Natural Awakenings Chattanooga May 2015

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

FREE

Mothers’ Guide to Natural Childbirth How to Keep It Simple and Gentle

Rethinking Breast Health Natural Ways to Keep Them Healthy

Upcycled DÉCOR Old but Oh-So-Stylish

LITTLE FOODIES

Kids Can Start Early to Love Veggies

May 2015 | Chattanooga | NaturallyChattanooga.com

4 of 5 Doctors Agree:

8 minutes with a patient isn’t good healthcare.

4 of 5 clinics adjust operations based on insurance-billable procedures.

We started Performance Medicine with old-fashioned sensibilities. We believed that if we listened to our patient’s goals, conducted a thorough exam, and lled the gaps with effective therapies we would have better outcomes in patient care. We discovered that ‘standardized’ care only helps the insurance industry‘s bottom line.

If insurance billing dictates the time your doctor can spend with you, where does your care t in? Isn’t it time you made a change? Schedule an appointment today.

Your Wellness Partners Matter.

6201 Lee Hwy Chattanooga, TN 37421 Call us at (423) 892-4085 for more information.

Mercury Free Dentistry General & Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers & Lumineers Crowns & Bridges Digital Technology Dentures & Partials Implant Placement

$1,195

$997

$99

ALL PORCELAIN CROWNS

NEW PATIENT EXAM AND X-RAYS

IMPLANT SPECIAL

Must mention coupon when setting appointment with this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Expires 5.31.15

Must mention coupon when setting appointment with this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Expires 5.31.15

Must mention coupon when setting appointment with this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Expires 5.31.15

Brian Wilkinson, DDS

7613 Shallowford Road | Chattanooga TN | 423.855.4212

423-553-6773 bananatreesalon.com 1 3 0 9 Pa n o r a m a D r i v e | C h a t t a n o o g a

• Fu l l S e r v i c e S a l o n Master Stylists Color K e r a t i n Tr e a t m e n t Wa x i n g

• Signature Product Line Shampoo Conditioner Body Butter Bath Salts

New customers, enjoy these savings Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, by appointment only. Expires 5..31.15

publisher’sletter

T contact us Publishers Bob & Melinda Varboncoeur Copy Editor Allison Gorman Design & Production Steffi Karwoth Advertising Sales Bob Varboncoeur 423-667-0980 To contact Natural Awakenings Chattanooga: PO Box 154 Signal Mountain, TN 37377 Phone: 423-517-0128 Fax: 877-541-4350 chattanoogana@epbfi.com NaturallyChattanooga.com

For National Advertising: 239-449-8309

© 2015 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Follow us on:

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

6

Chattanooga

he female body is a little like an Italian sports car. When it’s working properly, it’s capable of awe-inspiring things. But it’s also complicated, and when it doesn’t get the proper TLC … well, we’ll just say that, back in the day, we knew two owners of a certain sporty brand who spent more time pushing their cars than driving them.

This month we focus on women’s wellness, and we are pleased to offer an especially wide array of articles featuring the latest advice on natural and integrative wellness options for women, especially concerning breast health, pregnancy and childbirth. Every woman, regardless of her age and stage in life, will find information here that she can use to enhance her physical and mental health, so that she’ll be in the race for years to come.

Our feature story “Rethinking Breast Health” (page 16) is a refreshing departure from the typical take on a subject that strikes fear in the hearts of so many women. While breast cancer is a serious topic that should be on everyone’s radar, the traditional emphasis on reactive—not proactive—breast care tends to take a woman out of the driver’s seat when it comes to her own health, making her feel like an unwitting passenger on a life-or-death ride. Or as Dr. Christiane Northrup, an ob-gyn and author, so aptly puts it in our article, “It concerns me that women feel pressured to think of their breasts as two potentially pre-malignant lesions sitting on their chests.” Writer Lisa Marshalls lists several natural ways to keep the breasts healthy, gives the lowdown on issues like fibrous or tender breasts and breast implants, and explains how the breasts serve as a barometer for a woman’s overall health. Don’t miss our companion article (page 19) by local practitioner June Drennon, who discusses how thermography can be a tool to help prevent breast cancer years before it develops.

And our readers who are pregnant (or who plan to be) should keep reading.

From news briefs about local services—like abdominal massage to enhance fertility (page 8) and “floating” to ease the stress and discomfort of late-term pregnancy (page 11)—to our Community Spotlight about Chattanooga midwives Carolyn Reisman and Katherine West of Birth Wellness and Women’s Center (page 14) and our Healing Ways column on natural childbirth (page 20), we have a wealth of information to keep mom and baby healthy and comfortable all along the way.

Normally we encourage people to recycle or pass along Natural Awakenings after they read it. But if you’re a woman, tuck this issue away. It’s one you’ll want to keep.

Together

we can strengthen our community!

Support our advertisers! Thank you!

NaturallyChattanooga.com

contents

8 newsbriefs

12 globalbriefs 14 community

12 spotlight 15 healthbriefs 15 20 healingways 24 healthykids 27 greenliving 28 wisewords 30 naturalpet 30 31 localcalendar 31 classifieds 34 resourceguide advertising & submissions

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

14 Midwives Offer

16 RETHINKING

BREAST HEALTH

Natural Ways to Keep Breasts Smooth, Pain-Free and Firm, while Reducing the Risk of Cancer

by Lisa Marshall

19 Breast Health

by June Carver Drennon

20 GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY

Conscious Choices Lead to Less Intervention

News Briefs & article submissions Email articles, news items and ideas to: chattanoogana@epbfi.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month prior to publication.

by Lucille York

regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 1-239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 1-239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

NaturallyChattanooga.com NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

20

The Case for Prevention over Early Detection

How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 423-517-0128 or email chattanoogana@epbfi.com. Deadline for space reservation is the 10th of the month prior to publication.

calendar submissions Email calendar events to: chattanoogana@epbfi.com.

Calendar deadline: the 10th of the month prior to publication.

16

Unique Options with Prenatal Group Care

by Meredith Montgomery

27

23 Digging Up Bones 27 UPCYCLED DÉCOR Old and Oh-So-Stylish

by Avery Mack

28 LAURA PREPON’S

JOURNEY TO HEALTH

28

Home Cooking, Organics and Massage Are Keys

by Gerry Strauss

30 PET VACCINE

ALTERNATIVES

Natural Steps to Nurture Immunity

by Shawn Messonnier

natural awakenings

May 2015

7

newsbriefs Abdominal Therapy Helps Women Reconnect with Their Center

I

n this fast-paced world of managing work, family obligations and personal time, it can be a challenge for women to maintain balance. Tracy Hilliard of Four Bridges Massage and Bodywork says she’s helped many women find their “center” with a simple yet effecTracy Hilliard tive method to restore core alignment.

Hilliard, a registered nurse and licensed massage therapist, uses the Arvigo techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy to reestablish proper position of pelvic organs, including the uterus, which the work is best known for. She says many reproductive concerns stem from restrictions due to scar tissue, muscle tension or an imbalance with the support structures of the uterus. “I have seen many of the common reproductive health issues that women face, such as fertility problems and painful or irregular cycles, improve with these noninvasive techniques,” she says. “This reproductive and digestive massage can bring back proper blood flow, nerve conduction and hormone balance when the pelvic viscera are rebalanced.”

Teaching women self-care is an integral part of the therapy, and so Hilliard guides each client in how to massage her own abdomen and discusses any additional home-care techniques that may be helpful. “Offering women avenues to help regain their center is one my passions,” Hilliard says.

“I periodically offer self-care classes in Maya Abdominal Therapy to the Chattanooga community.”

To contact Tracy Hilliard, call 423-322-6974 or visit FourBridges.MassageTherapy.com. See ad, page 15.

Six-Week Natural Childbirth Course Teaches Hypnosis

W

hen a woman learns that she’s expecting, one of most important things she can do is start exploring her childbirth education options. One option available in Chattanooga is Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis, a complete natural-childbirth education program that also teaches self-hypnosis techniques to expectant mothers.

Rachel Jimenez

In this six-week course, mothers and couples learn effective techniques to naturally reduce or eliminate any pregnancy discomforts and to give birth comfortably while remaining awake, mobile and in control, using eyes-open childbirth hypnosis along with hypno-anesthesia (similar to hypnosis used for medical procedures). Birth partners are also thoroughly prepared to assist and support during childbirth. Lauren Caldwell, a former student in the class, says, “Having taken two different childbirth preparation classes, I really appreciated that Hypnobabies focused on the how of getting to a relaxed state, which I needed after my first birth experience.”

The class is being offered Thursday evenings at its new location at Inspire Chiropractic on East Main Street. It is limited to six mothers/couples to ensure personal attention. “The classes and weekly practice will teach you wonderful tools to increase your confidence and allow you to enjoy your baby’s birth in comfort, joy and love,” says instructor Rachel Jimenez.

For more information, visit ChattanoogaHypnobabies.com, or call Rachel Jimenez at 423-505-2657. See ad, page 21.

We have assisted thousands of businesses in North America to increase sales, get new customers, sell excess inventory, both product and service while saving cash.

423-899-1001

Go to www.IMSbarter.com/account/apply Use Promo Code: TN456

Professional Barter.

A Winning Strategy for Your Business.

7429 East Brainerd Rd. Suite C Chattanooga, TN 3721

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY SYSTEMS

Changing the way the world does business.TM

8

Chattanooga

NaturallyChattanooga.com

LearningRx Offers Free Attention Disorder Screening

O

n May 23, LearningRx will offer free screenings for those who may be struggling with symptoms of an attention disorder. The screenings will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the LearningRx Chattanooga Brain Training Center, located at 2040 Hamilton Place Boulevard next to Marshall’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Families interested in the screening are encouraged to call in advance and make an appointment, as availability is limited.

“Attention skills are critical for school success,” says Michelle Hecker Davis, executive director of LearningRx Chattanooga. “And many people don’t know that ADHD can manifest differently in girls than in boys. When it comes to ADHD, boys are more prone to problems with impulse control, while girls’ symptoms often manifest as inattention. If you think your child has ADHD, start with a screening that measures their attention and other cognitive skills.” Regardless of gender, she says, there are many symptoms associated with weak attention skills, including taking much longer than peers to complete daily homework; anxiety, depression or low self-esteem; poor grades; significant time-management challenges; chronic disorganization; and avoiding school.

LearningRx has developed a program to attack the root causes of attention disorders through intense drills and procedures designed to strengthen sustained attention (the ability to stay focused on a task); selective attention (the ability to stay focused when distractions are present); and divided attention (the ability to process two or more tasks at a time). Davis says the program often eliminates symptoms associated with poor attention skills. See ad page 25.

For more information, contact Davis at m.davis@learningrx.net or 423-3051599.

Learn Natural Meditation at CML

M

ost people equate meditation with trying: trying to concentrate, trying to clear the mind, trying to create some special experience they think they’re “supposed” to have. They sit down, work hard at it, and then—surprise!— it’s hard work. But for centuries, sages and buddhas have taught that the most effective meditation is actually effortless. Like water flowing naturally downhill, you can settle naturally into the silence at your core. That’s the message of nationally known meditation instructor Dean Sluyter, who Dean Sluyter will lead a workshop on effortless meditation May 9 at the Center for Mindful Living in Chattanooga.

Sluyter is the author of four books, including Natural Meditation: A Guide to Effortless Meditative Practice. Known for his warm, down-to-earth style, he has studied with eastern and western sages and taught natural meditation for more than 40 years, in venues ranging from Ivy League colleges to maximum-security prisons. In this workshop, he will demonstrate how to choose a meditative object (such as sound, breath, the senses, the sky, or the simple sense of “I”), use it to settle effortlessly, and establish a daily practice that’s a pleasure rather than a chore.

There will be a free introduction to the workshop at May 8 at 7 p.m. The May 9 workshop will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at a cost of $60 for CML members or $65 for nonmembers. For information and registration, visit CenterMindfulLiving.org/register. For more information about Dean Sluyter, visit DeanSluyter.com.

The Center for Mindful Living is located at 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga.

Contact CML at 423-486-1279 or centermindfullivingmanager@gmail.com. See ad, page 23.

CHEO Hosts Locavore Screening, Dowsing Presentation

C

HEO, the Complementary Health Education Organization, will present a free screening of the film Locavore: Local Diet Healthy Planet on May 9 at 2 p.m. in the speaker room of Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Highway, Chattanooga.

According to the filmmakers, Locavore was created to inspire, educate and empower people to rethink where they obtain their food supply. Unlike many documentaries that use scare tactics in order to captivate an audience, Locavore is intentionally positive and light-hearted. It provides solutions and concentrates on the brighter side of getting one’s food as close to home as possible.

CHEO’s free monthly educational program also will be held at Nutrition World, on May 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. The featured speaker will be Faye Henry, who will explain how the ancient technique of dowsing—“mother’s intuition with a readout device”—can be used as a tool for physical, mental and emotional healing. “We will discuss and demonstrate a very simple technique you can use to heal your body using your attention and your intention, both of which are very powerful,” Henry says. “Join us to learn how powerful you really are.”

