19 minute read
PEST CONTROL
Keeping Dogs Safe from Ticks and Fleas
by Karen Shaw Becker
Fleas and ticks are different types of pests; so, when considering how best to protect a dog, it is important to make a distinction—fleas are an annoyance, but ticks can be life-threatening. Many veterinarians recommend specific chemicals as a preventive solution, but this is often just a knee-jerk approach that uses chemicals to control nature. Instead, consider more natural alternatives that are both effective and non-toxic.
Fleas 101. Fleas are related to ants and beetles, feed on blood, and their bites can lead to irritation and skin allergies. They aren’t typically attracted to healthy pets; so, one of the best defenses against flea infestations is to feed a dog a nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate, fresh-food diet that will help keep their immune system functioning optimally. It is also important to remove the environmental factors that can negatively impact immunity, including: n Poor water quality. Make sure to provide fluoride- and chlorine-free drinking water. n Too many vaccines. Insist that the veterinarian runs titer tests instead of giving unnecessary shots.
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n Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers used in the yard. n Toxic levels of electromagnetic fields from electrical devices in the home.
The Trouble with Ticks. Ticks are
a type of arachnid related to mites, spiders and scorpions. Because ticks feed on many different animals (including humans, dogs, cats, squirrels, mice, opossums and deer), they are quite good at acquiring and transmitting diseases, some of which can be life-threatening.
Unfortunately, a single tick bite can expose a dog to multiple pathogens, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. Luckily, most dogs mount an effective immune response. Up to 90 percent of dogs may have been exposed to tick-borne pathogens, but most are able to fight off infection on their own.
The only way to know if a dog has effectively eliminated harmful bacteria is to follow up the typical blood test with a second test called a quantitative C6 that differentiates exposure from infection. Large numbers of dogs each year are unnecessarily treated with extensive antibiotic therapy because their veterinarians panic after seeing a positive exposure and fail to check for infection.
To catch tick-borne infections before they take hold, ask the veterinarian to replace the standard annual heartworm test with the SNAP 4Dx Plus (from Idexx Labs) or the Accuplex4 tests (Antech Diagnostics), which screen for heartworm, Lyme disease and four other vector-borne diseases. Completing one of these simple blood tests every six to 12 months is the best way to protect a dog. In tick-infested areas, if a dog tests positive on either of those two tests, it should also be screened for babesia exposure with a polymerase chain reaction test.
Before Reaching for a Chemical.
Pet parents should not automatically apply potentially toxic chemical agents to their dogs or around their home to repel or kill pests. The use of spot-on products may cause skin irritation, paralysis, seizures and even death, if used improperly, and there are effective, natural alternatives that are far safer. If these chemicals are used, follow these precautions: n Be very careful to follow dosing directions on the label. If a pet is at the low end of a dosage range, use the next lowest dosage.
Monitor the pet carefully afterwards for adverse reactions. Do not under any circumstances apply dog product to a cat. n Every other month, rotate chemicals with natural preventives, including diatomaceous earth, pet-friendly, essential oil products and natural deterrent collars.
In many parts of the country, people can successfully control ticks with one chemical dose in the spring and one in late summer. n To detox a dog’s liver afterwards, give them a supplement such as milk thistle, a detox agent that helps to regenerate liver cells, or chlorella, a super green food. Work with an integrative veterinarian to determine the dosage; one dose daily for seven days following any chemical flea-, tick- or heartworm-preventive application is recommended.
Safe Options to Chemicals.
There are safe, non-toxic alternatives for flea and tick control for dogs, and they do not have side effects, unlike virtually all forms of chemical pesticides. These include: n Cedar oil, specifically manufactured for pet health n Natural, food-grade diatomaceous earth, applied topically n A fresh-food diet that is nutritionally optimal and species-appropriate
It is important to bathe and brush a dog regularly and perform frequent full-body inspections using a flea and tick comb to check for parasite activity. If they spend a lot of time outdoors, be sure to check pets and people for ticks every night during tick season.
Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. Visit DrKarenBecker.com.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 1
Taste & Learn Store Tours for Kids – 10-11am or 2-3pm. We will walk, talk, and taste our way around the store as they learn all about what a healthy snack is and what kinds of foods make for healthy snacks. Free. Oryana West, 3587 Marketplace Cir, Traverse City. Oryana.coop. Guided Hike: Boardman Valley Nature Preserve – 12-2pm. Explore, ask questions and discover the waterways and woodlands of this 208-acre reserve. Free. 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City. Tinyurl.com/2p99vk8e. First Fridays in Downtown – 3-6pm. Also held May 6. Enjoy shopping, random giveaways, great food from local restaurants, and kid-friendly activities in Hoop Skirt and Van Pelt Alleys. 109 Mason St, Charlevoix. DowntownCharlevoix.com. Free Beginner Belly Dance Class – 6-7pm. With Amira Hamzar of the School of RakFor absolute beginners for all ages, sizes, shapes, genders and ethnicities. Learn some basic Belly Dance moves and a couple of combos. ($40). IN-person & Zoom. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E Eighth St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. AmiraHamzarRaks.com.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
What’s New in Plants for 2022 – 7pm. Jeanine Rubert, co-owner of Pine Hill Nursery & Pine Hill Village Garden, shares about what’s coming this season. Free/member, $10/nonmember. The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Dr, Traverse City. TheBotanicGarden.org.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7
Meditation Thursdays – Apr 7-28. 6-7pm. With Mike. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. Pre-registration required: 231-941-5805 or HigherSelfBookstore.com.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
Yoga Retreat Weekend at Chateau Chantal – Apr 8-10. With Cristin Hosmer. A retreat weekend that combines creativity, playfulness and inspiration into a variety of classes focused on Spring and Renewal. $496-$684. 15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City. Reservations required: 231-223-4110. ChateauChantal.com. Spring Owl Prowl – 7:30-9pm. Learn about our local owls and their conservation with an introductory presentation, and then head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. About 1 mile on uneven trails. $10/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Register: GrassRiver.org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
FWW Virtual Retreat: Finding Food Freedom
– 9am-12pm. Join the Foundations of Wellness for Women for a virtual retreat with guest facilitator, Lisa Dahl, Certified Intuitive Eating and Body Image Health Coach. It’s time to break the diet cycle and learn to eat intuitively, find your food freedom. $108. Register: bit.ly/FWW-food-freedom. Basics of Photography 101 – 10am-1pm. With the Charlevoix Photography Club. Will cover topics such as how to best use the camera you have, shooting modes, settings, the exposure triangle, the rule of thirds and composition, editing your photos and more.Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 109 Clinton St, Charlevoix. Pre-registration required: CharlevoixCircle.org. Foot Reflexology – 11am-6pm. With Pat McGhan. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. Pre-registration required: 231-941-5805 or HigherSelfBookstore.com.
MONDAY, APRIL 11
Pottery and Wine at Castle Farms – 6-9pm. All paints, supplies and artist guidance included. Once you have completed your pieces, they will be transported to the Cottage Pottery studio for professional glazing and firing. After completion, they will be ready for you to pick up at your convenience at Castle Farms. Also included in your ticket: a glass of 1918 Cellars wine to inspire your artistic senses. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix. CastleFarms.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16
Spring Bird Walk – 9-11am. Join us for a spring bird walk to learn to ID birds by sight and sound and how to log observations online using the eBird webpage or app. Bring binoculars or borrow some. $5/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Register: GrassRiver.org.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
ONLINE: Women Working for the Earth Summit
– Apr 21-24. Brings together voices of 35 women and non-binary leaders ushering in a new paradigm: Winona LaDuke, Terry Tempest Williams, Leah Penniman, Rosemary Gladstar, and many more. Topics include water rights, healing gardens, the magic of hummingbirds, apprenticing with trees, and so much more. Free. Registration required: NatureEvolutionaries.com. Owls/Amph Dusk Walk – 7:30-9pm. As part of our Earth Week Celebration, join us for a walk at dusk to listen and look for signs of spring like owls calling, frogs singing, or salamanders migrating. $10/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Pre-registration required: GrassRiver.org.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
Earth Day Tree Planting – Apr 22-23. 10am-2pm. Join Conservation District staff as they work on the Boardman River streambank restoration by planting native tree and shrub seedlings in the Brown Bridge bottomlands. Free. Brown Bridge Quiet Area, Traverse City. NatureIsCalling.org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 23
TART Trails’ Spring Work Bee – 10am-12pm. TART Trails is hosting work bees at various locations along the trail network. The perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy springtime on the trails and help us get them ready for the summer season ahead. Locations & registration: Tinyurl.com/yckprand.
