E R F
E
HEALTHY
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
Sanjay Gupta on
CHASING
LIFE
THE PAIN & GLORY OF FATHERHOOD We Must Know Ourselves First
BRAIN HEALTH Smart Strategies for Preventing Dementia
LAWN CARE Without Toxins
Protecting Pets and the Planet
June 2019 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com June 2019
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Is God in That Bottle Cap? An inspirational guide to leading a life of spirituality
A true life story of the personal quest for spiritual enlightenment and the many benefits of meditation, based on the author’s 44 years of daily meditation, more than 40 years of yoga and tai chi, and more than 20 years of qigong
I would love to see this book in the hands of practitioners of all paths for self-realization. - Vijayendra Pratap, Ph.D.
president of the Yoga Research Society, Author (Beginning Yoga, Yoga Vision, Secrets of Hatha Vidya)
… readers should certainly enjoy this absorbing book, A lively and intensely readable story of one man’s use of a variety of spiritual practices to reveal the nature of reality.
- Kirkus Reviews
A fun ride and informative read.
- Jeff Cox, retired president of
Snow Lion Publications
www.isgodinthatbottlecap.com
June 2019
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letter from the publisher
Dear Friends,
Summer has arrived, and for so many here in the Washington, D.C. metro area, it’s that special time of year when being outside adds enormously to the enjoyment of life. This month, we want to focus on all that June brings—when fathers are remembered and kids are afoot—as we focus on health and fitness for him and well-being for the whole family. Writer Melanie Laporte offers an insightful path to wellness in “Nature’s Toolbox: The Key to Prostate Health,” an up-to-date report on the latest approaches to treating and preventing some major problems associated with this tiny yet highly important gland. And Chris Bruno offers inspiration to fathers with his personal essay, “Fatherhood’s Pain and Glory: We Must Face Our Own Story First.” Of course, cerebral health knows no gender and “Food Sleuth” Melinda Hemmelgarn’s “Brain-Savers: Smart Strategies for Preventing Dementia” is a must-read for anyone concerned with preventing and treating cognitive decline and memory loss. More than a third of global dementia cases are preventable, so adopting diet and lifestyle risk reduction measures is a “no-brainer.” One way to feed the brain is with the unique nutrients found in mushrooms. Discover the magic in these healthy (and delicious) fungi with writer April Thompson’s “Medicinal Mushrooms: Beyond Buttons and Portabellas.” Plus, enjoy some brain-health eating ideas from two of our local experts, Dr. Allan Tomson from Neck, Back & Beyond, in Fairfax, and nutritionist Elizabeth McMillian, from the Rose Wellness Clinic, in Oakton. This month’s Wise Words also points the way to the healing power of foods and much more with Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s take on “Chasing Life.” CNN’s chief medical correspondent shares his eye-opening experiences following an immersive tour of some of the happiest and healthiest places on Earth. The resulting docuseries of the same name explores, among other helpful topics, how ancient traditions may play a role in 21st-century health care. Finally, we offer a deep look into the idea of livable communities and how they are good for people and the planet. According to the D.C.-based nonprofit, Congress for the New Urbanism, “Livability is the sum of the factors that add up to a community’s quality of life, including the built and natural environments, economic prosperity, social stability and equity, educational opportunity and cultural, entertainment and recreation possibilities.” My personal experience of growing up and raising my children in Bethesda relates very much to that thought. The revitalization of Bethesda’s downtown has created a quality environment for walking, biking, mass transportation, recreation, socializing and shopping that appeals to all ages. Plus, the educational and economic opportunities create an environment that retains generations of children that call it home and they stick around to raise their own families. And this vitality extends to most communities throughout the metro region. So take a moment to be thankful for the life-giving energy of our region, and for the possibilities of fun in the sun this summer. Best,
HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITION PUBLISHER Stephen Ellis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robin Fillmore
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jessica Bradshaw Randy Kambic DESIGN & PRODUCTION Irene Sankey OUTREACH DIRECTOR Samantha Hudgins
CONTACT US Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 10411 Motor City Dr., Suite 301 Bethesda, MD 20814 Stephen@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online to receive FREE monthly digital magazine at NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE DIRECTOR Anna Romano FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Scofield Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2019 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. 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. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
Stephen Ellis, Publisher 4
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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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Contents 12 BRAIN-SAVERS
16
Smart Strategies for Preventing Dementia
15 BRAIN POWER FOODS
Nutrition and Brain Health
16 SANJAY GUPTA ON ‘Chasing Life’
17 NATURE’S TOOLBOX The Key to Prostate Health
18 KEEPING A
HEALTHY BRAIN
20
Daily Habits for Peak Health
20 MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Beyond Buttons and Portabellas
21 FATHERHOOD’S PAIN AND GLORY
We Must Face Our Own Story First
22 PRE-WIRED
FOR THE FUTURE
26
Transportation Drives Urban Planning
ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 202-505-4835 or email Stephen@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Stephen@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for editorial, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events to: CalendarNADC@gmail.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. 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 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.
24 THE MINIMALIST FAMILY
Trading Clutter for Calm
26 NONTOXIC LAWN CARE
Protecting Pets and the Planet
DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 15 healthy living 16 wise words 17 healing ways 18 leading edge
20 conscious
eating 21 inspiration 22 green living 24 healthy kids 26 natural pet 28 calendar 31 resource guide May 2019
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news briefs
NIHA Now Offers Dermatology and Welcomes Dr. Kent Handfield
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ational Integrated Health Associates (NIHA) is expanding the medical and dental center’s comprehensive services to include dermatology and welcomes Kent Handfield, M.D., MPH, FAAD, to the integrative medical team. Handfield is board-certified in dermatology and trained in functional medicine and Medical Acupuncture. Handfield will treat all skin, hair and nail issues, skin cancer and chronic inflammatory skin disorders, which is an Dr. Kent Handfield area of special interest. He has worked as the dermatology residency program director in the national capital region and, at the same institution, served as the chief of functional/integrative dermatology. Scientific evidence supports the influential role diet has on skin disease. “The skin is often a marker to what is happening in the rest of the body,” Handfield says. Therefore, diet is usually the first place Handfield starts when he addresses the long-term cure or management of chronic inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne and more. His approach is to use natural therapy in the treatment of skin disease, or conventional pharmacotherapy preferably as a bridge to a long-term natural remedy. Handfield is committed to providing dermatology care for the whole person by blending a conventional and functional medicine approach to help patients achieve their best skin possible—healthy and free of disease. Location: 5225 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Ste. 402. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 202-237-7000 or visit Nihadc.com/HealthPrograms/Dermatology.html. See ad, page 23.
Coming Next Month JULY
Gut Health
plus: Urban & Suburban Agriculture LOCAL FOOD ISSUE 6
Washington, D.C.
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Looking for Early Morning Coffee in Rockville?
D
awson’s Café, which is part of Dawson’s Market, in Rockville Town Square, is now open at 7 a.m. for your early morning “getting ready for the day” needs. Just enter at the Café Door. In addition to coffee, tea and hot drinks, there is an extensive menu of juices, smoothies and other seasonal drinks. Location: 225 N. Washington St., Rockville. For more information, visit DawsonsMarket.com. See ad, page 25.
When Thyroid Hormones Fail Us – A Free Talk
E
ven though many women are taking thyroid hormones and their lab tests state that they are “normal”, up to 90 percent continue to suffer from many of the symptoms. Dr. Serena Satcher is offering a free webinar to help break out of this cycle by discussing the root causes of hypothyroidism and natural ways to overcome it. The talk will be held at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 6. In her practice, Satcher has worked with women who continue to suffer from a list of symptoms, including: tiredness and insomnia, inability to lose weight, cold hands and feet, constipation, depression and lack of motivation, thinning hair and acne, memory problems or brain fog or feelings of nervousness and heart palpitations. Satcher will provide information that will help women sufferers to understand the underlying cause of 85 to 90 percent of hypothyroidism in the U.S, why it’s destroying not only the thyroid gland, and other glands and tissues as well, why taking thyroid medication may not help and why a personalized approach is essential. Satcher, an M.D. and certified in PMR, functional medicine and integrative medicine, specializes in metabolic and autoimmune problems affecting the glands, nervous system and musculoskeletal system. She will also be offering the interactive webinar “Five Reasons Why You Are Stressed Out and What You Can Do About It” from noon to 1 p.m. on June 6 and from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on June 27. For more information or to register, email Info@TreatYourselfToHealth. com or visit TreatYourselfToHealth.com.
Illuminate Mind-Body-Spirit Festivals in Maryland and Virginia
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njoy the finest of local holistic wellness practitioners, products and amazing artisans of all kinds. If you’ve ever wondered about trying reiki, acupuncture, massage, healing crystals, intuitive readings, astrology, essential oils or tarot (and more!), the Illuminate Festivals are a great place to start. Illuminate Annapolis will be held on July 13, Illuminate Ocean City will be held on July 27 and Illuminate F E S T I VA L S Fairfax will be held on July 28. Each festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shop, sample and delight your senses. Practitioners offer mini-sessions of body- and energy-work. Try an intuitive reading, consult an astrologer or see what the Tarot deck reveals with an expert interpreter. Explore energy-enhancing crystals, essential oils and natural spa products. Find jewelry, gifts, and select from beautiful art choices from a variety of disciplines—you may find painting, photography, pottery or glasswork. Admission includes hourly free workshops on a wide range of topics. Or just shop your way down the aisles for handmade jewelry, unique gifts and clothing, luxurious spa products and fascinating books. It’s a wonder-filled day of natural health and spiritual rebalancing. Illuminate Festivals create a welcoming, inclusive place to learn, connect and enhance well-being. Festival founder Judy Bazis encourages attendees to “just look around, see what you are naturally drawn to, and give it a try.” There is always plenty to discover, for everyone from the newly curious to the avid practitioner. Admission: $5/online; $6/at the door. Free admission for active and veteran military, children 16 and under. Locations: Annapolis at Anne Arundel Community College Student Union, 101 College Pkwy., Arnold; Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Maryland and Fairfax, Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, 14750 Conference Center Dr., Chantilly. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit IlluminateFestivals.com. See listings, page 29.
Meet Amma, Humanitarian and Spiritual Teacher
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or over 35 years, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi, or “Amma” as she is affectionately known, has been traveling the world, offering her profound message of love and selfless service to others. Spiritual leader, humanitarian and visionary, Amma’s arms are open to everyone. Most come to meet Amma to experience her embrace—her unique way of spreading comfort to the world, or to learn more from one of the pre-eminent spiritual teachers of our time. Amma will offer free public programs July 1 and 2, at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott, in Arlington. Morning programs start at 10 a.m. and evening programs start at 7:30 p.m. on Amma July 1 and 7 p.m. on July 2. Some are drawn to Amma’s many charitable works. However they come, most end up being moved and inspired by one of the world’s most accessible humanitarian leaders. Amma’s global charities, including hospitals, orphanages, disaster relief, housing for the homeless and much more, have brought many awards including NGO status from the United Nations relief agencies and international recognition. To meet Amma and receive her blessing, please arrive one hour early to obtain an individual token. Location: 1700 VA-110, Arlington. For more information, visit AmmaDC.org. See ad, page 11.
Dawson’s Market Hosts Mosaics & Music Event
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ll are invited to the unveiling of a five-foot-long mosaic of peace and an afternoon of award-wining entertainment to raise funds for the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation’s Peace Day. The event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 2. The event will be hosted by Dawson’s Market, in Rockville Town Square. The celebration honors Mattie J.T. Stepanek, a Rockville teen who earned notoriety as a well-respected poet and awardwinning peace activist while living with Dysautonic Mitochondrial Myopathy which took his life just before his 14th birthday. The teen found friends in politicians and celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, who praised his powerful messages of peace. The celebration will include a commissioned cello piece by Wytold, performances by Chic’s Sylver Logan Sharp and rap artist Omekongo Dibinga, spoken word and Heartsongs (Mattie Stepanek’s published book of poems). Wine and appetizers will be provided by Dawson’s Market. “We are honored to host this event where the community can celebrate Mattie’s gift of bringing people together for peace through his poems and art,” notes Bart Yablonsky, owner of Dawson’s Market. “As a company, our mission it to support the local community with event and causes that reflect our mission to lead a positive change. The Stepanek Foundation’s goal to Make Peace the News is something we can all get behind.” The five-foot mosaic was created during last year’s Peace Day and also celebrates a new community mosaic being created through VisArts. The mosaics will be transported nationwide as part of the Mattie Stepanek Foundation message of peace and then be permanently installed in the MainStreet community being built in Rockville. Tickets are $25/$30 at the door and cover entry, two beverages, appetizers and entertainment. Location: 225 N. Washington St., Rockville. For tickets and information, visit DawsonsMarket.com. See ad, page 25. May 2019
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Imbibe Less to Lower Blood Pressure Even moderate alcohol consumption—seven to 13 drinks a week—increases the risk of high blood pressure, according to a new analysis of the health records of 17,000 U.S. adults. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found that the average blood pressure among nondrinkers was about 109/67, among moderate drinkers 128/79 and among heavy drinkers 153/82, based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the years 1988 to 1994. The higher readings could be the result of alcohol’s affect on the brain and liver, or because it raises caloric intake, partly by increasing appetite, say the researchers. 8
Washington, D.C.
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Eat Med Diet to Boost Performance What we consume can boost our body even in the short term, a new study from St. Louis University shows. After eating the Mediterranean diet for just four days, athletes ran faster than after eating a Western diet. In the study, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, seven women and four men ate one of two diets for four days: the Mediterranean, with its emphasis on whole fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil and whole grains, or the Western, high in trans and saturated fats, dairy, refined sugars, refined and highly processed vegetable oils, sodium and processed foods. After a nine-to-16-day break, they followed the other diet. The athletes exercised on a treadmill for five kilometers after each diet and were found to have run 6 percent faster after following the Mediterranean diet, despite similar heart rates and perceived levels of exertion.
Ljupco Smokovski/Shutterstock.com
Regardless of the type of protein consumed, low-carb diets significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to a study presented at the latest annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology. Analyzing the records of almost 14,000 people over a 20-year period, researchers found that diets such as Atkins, ketogenic and paleo, which emphasize protein instead of fruits, vegetables and grains, boosted the risk of AFib by 18 percent compared to diets with moderate carb intake. Researchers theorize that consuming less produce and fewer grains may aggravate inflammation, while eating high amounts of protein and fat may increase oxidative stress. Both conditions are linked to AFib, in which the heart beats irregularly, potentially causing palpitations, dizziness and fatigue. It’s also linked to a five-fold increase in strokes.
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Eat More Carbs to Lower Heart Risk
For those that don’t move vigorously throughout the day—whether stuck behind a desk or lying on a couch in front of a screen—there’s good news in a recent American Cancer Society study: Replacing just 30 minutes a day of stationary time with such moderate physical activities as brisk walking and dancing reduces the risk of dying over 14 years by a whopping 45 percent. Even light activities such as walking slowly, playing pool and doing housework like vacuuming for half an hour reduce mortality risk by 15 percent.
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Sit Less to Live Longer
health briefs
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Take Magnesium to Optimize Vitamin D Magnesium seems to optimize vitamin D, increasing the vitamin’s utilization for those with insufficient levels and decreasing it in those with excessive amounts. In a randomized trial of 250 people between ages 50 and 85 that were considered at risk for colorectal cancer, researchers at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center found that changes in blood levels of vitamin D were significantly affected by the intake of magnesium—a mineral in which 80 percent of Americans are deficient. In addition to supplements, magnesium-rich foods include dark leafy greens, beans, whole grains, dark chocolate, nuts, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon.
2019 CSA Season
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Find a Green Space and Make a Friend Integrating green spaces among living areas increases trust among strangers, according to a study from Canada’s University of Waterloo. Participants in walking tours of a Vancouver neighborhood were asked to complete a smartphone questionnaire at six stops, including at a rainbow-painted crosswalk and both wild and manicured community gardens. Researchers found that colorful design elements and green spaces were linked to higher levels of happiness, plus greater trust of strangers and environmental stewardship. “The urban design interventions we studied are relatively simple and low cost, but show great potential to improve individuals’ emotional and social lives,” says Hanna Negami, lead author.
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Legal Pot Lifts Junk Food Sales Apparently, the fabled marijuanainduced “munchies” cravings don’t have people reaching for carrots. A new study from the University of Connecticut found that shortly after Colorado, Washington and Oregon legalized recreational marijuana, increases in purchases were recorded in those states for potato chips (5.3 percent), cookies (4.1 percent) and ice cream (3.1 percent).
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Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine Functional Medicine Do you suffer with Chronic Pain? Fatigue? Do you need help balancing your hormones?
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Whatever your health challenges are, we can help you get on the path to real wellness. Do youand need help balancing yourbyhormones? We believe in restoring maintaining good health strengthening the body's own healing power to prevent disease and overcome chronic illnesses. We strive to identify the Whatever yourget health we can help you get the pathintorestoring real wellness. We can help you on challenges the path are, to real wellness. Weonbelieve root cause and treat YOU rather than just your symptoms. We will help pinpoint hormone, and maintaining health by strengthening body’s ownthe healing We believe in good restoring and maintaining good healththe by strengthening body's own metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues. Our practitioners create perpower to prevent disease and overcome chronic illnesses. We strive to the healing power to prevent disease and overcome chronic illnesses. We strive to identify sonalized treatment plans based on your history as well as results from specialized diagidentify the root cause and treat YOU rather than just your symptoms. root cause and treat YOU rather than just your symptoms. We will help pinpoint hormone, nostic testing. We have 2 Functional Medicine Physicians, an Integrative Nutritionist, a Classical Homeopath and an Acupuncturist. Let usissues. help you your journey healing. OUR KEY SERVICES AND TREATMENTS INCLUDE: metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity Our on practitioners createtoper-
sonalized treatment plans based on your history as well as• results from specialized diag• Integrative and Functional Medicine Hypothyroidism Our key services and treatments include: nostic testing. We have 2 Functional Medicine Physicians, an Integrative Nutritionist, a • Bio-Identical Replacement*Acupuncture (BHRT) • Acupuncture *Integrative and Hormone Functional Medicine Classical Homeopath and an Acupuncturist. Let us help you on your journey to healing. • Fibromyalgia andReplacement other Chronic Illnesses • Homeopathy *Bio-Identical Hormone (BHRT) *Homeopathy *Hypothyroidism *Integrative Nutritional Counseling • Women’s and Men’s Mood Disorder Treatment Our keyHealth services and• treatments include: *Fibromyalgia and other Chronic Illnesses *Digestive Health Program • Food Sensitivity Testing • Integrative Nutritional Counseling *Integrative and Functional Medicine *Acupuncture *Women’s and Men’s Health *Weight Loss Programs • Digestive Health Program Loss Programs *Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (BHRT)• Weight *Homeopathy *Mood Disorder Treatment *Thermography • Thermography • Infrared Sauna Therapy *Hypothyroidism *Integrative Nutritional Counseling *Food Sensitivity Testing
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Aqua Breakthrough
Internet users can help fight global deforestation even while surfing. German online search engine Ecosia, now used in 183 countries, diverts its advertising revenue from click-throughs to planting trees worldwide to the tune of more than 52 million since 2009. With each search, the company says, it removes around two-and-a-half pounds of carbon dioxide from the air. Christian Kroll, Ecosia’s founder, wrote, “Climate change is a very real threat, and if we’re to stop the world heating above the 1.5 degrees warned about in the IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] report, we need to plant trees at scale.” Kroll suggests that if Ecosia were to get as big as Google, they could absorb 15 percent of all global carbon dioxide emissions. Users can find it at Ecosia.org.
Baby Balking
Climate Change Discourages Childbearing USA Today has reported that concerns about climate change are giving women pause about bearing children. The U.S. birthrate has been falling for years, and in 2017, it was 60.3 births per 1,000 women, the lowest fertility rate since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began keeping such records in 1909. Related causes such as women marrying later, worries about the economy and the difficulty of finding affordable child care have all been suggested. But prospective parents are also thinking about the increased frequency and intensity of storms and other natural disasters such as drought and wildfires. Further, geopolitical unrest and scarcity of water and other resources are convincing some to at least postpone their decision to increase the population. 10
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Search Engine Company Plants Trees
Clean Water Solution in the Pipeline With the world facing a future of climate change and water scarcity, finding an environmental way to cleanse drinking water is paramount. Researchers in China contend they are working on a method to remove bacteria from water that’s both highly efficient and environmentally sound. By shining ultraviolet light onto a two-dimensional sheet of graphitic carbon nitride, the team’s prototype can purify two-and-a-half gallons of water in one hour, killing virtually all the harmful bacteria present. This technique of photocatalytic disinfection is an alternative to current ecounfriendly water filtration systems such as chlorination or ozone disinfection.
Far Out
Earth’s Atmosphere Extends Past Moon The scientific boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and space is the Kármán line, 62 miles high. But a team of astronomers have published evidence in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics that the geocorona, a tenuous cloud of neutral hydrogen in the outermost region of the Earth’s atmosphere that glows in far-ultraviolet light, extends much farther than the moon. The discovery means that telescopes positioned in the geocorona will need to have some of their settings adjusted for deep-space observations.
3-D Meat
Printer Produces Plant-Based Substitute Researcher Giuseppe Scionti, owner of Nova Meat, in Barcelona, Spain, has developed a synthetic meat substitute using vegetable proteins that imitate protein complexes found in real meat. Produced using a 3-D printer, it can mimic the texture of beef or chicken. The specialist in biomedicine and tissue engineering has been working for 10 years on bioprinting different synthetic tissues such as artificial corneas, skin and ears.
Romolo Tavani/Shutterstock.com
Green Surfing
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global briefs
Norwegian Nudge
Countries Learn from Recycling Strategy
Gino Santa Maria/Shutterstock.com
In Norway, up to 97 percent of the country’s plastic bottles are recycled, and other countries are taking note. The government’s environmental taxes reward companies that are eco-friendly. If a company recycles more than 95 percent of its plastic, then its tax is dropped. Customers pay a deposit on each bottled product they buy. To get back their money, they must return their used bottles to one of the 3,700 machines found in the country’s supermarkets and convenience stores. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that if current global trends continue, plastic trash in the ocean will outweigh fish by 2050.
Revamping Recycling China Forces U.S. Cities to Change Specs
China, one of the world’s main importers of recyclable waste, is rejecting shipments that are more than 0.5 percent impure, so loads contaminated by a greasy pizza box, disposable coffee cups and the odd plastic bag could end up in the local landfill instead. Most single-use cups, for instance, are lined with a fine film of polyethylene, which makes the cups liquid-proof, but also difficult and expensive to reprocess. Most waste management facilities will treat the cups as trash. Since China banned impure plastics, many U.S. municipalities no longer accept plastics numbered 3 to 7, which can include yogurt cups, butter tubs and vegetable oil bottles. Another contamination culprit is food residue. Washing out food scraps from recyclables can be just as important as putting the appropriate item in the recycling bin.
Action Alert
Banish Toxic Air in Plane Cabins Flying safety is more than making it to our destination; it’s about the air we have to breathe while in the skies. Toxic fume events can occur when air, contaminated by engine exhaust, fuel fumes, de-icing fluids and/or ozone, enters the aircraft cabin through the jet engine intake. Exposure to even low levels of these contaminants can incapacitate passengers and crew, and long-term exposure could lead to debilitating health issues. In April, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Cabin Air Safety Act (H.R. 2208) to protect commercial airline passengers and crew from toxic cabin air. Follow its progress at GovTrack.US. The bill would require training on toxic fumes for all pilots, crew members and flight attendants; make sure the Federal Aviation Administration maintains a record of all reports of and conducts investigations into all toxic fume occurrences; and direct the airline industry to install detectors in the air supply system of planes to locate sources of contamination. Contact a congressional representative, listed on GovTrack. US, to support the bill. June 2019
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Brain-Savers Smart Strategies for Preventing Dementia
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by Melinda Hemmelgarn
ith 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, there’s no shortage of advice on how to enhance, preserve and restore brain function. Judging from the assortment of brain training games and apps to the multitude of books promising ways to avoid or even reverse dementia, a growing number of aging Americans want to know the best strategies for preventing and treating cognitive decline and memory loss.
Prevention: A ‘No-Brainer’ As with any disease, prevention throughout the life cycle is key, but especially important for Alzheimer’s—the leading cause of dementia worldwide. According to the 12
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Alzheimer’s Association, the illness is considered a slowly progressive brain disease that begins well before symptoms emerge. Despite predictions that the number of afflicted Americans will reach nearly 14 million by 2050, there are no drug cures. David Perlmutter, M.D., a board-certified neurologist based in Naples, Florida, and an editorial board member of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, summarizes a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of currently available Alzheimer’s medications. “Not only were Alzheimer’s patients who were taking these drugs not gaining any benefit, but their rate of cognitive decline was worsened when they were on the Alzheimer’s medications,” thus making lifestyle risk reduction even more critical.
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Food as Medicine Martha Clare Morris, Sc.D., a nutritional epidemiologist at the Rush University Medical Center, in Chicago, and author of Diet for the MIND: The Latest Science on What to Eat to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline, says, “Given that Alzheimer’s disease is known as an oxidative-inflammatory disease, there has to be a dietary influence.”
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Dale Bredesen, M.D., a professor in the UCLA Department of Neurology and author of The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline, has studied the disease’s neurobiology for decades. He believes drug therapies have failed because scientists neglected to focus on why individuals develop the disease in the first place. He emphasizes, “Alzheimer’s is not a single disease,” even if the symptoms appear to be the same. Bredesen says it’s the result of the brain trying to protect itself from multiple metabolic and toxic threats. Bredesen developed the ReCODE (reversal of cognitive decline) protocol, an ambitious, comprehensive and personalized therapeutic program that includes genetic, cognitive and blood testing, plus supplements and lifestyle improvements, including stress reduction, improved sleep, diet and exercise. With the goal of identifying and treating the individual’s pathway to disease, ReCODE addresses fixing five key areas he believes form the underlying origins and progression of Alzheimer’s disease: insulin resistance; inflammation/infections; hormone, nutrient and nerve growth factors; toxins; and dysfunctional nerve synapses. The Lancet International Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care also advocates multiple points of action. By addressing nine “potentially modifiable risk factors” throughout the lifespan, the commission says, “More than one-third of global dementia cases may be preventable.” These factors include maximizing education in early life; controlling hypertension, obesity and hearing loss in mid-life; and in later life, managing depression and diabetes, increasing physical activity and social contact, and not smoking.
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From two decades of research involving more than 10,000 people, Morris developed the MIND diet, which stands for “Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay”. It’s a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, modified to include specific components from each that offer the most protection against dementia. Morris identifies 10 brain-healthy dietary components: leafy greens, vegetables, berries, whole grains, nuts, seafood, poultry, beans and legumes, olive oil, and one glass of wine per day; plus five unhealthy components to limit: sweets and pastries, red meats, fried and fast foods, whole-fat cheese and butter or margarine containing trans fat. Morris found those individuals that most closely followed the dietary recommendations lowered their risk for Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53 percent, while those following the diet moderately well showed a reduction of about 35 percent. Morris acknowledges a number of common aging-related, yet treatable, conditions that can cause “dementialike symptoms,” including low thyroid hormones and vitamin B12 deficiency. She also identifies specific brain-protective compounds including vitamins E, B12,
folate and niacin, plus lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene and flavonoids found in colorful fruits and vegetables, tea and nuts. She is currently testing the MIND diet, plus a mild calorie restriction on 600 individuals 65 to 84 years old living in Boston and Chicago; results are expected in 2021. The Alzheimer’s Association is also recruiting individuals for a new lifestyle intervention study. Aarti Batavia, a registered dietitian based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a certified practitioner of functional medicine trained in the ReCODE protocol, says, “Diets that are good for the heart are good for the brain.” But she also warns that many common medications such as statins, antihistamines, some antidepressants and proton pump inhibitors (that reduce stomach acid, which is required for absorbing vitamin B12) can increase the risk for dementia.
Smart Steps
As we continue to discover how genetics, environment and lifestyle factors intersect, take the following smart steps to promote longevity and vibrant brain health:
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Monitor and control blood sugar: Type 2 diabetes increases
Learn More
n The Alzheimer’s Association diet study: Tinyurl.com/AlzheimerAssociationDiet n Beyond Pesticides: BeyondPesticides.org n Blue Zones: BlueZones.com n Brain Health Education and Research Institute: BrainHealthEducation.org n ConsumerLab.com: assesses effectiveness and safety of supplements conducive to brain health. n Glycemic index and load: Tinyurl.com/GlycemicIndexAndLoad n Integrative Environmental Medicine, edited by Aly Cohen, M.D., and Frederick vom Saal, Ph.D. n Food Sleuth Radio interviews: Tinyurl.com/Food-Sleuth-Radio Aarti Batavia: to be posted on Food Sleuth site this month Brenda Davis: Tinyurl.com/BrendaDavisInterview, Tinyurl.com/BrendaDavisOnFoodSleuth Brenda Davy: Tinyurl.com/BrendaDavyInterview Teresa Martin: Tinyurl.com/TeresaMartinInterview, Tinyurl.com/TeresaMartinAudio Martha Clare Morris: Tinyurl.com/MarthaClareMorrisInterview David Perlmutter: to be posted on Food Sleuth site this month Dorothy Sears: Tinyurl.com/DorothySearsInterview
About Wheat and Other Grains
When considering whether to restrict or include grain in one’s diet, consider the following:
n Individuals with celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should avoid wheat and other gluten-containing grains such as barley and rye. n According to nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, diets rich in high-fiber whole grains, including wheat, decrease inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve cognition. She says, “Diets higher in fiber are linked to lower rates of diabetes and heart disease,” both of which increase risk of dementia. n Author Brenda Davis’ “grain hierarchy” promotes whole, intact grains as key in controlling blood sugar. n Whole grains are high in vitamins E and B, which protect against cognitive decline. n Dr. David Perlmutter, who supports high-fiber diets, but advocates avoiding gluten, warns against shopping in the gluten-free aisle. Foods there might not have gluten, he says, but they’re going to “powerfully raise your blood sugar.” n Choose organic grains to avoid exposure to pesticide residues. June 2019
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the risk for dementia. Brenda Davis, a registered dietitian in Vancouver, British Columbia, and author of The Kick Diabetes Cookbook: An Action Plan and Recipes for Defeating Diabetes, advises reducing the glycemic load of the diet by limiting refined carbohydrates and sugars, and eating a high-fiber, plant-based diet. Dorothy Sears, Ph.D., a member of the executive committee of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California, San Diego, says it’s not just what we eat that matters, but when. She discovered multiple metabolic benefits, including reduced blood sugar, with prolonged nightly fasting—13 hours between the last meal at night and the first meal in the morning. Brenda Davy, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and researcher at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, says hydration can influence blood sugar, weight and cognition, especially among middle-aged and older populations. She recommends drinking two cups of water prior to meals to moderate food intake.
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Focus on ‘good’ fats: Olive oil,
nuts, avocados, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty, cold-water fish protect both the heart and brain. Michael Lewis, M.D., based in Potomac, Maryland, recommends an “omega-3 protocol” to help his patients recover from traumatic brain injury, which can increase risk for dementia.
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Spice up your diet: Batavia recom-
mends cooking with brain-protecting herbs and spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, thyme and rosemary, which can help reduce inflammation and risk for dementia.
a hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is responsible for stimulating neuron growth and protecting against cognitive decline.
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Mind your gut: Western medicine
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Prioritize sleep: All brain (and gut)
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has historically separated the brain from the rest of the body. But research on the “gut-brain axis” shows there’s communication between our gut microbes and brain, plus direct links to neurodevelopmental disorders and dementia. “What goes on in the gut influences every manner of activity within the brain: the health of the brain, the functionality of the brain, the brain’s resistance to disease process and even mood,” says Perlmutter. Both Perlmutter and Teresa Martin, a registered dietitian in Bend, Oregon, emphasize the importance of high-fiber plant foods that gut microbes need to produce beneficial, short-chain fatty acids to protect against inflammation, insulin resistance and “leaky gut”.
experts recommend adequate sleep— seven to eight hours each night—to restore body and mind.
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Exercise: Both Morris and Perlmut-
ter recommend aerobic activities in particular, like walking, swimming and cycling, to improve blood circulation to the brain and increase the production of
Avoid environmental toxins:
Exposure to pesticides, pollutants and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic can increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Choosing organic food both reduces exposure to toxins and protects water quality and farmworker health. Virginia Rauh, Ph.D., deputy director of the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, in New York City, spoke at the National Pesticide Forum in Manhattan in April. She explains that of the 5,000 new chemicals introduced each year, “at least 25 percent are neurotoxic,” and even very low-level exposure can harm children’s neurodevelopment.
Socialize: In studies of “Blue
Zone” populations that enjoy longevity with low rates of dementia, social engagement appears to be the secret sauce for quality of life. Melinda Hemmelgarn, the “Food Sleuth”, is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com.
Protecting and Nourishing Gut Microbiota
n Strive to eat a wide variety of plant species and at least 30 grams of fiber every day (some cooked and some raw). n Limit “microbial assassins”, including refined carbohydrates and added sugar (no more than 25 grams or six teaspoons of added sugar per day); sugar substitutes; food additives such as polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose; smoking and vaping; chronic stress; antimicrobial soaps and sanitizers; antibiotics; proton pump inhibitors; high-fat diets; and processed meats. n Move every day for at least 30 minutes; don’t sit for more than 30 minutes and get outside. n Relax with yoga, meditation or mindfulness. n Sleep seven to eight hours each night. 14
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Dietitian Teresa Martin suggests:
for various reasons stated previously. Nuts and seeds are also great sources of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin E, which protects brain cells from oxidative stress. Add some sunflower seeds, almonds or hazelnuts to a trail mix as a mid-afternoon brain boost. Avocados are also a great source of monounsaturated fats that help to reduce blood pressure on the brain. Eggs are a morning brain power food because they are good sources of B vitamins that help prevent by Elizabeth McMillan brain shrinkage. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in the flavonoid glucosinolates which helps to breakdown oxidative he body’s control and command soybeans. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain stress that causes neurogenerative diseases. It center flows through more than tissue by building and repairing brain cells. is important to limit red meat or foods high 100,000 miles of blood circulating in Colorful fruits and vegetables provide in saturated fats because these foods have the brain. The brain’s job is to process sensory essential antioxidants and phytonutrients been linked to the development of degenerainformation so that we are aware of our that are known to slow down brain aging. tive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. surroundings. It initiates muscle control, hor- Antioxidants and other flavonoids are also Finally, lean into challenge and give your mone secretion, temperature maintenance excellent in reducing inflammation and Natural Awakenings DCexercise. Brain exercises include brain a little and much more. Emotionally, the brain improving brain flow by reducing cellular NaturalAwakeningsDC.com is responsible for creating every memory, stress. Berries also have antioxidants that help actual physical exercise, thought-provoking mind puzzles and facing daily challenges— thought, feeling and plan. Since brain power to improve communication between brain Ad Proof for Natural Awakenings like how to schedule your day around an everis so crucial for life, it is important to maincells, to reduce inflammation and to increase growing to-do list. Without brain exercise, tain a healthy diet and lifestyle that ignites memory and cellular connections. AntioxiTo: P: 202-505-4835 according to a 2019 article in JAMA Network longevity in the brain. dantsEmail: increase neuroplasticity, and reduce or F: 703-652-3962 Open by Nicole Spartano, our brains shrink, There are two main areas of nutritional delay age-related neurodegenerative diseases. especially after the age of 40. Spartano noted focus pertaining to brain health. The first is Antioxidant-rich includeand complete Please signberries your proof the following information: brain volume was larger highest in those that creating healthy brain tissue and the second strawberries, blueberries, black Seethat (Ad is shownblackberries, at actual size. second page for ads.) walked 10,000 steps or more a day. It is wise is promoting healthy blood flow through the currents and mulberries. Dark chocolate also to remember that the brain is neuroplastic, brain. The brain is mostly comprised of water contains antioxidants that can decrease the Ad is approved: contact information spelling correct meaningand it can re-grow is healthy tissue with and fatty tissue. In fact, 60 percent of the amount of cellular stress on the brain. Try exercise and nutrition. Ad is approved changes indicated brain tissue is made up of fat. The benefit to having a small piece of dark chocolate beforewith daily healthy brain fat is that it allows the neurons your next exam or demanding Ad is notbusiness approved – make changes indicated to flow more easily to process thoughts, Elizabeth McMillan, CNS, LDN, is a clinimeeting for extra brain power. communications and mechanisms to other cal nutritionist at the Rose Wellness Center, Some nutritional powerhouse foods parts of the body. The downside of having the specifically support the brain. The four most in Oakton, Virginia. Visit RoseWellness.com brain comprised of fat is that it can become for more information and check out their free powerful memory-boosting foods are vegeasily inflamed. Inflammation will slow etables, berries, omega-3 rich fish and walnuts seminar series. See ad, page 9. down the blood flow of the brain, thus slowing down our brain power. Eating foods that boost brain power can have both a short-term and long-term effect. The brain needs a constant supply of energy. About 20 percent of the daily calorie intake is solely devoted to brain power. Nutritionally, the Mediterranean diet is packed full of vital brain nutrients, because it is rich in fish, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, olives and nuts. Brain health and the Mediterranean diet emphasize healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, cod, haddock, sardines, herring, tuna, halibut and non-fish sources like walnuts, flaxseeds and organic
healthy living
Brain Power Foods Nutrition and Brain Health
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wise words
Sanjay Gupta on
‘CHASING LIFE’ by Jan Hollingsworth
photo courtesy of CNN
D
uring nearly two decades with CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta has covered wars, natural disasters and the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Along the way, the Westerntrained, practicing neurosurgeon has explored myriad health topics, including the science of alternative medicine and the benefits of medical cannabis, the subject of his CNN docuseries, Weed. He’s written three books: Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today, Cheating Death: The Doctors and Medical Miracles that Are Saving Lives Against All Odds and a novel-turned-TV series, Monday Mornings. CNN’s chief medical correspondent recently found himself in Japan, soaking in a scalding bath—a form of stress relief practiced there—along with owl cafés and forest bathing. The visit was part of a sixcountry, immersive journey in some of the happiest and healthiest places on Earth— including India, Bolivia, Norway, Italy and Turkey—to explore ancient traditions and modern practices that lead to a healthy and meaningful life. The result: Chasing Life, a new docuseries that aired in April and May, is now available on demand via cable/satellite systems, the CNNgo streaming platform and CNN mobile apps.
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What inspired your interest in exploring holistic and alternative healing?
On a very basic level, a lot of people are surprised to hear that U.S. life expectancy has dropped three years in a row and the cost of health care is more than $3.5 trillion a year. Yet there are places around the world where people are living happier, healthier lives for a lot less, and longer. They must be doing something that’s beneficial, and we wanted to find out what that might be: What do places around the world have to teach us?
To what do you attribute the reemergence of traditional Indian healing practices?
Ayurvedic medicine is widely practiced in India among the healthiest people in that part of the world. It’s stood the test of time, so it’s worth exploring. In the U.S., we have an amazing medical system for people who are sick, but they aren’t doing as well as expected [which is why] there’s an open-mindedness that’s happening about one of the oldest medical traditions.
What role might ancient traditions play in reshaping 21st-century health care?
If you look at chronic disease in the U.S.,
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one could make the argument that 70 to 80 percent of it is entirely preventable—most of it related to our food. When you look at the Ayurvedic diet, how does a culture come up with a way of eating going back thousands of years? In the U.S., most of our diet is based on palate. With Ayurveda, it is more about the function of food: Every morsel must have some function. The type of food, the timing and the temperature at which it is cooked is also important. If we really are a little more thoughtful about how we view the calories we’re consuming, it can make a big difference in our health. When we say food is our medicine, what does that really mean? In India, they’re showing us what it means. It’s not that taste is sacrificed; it’s just that Ayurveda was driven by function and palate came after.
What was the most surprising discovery you made on this journey?
There were a lot of surprises along the way. If you look at the U.S. and life expectancy, there are a lot of countries that are pretty similar in terms of economics, labor force and other things. But what is happening in the U.S. is pretty unique in a lot of ways. In the U.S., this notion of rugged individualism is a marker for success. We’ve seen high rates of social isolation and loneliness—and the toxicity of that. Italy is one of the healthiest places in the world, and a lot of that has to do with social fabric. That this social cohesion could be so protective, even without paying attention to things like diet and exercise—I think the power of that surprised me.
What is an important takeaway for you from this experience? There is a long-held belief that wealth will buy health. In Bolivia, there is an indigenous tribe that has virtually no evidence of heart disease and they don’t even have a healthcare system. We shouldn’t automatically equate health to wealth. There are a lot of things we can do in our lives that can help—right now. Jan Hollingsworth is the national editor for Natural Awakenings.
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healing ways
Nature’s Toolbox
The Key to Prostate Health
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by Melanie Laporte
he prostate is about the size of a walnut, yet this tiny gland can be the source of major problems for many men. Most potential health risks are preventable and treatable with proper diet, lifestyle changes—and a new array of natural approaches. Holistic and integrative practitioners are looking beyond traditional supplements like saw palmetto, lycopene, pygeum and green tea extract to treat common conditions such as enlargement of the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can develop as men grow older. Rob Raponi, a naturopathic doctor in Vaughan, Ontario, sees men struggling with nocturia, an effect of BPH that wakes them during the night with the urge to urinate. “It interrupts your sleep, which accumulates and starts to interrupt your day,” says Raponi, who uses zinc-rich ground flax and pumpkin seeds to ease BPH urinary symptoms and inflammation. He’s also achieving positive results by utilizing combinations of rye grass pollen extract. He says, “It seems to work wonders.”
Confronting Cancer According to the American Cancer Society, about one in nine men will be diagnosed
with prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of male deaths in U.S. However, it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. “The key is to make our body inhospitable to mutating cells which could form cancer that ultimately threatens your life,” says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., director of the Integrative Medicine Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston. Part of the answer may lie in the human gut, which makes diet central to addressing prostate issues. According to a recent review of research published in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, the microbiome—a community of microbes that supports digestion and the immune system—may influence prostate inflammation and the development of prostate cancer. “The microbiome’s ability to affect systemic hormone levels may also be important, particularly in a disease such as prostate cancer that is dually affected by estrogen and androgen levels,” it concludes.
The Nutritional Factor
“A plant-centered diet with low-glycemicload foods feeds your microbiome, which is at its healthiest and will thrive when it’s fed healthy soluble fibers provided exclu-
sively from the plant world,” says Cohen, the author of Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six. Antioxidants and plant nutrients counterbalance oxidative stress and damage, adds Cohen. “Cruciferous and bracken vegetables—raw kale, broccoli, Swiss chard, dark leafy greens and soy—invigorate the prostate. Also, a couple of Brazil nuts per day give a healthy dose of selenium to decrease risk factors.” Jim Occhiogrosso, a Fort Myers, Florida-based natural health practitioner and author of Your Prostate, Your Libido, Your Life, notes that most incidences of prostate cancer are slow growing and not aggressive. “One of my first clients was in his early 80s, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and treated it with only herbs. Fifteen years later, in his mid-90s, he still has prostate cancer. He’s still doing fine and getting around, albeit slowly.” Occhiogrosso says he uses herbal mixtures of saw palmetto, “which is a good supplement for beefing up the immune system—also solar berry, mushroom extracts, vitamin C and full-fraction vitamin E.” Mark Stengler, a naturopathic doctor and co-author of Outside The Box Cancer Therapies: Alternative Therapies That Treat and Prevent Cancer, recommends a blend of five grams of modified citrus pectin, 200 milligrams of reishi mushroom and 1,000 milligrams of green tea extract taken two to three times per day, plus vitamin D. The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is about 98 percent, and it’s been rising for the last few years. Early diagnosis is critical, says Raponi. “If you stop prostate cancer when it’s still in stage one or early on, the five-year survival rate is 100 percent, but if it’s later on, it starts to drop into the 70s.” The same measures employed to prevent prostate issues—whole foods, natural herbs and regular exercise—should still be pursued, but more aggressively if cancer should develop. “The intensity becomes more salient after diagnosis,” says Cohen, “but we don’t need a diagnosis to up our game with healthy living.” Melanie Laporte is a licensed massage therapist and health writer based in Austin, Texas. June 2019
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leading edge
Keeping a Healthy Brain Daily Habits for Peak Health
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by Allan Tomson
ecently, brain health is getting far more attention than ever before. Much of the research is focused on the aging brain, as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are becoming more prevalent in aging baby boomers. To this we add brain injury in the form of trauma (concussion) and the recognition of its effect, as well as the resultant posttraumatic stress syndrome that we are seeing in soldiers coming back from war. Sports injuries, especially from contact sports, are also getting a lot of press with aging pro football players being diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It is important to understand the common mechanisms of brain malfunction and what you can do each day to keep your brain and nervous system functioning as well as possible. A major topic that has emerged concerning general health and brain health is inflammation. It used to be thought that inflammation only occurred when there was an injury, such as a sprained ankle. Luckily, this issue
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has received a great deal of attention in holistic and alternative circles due to its relevance to the standard American diet. It is now understood that when the body is subjected to a diet of food that is highly processed, containing primarily sugar, flour, dairy animal protein and refined oils, there is a certain biochemical pathway that is initiated. This pathway, called the aracadonic acid cascade, results in chronic inflammation of the body’s tissues—including the brain and nervous system. An example of this is frying low-quality foods at a high temperature in oil. This creates, in our cells, free radicals, ATP depletion and an inflammatory condition. Many people are living their lives in this chronic state. So how does one keep inflammation in check? The answer is probably exactly what you think: eat live foods, with fruit and vegetables as the primary sources of fuel. It is recommended that 70 to 80 percent of one’s diet come from fruits and vegetables. The remaining 20 percent should come from sustainably
raised animal protein (fish, primarily), nuts and grains. To that, include sweet potatoes and other tubers, ginger, turmeric, garlic and other spices. Use olive oil. Moderate amounts of red wine and stout beer are allowed. On the subject of grains, it is best to limit these carbs. GMO grains should be avoided altogether—corn and soy especially. It is also beneficial to avoid refined sugars, and limit refined oils and dairy. Unfortunately, these foods are everywhere in our culture and are very tempting, because most of us grew up eating them often. Nutritional support may also be useful to add to one’s diet, especially for those at risk for aging diseases or have had head trauma. A good place to start is to add a group of supplements, including: • a good multivitamin • magnesium • COQ10 • lipoic acid •Acetyl L Carnitine Additional brain support supplements may include Huperzine A, hosphatydal serine and Gingko biloba. While these brain support supplements can be beneficial, you must also have a healthy gut. Finally, a closing thought on brain health comes from Anthony Williams, the author of the 2015 book, Medical Medium, in which he notes that the brain and nervous system run on glucose—which is a well-known fact. What many don’t know is that the nervous system stores glucose for emergencies—not only in the liver but also the brain. This stored glucose is protection for the brain during times of stress and trauma. The more one has in storage, the greater the protection one’s nervous system has. As the source for glucose in the brain is fruit, it is important to remember that this is a critical part of the diet that has far-reaching positive effects, for both the brain and nervous system. In 1920, Edgar Cayce recommended that we should eat a diet with 80 percent fruits and vegetables, 20 percent nuts, grains and meats and moderate stimulants like coffee tea and alcohol. Try it—you’ll feel better. Allan Tomson, DC, is the executive director of Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts, an integrative wellness center in Fairfax, with a satellite office in Manassas. Tomson is a chiropractor and has skills and experience in functional medicine, visceral manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy and Cayce protocols. To learn more on this topic, contact Dr. Tomson at 703-865-5690 or visit NeckBackAndBeyond.com. See ad, this page.