CHEO events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit 4CHEO.org or call or text 706-459-0055. natural awakenings

May 2015

9

Publish a Natural Awakenings Magazine in Your Community Share Your Vision and Make a Difference • Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

Natural Awakenings recently won Call 239-530-1377 the prestigious FBR50 Franchise visit our website : Satisfaction Award from Franchise NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine Business Review. To learn more visit: franchisebusinessreview.com for more information

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 95 markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

10

Huntsville, AL Mobile/Baldwin, AL* Little Rock/Hot Spg., AR* Phoenix, AZ* Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Denver/Boulder, CO Fairfield County, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/St. Aug., FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & Florida Keys* Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL* Orlando, FL* Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL FL’s Treasure Coast Atlanta, GA Hawaiian Islands Chicago, IL Chicago Western Suburbs Indianapolis, IN Baton Rouge, LA Lafayette, LA New Orleans, LA Portland, ME Boston, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Wayne County, MI Western MI Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN Charlotte, NC Lake Norman, NC* Triangle NC Central NJ Hudson County, NJ Mercer County, NJ

Chattanooga

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Monmouth/Ocean, NJ North NJ North Central NJ South NJ Santa Fe/Abq., NM Las Vegas, NV Albany, NY Buffalo, NY Central NY Long Island, NY Manhattan, NY* Queens, NY Rochester, NY Rockland/Orange, NY Westchester/Putnam, NY Central OH Cincinnati, OH Toledo, OH Oklahoma City, OK Portland, OR* Bucks/Montgomery, PA Harrisburg/York, PA Lancaster, PA Lehigh Valley, PA Pocono, PA/Warren Co., NJ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA Rhode Island Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Grand Strand, SC* Greenville, SC Chattanooga, TN Knoxville, TN* Memphis, TN Austin, TX Dallas Metroplex, TX Dallas/FW Metro N SE Texas Houston, TX San Antonio, TX* Richmond, VA VA’s Blue Ridge Seattle, WA Madison, WI Milwaukee, WI Puerto Rico

*Existing magazines for sale NaturallyChattanooga.com

newsbriefs Colmore Farms Brings Home National Prize

L

ast January, Jo Colmore, owner of Colmore Farms in Rising Fawn, Georgia, took a yearling Salers bull to the National Western Stock Show in Denver. He not only won the $20,000 futurity show, but he went on to win reserve national champion bull in the open show. “I have been breeding Salers cattle for 30 years now, and during that time I’ve produced eight national grand and reserve grand champions at the nationals in Denver,” Colmore says.

The registered Salers cattle the farm breeds and sells (including bulls, females and semen) work in the South as well as other parts of the country, Colmore says, and he continues to improve his cattle’s genetic base to meet the demands of the cattle industry as a whole. Colmore Farms also offers natural beef sold as quarters, halves or a whole.

Since Salers cattle were introduced in the United States in 1972, the American beef industry has been enamored with the meat they produce, which is tender, flavorful and well-marbled, Colmore says. “The Salers breed is widely known for most of the best qualities that go into the production of beef,” he says.

“Our cattle are humanely raised on open pastures in idyllic conditions. When the time comes, the calves are brought in and finished out on grain, which produces the marbling, the tenderness and the flavor. There is no use, ever, of steroids or growth hormones.” One animal yields about 600 pounds of steaks, roasts or ground beef.

For more information about Salers beef or cattle, call 423-309-3490, e-mail jo@colmorefarms.com or visit ColmoreFarms.com See ad, page 29.

Long Journey Home for Victims of Sequatchie Abuse

L

ast December, more than 80 animals found forever homes during the Humane Educational Society’s holiday adoption event. That same evening, HES took in more than 70 animals in an animal cruelty case in Sequatchie County, Tennessee. “You can imagine the mix of emotions our staff felt that night,” says HES Executive Director Bob Citrullo. “We were overjoyed to see so many animals find good homes, yet so saddened by the horrible mistreatment of the animals we received.”

The animals had been living in deplorable conditions, Citrullo says. They were left for days at a time with no food or water. With up to five dogs in one crate, they were barely able to move, and their skin was burned from sitting in their own feces. “The HES team began work to rehabilitate these

animals immediately so that they could leave their tragic pasts behind,” he says. “Many of them had hardly experienced human touch or affection, leaving them very frightened and timid.” Volunteers and staff gave their time around the clock to make sure each animal experienced human compassion and companionship for the first time.

The journey home has been a long one for these animals, Citrullo says. Each one has received needed medical treatment, been spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and received the human love and affection of which they had been deprived for so long. “Seeing these animals open up and the fear in their eyes subside has reminded us all why we came to the Humane Educational Society, why we give, and the important mission we still need to carry out,” Citrullo says.

The Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga is located at 212 Highland Park Ave. For information about volunteering, donating or adopting, call 423-624-5302 or visit HESChatt.com.

“Floating” Therapeutic for Pregnant Women

Optimize Your Health with Thermography • Colonic Irrigation Counseling & Life Coaching Massage & Lymphatic Therapy Cellular Detoxifying Footbath

Stillpoint Health Associates 423.756.2443

S

ince Lucidity: Float Center of Chattanooga opened on January 5, co-owner Jack Kelle says he’s seen “awe-inspiring changes” in his clients, who’ve described the sensation of “floating” as relaxing, rejuvenating and even euphoric. Pregnant women, especially, are using floating as a natural way to maintain their health and happiness, Kelle says.

The center’s sensory deprivation tanks, which contain about 10 inches of water and 800 pounds of Epsom salt, are completely dark and silent and controlled to skin temperature. Kelle says research confirms that removing sensory input from the brain is deeply therapeutic, facilitating the release of endorphins and inducing a state similar to REM sleep. “Scientifically, it’s about as close as you can get to returning to the womb,” he says. In fact, expectant mothers describe it as a profound bonding experience with their babies, as they’re “floating” together.

But the practice also has wider physical and psychological benefits during pregnancy, Kelle says. “Floating in a lowgravity environment allows the woman to finally rest without any stress on the body,” he says. “In the second and third trimesters, body pains are pronounced, and pregnancy can also become psychologically taxing. Floating relieves psychological and physical stress simultaneously.” It also allows for absorption of magnesium from the Epsom salt. More than half of all women are deficient in this mineral, which is responsible for more than 300 metabolic processes, he says. “Magnesium keeps the skin from turning ‘pruney’ during the float,” he says.

“In fact, it makes the skin healthy and glowing.”

Lucidity: Float Center of Chattanooga is located at 1405 Cowart St. For more information, visit LucidityChattanooga.com.

See ad, page 15.

1312B Hanover St., Chattanooga 37405

Restorative Body Therapies

Carol Bieter LMT, CNMT, CKTP

Seeking to Honor, Respect, Nurture, and Restore the Body

Specializing in Sports Massage, NeuroMuscular Therapy, and Kinesio Taping Hours by Appointment

(423) 605 4855

www.restorativebodytherapies.com 243 Signal Mountain Rd., Suite E Chattanooga, TN 37405 Located across from the entrance to Baylor School in Signal Office Plaza natural awakenings

May 2015

11

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Corporate Climate

Companies Slowly Embrace Sustainability The 2015 State of Green Business report (Tinyurl. com/2015GreenBusinessReport), which assesses the environmental performances of companies worldwide, along with the trends to watch, is produced by GreenBiz, in partnership with Trucost.

Collectively, companies have been nibbling at the edges of challenges such as climate change, food security, ecosystems preservation and resource efficiency. One measure of corporate engagement going forward will be proactive involvement on political issues that could accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and more sustainable economy. It remains to be seen whether companies can afford to sit on the sidelines, letting the political process unfold, or worse, play defense against changes that might roil their status quo.

2015 will be an interesting year on multiple fronts, especially with the launch of the new sustainable development goals at the United Nations (UN) in New York this fall, along with UN climate talks in Paris in December. Both will be tests of corporate engagement and resolve in driving the kinds of change many of their CEOs publicly call for. The reports’ findings of companies’ progress in greenhouse gas and emissions, air pollutants, water use and solid waste production are all leveling off or even declining.

Animal Genocide

‘Lethal Control’ Trades Off Species Over the next four years, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers will shoot 16,000 double-crested cormorants nesting near the Columbia River, in Oregon, at a cost of $1.5 million a year and eliminate almost 100 sea lions because both feed on endangered salmon and steelhead trout. “If people knew how many animals are killed at taxpayer expense, they’d be horrified,” says Camilla Fox, executive director of Project Coyote, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit.

Termed “lethal control”, there’s a growing trend to kill one species to protect another, and not all methods used are humane. In 2012, Dennis Orthmeyer, acting director of California’s Wildlife Services, said, “We pride ourselves on our ability to get it done without many people knowing about it.”

Climate change, reduced habitat and food supplies, and the introduction of non-native species are the result of human interference. “With society’s growing footprint, lethal control can only increase,” observes Michael Scott, a University of Idaho ecologist.

A plan to poison 4,000 ravens will protect greater sage grouse. More mountain lions will be killed to save bighorn sheep. The human rampage goes on, and concerned citizens are advised to urge lawmakers to end lethal control and protect wildlife habitat sustainably.

Take action at Tinyurl.com/AnimalLiberationFrontCampaign.

12

Chattanooga

NaturallyChattanooga.com

Dirty Dollars

Stores Filled with Toxic Products HealthyStuff, a project of the Michiganbased Ecology Center, in collaboration with the Campaign for Healthier Solutions (CHS), has released a report, A Day Late and a Dollar Short: Discount Retailers are Falling Behind on Safer Chemicals, about toxic chemicals found in dollar store products.

It includes test results for 164 dollar store products such as toys, jewelry, school supplies and household items and found that 81 percent contained at least one hazardous chemical above a level that generates concern.”

The campaign sent a letter to the CEOs of the four largest dollar store chains, including Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and 99 Cents Only, urging them to stop the sale of these unsafe products, especially to communities of low-income and ethnic families that already live in more polluted areas and food deserts, and adopt policies that will instead protect both customers and their own businesses. Combined, these discount chains have annual sales totaling more than $36 billion and operate more stores nationally than Walmart.

The CHS is asking for a comprehensive set of reforms; communities need to let dollar store chains know that they want safer products and join local and national efforts advocating for nontoxic products.

Scroll to Dollar Store Report at Healthy Stuff.org for the complete test results.

Take action at NontoxicDollarStores.org.

NA_February2015 Ad:Layout 1

Eco-Eating

Town Eateries Embrace Sustainability The city of Maplewood, Missouri, outside St. Louis, has teamed up with the Green Dining Alliance to become the area’s first Green Dining District, with at least 25 percent of all of its independently owned businesses certified by the Green Dining Alliance (GDA). The GDA helps businesses with sustainability and green business practices while also helping them save money. So far, eight restaurants in downtown Maplewood are GDA-certified.

Green Dining Alliance’s Olivia Engel says, “It’s a win-win that makes sense for businesses and communities.” The city is also encouraging the program by subsidizing Green Dining Alliance membership fees.

1/8/15

3:25 PM

Page 1

Come See Our Newly Expanded Store!

More Products to Help Serve You Better!

• Immune Boosters • Weight Loss Supplements • Probiotics • Food Products • Essential Oils • Diffusers • Seeds • Nuts • Teas

• Vitamins and Minerals • Herbs • Liquid Vitamins & Herbs • Homeopathics • Omega 3 Fatty Acids • And More

Nutritional Support for the Entire Family!

View updates at GreenDiningAlliance.org.

Enflamed Water Home Flame Retardants Found in River

Source: WaToxics.org

423-843-1760 6462 Hixson Pike, Suite 101 • Hixson, TN 37343 (Across from Burks United Methodist, Next to ProTech Automotive)

Hours: Mon-Fri. 10-6 • Sat. 10-2 • Email: familyherb@epbfi.com

Natural Awakenings’

New Advanced Healing Skin Cream Moisturizes and Softens Your Skin

The unique blend of essential oils, Manuka honey and botanicals provides therapeutic results Ne Sh w op W , Re Ou eb de r Sto sign re ed

Scientists with the Washington Toxics Coalition tested household dust and laundry wastewater from 20 homes in the state’s cities of Longview and Vancouver and took samples of incoming and outgoing flow from two wastewater treatment plants that discharge into the Columbia River, the Northwest’s biggest waterway. They detected flame retardants in all the tests.

The conclusion of the study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, is that flame retardants are sloughing off household products such as couches and TVs and collecting on people’s clothing, washing out in the laundry and passing through wastewater treatment plants into local waterways.

You’ll love Advanced Healing Skin Cream’s clean, fresh botanical fragrance. Other uses: • Provides Ultra-Hydration of the Skin • Enhances Anti-Aging & Skin Renewal • Soothes Dry, Itchy, Cracked Skin • Comforts Wounds, Sores and Cuts • Relieves Most Burns Including Sunburn 4-oz jar $21.99 + ONLY $5 for shipping Order online today at

ShopNaturalAwakenings.com or call: 888-822-0246

natural awakenings

May 2015

13

communityspotlight

Midwives Offer Unique Options with Prenatal Group Care

T

he group care that Chattanooga midwives Carolyn Reisman and Katherine West offer at Birth Wellness and Women’s Center represents a unique approach to prenatal wellness. “Our group care is a new type of prenatal program,” Reisman says. “It includes not only health care provided by midwives, but also an opportunity for women to share pregnancy and parenting experiences.”

Here’s how it works: Expectant moms (and dads) attend regularly scheduled prenatal visits, first spending one-on-one time with a midwife and then spending the rest of the visit as part of a group. The groups are made up of women due within the same month.

Group care offered by Birth Wellness is different from other group prenatal programs, Reisman says, because most mothers receiving care at Birth Wellness choose to have their babies out of the hospital.

“Women are taking more responsibility for their decisions,” she says, “and quality health care in a supportive environment is an important part of their experience.”