TUESDAY, APRIL 26
Cook Once, Eat Three Times – 6-7pm. With Chef Ali. Three delicious vegan meals are just a short prep time away. $10. Via Zoom. Register: Oryana.coop. Earth Day Tree Planting – 9:30am-1pm. Help district staff plant native tree and shrub seedlings on the Natural Education Reserve. Free. Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City. To register: Trails@gtcd.org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Brilliant Books: Independent Bookstore Day – A oneday national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country. There are exclusive books and literary items only available on that day. 118 E Front St, Traverse City. 231-946-2665. Brilliant-Books.net. Spring Wildflower Hike – 10am-12pm. Volunteer Paula Dreeszen will share her knowledge and passion for native plants along the winding trails and wildflowers of the Railroad Point Natural Area. Register: gtrlc.org.
PLAN AHEAD
FRIDAY, MAY 6
First Fridays in Downtown – 3-6pm. Enjoy shopping, random giveaways, great food from local restaurants, and kid-friendly activities in Hoop Skirt and Van Pelt Alleys. 109 Mason St, Charlevoix. DowntownCharlevoix.com.
ongoing events
daily
Pets & Parents Reiki Session – 9am-9pm. Sessions for wellness, critical care and end of life transition. Actively experience the use of reiki touch with your pet. Learn additional tips for helping your pet.Virtual 40-min appt. $20.231-590-0001. TCDesoto@gmail.com. Sacred Lights Collective Events – A digital platform and virtual community for seekers and facilitators to walk the spiritual path together offering daily classes, groups and workshops. With Aria Mae Everts. Virtual. 774-578-2762. SacredLightsCollective.com.
sundays
Men’s Circle: Stories in Council – 6:30pm. 1st Sun. An open group of men who come together in a safe, confidential space to share and gain from each other’s experience and presence. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.
mondays
Cancer Care Support Discovery Call – 6-6:30pm. For those looking to incorporate a holistic, functional element of care into their cancer treatment plan by working in conjunction with your oncologists, surgeons, primary care physician and physical medicine practitioners. More info: MIHolistic Med.com.
Empowerment Circle – 10:30-11:30am. With Heather Zigler. By bringing new light to an ancient and traditional tool used by indigenous people around the globe. Circles are a place to transform ME to WE as a space where the principle of sharing power with each other exists instead of having power over one another. 1st class free. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. HeatherZigler.com. Turntables and Tacos – 4pm-close. Stone Hound Brewing Company, 3593 Bunker Hill Rd, Williamsburg. 231-421-5010. StoneHoundBrewing.com.
wednesdays
Empowerment Circle – 5:30-6:30pm. See Tues listing. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. HeatherZigler.com. Wine Down Wednesdays at Castle Farms – 6-8pm. Visit 1918 Cellars for live music, food, wine and more. No tickets necessary to enjoy the music. Check their lineup to see who’s going to be performing this summer. Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix. CastleFarms.com.
thursdays
Gentle Yoga – Apr 7-28; May 5-26. 10-11am. 4-wk sessions. With Janae Ernst. Incorporates mindful movement, breath work and somatic exploration to reduce stress and cultivate ease. No experience necessary. $50/nonmember, $45/member, $15/dropin. Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 109 Clinton St, Charlevoix. CharlevoixCircle.org. Weekly Facebook Live with Dr. McSwain – 5:306pm. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.
The Goddess Workout Beginner Hula Dance
Class – 6:30-7:30pm. For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. Learn basic hula moves and combinations. $80/8-wk session, $15/drop-in. First Congregational Church, 8066 W State St, Central Lake. AmiraHamzarRaks.com. Red Tent: Women’s Circle – 7pm. 2nd Thurs. Meet local women, share your journey and grow together. Hosted by Aria, Red Tents are a gentle introduction to women’s sacred circles. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com. Community Night – 7-9pm. 4th Thurs. Each month we will host a different theme for connecting with your fellow Bellaire community members. Movie nights, potlucks, cacao and conversation, etc. Everyone welcome, including families; do not need to practice yoga. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.
fridays
For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. In-person & Zoom. $40/mo, $15/drop-in. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. AmiraHamzarRaks.com.
saturdays
Indoor Farmers Market – Thru Apr 30. 10am2pm. Presented by The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Free admission. Mercato, 830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City. TheVillageTC.com/ farmers-market.
farmers markets directory
So many healthy outdoor activities await us in the summertime— picnics, sporting events and boating, just to name a few. Best of all is the cornucopia of fresh, local produce we find to fuel our seasonal fun. A plethora of farmers’ markets spring up each year that allow us to skip the middleman and get food straight from the people that grow it. Not only is it more nutritious than store-bought, it creates a much smaller carbon footprint on the environment than extensive shipping and we get to
SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET
Between Cass and Union Streets, Traverse City 231-922-2050 June-October Saturdays, 7:30am-12pm Wednesdays, 8am-12pm
FARMERS MARKET AT THE VILLAGE & GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS
830 Cottageview Dr, Ste 101, Traverse City 231-941-1900 Traverse City's only year-round indoor market. Mondays, May-October, 2-6pm Saturdays, November-April, 10am-2pm
EMPIRE FARMERS MARKET
10234 W Front Street, Empire 231-866-0922 Saturdays, June 11- September 3, 9am-1pm
GROW BENZIE FARMERS MARKET
5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia 231-882-9510
The Goddess Workout Beginner Belly Dance
Rhythms: Maksoum – 6-7pm. Learn to play the finger cymbals in a beginner belly dance class taught by certified GoddessLife instructor, Amira Hamzar.
HELP WANTED
LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE DISTRIBUTOR / SALES OF ALL- NATU-
RAL PRODUCTS. This is not a MLM, this is based on product sales of retail and sales to the public. This will include contacting the public as well as outdoor and indoor events. Calling on stores and businesses. Must be passionate about healthy living and helping others be healthy. Michigan-made products. We are a licensed, insured, certified Company. Please contact U.P. Chaga Connection 906-282-0787 (Serious inquiries only).
talk to farmers about how we can make better decisions all-year long.
INTERLOCHEN FARMERS MARKET
2112 M 137, Interlochen 231-970-1340 Sundays, 9am-2pm
GLEN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET
6394 Western Ave., Glen Arbor 231-866-0922 Tuesdays, June-September, 9am-1pm
LAKE LEELANAU FARMERS MARKET
112 W Philip Street, Lake Leelanau 231-866-0922 Sundays, June 14-September 6, 9am-1pm
NORTHPORT FARMERS MARKET
105 Bay Street, Northport 231-866-0922 Fridays, June 7-September 13, 9am-1pm
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER ARTISANS & FARMERS MARKET
461 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey 231-347-4337 October to June, 10am-1pm
ADVANCED WELLNESS COACHING & COUNSELING
EARTH LABS
317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com
Subtle modalities including sound, light, frequency and thermogenic therapies to enhance and transform your quality of life. Our techno-therapy will reduce pain and restore energy. See ads page 19 and back cover.
CBD PRODUCTS
MY CBD
Kelly Young MyTCBD.com
All-Natural CBD products. We source from only organic, environmentally socially responsible companies that believe in cruelty-free testing. Life is too short to feel anything less than your personal best. Ask about our distributor options where you can be your own boss. See ad page 26.
ARIA MAE EVERTS
Coach, Facilitator, Healer Aria@AriaMae.com AriaMae.com
Spiritually integrative coaching, healing and retreats for Conscious Leaders. In-person and virtual personal development for those who envision a world where all life is honored. See ad page 18.
COOKING & TEA BREWING
SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS
145 E Front St, Traverse City 231-947-7423 SpiceMerchants.biz/traverse-cityspice-store
Providing the world’s best herbs, spices and teas for your kitchen. We carry over 200 spices from everyday use to the most exotic as well as over 120 different teas. See ad page 21.
PURELY CBD
1112 E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1070 PurelyCBD-TraverseCity.com
At Purely CBD Traverse City, we strive to provide our customers with top-quality products that help serve their personal needs. As a locally owned business, we are dedicated to caring for our community and prioritize your overall well-being. See ad page 25.
CHAGA PRODUCTS
U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION
906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.com
Freshest, cleanest, wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Im mune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See ad page 24.
FRESH MILK HERD SHARES
SHARED BLESSINGS FARM
7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286
We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy animals so they can produce healthy raw milk for your good. Taste to know the difference. See ad page 22.
GIFT CERTIFICATES
URBAN OASIS SALT SPA
13709 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Give the gift of health and beauty this holiday season. Treat a loved one to our dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, or exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt that supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 23.
GRASS-FINISHED BEEF
SHARED BLESSINGS FARM
7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286
We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy grass-finished animals rich in minerals and omega-3s and omega-6s with real fat that is good for you. See ad page 22.
HALOTHERAPY
URBAN OASIS SALT SPA
13709 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 23.
HEALTHY PET
SQUARE DEAL COUNTRY STORE
900 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 231-946-5030 SquareDealCountryStore.com
Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the best food, treats and products for your pets. See discounts page 27.
HOLISTIC MENTAL WELLNESS
KELLIE ZIEHM
Kellie.Amare@yahoo.com 734-344-2339 AmareMentalWellness.com
Come join my team with this ground floor distributor opportunity with the only holistic mental wellness company in direct sales. I’m also looking for healthcare professionals to join our influencer program. See ads, pages 3 and 16.
THE GROW STORE
90 N U.S. Hwy 31 S, Traverse City 231-421-5191 Facebook: The Grow Store Traverse City
Serving Traverse City and the Northern Michigan region since 2009. Specilizing in organics, hydroponics and lighting systems for the indoor grower. A locally owned, service-oriented company. See ad page 25.
LESS ANXIETY NATURALLY
EARTH LABS
317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com
Advanced technologies in the sound and light lab ease anxiety and relieve chronic pain. Enhance your mood and bring balance to the limbic system. See ads page 19 and back cover.
WHOLE HEALTH TRAVERSE CITY
3639 Cass Rd, Traverse City 231-943-2100 WholeHealthTC.org
We help people suffering with chronic joint and muscle pain, and peripheral neuropathy to decrease pain, increase quality of life, and maximize their competitive edge. See ad page 9.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION
503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info
Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.
INNER LISTENING™ WORKSHOPS
Rev. Julie Chai 231-922-9699 InnerListening.me
Inner Listening™ workshops for compassionate self-awareness, presence, serenity, love, and joy, offer you the theory, practice, and support to move beyond emotional reactions and into deep healing, compassion, and empowerment. See ad page 8.
SCHOOL / EDUCATION
NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION
503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info
Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 7.
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