Learning never exhausts the mind. ~Leonardo da Vinci June 2019
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Mushrooms are pretty spectacular. All edible species benefit the immune system and together, support just about every system in the human body. ~Stepfanie Romine cells. “Lion’s mane is a cognitive enhancer, and it helps creativity, motivation and memory, as well as brain function,” Romine says.
Ancient Health Aids
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS Beyond Buttons and Portabellas
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by April Thompson
handful of mushrooms a day just might keep the doctor at bay, according to a mounting body of research providing powerful evidence of the fungal kingdom’s abilities to promote health and fight disease. “Mushrooms are pretty spectacular. All edible species benefit the immune system and together, support just about every system in the human body,” says Stepfanie Romine, an Asheville, North Carolina, health coach and author of Cooking With Healing Mushrooms: 150 Delicious Adaptogen-Rich Recipes that Boost Immunity, Reduce Inflammation and Promote Whole Body Health. When Robert Beelman started doing nutritional research on mushrooms 20 years ago, they were touted for what they didn’t have: fat, calories, sugar, gluten and cholesterol. “Today, we can talk about all the good things they contain: fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other important micronutrients,” says the director of the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health at Penn State University. Beelman’s research has focused on several micronutrients that are bountiful in mushrooms, including the amino acid ergothioneine, an antioxidant not found in significant amounts in any other plant-based food source. Ergothioneine levels decrease with age, and larger drops are associated with cognitive impairment, he says. Several large epidemiological studies in Japan and Singapore have significantly correlated higher mushroom consumption with decreased rates of dementia. Countries where residents eat larger amounts of mushrooms also enjoy a higher average life expectancy, even after controlling for other variables, says Beelman. Lion’s mane is one variety known to protect cognitive health; it stimulates nerve growth factor, a protein that promotes healthy brain
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Cordyceps and reishi mushrooms are also adaptogens—botanicals used for centuries in Asian medicine to help the body adapt to stresses, regulate bodily functions and support the immune and adrenal systems, according to Romine. Turkey tail is one such medicinal mushroom, a longtime treatment for cancer and other diseases in Asia. The tree-based fungus contains polysaccharide-K (PSK), that is believed to inhibit cancer cell growth and repair immune cell damage after chemotherapy. “Medicinal mushrooms have been approved adjuncts to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for more than 30 years and have an extensive clinical history of safe use”, either alone or combined with radiation or chemotherapy, according to a literature review published by the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute. Oyster mushrooms, another fungal superstar, contain cholesterol-lowering lovastatin, plentiful B vitamins and up to 30 percent protein, according to Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading mushroom authorities. Oysters are also the most easily digestible mushroom, according to mycologist and herbalist Christopher Hobbs, author of Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing & Culture. Hobbs’ 2017 article in HerbalGram, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Botanical Council, cites 122 different studies supporting the safety and efficacy of medicinal mushrooms such as oysters.
More Than a Pizza Topping There are myriad creative ways to incorporate mushrooms into a diet, says Romine, who recommends aiming for a half-cup daily cooked serving. “Mushrooms are nature’s sponges, and will take on the flavor of any sauce, so start simply and add sauces sparingly.” She suggests sautéing mushrooms with a neutral oil, then adding wine or sherry and finishing with fresh herbs. Cooking with wine can help unlock the beneficial compounds the fungi contain, says Romine. Fresh or dried culinary mushrooms like oysters, shiitakes or maitakes can also be great additions to morning meals like savory oatmeal or tofu scrambles. Powdered mushroom extracts, available online or in health stores, are an easy way to infuse meals with fungi’s beneficial properties. They mix well into everything from raw desserts and baked goods to teas and smoothies. Whole mushrooms that are tough, like reishi and chaga, can be boiled to extract the healthful elements and consumed as a tea or used for soup broth. Romine says raw mushrooms are
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conscious eating
inspiration
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not as flavorful, digestible or nutritional as cooked. While a mushroom-rich diet can help protect and promote health, Romine cautions that they are not a cure-all or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. To address specific health concerns, she recommends working with a dietician or clinical herbalist to develop appropriate and effective ways to incorporate mushrooms into a health regimen. April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Contact her at AprilWrites.com. Rebecca Fondren Photo/Shutterstock.com
FATHERHOOD’S PAIN AND GLORY
We Must Face Our Own Story First Know Your Fungi
Many beneficial mushrooms are available in the wild, and some exclusively so. Foraging for them can be rewarding, but proceed with caution; some edible mushrooms may have deadly lookalikes, so only forage with the help of a trained expert. Health food stores and online vendors are good sources of mushroom powders or extracts, which have a long shelf life. Look for a manufacturer of 100 percent organic mushroom extracts and supplements. Many farmers’ markets also carry specialty mushrooms like king oysters, lion’s mane or others not easily found in grocery stores. Not all mushrooms are created equal. Button mushrooms and others in the Agaricus family are lowest in micronutrients like ergothioneine, with porcinis in the Boletus family yielding the highest, according to Robert Beelman, director of the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health at Penn State University. Don’t expect magic from mushrooms, cautions author Stepfanie Romine; like most lifestyle changes or holistic treatments, it can take some months to yield results.
I
by Chris Bruno
have worked in the corporate world, served as a missionary in the Middle East during 9/11 and the Iraq War, been assaulted with a knife, launched a small business and a nonprofit and suffered deep loss at the early deaths of dear friends, but nothing has terrified or paralyzed me more than fathering my own son. It has demanded me to first face my own father-story with an intensity and intentionality I would rather flee than engage. My parents more than adequately provided for my physical needs. I had friends, lived in the suburbs and even had a horse. From the outside looking in, I had nothing to complain about. Any time the haunting ache of father-hunger emerged from my soul, I quickly squelched it, telling myself to simply move on. It is the story of most men in my generation. I continued to live as if all was well until I married and had a son of my own. I was now a father, and the weight of this title sent my soul into a tailspin. What is father? Who am I as father? What does it mean to father? And finally, with the force of a left upper jab to the jaw: How was I fathered? I realized that to father him, I, myself, still needed to be fathered.
In my conversations with men about their father-stories, the most frequent sentence I hear is, “My dad did okay. He did the best he could.” But no child wants an “okay” dad. Every child longs for a dad to know, see, pursue, hope, envision, create and bless. Franciscan friar and author Richard Rohr states, “If we do not transform our pain, we will transmit it in some form.” Untransformed pain from our father, whether from his absence, vacancy or violence, will inevitably be transmitted to our children. I can only take my son as far as I myself have gone. Our sons were born into an already existing story—our story—and for them to know who they are, we need to know who we are, in all of our glory and pain. From this place of freedom, we can usher our sons into a manhood we can come to know together. Reprinted with permission from Chris Bruno, the director of the Restoration Counseling Center of Northern Colorado and the president of the Restoration Project. He is the author of Man Maker Project: Boys are Born, Men are Made. June 2019
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green living
Pre-Wired for the Future Transportation Drives Urban Planning by Jim Motavalli
T
he Congress for the New Urbanism, transit is fast and easy, and the streets (and a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy local businesses) are full of people.” nonprofit, has some decisive views Until recently, a new apartmen buildabout what makes a walkable community: ing without parking was unthinkable, but “complete streets” that are designed for architects are now contemplating—and bicyclists, pedestrians building—just and transit. What such new conIt’s super-important to it doesn’t have is struction. A prewire for EVs. New cars—at least not 13,000-squarebuildings will last for those with tailpipes. foot, mixed-use 50 to 100 years, and in City planners are development in increasingly designBoston is being that time, EVs will become ing green buildings built with 16 rental a much bigger slice of without parking, and units—and no our transportation future mandating—where onsite parking. than they are now. it exists—that wiring Boston is a transitfor zero-emission friendly city and ~Tom Saxton, Plug In America electric vehicles (EV) the complex is is part of the plan. just a quarter mile Oslo, Norway, for from a Red Line instance, has become known as the elecsubway stop. The city is a hub for what the tric car capital of the world, yet it has also Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Inreplaced considerable on-street parking stitute, a project of the U.S. High Speed Rail with bike lanes and sidewalks. Its city center Association, calls “the creation of compact, went mostly car-free this year, and accordwalkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use ing to Fast Company magazine, it’s a huge communities centered around high-quality success: “Parking spots are now bike lanes, train systems.”
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Washington, D.C.
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Also proposed in the city is a fivestory, 56-unit apartment building that features a gym, media room, a rack for several dozen bicycles—but no parking. The structure is adjacent to the Red Line, and the plan aligns with efforts by the Boston Planning and Development Agency to reduce—to zero in some cases—the ratio of units to parking spaces. The Boston Redevelopment Authority has expressed concern that the residents of buildings without parking will simply add to congestion on neighborhood streets, but a report by Atlantic Cities (now called CityLab) found that 45 percent of residents in five census tracts around one proposed car-free Boston building didn’t even own cars, so a possible “no cars” covenant could be part of a lease. According to the Smart Growth America report Empty Spaces, most TOD developments build reduced parking lots, yet even those turned out to be too big; on average, its study of five such developments shows they were 58 to 84 percent occupied.
Wiring for EVs: It’s the Law
It can be expensive to retrofit buildings with wiring for electric cars, because “trenching” under existing pavement is usually required. A California Air Resources Board report in 2015 put these costs per building at between $3,750 and $6,975, and that’s just for the wiring. Costs are reduced 64 to 75 percent if the buildings are wired when they’re built, according to an Energy Solutions/ Pacific Gas and Electric report. California has become the leader in requiring EV prewiring in new construction of multifamily dwellings and nonresidential developments. The state began requiring wiring for Level 2 (240-volt) EV charging in 2015. Chelsea Sexton, a Los Angeles-based electric car advocate and advisor, backs the state law, with caveats. “Where there is parking included,” she says, “most buildings and public lots should be pre-wired for EV charging—while it is the most cost effective to do so and preserves the most flexibility for that property going forward.” It’s not just California. Atlanta passed
a city ordinance in 2017 that will require all new residential homes and public parking areas to accommodate EVs. Some 20 percent of the spaces have to be ready to be connected. In Washington state, 5 percent of parking spaces in new construction have to be wired for EVs. In Colorado, which has the goal of nearly a million EVs on state roads by 2030, the cities of Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Aspen all require new one- and two-family residential construction to be EV-ready. There are also EV-friendly laws in New York City, Hawaii, Oregon and Montgomery County, Maryland. Tom Saxton, the chief science officer of the Plug In America advocacy group, based in Los Angeles, says, “It’s superimportant to prewire for EVs. New buildings will last for 50 to 100 years, and in that time, EVs will become a much bigger slice of our transportation future than they are now.” Jim Motavalli, of Fairfield, CT, is an author and freelance journalist. Connect at JimMotavalli.com.
It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. ~James Thurber
June 2019
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healthy kids
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The Minimalist Family Trading Clutter for Calm
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by Meredith Montgomery
hen Denaye Barahona, of New York City, became a parent, she felt compelled to buy everything for her son. “We are inundated as a culture with so many products for our kids that it’s hard to differentiate what we need; it really wears us down,” she says. While working on her Ph.D. in child development, Barahona discovered—both in research and personal experience—that kids actually thrive with less stuff. And so she began her journey toward minimalism by purging toys and clothes, eventually founding SimpleFamilies.com. Cary Fortin and Kyle Quilici, of San Francisco, believe time is better spent experiencing life with people than managing, organizing, cleaning and buying things. Their book New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living is a call to adopt a more mindful life. Fortin says, “You decide first what you value, how you want to spend your days, how you want to feel, and then reflect these values in your physical space.” “Minimalism is not about living in a tiny home and never owning more than
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100 things; it’s about figuring out what brings value and purpose to your life and letting go of the rest,” says Atlanta’s Zoë Kim, author of Minimalism for Families: Practical Minimalist Living Strategies to Simplify Your Home and Life.
