Herbal Prescriptions After 50

David Hoffmann

In this complete and natural approach guide to healthy aging, medical herbalist, David Hoffmann, addresses the unique concerns of people approaching age fifty and older. He examines each of the body’s major systems from the muscles and bones, the digestive system to the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and reproductive organs, discussing not only how to maintain each system’s natural functioning but also the specific health concerns brought about by aging. 

Hoffmann’s herbal treatments focus on prevention and promoting longevity, and offers herbal remedies for specific aliments such as hypertension, insomnia, bronchitis, varicose veins, and arthritis. The book’s Materia Medica includes more than 150 herbs and specifies which part of the plant to use, the actions and indications, preparation methods, and recommended dosages. 

The natural healing properties of herbs provide an alternative to the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects that can be brought on by synthetic drugs and they minimize dependence on conventional medical treatments that can have conflicting protocols and results. The remedies offered in Herbal Prescriptions after 50 are designed to promote robust, lasting health and provide a way to age with grace.

 

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Illusion…The Movie
Staring Kirk Douglas & Michael Goorjian

A Powerful Performance, An Inspiring Film
Review by Ariel Ford

Celebrated actor Kirk Douglas never expected to still be acting at the age of 88, especially after suffering from a debilitating stroke in 1996, until he found an irresistible script called ILLUSION. Douglas, the star of more than 80 films including “Spartacus,” gives the performance of a lifetime in ILLUSION, a feature.

The award-winning ILLUSION tells the story of a once powerful but now lonely, aged and ailing film director, Donald Baines (Kirk Douglas), who finds himself in deep remorse after rejecting his only child, an illegitimate son named Christopher (Michael Goorjian). Late one night the legendary director is “awakened” by the ghost-like presence of his dear friend and editor, Stan (Ron Marasco) who has been dead for more than 35 years. Stan shows Baines three “mini-movies” of his son’s life at times when the son is at a pivotal point.

What the old man sees is the tragic life of the son he never claimed and the impact that his absence had in his life and on his ability to love. On his deathbed, Baines is given the gift of redemption and the opportunity to help Christopher who discovers that the only person who could change the story of his life was the father he never knew. 

This powerful and uplifting film is the creation of Michael Goorjian (“Party of Five”) who, as writer/director/co-star of ILLUSION, literally bet the farm to make this film. After winning the First Place Feature and Audience Choice Awards at the 2005 Spiritual Cinema Festival-At-Sea, he admitted, “I was, as they say in Poker, all in. I spent all of my money, that of my friends and family, and maxed our every credit card I could get my hands on to make this film.” 

Goorjian’s compelling script combined with Douglas’ star power and entrancing performance make ILLUSION a movie that appeals to people from all walks of life. During his extraordinary lifetime of achievement, Mr. Douglas has appeared in 87 films, 10 plays, written 9 books and has been married to his wife Anne for more than 50 years. In 1958, he broke the notorious Hollywood blacklist when he gave screen credit to blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo for the Spartacus screenplay. He was widely condemned for his decision at the time. It was not until 30 years later that the American Civil Liberties Union and the Writers Guild of America recognized his act as courageous.

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Momfulness…
Mothering with Mindfulness
Compassion and Grace

Denise Roy

Denise Roy’s delightful new book of meditations offers simple, transformative spiritual practices that can be woven into everyday life. She defines Momfulness as “the spiritual practice of cultivating a mindful, compassionate, mothering presence.” This includes not only how we care for ourselves and for our children, but also how we “mobilize our fierce and passionate mother energy on behalf of all beings on this little blue-green planet we call Mother Earth.” 

The book, Momfulness, is organized around six lessons: developing true presence, paying close attention, cultivating deep compassion, celebrating embodiment, recognizing the sacred in all things, and valuing community. It is a book that readers of all faiths will find engaging