Green passion fueled Healthy Thymes expansion

New store combines more products with earth-friendly design, By Nancy Kriz VERNON — It really is easy being healthy and green. Just ask Healthy Thymes owners Dan and Dani Segal, whose natural and organic products store moved to its new, larger location just a bit down Route 94 in mid-August. The move and expansion allowed the Segals to spread out and now, with 2,600 square feet of space, they’ve brought in a broad variety of items to help customers “feel their best,” Segal said. But it’s not just vegetables and herbs that are green here. The store features an environmentally-friendly design and focuses on selling products described as “sustainable.” Roughly stated, sustainable products provide an environmental, social and/or economic benefit while protecting the earth over their lifetime. Countertops are made out of recycled bottles, for example, and customers will see recycled ceramic tiles, porcelain floor tiles and shopping carts made out of recycled car parts. Even the wheel stops in the parking lots are made out of recycled plastics. “It’s wonderful to be ‘green,’” said Dani Segal of her store’s environmentally friendly design focus. “Once you do the research, it’s easy. What you get back is so huge and the cost is negligible. The positives outweigh the costs by leaps and bounds. We’re just so happy to be in our new location.” There are also long-term plans to install solar panels to produce electricity. The store’s new air filtration system, which also features UV lighting, inhibits mold, bacteria and other pathogens. And, the paint and glues used in the renovation process were selected because of their non-toxic fumes. “We used the least toxic products possible,” said Segal. “People come in and say it feels and smells so good in here. We probably have the cleanest air in the area.” Taking economic risks The Segals’ plans to grow their business just now may seem to some like a risky business decision. And while pundits and economists debate whether this current recession has bottomed out, they know any business expansion comes with risk. “Expanding in these tough times...I keep going back to that passion you have in your heart,” Dani Segal said. “This is the right thing to do and it requires taking risks. In this new store and in this new space, we can do more with respect to everyone’s individual wellness needs.” It’s all intertwined Even the outdoor entryway sculptures and fountain tie in with the store’s healthy focus. That art, along with pieces in the store’s gallery, gives area artisans a place to sell their organic pieces. The Segals encourage customers to make purchases through Healthy Thymes to get the best prices for their art. “Our sculptures and fountain symbolize and connect wellness, family, community, the earth, the sun,” Segal said. The Segals have been in this field of work since 1975, living an organic lifestyle while owning and operating businesses that focus on health and well-being and educating people on healthy lifestyle options. Dani is a holistic nutritional counselor, a Ph.D. candidate and an experienced lecturer who is a member of many national organizations such as the Natural Products Association and the National Association of Nutritional Professionals. Next spring, Segal plans to offer community education programs focusing on wellness and holistic health. The store’s expanded product lines emphasize those topics. ‘More of everything’ In addition to almost doubling its frozen and refrigerated food capacity, quadrupling its supplement and vitamin section (including quadrupling its own Healthy Thymes brand), doubling its juice bar capacity for juices and wheat grass and adding extensively to its gluten-free product line, the store has also increased its organic produce offerings and has added three new supplement lines. “We have more of everything,” said Segal. “Our customers are loyal to us because we do so much research. Everyone is so unique and special and their needs are special. As I see more families living a healthy and energetic lifestyle because of our passion, it just fuels our passion.” And, being able to do that while being kinder to the earth is a bonus that thrills Segal. “We have a true passion toward earth-friendly products,” she said. “I can say with a lot of confidence that we’re the ‘greenest’ shop in Vernon. This follows our passion of having a sustainable life for ourselves, our families and the earth.”

You always have your whole life ahead of you. Be faithful to your health goals every day for a healthy, strong and happy life.” Dani Segal

Healthy Thymes 265 Rt. 94 Vernon. 973-209-8555 or www.healthythymes.com

Dani Segal’s nine tips to begin living a healthier life 1. Nourish: Get great nourishment by adopting a more plant-based diet, with increased dietary fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Eat a variety of organic, whole, natural foods that support energy and well-being. Eat raw veggies and salads, cruciferous and sea-veggies or drink fresh juices with lots of greens for enzymatic and cleansing activity. Try to support local farms and small family-based manufacturing companies. Add fermented foods such as miso and kimchee, as well as EFA-rich foods to your daily diet. Avoid foods that decrease nutrition, cause inflammation or stress the body, such as: refined sugars, coffee, alcohol, over-consumption of saturated fats and animal foods, fried and barbecue foods. Don’t smoke. 2. Hydrate: Drink fresh, clean water throughout the day. 3. Take health supporting supplements: Take high quality multiple vitamin and mineral complex, probiotic, stress support, antioxidant, liver and bone support. 4. Breathe and move your body: Incorporate walking, yoga, swimming...add an exercise program that helps you to move and breathe deeply daily. Do not overdo it. 5. Appreciate the arts: Surround yourself with handcrafted art objects, as well as music and dance to enhance your surroundings and support the creative process. Purchase items made in the U.S. to help nurture the well-being of the nation’s economy and local communities. 6. Use earth-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products: Keep your home’s air clean, fresh and healthy. If you enjoy candles, burn beeswax, not paraffin. 7. Take the time to “smell the flowers:” Be respectful of your body’s need to live “unhurried” and peaceful. Think positive and enjoy your passions. Plant a tree; play with a dog, read a book, etc. Spend time with family, friends and pets. Tell a loved one how much they mean to you. Laugh, giggle and smile every day, especially when times are tough. Count your blessings. 8. Get at least eight hours of sleep nightly: Allow your body to “recharge” for the next day’s activity. 9. Practice the art of giving: You will definitely get back much more in return.