The women also take an active role in their own care—monitoring and charting their blood pressure, weighing themselves and checking their urine. It is a system that integrates education, medical assessment by the midwives, self-care and social networking, Reisman says.

Sharing Group Wisdom

A woman begins care at Birth Wellness by meeting privately with the midwives, usually for more than an hour.

14

Chattanooga

“This important interpersonal relationship builds over the course of maternity care in subsequent group visits,” Reisman says. “Group care enables us to spend more time with mothers.”

The group visits last about ninety minutes, with each mother receiving a private session from one of the midwives before joining the group in Reisman’s spacious education room. It is here that the group dynamics come to life, as midwives and mothers exchange information and stories centered on group session topics.

“It’s refreshing to interact with parents in a setting where they are preparing for an out-of-hospital birth with other like-minded parents who have the same questions,” Reisman says. “Mothers have a wealth of wisdom that I could never match.”

There are eight scheduled group sessions and eight different topics that are discussed during the course of a woman’s pregnancy. Among the topics of group discussion are lab procedures, nutrition,

“Compared to my last pregnancy, with the group setting I felt more supported, empowered and informed.” healthy pregnancies and birth, and newborn care. The focus on what is healthy and normal also includes discussions about complications (which midwives are trained to recognize and handle), including protocols for transport to a hospital for care as appropriate.

“Parents find the discussion fun and helpful, especially because it is a diverse group,” West says. “We have participants ranging from first-time mothers to fifth-time mothers and more. All of them contribute to the learning and teaching process.”

NaturallyChattanooga.com

Maggie Wilson, who recently participated in group care at Birth Wellness, says it was a far more enriching experience than traditional prenatal care.

“Compared to my last pregnancy, with the group setting I felt more supported, empowered and informed,” Wilson says. “I felt like I was part of the process of learning. It was great to be involved with other families and the midwives.”

Home Birth Options

While parents who prefer birth outside the hospital generally can choose either a birth center or a private home, Birth Wellness offers parents a third option: Reisman welcomes women to give birth at her Belvoir home. “It is a home birth away from home,” she says, “a warm and inviting haven for birthing women, where they feel safe and secure in a loving and supportive home environment.”

She says one advantage of giving birth at the Belvoir home is the installed birth tub with continuous hot water.

“Women love the water,” she says. “They find it especially soothing and comfortable during labor, and often want to birth in the water.” Many women, midwives and doctors acknowledge the analgesic effects of water, which has been shown to reduce stress-related hormones, allowing a woman’s body to produce endorphins, which are pain inhibitors.

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience for women, Reisman says, and it is the goal of Birth Wellness to make that experience as positive and stress-free as possible.

“Families walk into the doors of Birth Wellness full of questions, plans and an eagerness to learn, and they leave completely informed and supported, with a baby in arms,” she says. “Most important, women seeking a health-care provider who believes in their ability to give birth will find that support with the midwives and community of families at Birth Wellness.”

Carolyn Reisman and Katherine West are Tennessee-licensed certified professional midwives. They offer free classes for the public one Saturday a month in Chattanooga They can be reached at 423-622-4226, or visit BirthWellness.com. See ad, page 21.

healthbriefs

Meditation Weight Gain in Moms Lowers Improves Brain Toxins in Newborns M Health Harvard Medical School researchers working at the Massachusetts General Hospital have determined that meditation can improve brain health.

The researchers studied 16 volunteers that took part in an eight-week mindfulness meditation study at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness.

The participants conducted mindfulness meditation exercises for an average of 27 minutes a day. Before and after the trial, the subjects were given tests and magnetic resonance imaging of their brains.

The researchers found that the practice of mindfulness meditation resulted in increased gray matter density in the hippocampus of the brain, an area associated with increased memory and learning capacity, plus a greater sense of compassion and introspection.

Heart Disease Detected Early with Breath Testing

R

esearch published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found that breath testing can reveal potential heart disease and artery problems quickly and efficiently. Testing 31 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) together with 34 healthy control subjects, the study found that concentrations of volatile gases such as propanol, ethanol and ammonia were significantly different among the heart disease patients.

It also found that the breath can reveal specific details about the heart’s condition. The breath test can be analyzed in fewer than 30 minutes.

any expectant mothers try to know about everything they put into and onto their bodies as multiple studies are finding that infants are exposed to toxins during pregnancy. A new study of 325 expectant mothers has determined that the baby’s exposure to toxins in the womb decreases when the mother’s weight gain during pregnancy approaches the guidelines recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2009. Women that are underweight at the start of pregnancy are advised to gain between 28 and 40 pounds, women of a healthy weight 25 to 35 pounds, overweight women 15 to 25 pounds and obese women 11 to 20 pounds.

The researchers found that expectant mothers with a gestational weight that meets or exceeds the IOM guidelines gave birth to infants with reduced toxin levels. In their analysis of the umbilical cord blood of mothers from Spain, the researchers tested for 14 pesticides and 21 other environmental toxins, including seven polychlorobiphenyls (PCB). Other influencers such as age, education and fish consumption may also be relevant.

Relax

• H ea l • P s revent Illness • De tre

1405 Cowart Street | Chattanooga | 423.653.7484 /luciditychatt

/luciditychattanooga

LucidityChattanooga.com

Non-invasive Alternatives to Common Pelvic Concerns Fertility • Pelvic Pain • Digestive Disorders Menstrual Irregularities • Prolapsed Uterus Neuromuscular • Pregnancy Massage

Certified Practitioner of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®

Tracy Hilliard, LMT, RN 423.322.6974 fourbridges.massagetherapy.com

natural awakenings

May 2015

15

RETHINKING BREAST HEALTH Natural ways to keep breasts smooth, pain-free and firm, while reducing the risk of cancer.

by Lisa Marshall

W

e’ve been conditioned to narrowly define breast health in terms of pink ribbon campaigns, cancer awareness marches and cold, steel mammography machines.

Nearly 30 years after anticancer drug maker Imperial Chemical Industries (now AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals) established the first National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 1985, many women have come to equate healthy breasts with cancer-free breasts, and assume the most important thing they can do is undergo regular screening.

But amid this chorus, some women’s health advocates are striving to get a different message across: There are a host of steps women can take to not only fend off disease in the future, but keep their breasts in optimal condition today. “We need to change the conversation about our breasts from how to avoid breast cancer and detect it early to how to have healthy breasts and enjoy them,” says Dr. Christiane Northrup, an obstetrician and gynecologist from Yarmouth, Maine, and author of the new book Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance, Vitality, and Well-Being.

femininity, compassion and sensuality,” says Hawaiian Naturopathic Doctor Laurie Steelsmith, co-author of Natural Choices for Women’s Health. Because breasts are extremely sensitive to hormonal fluctuations throughout the body, they can also serve as a barometer of overall health. “If you’re having chronic breast symptoms, it can be your body’s wisdom saying, ‘Help. Something’s wrong.’ Women need to listen.”

While some premenstrual swelling and tenderness is normal, exaggerated or persistent pain is often a sign of systemic estrogen dominance in relation to progesterone. It’s common in the years leading up to menopause, but can also hint at impaired thyroid function, because low levels of thyroid hormones have been shown to boost estrogen in breast tissue, advises Steelsmith.

Large, fluid-filled cysts or fibrous lumps, while non-cancerous, can also be a reflection of overexposure to harmful chemicals and toxin buildup, combined with poor lymph flow, notes Dr. Elizabeth Vaughan, an integrative physician in Greensboro, North Carolina. “If a woman has lumpy, bumpy breasts,

Healthy Breasts, Healthy Body

In adolescence, breast changes are the first to signal the arrival of womanhood.

When she’s aroused, a woman’s nipples harden and change color. When a woman gives birth, her breasts fill with life-giving milk. “In all these ways, your breasts are deeply connected to your

16

Chattanooga

NaturallyChattanooga.com

they probably contain too many toxins, and those toxins are primarily estrogenic.” Addressing such symptoms is important not only to relieve discomfort, but also because excess estrogen can fuel future cancer risk, says Vaughan.

Any new, suspicious lump should be evaluated by a professional. Also, severe breast tenderness combined with nipple discharge could be a sign of infection or a problem with the pituitary gland, so it should also be checked. But typically, subtle natural healthcare steps can go a long way toward restoring breast wellness.

For nipple tenderness, Steelsmith recommends chaste-tree berry (175 milligrams [mg] of powdered extract or 40 drops daily). The herbal supplement mimics naturally occurring progesterone in the body, helping to counter estrogen dominance. Vitamin E (400 to 800 international units [IU] per day) and evening primrose oil (1,500 mg twice a day) have also been shown to alleviate breast tenderness.

For fibrous or cyst-filled breasts, Vaughan advises supplementing with iodine (up to 12.5 mg per day via kelp, seaweed or oral tablets) or applying an iodine solution to the breasts at night. A key

constituent of thyroid hormones, iodine helps the liver convert unfriendly forms of estrogen into friendlier forms and flush toxins out of lymph nodes in the breast. Also, steer clear of chocolate and coffee, because caffeine is believed to interact with enzymes in the breast, exaggerating pain and lumpiness.

Also consider ditching the bra, says Vaughan. Brassieres can constrict lymph nodes and hinder blood circulation in breasts, locking toxins in and aggravating fibrocystic symptoms. The link between bras and breast cancer risk remains hotly debated, with one 2014 U.S. National Cancer Institute study of 1,400 women concluding unequivocally that, “There’s no evidence that wearing a bra increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer,” while smaller studies from the United States, China, Venezuela, Scotland and Africa suggest a link.

Vaughan, the founder of BraFree.org, says the science is compelling enough that she has chosen to keep her own bra use to a minimum and advises her patients to do the same.

“Obviously, there are certain sports where you should wear a sports bra and there are certain dresses that only look right with a bra,” says Vaughan.

At a minimum, avoid wearing a bra to bed and steer clear of underwires and overly tight bras that leave red marks.

“This is not about guilt-tripping women into never wearing a bra. It’s about wearing a bra less.”

Beautiful Breasts Naturally

Too small or too big, lopsided or riddled with stretch marks… it seems almost every woman has a complaint about the appearance of her breasts.

That’s a problem, says Northrup, because, “Healthy breasts are breasts that are loved. We have to stop beating them up.”

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of women getting breast implants for cosmetic reasons ballooned from 212,500 in 2000 to 286,254 in 2014. Physicians—including Northrup—claim that modern implants don’t, in the majority of cases, promote disease like older silicone implants did. Yet even plastic surgeons warn that having implants should be fully thought out, and at some point

they’ll probably have to come out.

“They are manmade devices, and are not intended to be lifelong. At some point, you will probably have to have further surgery,” says Dr. Anureet Bajaj, an Oklahoma City plastic surgeon.

Bajaj notes that implants can rupture, forming scar tissue and lending irregular shape to the breast. Often, as a woman ages and her body changes, the larger breasts she chose in her 20s no longer look right and may cause

back and shoulder pain. In some cases, implants can also lead to loss of nipple sensitivity. For these and other reasons, 23,774 women—including actress Melissa Gilbert and model Victoria Beckham—had their implants removed in 2014, often following up with a breast lift (using their own tissue) to restore their shape.

Vaughan sees breast implant removal as a wise and courageous choice to restore optimal breast health. Better

you

Do want to help people and the environment while earning cash?

Natural Awakenings is looking for an outgoing, experienced, independent contractor to meet new clients and develop their business.

Ideal candidate is a highly motivated self-starter.

Must Have genuine desire to help others succeed.

Qualifications: * Ad sales experience * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Well organized with solid computer skills

Job Responsibilities: * Prospecting , calling on clients, and account maintenance * Representation at trade shows and events Compensation and Personal Satisfaction Benefits: * Fulfilling work within a supportive atmosphere * Legitimate work-from-home opportunity * Excellent commission

Send your resume and cover letter to

ChattanoogaNA@epbfi.com natural awakenings

May 2015

17

yet, don’t get implants in the first place.

“There are a lot of other things you can do to improve the appearance of your breasts,” she advises.

Vaughan recommends breastperking exercises like dumbbell bench presses and flys that tone the pectoral muscles beneath the breasts, making them more resilient and look larger. To prevent or reverse sagging, she again urges women to go bra-free. “We have ligaments in the upper outer quadrant of our breasts called Cooper’s ligaments, and they’re responsible for holding our breasts up. Just like your muscles atrophy when you put your arm in a sling, your Cooper’s ligaments atrophy if you wear a bra all the time.”

In one unpublished, yet highly publicized 2013 study, French Exercise Physiologist Jean-Denis Rouillon measured the busts of 330 women ages 18 to 35 over a period of 15 years and found those that regularly wore a bra had droopier breasts with lower nipples than those that didn’t. In another, smaller, Japanese study, researchers found that when women stopped wearing a bra for three months, their breasts perked up.

Those worried about stretch marks also have options. They can be a sign of inadequate copper, which promotes collagen integrity and helps skin stretch without injury, says Steelsmith. If rapid weight gain is occurring due to adolescence, pregnancy or for other reasons, try taking copper supplements or applying a topical copper spray on the breasts.

Remember to massage your breasts daily, not only as a “search and destroy mission” for early detection of cancerous lumps, says Northrup, but as a way to get waste products flowing out and loving energy flowing in.

“It concerns me that women feel pressured to think of their breasts as two potentially pre-malignant lesions sitting on their chests,” Northrup says.

“These are organs of nourishment and pleasure for both ourselves and others.

We need to remember that, too.”

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.

18

Chattanooga

Bust Musts for Cancer Prevention

by Lisa Marshall

A

ccording to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly 40,000 will die annually of the disease.

But at least 38 percent of those diagnoses could be prevented via diet and lifestyle changes, affirms the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).

“For decades, the dominant public message about breast cancer has been about early detection,” says Medical Doctor Robert Pendergrast, an associate professor at the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta, and author of Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk with Foods You Love.

“Screening is important, but not nearly enough attention is being paid to prevention.” Here’s what we can do to keep cancer at bay or from recurring.

Eat more veggies: Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are loaded with indole3-carbinol, or I3C, a potent anticancer compound that helps break down excess estrogen and convert it into a more friendly, or benign form, says Steelsmith.

One study in Alternative Medicine Review found that women that ate high amounts of cruciferous vegetables were 30 percent less likely to develop breast cancer over 30 years. I3C can also be taken as a supplement (300 milligrams [mg] per day).

Eat more fiber, especially flax: Fiber, via whole grains, fruits and vegetables, helps flush out toxins including unfriendly estrogen. Flax contains cancer-fighting compounds called lignans, which block the effects of excess or unfriendly estrogen on cells.

Drink less alcohol: Alcohol boosts estrogen levels in women and is broken down in the liver to acetaldehyde, a known toxin that causes cancer in laboratory animals, notes Naturopath

NaturallyChattanooga.com

Laurie Steelsmith. According to the AICR, a woman that has five drinks per week boosts her risk by 5 percent. Two or more drinks per day boosts such risk by more than 40 percent.

Skip the barbecue: Charring meat produces carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines. A study of 42,000 women, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that those that routinely ate well-done hamburger, beef or bacon had four times the risk of those that opted for medium or mediumrare.

Keep weight in check: Excessive estrogen, which lives in fat cells, fuels cancer risk. According to the AICR, a woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 (obese) has a 13 percent higher risk of cancer than a woman with a BMI of 25 (slightly overweight).

Spice up life: Curcumin from the turmeric plant has been shown in many studies to have potent immune-boosting and anticancer properties, reactivating sleeping tumor-suppressor genes that can kill cancer cells.

De-stress: Growing evidence that includes studies from Ohio State University suggest that stress can boost the risk of breast cancer and recurrence, plus heighten its aggressiveness by altering hormones and impairing immunity. One study from Finland’s University of Helsinki followed 10,808 Finnish women for 15 years and found as much as double the rate of breast cancer among those that had experienced a divorce or death of a spouse or family member.

Drink green tea: It’s loaded with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant believed to suppress new blood vessel growth in tumors and keep cancerous cells from invading healthy tissue.

Breast Health The Case for Prevention over Early Detection

by June Carver Drennon

W

e all be done with know pathology, blood or that saliva—but therearly detection mography can give of breast cancer useful information can prolong life about hormonal imexpectancy. Still, if balance or dysfunccancer is detected tion. If a woman’s early, the patient thermographic imalready has the ages suggest a reladisease. That’s why tive progesterone when it comes deficiency (estroto breast health, gen dominance), The current, accepted, prevention should treatment of this take precedence “after-the-fact” strategy condition can play over detection. a significant role in of mammogram screening prevention. Breast Prevention means not getting cancer is not enough to protect thermography is in the first place. the only known women from breast cancer. procedure that can

Cancer starts with one abnormal detect estrogen cell, and it takes nearly eight years for dominance and monitor the effectivethat one abnormal cell to replicate to ness of treatments directed at normalizone billion cells, the number required ing the hormone balance in the breasts. to produce a one-centimeter lump—the Every woman should know her size that can be seen on a mammogram. So finding a one-centimeter lump is not an “early” finding.

Instead of just screening for breast cancer, as a mammogram does, a thermogram can determine how healthy breasts are. It also has the potential to detect breast cell anomalies long before mammography can detect cancer. This allows a woman to implement lifestyle changes that can improve the health of her breasts proactively, rather than waiting until she receives a cancer diagnosis to act on it.

The single greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer is lifetime exposure to estrogen. Therefore, normalizing the balance of hormones in the breast may be the first and most significant step in prevention.

A thermographic study cannot assess hormone levels—that can only

risk for breast cancer. With proper risk assessment that includes different testing modalities, she can determine her risk factors and develop an action plan to improve the breast tissue or even reverse existing problems. The current, accepted, “after-the-fact” strategy of mammogram screening is not enough to protect women from breast cancer.

Thermal imaging should be an important factor in every woman’s regular breast health care.

Thermography is a valuable tool for alerting a health care provider to changes that can indicate early-stage breast disease. When changes are detected early, prior to actual tissue disease, the abnormal process can be reversed with hormone replacement therapy and holistic treatments so that the disease does not develop at all. This is the best use of preventive medicine.

June Carver Drennon owns Stillpoint Health Associates and Thermography Ltd., located at 1312B Hanover St., Chattanooga. She received her certification as a clinical thermographer from the American College of Clinical Thermography. For more information, visit ThermographyLtd.com or call 423-756-2443. See ad, page 11.

STOP WASTING CASH Trade your Goods and Services for what you need

LEARN TO TRADE! GROW YOUR BUSINE$$

DAY O T S U CALL

CHATTANOOGA

“Se Ha bla Es panol ”

423-877-2202 www.tradebank.com natural awakenings

May 2015

19

healingways

Giving Birth Naturally Conscious Choices Lead to Less Intervention

by Meredith Montgomery

L

abor and delivery other countries, someMost births is a natural process times without a doctor should be viewed present. In America, that can be enjoyed. as a natural life obstetrics became a “It’s not something profession and a doctorprocess instead attended birth in a to be afraid of,” says Mel Campbell, author hospital was promoted of a potential of The Yoga of Pregnanas a safer alternative. By cy. “It’s a wonderful and medical emergency. 1938, half of domestic beautiful experience. births took place in hos~Abby Epstein, The pitals, and by 1960 it We need to remember Business of Being Born rose to 97 percent. Curthat the body is designed for giving birth.” rently, midwives attend

Natural childbirth uses few or no less than 8 percent of births here, and artificial medical interventions such fewer than 1 percent occur outside a as drugs, continuous fetal monitorhospital. ing, forceps delivery or episiotomies Natural labor and delivery in a (cuts to enlarge the vaginal opening). hospital is possible, but, “It’s hard to According to the U.S. Centers for have an unmedicated birth in many Disease Control (CDC), 32.7 percent hospitals if you don’t know your of deliveries were by Cesarean section rights, understand your physiology in 2013—most performed in situaand have a doula by your side helping tions where a vaginal birth would you avoid unnecessary interventions,” have posed a relatively low risk to the says Ina May Gaskin, a pioneering health of mother and child. Entirely midwife and author of Ina May’s natural childbirth is now rare here Guide to Childbirth. Key factors to compared with other countries, but discuss include fetal monitoring, inthat wasn’t always the case. travenous tubes and the option to eat

In 1900, 95 percent of all U.S. or drink during labor. births took place in the home; when Benefits of Home Births more moved to hospitals here in the Women choose home births and homearly 20th century, midwives still ey birthing centers because they labor typically handled the delivery in

20

Chattanooga

NaturallyChattanooga.com

there more comfortably, feel more in control of the process and can more easily avoid interventions. Many moms seek out a midwife’s services because they don’t want to repeat the conventional hospital experience that accompanied their first baby’s arrival.

When actress Ricki Lake gave birth to her second child in her home bathtub with the assistance of a midwife, she felt empowered by doing it on her own terms. “Giving birth wasn’t an illness, something that needed to be numbed. It was something to be experienced,” she says.

When women let their bodies naturally lead, labor can last as little as 20 minutes or as long as two weeks, and the spectrum of pain intensity is equally broad. A healthy prenatal lifestyle that prepares a mom-to-be for a natural physical, emotional and spiritual experience of childbirth is highly beneficial.

Conscious Childbirth Resources The Yoga of Pregnancy Week by Week: Connect With Your Unborn Child through Mind, Body and Breath

by Mel Campbell Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds

by Cynthia Gabriel Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

by Ina May Gaskin Spiritual Midwifery

by Ina May Gaskin Your Best Birth

by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein The Business of Being Born a film by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein Mothering Magazine’s Having a Baby, Naturally

by Peggy O’Mara

By 2006 Cesarean delivery was the number one surgical procedure in American hospitals. ~U.S. Centers for Disease Control

You CAN enjoy your baby’s birth!

Birth your baby gently and peacefully while feeling relaxed and empowered!

Compassionate Self-Care

“Pregnancy’s not the time to overexert yourself; let go of the temptation to overachieve and instead practice breathing and mindfulness,” advises Campbell. “If you’re experiencing morning sickness, try to embrace it and how it serves you. By doing so, you’ll be more in tune with your body. These lessons are gifts you can take with you into labor.”

She reminds women that the baby is always getting nourishment from all that mom eats and breathes in, and also feeds off of her feelings and emotions. “The more we can feel at peace with ourselves and incorporate the baby into our being, the more we feel a connection and union,” she says. “It’s vital that you let your body’s innate wisdom be your guide and respect any cues it may give.”

Campbell guides expectant mothers through a yoga practice that embraces the changes occurring each trimester. For example, a more physical practice in the second trimester utilizes the surge of energy to build stamina and strength, while opening the heart, hips and pelvis.

Complementary relaxation techniques for labor include breathing practices, visualization, meditation and massage. When a mother isn’t connected to monitors and tubes, she’s free to experiment with positions and props such as balls, bars and pillows, plus a warm shower or bath.

If a hospital birth is planned, Gaskin notes that labor often slows once a woman leaves the comfort of home, and recommends laboring at home as long as possible.

There is no way to predict the

www.ChattanoogaHypnobabies.com for more information and schedule, or call Rachel Jimenez at 423.505.2657

Visit

What Are Probiotics?

Many think that they are simply supplements that come in capsule, liquid or chewable form, but they can actually be found in various foods, mainly in fermented foods with active live cultures such as yogurt.

Instead of only containing live cultures, Royal Flora is a unique probiotic supplement made up of friendly soil based micro organisms with a proven track record. Learn all about probiotics and Royal Flora to see if they can benefit you by visiting our website below.

www.RoyalFloraHealth.com natural awakenings

May 2015

21

There is a great deal of fear and ignorance about allowing labor and birth to proceed without disturbance. Rates of routine intervention are so high, most nurses and physicians rarely see a fully natural birth. ~Ina May Gaskin course of labor and delivery when women let nature take the lead.

Campbell, a mother of three, says, “I tried to focus on the intention of what I wanted for my birthing experience, while also surrendering expectations, knowing that I would have whatever type of birth I was supposed to have.”

She adds, “The breath is the most important thing—it keeps us in the moment, helps us to relax and supports us through labor.”

While the home birth option is important to America’s new generation of trailblazing women, it’s also significant on a macro level. Gaskin explains, “It’s hard for staff to change routine practices in hospitals but home births make innovation possible.” Home births demonstrated that women don’t require routine episiotomies and have shown how maternal mobility and position changes can help labor progress and free badly stuck babies (earlier methods often injured mother and child).

Gaskin has found, “Wherever and however you decide to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, mind, body and spirit for the rest of your life. No one should have a home birth who doesn’t want one, but it must be one of the choices.”

Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).

22

Chattanooga

A Mother’s Guide to Natural Childbirth

by Meredith Montgomery

D

etermining the best birth setting for a mother necessitates sound planning.

If an unmedicated birth is a goal, these insights may help in making decisions.

Home birth takes place in the comfort of home, typically with the assistance of a midwife, and is suitable for a healthy woman with a low-risk pregnancy. She is able to wear her own clothing and eat as she pleases. Because monitoring of mother and baby is done intermittently, she is free to move around.

Confirm the midwife’s certification with the American Midwifery Certification Board and ask how many home births she’s attended and which obstetricians she consults. Discuss the signs and symptoms that might necessitate a move to the hospital and how quickly it can be done. While a midwife’s fee is often far less than the cost of a hospital birth, not all insurance companies cover home births.

A birth center provides personalized, family-centered care in a homelike environment for healthy women.

Practitioners follow principles of problem prevention, sensitivity, safety, appropriate medical intervention and cost-effectiveness. A certified nursemidwife typically delivers the baby, but the collaborative practice team also

NaturallyChattanooga.com

includes obstetricians, pediatricians and other specialists. Mothers experience personal freedoms similar to a home birth, and tubs for water births are usually available, plus other birthing props such as squatting bars, stools and balls.

The center should be accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers. Inquire what the protocol for care will be if complications arise, learn what the center’s charges for care cover and confirm if the family’s insurance policy will pay for the services provided.

A hospital generally has access to the latest medical technology, making it a preferred option for medium-to-highrisk pregnancies. With proper preparations, an unmedicated birth is possible in this traditional setting. Investigate their rates of Cesarean births and episiotomies and the determining parameters.

To allow for an active labor, request intermittent fetal monitoring, avoid intravenous fluids and ask about the availability of birthing props. Become familiar with hospital policies, such as who can be in the delivery room and whether the baby will stay with mom after the birth. If a nurse midwife is not on staff, consider hiring a doula to assist in preparing for and carrying out the family’s birth plan.

Digging Up Bones

by Lucille York

I’m diggin’ up bones, I’m diggin’ up bones Exhuming things that’s better left alone I’m resurrecting memories of a love that’s dead and gone Yeah tonight I’m sittin’ alone diggin’ up bones.

R

andy Travis quaintly sums up the concept of ruminating in his song “Digging up Bones,” but this mental habit is a very real and difficult problem that can profoundly affect psychological health.

