January 2010 "Natural Awakenings" magazine

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET feel good live simply laugh more

FREE

January 2010

FOODS To Keep You Young

INTEGRATIVE

Genetically Modified Foods

Healthcare’s Holistic Future With Dr. Andrew Weil

“Flexitarian” Diet Organic Meat and Dairy

MEDICINE ANTI-AGING BREAKTHROUGHS

For Healthier, Longer Lives

Gainesville/Ocala/The Villages ~ www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

1

presents ...

E

njoy scrumptious organic food samples, expand your health-care choices by talking with holistic practitioners, and watch the life-changing and encouraging film “Food Matters.”

Suitable for all ages. $5/person in advance, $7 at the door (if any are left). Order tickets easily and instantly online at www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com or call 352-629-4000.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY: they’re going fast!

Confirmed exhibitors to date:

n Symphony Wellness Center, www.SymphonyWellnessCenter.com n Dr. Bill Stankosky, DC, Ocala Chiropractic Clinic n Dr. Gerry Wessner, DVM, Holistic Veterinary Clinic n Robert Novak, Acupuncture Physician, www.AcuDocFl.com n Clark Dougherty Therapeutic Massage Clinic (MA27082, MM9718) n Organic Feed & Garden, www.EarthPetsOrganic.com n Whole Earth Pet Supply, www.WholeEarthPetSupply.com n Tropical Smoothie Cafe n Holden Health CHHC, www.MaryAnnHolden.Isagenix.com n Patricia Wagner, www.GraceUnlimitedOrganics.com n Genuine You Coaching, www.GenuineYouCoaching.com n 4 Arrows Ranch, www.TheGrassFed Gourmet.com n Magnolia Farms CSA, www.MagnoliaFarms.org n The Natural Network n Natural Awakenings Magazine, www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

2

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

3

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

for a Flexible Life

Design + Production Stephen Gray-Blancett Carolyn Rose Blakeslee

by Dawn Jackson Blatner

13 16 MOVEMENT

AS MEDICINE

A Universal Antidote to Aging

by Katy Bowman

19 CONSCIOUS EATING Why Buy Organic Meat and Dairy?

by Lisa Marshall

22

Advertising Carolyn Rose Blakeslee Corporate + Development Larry Levine John Voell II Contact Us Natural Awakenings P.O. Box 1140 Anthony, FL 32617 352-629-4000 Fax 352-351-5474 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com Info@GoNaturalAwakenings.com Subscriptions Mailed subscriptions are available for $36/year.

20

Natural Awakenings Gainesville/Ocala is published every month. 20,000 copies are distributed to health food stores, medical offices, fitness facilities, public libraries, restaurants and cafes, and other locations throughout North Central Florida. If you would like copies delivered to your location, please email or call us.

22 GMOs

Natural Awakenings does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in its articles or advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products or services contained herein.

In the case of health-related articles and ads, to determine whether a particular product or service is appropriate for you, consult your family physician.

20 ENVISIONING

THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE

Regional Editors Diane Childs Kim Marques, Calendar National Editors Sharon Bruckman S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist

13 A FLEXITARIAN DIET

16

Publisher Carolyn Rose Blakeslee

Your Guide to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Copyright ©2010 Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted if that permission has been obtained in writing.

by Claire Hope Cummings

4

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

6 newsbriefs

publisherletter

8 nationalbriefs

Hi, Friends,

9 healthbriefs 15 newyear 27 inspiration 28 lymphedema 30 butterflylandings 32 calendarofevents

35 resourceguide

advertising & submissions how to advertise n To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 352-629-4000 or email Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. n Deadline for ads: the 14th of the month. n For your convenience, our media kit is online at www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com. n Design services available. n Advertisers are included online at no additional charge and receive other significant benefits.

Editorial submissions n For submission guidelines, please visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/services.htm. n Email articles, news items and ideas to: Carolyn@ GoNaturalAwakenings.com. n Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. calendar submissions n Visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com /news.htm. n Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Now serving 70+ communities and printing 1,500,000 copies. To place your ad in other markets call 239-4498309.

Welcome to our special Food issue. We’ve built this issue to complement our first Natural Network event, the Organic Food and Film Festival, coming up on Sunday evening, January 10th. (If you haven’t reserved your tickets yet, call today—they’re going fast!)

If you aren’t “eating organic” yet, we want to reassure you: it needn’t be intimidating or complicated.

It doesn’t mean you have to be a vegetarian—in fact, the best-tasting and most-tender meat is that which is grown organically (see page 19). It doesn’t mean you have to go all-organic all at once or ever (see page 13). It doesn’t necessarily mean your food bill will increase. Industrial food is costly because of shipping from farm to plant, assembly-line processing, packaging, shipping from plant to distributors and then to the stores—then there are the expenses (and threats) of seed patents and GMO technology (see page 22).

Still another advantage to eating organically raised food is that you’re more likely to buy locally produced food and meat. Besides knowing you’re supporting the local economy rather than a distant cluster of corporations, it’s fun to pick out the fresh veggies you want at the farmers’ market. The farmers and suppliers are happy to give you lots of ideas on how to prepare the food.

Finally, the health benefits can’t be disputed.

“You are what you eat.” When you buy locally grown organic food, you can be assured it hasn’t been genetically modified, irradiated, cloned, treated with hormones and antibiotics, raised in sardine-can conditions, or pesticided to death, and most people start to feel better immediately. Besides which—local organic food simply tastes better.

Come to the Organic Food and Film Festival and see (and taste) for yourself! The admission is just $5/ person in advance and $7/person at the door, but that’s if any seats are even left. Call 352-629-4000 to order your tickets today. Visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings. com/organic.html for more details or to order online.

Love, Carolyn

www.GoNaturalAwakeningsMag.com www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

5

newsbriefs Hypnotherapy Course Starts in March

Cuvee Wine and Bistro Is Open!

T

T

he Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy is starting a new course on March 5, 2010. It is a six-month course leading to certification and the beginning of a new career. No previous educational requirements are necessary.

The Institute offers flexible payment options, and weekend classes enable participants to continue to work or go to school during the week.

In addition to supervised hypnotherapy training, marketing skills are covered extensively, helping participants build their own businesses and succeed.

The Institute’s director, Matthew Brownstein, says, “This is a career where you can be your own boss, make your own hours, and most importantly help others and truly make a difference.”

Contact the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, FL, 352-3785746, www.tfioh.com.

Retreat at Amrit

T

he Amrit Yoga Center, located on Lake Kerr in the heart of the Ocala National Forest, is hosting a weekend program designed to introduce participants to the transformational practices of the Amrit Method. Participants will be traininged in Amrit Yoga, Amrit Yoga Nidra, and Meditation.

The retreat is scheduled for Friday, January 29, dinner through mid-day Sunday, January 31. $295 includes the program, lodging, and meals.

To register, email info@amrityoga. org or call 352-685-3001.

6

he long-awaited Cuvee Wine and Bistro is now open. Serving beautiful meals prepared by master chef Al Rosas using organic ingredients, the first-class restaurant is the first of its kind in Ocala. A state-of-the-art wine storage and serving system allows diners to taste wines to their heart’s content by purchasing a card with a choice of tastings/servings available from one to six ounces.

Cuvee Wine and Bistro opens at 4:00 every day except Sunday for dinner. For reservations, call 352-3511816 or visit www.cuveewineandbistro.com.

Cancer Resource Center

S

ilverwind Jewelry and Gifts has been designated as a local Cancer Resource Center. Wigs, scarves, prosthesis assistance and information are available at no charge from the American Cancer Society. Silverwind is located at 25345 W. Newberry Rd. in downtown Newberry.

Unity of Gainesville: Concerts, Workshop, and Humor

J

ack Williams, a South Carolina musician, is returning to Gainesville to perform on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Jack is celebrated by the contemporary U.S. folk community as a singer/songwriter and has been described as “one of the strongest guitarists in contemporary folk.” His career has encompassed many different styles including jazz, classical, rock, blues, and country as well as folk music.

2012: Is it just plain wacky? Is it

another Y2K-like debacle waiting to happen? This highly publicized point in time will be explored in the interactive, experiential workshop, “Embracing the Change: 2012 and Beyond.”

Presented by Ron Clark and Gail Deckant, this workshop will be held Saturday, January 23, 2010, 1:00-4:00 p.m. The workshop fee is $25/one, or $37.50/two. Pre-register by calling 405-623-3115 and receive a personalized guide, 2012: Your Personal Year.

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing; bring a blanket and a small pillow.

January 31, 2010 is “Humor Sunday” with award-winning humorist, author, and singer/songwriter Greg Tamblyn, NCW (No Credentials Whatsoever). Tamblyn will be the guest speaker and musician at the 11 a.m. service. Later, at 7 p.m., he will present his “Vibrating at the Frequency of Fun” concert. Greg’s hilarious songs and stories impart empowering messages, help us celebrate the best in ourselves, and laugh at the rest of ourselves.

These three events will be held at Unity of Gainesville, 8801 N.W. 39th Avenue. For more information, call 352-373-1030.

Ocala Recycling Earns Efficiency Certification

O

cala Recycling isn’t the country’s largest or first scrap-metal recycling facility. However, it is the first in the world to be awarded an efficiency certification from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc., a trade association with 1,550 business members.

ISRI executive Bruce Savage said the certification process involves assessing the quality of businesses’ recycled products, their impact on the environment, and the health and safety record of their employees.

In the process, whether or not the facility receives the certification, ISRI inspectors make recommendations about improving efficiency and the businesses’ environmental, health

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

newsbriefs and safety records. Twelve additional companies are now going through the evaluations.

Ocala Recycling employs more than 50 people and processes 16 tons of scrap each month at its two locations.

—source: The Ocala Star Banner

Doulas Receive Insurance Claim Code

A

s of October 1, 2009, doulas have a National Provider Code, making it possible to bill for their services as a recognized Nursing Services Related Provider. It creates the system

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

for doulas to be paid for their services through private and federal insurance programs, as are doctors, nurses, and some natural health providers such as acupuncturists and chiropractors.

“We have a 30- to 40-billion-dollar per year birth industry in this country, and when doulas are included, the outcomes are always better, the costs are lower. That is well documented,” explains Pat Burrell, RN, and head of Beach Babys Doula Services in South Carolina. “It is a jobs issue, a health care quality and cost issue, and a healthy birth issue.”

Burrell adds, “A new career path for women has been opened up, and women who are not nurses can be trained, certified, and employed in this

field that improves health and saves lives.”

DONA International, one of the major doula training and certifying associations, has been documenting the impact of doula services on childbirth outcomes for many years.

Stefanie Atunes, director of Public Relations for DONA, said, ”This is huge, and there is certainly more work to be done, establishing uniform standards and billing schedules, but this will have tremendous impact for doulas.”

For more information on a possible career in birthing, contact the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery, 352-338-0766, www.MidwiferySchool.org.

January 2010

7

nationalbriefs Accommodating Alternatives Call to Expand the Meaning of Health Care Reform

Factory Farms Government Study Questions Pending EPA Rules

P

A

ractitioners of alternative therapies intent on influencing the health care reform process continue to petition Congress to think of health care as more than just medical care—and to allow insurance companies to provide coverage for their holistic treatments.

In 2007, a survey of 18 major HMOs and insurance providers revealed signs of progress: 14 of them covered at least 11 of 34 alternative physical therapies, the most common being chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, biofeedback and naturopathy. Coverage varies by state, but experts expect insurance policies will follow demand. Estimates put current annual spending on complementary and alternative therapies at $33 billion.