The Benefits
Time is precious, especially for parents. More free time is gained when a toy collection is significantly reduced, but other benefits result, as well. A 2018 University of Toledo study published in Infant Behavior and Development suggests toddlers engage in more focused and creative play when faced with fewer choices. “Kids who previously tore through bins or who didn’t care about their belongings immediately begin engaging with toys more appropriately and for longer periods of time,” says Barahona, the author of Simple Happy Parenting: The Secret of Less for Calmer Parents and Happier Kids. Research also indicates that our limited stores of willpower are depleted more quickly when we are flooded with decisions. “When you have less stuff in a
room and less choices to running late and then sudBecause kids are make, your mental state denly we’re yelling at our so much more easily actually improves—you kids. Simplifying so we can stimulated, they have more clarity and can prevent these scenarios feel the impact of a focus better,” she says. positively impacts our “Because kids are so much mood and our ability to be chaotic room even more easily stimulated, present with our kids.” more than adults. they feel the impact of a Although the declut~Denaye Barahona chaotic room even more tering process starts with than adults.” the parents, children should Minimalism also arms children with be involved as much as possible, and in a self-reflection tools and introduces them positive light. “Kids don’t like cleaning up, to the process of letting go and donating. but with ongoing conversations and small “They learn to ask ‘Am I enjoying this? consistent shifts, children see how less stuff Could I repurpose it?’ while understanding can lead to more time for enjoyable activithat some things we can mend and enjoy ties,” says Kim. for long periods of time, and other things Minimalist strategies can be applied we outgrow—which we can then give away,” across many realms of life, such as scalsays Fortin. ing back the family calendar and hovering less as a parent. “Family life always seems Where to Start to speed up, but we can break the cycle Experts agree that in family households, the of busy by scheduling blank time. Being shift toward minimalism should begin with intentional with time goes hand-in-hand the adults. “It gives them time to underwith minimalism,” says Quilici. stand how the process feels and models the To stay inspired, find social media behavior for their children,” says Fortin. pages and websites to follow for ideas. Barahona streamlines her home by “You’re going to hit roadblocks, so it’s imfocusing on active spaces. “Active items portant to surround yourself with inspiraare the things you use regularly, such as tion,” Kim says. “Now that I’ve let go of the your two favorite pairs of jeans—not the lifestyle I thought I needed, it’s nice to have 13 pairs you rarely wear.” When active less, but it’s even better to want less.” and storage items accumulate in the same space, the need to sort through extra Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural “stuff ” wastes time and energy, she says. Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Missis“We’ve all lost our keys when we’re already sippi (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).
How to Keep the Clutter Out
Set Physical Boundaries
Establish rules for what can be stored, where and how much. Childhood keepsakes, artwork, craft supplies and school papers can accumulate quickly. Limit how much can be kept by designating a box for toys or a wall to display art. Digital photos allow the memories to be kept without taking up physical space.
Create a ‘Why’ Statement
Determine how we want to feel in a space, document it and refer to it for inspiration and guidance, especially when feeling frustrated or lost.
Practice ‘One In, One Out’
Every time a new item enters the home, an old item needs to leave.
Buy Better Toys
The right toys invite kids to play more creatively over many years. Character toys may invoke more initial joy and giddiness, but a great block set will manifest longer-lasting value for kids. June 2019
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JULY
natural pet
Coming Next Month
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LOCAL FOOD ISSUE
NONTOXIC LAWN CARE Protecting Pets and the Planet by Marlaina Donato
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armer weather Anything that goes on the toxic chemicals at an has arrived, your lawn goes into your alarming rate. and so begins pet’s body. many homeowners’ annual Pets at Risk quest for a well-nourished, ~Michele Yasson, DVM Chemicals routinely used weed-free lawn. However, in lawn care are especially the grass isn’t always greener—or healthier— problematic for the family dog or cat. “Aniusing conventional approaches. mals are close to the ground, and their feet Turf grass covers up to 50 million touch the ground, so every substance you acres of American land, and according to choose to allow in your home and yard will affect them,” says Ashley Geoghegan, DVM, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, of VetNaturally, in Mandeville, Louisiana. about 60 million pounds of synthetic A study conducted by the Departpesticides are used each year in yards and ment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at gardens, in addition to tens of millions more pounds applied in parks, schoolyards Purdue University concludes that comand other public spaces. mon lawn chemicals like glyphosate, 2, Americans spend billions of dollars 4-D and permethrin are linked to canine growing and maintaining manicured bladder cancer. A six-year study by the lawns resulting in a high price for pets, Foster Hospital for Small Animals at the people and wildlife. Nitrogen from Tufts University Cummings School of fertilizers seeps into surface water and Veterinary Medicine reveals that exposure groundwater, contaminating wells and to professionally applied lawn pesticides and herbicides increased the risk for canine spawning harmful algae blooms; pestimalignant lymphoma by 70 percent. cides kill off more than 70 million birds In pets, chronic or sub-chronic expoeach year in the U.S. alone; and bees and other pollinators are also succumbing to sure to conventional lawncare chemicals
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manifests as eye damage and thyroid, urinary and reproductive conditions. Feline gastrointestinal distress is also a consequence, and even indoor cats are at risk from contaminants brought into the home. “Anything that goes on your lawn goes into your pet’s body. Pets walk through it, roll in it and then groom themselves,” says Michele Yasson, DVM, of Holistic Veterinary Services, in St. Augustine, Florida. “Max, one of my canine patients, developed acute, life-threatening pancreatitis just hours after his yard had been treated by a commercial lawncare service.”
Go Natural for Lush Lawns
Opting for a toxin-free lawn helps grass roots to anchor deeply into the earth, making them less likely to fall victim to weeds, disease and drought. An organic lawn has beneficial microbes; helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings thrive, while pesty insects decline.
Instead of chemical fertilizers and “natural” alternatives like borax, vinegar, garlic, essential oils and cocoa mulch, which can also be toxic to pets, try using grass clippings, seaweed, corn gluten meal, single-ingredient bone meal, diatomaceous earth or Bacillus thuringiensis (BT); all are better options. Redefining beauty and working with nature can also have a positive impact. “Set a goal to gradually reduce the area of your yard devoted to grass, and begin to establish plants like butterfly bush or bee balm that support pollinators such as bees,” recommends Sandy Long, of Greeley, Pennsylvania, a knowledgeable pet parent and executive director of the nonprofit environmental education organization SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support).
Simple Precautions
Simple precautions like removing shoes before entering the house, storing lawn
GREAT LINKS
Handbook of tips from PesticideWatch.org: Tinyurl.com/PetPesticideTips Eight tips for a non-toxic lawn at Tinyurl.com/Pesticide-FreeLawnTips
products out of reach of pets and avoiding conventionally treated areas for at least 48 hours after application are paramount. Also: 4 Close windows during application. 4 Increase frequency of pet baths during spring and fall, when chemical application is highest. 4 Eliminate accumulation of water on lawns where pets might drink. 4 Leash pets during walks to keep them away from treated areas. 4 Wipe paws with a damp cloth after being outside. After weighing alternatives, dog trainer Rebecca Porter, owner of Rosy Dogs, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, settled on prescribed burns, mowing and hand removal of invasive plants. “It works, and now my dog gallops safely through the waist-high grasslands. As for my yard, I enjoy the volunteer plants. It’s a decision all landowners can make.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
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calendar of events
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
NOTE: All Calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email CalendarNADC@gmail.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. lying down Yoga Nidra meditation will be provided and we will focus on healing the negative effects of anxiety, stress and insomnia on the body, mind and spirit. $40. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/Classic/ws?Studioid=8687&stype=-8&sView=day& sLoc=0&sTrn=100000300.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1 Now it’s Your Turn! Lunch and Learn – 10am2pm. With Chef Laura. Explore the role of nutrition in cancer care in this fun and informative cooking class. Learn the basic principles of healthy and delicious food selection and preparation. $25 (suggested donation, includes a health-supportive meal and all recipes). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Women’s New Moon Circle – 6-8pm. Participants will learn about how the new moon can impact them spiritually and will give you the chance to set intentions for the month. $40. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/Classic/ws?Studioid=8687&stype=-8&sView=day& sLoc=0&sTrn=100000311.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2 Haiku Reflection and Practice – 10am-3pm. With Rick Black, an international prize-winning haiku poet. Join us for this all-day workshop, which includes a short film and haiku walk. Please bring lunch or snacks and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org. Yoga Nidra and Auricular Acupuncture for Anxiety and Insomnia – 1-3pm. With Aime Adams. Auricular (ear) acupuncture and a guided
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MONDAY, JUNE 10
Mosaics and Music – 3-5pm. A fun wine and appetizers gathering with VIP performances and the unveiling of the Community Mosaic that was created during last year’s Peace Day Celebration. Tickets: $25/$30 (at the door). Tickets cover entry, two beverages, appetizers and entertainment. Dawson’s Market, Rockville Town Square. Tickets and Info: DawsonsMarket.com.
Entrepreneurs Talk Session – 6-7:30pm. Identifying small-scale manufacturing business owners, predominantly from eastern Montgomery County, MD. Extend invitations to these business owners and residents interested in launching product businesses. Guest plus 1 partner or guest associate. Benefit Manufacturing LLC, Silver Spring Community Library, 900 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 240-770-118.
MONDAY, JUNE 3
TUESDAY, JUNE 11
Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughter Yoga@yahoo.com.
Back School – 7pm. Learn simple, easy to perform routines to keep your body flexible and moving. Neck, Back & Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA. RSVP: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Dream Group – 7-8:30pm. Join together to share dreams to explore and discover the hidden messages and meanings within your nighttime dreams. Dream Group now forming: 2nd Thursday evenings of the month. One session is $90 and includes 6 classes, one per month. Payment of $90 for entire 6-month session due at first meeting. Facilitated by Dianne Mouchon Rhodes, CHT of Inner Horizonz, LLC Hypnotherapy and Projective Dreamwork. Neck, Back & Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA. RSVP: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.
special event 5 Reasons Why You Are Stressed Out and What To Do About It Interactive Webinar addressing what causes stress, how the body reacts to stress, how it causes the body to store fat and what we can do about it.
Thursday, June 6 • 12-1pm
RSVP for link. Register: Info@TreatYourselfToHealth.com Info: TreatYourselfToHealth.com.
Creating Your Own Skin Care Products – 6-8pm. Join Common Good City Farm to learn how to create and take home your own skin care products using farm-grown plants with Primo Noir. RSVP: DIYSkinAndHairCare. EventBrite.com. Why Isn’t My Thyroid Hormone Working Anymore? – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn how hormone (thyroid and others) imbalances can affect your sleep cycles, cravings and fat burning. Learn why counting calories doesn’t work for belly and body fat. Learn the biggest mistake that people make with exercise. Learn solutions. Regenasyst Wellness, webinar on zoom. RSVP for link. Register: Info@ TreatYourselfToHealth.com. Info: TreatYourself ToHealth.com.