Self-reflection is the process of focusing on your experiences, thoughts and feelings.

But when you relentlessly reflect on negative experiences from the past, constantly reliving them in your mind, this mode of thinking becomes rumination.

The habit can become so automatic that you aren’t even aware of the time you spend rehashing old problems. And ruminating will not solve those problems.

At first, mental health professionals thought that rumination was part of a depressive episode. But now that thinking has changed, and the theory is that rumination precedes depression. In other words, depression can be caused by constant thoughts of hopelessness, guilt about past actions, helplessness, self-criticism, neediness, and so forth.

It’s as if you get into pathology of automatic negative thoughts. If this mental habit causes you to denounce yourself for your wrong decisions or wrong actions, you’ve gained nothing and squandered your time.

Depression, anxiety, binge eating or drinking, and self-harm often go along with ruminating, working together to keep you on a treadmill of useless

thinking.

On a scale of 1 (no problem) to 10 (huge problem), what is your score on rumination? If you score over 5, you need to take a serious look at this habit.

So how do you stop ruminating? The best and most immediate solution is to consciously switch your thinking. For example, if you find yourself ruminating, immediately refocus your thoughts on the present: take a few long, deep breaths; look at the sky or the ceiling; breathe in the spaciousness; and continue to do that until your thoughts change. Any time you go back to rethinking old problems, switch to awareness of present again— take four or five deep breaths, changing your mental focus.

It takes just seconds to perform this remedy for rumination, but you have to

be diligent. Practicing this distraction technique constantly for a week can help you remove the mental hardship of rumination from your life.

Talking with a friend usually does not help. (In fact, ruminators have a tendency to lose friends due to this very problem.) A counselor or therapist familiar with this subject would be able to help.

Relentlessly reflecting on negative experiences from the past, constantly reliving them in your mind, can profoundly affect your mental health.

If you are a ruminator, there are scores of self-help techniques you can practice, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), meditation, thought stopping, drumming and journaling. All these alternatives can help the problem. But whatever solution you pursue, you must be relentless and carry through on your intention to feel better, and indeed be better.

Lucille York is an energy therapist who works by phone or Skype or in person. She can be reached at lyorkeft@icloud.com.

natural awakenings

May 2015

23

Keep it fun, so that your kids will try new things like vegetables. Remember, it takes 12 times before a baby actually prefers a new food, so don’t give up!

healthykids

~Veronika Van de Geer Buckley, Maine mother

KIDS ¤ VEGGIES How to Instill Healthy Lifelong Habits

by Clancy Cash Harrison

Starting at conception, the early years of a child’s life are a perfect window of opportunity to establish a foundation of healthy eating.

W

ant a child to love veggies?

Here are simple tips parents can practice in the first three years to establish lifelong good eating habits.

Start early. We all know that eating healthy during pregnancy will help a baby grow, but many may not realize that an infant can taste flavors in utero and through breast milk. Eating a variety of fresh produce during pregnancy and breastfeeding helps shape a healthy diet later in life.

Treat weaning as a time for the infant to explore the texture, taste and aroma of an array of foods. After six months of exclusive breastfeeding, food can be introduced, although breast milk is still the primary source of nutrients. Small, repeated exposures to many foods during this stage will help minimize refusals to try or accept foods in the toddler years.

24

Chattanooga

Children’s foods should be exploding with nutrients. Offering a variety of organic produce ensures optimal nutrition and decreases chemical exposure.

Research reported by the Harvard Medical School and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, among others, shows that richly colored foods help build dense bones, powerful brains and tough immunity. Good candidates include butternut squash, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, berries and citrus. Also go for those naturally high in iron, such as peas, leafy greens, apricots, raisins and legumes. Avoid anything high in sugar and other sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, artificial colorings and other harmful additives.

Another important yet often overlooked foundation of healthy eating is encouraging a child to self-regulate his or her calorie intake. Self-regulation starts

NaturallyChattanooga.com

on the first day of breastfeeding and is carried through adulthood. Respecting a child’s decision to end a meal allows them to control their own food intake.

Common signals infants use to end a meal include turning their head away, arching back, throwing food on the floor and showing an interest in other activities. To encourage self-regulation, always serve meals and healthy snacks on a schedule and allow the child to feed himself when possible.

As early as 7 months of age, most healthy infants are developmentally ready to do this, which should optimize nutrient consumption, increase participation in family meals and contribute to a less stressful mealtime. Appropriate foods for self-feeding should easily melt in an infant’s mouth and be a safe size, such as soft fruits and cooked vegetables.

To prevent choking, avoid round, hard and sticky foods such as whole grapes, peanuts, popcorn and nut or seed butters.

Don’t be afraid to add mild herbs and spices to a child’s food. An easy way to teach healthy flavor preferences, develop taste buds and reduce pickiness when they’re older is to expose children to many foods, textures and aromas. A dash of cumin in smashed avocado or freshly chopped mint mixed with diced strawberries introduces new perspective on a favorite food.

Food refusal is inevitable, normal behavior. Children will love a food one day and hate it the next. Rethinking the definition of variety empowers parents to reintroduce a not-so-favorite food many times. If children don’t like the way an item feels or looks, they may not taste it.

The refusal of a carrot doesn’t necessarily doom carrots. They can be coined, minced, mashed, puréed and diced to

Grainiacs

Always

Welcome.

!

Sun. 8am-6pm Mon.-Thurs. 7am-9pm Friday 7am-4pm Closed Saturday villagemarketcollegedale.com 423.236.2300

change the texture, plus they can be served cold, at room temperature or tepid.

A child’s early adventurous eating increases the willingness to experiment with a wider range of less familiar foods as a young adult in a multicultural foodscape. Kids are not born reciting an alphabet; it takes time and practice to read and learn a new language. Similarly, it requires time and patient practice to establish a healthy foundation for eating.

Have faith in the family’s ability to make eating together enjoyable for everyone.

Clancy Cash Harrison is a mother of two, pediatric feeding therapist, registered dietitian and author of Feeding Baby: Simple Approaches to Raising a Healthy Baby and Creating a Lifetime of Nutritious Eating.

Connect at FieldsOfFlavor.com.

Easy Kid-Pleasing Recipes T

hese recipes are designed to build dense bones, powerful brains and tough immunity by strategically pairing foods to increase the absorption of vital nutrients. Even toddlers love to use the creamy recipes as dips for their favorite vegetable sticks. To encourage self-feeding with a thinner-texture recipe, place food on a spoon and let the infant lean into it or pull the spoon to their mouth.

n Most children will refuse a new food and by age 2, become afraid of anything new. Therefore, introduce a large variety of foods early in life (Appetite; International Journal of Obesity).

/4 tsp organic coconut oil 1 Tbsp organic peas 1 pinch fresh chopped organic dill In a cast iron skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add peas and cook for 5 minutes, constantly stirring. Toss with dill before serving.

Sweet and Chunky Avocado

½ ripe organic avocado, mashed with a fork ½ ripe organic banana Pinch of organic cinnamon (optional) Mix ingredients well until smooth and creamy. Add breast milk to thin as needed. For more texture, dice the banana and gently mix into mashed avocado.

26

Chattanooga

Strawberry and Almond Purée

8 raw, soaked almonds 4 large organic strawberries, diced 1 tsp fresh chopped organic herbs (basil, cilantro or mint)

n Infants and children can regulate calorie needs based on current growth patterns and age. Some days an infant will eat large amounts of food, on others very little. n Pressuring a child to eat is a behavior associated with unhealthy eating habits. Not only does it set them up for long-term food aversions, it teaches them to distrust their internal feelings of hunger and fullness, often leading to a habit of overeating.

Bake sweet potato until its center is soft.

Remove flesh from peel. Smashing with a fork, mix in cinnamon. Add breast milk to thin as needed.

1

by Clancy Cash Harrison

n Restricting foods high in sugar and fat increases a child’s preference for them. Then, when sweets are made available, the child feels compelled to overeat them (Appetite; The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Proceedings of the Nutrition Society).

2 Tbsp smashed organic sweet potato Dash organic cinnamon

Dilled Peas

Kid Feeding Tips n Holding off on fruits as a first food to prevent development of a sweet tooth is a myth. A sweet taste preference is engrained in an infant’s DNA (Annual Review of Nutrition; Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care).

Cinnamon Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Pulse almonds in a blender until finely chopped. Add strawberries and herb of choice. Mix until well blended.

Basil and Banana

1 tsp finely chopped fresh organic basil ½ diced organic banana In a blender, mix all ingredients until smooth. Add breast milk to thin as needed.

NaturallyChattanooga.com

Recipes and photos courtesy of Clancy Cash Harrison from Feeding Baby: Simple Approaches to Raising a Healthy Baby and Creating a Lifetime of Nutritious Eating.

greenliving

from beyond-repair cookbooks or old sheet music. Need a shelf above the desk? A pair of old shutters works well; cast iron brackets add flair. Matching or complementary paint colors will make the pieces look like they belong together.

Broken pieces of furniture can live on if cobbled together. A coffee table’s sturdy legs and frame, an old window and a little paint combine to furnish a unique table with built-in storage. To protect fragile glass and create an even surface, top with a sheet of Plexiglass or sturdy beveled-edge glass.

Look beyond what is there and imagine what it could be. Ideas are everywhere, especially with spring cleanouts, garage sales and flea markets. Expect upcycling to become an obsession, because everything will become a possibility.

Upcycled Décor Old and Oh-So-Stylish

by Avery Mack

Search the words recycled, repurposed and upcycled on Pinterest, Etsy or any search engine to picture results ranked from simple-to-do to how-in-the-world astonishment. Light fixtures can be made from almost anything. Cookie jars and books turn into lamps, wine bottles become a chandelier—go homespun or industrial, follow a theme or incorporate a hobby. Freshen lamp shades using old sewing patterns, vintage fabrics or ribbon applied as découpage. A coat of paint transforms tacky, tarnished brass chandeliers into elegant décor.

At a flea market, look for boxes of stainless forks, knives and spoons—avoid costly sterling silver that can tarnish. A drill, frame, wiring and bulb later, we can have an intriguing hanging light or lamp.

Combining a chafing dish, silverware and assorted tea cups in a chandelier creates artful lighting.

Seating

Chairs are plentiful in garage and whole-house sales, flea markets and on

Storage

Old dressers and desks are frequent throwaway finds. Often big and bulky, scratched and ugly, it’s easier to set them out for pickup than list them for sale. Paint can transform a desk that shows its age into a welcome addition to a home office. For added interest or to hide imperfections, découpage with maps, postcards, kid’s artwork, pages

Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at AveryMack@mindspring.com.

Finders Keepers

by Avery Mack n Take cash to garage sales. Flea markets are more apt to take credit cards. Discounts may by possible with cash, which saves the seller the transaction fee.

photo courtesy of Jessica-Allyn.com

Lighting

Craigslist. Sometimes all that’s needed is a coat of paint and fun fabric. New cushions, bought or made, are easy upgrades. Recovering a padded seat only requires the right amount of fabric and a sturdy staple gun. Mismatched chairs, painted a neutral color and redone with the same fabric, turn a mishmash of styles into a coordinated set. Chevron (zig zag) or checkerboard patterns in black and white are popular—understated, yet posh. Bright colors in a pop art style or 70s florals brighten any room and give the owner style points.

Benches created from a bookcase, shortened dresser or car parts can be padded or plain and incorporate storage capacity. A child’s bench may have been a skateboard in its former life. When buying reclaimed wood, ask about its origin; factory pieces might still retain unhealthy contaminants. photo courtesy of Lit for a Queen/Etsy

O

ld furniture used to go to college dorms and student apartments. At graduation, it was moved to the curb to be picked up by incoming students or the trash man. Now, with the influx of TV shows like Flea Market Flip and American Pickers, the DIY Network, HGTV and complementary books and magazines, vintage and mid-century recyclables barely touch the curb before being reinvented. Lighting, storage and seating provide ample opportunities for one-of-a-kind creations of imagination, vision and innovation.

n Negotiate. It’s expected and half the fun. But don’t offer an offensively low price. Ask, “What is the best you can do on this?” Then, making a slightly lower counteroffer is often acceptable. n Although the general theory of, “Buy it when you see it,” is sound advice, be prepared to walk away. n Set a budget and stick to it, especially at an auction. Smartphones can help research what price to offer. n Watch for posted signs around town; search “garage sale finder” or “flea market finder” (there’s an iTunes app for that). Locate auction and estate sales the same way, as well as in a local newspaper. Churches and organizations like the Veterans Administration, Elks Lodge, Lions Club and Scouts often organize sales as fundraisers. n Shop early for the best selection.

Shop late for the lowest prices.

natural awakenings

May 2015

27

Vintage Wine & Spirits wisewords

Laura Prepon’s Journey to Health

800 Mountain Creek Rd. 423-877-9474

Home Cooking, Organics and Massage Are Key

by Gerry Strauss

You must do the things you think you cannot do. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

F

rom That ‘70s Show to Orange is the New Black, actress Laura Prepon has long been considered by TV audiences to be a welcome image of health. Yet Prepon’s recent discovery that she’d been falling short in nourishing her body as effectively as possible has set in motion a complete redirection of lifestyle, from her diet to fitness routine. Now working on a book about clean living and eating due out next year, Prepon has rededicated herself to educating us just as much as she’s entertained us through the years.

How do you manage to consistently eat local organic food instead of fast food?

Adams, M.D. FullCharles CircleC.Medical Center Amanda Geitz, L.M.T.

28

Chattanooga

My mother was a gourmet chef and an advocate of organic food, so we always had amazing meals growing up. Eating organic produce that’s in season locally seems to help me assimilate nutrition more readily. Whenever I can, I also try to tap into biodynamic agriculture, which takes an even broader holistic approach to food production and nutrition. I view GMOs [genetically modified foods] as toxic to the system.

As a self-taught chef, I like to cook at least 80 percent of my food at home NaturallyChattanooga.com

and bring meals to work so I don’t stress about food during the day. It feels good to get people together in the kitchen and I’ve taught friends how to cook healthy foods in simple ways, so they now bring their own meals with them to work. It’s all about preparation, so that you’re not just grabbing something on the run. Knowing what’s going into the food we’re eating is important. photo by Michael Simon

Wine with body, heart and spirit.

Feel good about the wine you drink.

Natural source of antioxidants & resveratrol.

Organic wines available.

Why do you include a lot of soup in your diet?

With all of the GMO food sprayed with chemicals in the typical American diet and the other environmental toxins everyone has to deal with, our gut flora, intestines and bodies in general are becoming compromised. Ten years ago, few had even heard of gluten allergies unless you had celiac disease, which was rare even then. Now, everywhere you go, there’s a gluten-free option.

I love eating soup because the healthful ingredients I use are broken down completely, so the body can immediately assimilate needed micronutrients, which help heal us from the inside out. I’m talking about homemade broth from grass-fed beef bones,

so you get the marrow; I’m partial to knuckle bones. I always have soup broth in my refrigerator.

What’s key to your ability to naturally stay healthy and fit in the midst of an intense schedule of work and travel?

I love modalities like acupuncture, massage … all of that. I fully believe in keeping energy flowing to benefit the functioning of all our organs.

As school kids, we learn about the circulatory system and central nervous system, but who knows much about the lymphatic system? It’s extremely important, and people are starting to get the idea. Activities like yoga, swimming and bouncing on the trampoline can help.

Do you see society’s penchant for medicating as a way to avoid listening to and addressing our body’s real needs?

I do. That’s why I study Eastern medicine, because I feel that Western medicine treats problems and Eastern medicine prevents problems from happening.

I grew up in a family of doctors and “full-on” Western medicine and respect the medical community. Unfortunately, these days, most people are continually medicated and they’re not getting better.

As a society, we tend to just take a drug to handle a symptom instead of addressing the actual cause of the problem.

As a celebrity, do you see yourself as a conduit to facilitate a shift away from unnatural lifestyles?

Yes. The reason I decided to write a book was because I’ve been struggling with a bunch of different ailments in secret for a long time. When I began working with my integrated health coach, Elizabeth Troy, I started to heal for the first time in all the years of reading books on health, diet and fitness, seeing doctors, taking loads of pills and spending crazy amounts of money on all of these activities. I want to help people struggling to regain their health to get answers.

Gerry Strauss is a freelance writer in Hamilton, NJ. Connect at GerryStrauss@aol.com.

We offer an extensive array of classes to meet your needs.

105 N. Market, Chattanooga, TN 423-266-3539 www.ClearSpringYoga.com

jo@ColmoreFarms.com | ColmoreFarms.com "Be the Beef Whisperer" a local beef a healthy, safe, lean a humanely raised a no steroids or growth hormones a ultimate flavor and tenderness

Grilling time is coming, call to order a quarter, a half or even a whole beef today!

423.309.3490

Another Gorgeous evening To benefit the

Tennessee RiveR GoRGe TRusT

thursday, May 7 5:30 p.m. at Tennessee RiverPlace

Live Music by the Ben Friberg Trio and The Dismembered Tennesseans Dinner by Lee Towery Catering • Gorge Paintings by Townsend Atelier Artists

Tickets $125 $100 each by May 1* 6-top tables $1250 8-top tables $1500 *$125 for tickets purchased after May 1

www.trgt.org/tickets or 423.266.0314 Valet Parking | cocktail Hour | casual attire Thanks To Colonial PiPeline ComPany and our other generous sponsors including Tennessee RiverPlace, BlueCross Blueshield of Tennessee Community Trust, First Tennessee Foundation, TVa, UBs – The Donina Group and The Reynolds & Park Wealth management Group, and natural awakenings magazine natural awakenings

May 2015

29

naturalpet

PET VACCINE ALTERNATIVES

Natural Steps to Nurture Immunity

by Shawn Messonnier

W

ith pets, as with kids, vaccine safety and necessity are likely concerns. While holistic veterinarians tend to minimize the use of vaccines, their strongest stance is against unnecessary vaccinations. The point is to immunize only when it’s needed by individual patients while maximizing natural immunity.

In the late 1970s, amid the discovery of the canine parvo virus, vets saw many puppies under 4 months of age suffer from this mysterious disease and die or be euthanized. Once a vaccine was made, we rarely saw pets dying from the parvo virus or parvoviral infection. So, in certain cases, vaccines can be life-saving.

However, unnecessary and multiple simultaneous vaccines can also be life-taking, which doctors rarely mention. The truth is that only

minimal vaccines are needed for dogs and cats over the course of a pet’s life.

No pet needs all of the vaccines that are currently manufactured, and none needs vaccines every six to 12 months.

Pets do need veterinary checkups once or twice a year to screen for diseases affecting the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal and urinary systems, as well as cancer. Blood and urine testing, including blood testing for undiagnosed cancer, is vital, easy and inexpensive (every six months for pets 5 years and older and annually for those that are younger).

A good protocol is akin to that developed by Dr. Jean Dodds, founder of Hemopet, of Garden Grove, California, a holistic veterinarian and an expert in animal vaccination and immunology. Her system involves administering limited vaccines to puppies and kittens based on their individual needs, and not more often than every three weeks for those younger than 8 weeks. Following this course, by 4 months of age the pet has been injected with four to six vaccines, compared to double to triple the amount supported by vaccine manufacturers and administered by breeders and most conventional doctors.

Such a judicious, limited vaccine protocol offers protection against the diseases that are the most lethal to the puppy or kitten while doing no harm to its natural immune system. As needed, individual pets may also receive a natural detoxification protocol to minimize vaccine reactions. Antioxidant supplements can boost the immune response, as well.

Adult pet patients can also be given blood titer testing instead of vaccines.

This measures the animal’s individual antibody responses to prior immunizations or common disease exposure and assures us the pet has adequate immunity against a specific disease.

All of this assures the pet owner that the pet is protected against infectious diseases without the risks of annual multiple vaccinations. In most cases a protective titer is maintained for many years, which preempts disease and further reduces the number of vaccines the animal receives over its lifetime.

Titer testing costs less than $100 for three common infectious diseases, is safer than routine immunization, protects the immune system, prevents vaccine reactions and assures owners, vets, boarding facilities, groomers and day care facilities that it’s safe to introduce the pet into such environments.

This approach of minimal vaccinations is a prime reason holistic veterinarian patients tend to be healthier and live longer than the average pet, with even larger dogs regularly living in good health up to 15 to 20 years of age.

Holistic veterinarians perform limited vaccines supplemented by titer testing to ensure levels of care that meet accepted standards. They base their approach on supportive science from institutions including the American Animal Hospital Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners to provide safe, proven, ongoing immunity for patients.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com.

30

Chattanooga

NaturallyChattanooga.com

calendarofevents

SATURDAY, MAY 23

NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by May 10 (for the June issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email ChattanoogaNA@epbfi.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

FRIDAY, MAY 1

SUNDAY, MAY 10

Opening night of Nightfall Concert Series – 7-11pm. One of Chattanooga’s most widely recognized and attended programs, Nightfall celebrates the opening of its 27th season of free Friday-night concerts at Miller Plaza in downtown Chattanooga.

Info and season lineup: NightfallChattanooga.com.

Mother’s Day Celebration at Chattanooga Market – 11am-4pm. Free. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. Info: ChattanoogaMarket.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge – 28th year of this event, sponsored by Rock Creek. Info: ChattBike.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 3 Play Along with the CSO at Chattanooga Market – 11am-4pm. Free. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. Info: ChattanoogaMarket.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 Dream Group – Noon-1pm. Work with your dreams for personal growth. Susan Smartt and Lisa Harrison facilitate this group dream work to help us see what gifts are there, below the surface of their appearance. Free for members, $10 nonmembers. Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423486-1279 or Centermindfullivingmanager@gmail. com. Register: CenterMindfulLiving.org/register.

FRIDAY, MAY 8 Natural Meditation: A Full Immersion into Effortlessness – 7-8:30pm. Instructor Dean Sluyter will offer a free Friday-night intro to paid Saturday workshop on how to establish an effortless daily meditation practice. See May 9 entry for workshop info. Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423-486-1279 or Centermindfullivingmanager@gmail.com. Register: CenterMindfulLiving.org/register.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Earthfest – 10am-4pm. Family fun with a variety of activities such as hiking and canoeing on the 317 acres of Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga. Members free; nonmembers free with paid admission to Reflection Riding. Info: 423-821-1160.

Natural Meditation: A Full Immersion into Effortlessness – 12:30-4:30pm. Instructor Dean Sluyter will show you how to choose a meditative object (sound, breath, the senses) and use it effortlessly to establish a daily practice that’s a pleasure.

(See May 8 entry for free Friday-night intro.) $60 members, $65 nonmembers. Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423486-1279 or Centermindfullivingmanager@gmail. com. Register: CenterMindfulLiving.org/register.

Free screening of Locavore – 2pm. CHEO presents the documentary Locavore: Local Diet Healthy Planet in the speaker room of Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Open to the public. Info: 4CHEO.org or 706-459-0055.

SATURDAY, MAY 16 Visualization through Guided Imagery and Art Series – 10am-12:30pm. Artist Jas Milam will lead this workshop with guided relaxation and visualization followed by an art-making session to bring participants a clearer third eye. $50 members, $60 nonmembers. Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423-486-1279 or Centermindfullivingmanager@gmail.com. Register: CenterMindfulLiving.org/register.

Reiki II (Okuden) plus Animal Reiki – May 16-17, 10am-6pm. Margaret Dexter, PhD, reiki master/teacher. Prerequisite: Reiki I. Meditation techniques for continued spiritual growth. Three mantras and symbols. Remote healing for people and pets. Training needed to work as a reiki practitioner. $300 includes class, manual and Okuden certificate. Registration with $150 deposit one week in advance. North Chattanooga. Info: 423-266-6006 or margaretdexter.com/reiki-workshops.

SUNDAY, MAY 17 EPB Strawberry Festival at Chattanooga Market – 11am-4pm. Free. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. Info: ChattanoogaMarket.com.

Free dowsing presentation – 2-4pm. CHEO monthly education program features Faye Henry explaining how the ancient technique of dowsing can be used for physical, mental, emotional healing.

Open to public. Speaker room of Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 4CHEO.org or 706-459-0055.

Energy-Balancing Cocoon Sessions – 3:155:15pm. Facilitator Chitra Gunderson will use energy-balancing tools to surround you with lifeenhancing energy to reduce stress, harmonize emotions, and facilitate transformation and bring calm, centered clarity. $20 members, $25 nonmembers.

Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423-486-1279 or Centermindfullivingmanager@gmail.com. Register: CenterMindfulLiving.org/register.

Ironman 70.3 – Information and volunteer registration: Ironman.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 Dream Group – Noon-1pm. Work with your dreams for personal growth. Susan Smartt and Lisa Harrison facilitate this group dream work to help us see what gifts are there, below the surface of their appearance.

Free for members, $10 nonmembers. Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga.

Info: 423-486-1279 or Centermindfullivingmanager@gmail.com. Register: CenterMindfulLiving. org/register.

Free attention disorder screenings – Noon-5pm.

LearningRx Chattanooga Brain Training Center, 2040 Hamilton Place Blvd. (next to Marshall’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond). Space limited; appointments recommended. Registration and info: m.davis@ learningrx.net or 423-305-1599.

USA Cycling Professional Road & Time Trial National Championships – May 23-25. Information and volunteer registration: USACycling.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 24 Beast Feast BBQ Festival at Chattanooga Market – 11am-4pm. Free. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. Info: ChattanoogaMarket.com.

Chattanooga Chase – Sponsored by the Chattanooga Track Club. Info: ChattanoogaTrackClub.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Paddle School – May 29-31. TN Valley Canoe Club runs this two-day course for whitewater and flatwater paddling. Courses are designed for everyone, from first-timers who have never been in a boat to intermediate paddlers looking to improve their skills. All classrooms are on the water. Registration deadline May 20. Info and registration: TVCCPaddler.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 31 Mountain View Bluegrass at Chattanooga Market – 11am-4pm. First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. Info: ChattanoogaMarket.com.

save the date SATURDAY, JUNE 6 BIRTH CHATT: Waterbirth – 10:30-11:30am.

Expectant and future parents are invited to an informative discussion on waterbirth. Local midwives will discuss laboring and birthing in the water, answer questions, and discuss evidence related to the safety of this practice. BIRTH CHATT subjects vary monthly. Free. Inspire Chiropractic, 400 E. Main St. # 140, Chattanooga. Info: 423-622-4226, BirthWellness.com/birth-chatt.

classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY SPREAD YOUR WINGS - Add a Rejuvenation Studio to your EXISTING beauty, fitness, or health/wellness business. Bring in new customers, gain revenue from several sources, and your customers will love it! For more information, call: 864-569-8631.

help wanted C an ’ t a f f ord to ad v ert ise ?