Lobby to retain the people’s right to direct their own health care at www.

HealthRevolutionPetition.org. News sources: www.Time.com; www.SixWise.com

Hospital Food New Culinary Institute Supports a Nutrition Revolution

C

hef Frank Turner and the first Culinary Institute for Health Care, at Michigan’s Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, are proving that hospital food can be healthy, nutritious and tasty.

There, they train chefs from around the world in recipes such as veggie hummus, roasted pears, carrot raisin slaw, maple-glazed spaghetti squash and parsley vinaigrette. Appropriate spices help regulate inflammation and blood sugar. Specialty dishes address dietary needs, from gluten-free and diabetic to cardiovascular issues and food allergies.

Despite three decades of research showing that fresh, well-prepared food is packed with natural disease-fighting nutrients that help speed healing and prevent illness, there’s long been a disconnect when it comes to hospital food. A 2003 article in the journal Nutrition reported rates of undernourishment in some U.S. hospitals as high as 41 percent, but the tide seems to be turning.

In 2008, Dr. Ronald M. Davis, immediate past president of the American Medical Association, called on hospitals to “buy meat and poultry raised without nontherapeutic antibiotics, use milk produced without recombinant bovine growth hormones and replace unhealthy snacks found in many vending machines with healthy choices.” The nonprofit coalition Health Care Without Harm has secured pledges from hospitals in 21 states to serve locally produced organic and chemical-free food. William Notte, past president of the American Society of Healthcare Food Service Administrators, reports that most hospitals now buy fresher and less processed food, because patients are demanding it.

For more information, visit HenryFord.com/food revolution.

8

new study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirms the dangerous levels of airborne and waterborne pollutants emanating from factory farms, known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Researchers found that some of these operations annually produce more raw waste than is generated by residents of major U.S. cities.

Compounding the problem, the number of CAFOs has multiplied over the past 20 years, from 3,600 in 1982 to nearly 12,000 by 2002. The number of animals raised on large farms simultaneously climbed from 257 million to 890 million.

Twenty-seven other studies directly or indirectly link pollution from CAFOs with impacts on public health or the environment, especially in communities near these facilities. The GAO study questions the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to exempt CAFOs from reporting certain toxic gas emissions above 100 pounds a day.

Source: News from Congress media release

Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. ~ Samuel Ullman

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

healthbriefs

Think Organics Are Expensive?

R

elatively speaking, they’re often cheaper than other, less healthful, consumer goods. As just one example: For the cost of a medium coffee shop latte, around $4 in most cities, we can buy three organic bananas, a handful of organic walnuts and a small organic coffee.

Instead of a small bag of movie popcorn and small soda, try a large bag of organic popcorn, a water, and an organic chocolate bar.

Shy away from that scone and go for an organic apple, organic yogurt and six organic dates.

Rather than a restaurant burrito and soda, trade up to two frozen organic burritos, plus a pint of organic, low-fat frozen yogurt.

Better than a fast-food cheeseburger and fries, switch to a box of organic veggie burgers and a bag of frozen, organic sweet potato fries.

Upgrade from a takeout pizza to an organic veggie pizza.

Adapted from Better Nutrition

Red Against Blood Pressure

Staving Off Alzheimer’s

A

ccording to Alzheimer’s Association 2007 statistics (alz.org), every 72 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. With no cure in sight, more researchers are focusing on ways to reduce the risk of the disease through diet and lifestyle.

The latest findings highlight the most promising foods to build better memory, prevent memory loss and influence brain health. These include: • Good fats such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado, and flax seed oil • Lean proteins preferably fish, chicken, and turkey • Complex carbohydrates from vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruit

R

• Brain superfoods such as blueberries, spinach and seaweed

Source: Queen Mary, University of London, 2008

• Antioxidant vitamins C and E; other memory-specific nutrients include coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, ginkgo biloba and omega-3 fatty acids

esearchers at St. Bartholomew’s in the City (Barts) teaching hospital and the London School of Medicine have discovered that a daily drink of 2 cups of red beet juice can significantly reduce blood pressure—starting within an hour after ingestion.

Aerobics Boosts Body and Mind

N

ew research reveals that the types of exercise we engage in play an even greater role than we thought in keeping us physically fit and mentally sharp, especially after age 50. Nine studies in Europe and the United States have demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise has a positive impact on several areas of cognition, including cognitive processing speed, memory and attention.

It appears that the continuous, rhythmic activity of aerobic exercise not only improves cardiovascular fitness, but cerebral blood flow, leading to increased brain metabolism, which stimulates the production of neurotransmitters and the formation of new synapses. It makes sense that the more oxygen our brain gets from the bloodstream, the fitter we are mentally.

Source: Center for the Advancement of Health, 2008 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Sources: Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, MayoClinic.com

Ditch the Can

A

new study initiated by the National Institutes of Health has implicated diet soft drinks in the development of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

January 2010

9

healthbriefs January is Thyroid Awareness Month

Keeping Our Thyroid Healthy

T

he thyroid, one of the most important glands, influences many body functions, including maintaining energy levels, sleep and metabolism.

To function properly, it needs the right nutrients, foremost among which is iodine, a basic building block of thyroid hormones.

According to the Centers for Dis-

Pay attention to your body.

The point is everybody is different.

You have to figure out what works for you. ~ Andrew Weil

10

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

ease Control and Prevention, iodine deficiency is on the rise in the United States, and choosing foods wisely is crucial. Sea vegetables, such as kelp, wakame and nori, the seaweed used for making sushi, are good sources of iodine and many other key minerals that support thyroid health.

Zinc, iron and copper are essential to producing thyroid hormones, and antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E are necessary for neutralizing physical oxidative stress, a condition that often occurs along with poor thyroid function. Selenium, a trace mineral needed only in tiny amounts, is readily supplied in foods like Brazil nuts, peanuts, fish, eggs, parsley, oats and mushrooms, as well as the noted sea vegetables.

Source: Adapted from WomentoWomen.com.

Paper de-cluttering and office organization our specialty.

Gift certificates available 352-474-6151 pro-organizer@cox.net Very competitive pricing & superb references

Seeking sales associates in Gainesville and The Villages. Email resume to: Carolyn@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

11

healthbriefs

Yoga’s Mindfulness Helps Control Weight

N

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were? ~Satchel Paige

12

ew, long-term research by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center shows that middle-aged people who practice yoga gained less weight over a 10-year period than those who did not, independent of other physical activity and changes in dietary habits.

The difference is that yoga teaches mindful eating.

The researchers found that people who were aware of why they ate and stopped eating when satisfied weighed less than those who ate without that awareness. Yoga cultivates mindfulness in a number of ways, starting with being able to hold a challenging pose. A practitioner’s ability to be calm and observant during physical discomfort teaches how to maintain calm in other challenging situations as well, such as declining to eat when we’re not hungry or eating extra food when it tastes especially good. Satisfaction also comes in awareness of how food looks, tastes and smells.

The researchers concluded that mindfulness appears to be a state that can augment the usual approaches to weight loss, such as counting calories, limiting portion size and not eating when emotionally upset or depressed.

Adding yoga practice to a standard weight-loss program may both make it more effective and promote eating behavior that is healthy and empowering.

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

A Flexitarian Diet for a Flexible Life

by Dawn Jackson Blatner

T

here’s a new term in town, ‘flexitarian’, which gives us a handle on what many of us are likely doing anyway; we are inclined to eat less meat and more plant foods, but not ready to completely give up chicken or the occasional burger. According to a national survey reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, even the majority of vegetarians don’t do it 100 percent of the time. But, the benefits of eating flexibly vegetarian are many.

First, there are no forbidden foods. Becoming a flexitarian is more about making healthful changes gradually, so they become a natural part of our daily routine. It doesn’t require dramatically starting over by clearing out the fridge and cupboards or buying hundreds of dollars worth of special diet foods. The flexitarian diet I’ve devised relies mostly on common ingredients and cutting back on meat, while eating in a way that is familiar.

When starting out, I encourage people to take it slow, with three steps:

Step One: Add, Don’t Subtract.

Instead of trying to completely cut out meat, focus on adding beans, veggies, fruits and whole grains to current meals and recipes. For example, instead of giving up the family’s favorite beef dish, boost its nutritional value by adding more chopped vegetables and kidney beans to the original version.

Step Two: Do the 50/50 Swap.

Now, aim to decrease the meat in daily meals by half and swap in plant proteins such as black beans, pinto beans, white beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans and lentils.

A perfect swap is 1/4 cup of beans for each ounce of meat or poultry. For example, instead of tacos with 4 ounces of chicken, make chicken and black bean tacos, with 2 ounces www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

of chicken and 1/2 cup black beans.

(Use rinsed and drained canned beans.)

Step Three: Try Meat-Free Recipes.

Next, try at least one new completely vegetarian recipe each week, to build up the family’s meat-free cooking repertoire. Get recipes from friends, websites, cookbooks and magazines.

Find inspiration for vegetarian options at favorite local restaurants. The Flexitarian Diet serves up more than 100 fast and flavorful recipes.

One meat-free recipe a week can easily turn into an entire meat-free day. Expert flexitarians work up from a couple of meatless days a week, eating a maximum total at 26 ounces of meat or poultry per week, and wind up with five meatless days, or just 9 ounces of meat or poultry a week.

Direct Health Benefits

Dozens of scientific studies analyzed by Nutrition Reviews revealed that people who eat a 100 percent vegetarian diet generally weigh about 15 percent less than meat eaters. An article in the International Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders reports that many other studies show that semi-vegetarians (or flexitarians) reap weight loss benefits, as well.

More, flexitarians enjoy lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure than carnivores. The American Institute for Cancer Research estimates that following a flexitarian diet can reduce the risk of cancer by upwards of 40 percent. Finally, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that flexitarians live 3.6 years longer than non-vegetarians.

Achieving Nutritional Balance

Although it is possible to obtain total balanced nutrition from a plant-

based diet, flexitarians need to pay particular attention to 10 vital nutrients: vitamins A, D, B2 and B12, iodine, iron, zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Following is a helpful, four-point checklist to ensure these specific nutrient needs are met every day: 1) Eat orange and green produce regularly for vitamin A. 2) Drink organic milk or almond milk regularly for quick calcium, vitamin D, B12 and riboflavin (B2).

3) Shake ground flaxseed on cereal, yogurt and salads, or use flaxseed oil on raw or cooked foods, for omega-3 fatty acids.

4) Include plant proteins such as beans and lentils to meet protein, iron and zinc needs.

Vegetarianism has long been recognized as the ultimate way to eat for weight loss and optimal health. Now, you can reap similar benefits without completely giving up meat.

On your mark, get set, flex.

Dawn Jackson Blatner is a registered dietitian and national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. She is the online nutritionist for Lifetime Television, a food blogger with USA Today and a natural cooking instructor at The Chopping Block Cooking School. For information on her recipes and guidebook, The Flexitarian Diet, visit DawnJacksonBlatner.com.

January 2010

13

Magnolia Farms Organic CSA Farm Start your 2010 eating healthier!!!

Thank you Gainesville/Ocala for supporting our small sustainable farm allowing us to deliver our organic produce from farm to table. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Now taking applications for winter/spring shares.

