Rutgers Professor: Good Habits in 8 Dimensions of Wellness Lead to Better Mental & Physical Health

Rutgers Professor: Good Habits in 8 Dimensions of Wellness Lead to Better Mental & Physical Health

Margaret (Peggy) Swarbrick, Ph.D. has spent a lifetime developing and teaching about “The 8 Dimensions of Wellness”, a framework she originally designed to help people struggling with mental health and addiction challenges, and trauma. Her work has been endorsed by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and has been widely adopted by corporations, schools and universities, and other organizations across the country. Dr. Swarbrick is the associate director of the Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and is the director of ScarletWell, a holistic, public health-focused mental health and wellness initiative.  She also serves as director of the Wellness Institute at Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey. An occupational therapist, Dr. Swarbrick explains how making small changes within the 8 dimensions - such as improving social support networks, and doing meaningful work -  can help anyone lead a happier, healthier life. The 8 Dimensions of Wellness are physical, intellectual, environmental, emotional, financial, social, spiritual, and occupational. The process includes examining what you are already doing well in each area, and expanding and adding to those good habits. For more information visit https://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/scarletwell, or Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey at https://cspnj.org. Watch "Still Time for Joy" as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd

Horseshoe Crabs Along the Delaware Bay Get a Helping Hand from reTURN the Favor

Every May and June, along the Delaware Bay, trained volunteers with reTURN the Favor help horseshoe crabs stranded on their backs by righting them and pointing them towards the water. These crabs, whose eggs are critical to the survival of migratory shorebirds, would otherwise perish if they were unable to right themselves on their own. Scientists say horseshoe crabs have been on the Earth for some 400 million years - before the dinosaurs. Millions of crabs come to the Delaware Bay every year to spawn. Many species of birds, turtles, and fish feast on the crabs nutrient-rich eggs every spring. The crabs' population has fluctuated over the years; New Jersey has protections in place now to help the number of horseshoe crabs continue to grow. The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, oversees a coalition of groups that form reTURN the Favor. Lisa Ferguson, director of research & conservation at the institute, explains how the program works, and why it’s important. ReTURN the Favor volunteer Caroline Behnke leads a walk in Villas, New Jersey, where participants eagerly help the crabs. Special thanks to Shane Godshall of the American Littoral Society and Glenn Wagner for contributing images for this story.  reTURN the Favor https://returnthefavornj.org/ The Wetlands Institute https://wetlandsinstitute.org/ Sandra Levine Productions https://sandralevine.com/ Watch "Still Time for Joy" as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd

Beach Days for All Nonprofit Helps People with Mobility Issues EnJOY the New Jersey Shore

Beach Days for All raises funds to improve beach access at the New Jersey Shore for people with mobility issues. Hard, connecting panels are placed on the sand, allowing people in wheelchairs to get closer to the ocean. The panels have also made it easier for elderly people to enjoy the many benefits of spending time near the ocean. Jessica Krill, founder and president of Beach Days for All, explains how anyone interested can help make beaches in more Jersey Shore towns more accessible. Beach Days for All https://beachdaysforall.org/ Sandra Levine Productions https://sandralevine.com/ Watch "Still Time for Joy" as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd

Trash Cleanup Helps Protect Barnegat Bay at the NJ Shore, & Brings Joy to Volunteers Who Participate

Every year, the nonprofit Barnegat Bay Partnership holds the Barnegat Bay Blitz, a massive trash cleanup throughout the bay's watershed at the New Jersey Shore. In the past two years, volunteers picked up about 13 tons of trash, beautifying the area, and protecting wildlife. The Barnegat Bay is an ecological treasure, and an extremely popular spot for boating, fishing, crabbing, and other recreation. Development along the Barnegat Bay has exploded since the mid-1950s,  affecting water quality and wildlife.  In this episode, Caroline McFarland, stewardship specialist for the Barnegat Bay Partnership, explains how homeowners can further help the bay by planting native plants, and reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals in yards.  The Barnegat Bay Partnership is part of Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program. https://www.epa.gov/nep To participate in the cleanup, visit https://barnegatbaypartnership.org/ Sandra Levine Productions  https://sandralevine.com/ Watch "Still Time for Joy" as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd

World-Famous Story of Smart Goose Shot with Arrow that Found Veterinarian to Save Him Still Inspires

"The Smart Goose" is one of producer Sandra Levine's favorite stories of all time. In 2010, a Canada goose that had been shot with a bow and arrow, miraculously chose to land in the yard of a veterinarian in Toms River, New Jersey,  who was willing to help. Dr. Bernard Levine is Sandra's father and together they worked to save the injured bird and capture the amazing story. While many people do not care for Canada geese due to the birds' messy droppings, this story is about people coming together to show kindness and compassion to an animal that was needlessly suffering. Sandra shot footage of the capture of the bird (that could still fly), the surgery conducted by Dr. Levine to remove the arrow, and some of the bird's rehabilitation at one of the country's premier avian centers, The Raptor Trust in Morris County, New Jersey. The goose made a full recovery and was released - back to the wild - after six weeks of care. A reporter from the Associated Press was invited to the release, and the resulting story was carried by news outlets throughout the United States, and around the world - including in England, China, and India. While Sandra's father has since passed away, this poignant tribute lives on and continues to bring her joy. Contact Sandra Levine if you are interested in scheduling her inspiring speaking program on "The Smart Goose". Sandra Levine Producations https://sandralevine.com/ The Raptor Trust https://www.theraptortrust.org/ Watch "Still Time for Joy" as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd