigue and made it quite clear that she was on a mission. Her enthusiasm was contagious and he felt a desire to help her with whatever that mission … [Read More...]
Pharmaceutical Industry Administrators “Steering” Profits to Themselves, Denying Patients a Choice
By Andrea Hartley We have all heard about wasteful spending; but many of us are unaware of how much wasteful spending occurs in the pharmaceutical industry resulting in higher insurance premiums. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are third party administrators of prescription drug programs charged with the responsibility of processing and paying drug claims. They are also responsible for developing and maintaining the list of prescription drugs to be covered by a particular drug plan, contracting with pharmacies, and negotiating discounts and rebates with drug manufacturers. Today, more … [Read More...]