Hurry~Shares are limited~$225 for 8 weeks

Weekly delivery to Gainesville/Ocala Application online: www.MagnoliaFarms.org 386-364-6450 / mcelwee87@windstream.net

14

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

newyear High Energy for 2010

by Sandy Wilson

H

appy New Year! These words hold the hopes and dreams of positive outcomes.

What do you desire to make this year better than previous ones? How do you expect to end 2010?

Energy therapists tell us the best way to make a change is to increase our energy vibration. Those who accomplish much, do what they wish, increase their wealth, improve relationships—have high-energy vibration. High-energy vibration attracts people and opportunities that allow these people to achieve what they desire.

To raise your energy vibration, you must first eliminate negative thoughts and emotions that lower your energy vibration. The negativity may come from people you know.

Have you ever been around people who suck the life from you? You are literally tired from talking with these people.

These “energy vampires” vibrate at a very low level and, therefore, pull energy from those around them. You know in advance what these people will talk about—how much worse their job, their relationships, their lives are than anyone else’s. These are skilled at one-upmanship. You have a headache? They suspect they have a brain tumor. For your health and well-being, avoid spending much time with energy vampires.

You may also be causing a low energy vibration by re-playing events from the past. Is there anger about something that happened—a perceived slight, a betrayal?

Do you carefully select gifts for friends and family and receive gifts that are obviously afterthoughts? They may even tell you that they just remembered your birthday and picked something up—not picked something out for you. You know the expression, “It’s the thought that counts.” Knowing you are an afterthought is hurtful, and dwelling on it diminishes energy levels.

Are you still grieving a loss of someone or something you held dear? If you still tear up from the hurt or became angry when thinking of the past event, you have stored negative emotion. It is important to remove the negative emotions from past events to keep your energy www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

levels as high as possible.

In addition to removing negative thoughts and emotions, it is important to examine your beliefs. Do you have a fear that prevents you from doing something you really want? Many people are held from attempting something— an activity, a new business venture, meeting others—for fear of failure. Sometimes those in business have a belief that limits their income. Even though they want to increase their business and income, their subconscious belief may be that they are not worthy of the increase. Regardless of the advertising and promotions they do, their business will not easily reach and maintain the level they want without clearing limiting beliefs.

Removing negative emotions and thoughts and changing beliefs is possible through various techniques. There is the traditional talk therapy, which has helped many people, while energy therapy techniques have proven to be quick and effective for others. These techniques include EFT, MTT, EMDR, RET, and TAT among others. Google any of these for more information.

How will 2010 be different from 2009? What do you

have in place or in the planning stage to ensure that 2010 will indeed be different? Begin by raising your energy vibration to facilitate the change and success you wish for this year.

Sandra Wilson is a Meridian Tapping Techniques practitioner. For more information, see www.SandraWilson.org. MTT is not a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult with your health care giver for medical advice.

January 2010

15

H

fitbody

Movement as Medicine

A Universal Antidote to Aging

by Katy Bowman

ave you ever compared the benefits of a walk around the park with taking an antiinflammatory medication? How about correlating a game of hopscotch with high bone density? Many of us are compliant when taking a drug, herbal or vitamin prescription, but when our health care practitioner recommends exercise, we too often ignore it. It just doesn’t seem as critical. Yet, just as chemicals may affect specific body tissues, so do different machines, movements and modes of exercise.

A healthy body is a fine-tuned mechanism, circulating blood, lymph and electrical impulses efficiently.

While we may accept the belief that our circulation invariably degrades as we get older, it is really that we move less and allow our muscles to tighten.

Muscles are the main force generators in the body, supporting the circulation of fluids and affecting calories burned; constriction of muscles contributes to a decrease in both.

Anyone, at any age, can turn to exercise for movement’s natural, rich supply of anti-aging properties, but be aware that not all exercise is equal. It is vital that we select the best program for us, one that gives us what we need to maintain a healthy, youthful body without causing problems such as degenerating joints.

Anti-aging Prescription n Save your joints and stretch. Human muscle tissue doesn’t change much over a lifetime; an anatomical science journal, Muscle & Nerve, reports that under a microscope, scientists can’t tell if they are looking at 18or 80-year-old muscle. What they can see are the effects of inflexibility and tension around the joints that causes them to wear down and age us. The solution is to find a yoga or stretching class or home video and attend to it for at least a few minutes every day. n Take a daily walk. Get those arms swinging and keep your legs extended, in order to stretch behind the knees while walking. Although one long walk is great for endurance, research from the American College of Nutrition shows that two or more shorter

16

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

walks taken throughout the day may be even better for weight loss, cardiovascular health and metabolism. n Use it or lose it. Get down to the floor and then stand back up again.

This is a tough, whole-body, strength generating workout. Repeat it 10 times to feel an instant, healthful increase in body heat and breathing rate. n Choose a lighter activity. Multiple studies from Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise show that the many benefits of lighter activity include an improved immune system.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a correlation exists between heavy exercise and upper respiratory tract infection. Walking is one example of a lighter exercise that meets your whole-body movement needs without compromising health. n Find a good exercise teacher. A 2009 study published in Clinical Rehabilitation compared the effectiveness of unsupervised versus supervised exercise programs. More desirable

improvements in balance, functional mobility, flexibility and strength were seen in the group that met regularly in a private session or group class. n Pay attention to alignment. Just as you wouldn’t continue to drive your car around with poor wheel alignment and expect optimum performance, so proper alignment of your skeleton can have an instant impact on the health of all tissues. Find an alignment specialist who can point out a few of your postural anomalies, and work together to improve them. n Minimize exercises that wear down joints. Artificial walking patterns caused by treadmills and other cardio machines significantly increase the tension in the hips and knees. Rather, choose an aesthetically pleasing walking path around the neighborhood or opt for an indoor track or the mall. n Mens sana in corpore sano. A healthy mind in a healthy body is the goal. According to the Gerontological Society of America, consistent exer-

cise at midlife may reduce the odds of dementia in older adulthood. Make exercise time a daily habit in your own and your family’s schedule.

Movement isn’t a luxury. The human body requires daily, hourly movement to optimize longevity, as well as youthful strength and flexibility. It doesn’t cost much to take a walk or stretch your arms, legs and spine throughout the day, and the dividends are magnificent. Start by incorporating one “prescribed” anti-aging activity at a time, until you have a rich and well developed habit of taking your “movement vitamins.” It is absolutely possible to feel more energetic and vital now than you did 10 years ago, if you choose well.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanics scientist, has a master’s degree in kinesiology and is director of the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, CA. She has created the Aligned and Well™ DVD series to educate people about how their bodies work, so they can make informed decisions. Visit KatySays.com and RestorativeExercise.com.

COUPON Valentine’s Special: $25.00 off one-hour massage Offer expires 2/13/09 www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

17

fitbody Professional Assist

Outlook for 2010 Fitness Trends An American College of Sports Medicine survey published in ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal identifies counseling with an experienced and educated fitness professional as the top fitness trend this year. The trend’s rise from the third spot, posted in 2007 at the survey’s inception, is likely due to “increased regulation and an influx of specialty certifications and educational programs available” for these professionals.

Strength training surged to second, with programs addressing child obesity in third place. Other 2010 trends include: personal training, core training, fitness programs for older adults, functional fitness, sport-specific training, Pilates and group personal training. The researchers expressed surprise at the move toward group training, suggesting that it may reflect financial considerations for both the trainers and their clients.

Spicing Up Health Revered in India as “holy powder,” golden-colored turmeric boasts an astonishing array of health benefits. The spice is being used not only to treat wounds and infections, but also to help fight viruses, bacteria and cancer.

Source: University of Michigan, 2009

Local & Organic Worth Every Penny?

YOU BETCHA!

ALL GRASS-FED, ALL THE TIME. Organically raised meats and cheeses

... and much more! NEW: Veggies and Artisan Products ...

Sign up for Weekly Specials! sales@rosasfarms.com

Free delivery service to Gainesville, Ocala,

Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota Visit our Award-Winning Farm Market Tuesday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-3

Free samples on Saturdays!

Buy Any Meat and 13450 N. Hwy 301 / Citra, FL 32113 Get an Organic

On Hwy. 301, 100 Yards North of “The Split” “Yummy Cookie” for Just One Penny www.SupportLocalFood.com with This Coupon

18

352-620-2737

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

consciouseating

Why Buy Organic Meat & Dairy?

When we support farms that ethically take care of the animals they raise in a more humane way, we provide healthier choices for our families and support healthy and ecological neighborhoods. Here are some advantages: No antibiotics, hormones, GMO feed, or other drugs

Animals raised organically cannot be fed antibiotics, genetically modified foods, or the bovine human growth hormone (rbGH) or other drugs. The animals receive certified 100 percent organic feed and a wider range of nutrients than those raised in factory farms.

Organically raised animals are significantly healthier than their factory-raised counterparts. The products from these animals carry a certified organic label.

No mad cows

The practice of feeding cattle the ground-up remains of other cows appears to cause mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which destroys the central nervous system and brain, and can pass to humans who eat the cows. In humans, it has a long latency period, and causes Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

This practice is outlawed in organic production.

Humane treatment

Free-range and ranch-raised animals are not confined. They spend much of their time outdoors in the fresh air.

Factory farms treat animals like commodities, holding them in tightly confined pens. Often, they never move more than a few feet their whole lives.

Recycled manure

Sustainable farms use their manure productively as organic fertilizer, www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

recycling its nutrients.

Industrial farms produce so much manure that it becomes a larger health risk, contaminating wells and waterways with E. coli and other pathogens.

Fewer chemicals

Organic agriculture uses crop rotation and other techniques to improve soil fertility, instead of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic livestock are not fed food containing these chemicals, which concentrate in animal fat, so our exposure to such toxins is reduced.

Farmers working on organic farms also are exposed to fewer chemicals.

Organic farming safeguards groundwater, topsoil, habitats and neighborhood health.

cide use both contaminates groundwater and soil and fosters erosion.

Local farms supported

When we buy our meat and dairy products from an organic stand at a farmers’ market, we support that farm and the whole concept of healthy food, ensuring its continued availability. If we don’t, we are likely supporting the less wholesome practices of the multinational food industry.

Buying organic animal products, rather than conventional versions, is better for our family’s health, our community and our world.

Adapted from: Care2.com/greenliving/ why-buy-organic-dairy-meat.html, an article by Annie B. Bond.

Organic Farm Certification in a Nutshell To qualify farm products for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certification, a farmer must track and report all related activities, including animal feed and food crop practices, livestock health and living conditions, and product processing, packaging, storage and shipping. Requirements are rigorous.

Better taste and nutrition

Specifically:

Organic meat just tastes better!

And, it is more nutritious. The animals’ immune systems aren’t taxed by fighting off sickness from inhumane conditions, and by free-ranging, their bodies are working as they are meant to. Furthermore, the meat is more lean.

n Land must have been free of prohibited substances for at least three years.

Resources used wisely

n No use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is allowed.

Organic farms use 70 percent less energy than factory farms through careful ecological management that leverages nature’s checks and balances to solve pest problems and preserve topsoil from erosion. When we buy from local farms, we reduce the distance food travels from farm to table.

In producing, transporting, processing and marketing food, typical factory farms operate on cheap, nonrenewable fossil fuels. Their heavy pesti-

n No harmful pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics or hormones may be used. n Using sewage sludge as fertilizer is prohibited.

n No irradiation of feed is allowed. n There can be no commingling of organic and nonorganic items at any stage. n Annual inspections of grounds and facilities must be conducted by a disinterested third party. n The farmer must undergo a detailed annual audit of purchases, production and sales.