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Intuition and Authentic Decision Making Summer Workshop – 12-3pm. With Aurora Hutchinson and James Foulkes. Reconnect with the intelligence of the body to access deeper wisdom, creativity and knowing, allowing us to use the body as an emotional guidance system. $100. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/Classic/ws?Studioid=8687& s t y p e = - 8 & s Vi e w = d a y & s L o c = 0 & s T rn=100000306.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 13
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 Mindfulness for Stress Management – 122pm. With Aurora Hutchinson. Learn how simple mindfulness practices can play a role in improving your health and well-being. $40. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 Medical Cannabis for Oncology Patients – Hype or Valid Integrative Tool – 6:30-8pm. With Dr. Mikhail Kogan, MD, Deidre Orceyre, ND MSOM Lac and Paula Querido Kahn. This session will outline the basics of the system of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids, review clinical situations where cannabis may be a useful intervention and discuss and demonstrate some of the currently available delivery systems. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
Classic/ws?Studioid=8687&stype=-8&sVie w=day&sLoc=0&sTrn=100000189&date= 06/15/19lnessCenter.org.
MONDAY, JUNE 17 Loss of a Parent Support Group – 6-7:30pm. With Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSW-C. The loss of a parent from cancer brings with it many complex feelings. Sadness, anger and regret are just a few of the feelings you may experience. This support group provides a monthly opportunity to join a group of people who may understand. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18 Essential Oil Class - Back to Basics – 7pm. Expand your knowledge and ability to access these powerful oils for a healthier life. Free. RSVP appreciated as space is limited. Neck, Back & Beyond, 10560 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA. RSVP: 703-865-5690 or NeckBackAnd Beyond@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 Online Healing Circle – 1:30-3pm. With David Lucky Goff and Wendy Miller. Smith Center will be offering an online Healing Circle via Zoom in the spring of 2019. This bi-monthly circle is an opportunity to create a cyberspace community, connecting with others as we learn to grow through the hardships we have experienced in life, not in spite of them, but because of them. Pre-registration is required. Free. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.
THURSDAY, JUNE 20 A Taste of History Cooking Class – 6-8pm. With Kutlery. Join Common Good City Farm for a cooking demo led by Kat-Campbell-Houston of Kutlery that will feature dishes inspired by notable residents of LeDroit Park and the farm-fresh produce from Common Good City Farm. RSVP: TasteOf History2019.EventBrite.com.
One Montgomery Green Gala – 6-9pm. Join us for a night of good drinks, great eats and grand meets with environmentally minded folks. Network with organizations focused on sustainability. $50/person through June 3, $60/person regular admission and $75/person at door. One Montgomery Green, Brookside Gardens Visitor Center Reception Hall, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Register: OMGGala2019.Eventbrite.com. Info: Info@OneMontgomeryGreen.org.
plan ahead SATURDAY, JULY 13
special event Illuminate Annapolis Mind-Body-Spirit Festival
The finest local holistic wellness practitioners, products and amazing artisans—try sample sessions; find crystals, jewelry, essential oils, spa products, gifts and art. Free workshops. Admission: $6 at the door or save $1 by purchasing online.
Saturday, July 13 • 11am-6pm
Anne Arundel Community College Student Union 101 College Pkwy, Arnold Info: IlluminateFestivals.com/Annapolis
SATURDAY, JULY 27
special event 5 Reasons Why You Are Stressed Out and What To Do About It Learn what stress is and how it affects your body. Learn what you can do to get relief. Regenasyst Wellness, webinar on zoom.
Thursday, June 27 • 6:30-9:30pm RSVP for link. Register: Info@TreatYourselftoHealth.com Info: TreatYourselfToHealth.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 30 LOLA Live Circles 2019 – 2-4pm. These circles are perfect for those with no previous exposure to meditation, mindfulness, breathing and gratitude practices. The topic for June is Wellness for the Soul. $57. Bold Center Tenleytown, 4000 Chesapeake St, NW. Register: Eventbrite.com/e/LolaLive-Circles-2019-Tickets-53334046569.
special event Illuminate Ocean City Mind-Body-Spirit Festival
The finest local holistic wellness practitioners, products and amazing artisans—try sample sessions; find crystals, jewelry, essential oils, spa products, gifts and art. Free workshops.$6 at the door or save $1 by purchasing online.
Saturday, July 27 • 11am-6pm
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD. Info: IlluminateFestivals.com/OceanCity.
SUNDAY, JULY 28
special event Illuminate Fairfax Mind-Body-Spirit Festival
The finest local holistic wellness practitioners, products and amazing artisans—try sample sessions; find crystals, jewelry, essential oils, spa products, gifts and art. Free workshops.$6 at the door or save $1 by purchasing online.
Sunday, July 28 • 11am-6pm
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles 14579 Conference Center Dr., Chantilly. Info: IlluminateFestivals.com/Fairfax. LOLA Live Circles 2019 – 2-4pm. These circles are perfect for those with no previous exposure to meditation, mindfulness, breathing and gratitude practices. The topic for July is Wellness for the Mind. $57. Bold Center Tenleytown, 4000 Chesapeake St, NW. Register: Eventbrite.com/e/Lola-Live-Circles2019-Tickets-53334046569.
June 2019
29
ongoing events
Calendar A wonderful resource for filling your workshops, seminars and other events.
sunday Sunday Morning Meditation Class – 10:30am-12:30pm. With Hugh Byrne. An oasis in a busy week, including 30-minute guided meditations, a 10-minute walking meditation and 30-minute discussion. A miniretreat. Drop-ins welcome. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Mindfulness in Recovery – 6:30-8pm. This group is open to new meditators and seasoned practitioners alike with a common interest in the intersection of Buddhist teachings and 12 Step recovery. All 12 Steppers are welcome and we ask that participants have at least 90 days of continuous recovery and a working relationship with a home 12 Step recovery group be established before attending your first meeting. This group is not a replacement for our individual 12 Step programs. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.
monday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. A beautiful way to start your day, with a 30-minute meditation and optional 15-minute discussion following. Drop-ins welcome. A project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LivingMindfully.org.
Two styles available: n Calendar of Dated Events:
Designed for events on a specific date of the month.
n Calendar of Ongoing Events:
Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week.
Contact us for guidelines so we can assist you through the process. We’re here to help!
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tuesday Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga – 6:30-7:30am. With Anie Turchi. Awaken your body, find balance within, ease into your day with greater clarity, peace and mindfulness. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: TheMindfulnessCenter.org/Classes. Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.
Online.com/Classicws?studioid=8687&stype=7&sView=week&sLoc=0. Morning Qigong – 8:30-9:30am. Senior citizens, yogis and athletes, all can benefit from this gentle and profound practice of aligning breath, movement and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline. com/Classic/ws?studioid=8687&stype=7&sView=week&sLoc=0.
thursday Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga – 6:30-7:30am. With Anie Turchi. See Tues for details. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: TheMindfulnessCenter.org/Classes. Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Gentle Therapeutic Yoga: Viniyoga – 10:4511:45am. With Robin Glantz. Ease pain and tension through movement and stress reduction techniques. Cultivate strength, flexibility, balance and awareness. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/ Classic/ws?studioid=8687&stype=7&sView=week&sLoc=0.
friday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Yoga Nidra Meditation – 7:30-8:30am. See Wed for details. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.Mind BodyOnline.com/Classic/ws?studioid=8687&stype=7&sView=week&sLoc=0. Vinyasa Yoga, All Levels – 8:30-9:45am. With Maria Garcia-Borreguero. All-levels Vinyasa Flow class taught at a moderate pace, invite yourself to become aware of the mind/body/ spirit connection, and set an intention for each class. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.Mind BodyOnline.com/Classic/ws?studioid=8687& stype=-7&sView=Week&sLoc=0
wednesday
saturday
Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.
Meditation – 10:15-11:15am. With Sharon Jentzer. A guided practice, including techniques for breathe awareness, relaxation and development of nonjudgmental awareness inviting calmness and promote feelings of wellbeing, clarity, relaxation and balance. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBody Online.com/Classic/ws?studioid=8687& stype=-7&sView=Week&sLoc=0.
Yoga Nidra Meditation – 7:30-8:30am. Yoga Nidra will help you rest, restore, de-stress, increase awareness, undo bad habits and eventually understand your true calling and higher purpose. $20. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: Clients.MindBody
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
community resource guide
CLEANING
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Stephen@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE VIRGINIA MITCHELL, L.AC
Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com Virginia Mitchell is board certified in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and has been helping patients feel better for over 20 years. Virginia also focuses on acupressure, cupping, Gua Sha and zero balancing. Acupuncture is one of the most powerful tools used in alternative medicine. Used for its many health benefits, acupuncture therapy is considered a safe and effective treatment for a variety of health conditions. She helps patients of all ages (minimum age 7). Let Virginia ease your suffering and feel your best. See ad, page 9.
AYURVEDA RANJANA CHAWLA AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Dr. Ranjana Chawla Vienna, VA 571-429-2716 • RanjanaChawla.com
Ranjana Chawla is an Ayurvedic Doctor. She uses ayur vedic science to diagnose diseases and treat the underlying root cause of the sickness—not just managing the disease symptoms. Her entire treatment is customized to patient’s own unique body-mind constitution. She uses a multitude of healing modalities including herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle recommendations, aromas, meditation and yoga.
BEDROOM FURNITURE SAVVY REST NATURAL BEDROOM
258 Maple Ave East, Vienna, VA and 12242 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 703-255-7040 (VA) or 301-770-7040 (MD) Maddie@SavvyRest.com • SRNB.com Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom is the premier retailer of Savvy Rest organic mattresses and bedding, a Virginia manufacturer and retailer of fine bedroom furniture. See ad, page 3.
CANCER SUPPORT NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com
MAID BRIGADE CAPITAL REGION
4813-A Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 800-515-6243 • MaidBrigade.com Marketing@Maid-Brigade.com We are Green Clean Certified, so you can have peace of mind that you r home w i l l b e healthier for you, your pets and the environment. See ad, page 27.
CONSULTING
If you are diagnosed with cancer, there are supportive treatments which may enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer and help the traditional cancer treatments work more effectively. Integrative, holistic medicine combines traditional and adjunctive complementary treatments to restore the patient to a better state of health and improve the quality of life. Whereas traditional medicine will focus on treating the tumor, the holistic approach is to focus on the patient and outcome. See ad, page 23.
JESSICA CLAIRE HANE CONSULTING
CHIROPRACTOR
CORPORATE WELLNESS
CHI HEALTH CARE
15001 Shady Grove Rd, Ste.200, Rockville, MD • 301-664-6464 CHIHealthCare.org • FB /healthcare.CHI CHI Health Care’s integrative primary care model includes a staff of collaborative practitioners. Services include family medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition, yoga therapy, therapeutic massage, health coaching and programming. See ad, page 19.
NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER DR. ALLAN TOMSON, DC
10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com Dr. Allan Tomson, DC, director of Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts in Fairfax, VA, with a satellite office in Manassas, VA. He is not your ordinary chiropractor with skills and experience in functional medicine, visceral manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy and Cayce protocols. See ad, page 19.
Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.” ~Jeffrey Eugenides
571-358-8645 Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com JessicaClaireHaney.com
Writing, editing, marketing/ digital media support and strategy consulting for holistic-minded businesses and organizations from experienced local writer, blogger and event organizer Jessica Claire Haney.
MARIANNE SCIPPA
Neck Back & Beyond Wellness Center 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com ScippaAssociates.com We design interactive sessions for you and your staff to better understand the physical, mental and emotional costs of many common work management habits. Individual or team coaching for ongoing leadership, management and health development support to create the peak performance habits you need. See ad, page 19.
DENTAL – HOLISTIC DENTAL EXCELLENCE INTEGRATIVE CENTER
Dr. Sheri Salartash, DDS, FAGD, FICOI, FAAP Certified Holistic Mouth Doctor 3116 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 703-745-5496 • DentalExcellenceVA.com Dr. Salartash offers comprehensive integrative care for the mouth, including general and preventative family dentistry, cosmetic smile design and implants, orthodontics and clear aligners, Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Therapy, mercury-safe removal, TMJ, sleep apnea and snoring treatment. From her green office, using sustainable practices and materials, Dr. Salartash treats both adults and children.