Interested in distributing Natural Awakenings magazine? Trade your time for that critical advertising you need. Call 423-517-0128 or email ChattanoogaNA@epbfi.com.

natural awakenings

May 2015

31

ongoingevents sunday Daily Zen Meditation Group – 8-9pm. Led by Rev. Travis Suiryu Eiseman. Donation-based; sitting cushions provided. Includes Zen meditation instruction. Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 619-820-6832, TravisEiseman@ yahoo.com, MovementArtsCollective.com.

Unity of Chattanooga Service – 11am. Discover Unity’s message of positive, practical Christianity, and experience the warmth of God’s unconditional love. 604 Black St., Chattanooga. Info: 423-7557990 or UnityOfChattanooga.org.

Restorative Yoga (Instructor Rotates Each Sunday) – 4:30-5:45pm. Physical and mental restorative session designed to focus on rejuvenating and healing the body through breath and slow, gentle movement. Regular class rates apply. ClearSpring Yoga, 105 N. Market St., Chattanooga. Info: ClearSpringYoga.com or 423-266-3539.

monday Stretch & Breathe Gentle Yoga – 10-11am.

Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 423-401-8115 or MovementArtsCollective.com.

Dojo Chattanooga – Adult Kenpo 1-2pm; Youth Kenpo 4:30-5:30pm; Fitness Kickboxing 5:30-6pm; Warrior Fit 6-6:30pm; Adult Kenpo 6:30-7:30pm; Wing Chun 7:30-8:30pm. Beginners welcome. 323 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 423-267-0855.

Gentle Yoga with Tammy Burns – 5:30-6:45pm.

Gentle class focusing on rejuvenating and healing the body through breath and slow, gentle movement.

Yoga props are used for safe practice and to allow the body to fully achieve each position comfortably.

No experience needed. Regular class rates apply.

ClearSpring Yoga, 105 N. Market St., Chattanooga.

Info: ClearSpringYoga.com or 423-266-3539.

All-Levels Yoga with Janka Livoncova – 5:306:45pm. Poses with emphasis on alignment and stability. Breath and mindfulness are key components. This class builds on yoga fundamentals.

Some experience helpful. Regular class rates apply.

ClearSpring Yoga, 105 N. Market St., Chattanooga.

Info: ClearSpringYoga.com or 423-266-3539.

Debtors Anonymous meeting – 7-8pm. Get support for money/debt problems by attending the weekly Chattanooga Debtors Anonymous meeting.

All welcome. Unity, 604 Black St. (off Cherokee Boulevard), Chattanooga.

Learn to be a Massage Therapist – 28-week class at East Tennessee’s oldest massage school. Massage Institute of Cleveland, 2321 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland.

Info: 423-559-0380.

tuesday Daily Zen Meditation Group – 6:30-8am. Led

by Rev. Travis Suiryu Eiseman. Donation-based;

32

Chattanooga

sitting cushions provided. Newcomers are encouraged to attend an evening session (Wed, Thus or Sun) for Zen meditation instruction. Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga.

Info: 619-820-6832, TravisEiseman@yahoo.com, MovementArtsCollective.com.

Gentle Yoga with Jenny Mac Merrill – 1011:30am. Gentle class focusing on rejuvenating and healing the body through breath and slow, gentle movement. Yoga props are used for safe practice and to allow the body to fully achieve each position comfortably. No experience needed. Regular class rates apply. ClearSpring Yoga, 105 N. Market St., Chattanooga. Info: ClearSpringYoga.com or 423-266-3539.

Dojo Chattanooga – Warrior Fit 12:30-1pm; Wing Chun 1-2pm; Youth Kenpo 4:30-5:30pm; Fitness Kickboxing 5:30-6pm; Warrior Fit 6-6:30pm; Wing Chun 6:30-7:30pm; Adult Kenpo 7:30-8:30pm. Beginners welcome. 323 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga.

Info: 423-267-0855.

50+ Yoga with Sue Reynolds – 2-3:15pm.

User-friendly yoga for those aged 50+. Flexibility, strengthening, relaxation and renewal of energy.

One hour of breath and movement followed by 15 minutes of meditation. $5 drop-in. Nutrition World Wellness Center, behind Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-316-9642 or shreynolds@aol.com.

Zumba Fitness classes with Ana Oritz – 4:305:30pm. Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, high-energy dance burns calories for losing weight and getting fit.

Nutrition World Wellness Center, behind Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-3264331 or alexana_23@yahoo.com.

Power Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Energetic range of flowing movement; appropriate for everyone. Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-892-4085 or NutritionW.com.

“Pedaling for Parkinson’s” – 6pm. Stationary bike class ideal for people 30-75 years old diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. North River YMCA, Hixson, TN. Free to Y members; $5 nonmembers.

Info: 423-877-3517.

Flow/Restorative Yoga with Mina Chong – 6:157:30pm. $10 per class or 11 classes for $100. Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-503-9351.

Managing Reactions to Traumatic Stress – 6:30pm. Educate self and significant others on the effects of PTSD. Clinic, support group follow workshop. Free. Dr. Savannah JG or Margie Wesley, 6074 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga. Info: 423-883-5463.

wednesday Yoga in Japanese with Mina Chong – Noon-1pm. $8 per class. Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-503-9351.

Dojo Chattanooga – Adult Kenpo 1-2pm; Youth Kenpo 4:30-5:30pm; Fitness Kickboxing 5:30-6pm; Warrior Fit 6-6:30pm; Adult Kenpo 6:30-7:30pm; Wing Chun 7:30-8:30pm. Beginners welcome. 323

NaturallyChattanooga.com

Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 423-267-0855.

Mindful Yoga with Annie Harpe – 5:30pm. $10 per class. Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-598-8802.

Evening Mid-Week Unwind Relaxation Meditation – 5:45-6:15pm. Hit the pause button, catch your breath. Join us for a half-hour guided meditation focusing on mindfulness and relaxation. Facilitated by Yong Oh. Free for members, $5 nonmembers. Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423-486-1279 or Centermindfullivingmanager@gmail.com. Register: CenterMindfulLiving.org/register.

Daily Zen Meditation Group – 8:30pm. Led by Rev. Travis Suiryu Eiseman. Donation-based; sitting cushions provided. Includes Zen meditation instruction. Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 619-820-6832, TravisEiseman@ yahoo.com, MovementArtsCollective.com.

thursday Daily Zen Meditation Group – 6:30-8am. Led

by Rev. Travis Suiryu Eiseman. Donation-based; sitting cushions provided. Newcomers are encouraged to attend an evening session (Wed, Thus or Sun) for Zen meditation instruction. Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga.

Info: 619-820-6832, TravisEiseman@yahoo.com, MovementArtsCollective.com.

Gentle Yoga with Anthony Crutcher – 1011:30am. Gentle class focusing on rejuvenating and healing the body through breath and slow, gentle movement. Yoga props are used for safe practice and to allow the body to fully achieve each position comfortably. No experience needed. Regular class rates apply. ClearSpring Yoga, 105 N. Market St., Chattanooga. Info: ClearSpringYoga.com or 423-266-3539.

Dojo Chattanooga – Warrior Fit 12:30-1pm; Wing Chun 1-2pm; Youth Kenpo 4:30-5:30pm; Fitness Kickboxing 5:30-6pm; Warrior Fit 6-6:30pm; Wing Chun 6:30-7:30pm; Adult Kenpo 7:30-8:30pm. Beginners welcome. 323 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga.

Info: 423-267-0855.

Walk-In Acupuncture Sessions – 1-6pm. See Monday listing for details. Margie J. Wesley, LAc, Nutrition World Wellness Center, 6245 Vance Rd. Ste. 4, Chattanooga. Info: 423-596-9024 or FourSeasonsAcupuncture.com.

50+ Yoga with Anita Gaddy – 2-3:15pm. Userfriendly yoga for those aged 50+. Flexibility, strengthening, relaxation and renewal of energy.

One hour of breath and movement followed by 15 minutes of meditation. $5 drop-in. Nutrition World Wellness Center, behind Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: NutritionW.com.

Signal Mountain Farmers’ Market – 4-6pm.

Seasonal produce, eggs, meats, body products, coffee, crafts, baked goods, dog treats, boiled peanuts, plants, flowers, all from local farms. New location: front lot of Pruett’s Signal Mountain Market. Info: signalfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Silent Meditation – 5-5:25pm. With Janka Livoncova. The Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423-486-1279 or CenterMindfulLiving.org.

All-Levels Yoga with Beth Daugherty – 5:306:45pm. Poses with emphasis on alignment and stability. Breath and mindfulness are key components. This class builds on yoga fundamentals.

Some experience helpful. Regular class rates apply.

ClearSpring Yoga, 105 N. Market St., Chattanooga.

Info: ClearSpringYoga.com or 423-266-3539.

“Pedaling for Parkinson’s” – 6pm. Stationary bike class ideal for people 30-75 years old diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. North River YMCA, Hixson, TN. Free to Y members; $5 nonmembers.

Info: 423-877-3517.

Flow/Restorative Yoga with Mina Chong – 6:157:30pm. $10 per class or 11 classes for $100. Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-503-9351.

Daily Zen Meditation Group – 8-9pm. Led by Rev. Travis Suiryu Eiseman. Donation-based; sitting cushions provided. Includes Zen meditation instruction. Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 619-820-6832, TravisEiseman@ yahoo.com, MovementArtsCollective.com.

Body Massage – One full-hour body massage for $25. The Massage Institute of Cleveland, 2321 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland. Info: 423-559-0380.

Hypnobabies childbirth course – Complete six-week natural-childbirth education program includes effective techniques to reduce or eliminate pregnancy discomforts and to remain awake, mobile and in control during childbirth using hypnosis and hypno-anesthesia. Thursday evenings at Inspire Chiropractic, 400 E. Main St., Chattanooga. Space limited to six mothers/couples. Info: Rachel Jimenez, 423-505-2657.

friday Becoming Present Meditation – 12:15-12:45pm.

With Jenn Fahey. The Center for Mindful Living, 1212 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga. Info: 423-4861279 or CenterMindfulLiving.org.

Dojo Chattanooga – Fencing 4:30-5:30pm ; Wing Chun 5:30-6:30pm. Beginners welcome. 323 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 423-267-0855.

Emotional Freedom Technique at Nutrition World – EFT practitioner Lucille York is at Nutrition World on Fridays to help people use this natural method of improving health by releasing trapped emotions. Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-355-9205 or EmoFree.com.

saturday Daily Zen Meditation Group – 6:30-8am. Led

by Rev. Travis Suiryu Eiseman. Donation-based; sitting cushions provided. Newcomers are encour-

aged to attend an evening session (Wed, Thus or Sun) for Zen meditation instruction. Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga.

Info: 619-820-6832, TravisEiseman@yahoo.com, MovementArtsCollective.com.

“Pedaling for Parkinson’s” – 9am. Stationary bike class ideal for people 30-75 years old diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. North River YMCA, Hixson, TN. Free to Y members; $5 nonmembers.

Info: 423-877-3517.

Qigong Level 1 – 9am. With Clare Mills. Montgomery Room inside Center on Main, 320 E. Main St., Chattanooga. Info: 423-643-1980.

Dojo Chattanooga – Fencing 9:30-10:30am; Fitness Kickboxing 10:30-11am; Warrior Fit 1111:30am; Adult Kenpo 11:30am-12:30pm; Wing Chun 1-2pm. Beginners welcome. 323 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 423-267-0855.

Zumba Fitness classes with Ana Oritz – 10-11am.

Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, high-energy dance burns calories for losing weight and getting fit.

Nutrition World Wellness Center, behind Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-3264331 or alexana_23@yahoo.com.

Prenatal Yoga – Noon-1pm. Movement Arts Collective, 3813 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga. Info: 423-401-8115 or MovementArtsCollective.com.

monthly Free film screenings at Nutrition World – 2pm every second Saturday. CHEO, Nutrition World host free screenings of documentaries focused on holistic health at Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: Cathy Burnett at cgburnett1@ comcast.net or 423-322-2614.

Have a Stubborn Skin Disorder and Tried Everything Else?

Finally, there’s a solution: try Natural Awakenings’ DermaClear, a natural, affordable, skin repair salve.

Ne Sh w op W , Re Ou eb de r Sto sign re ed

Zumba Fitness classes with Ana Oritz – 4:305:30pm. Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, high-energy dance burns calories for losing weight and getting fit.

Nutrition World Wellness Center, behind Nutrition World, 6201 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga. Info: 423-3264331 or alexana_23@yahoo.com.

DermaClear brings comforting relief to sufferers of many skin irritations. The cooling and soothing calcium mortmorillonite/ calcium bentonite clay has been proven to be effective against: • SHINGLES • PSORIASIS • ECZEMA • BURNS • RASHES • JOCK ITCH • STINGS & MORE 4-oz jar $29.99 + ONLY $5 for shipping Order online today at

ShopNaturalAwakenings.com or call: 888-822-0246

NO CASH? NO PROBLEM!

zines – a g a ur m vertsing for your bus o r ines ive free ad l s. e d u o u If you have reliable transportation Yo give y and would like to work with us for a few days at the end of each month We delivering our magazines, then we will trade for ad space in our healthy living publication.

423-517-0128 ChattanoogaNA@epbfi.com

natural awakenings

May 2015

33

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in this directory each month, email ChattanoogaNA@epbfi.com or call 423-517-0128.