January 2010

19

by Lisa Marshall

envisioning the future of

HEALTHCARE A

s a tie-dye-clad, free-spirited medical student of the ’60s with a fascination for botanical remedies, Chinese medicine and mind-body healing, young Andrew Weil quickly developed a distaste for traditional medicine as practiced in the West. “I was dismayed at the lack of connection with the natural world, the complete ignorance about botanicals and the utter absence of interest in any mind-body connection,” recalls Dr. Weil, who graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1968 as a medical doctor, with no intention to ever practice medicine. “I left there completely unprepared to help people stay well. I got very discouraged.”

Forty years later, Weil, now a best-selling author, internationally renowned physician and founder of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, has channeled his discontent into action. Weil is among those pioneering a burgeoning new kind of medicine that many insist is the answer to our nation’s healthcare woes.

I

ntegrative medicine is a thoughtful blend of conventional medicine, common sense prevention, and modalities once dubbed “alternative” such as acupuncture, meditation, breath work and dietary supplements. It has caught on widely from coast to coast in the past decade, both among consumers and once-skeptical healthcare practitioners. The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that 113 of the nation’s 126 medical schools now include discussion of complementary and alternative therapies in conventional

20

medical courses. Seventy-seven offer stand-alone electives in such approaches as traditional Chinese medicine and mindfulness-based stress reduction. As of this year, eight major medical schools require students to take a 250-hour integrative medicine curriculum as part of their residency.

According to the American Hospital Association, 16 percent of hospitals, including medical facilities at Harvard and Duke, now feature integrative medicine centers. Of those that don’t, 24 percent plan to offer them in the future.

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

In February 2009, the Institute of Medicine, once leery was diabetic. He had all the risk factors for heart disease,” of all things alternative, held a momentous two-day summit, says Guarneri. She enrolled him in a $2,800, three-month Integrative Medicine and the Health of the Public, inviting weight loss and exercise program (covered only in part by 600 policymakers and practitioners to explore where this insurance). “He lost 168 pounds and he went from taking new form of medicine is taking us. Days 16 drugs to three. Just with that single later, a congressional health committee individual, the system saved enormous was calling on Weil—once a dark horse amounts of money.”

“No amount of among his medical colleagues—for testimony about how to fix the nation’s ideological argument Money Talks crumbling healthcare system.

In 1997, after years of quietly teach His answer: Stop focusing so much ever changed anything. ing and practicing integrative medicine on making our current system more acIt was when pocketin Arizona, Weil was propelled from cessible via insurance reform, and create relative obscurity to the cover of Time a new system instead. books started getting magazine. He has since become a go-to

“What we have is not a healthcare squeezed that people resource for both lawmakers and other system at all; it is a disease management seeking healthcare advice. system,” advises Weil. “Making the curstarted paying attention. doctors Weil believes that money, or lack rent system cheaper and more accessible thereof, made it happen. will just spread the dysfunction more [Healthcare costs] are “No amount of ideological arwidely. What we need is a new kind of going to get a lot worse, gument ever changed anything,” he medicine.” reflects. In this case, “It was when and when they do, the pocketbooks started getting squeezed Integrative, wisdom of what we that people started paying attention.

Not Alternative [Healthcare costs] are going to get a lot are doing will become worse, and when they do, the wisdom

Mary Guerrera, a medical doctor of what we are doing will become even even more apparent.” and director of integrative medicine at more apparent.” the University of Connecticut School of During congressional testimony Medicine, stresses that integrative is not ~ Dr. Andrew Weil before the Senate committee on health, just another word for alternative. education, labor and pensions last

“Alternative medicine indicates February, Weil joined heart physician something to be used in place of. and health guru Dr. Dean Ornish and others in rattling Integrative is a term that has emerged in the past decade off a stunning list of statistics: The United States curto reflect a bringing together of the best that conventional rently spends 16 percent of its gross domestic product on and alternative medicine have to offer,” says Guerrera, who healthcare, more than any other country in the world, yet went on to study acupuncture and holistic medicine after its health outcomes are ranked 37th in the world by the completing her conventional medical training in the ‘80s.

World Health Organization.

In 2006, insurance compa She explains that because one person can’t be an nies covered 1.3 million coronary angioplasty procedures, expert in everything, integrative medicine hinges on the at roughly $48,000 each, and 448,000 coronary bypass idea of team care. For instance, a cancer patient might see operations at a cost of $99,000. Yet, things like nutrition her specialists for chemotherapy and surgery, and then be counseling, exercise programs and stress-reduction classes, referred to an acupuncturist for treatments to help with which studies show could prevent as much as 90 percent of nausea or pain management, as well as a nutritionist to all heart disease, are typically not covered by insurance. help her restore lost weight. A patient going into surgery

That, remarks Weil, needs to change, and he’s optimismight practice mindfulness-based meditation beforehand, tic that it will. which has been shown to hasten healing times, decrease

“We need to transform medicine so we are not so hospital stays and thus, save money. dependent on these high-tech expensive solutions for ev “Integrative medicine is team-based, collaborative erything,” concludes Weil, who outlines his plan in his new care,” Guerrera explains. book, Why our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That

Cardiologist Mimi Guarneri is medical director and Can Transform the Future.

“We need doctors who know founder of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, a when and when not to use them and who are trained to multi-disciplinary center that offers care for people with use other kinds of interventions.

That’s the great promise of heart disease, pain, weight management needs, cancer, diaintegrative medicine: It can bring effective, lower-cost treatbetes, stress and women’s health issues. She notes that the ments into the mainstream.” center receives 3,500 patients each month, many of whom arrive seeking relief from costly drugs or surgeries.

“One patient who came to me had just had a bypass.

Lisa Marshall is a freelance writer in Colorado; visit He weighed 330 pounds, suffered from sleep apnea and www.LisaAnnMarshall.com. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

21

The Conscious Eater’s Guide to

GMOs

Choosing to eat a healthy diet can be a challenge, especially when it comes to sorting out the controversies surrounding genetically engineered foods.

Genetically Modified Organisms

(GMOs) were first grown commercially in the United States in 1996. Now, the Center for Food Safety reports that GMOs can be found in about 75 percent of the processed foods sold in our local supermarkets.

22

by Claire Hope Cummings

W

orldwide, GMO crops are grown on about 280 million acres, almost entirely in corn and soybeans grown for animal feed, industrial chemicals and plant-based fuels. The main thing to know about GMOs is that they are made by the chemical industry, for the chemical industry, and sold to farmers for weed and pest control.

We now eat GMOs in our breakfast cereals and corn chips because in the United States the industrial agriculture system mixes crops from many sources during production and manufacturing. GMOs are now in just about anything made with corn, soy or canola, as well as oil from cottonseed. Most of the meat, eggs and dairy products we eat come from animals fed GMOs. The only “fresh” GMO food being sold right now is a mushy papaya from Hawaii; the GMO spud was a dud and other fresh GMOs have failed in the marketplace.

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

How GMOs Came to Market

GMOs were developed by large agrochemical multinational corporations like Monsanto, Dow, DuPont, Sygenta and Bayer. These companies are not known for their commitment to public health and environmental safety. They continue to lobby against government regulations and work to undermine the public research system.

As a result, they have been able to put GMOs on the market without appropriate health and environmental testing and safety measures.

As part of their marketing strategy, the GMO industry also has kept labels off their products in the United States, even though the Center for Food Safety reports that polls repeatedly show that up to 94 percent of Americans want labels on GMO foods. Most other industrial countries label GMOs, and many tightly restrict their testing and use.

The industry, made up of corporations, their paid lobbyists and academic allies, claim that GMOs are safe. The industry says they don’t know of any health harm proven to be caused by their products. But their position is not backed by reliable research from independent scientists. There is no government testing; whatever information the government gets from industry is on a voluntary basis.

And there are ethical issues, especially for people with health-based or religious dietary restrictions. Everyone needs to know what’s in their food. But GMOs are unlike anything the world has seen before. They combine genes from different species. For example, genetic engineers have inserted genes from an arctic fish into strawberries, to make them frost tolerant, but not something a vegan would want to eat.

Genetic engineering is also known as recombinant DNA technology, because it takes DNA from one organism and combines it with DNA from another organism. It does what nature avoids, crossing the natural boundaries between species. GMOs are new, living organisms, capable of spreading, reproducing and recombining. Their presence is invisible and irreversible.

What We Don’t Know Can Hurt Us

The processes used to create GMOs are not precise or predictable.

What is precise is the first step, selecting the DNA to be used. After that, genes are engineered and recombined with bacteria, viruses, and other designer molecules, then often put into a “gene gun” and shot into living cells.

The result can create new proteins that might trigger serious allergic

Watch Out For…

Food Irradiation

Irradiation is used by the food industry to kill harmful pathogens like E. coli, increase shelf life, kill insects and stop spoilage. Today, ground meat, spices, fresh fruit and vegetables may be irradiated. The process is considered safe and effective by government regulators. Currently, irradiated foods are labeled, except for food sold in institutions and restaurants.

But now, the Food and Drug Administration is considering allowing food treated with irradiation to be renamed and sold without labels.

Consumer groups question the safety of food irradiation. Natural food markets like Whole Foods have decided not to sell it. Critics say that irradiation can affect the nutritional value of food by destroying antioxidents, or that it could deform bacteria instead of killing it off.

reactions or recombine with other bacteria and viruses to create new pathogens or toxins.

The antibiotic resistant marker gene used in the process could render the antibiotics we use to control disease less effective.

Reports based on animal studies indicate that both the process and products of genetic engineering are causing problems. Animals fed GMOs exclusively had more false pregnancies and a greater mortality rate than control groups. Researchers also have evidence of impaired blood cell formation, liver

Some loss of vitamins and essential fatty acids occurs in irradiated foods, and there may be formation of dangerous chemicals such as benzene. The process also creates additional hazardous waste, and environmental and worker safety problems.

Because the existing food safety inspection system is already weak, layering on another complex technology might not result in better protection. The Center for Food Safety notes that using irradiation does nothing to stop the practices in the field and factories that contaminate food.

Worse, its use may result in less incentive to clean up the widespread unsanitary conditions that are the primary cause of food contamination.

For related information visit: FoodAndWaterWatch.org/food/foodirradiation and OrganicConsumers.org/irrad/alternatives.cfm; search “supermarkets” at Citizen.org, for a list of groceries that carry irradiated foods.

This ‘radura’ symbol signals irradiated food. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

23

Watch Out For…

Cloning

Cloning raises fundamental issues around the ethics of eating.

Cloning is not the same as genetic engineering.

Cloning is a reproductive technique that makes a genetically identical copy of a plant or animal, bypassing normal sexual reproduction. Cloning is used along with genetic engineering to reproduce genetically modified organisms.

Currently, many animals considered commercially useful are cloned. The question this raises is, even if we can do this, should we? Critics say cloning is unethical, unnecessary and unsafe.

“Dolly,” a sheep, was the first cloned farm animal.

She lived from 1996 to 2003 and remains a symbol of what can go wrong. The Center for Food Safety reports, “More than 90 percent of cloning attempts fail, and cloned animals that are born have more health problems and higher mortality rates than sexually reproduced animals.”

Carol Tucker Foreman, director of food policy at the Consumer Federation of America, adds that cloned animals have higher rates of birth deformities. Cloning creates untold suffering for animals sacrificed in the process, and the defects in the animals can affect the meat and milk products they produce.