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ENERGY THERAPIES RISE WELL-BEING CENTER
11130 Sunrise Valley Dr., Ste 150, Reston, VA 703-429-1509 • RiseWellBeing.com Info@RiseWellBeing.Center Looking for more peace and well-being in your life? Come nurture yourself and experience the inherent healing of nature. Rise offers a relaxing indoor garden area, Mindful Movement, yoga, meditation and wellness classes, one-on-one sessions including reiki, and Healing Touch to give you the personalized attention you desire. Discover how good you can feel!
HOLISTIC PARENTING HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK HolisticMoms.org
Holistic Moms Network is a national organization supporting natural-minded parents. Local chapters in Arlington/Alexandria, Burke, Fairfax, Gainesville and Montgomery County hold monthly meetings and more.
MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE
571-358-8645 • MindfulHealthyLife.com Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com Online lifestyle magazine for natural-minded parents with a blog, calendar, directory and eBook filled with resources for holistic parenting and family wellness in metro D.C.
ESSENTIAL OILS PAM SNYDER
Neck Back & Beyond Wellness Center 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com Let us help you integrate the healing power of essential oils into your home and personal care routines. We offer free ongoing classes each month. Individual and group consultations are available by appointment. See ad, page 19.
HEALTH COACHING NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 NICADC.com/Health-Programs/ Rejuvenation-Detoxification.html
Rejuvenation & Detoxification program provides guidance to restore balance and health with lifestyle tips on diet, hydration, digestion and internal cleansing and detoxification with integrative at-home and spa strategies. See ad, page 23.
HOMEOPATHY MICHAEL LISS
Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Michael Liss is a Doctor of Classical Homeopathy and an integrative health practitioner. He specializes in using homeopathy to help you find relief from various emotional and physical health problems including addictions, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, allergies, asthma, childhood ailments, migraines, hair and skin disorders, immune deficiencies and sinus disorders. See ad, page 9.
HYPNOSIS FREE YOURSELF HYPNOSIS Michelle DeStefano 301-744-0200 • FreeYourselfHypnosis.com FreeYourselfHypnosis@gmail.com
HOLISTIC NUTRITION ELIZABETH MCMILLAN, MS, CNS Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com
Elizabeth McMillan is a boardcertified clinical nutritionist specializing in functional nutrition. She believes in finding the root cause of a liments and cre at ing a personalized dietary plan to restore optimal wellness. Elizabeth specializes in diabetes, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal health, autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome issues. Call today to see how she can help. See ad, page 9.
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NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
Life strategies and techniques to rewrite the software of your mind and change the printout of your life — become stress-free, stop smoking, manage pain, or lose weight. We work with PSTD, birthing, peak performance, PSYCH-K, Graphology, meditation and qigong. See ad, page 23.
HYPNOTHERAPIST DIANE RHODES HYPNOTHERAPY AND DREAM INTERPRETER Neck Back & Beyond Wellness Center 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com
Diane Rhodes is a NGH Certified Hypnotherapy Practitioner and a Certified Projective Dreamworker. For five years, she has been using a client-centered approach to help people make positive behavior changes utilizing the powerful tool of hypnotherapy. She guides people to overcome issues such as: overweight, fears/anxiety, stress, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, sadness/depression and lack of confidence, fear of public speaking, nail biting, poor academic/sports performance and clutter/hoarding. See ad, page 19.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE SUSHMA HIRANI, MD
Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com • 571-529-6699 Dr. Sushma Hirani uses an integrative approach to wellness, utilizing conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies. She strives to treat the whole person and emphasize s nut r it i on , preventive care and lifestyle changes. Dr. Hirani specializes in the treatment of chronic issues such as hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, menopause and women’s health issues. Patients love her compassionate care and personalized attention. See ad, page 9.
INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC The Waterfront Center 1010 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 660, NW 202-298-9131 • IndigoHealthClinic.com Facebook.com/Izzy Indigo
Are you living with a health problem which you aren’t sure how to handle? Give yourself the opportunity to describe your symptoms in detail, how those symptoms make you feel and how having them affects your life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can be restored to vibrant health. See ad, page 36.
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. ~Dalai Lama
ALEX LEON, MD
Integrative Family Physician Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Dr. Alex Leon is a board-certified family physician specializing in integrative functional medicine to help restore and maintain your wellbeing. He has a special interest in men’s health care, chronic pain syndromes including mus c u loskelet a l problems, fibromyalgia, bioidentical hormone replacement for men and women, chronic conditions including hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders and allergic disorders. He treats kids too. See ad, page 9.
NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com
The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 23.
ROSE WELLNESS CENTER
2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Info@RoseWellness.com
Suffering from chronic pain, fatigue, allergies, stress? Whatever your health challenges, Rose Wellness Center can help you get on the path to real wellness. We help identify hormone, metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues to get to the root cause of your health problems, where true healing begins. Our services include digestive and women’s health programs, hormone balancing, acupuncture, Lyme treatment, homeopathy and thyroid management. See ad, page 9.
CHIROPRACTOR CHI HEALTH CARE
15001 Shady Grove Rd, Ste.200, Rockville, MD • 301-664-6464 CHIHealthCare.org • FB /healthcare.CHI CHI Health Care’s integrative primar y care model includes a staff of collaborative practitioners. Services include family medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition, yoga therapy, therapeutic massage, health coaching and programming. See ad, page 19.
MEDITATION RISE WELL-BEING CENTER
11130 Sunrise Valley Dr., Ste 150, Reston, VA 703-429-1509 • RiseWellBeing.com Info@RiseWellBeing.Center Looking for more peace and well-being in your life? Come nurture yourself and experience the inherent healing of nature. Rise offers a relaxing indoor garden area, Mindful Movement, yoga, meditation and wellness classes, oneon-one sessions including reiki, and Healing Touch to give you the personalized attention you desire. Discover how good you can feel!
NATURAL LIVING RESOURCE MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE OF METRO DC Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com MindfulHealthyLife.com • 571-358-8645
Blog, calendar and directory for natural living, holistic parenting and family wellness.
ORGANIC PRODUCE - CSA SPIRAL PATH FARM
717-789-4433 • Csa@SpiralPathFarm.com SpiralPathFarm.com 100% USDA-certified organic all grown at our farm in southcentral Pennsylvania. Join for our weekly produce deliveries t h rou g h a C om mu n it y Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership. See ad, page 9.
OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT NURTURED BONES
Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life.
PHYSICAL THERAPY NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE CHI HEALTH CARE
15001 Shady Grove Rd, Ste 200, Rockville, MD • 301-664-6464 CHIHealthCare.org • FB /healthcare.CHI CHI Health Care’s integrative primary care model includes a staff of collaborative practitioners. Services include family medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition, yoga therapy, therapeutic massage, health coaching and programming. See ad, page 19.
NURTURED BONES
Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life.
POLARITY THERAPY NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER
HOLISTIC HEALTHY NATUROPATHIC
Janice M Johnson 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690
D r. T i m S a l o t t o o f f e r s naturopathic treatment for all your medical conditions, treating the cause and not just the symptoms. See ad, page 15.
Allow me to join you in creating your own individualized treatment program, which provides a safe and supportive experience for your healing process, with Polarity Therapy and Swiss Bionic Solutions MRS 2000 (Magnetic Resonance Stimulation) pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF). See ad, page 19.
1331 H St. NW, Ste 200, D.C. 717-728-4546 DrSalotto.com
NUTRITION CHI HEALTH CARE
15001 Shady Grove Rd, Ste 200, Rockville, MD • 301-664-6464 CHIHealthCare.org • FB /healthcare.CHI CHI Health Care’s integrative primary care model includes a staff of collaborative practitioners. Services include family medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition, yoga therapy, therapeutic massage, health coaching and programming. See ad, page 19.
The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office. ~Robert Frost June 2019
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PRIMARY CARE CHI HEALTH CARE
15001 Shady Grove Rd, Ste 200, Rockville, MD • 301-664-6464 CHIHealthCare.org FB /healthcare.CHI CHI Health Care’s integrative primary care model includes a staff of collaborative practitioners. Services include family medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition, yoga therapy, therapeutic massage, health coaching and programming. See ad, page 19.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION MaxAlignment Bodywork Max Rosenberg, L.M.T. 240-893-6209 Chevy Chase, DC MaxAlignmentDC.com
Structural Integration is a specialized fascial manipulation technique aimed toward realigning each segment of the body. It is an effective treatment for any form of chronic pain, misalignment, stubborn injury or trauma.
ROSE WELLNESS CENTER
2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Rose Wellness Center for Integrative Medicine offers Thermography or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI). This non-invasive diagnostic technique creates thermal images that are analyzed for abnormalities and early signs of disease. Thermal imaging is painless, non-invasive, does not involve any compression and emits no radiation. Call today to setup your scan. See ad, page 9.
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~Charles R. Swindoll
YOGA RISE WELL-BEING CENTER
11130 Sunrise Valley Dr., Ste 150, Reston, VA 703-429-1509 • RiseWellBeing.com Info@RiseWellBeing.Center Looking for more peace and well-being in your life? Come nurture yourself and experience the inherent healing of nature. Rise offers a relaxing indoor garden area, Mindful Movement, yoga, meditation and wellness classes, oneon-one sessions including reiki, and Healing Touch to give you the personalized attention you desire. Discover how good you can feel!
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Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years. This is a meaningful homebased business opportunity that provides training and ongoing support. No previous publishing experience is required.
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NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise or call 239-530-1377 If you choose to return your Philip Stein goods, please do so within 60 days of receipt in perfect condition and in the original packaging.
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Washington, D.C.
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
Find freedom and flexibility with Natural Awakenings franchise opportunities. Be your own boss and earn a living doing something you are passionate about while making a difference in your community. This rewarding home-based franchise opportunity provides training and ongoing support, following an established and proven business model. No previous publishing experience is required. Natural Awakenings is a franchise family of more than 70 healthy living magazines, celebrating 25 years of publishing.
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Kelly Martinsen Long Island, NY Publisher
Waleska Sallaberry & Luis Mendez Puerto Rico Publishers
239-530-1377 Learn more today: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise
June 2019
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Washington D.C.'s Finest
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CARE OUR DOCTORS SPECIALIZE IN: Lyme Disease. We take a deeper look at your specific reaction to this most commonly misdiagnosed vector-borne illness in the United States and determine the best way for you to overcome this disease.
IV Therapy. An effective method of delivering vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants directly into your bloodstream that helps your nutrient levels rise, boosting your metabolism and energy.
Chronic Fatigue. We have accurate tests to determine your adrenal and hormone levels, and possible autoimmune conditions. We investigate why you are feeling exhausted and stressed and treat appropriately.
As Naturopathic Doctors, we help to reset your body by discovering the root cause of your problem and directing our efforts to correct the source—to get you well.
Food Sensitivities. Each person has a unique profile as to which foods can either hurt or heal the body. We help you define which foods are causing you chronic inflammation versus those that build your immune system. Detoxification. Every day you are exposed to chemicals that can make you feel drained, moody and unable to concentrate. With our metabolic Indigo Detox Program, you could feel reenergized in just 7-28 days.
Suppressing symptoms without addressing the underlying cause can be more harmful than beneficial and end up costing you significantly more money. As your partner in health, we find the best solution for you, targeting your condition while strengthening your immune system.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation
202-298-9131
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info@IndigoHealthClinic.com Learn more at IndigoHealthClinic.com Washington, D.C.
NaturalAwakeningsDC.com
SNEJANA SHARKAR, RND, FNP, ACNP
ISABEL SHARKAR, NMD
INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC 1010 Wisconsin Ave. NW Suite #660 Washington, D.C. 20007
Our goal is to lead you back to thriving health WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING: “This was a great experience with very personal and knowledgeable staff and doctor. I will definitely be returning for a follow up and recommend this clinic to anyone interested in getting to the bottom of their health issues. It was great to get looked at from a holistic approach rather then just masking the symptoms. “ ~RK “I’ve been to many doctors in my life and finally, Dr. Sharkar has actually helped me to improve my health. It has been the best investment I’ve ever made and I’m very happy to have such a great and caring doctor. The best part is that everything is natural and it actually works. “ ~ ES