ANIMAL HEALTH CHATTANOOGA HOLISTIC ANIMAL INSTITUTE Colleen Smith DVM, CVA, CVCP Katie Smithson DVM, CVA 918 East Main Street Chattanooga, TN 37408 ChattanoogaHolisticVet.com

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement therapy FULL CIRCLE MEDICAL CENTER Charles C. Adams, MD 4085 Cloud Springs Rd. Ringgold, GA 30736 706-861-7377 DrPrevent.com

Holistic veterinary facility. Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists integrating conventional and alternative therapies for small animals.

Offering Acupuncture, Stem Cell therapy, laser therapy, Prolotherapy, Reiki, Tui-Na, general medicine, surgery, Certified Veterinary Chiropractic, allergy testing, nutrition consultation and food therapy.

For over a decade, Full Circle Medical Center has continued to help men and women get their youth back by balancing hormones naturally with bioidentical hormones. See ad, page 28.

Colon Therapy Jane Andrews RCT 227 Hankins Road Rock Spring, GA 30739 706-764-2322

Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute 918 East Main St. Chattanooga, TN 37408 423-531-8899

Colonic Irrigation since 1975 with state of the art FDA approved equipment. Reams urine/saliva testing: PH, salt, sugar, albumin, ureas. Beautiful lakeside covered accessible entry.

Offering green grooming, including relaxing hydro-massage baths with all-natural EarthBath products. Certified grooming for all canine breeds, as well as cats.

STILLPOINT HEALTH ASSOCIATES McKAMEY ANIMAL CENTER 4500 N. Access Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37415 423-305-6500 McKameyAnimalCenter.org

June Carver Drennon 1312-B Hanover St. Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-756-2443

Pet adoptions, animal services, lost & found. Adoptions and Admissions: Monday – closed; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 11am-5:30pm; Thursday –11am-7pm. Adoptions: Sunday – 1pm5:30pm. Admissions closed Sunday.

Dedicated to improving health through colonic irrigation, cellular detoxifying foot baths, massage and lymphatic therapy. Additional therapies available include individual and family counseling, and Emotional Freedom Technique. See ad, page 11.

Positive anything is better than negative nothing. ~Elbert Hubbard

Chattanooga

Cindy Surrena, BSDH, Registered Dental Hygienist Licensed in TN, GA, IN, IA 7613 Shallowford Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421 423-855-4212 ShallowfordSmiles.com Thirty-two years providing knowledgeable, gentle dental cleanings to patients. We provide comprehensive exams, low-radiation digital x-rays, dental cleanings, periodontal therapy for gum disease, dietary counseling. We consider patients’ total health using the latest therapies/equipment. See ad, page 3.

HEALTHIER LIVING NATURALLY

JO MILLS PET GROOMING

34

Dentistry SHALLOWFORD DENTAL CARE

NaturallyChattanooga.com

SHALLOWFORD DENTAL CARE Donna Booker, RDA 7613 Shallowford Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421 423-855-4212 ShallowfordSmiles.com

I have 18 years’ experience as a dental assistant making patients comfortable; learning new dental products and equipment, such as the Wand anesthesia machine; and making sure patients have the excellent, ethical care they deserve.

See ad, page 3.

Environmental Education TENNESSEE RIVER GORGE TRUST 1214 Dartmouth St. Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-266-0314 TRGT.org

For more than 33 years, TRGT has worked to protect the Tennessee River Gorge as a healthy and productive resource for our community through land protection, education, community engagement and good land-stewardship practices. See ad, page 29.

Fitness YMCA OF METROPOLITAN CHATTANOOGA 301 West 6th St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-265-8834

Serving Chattanooga for 143 years. YMCA programs focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility—because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.

THE VILLAGE PANTRY Kate Steward 8949 B Dayton Pk. Soddy Daisy, TN 37379 423-451-7460

We sell organic, gluten-free, gourmet and grocery foods.

Our prices are up to 70% off regular store pricing. We stock a wide variety of nonperishable health products.

The Village Pantry offers a selection of international foods and general groceries.

Holistic Dentistry Health Foods and Nutrition NUTRITION WORLD

Ed Jones 6201 Lee Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37421 423-892-4085 NutritionW.com Located at Lee Highway and Vance Road, Nutrition World offers Chattanooga’s most complete selection of vitamins, herbs, proteins, weight-loss and joint-support products, athletic supplements, alkaline products and other natural health products. See ad, pages 2 & 40.

SMILES OF CHATTANOOGA Robert J. Gallien, DDS 4620 Hwy. 58 Chattanooga, TN 37416 423-208-9783 SmileChattanooga.com

Catering to patients’ personal needs with a whole-body approach. Dr. Gallien offers tests for sensitivities to commonly used dental materials and uses only biocompatible materials to restore beautiful, naturallooking teeth. Offering removal of mercury-silver fillings. See ad, page 39.

Homeopathy TOOLS FOR HEALING, LLC

THE FAMILY HERB SHOP Alison Campbell 6462 Hixson Pk. Ste. 101 Hixson, TN 37343 423-843-1760

Family owned and operated for the last 21 years, we provide a wide selection of vitamins, herbs, essential oils, weightloss products, Advocare and many other natural health products for the entire family. See ad, page 13.

423-899-6288 CustomerService@ToolsForHealing.com ToolsForHealing.com Offering 500+ products including ozonators, far infrared, hand-crafted mountain herbs, organic body care, water and air purification, nutritional supplements, books, gift certificates and energy devices including parasite zappers and more. See ad, page 21.

Integrative Medicine FULL CIRCLE MEDICAL CENTER VILLAGE MARKET

5002 University Dr. Collegedale, TN 37315 423-236-2300 VillageMarketCollegedale.com Over 50 years providing natural foods, bulk items, herbs, vitamins and vegan products along with the area’s largest selection of vegetarian meats. Excellent produce, fresh-baked goods and 20,000+ grocery items create a complete shopping experience. See ad, page 25.

Charles C. Adams, MD 4085 Cloud Springs Rd. Ringgold, GA 30736 706-861-7377 DrPrevent.com

Work with a medical or naturopathic doctor or energy medicine technician to seek the root of your imbalance. Traditional and alternative medicine, BHRT, weight loss, detoxification, infrared ozone sauna, hyperbaric oxygen and advanced IV therapies. See ad, page 28.

LIFE IS A BALANCING ACT

Counteract Slow Sales Advertise in Natural Awakenings’

Balanced Man June Issue To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

423-517-0128

natural awakenings

May 2015

35

Massage Therapy

KINESIO TAPING RESTORATIVE BODY THERAPIES Carol Bieter, LMT, CKTP 243 Signal Mountain Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-605-4855 RestorativeBodyTherapies.com

Carol Bieter is a certified Kinesio Taping practitioner, having completed all three levels of training and passed the CKTP exam. Currently one of the only certified Kinesio Taping practitioners in the Knoxville and Chattanooga areas. See ad, page 11.

Martial Arts DOJO CHATTANOOGA

Trevor Haines 323 Cherokee Blvd.

Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-267-0855 Trevor@DojoChattanooga.com DojoChattanooga.com Trevor Haines teaches the martial arts Wing Chun Kung Fu and Five Animal Kenpo Karate. Excellent for self-defense and overall wellness, martial arts develop physical and mental confidence and discipline.

Is Your BusIness BloomIng?

FOCUS 4 MASSAGE

423 855-4888 Focus4Massage.com On Facebook @ Focus 4 Massage Since 1993, our focus has been helping others with chronic muscular pain in a clinical setting. Several great therapists have joined our team, and we’re growing like crazy. Incredible therapists ~ Great value ~ Let us focus on you.

See ad, page 17.

RESTORATIVE BODY THERAPIES Carol Bieter, LMT, CNMT 243 Signal Mountain Rd. Ste. E Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-605-4855 RestorativeBodyTherapies.com

Licensed massage therapist and certified neuromuscular therapist offers a wide range of relaxation and treatment massage techniques including neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release and Reiki. Certified and extensively trained in sports massage. See ad, page 11.

From a distance, many businesses look the same.

Put the focus on your business by advertising in and you will be seen.

Contact us today!

ChattanoogaNA@epbfi.com KnoxvilleNA@epbfi.com

423-517-0128

Personal Training MACKIE PIERRE

Massage school MASSAGE INSTITUTE OF CLEVELAND 4009 Keith St. Ste. 207 Cleveland, TN 37311 423-559-0380

Massage Institute of Cleveland, East Tennessee’s oldest continuously operating massage school. 28-week-long day or evening program. $3,400 tuition includes books.

No-interest payment plans.

VA-approved. Discount massage clinic open to public.

If I had my life to

Nutrition World 6201 Lee Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37421 423-892-4085 One of Chattanooga’s best trainers, Mackie Pierre of MAXX Fitness, is accepting new clients. See how one-onone attention, total focus, results-based training can make a difference in your life. All ages, abilities. Free consultations. 423-645-0935.

live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. ~Nadine Stair

Reflexology THERAPEUTIC REFLEXOLOGY Kenda Komula 207 Woodland Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37402 423-400-9175

Experienced; certified in Original Ingham Method.

Works on the hands and feet.

Reflexology increases nerve and blood supply and circulation to the whole body, balancing and helping it normalize.

Calming sessions designed for individual needs.

natural awakenings

May 2015

37

Qigong

Salons

EILEEN MEAGHER, PhD

BANANA TREE ORGANIC SALON AND SPA

Nutrition World 6201 Lee Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37421 423-892-4085

Eileen Meagher, Certified Spring Forest Qigong Instructor and Master Healer, offers coursework and individual energy sessions. Trained with Master Chunyi Lin and has worked on close to 1,000 individuals. Info or appointments: 423-902-8380 or corville10@ gmail.com.

Angela Oliver 1309 Panorama Dr. Chattanooga, TN 37421 423-553-6773 BananaTreeSalon.com Facebook.com/BananaTreeSalon

Healthy, vibrant hair color without the chemicals! Only at Banana Tree Organic Salon.

Relaxing massages, all-organic facials, Pedispa pedicures and complimentary drinks.

See ad, page 4.

Yoga CLEARSPRING YOGA

105 N. Market St. Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-266-3539 ClearSpringYoga.com Chattanooga’s original studio since 1999, offering a range of classes seven days a week for all ages and abilities. Small class size, personalized attention, beginner-friendly. Come be a part of this vibrant yoga community. See ad, page 29.

MOVEMENT ARTS COLLECTIVE

Reiki Workshops & Private Sessions MARGARET E. DEXTER, PhD, SPIRITUAL COUNSELOR, REIKI TEACHER Reiki Chattanooga 1175 Pineville Rd. #124 Chattanooga, TN 423-266-6006 MargaretDexter.com

Thermography STILLPOINT HEALTH ASSOCIATES June Carver Drennon 1312-B Hanover St. Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-756-2443

Margaret teaches all levels of Reiki, offers private Reiki sessions, Akashic Record Soul Readings and more. Forthcoming book Waking up on a Strange Planet: A Lightworker’s Guide to Planet Earth.

Calendar or website for details.

Dedicated to improving health through thermography, colonic irrigation, cellular detoxifying foot baths, massage and lymphatic therapy. Additional therapies available include individual and family counseling, and Emotional Freedom Technique. See ad, page 11.

Stacey L. Nolan, MEd Tara Phillips, MSW, MEd 3813 Dayton Blvd.

Red Bank, TN 37415 423-401-8115 MovementArtsCollective.com

The Movement Arts Collective is a studio for dance and yoga offering classes and specialty workshops in belly dance, yoga, prenatal dance, creative movement for children, Zen meditation, and other movement and wellness arts topics.

advertisersindex Company

38

Page

Company

Page

Banana Tree Organic Salon and Spa.................................... 4

Natural Awakenings Webstore.....................................13 & 33

Birth Wellness and Women’s Center.................................... 21

Nurtured Birth Services......................................................... 21

Center For Mindful Living..................................................... 23

Nutrition World................................................................ 2 & 40

Clearspring Yoga.....................................................................29

Restorative Body Therapies................................................... 11

Colmore Farms........................................................................29

Shallowford Dental................................................................... 3

DoTERRA.................................................................................... 5

Smiles of Chattanooga..........................................................39

Family Herb Shop..................................................................... 13

Stillpoint Health Associates, Inc............................................ 11

Focus Massage.......................................................................... 17

Tennessee River Gorge Trust...............................................29

Four Bridges Massage & Bodywork.....................................15

The Wolfe Clinic/Tools For Healing...................................... 21

Full Circle Medical Center.....................................................28

TradeBank of Chattanooga....................................................19

International Monetary Systems........................................... 8

Xlear...........................................................................................36

Learning RX Center................................................................25

Village Market..........................................................................25

Lucidity Float Center of Chattanooga................................15

Vintage Wine and Spirits.......................................................28

Chattanooga

NaturallyChattanooga.com

Experience the Difference • Full service dental care.

• No mercury fillings; safe and effective amalgam removal.

• Chemical free dental products.

• State of the art imaging technology to limit radiation exposure.

Robert J. Gallien DDS

Have Questions?

New Patient Special

Redeem for a

FREE

Consultation

$47

Digital Images & Consultation

$205 value. Coupon must be present for redemption.

Focusing on Excellence to Give You a Beautiful Smile

4618 Highway 58 – Chattanooga, TN 37416 423-208-9783 SmileChattanooga.com

Before

After

We focus on excellence to give you a beautiful smile!

100% Assuree Natural health, serious commitment.

Quality and potency are 100% assured on all nutritional and herbal products. Proots are secondary to our commitment to being your guardian for nutritional health and wellbeing. We only oer products that have met the highest quality control standards from manufacturers and we insure through veriication these high standards.

Empower Yourself.

6201 Lee Hwy Chattanooga, TN

(423) 892-4085

nutritionw.com