Regardless, in September 2008, the FDA approved the sale of meat and milk from cloned animals for human consumption. Since the government does not require that it be labeled as such, consumers will not be able to refuse it at the supermarket.

The Center for Food Safety, which has sued the Food and Drug Administration to stop approval of food from cloned animals, summarizes the issue at http://truefoodnow.org/campaigns/animal-cloning/.

Animal rights, humane organizations and the Union of Concerned Scientists question many aspects of animal cloning. As a starting point, see aavs.org/images/cloningfactsheet.pdf and ucsusa.org/news/press_release/ scientists-say-cloning.html.

problems, excessive growths in the digestive tract and adverse immune reactions.

One thing is certain—GMOs are an uncontrolled human experiment. A leading pediatric neurologist at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Martha R. Herbert, says: “Today, the vast majority of foods in supermarkets contain genetically modified substances whose effects on our health are unknown. As a medical doctor, I can assure you that no one in the medical profession would attempt to perform experiments on human subjects without their consent. Such conduct is illegal and unethical. Yet, manufacturers of genetically altered foods are exposing us to one of the largest uncontrolled experiments in modern history.”

In terms of nutrition, as early as 1992, some scientists at the Food and Drug Administration warned that GMOs could cause “undesirable alteration in the level of nutrients” in foods. Later, one study found that GMO soybeans repeatedly sprayed with herbicides had 12 to 14 percent less essential phytonutrient content than conventionally grown soybeans.

Here’s why scientists think GMOs are different: when plants are forced to do something as stressful as having to stay alive while being repeatedly sprayed with a lethal herbicide, they make tradeoffs during the growth cycle.

One tradeoff might be diminished nutrient content; another might be in the plant’s ability to produce seed, which would affect productivity. More than 8,000 field trials and numerous studies have shown that herbicide-resistant soybeans are 6 to 11 percent less productive than conventional varieties.

The Politics of Food

The facts about GMOs reveal that they are not more productive than conventional crops and they are not better for people. Still, many consumers and farmers believe the advertising that says GMOs can feed the world.

Unfortunately, the public does not get reliable information about GMOs. That’s because, even before GMOs went on the market, government regulators made a political decision, not one based on science, that they would treat GMO foods the same as natural foods. It also was decided that no new laws would be passed to oversee this industry. This

“The FDA needs to request that Congress amend the new animal drug law, so that the process is transparent, and it needs to require labeling, so that the public can report any problems they discover with the product.”

— Jaydee Hanson, policy analyst on cloning and genetics with the Center for Food Safety, responding to the proposed approval process for genetically engineered (GE) animals

24

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

ineffective regulatory system is causing even greater concern now because pending products, such as GMO animals, fish and insects, and plants that are engineered with human genes and pharmaceuticals, are coming on the market or have already contaminated farm fields and the food supply.

Public interest groups and independent scientists have documented the problems caused by GMOs, reporting, for instance, that GMOs have increased the use of herbicides, thereby increasing soil and water pollution.

Research has shown that GMO insecticidal corn harms monarch butterflies and other beneficial insects. Weeds growing near GMO farms have become ‘superweeds,’ which don’t die when sprayed with weed killers. GMOs have spread their unnatural DNA into forests and grasslands and contaminated the crops grown by organic farmers. Today, even conventional seeds are laden with GMOs, so that farmers who want to plant conventional crops are unintentionally growing GMOs. GMO contamination also has caused serious legal problems for farmers and had an impact on U.S. farm exports.

The persistent problems of hunger and poverty in countries around the world are caused by political and economic inequalities. It will take political action, not a techno-fix, to remedy these problems. Farmers need support, but not in the form of patented products like GMOs.

International studies show that farmers want easy-to-use tools, locally bred and adapted seed, clean water and healthy soil. The technology that is needed would produce healthy food while protecting the environment and providing a way for farmers to support themselves and their communities.

Fortunately, that technology already exists. It’s called organic farming.

The good news is that consumers can avoid GMOs by choosing organic foods. By law, certified organic products are not allowed to contain GMOs. Making this choice also supports sustainable farming and ensures the nutritional quality of food, free of synthetic chemicals.

We can support local farmers by buying more fresh food from them. We also can grow food ourselves. Even keeping a pot of herbs or salad greens near a sunny window is a delicious reminder that our food comes from nature, not corporate farm factories.

Growing and sharing food builds community relationships and reconnects us to the land. All that is needed to create an economy of abundance are many small acts of generosity. It’s what nature does for us, every day.

Recommended Resources n Organic Consumers Association, www.OrganicConsumers.org n Center for Food Safety, http://truefoodnow.org/ Claire Hope Cummings is a lawyer, journalist, and expert on agriculture and genetic engineering. She has farmed in California and Vietnam, was an attorney with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for four years, and is the author of the primary source for this article, Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds (Beacon Press, 2008.) www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

25

4 Arrows Ranch ORGANIC Meats  Grassfed Angus Beef  Heritage Pork  Free-Range Heirloom Turkey  No antibiotics, hormones, or animal byproducts fed  Pickup available in Marion County / We also ship

4 Arrows Ranch / Citra, FL 352-595-8387 / grassfedgourmet@aol.com www.thegrassfedgourmet.com

26

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

inspiration

Five Ways to Welcome Change in the New Year

by Elizabeth Lesser

R

aise your hand if you’ve had a crazy year, with lots of changes—good, bad or otherwise. Just as I thought: We’re all in this together.

The most difficult change I’ve been dealt in the last couple of years was my sister’s serious illness. Sitting by her bed one dark day, I came across words by the great Sufi master, Hazrat Inayat Khan: “Walking on the turning wheel of the Earth, living under the ever-rotating Sun, man expects a peaceful life.”

Reading them, I had an “Aha!” moment—I let go of my demanding that life be predictable, easy or peaceful. It was such a relief! I decided to make my New Year’s resolution about welcoming change with a willing heart. If you want to join me in this, here are some helpful ways to proceed.

And so, as the old year changes into the new year, ask what makes you come alive, and then go do it—for your own sake, and in service of the greater good.

Elizabeth Lesser is the co-founder of Omega Institute and author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow. See eomega.org and BrokenOpenBook.com.

1

Expect Change

Because we live in a changing universe, expect change: good change, difficult change, destructive change and transformative change.

2

Make Friends with Change

Try not to fight change. Make unconditional friendship with it, in whatever form it arrives.

3

Relax into the Mystery

There is much more to this life than we can ever understand with our tiny brains and fearful hearts. So, in times of big change, it’s good to be gentle, kind and patient with yourself and to relax. The best peacemakers are those who are at peace with themselves.

4

Receive Change’s Message

Be still and listen deeply for the truth that is carried on its winds—information about the past, wisdom about the present and direction for the future.

5

Come Alive

Join forces with the dynamic flow of life. The AfricanAmerican theologian Howard Thurman said: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

27

Swelling/Lymphedema?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Can Help You

by Sue Domfort, LMT

H

ave you had breast cancer, fibrotic breasts, surgery of any kind, swelling/lymphedema in your arms/legs/face, venous insufficiency, non-infected inflammatory conditions, dermatological conditions (acne, rosacea), circulatory disturbances, sports injuries, burns, wounds, or get sick or tired often? MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) can help.

Europe has had much success for the last 60 years with this gentle yet effective, noninvasive therapeutic massage technique. The U.S. is finally incorporating MLD as part

28

of its therapeutic plan of patient care and is continuing to prove what German doctors and researchers have been saying for years. MLD will decrease lymphedema, it will increase your immunity, you will heal faster from surgery, and it is effective on at least 22 conditions. MLD was developed

by Dr. Emil Vodder.

The lymphatic system’s role is to remove excess fluid, bacteria, viruses and waste products from body tissues and interstitial spaces. It also carries protein from these tissue spaces back into blood circulation. Lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid freeing it of bacteria, toxins and dead cells.

They also produce lymphocytes, which fight infection

Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often an extremity, caused by the abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid. It can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen and lungs. Lymphedema can develop immediately after surgery or radiation therapy, or it can develop months or years later.

It can be acute, lasting no more than six months or chronic, lasting years.

There are two classifications: Primary lymphedema, which is caused by a deficiency of lymph vessels or nodes during fetal development; or the more common secondary lymphedema, which is caused by surgery or injury affecting the lymph nodes or vessels. According to the American Cancer Society, of the two million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., approximately 400,000 must cope with lymphedema on a daily basis.

People with lymphedema may experience the following symptoms: tight or shiny skin, “heavy” feeling in the arms or legs, “orange peel” skin, slow, painless swelling that begins in the hands or feet and progresses toward the trunk, skin that does not indent at all when pressed, hyperkeratosis (thicker skin), or the development of small warts or blisters that leak clear fluid.

Early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition. When lymphedema remains untreated, the limb becomes more edematous and the skin hardens, losing its elasticity (fibrosis). Moreover, untreated lymphedema leads to infection and, sometimes, irreversible complications.

If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical advice. Although it is a chronic and progressive condition, it can usually be brought under control by good care and attention to certain basic rules.

Many immune reactions occur in the lymph nodes.

If the pathways become congested, blocked, damaged or severed, then fluids can build up in the connective tissue, leading to edema and fibrosis. If there is damage in the connective tissue (e.g. burns, chronic inflammation, ulceration, hematoma), ideally the lymph vessel system will transport the damaged cells, inflammatory products and toxins away from the area. The quicker this can happen, the faster recovery will be. By assisting lymph flow, MLD is thought to bring pathogens more quickly to the lymph nodes where they can be neutralized.

Treatments for lymphedema are designed to reduce swelling, prevent it from getting worse, prevent infection, and improve the use and appearance of the body part. Treat-

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

ment for lymphedema include elevation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, exercise, and compression.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light form of massage that involves specific manual movements along lymphatic pathways that empty and decompress obstructed lymph vessels. Such therapy facilitates the unhindered flow of lymph fluid into the venous circulation, where it is supposed to go, and allows the limb to return to normal or near normal size.

When MLD is applied correctly, it has a profound yet subtle effect on the body.

Treatment should only be attempted by a fully qualified therapist who understands not only the pathology but also the most appropriate treatment. To achieve this, a therapist should be correctly trained and certified in MLD, and fully focused and attentive to the precision of the technique as well as to the needs of the patient. Typically a session is done lying down on a comfortable massage table.

When done right, the MLD stroking technique is gentle and relaxing. A session lasts 45-90 minutes depending on your condition.

Contraindications for MLD: n Patients who have congestive heart failure must be monitored closely. n Patients with venous or arterial obstruction (deep-vein thrombosis) or acute infection should not be treated until the obstruction or infection has been resolved. n Patients who are receiving anticoagulant therapy should have a venous screening to rule out deep-venous thrombosis before being treated.

For further information on Manual Lymphatic Drainage, visit: n www.lymphnet.org/ n www.lymphaticresearch.org.

Sue Domfort is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Certified Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner, and owner of Intuitive Touch Reiki and Massage Therapy (MA# 53889 / MM# 22664). She can be reached at 352-804-7617. www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Coming in February

LOVE

MORE

Alternative Wholistic Health Care

The February issue of Natural Awakenings will have everyone smiling and singing, laughing and loving.

Look for our most light-hearted issue ever.

“To Achieve Optimal Health using Alternative Complementary Medicine with State of the Art Technology�

Michael Badanek, Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition and Promoter of Alternative Complementary Medicine.

28 Years of Clinical Practice in Marion County Florida FREE SEMINARS on Alternative Health Care. See Web-sites for dates, times and locations of Seminars Same day emergency appointments Courtesy consultations available

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

352-629-4000

(352) 622-1151 3391 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite B Ocala, FL 34470 www.alternativewholistichealth.com www.ocalaalternativemedicine.com

January 2010

29

Keep Moving Forward Butterfly Landings

by Cynthia Christianson

I “Ganga” Diane Hanson Reiki, Pranic Healing, Hypnosis, Spiritual Counseling Rev. B.S.W., C.Ht. Amrit Yoga Institute PO Box 5340 Salt Springs, FL 32134 352-685-3001 904-382-5823 gangafl@hotmail.com www.dianekhanson.net

30

n Gainesville, at the Harn Museum, there is a huge butterfly study lab and temperature controlled garden.

Every day they release butterflies from around the world.

You can go into the garden, and as you walk around, there are hundreds of butterflies flying all around you. It’s really an amazing sight.

So on a beautiful, warm sunny day, my mother and I decided to visit the garden again. Even though I’ve been there many times, I still love to enter this world of flying colors.

Everyone there always wants a butterfly to land on them as if it’s some sign from a non-physical being that you are blessed (or something). There was one boy who was determined to have this experience and sat down at one of the benches, frowning, folded his arms angrily and announced loudly, “I’m not leaving this bench until a butterfly lands on me!” I hummed walking past him wondering if a butterfly would want to be around that kind of energy.

After wondering and reading about the different kinds of butterflies, my mom and I decided to sit on a bench and just watch for a while. Even as some of the butterflies rest on the plants, trees and foliage, you still are quite close to them. So here we were sitting peacefully, taking in the surroundings—when all of a sudden, the classification guide on my lap was hit with a small, gray plop. I looked up and realized that a butterfly just pooped on me! I can’t believe it!

First, I never saw a butterfly do this—second, now I am thinking, who ever had a butterfly actually do something like this to them? I haven’t! What are the odds that this has happened to someone else visiting here? I guess I am out of favor with the Universe!

So after a few minutes of shock and laughter, we started to muse on the whole process. What’s the waking dream here? Pouting, I noticed that at least the poop hit the guide and not my pants, although that doesn’t soothe the ouch of being “dumped on.”

Moving on down the path, we stopped and sat at another bench. I was still feeling a little miffed about the poop experience and was sorting out all my scattered thoughts about it when a beautiful, large, royal blue (one of my favorite colors) and black butterfly landed right on my heart area. It just flew down and sat there looking at me.

It stayed there for a few minutes, too. People walking by noticed and pointed. I smiled as I felt my heart open. Now feeling this relief, I shifted back into being present and sat with this beautiful creature, grateful he picked me to visit.

Life lessons can move this fast. You can be “dumped on”, fired, cut your hand, lose a pet, have little money in your account etc. one day and then, the next day, gifts of

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

Always laugh when you can.

It is cheap medicine. ~ Lord Byron

Spirit show up again. It can happen if you have done your homework, that is.

If you have spent time clearing out those stuck patterns, habits and old belief systems that aren’t working for you, it can happen. If you have forgiven yourself, sent only messages of unconditional love and nonjudgmental thoughts, to yourself and others, it can happen. If you have learned how to be present and live in Presence, it can happen. If you practice and understand this concept that there is no power outside of you (meaning success is from the inside out), then you know what I am talking about. You know how to shift, choose to feel good, and keep moving forward.

I have to practice every day too.

Conscious living, where you feel good and life reflects this back, does take an awareness that has to be cultivated daily. It was easier when we were children. But with many years of rejection, heartbreak, fear and competition, we have to relearn this skill.

So the next time you get dumped on, rejected, or feel left out from the gifts of the Universe, take some time to reflect on what isn’t working and get the message. Then sit, be present with whatever is showing up and be OK with it. Just allow what you are feeling to be OK. Offer no evaluations, judgments, opinions and emotions.

Once you do this, it will disappear, giving you an incredible sense that all is well again. Then move on, like the butterflies, enjoying this inner peace and spread it around.

Please visit my blog: http:// KeepMovingForwardBlog.com. If you would like any help, I offer a one-time free coaching session. All is well! www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

31

calendarofevents Friday, January 1-3 New Years Couples Getaway and Workshop, 7:30 pm-Sun 1:45 pm. Connect with your beloved on a soul level. $595/couple.

Richard and Diana Daffner, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. www.

IntimacyRetreats.com, 1-877-282-4244.

Saturday, January 2 African Shell Divinations w/Omialadora Ajamu, 1-6 pm, $60/hr. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Saturday, January 2-3 Mahasamadhi Celebration, to honor the Lineage of Bapuji, Swami Kripalvanandji, teacher of Yogi Amrit Desai w/senior staff, Sat 10 am-Sun noon, donation, overnight lodging $25/person.

Amrit Yoga Institute, 23859 NE County Rd 314, Salt Springs. To register: info@amrityoga.org, 352-685-3001.

Sunday, January 3 Service of the Burning Bowl: Setting Intentions for 2010, 10 am, love offering. Nursery and Child Care available during the service. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. www.unityocala. org.

Saturday, January 9 Psychic Fair for the New Year, $20/reading. Tarot, Nordic Runes, Animal Totems, Moon Astrology, African Shells. Chord Cutting w/Shenna Benarte, 5 pm, $20. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

The Amrit Yoga Connection w/Chandrakant and senior staff, Intro classes Amrit Yoga Nidra, Amrit Yoga and Meditation, 10-5 pm, vegetarian lunch included, $30 for day, $55 overnight.

Amrit Yoga Institute, 23859 NE County Rd. 314, Salt Springs.

Register: info@amrityoga.org, 352-685-3001.

Mind, Body & Spirit Crystals & Gemstones Celtic Jewelry Books & CDs Candles, Incense & Oils Herbs & Sage Statuary & Altar Items Tapestries Dragons & Fairies Leanin’ Tree Greeting Cards Readings & More

Wednesday, January 13 Information Session on the LEED-AP Credentialing Maintenance Program, by Jim Sullivan, 6-8 pm, $10/students, $30/chapter members, $40/non-members. The Long Gallery at The Thomas Center, 302 NE 6 Ave, Gainesville. Register at www. usgbcheartfl.org.

Friday, January 15-17 Couples Beach Getaway and Workshop, 7:30 pm-Sun 1:45 pm. Deepen intimacy and passion. Discover Tantra. $595/couple.

Richard and Diana Daffner, Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota. www.

IntimacyRetreats.com, 1-877-282-4244.

Mystic Glenn

3315 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala In Chelsea Square (352) 401-1862 www.mystic-realms.com

Monday-Saturday 10-6:30 Metaphysical Fair Saturday, March 6 32

Sunday, January 10 The Organic Food and Film Festival, 6-10 pm, $5 admission ($7 at the door if tickets are available) includes tasty organic food samples, an integrative/holistic health fair, and a screening of the movie “Food Matters” at the Ocala Civic Theatre. To purchase tickets, call Natural Awakenings magazine, 352-629-4000, or visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/organic.html to order tickets online.

Saturday, January 16 One Heart Energy Balancing and Tarot Readings w/Nena Elantra Roberts. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Reiki I. Intuitive Touch Reiki and Massage Therapy, 1294 SE 24th Road, Ocala, 352-804-7617.

Saturday, January 16-17 Remembering Joy: the Transformational Shamanic Jour-

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

calendarofevents ney Experiential Shamanic Workshop w/ Carol Tunney, MD, Sat 10-9:30 pm, Sun 10-5 pm. $200 early reg, $225 after Jan 11.

High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

Sunday, January 17

Goal Poster Vision Board Potluck w/ Kim Marques, 1 pm, Free w/dish, reg req’d.

Get the Law of Attraction working for you!

It’s All Perfect, Ocala. www.ItsAllPerfect. com, 352-804-9006.

Tuesday, January 19-February 12

“The Secret” You! w/Vickie Haren, CCLC, each Tues, 5:50-7:30 pm, $100/6 classes. All About Art / Artful Living Center, 5162 SE Abshier Blvd, Belleview. pre-reg 352-502-3898.

Saturday, January 23

Finding the Mystery Within Crystal Workshop w/Sharron Britton, 1-4 pm, $20. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs. 386-4548657.

Embracing the Change: 2012 and Beyond by Ron Clark and Gail Deckant, 1-4 pm, $25/one, $12.50/two. Wear loosefitting, comfortable clothing; bring blanket and small pillow. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39 Ave, Gainesville. Pre-register

405-623-3115 to receive guide 2012: Your Personal Year.

Saturday, January 23-30

Mexican Tantra and Yoga Retreat for Couples: Eight days on the Mexican Caribbean. Daily yoga. Learn to integrate sexuality and spirituality through Tantra and authentic presence. $1,195/couple.

Richard and Diana Daffner, www.IntimacyRetreats.com, 1-877-282-4244.

Sunday, January 24

From Recovery to Self-Discovery w/ Prakash and Jaya, combines spiritual traditions with the Amrit Method and the 12step action plan, $25/breakfast and lunch, $50 overnight. Amrit Yoga Institute, 23859 NE County Rd. 314, Salt Springs. Register www.amrityoga.org, info@amrityoga.org, 352-685-3001.

Monday, January 25-29

Equine Massage Level 1, Therapeutic Massage, advance reg req’d, 5 spots left. Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, Palm City, FL. information@rmsaam.com.

CCLC, 5:30-8:30 pm. All About Art / Artful Living Center, 5162 SE Abshier Blvd (Hwy 441), Belleview. pre-reg 352-5023898.

Friday, January 29

First priority deadline for applications to the Fall 2010 course of study.

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine, Gainesville, 800-606-6685, www. dragonrises.edu.

Friday, January 29- 31

Welcome Weekend/Amrit Yoga and Yoga Nidra w/Chandrakant and Senior Staff. $295 includes program, lodging, meals. Amrit Yoga Institute, Salt Springs.

Register www.amrityoga.org, info@amrityoga.org or call 352-685-3001.

Saturday, January 30

Astrological Tarot w/Mary Alice Warren, 1-6 pm, $60. High Springs Emporium, 660 NW Santa Fe Blvd, High Springs.

386-454-8657.

Wednesday, January 27

Past Life Regression w/Vickie Haren,

British Medium Jan Marshall Demonstration Thursday, March 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m., $25 Workshop Saturday, March 13, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., $25 Private readings by appointment Held at Unity of Gainesville 8801 N.W. 39th Avenue

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

January 2010

33

calendarofevents Sunday, January 31

The Sacred and the Silly with humorist, singer/songwriter Greg Tamblyn, 11 am and 7 pm, Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39 Ave, Gainesville.

Ongoing Events

Intuitive Touch Reiki and Massage Therapy Specializing in Therapeutic/medical and relaxation massage, intuitive Reiki sessions and lymphatic drainage

Susan Domfort LMT/COTA Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Certified in Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage MA #53889 MM #22664

1294 SE 24th Road Ocala, Florida 352-804-7617 Now accepting PIP and BC/BS insurance for medically necessary massage.

Sunday

Guided Meditation and Spiritual Lesson, 10 am, love offering. Nursery and child care available during the service. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Metaphysical Lesson and Meditation, 11 am, love offering.

Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, 352-3731030, www.unityofgainesvillefl.org.

Every Other Monday

Accelerated Enlightenment Class and Guided Group Meditation w/Jim Malloy, 7-9 pm, $10/class, Private home near Thornebrook. 352-373-1978 or jmalloy@meditationcenter.com.

Tuesday

A Course in Miracles, Noon-1:30 pm, also 6-7:30 pm, love offering. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Beginners’ Yoga, 7-8:30 pm, with Lori Hunt. Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, FL, 352-378-5746, www.tfioh.com.

Tuesdays and Fridays

Walk “Live” Indoors w/Leslie Sansone, Certified Walk Leader, Barbara Barnett, 9:30-10:30 am, $7 each/8 sessions, $10 drop-in. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, 4225 NW 34 St. 912-492-9156, www.self-esteem-2-the-core.com.

Wednesday

Hypnosis and Meditation Group, 6:00-7:10 pm with Matthew Brownstein. A Course in Miracles Study Group, 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. with Matthew Brownstein. Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy, 4051 N.W. 43rd St., Suit 37, Gainesville, FL, 352378-5746, www.tfioh.com.

First and Third Wednesday

Easy Speaker’s Toastmaster Club Meeting, 6-7:30 pm, free for guests. Cal’s Restaurant, CR-25, Belleview. 352-804-9006, www.easyspeakerstmc.freetoasthost.info.

Thursday

Yoga, 6-7:30 pm w/Maryann Holden, instructor, $8. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Saturday

Farmstead Saturdays, Free, 9 am-3 pm. Crones Cradle, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra. 352-595-3377, www.cronescradleconserve.com.

34

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

communityresourceguide ... Connecting readers to leaders in holistic health care and green living services in our community.

To be included here, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com, call 352-629-4000, or email Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

colonics Aaron Perry, AP, LMT Life Family Practice Center 1501 U.S. Hwy. 441 North The Villages / 352-750-4333 Focusing on your health and well being, I integrate acupuncture, massage, homeopathy, colonics and NAET (allergy elimination) to enhance your quality of life.

Medicare, Insurance accepted.

craniosacral therapy Rose Dotson R.N., B.H.A Energy Healing, Reiki Master Teacher 6528 C.R. 248, O’Brien, FL 32071 386-935-2972, rdotson@isgroup.net Experience gentle hands-on healing. Effective for chronic neck and back pain, scoliosis, migraine headaches, TMJ, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, and Central Nervous System disorders.

heal your life Deb Klugger Certified Heal Your Life workshop facilitator 3251 SE 31st St., Ocala, FL / 352-266-9163 www.healyourlifemendyourheart.com Study Course / Workshops.

Based on the philosophies of Louise L. Hay. Learn to love yourself. Create the life you want to live. Next 10-week course: January 19, 2010.

Investment: $35 per week.

Michael J. Badanek BS, DC, CNS, DACBN Chiropractic Physician, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition 3391 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite #B Ocala, Florida 34470 / 352-622-1151 www.alternativewholistichealth.com www.ocalaalternativemedicine.com Proudly serving Marion County for 28+ years with alternative holistic complementary health services. “Helping patients achieve optimal health using Alternative Complementary Medicine with State of the Art Technology.” Treating the body to support all health challenges with Holistic Integrative Medicine. Treatment modalities include, but not limited to: Chiropractic, acupuncture, applied kinesiology, EAV testing, nutrition, physiotherapy, massage therapy, functional medicine diagnostic testing, laboratory testing, heavy metal testing/ treatment, detoxification. Available to lecture to groups/meetings. Same day emergency appointments; courtesy consultations available.

Nelson Kraucak, MD, ABCMT Life Family Practice Center 1501 U.S. Hwy. 441 North The Villages / 352-750-4333 Look into Holistic Integrative Medicine for your health.

Chelation is a holistic approach for heavy metal toxicity and is believed to benefit those with heart disease. Neurotherapy, acupuncture, and many other services available.

life coaches Cynthia Christianson, M.A., CCC Inner Relationship Coaching Body Felt-Sense Therapy / 352-374-7982 www.AvantiCoaching.com www.KeepMovingForwardBlog.com The process of self-improvement starts with a healthy inner relationship. If you feel stuck; want a way to handle overwhelming emotions; release blocks or addictions; release self-criticism; increase self-love and acceptance; make clear and centered decisions, then let the wisdom of your body teach you what it feels like to be happy.

Vickie Haren, CCLC, CCHt 352-502-3898 / www.wix.com/VickieH/ Vickie Office and classroom: All About Art/Enrichment Room, 5162 SE Abshier Blvd. (Hwy 441), Belleview Vickie is clinically certified as a Life Coach and Holistic Health Practitioner with studies in Hypnosis, Reflexology, Reiki (Master/Teacher), Neuro Linguistic Programming, Non-Directive Imagery, EFT, Body Talk, Psych-K and Somatic Healing. She is also owner of Endless Spiritual Journeys which features an annual Women’s Spiritual Retreat in Fruitland Park.

holistic medicine Hanoch Talmor, M.D. Gainesville Holistic Center 352-377-0015 www.betterw.com We support all health challenges and the unlimited healing potential of God’s miracle: your body.

Chelation, Nutrition, Cleansing, Homeopathy, Natural Energy Healing, Detoxification, Wellness Education and more.

35

Support us: support our advertisers.

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

communityresourceguide Kim Marques, CHt, Reiki Master Teacher www.ItsAllPerfect.com 352-804-9006 in Ocala Change your vibe, change your life!

Free Info and Spiritual Energy by appointment. Embrace the mind, body and spirit with hypnosis, energy sessions and training, spiritual guidance, Life Wise workshops and support groups, meditation, Goddess Weight Loss, attraction power kits and more.

massage Tiara L. Catey, LMT Center for Balance 1705 N.W. 6th St., Gainesville 352-642-4545 / www.tiaracatey.com Cultivate relaxation, relieve pain and manage stress by including massage as an essential part of your self-care practices.

Relaxation and therapeutic massage ($60/hour), lomilomi ($80/hour), shiatsu ($70/hour), includes aromatherapy. Holistic approach. NY massage education. See www.tiaracatey.com for more details. MA41831.

Clark Dougherty Therapeutic Massage Clinic 850 N.E. 36th Terr., Ocala 352-694-7255 / www.ClarkDougherty.com Offering a variety of therapeutic massage techniques for pain relief, improved flexibility, and other wonderful benefits. PIP and WorkComp always accepted, also group/private insurance in some instances. All credit cards accepted. Gift certificates are avilable now for Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day. MA27082, MM9718.

Traditional Thai massage Ariela Grodner LMT 900 N.W. 8th Ave., Gainesville arielasthaimassage.com / 352-336-7835 Ariela offers an ancient massage modality known in the west as Thai Massage, sometimes referred to as “lazy man’s yoga.”

It is a fusion of yoga and the martial arts in a massage modality.

Call to reserve an appointment or to find out about classes held locally.

36

Flying Horse Healing Arts Valerie Macri, LMT MA54723 Ocala / 877-762-4535 toll-free www.flyinghorsehealingarts.com Rejuvenate body, mind and spirit with a therapeutic massage.

Deep tissue, Energy balancing, Reiki, Aromatherapy. Holistic stress and pain relief for you and your horse.

Neuromuscular Massage By Design 1920 S.W. 20th Pl., Suite 202, Ocala 352-694-4503 Offering neuromuscular massage, craniosacral release therapy, ETPS acupuncture. Most insurance accepted, as well as PIP and WorkerComp. 20% discount for prepurchase of four or more sessions. Referrals from physicians and chiropractors accepted. MA22645.

mtt Sandra Wilson, MTT, MCHt Meridian Tapping Techniques 352-454-8959 www.SandraWilson.org Prime yourself for success! Remove the blocks keeping you from your goals. Eliminate anger, guilt, grief, and fear quickly and easily.

Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.

personal fitness Hip Moves Fitness Studio Rona Bennett, BS, CPT Holistic Health, Personal Fitness Coaching 708 N.W. 23rd Ave., Gainesville www.hipmoves.com / 352-692-0132 An intimate fitness studio focusing on creativity and holistic health. Classes and private lessons in Belly Dance, Yoga, Pilates, and Personal Training. Rental space available.

piano services Hendrix Piano Service 352-895-5412 / Serving north central Florida Tuning, repairs, cleaning, fine maintenance of your acoustic piano.

Playing services including accompaniment, weddings, other church services, concerts. Call today!

publishing/editing Diane Childs Editing, Writing, Consulting, Research 352-375-1120 / Gainesville editordiane@cox.net Impress agents, publishers, customers or employers with professionally written books, articles, marketing materials or resume. Nonfiction or fiction.

Specialties: query letters, book proposals, autobiography, personal growth, health, spirituality, novels.

rolfing Carol L. Short / Certified Advanced Rolfer™, Craniosacral Therapist Gainesville and North Central FL / 352-318-0509 Rolfing® is a system of body restructuring through systematic manipulation of muscle and fascial tissues. It promotes the release and realignment of long standing patterns of tension and dysfunction, bringing the body to greater balance, mobility, vitality, and ease.

A holistic approach to mobility, vitality and balance. MA16337/MM18921.

schools Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage Fox Grove Farm / Palm City, FL 1-866-903-6462 / www.rmsaam.com Equine and Canine Massage Certificate Courses suitable for everyone; intensive hands-on training, also correspondence. Start a new profession today!

the work/byron katie Celia Chapman Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie 352-505-5651 / ccthework@netzero.com www.thework.com/cchapman.asp Imagine being HAPPY right now without needing to change a person or thing in your life. Anyone with an open mind can do The Work and end their suffering. Call or e-mail for appointment (evenings and weekends).

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

classifieds Business Opportunities

Currently Publishing Natural Awakenings Magazines.

Asheville, NC; Birmingham/Huntsville, AL; Denver, CO; Mobile, AL; Morris County, NJ; New York City, NY. Call for details 239-530-1377.

Couples Retreats

Romantic Vacation/Workshops: Florida, Mexico.

Create Magic in Your Relationship. Deepen Intimacy, Discover Tantra. Brochure. 1-877-282-4244, www.

IntimacyRetreats.com.

Intimacy Product

Topical ointment guaranteed to increase a woman’s sexual responsiveness and sensation. Womaninvented and woman-made. All natural, safe, and it smells wonderful, too! $29.95 + $5 shipping. Call 352-286-1779 or visit www.JoyOil.com.

Ads: Per-issue cost is $25/up to 30 words, $1/each additional. Fax ad with credit/debit card number + exp. code to 352-351-5474, or scan/email same to Ads@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

We don’t just talk about the environment— We respect it.

At Natural Awakenings, we know the cost of glossy coatings on a magazine’s pages: n 33-54% increase in energy consumption, wastewater, air pollution emissions, solid waste n Coated paper is very difficult to recycle (the quantity of waste clay coating removed nearly equals that of the usable paper fiber) n The sealant coating/varnish commonly contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) n Inks that often contain heavy metals and VOCs n Higher costs to print, resulting in higher costs for advertisers —Sources: Buy Recycled Business Alliance; Turning the Page by the PAPER Project partnership; Magazine PAPER Project (CoopAmerica.org/programs/woodwise/publishers/ magazines/index.cfm For more information, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/WhyRecycled.pdf Join our family of “green” readers and advertisers. Call 352-629-4000.

37

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

38

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

Join our family of publishers ... be your own boss and make a difference in your community

Birmingham, B Bi irmiingh ngham ham AL Mobile/Baldwin, obbilile ile//B /B ld /Bald /Ba ldwiin ldw in A ALL & Huntsville, AL & Emerald Coast, FL

Fairfi rfifield ld County, Count Co unty ty CT CT

Palm Pal allm B Beac Beach, eachh FL eac FL

New Ha New H Haven Haven/ aven ven// Middlesex, CT

SSarasota, Saraso Sar araso asotta ta FL Peace River, FL & Portland, OR

Grand G Gra randd Rap R Rapid Rapids, apid ids M MII

PPhoenix, Ph Pho h eni enix ix AZ TTucson, Tucson Tuc ucson A AZZ

TTampa/ Tam ampa// Florida’s Flo rid ida’s a’s SSt Petersburg, FL Fl Tallahassee, Tal alllah l hass lahass assee ee FL St. Treasure Coast

New N ew w Yo Y York orkk Cit City City, y NY NY Long LLon ong IIsland, sla l ndd NY

Bucks uccks ks Cou CCounty, ounty t PPA A Lehigh eehhigh i h Va V Vall Valley, alllle lleyy PA PA

East Texa East Eas TTexas exass exa

N North Nor Northeast, orth theastt PPA A

Houston, H Hou ousto ston t n TX

Rockland/ R Rockl Roc ockl kland/ d// Orange, NY

Rh Rhode hode d Is IIsland Isl slan land land

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, your magazine will help thousands of readers to make positive changes in their lives, while promoting local practitioners and providers of natural, earth-friendly lifestyles.

You will be creating a healthier community while building your own financial security in the franchise market of your choice.

Miami Mia Mi mii & Florida Keys

Augusta, A Aug ugust usta ta GA GA

Naples/ N Napl Nap aples les/ les/ Ft. Myers, FL

Lexiing Lex ington ingt ton K Y Lexington, KY

Cincinnati, Ci Cin i cin i nat natiti OH H

CColumbia, Col lumb umbi bia ia SC & Grand Strand, SC

Richmond, R Ri Ric iichmo hmondd VA A

Oklahoma Ok Okl klaho ahoma h ma City, Cityy OK Cit

Upstate, U Upst Ups pstat t te SC tate

Madison, M Madi Mad diso ison WI ison Southwestern outh ou th est thw estern tern VA VA

Orlando, O Orl land ando do FL

North ortth or th Central Centra Cent Cen tral FFLL tral

Lou LLouisville/ Loui o isv is ille// isvill Metro, KY

Charlotte, Ch Cha h rlo rlott l tt tte N NCC Raleigh/Durham/ alleig i h/ h/D / urhham// Chapel Hill, NC Southern uthe thh rn Coast, the thern Coastt N Coa NCC

Wes Westchester/ W West estch t hestter// Putnam, NY

Charleston, Cha h rle l sto ston t n SCC

San An San A Ant Antonio, nton tonio toni io TX

You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself.

We offer a complete training and support system designed to help you successfully publish your own magazine.

Atlanta, A Atl tlant anta ta GA

Asheville, A Ash hevi evill illlle N NCC

Our Family Tree Is Growing Strong

36

Denver, D Denver Den enver CCO O Hartford rtfo tff rdd Cou tfo CCounty, ounty t CCTT

Wayne ayne ay ne Cou CCounty, ounty t M MII Cen Central enttra en tral Mi tral M Missouri issour issour iss ourii Greater G Gre ate t rO Oakland/ akl kland and/ d/ W Macomb, MI & Greater Genesee, MI

San SSanta Sant anta ta Fe/ F/ Albuquerque, NM

Boulder, B Bou Bould ould lderr CO lde

Melbourne/ M Melb Mel lbou bourne bourne rne// JJacksonville/ Jac ackkso ksonvi nvill illlle lle// V Daytona/ D Dayt Day ayton tona// Vero Beach, FL LLauderdale, aude d rda rdal d le le FL FL St. S Augustine, FL Volusia/Flagler, FL Ft. La

Morris M Mor orris i Co CCounty, ount unty ty NJ

Austin, A Aust Aus ustin in TTXX

San Di Diego Diego, ego CCA A

Little Littl Lit ittltle Ro R Rock/ ock/ k// Hot Springs, AR

New ew Or O Orl Orleans, rlea leans LA leans LA

Monmouth M Mon onmo mouth mou th & Ocean, NJ

Som SSomerset Somers omersett Middlesex, NJ

PPortland, Portl Por ortltlandd OR

TTulsa, Tulsa Tul lsa OK

CChattanooga, Chatt Cha Ch h tt ttanoo tta nooga noo ga TN & Knoxville, TN

PPuerto Pue uerto t Ri Rico co

Ann Ar Ann A Arb Arbor, rbor bor M MII

Nashville, N Nash Nas ashvi h illlle TTN hvill N

TToronto, Tor oront onto to Canada Canada Can d

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Become a new Natural Awakenings franchise publisher in the market of your choice, or purchase one of the existing magazines currently for sale: Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO; Mobile, AL; Morris County, NJ; and New York City, NY.

feel good live simply laugh more

celebrate

EARTHDAY April 22 GREEN JOBS

ways to work for the planet

exercise that translates to real life

functional

FITNESS

HEALTHFUL

HERBS the people’s medicine

APRIL 2009 Location-Edition | www.website.com FREE NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

For more information call 239-530-1377 or visit us online at

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Grow Your Business Naturally with Natural Awakenings Magazine.

We don’t just sell ads— We offer a huge mix of P.R., marketing, editorial, and event opportunities.

For details on our New Year’s offers, visit www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com/growyourbusiness.html e-mail Carolyn@GoNaturalAwakenings.com, or call 352-629-4000.

Bad at math? Let us help!

1 display ad x 12 = 1 year = n 12 display ads + n 60 FREE Calendar listings + n 4 FREE News Briefs + n 1 FREE article + n 1 (or more) FREE “Natural

Network” memberships +

promotional opportunities + n 65,000+ readers + 500 locations + n Internet presence in three

places (Facebook, our

web site, our publish site) + n The best prices in town = ____________________________ A LOT MORE FOR YOUR MONEY!

Why just place an ad when you can become part of a community?

352-629-4000 / www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com 40

Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment

Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy

School Catalog Spring 2010 Start a New Career as a Hypnotherapist

q

Hypnotism Training

q

State-Licensed

q

ACHE Approved

q

410 Clock-Hour Program

q

Clinical Certification

q

Transpersonal Hypnotherapy

q

Supervised Education

q

Learn Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

q

Become a Hypnotherapist

q

Comprehensive Training

q

Weekend Courses

q

Fundamentals of Hypnotism

q

Advanced Hypnotism

q

Breathwork

q

NLP

q

Past-Life Regression Therapy

q

Practice Ethics

q

Advertising and Marketing

q

Intuitive Hypnotherapy

q

Medical Hypnotherapy

q

Healing and Pain Management

www.tfioh.com

Next Class Begins March 5th, 2010

Comprehensive 410 Clock-Hour Training. Approved by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. Licensed by the Florida Department of Education.

Month One - Fundamentals of Hypnotism

Month Two - Advanced Hypnotism

Introduction to the Hypnotic State Understanding the Subconscious Mind Multiple Styles of Induction Deepening and Testing for Hypnosis Effective Suggestions and Affirmations Visualization and Guided Imagery History of Hypnotism Self-Hypnosis Smoking and Weight Loss Protocols Florida Law and Practice Ethics

Business and Practice Management Advanced Advertising and Marketing Skills NLP - Neuro-Linguistic Programming Core Transformation Parts Therapy Life Mastery Course Creating and Manifesting Skills Manifesting Prosperity Course Opening the Heart Work Ericksonian Hypnotherapy

Month Three - Hypnotherapist

Month Four - Natal Regression & Breathwork

Introduction to Regression Advanced Client Intake Uncovering Techniques Age Regression Hypnoanalysis Analytical Hypnotherapy Ideomotor Questioning Skills Group Hypnosis Group Regressions Group Lectures

Clinical Hypnotherapy Intuitive Hypnotherapy Modified Transactional Analysis Natal Regression Introduction to Transpersonal Hypnotherapy Reparenting Inner-Child Work Breathwork Integrating Modalities Comprehensive Practical Hours

Month Five - Healing and Pain Management

Month Six - Past-Life Regression Therapy

Hypnosis in Pain Management Anatomy and Physiology Producing Analgesia and Anesthesia Hypnosis in Childbirthing Medical and Dental Hypnosis Working with Medical Professionals Physician Referrals Working in Medical and Hospital Settings Healing with Hypnosis Methods for Accelerated Healing

Macro- and Microcosmology Theories of Karma and Reincarnation Yogic Philosophy and Psychology Past-Life Regression Therapy Life-Between-Life Regressions Special Instances of Altered State Work Stages of Spiritual Growth Out-of-Body and Near-Death Experiences Remote Viewing Meditation - Ancient and Modern

"I have been in social services for nearly 20 years, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 5, and have long known that hypnosis, and its related modalities, were key tools in effecting change and growth. I had been collecting an education on it for years, including several courses on basic and advanced hypnotherapy. These classes met the state requirements for practicing hypnosis but did not foster any confidence in my personal use of the techniques with clients. I was seeking a solid grounding in hypnosis and a place to become confident in those skills. I found both in Matthew's classes, and more.

The experiential nature of the class, and the superb supervision is tremendous training, and rare. Not only did I integrate a stronger appreciation of the power of our subconscious minds, but I came to a new understanding of mental, emotional and physical health that will forever guide my work and my personal life. Thank you Matthew and may your work continue to grow."

Tamera L. Fontenot, LMHC CHt, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF HYPNOTHERAPY Matthew Brownstein, CHt is the Executive Director of The Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy and Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy Associates, Inc. Matthew is also the founder and owner of Silent Light Publishers and Anahat Meditation Center. He is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, certified examiner and approved instructor through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. He currently has a private Hypnotherapy practice in Gainesville, Florida out of the Institute, where he serves as lead instructor. He is a graduate of the Hypnotherapy Academy of America and has practiced Hypnotherapy since 1997, having logged over 10,000 hours of clinical practice in the field.

Matthew is the author of Peace Under All Circumstances, The Sutras on Healing and Enlightenment, The Journals of Myckal Divane and The Sacred Geometry of Meditation. He has also produced over 60 audio products in the fields of health, healing and spiritual growth. Matthew has lived many years in monasteries, ashrams and spiritual communities experiencing first-hand the life-transforming practices of many diverse spiritual traditions. l l l l l

No previous educational requirements are necessary Flexible payment options are available Weekend classes allow you to work or attend school during the week Various styles of education ensure graduate excellence and expertise In depth marketing skills help you to build your own business and succeed This is a career where you can be your own boss, make your own hours and most importantly help others and truly make a difference...

Our next Certified Hypnotherapist Training begins March 5th, 2010. Space is Limited. Call now to reserve your seat or to speak to us with your questions about this truly rewarding career.

4051 NW 43rd Street, Suite #37, Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 378-5746 - info@tfioh.com - www.tfioh.com

"The six month course at the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy changed my life. My spiritual awakening is so monumental that it has filtered into all areas of my life. It validated so many spiritual beliefs and has affirmed my position in the universe. Matthew is so full of wisdom and is an extraordinary teacher. He is truly a master in his teachings. The energy in the classroom is so peaceful. You can feel the positive energy of the space as soon as you enter.

The hypnotherapy course covers significant material to ensure future success in this profession. You leave this course with confidence in your skills as a hypnotherapist and with a "YES I CAN" mentality."

Victoria Clark Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist