Natural Awakenings of Detroit/Wayne County Michigan - November 2022

If you have seen my story, you know my story! ��

I have struggled my entire life with my weight.

Pills, shots, powders, shakes, anything and everything I have tried it! (Ended up In the hospital after taking diet pills, I had a heart attack!)

Struggling with thyroid issues, losing weight is HARD!

Last fall I went to the gym for hours everyday, strictly ate clean and lost 19 pounds in 2 months ��

That was hard!!! (Gained it all back, life happened)

Fast forward to February 2nd! Our company launched a new quad biotic for weight loss.

To say I was skeptical was an understatement Reduce cravings, control appetite, reduce inflammation, sleep better, lose weight! Ha ok, I will try it, what do I have to lose?

The scale didn’t really move a lot at first, but I did notice ��the bloating was improving, ��my stomach didn’t hurt as much ��I wasn’t hungry, I don’t know about you, but as soon as my brain knows I’m going on a diet, I wake up starving!!!!!

��Inflammation GONE!!

Then my clothes started fitting better, the inches were falling off, literally!!!

Did you know that our microbiome controls our appetite, our cravings, our stress levels!!! Our ability to store fat vs lose fat! ������

Leaky gut? Sound familiar? If you have any sort of autoimmune issues, you know!

Fast forward 90 days

I’m down 37.6 pounds 41 total inches!!!!

I feel amazing! I’m so happy!! Not just because I lost weight, but because I really FEEL BETTER!

Did I mention that I haven’t exercised or went to the gym once!!!

Does your story sound a little like mine?

Do you need help losing weight? Do you want to feel better?

I did all this without any crazy food restrictions, no gym, I lived my life! I did make some changes and I’m willing to share everything with you!

Text me!!!

I want to help you too!! ������ ����Kellie, 734-344-2339 Check out linktr.ee/kellieziehm too!

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Tuning the Soul to Nature

About 15 years ago, I realized I had completely lost my exuberant enjoyment of life. Much of the time I felt overwhelmed and uneasy, out of sync in mind and body, and knew that a major shift was in order. The worst of it occurred after watching the news on TV. I even had a hard time sleeping some nights.

As I looked for a solution, my mind wandered back to the days of a carefree youngster playing outdoors all day and only returning home at sunset. My fondest memories often involve just rambling around outside, and the smell of a campfire instantly elicits treasured images of childhood. Each summer, Mom took us and our friends up north to camp, swim and hike in the woods. We all loved hanging out together with no particular agenda, staying up late into the night and talking about everything under the moon. I knew that I longed to recapture this relaxing and nourishing experience in my adult life, and decided to make a concerted effort going forward to spend more time outside instead of turning on the news.

It didn’t take long for me to re-experience the harmonious sounds of nature and the sound of silence to hear my inner voice experiencing deep peace. Tuning back into nature, I watched TV less and less until one day, I stopped watching altogether and discovered I was happier and slept much better, too!

It is understandable that with so many of us tethered to devices and constantly bombarded with trivial entertainment and information overload from all forms of media, we can easily be overwhelmed if we allow it. I believe generations like mine without such up-to-the minute communication turned out well, but I do worry that our kids are at an unhealthy disadvantage if we don’t encourage them to disconnect from electronics and experience nature in the wonderful ways that it offers balance to our lives.

Mental health experts advise building resilience to the perils of accelerating socie tal and personal change through self-care that includes taking steps in our own and our family’s lives to make a difference. I know that tuning back into nature was the best thing I could have ever done to foster my own well-being and sanity. There is even the possibility for creative transformation if we work together and inspire each other by sharing our own journeys. That is what this month’s feature story is all about, and I hope my words have encouraged introspection within you, as well.

As you consider your blessings this month, perhaps you’ll recall a similar kinship with Mother Earth like mine while breathing in the delicious autumn air. For quieting a tumultuous world, there sure is nothing like an extended absence from devices and elec tronic stimulation while you listen to the crunching of leaves under your feet and the busy birds in the trees. Stargazing around a cozy campfire with family is still one of life’s many delights for us, and something I’m truly grateful for. May all of this be yours as you enjoy the warmth of family this season and a harvest of heartfelt moments.

From all of us at Natural Awakenings, Happy Thanksgiving!

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Todaro Dental Continues Serving in Livonia

Todaro Dental is a family-owned, general dental prac tice that has been serving the Livonia community for 35 years. Sisters Drs. Terri and Cynthia Todaro use a gentle approach with a holistic mindset. At Todaro Dental, they offer a spa-like atmosphere which includes es sential oils and noise-cancelling headphones to help reduce dental anxiety. The practice finds an importance in taking their time with patients so that they are able to fully address their concerns.

The office offers the safe removal of old mercury fillings and has been celebrating 35 years of mercury-free restorations. Their highly skilled dental hygienists utilize state-of-the-art methods to remove biofilm (bacteria) from the mouth and treat periodontal disease non-surgically. The sisters are both members of the Inter national Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and provide metal- and BPA-free fillings, porcelain inlays, onlays and veneers.

“Many smiles have lost their youthful look because the teeth are worn down. We have a completely non-invasive approach that protects your teeth from wearing down and restores their original beauty, brightness and shape instantly,” says Terri.

Location: 31395 W. Seven Mile Rd., Ste. B., Livonia. For appoint ments and more information, call 248-477-7905, email TodaroDen tal@gmail.com or visit TodaroDental.com. See ad on page 17.

Fresh Imaginative Vegetarian Cuisine for Thanksgiving

Seva restaurant, in Detroit, has unique, plant-based side dishes and ap petizers for Thanks giving, including traditional favorites like pumpkin pie, chargrilled asparagus and pumpkin lasa gna, as well as General Tao’s Cauliflower and many other popular everyday items that can be ordered individually or for groups. All orders must be placed by November 16.

Seva Detroit has maintained its status as one of their most popular vegetarian go-to spots in the city because of the fusion of outstanding customer service and excellent vegetarian eats.

For more info, call 313-974-6661 or visit SevaRestaurant.com/seva-detroit.

Immersive Van Gogh Yoga

Lighthouse Im mersive, produc ers of the original Immersive Van Gogh exhibition, is part nering with certified yoga instructors to bring yoga under The Starry Night to Detroit. Patrons of all fitness levels can sign up for Immersive Van Gogh Yoga.

Classes are scheduled at 9:30 a.m., November 6, 12, 20 and 26, led by a certified yoga instructor from The Trap Yoga & Massage Studio inside Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit within the immersive Van Gogh gallery.

Location: 311 E. Grand River, Detroit. Get tickets at Tinyurl.com/ StarryNightTickets. For more information, call 248-321-0586.

New One-Shot Cancer Test

S ignaling a big step forward in early cancer detec tion, Henry Ford Health will be the first provider in the state to offer a blood test called Galleri MCED that can detect up to 50 different cancers and detect it in the early stages. Chief Clinical Officer Adnan Munkarah, M.D., says, “One of the main causes of mortality with cancer is the fact that we are not able to detect it early.”

Once the test is officially rolled out to the general public, those 22 or older, not pregnant and with no history of having cancer or treatments in the past three years can be eligible to use the new screening. According to the makers of Galleri, 71 percent of cancer deaths are caused by cancers not commonly screened for.

The test is not covered by insurance because it is part of the Pathfinder 2 Study. It is only available by a physician’s order, and results are received within 10 business days. “We were always dreaming to come to a point where we have a test that is simple enough that it’s able to at least start telling us if there is a signal,” says Munkarah.

For more information, visit HenryFord.com and Galleri.com.

Terri (L) and Cynthia Todaro

Every Unburger Ingredient is Vegan

Due to a life-changing diagnosis in his 30s, Chris Oliver started Unburger in 2018 because he knew it was time for a change, and adopted a plantbased lifestyle.  He says, “Make sure you come hungry to this vegan burger joint!” The menu comprises plant-based burgers, fries, nachos and desserts.

House-made vegan burgers are loaded with sensational toppings like fake bacon, mac ’n’ cheese, grilled pineapple, housemade sauces and more. They also prepare a basic style with mayo, lettuce, onion and tomato.

Location: 22018 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. For more information, call 313-633-0881or visit UnburgerGrill.com.

Ascension Chiropractic Offers the Blair Technique

Blair Chiropractor Dr. Brandon Brock, owner of Ascension Chiropractic, in Southgate, says, “The Blair Chiropractic Tech nique is a specific system of analyzing and adjusting the upper cervical vertebrae of the spinal column. These vertebrae can misalign in such a way as to interfere with the brainstem and spinal cord as they exit through the floor of the skull into the neural canal. Special attention is given to the first two cervical vertebrae; the atlas and the axis, as they are the most freely move able vertebrae in the spinal column and the ones most commonly misaligned. The purpose is not to diagnose or treat diseases or conditions, but to analyze and correct vertebral subluxations in an accurate, precise and specific manner. This encourages the body’s natural ability to heal itself and maintain health from within.”

Brock is the only upper cervical chiropractor in downriver Wayne County with the latest, cutting-edge technology, and can help with neck pain, migraines/headaches, mid- or low-back pain, dizziness, sciatica, digestive issues, blood pressure and pulse issues.

Location: 13685 Eureka Rd., Southgate. For appointments and more information, call 734-984-3620, email DrBrock@Ascension ChiropracticMI.com or visit AscensionChiropracticMI.com.

news briefs

Online Soul Support with Jodi Zayas

JodiZayas, an energy healing and spiritual advocate and owner of Lighthearted Ener gy, is offering virtual Soul Support sessions via Zoom following the energy exchange concepts described in Ethical Handbook for Energy Healing Practitioners, by David Feinstein, Ph.D., and Donna Eden. She says, “We’ve been through so, so much the last few years. Now more than ever, we need to allow our souls to lead and balance our lives, as well as help the collective from a place of real wisdom. Your hard-earned, spiritual gifts really matter. It’s time for love to rise.”

She offers human-to-human conversations held in a sacred container; privacy; and times of silence. She advises. “You will be respected, witnessed and encouraged to honestly share who you are now and who you’re being called to become. Although I can sense the themes in what your soul is calling forward, I don’t have preconceived notions about what you need; only you and spirit really know that. Divinely inspired words will come through me specifically for you.”

Location: Private residence in Plymouth. For more information, call 734-620-8144 or visit LightheartedEnergy.com.

The Big Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 96th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade, presented by The Parade Com pany Detroit and Gardner-White Furniture, will begin at 9 a.m., November 24, with the theme, “Our Great City! Detroit!!” on Wood ward Avenue. Tony Michaels, president and CEO of The Parade Company, says, “Detroit is one of the greatest cities in the world.”

Grandstand seats for the parade range from $60 to $70 along the route from the Detroit Institute of Arts to Campus Martius Park and support the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation.

Registration is underway for the 40th Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot, one of the nation’s largest runs, starting at 7:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, including the S3 Turkey Trot 10K, Stuffing Strut 5K and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile, along with a combination of race options. All runners and walkers receive an official race shirt and medal. Participants may dress in holiday costume.

Race registration is open through Nov. 23 and starts at $30. For more information, visit TheParade.wpengine.com/turkeytrot/registration.

orthopedic and neu rological diagnoses, Jegadeesh is a PMA Pilates-certified teacher, certified Polestar Pilates reha bilitation specialist, Stott Pilates fully certified instructor, and certified Gyro tonic and Gyrokine sis instructor.

Pilates focuses on alignment and the idea that all movement comes from the core. It is a low-impact exercise that can be done at any age, and incorporates mindful and precise movement to help students learn new patterns and correct faulty ones on the mus cular, skeletal and nervous system level. Gyrotonic is an equally challenging, yet rehabilitative, workout. The unique circular movements work to open energy pathways to improve strength, stimulate the nervous system and increase range of motion. Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center accepts insurance.

Location: 17418 W. 10 Mile Rd., Southfield. For more information, call 248-552-1012, email Info@PilatesFitnessEvolution.com or visit PilatesFitnessEvolution.com.

KUDOS

Estella’s Vegan Cui sine & Desserts has won a National Top 10 award from Peo ple for the Ethical Treatment of Ani mals (PETA) for its Red Velvet Pound Cake, richly flavored with chocolate and decorated with a smooth vegan cream cheese glaze.

Chef and owner Chantele Jones says, “We specialize in vegan cuisine and desserts, and offer a variety of services, including catering, group cooking classes and pop-ups. Our mission is to spread the plant-based lifestyle, its many health benefits, and to prove that vegan cooking can be flavorful, easy and affordable for everyone.” Estella’s Vegan Cuisine & Desserts is the first Blackowned vegan bakery in Detroit.

PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman says, “Estella’s Vegan Cuisine & Dessert’s pound cake offers tons of flavor with out an ounce of harm to chickens and cows.”

For more information, call 313-288-2206 or visit EstellasCuisine.com.

health briefs

Colonic Therapy is Nothing to be Embarrassed About

Colonic hydrotherapy was developed in the early 20th century, and the use of enemas (similar to colonics) and beliefs surrounding colon impurity have been around since ancient Egypt, around the 14th century B.C. People understood the need for the kind of deep colon clean ing that went far beyond daily bowel movements. Our ancestors administered enemas using hollowed-out reeds and clear river water to flush out the colon and our great-grandparents grew up during a time when ene ma use was part of a widely accepted wellness regimen for detoxification, vitality and immunity. Today, we are needlessly becoming diseased, even dying prematurely, because we no longer understand how dependent our wellness is on keeping the colon thoroughly cleansed and healthy.

Colonics are known to alleviate symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome, food sensitivities, skin rashes, constipation, mood swings, bloating and gas to relieve intestinal autointoxication; when foul material from the intestines, especially in the presence of constipation, reabsorbs back into the bloodstream via the microbiome. This makes the blood toxic, and if the body’s eliminatory organs (liver, kidneys, lymph, skin and lungs) are not able to handle these blood toxins due to their own tox icity, stagnation and lack of energy, then the toxins keep recycling, thus autointoxication and disease occur. This is why colonics are helpful for overall health, body, mind, and spirit.

According to the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy colon hydrotherapy (colonics and colon irrigation) are a safe, effective method of removing waste/ fecal matter from the large intestine without the use of drugs. By introducing pure, filtered and body-temperature water into the colon, the waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis. The

inflow of a small amount of water and the release of waste is repeated several times during a 30-to-45-minute ther apeutic session.

Nancy Gurney, a certified colon hydrotherapist and traditional naturopath, is the owner of Creative Lifeflow, located at 1817 W. Stadium, Ste. A, in Ann Arbor. For ap pointments and more information, call 734-674-0922 or visit CreativeLifeflow.com.

Reduce Cholesterol Naturally with Whole Grains

Although high-fiber diets reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and car diovascular disease, the latest research from Stan ford University indicates that not all fibers are equal in their effect on different species of probiotics in the intestines. Arabinox ylan, which is common in

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whole grains, was found to reduce cholesterol naturally and was easier to digest than long-chain inulin, which is found in onions, chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes. Commonly used for weight-loss products, inulin was linked to a modest decrease in inflammation markers and an increase in Bifidobacterium,a “good” gut microbe; however, at high doses it increased inflammation and raised the possibility of liver damage.

Fruit and Vitamin B6 May Relieve Anxiety and Depression

The best strategy to stay upbeat may be to reach for the fruit bowl, suggests a new study comparing the habits and mental states of 428 people published in the Brit ish Journal of Nutrition. Researchers at the UK’s Aston University found that the more often people ate fruit, the lower they scored for depression and the higher for mental well-being. The frequency of fruit consumption seemed to be more important to psychological health than the total amount consumed. People that ate savory snacks such as potato chips, which are low in nutrients, were more likely to report more frequent memory lapses and greater

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levels of anxiety and depression. The researchers found no connection between eating vegetables and psychological health. Nutrients can be lost during cooking. “As we are more likely to eat fruit raw, this could potentially explain its stronger influence on our psychological health,” says lead author Nicola-Jayne Tuck.

In another study, researchers from the UK’s University of Reading gave 478 young adults either high doses of vitamins B6 or B12 or a placebo. After one month, they found that 100 milligrams of the B6 (about 50 times the recom mended daily allowance) significantly boosted gamma aminobutyric acid, which inhibits excitatory impulses in the brain, and reduced self-reported anxiety and depression levels. B12 had no such effects.

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Acupuncture for Mental Health During Fertility

by Lucky Aaron Li (Guantong) and MOD Life Team

a parent is one of the big gest transitions in adult life for both men and women. The stress of preg nancy and living with “modern lifestyle syndrome” can be very stressful.

Modern Lifestyle Syndrome

Modern lifestyle syndrome describes being constantly stressed, in pain or just not giving ourselves the kind of self-care that is essential to living our best lives. The negative effects can be detrimental to our bodies, mood and behavior. Here are some

the issues contributing to modern life

Constantly Connected with Information Overload

Technology has contributed to increased productivity and connectedness, but also a troubling impact on work patterns (switching off when work is over), as well

as social media. It is estimated that we will spend at least five years of our life accessing online accounts. Getting information on any subject at the swipe of a finger can be overwhelming.

Doing Too Much

Social media creates a niche for everyone— busy professionals, corporate climbers, organized and crafty stay-at-home moms, adventurers, travelers, fitness gurus and more. We are fooled into doing too much and causing an imbalance in our lives with negative effects.

Not Prioritizing and Multitasking

Many people don’t prioritize their health, which leads to feeling a lack of achieve ment or accomplishment. Together with a heightened workload, this is a recipe for burnout. Multitasking has been found to

increase the production of the stress hor mone cortisol and the fight-or-flight hor mone adrenaline, which can overstimulate the brain, causing mental fog or scrambled thinking.

Poor Stress-Release Mechanisms and Dangerous Pain Relief

Because we may not make the time and our stress-release mechanisms frequently tend to be poor or infrequent, signs of stress include chronic pain, headaches, muscle tension, high blood pressure, increased substance use, social withdrawal, unhealthy eating habits, anxiety and more. The Insti tute of Medicine estimates that 116 million adults experience chronic pain each year. The idea that pain relief resides only in a bottle of drugs is a common and dangerous misconception, as evidenced by the opioid abuse crisis in our country.

Mental Health and Fertility

Infertility affects an estimated 12 to 15 percent of couples and is said to have

exponentially increased due to post ponement of childbearing years and the success of infertility treatments. Couples that experience non-fulfillment of a child often face periods of anger, depression, anxiety, marital problems, sexual dys function and isolation. Not being able to conceive can occur because of many reasons, including low sperm count or motility issues in men.

Acupuncture can help by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs. For those women undertaking intrauter ine insemination or in vitro fertilization, acupuncture may also dramatically improve a woman’s response to hormonal therapy as a natural hormone regulator. Acupuncture has been shown to help re store hormone function for a better flow and balance within the body.

The physical and emotional stress of daily living can take their toll on the body, especially if it is working hard from within to create life. Acupuncture has been proven to reduce stress, which in turn may help to improve ovulation.

Becoming pregnant and giving birth to a child is an amazing, overwhelming ex perience. The woman’s body goes through a huge physical and emotional life change which can include elevations in fatigue and anxiety. There is a large amount of blood needed to create and give birth, so natu rally a woman needs to recover and restore her body.

A holistic treatment such as adding acupuncture to a regular routine can be a great complement to other medical treatments and an effective practice in supporting patients through their person al healing journey.

Guantong (Lucky Aaron) Li, L.Ac DAOM, has helped numerous patients deal with fertility issues, pain and overactive anx iety at Lucky Flow Acupuncture, located at 19244 Newburgh Rd., in Livonia. For appointments and more information, call 313-513-6228, email Contact@Lucky Flow.com or visit LuckyFlow.com. See ad back cover.

Staying Serene in Turbulent Times

How to Turn Anxiety into Positive Action

by Ronica O’Hara

In this day and age, we have good reason to toss and turn in our beds at night. As our nation faces climate catastrophes, acrid politics, stubborn in flation, unpredictable virus variants and hot-button issues like abortion and guns, there’s good reason our collective anxiety levels are at a high pitch. A recent Yale survey found that 70 percent of Ameri cans report being anxious or depressed about global warming, and a Penn State survey this year found that 84 percent of us say we are “extremely worried” or “very worried” about where the country is headed. Researchers are coining new

terms: “polycrisis”, for complex, cascad ing crises in interacting systems, and “pre-traumatic stress disorder”, when fear of an outcome makes it as good as real to our psyches.

“It’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed now, feeling there are breakdowns and threats on many fronts. People can wonder ‘Where do I even start?’ and feel powerless and hopeless and numb,” says psychiatrist Janet Lewis, M.D., a founder of the nation wide Climate Psychiatry Alliance and a University of Rochester clinical assistant professor of psychiatry. “We are part of a complex system that is moving into new

ways of functioning, but there’s no way of predicting ahead of time exactly what all the features of the new ways of operating will be. That makes it impossible for us to wrap our minds around everything that is happening.”

Still, she adds, “We are also by definition part of the system, and therefore have a responsibility to do what we can. We can’t sit on the sidelines and merely hope that things transform in good directions. The situation being so serious also means that what we do now is really important.”

To move from anxiety into effective ac tion, mental health experts advise several

strategies: taking a wider perspective,

resilience

self-care

taking individual steps to make a collective difference. As the Dalai Lama

“If you think you are too small to make a difference,

Taking a Wider Perspective

News reports almost always sound dire—just like the amygdala of our brains, journalists often see their func tion as focusing on threats to alert us to dangers. “Still, if you take the long view of history, we are much better off than we were 200 years ago or 1,000 years ago, but it took many years to make those changes,” counsels Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D., director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy and au thor of the bestselling The Worry Cure and the upcoming If Only.

“We never know if something is hope less until we have all the data, and we sel dom have all the data,” he says. “And when it comes to political emotions, many of the predictions that are made by the ‘talking heads’ in media never come true.”

Leahy counsels patience: “Social change does not come about by one person doing something. That usually comes about by a long process of millions of people chang

ing their attitudes and changing their behavior. Small efforts can be made on a daily basis that move this slow process forward. We need to take a longer view, rather than expect immediate change.”

In this ongoing process, anxiety has its rightful place. “Anxiety makes us look around, figure out solutions and act. This can absolutely be turned into something positive,” says neuropsychologist Barbara Easterlin, of Jackson, Wyoming, an expert on eco-anxiety who is on the steering committee of the Climate Psychology Al liance of North America. “Doing just one thing to help the planet consistently helps defeat anxiety.”

Taking action moves us into our power—as 15-year-old Greta Thunberg demonstrated by holding a sign outside the Swedish parliament. Personal actions matter because numbers add up. Only 25 percent of individuals in a social group need to make a shift before significant social change follows, conclude researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science that analyzed a decade of societal changes in voting, health, technol ogy and finance. Once a group reaches that tipping point, it can trigger a change in the rest of society, says study author Damon Centola, Ph.D., author of Change: How to Make Big Things Happen.

Building Resilience with Self-Care

Fears about the shape of the planet and na tion are often piled on top of our everyday living anxieties about family and finances, which can induce emotional overload. “We all have a ‘zone of resilience’ or ‘window of tolerance’, outside of which we be come more reactive, less able to function effectively. But it is not fixed. We can learn tools to expand it and cultivate the capaci ty to be with more,” says Easterlin.

Therapy can be a part of that process by challenging us to examine “the mental narratives that can exacerbate distress,” says Leslie Davenport, a climate psychology con sultant and author of Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change. It’s important to find a therapist, she says, that “validates that your feelings are a normal response to an existential crisis.” She has helped develop new programs at the American Psychology Association and the California Institute of Integral Studies to train therapists in treating eco-anxiety. For low-cost online support, the Good Grief Network offers a 10-step, 10-week program to help process personal anxiety and grief about climate change. People are also sitting down to share their distress at climate cafes, small local gatherings springing up across the country and globe, including some online.

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Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising are also key self-care strategies. When anxiety strikes, psychologists advise shifting attention from the head to the body, using such approaches as mindful breathing, dancing and grounding. Medi tation, easily accessed these days through apps like Calm and Headspace, helps us to enter into what religious and spiritual teachings call “the still point within.”

Rather than “doomscrolling” when anx iety mounts, cutting back our media use can significantly lower stress levels, studies show. Wise media strategies include choos ing well-established, credible news sources; reading rather than watching the news to lower its emotional impact; limiting news intake to 10 minutes once or twice a day; taking a “news fast” on occasion; and pass ing up sources that incessantly feed fury.

On the other hand, it’s essential to find sources for hope, an emotion important in recovery from anxiety disorders, according to a study in Behavior Therapy. Googling “good news on climate change” will bring up articles about alternative energy growth, new super-enzymes that eat plastic rubbish and black rhinos coming back from the brink of extinction. Although dystopic books abound, others offer hope, such as Drawdown, with its sensible, scaled-down strategies to stop global warming by 2050.

Moving into Action

Virtually no one can take on all the prob

lems of the nation and globe at once—and the good news is that unless we hold high public office, we don’t have to. Instead, “In taking action, focus on what you are good at, what your sphere of influence might be,” advises Lewis. “What are you most heart broken over? Get involved in that and allow yourself to feel really good about what you’re doing and other people are doing.”

By narrowing our focus, we can hone in on an issue and figure out our part in its solution. “We need a broad range of collective action for transformation,” says Davenport. “For climate change, a teacher could bring social-emotional learning to climate education into the classroom or start an after school ‘green club’; an artist could use their creative medium to com municate about climate in a moving way that could engage others; a nurse could create a waste-reduction initiative within a medical setting. These efforts all have rip ple effects and help to elevate each other.”

In one recent study, people were found to consume less energy if they believed their neighbors did so and personally cared about conservation. Our neighborhoods are the place to take the small, meaningful steps that address the “crisis of connection” un derlying rancorous national crises, says New York Times columnist David Brooks. He ad vocates “radical mutuality”, saying, “Noth ing we do, however virtuous, can be accom plished alone.” Through simple actions like having casual conversations around town,

pitching in to help a family in crisis, bring ing a salad to a block party, tutoring a child or holding a civic post, we build the warm relational bonds that strengthen communi ties. As we meet others that feel as strongly as we do about our issues, our numbers start building and collective action can unfold.

“Independent of political beliefs, many people can find common values such as wanting safety for their families, a clean envi ronment with clean waterways and recreation in natural environments,” says Easterlin.

That, in turn, helps lower our distress. A recent Yale study found that eco-anxiety was linked to depression only among stu dents not involved in group activities; those engaged in collective action such as being part of an environmental group, working in a letter-writing campaign or going to events or protests did not spiral downward emotionally. “Personal transformation and social transformation happen simultaneous ly. When you reach out and build communi ty, you nourish yourself,” Brooks says.

As Thunberg has put it: “When I’m taking action, I don’t feel like I am helpless and that things are hopeless, because then I feel like I’m doing everything I can. And that gives me very much hope, especially to see all the other people all around the world, the activists, who are taking action and who are fighting for their present and for their future.”

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

A New Healthcare Model for Seniors

Themission of Dedicated Senior Medical Center is to give elders the highest-quality primary health care available by providing a unique model that is transforming the senior healthcare expe rience. They take a more holistic approach and are big in preventative treatment, with six locations open and two more planned by the end of the year. There are currently more than 100 centers open nationwide.

Patients are welcomed with smiles and no long wait times, so more time is spent with the doctor and out of the hospital and emergency room. They feel confident as they receive their doctor’s personal phone number and can call them 24/7, as well as having the convenience of free transportation to and from their appointment.

Dedicated Senior Medical Center is a great resource, offering social events, exer cise classes, water aerobics, bingo games,

nutritional talks, dance classes and more. Not many primary care providers offer all these services. To make things even more convenient, they offer X-rays, a medication room, labs and testing all in the center to reduce separate appointments.

Location: 13210 E. Jefferson, Detroit. For more information or to take a VIP tour of the center and meet the doctors, call Pete Johnson at 313-498-5407 or email Peter. Johnson@Dedicated.care. See ad page 19.

Patients are welcomed with smiles and no long wait times, so more time is spent with the doctor and out of the hospital and emergency room.

The Gut-Brain Connection

How Food Affects Our Mood

by Kimberly B. Whittle

We’ve

all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but the con nection is more than just phys ical because food impacts our mood, too. During the last decade, there have been an increasing number of studies exploring what’s called the gut-brain axis and the role that microorganisms in the gut play in mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, depression and other disorders.

Depression is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide. There are long-held views in medicine that depression is caused by imbalances in brain levels of serotonin—the neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regu lating mood and other functions like digestion and sleep. These beliefs resulted in decades of extensive use of antidepressants, most of which boost serotonin in the brain.

However, research by University College London, published in July in the journal Molecular Psychology, found “no consis tent evidence of there being an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations.”

Michael Gershon, M.D., a Columbia Uni versity professor of pathology and cell biology, and author of The Second Brain, has explained to psychologists that “scientists were shocked to learn” that about 90 percent of serotonin is not created in the brain, but is actually produced in the gut and carried from there to the brain, not the other way around. This relationship is called the gut-brain axis.

A recent literature review of 26 studies suggests that imbalances in gut bacteria can disrupt the two-way communication along the gut-brain axis, leading to depression and other psychiatric issues.

Gut Health Equals Mental Health

“Gut health is extremely important for mental health,” says Bhavna Barmi, Ph.D., a senior clinical psychologist, relationship therapist and founder of the New Del hi-based Happiness Studio. “The traditional belief that only psychiatry and talk therapy can treat mental health has widened to include lifestyle and food, too.”

“The truth is that our food is the primary contributor of the quality and diversity

of bacteria in the microbiome,” says Ishi Khosla, a clinical nutritionist and president of the Celiac Society of India. “There is an intricate relationship between the gut and the brain.” Food sensitivities, alcohol and highly processed, refined and sugary foods can lead to a lower diversity of good bacte ria and increases in bad bacteria in the gut, which can trigger gut inflammation and unfavorable health conditions.

Most mood-related disorders start with inflammation of the brain as a response to inflammation in the gut. “Certain foods, like gluten, can cause an inflammatory re sponse in the gut. Over time, sensitivities to gluten and other foods can lead to a ‘leaky gut’, an impairment of the gut lining that lets toxins into the bloodstream. Often, if it remains unresolved, it leads to mood-re lated disorders and other chronic health conditions,” says Khosla.

Clinical nutritionists and other practi tioners use biochemical markers and food sensitivity tests to help identify food ingre dients that trigger inflammation in patients. However, if a leaky gut is present, a food sensitivity test may not be very accurate. As

Tom O’Bryan, DC,

health officer of KnoWEwell,

in

“When you have a

a practitioner may do a 90-food

panel that comes back sensitive to 20 or 25 different foods. And then the patient exclaims, ‘Oh my God, that’s everything

eat.’ Well, of course it is, because your immune system is doing what it is supposed to do—protecting you from toxins. Once the inflammation in the gut is reduced through the elimination of wheat and other offensive foods, and the implementation of a per sonalized diet and protocol to heal the gut [takes place], the same food testing panel will correctly identify those few ingredients to permanently avoid.”

Mood-Lifting Foods

Kelly Brogan, M.D., a holistic psychiatrist and author of The New York Times best sellers A Mind of Your Own and Own Your Self, as well as co-editor of the landmark textbook Integrative Therapies for Depres sion, recommends making three dietary changes to lift mood:

n Eliminate processed foods and food toxins

n Add whole foods, good fats and ther apeutic foods

n Add fermented foods Eating foods that are fresh, whole, simple and organic when available fuels good gut bacteria and eliminates the toxins found in packaged foods such as hydrogenated veg

etable oils, preservatives, dyes, emulsifiers, taste enhancers and sugars that can upset the proper balance in the gut. A powerful mood regulator is the omega-3 fatty acid found in such cold-water fish as salmon and trout or taken as a dietary supplement. These fatty acids regulate neurotransmis sion and gene expression, act as antioxi dants and have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Good fats from pasture-raised

crab and tuna; organ meats; leafy greens; lettuces; fresh herbs; peppers; and cruci ferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli.

Choosing what to eat is complex and affected by culture, cost, environment and taste preferences. Dietary changes can be difficult and take time, and those suffering from mood swings, depression or anxi ety have additional challenges in making

Focus on incorporating a rainbow of red, yellow, orange and green foods into meals.

meats, wild fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil and grass-fed ghee also contrib ute to mood regulation.

“Resetting the gut through good bacteria in probiotics and feeding the good bacteria with prebiotics is a powerful tool to fight mood disorders,” says Khosla. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles (truly fer mented, not just cured in vinegar), kimchi and coconut kefir are natural sources of probiotics. They are delicious and easy to make at home.

A 2018 University of Toronto study in the World Journal of Psychiatry identified 12 nutrients to prevent and treat depressive disorders and found that the following foods had the highest levels of those bene ficial nutrients: bivalves such as oysters and mussels; various sea foods such as octopus,

changes. Nutritionists advise starting small by incorporating one or two foods rich in beneficial nutrients and eliminating a highly processed or packaged food or two. Focus on incorporating a rainbow of red, yellow, orange and green foods into meals.

“Food therapy to improve mood is inex pensive, free of side effects and can begin to show results within days,” says Khosla.

In view of the gut-brain axis, says Barmi, “It is imperative that from this point on, nutritionists, psychiatrists and psychother apists work together for holistic care of the client to lead to maximum benefit.”

Kimberly B. Whittle is the CEO of KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub online solution for health and well-be ing. Visit KnoWEwell.com.

pet Caregiving Companions

The Many Benefits of Service, Therapy and Emotional Support Animals

by Karen Shaw Becker

Animalsoffer support to humans in innumerable ways, acting as loyal companions, providing soothing therapy and emotional support, and being attentive service animals for invaluable medical assistance. As animals increas ingly take on these roles in public spaces, it is necessary to understand what each category offers and the type of access each is given.

“Some people misrepresent their animals as assistance animals in order to bring them to places where pets are not allowed, to avoid fees or out of a misunderstanding of the animal’s role,” states the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma. org). It points out that although service, therapy and emotional support animals are

sometimes referred to interchangeably, they are distinct categories, each with its own definition.

Assistance Animals

As defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an as sistance animal is “any animal that works, provides assistance or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provides emotional support that allevi ates one or more identified symptoms or

effects of a person’s disability.” If certain conditions are met, a person may be entitled to keep an assistance animal in a housing facility that would otherwise prohibit animals.

Service Animals

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 defines a service animal as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individ ual with a disability, including a physical,

sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.” Aside from miniature horses, no other species are included.

Service animals perform such tasks as helping with navigation, pulling a wheel chair, assisting during a seizure, providing protection or rescue work, alerting a per son to allergens and interrupting impulsive or destructive behavior.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals (ESA), ac cording to the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), can be any species. Both laws require a disabili ty-related need and a recommendation by a medical or mental health professional. ESAs do not have to be trained to perform a particular task and may be permitted in otherwise banned housing facilities. Some international airlines allow them to travel at no extra cost. As of January 2021, following a U.S. Department of Transporta tion rule-tightening, virtually no American domestic airline allows ESAs to fly free. (Small dogs can still be flown by passengers paying extra.)

Therapy Animals

According to the ACAA, therapy animals may take part in animal-assisted inter ventions when there’s a “goal-directed intervention in which an animal meeting

specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.” Animal assisted ther apy may involve dogs, cats, horses, llamas, pigs and other species, typically in hospi tals, schools and rehabilitation centers.

Why They Can Be Controversial

While service animals are highly trained and can even receive certifications as psy chiatric service dogs, ESAs are often pets that help a person to cope with daily life or situations they may otherwise find intol erable, such as being in stores, restaurants, museums and on airline flights and other public transportation.

Controversy has arisen when some people have pushed the line, claiming their pet is necessary for emotional support, but in reality, are just there to enjoy access benefits. Yet, in a survey of more than 500 Americans, both service dogs and emo tional support dogs were viewed favorably, and most participants reported feeling that the majority of people with such dogs were not taking advantage of the system.

The Many Benefits

There is seemingly no end to the emotion al, physical and mental benefits dogs offer to humans. Regular visits with therapy dogs may improve the well-being of people seek ing addiction and mental health treatment.

Animal-assisted interventions have been used among Canada’s correctional popu lation, for which mental health, addictions and trauma histories are major concerns.

Research published in the journal Anthrozoös found that animal-assisted therapy decreased the need for pain med ication in people receiving joint replace ment therapy. Studies by the Delta Society suggests holding, stroking or simply seeing an animal may lower blood pressure while lessening feelings of hostility and increas ing self-esteem. For children, service dogs can be trained to detect the scent of allergens like peanuts or gluten in food and even provide comfort to them and adult witnesses in courtrooms.

Be aware that out in public, certain rules of etiquette apply. Service dogs, in partic ular, should never be approached, talked to or touched unless permission is granted by the dog’s handler. And take no offense if the handler says no. Distracting a working dog can result in potential harm to the han dler and may interfere with the dog’s focus and ability to follow potentially life-saving commands or cues.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals.

calendar of events

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Virtual Decluttering: Transform Your Space, Trans form Your Life – 12-1pm. Join the Foundations of Wellness for Women for a conversation with Char lotte Kaye, a decluttering expert, for practical tips and strategies about how to get started (and how to keep going). $18. Register: Tinyurl.com/mryce9m9.

Owl Prowl – 7-9pm. We’ll walk along the trails, play calls for Screech Owls, Great Horned Owls and more, and hopefully get to see and hear a few of these beautiful and mysterious birds. $10/nonmember, $5/ member. Oakwoods Metropark, 32911 Willow Rd, New Boston. DetroitAudubon.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Birding Walk – 9-10:30am. Join us for a morning bird walk around the East Ferry-Warren Green Loop looking and listening for birds. Free. Register: De troitAudubon.org.

From Boost to Cure – 1pm. The Amazing Immune System Part II with Dr Corey, ND. Learn the keys to unlock our true immune potential. Free. Better Health Market, 42875 Grand River Ave, Novi. Bet terHealthMarket.com.

Online: Grow Microgreens Indoors – 1-2pm. Boost your knowledge of microgreens and how to grow them. Learn step-by-step how to grow them from seed to harvest. Register: bit.ly/3QsbhqZ.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Yoga under The Starry Night to Detroit – Sundays, Nov 6, 12, 20, 26. 9:30am. All levels. Led by a certi fied yoga instructor from The Trap Yoga & Massage Studio. Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E Grand River, Detroit. Info: 248-321-0586. Tickets: Tinyurl. com/StarryNightTickets.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

The Benefits of Mushrooms for Health and Wellness – 6:30pm. With Jason Hunolt. Learn the historical use of mushrooms as health-supporting agencies as well as the modern preparations of mush room products. Better Health Market, 19221 Mack Ave, Gross Pointe Woods. BetterHealthMarket.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Grixdale Farms Community Tree Planting – 9am12pm. Help the Greening of Detroit planting trees. Register: GreeningOfDetroit.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Kensington Nature Center Birding Walk – 8:3010:30am. Kensington has a special opportunity many are not aware of. Visitors can hand feed wild birds. $15/non member, $10/member. Register: DetroitAudubon.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Fall Community Tree Planting – 9am-12pm. Help the Greening of Detroit planting trees. Register: GreeningOfDetroit.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Fall Community Tree Planting – 9am-12pm. Help the Greening of Detroit planting trees. Register: GreeningOfDetroit.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

40th Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot – 7:30am. Race registration is open through Nov 23 and starts at $30. TheParade.wpengine.com/ turkeytrot/registration.

96th Annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade –9am. Theme: “Our Great City! Detroit!!” Grandstand seats for the parade range from $60-$70 along the route from the Detroit Institute of Arts to Campus Martius Park and support The Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. Woodward Ave Detroit. TheParade.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Belle Isle Winter Birding – 9-11am. We will traverse native prairies, native shrublands, forests with a unique mosaic of 300–400-yr-old oaks mixed with hickory and ash, diverse wetlands and beautiful Humbug. Free. 176 Lakeside Dr, Detroit. DetroitAudubon.org.

ongoing events

is a drug-free, scientific technique and art for transforming tension into creativity. $10. Detroit Kung Fu Academy, 1353 Division, Ste 3E, Detroit. 248-910-3351. DanceMT.com.

Pure Vin Experience Jazz Brunch – 12-3:30pm. 2nd & 4th Sun. Live music, all-you-can-eat brunch, and fantastic wine. House Of Pure Vin, 1433 Woodward Ave, Detroit. 313-638-2501. HouseOfPureVin.com. Welcome All to the Lot Sale – Thru Nov. 12-7pm. Also Sat. Lots of treasures to buy. Located 3 blocks S of Warren, near Wayne State Campus, between Cass & Second. 479 Prentis St. Makini Ahket: 313617-2861 or Kiniket49@gmil.com.

Peace: Candlelight Yoga – 4pm. For all levels. This class is diffused with essential oils and soothing soaking into your mat music. Sacred Space Yoga & Reflexology Centre, 4801 Chrysler Dr, Detroit. 313-352-6788. SacredSpaceYogaDetroit.com.

mondays

Sunrise Flow – 7-7:45am. Gentle vinyasa that inten tionally opens and challenges the sometimes sleepy and stiff morning body. Citizen Yoga Studio, 1224 Library St, Detroit. 313-502-5450. CitizenYogaStudio.com.

Virtual Pilates with Gwyn – 9:30-10am. Build a better understanding of your mind & body connec tions through alignment, posture and natural move ment awareness. $5/class. GwynJonesPilates.com. Let’s Meditate Detroit: Free Guided Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we generally sit on chairs to achieve yoga, effortlessly and spontaneously. As such, no asanas (exercises) are required, no mat or special clothing. Campbell Library, 8733 Vernor Hwy, Detroit. 315-390-0278. DetroitPublicLibrary.org.

Free Herbal Medicine Cabinet Course – The Detroit Wholistic Center and Wholistic Training Institute is offering a course, Top 10 Herbs Every Home Needs, in which participants will learn to create an herbal medicine chest stocked with the essentials they should have on hand. More info: 313-255-6155. To enroll: WholisticTrainingInstitute. Teachable.com/p/top-10-herbs-every-home-needs.

Pets & Parents Reiki Session – 9am-9pm. Sessions for wellness, critical care and end of life transition. Ac tively experience the use of reiki touch with your pet. Learn additional tips for helping your pet. Virtual 40min appt. $20. 231-590-0001. tcdesoto@gmail.com.

sundays

Bach Flower Remedies Level 1 LiveWeb – 3rd Sun. Learn how to use the 38 Bach flower remedies to help yourself and others conquer fear, worry, overwhelm, low self-esteem, lack of focus, poor concentration, trouble sleeping and more. With Nancy Buono, BFCP, Director of Bach Flower Education. BachFlowerSchool.com.

Livestreamed Sunday Service – 9:55am. Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Rd, Livonia. Unity OfLivonia.org.

Dance Meditation Technique – 10am-12pm. This 90-min, un-choreographed, whole-being workout

dailyMeaningful Mondays – 8pm. SevaLight Retreat Centre warmly welcomes everyone, of all faiths, meditation practices and traditions, to join us virtual ly. Will gather on video conference sharing in song/ chants and inspiring readings from Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharmaji’s writings, followed by Pure Meditation and silent prayer. Free. Email by 10am any Monday to receive the info about how to join by video: Info@SelfRealizationCentreMichigan.org.

tuesdays

Virtual Tuesday Connection Group – 8-9am. 1st & 3rd Tues. With Southern Wayne County Region al Chamber. Opportunity to receive business refer rals; form lasting business relationships with other working professionals; give a 10-min presentation about your product/service to an attentive audience; help others you know find the products/services they are looking for and more. RSVP, Melanie Hojnows ki: MHSecondstep@yahoo.com. swcrc.com.

The Natural Playroom – 9am-3pm. The all-natural materials of wood, silk, wool and cotton impart a warmth and beauty that encourages babies and kids to explore the world around them. Gives kids an inviting space to play. $5-$8/family. Camden Rose Inc, 502 Farmer St, Plymouth. 734-927-5005. NaturalPlayroom.com.

Chair Yoga – 10am. With Holy Yoga Detroit. Free. Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood, Ste 213, Detroit. 313-437-1549. DurfeeIS.org.

Therapeutic Yoga – 10am. All levels. Perfect for those with back problems, healing injuries, inflex ibility, weak abs or back muscles, stress, fatigue, overweight, depression and arthritic conditions. Yoga 4 Peace, 13550 Dix Toledo Rd, Southgate. Y4Peace.org.

Family Yoga – 11am-12pm. With Holy Yoga De troit. All ages welcome. Free. Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood, Ste 213, Detroit. 313437-1549. DurfeeIS.org.

Parent-to-Parent Support Group – 12-1:30pm. 3rd Tues. Also 6-7:30, 4th Thurs. For parents and caregivers of children, adolescents and young adults. An open, welcoming group providing dialogue and peer support. Free. The Children’s Center, 90 Selden, Detroit. TheChildrensCenter.com.

Iyengar Yoga Detroit – 5pm. Vibrant, dynamic, heart-opening Iyengar yoga class for all levels and abilities. Bilingual Spanish. Free. 313-528-9493. For Zoom link: InfoAtIYDC@gmail.com. Facebook. com/IyengarYogaDetroit.

wednesdays

Virtual Wednesday Connection Group – 8-9am. 2nd & 4th Wed. With Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. Opportunity to receive business referrals; form lasting business relationships with other working professionals; give a 10-min presen tation about your product/service to an attentive audience; help others you know find the products/ services they are looking for and more. RSVP, Silvia Rainer: SRainer@PayChex.com. swcrc.com.

Tai Chi – Thru Aug. 10am. With Urban Solace Yoga & Wellness. Free with registration. Milliken State Park, 1900 Atwater St, Detroit. 313-715-7709. UrbanSolaceStudio.com.

Cooking Matters – 10:30am-12pm. Help end childhood hunger by inspiring families to make healthy and affordable food choices. Program to teach parents and caregivers with limited food budgets to shop for and cook healthy meals. Free. Brilliant Detroit Cody Rouge, 7425 Fielding St, Detroit. RSVP: 313-406-3275.

ArtBlock Yoga – 6-7pm. Last Wed. Free yoga in the new art-infused space, ArtBlock. 1411 Holden St, Detroit. 313-871-4000 x 3. Tinyurl.com/y4xksa7g.

thursdays

Virtual Thursday Connection Group – 8-9am. 1st & 3rd Thurs. With Southern Wayne County Region al Chamber. Opportunity to receive business refer rals; form lasting business relationships with other working professionals; give a 10-min presentation about your product/service to an attentive audience; help others you know find the products/services they are looking for and more. RSVP, Jen Brown: JBrown@KeyConcerns.com. swcrc.com.

Parent-to-Parent Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 4th Thurs. For parents and caregivers of children, adolescents and young adults. An open, welcoming group providing dialogue and peer support. Free. The Children’s Center, 90 Selden, Detroit. TheChil drensCenter.com.

Get the most from your DNA Test – 6-8pm. Learn what you can do with your results and what addi tional opportunities are available for discovering your genetic genealogy. Understand the science, how to find information and how to share that information. Course CES 0120. $49. Schoolcraft College, VistaTech Center, 18600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia. schoolcraft.edu/ppl.

Wellness Workouts 6:30pm. Customized fitness programs adaptable for all fitness abilities including body weight, core strengthening, cardio condition ing, HITT and exercise ball lead. Targets upper and lower body issues, create muscle balance and help increase energy. $10; first class free. Wellness Center of Plymouth, 1075 Ann Arbor Rd, Plymouth. RSVP: 734-454-5600. WellnessPlym.com.

Gong Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. Gong meditation/ sound therapy is a unique type of sound practice that involves using therapeutic gong sounds and vibrations to bring about healing, insight, relaxation, stress and tension relief and so much more. $20.

Bloom Transformation Center, 227 Iron St, Ste 122, Detroit. Tinyurl.com/y68tbup8.

fridays

Blend – 7-7:45am. Combines the flow of vinyasa with the guided challenge of slow burn. The pace of this class moves from some self-guided warm-ups into long-held postures that slow the body, focus the mind and work toward a well-earned savasana. Citizen Yoga Studio, 1224 Library St, Detroit. 313502-5450. CitizenYogaStudio.com.

saturdays

Eastern Market – 6am-4pm. Year-round. 2934 Russell St, Detroit. EasternMarket.org.

Online: Coffee, Chat and Messages from the Divine – 9am. With Coach Sherry. Receive Oracle and intuitive messages from the Divine as we chat and enjoy our morning coffee together. Free. More info: Tinyurl.com/y7556mju.

Online: Self-Love Focused, Live-Chat-Session with Oracle Card Pulls – 9-10am. Set time aside for you to chat with like-minded people and receive messages of inspiration from the divine as well as motivation to move forward from Coach Sherry. Free. TikTok.com/@find_ur_happy.

Saturday in the Park 9am-3:30pm. Six miles of Hines Dr will be closed from Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Drive for the public of all ages to enjoy run ning, walking, skating or cycling safely on a traffic free road. Free. Parking available at Nankin Mills & Helms Haven Park. Hines Park, 33275 Edward Hines Dr, Westland. 734-261-1990. WayneCounty.com.

Fireside Youth Meditation Workshop – 12-1pm. A great workshop for kids who will do activities and learn breathing exercises to help them be more mindful. S’mores kits provided after the event for attendees and hot cocoa from local sponsors during the event. Free. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St, De troit. DetroitRiverfront.org/youthmeditation2021.

Welcome All to the Lot Sale – Thru Nov. 12-7pm. Also Sun. Lots of treasures to buy. Located 3 blocks S of Warren, near Wayne State Campus, between Cass & Second. 479 Prentis St. Makini Ahket: 313617-2861 or Kiniket49@gmail.com. classifieds

EDUCATION / WORKSHOPS

SPRING CLASSES NOW OPEN – for registra tion. This term: Biology B. How to Read Scientific Studies. Biology of the Immune System. Wholistic Approaches to Human Health. Herbology and Health, Applied Biostats plus more. Join the IP AK-EDU community of advanced learners. Find us at ipak-edu.org.

MICHIGAN FRIENDS CENTER AT FRIENDS LAKE COMMUNITY

A Scenic and Tranquil Meeting Place...

We offer the holistic community a nature-ori ented meeting space for workshops, meet ings, counseling, yoga, youth groups, and family gatherings. Main room accommodates 100 pre-Covid, with two smaller classrooms and kitchen facilities. Hiking trails. Weekend rates range from $200-$400, additional for extensive grounds use, camping. Book your next gathering at https://MFCenter.org/rent

“We need to preserve a few places, a few samples of primeval country so that when the pace gets too fast we can look at it, think about it, contem plate it, and somehow restore equanimity to our souls.”

– Sigurd Olson

7748 Clark Lake Road, Chelsea, MI 48118 (734) 475-1892

https://MFCenter.org/rent

GROW

YOUR

734-757-7929

resource guide

ACUPUNCTURE

LUCKY FLOW ACUPUNCTURE LUCKY AARON LI, R.AC. OMD 19242 Newburgh Rd, Livonia 734-892-1377

Contact@LuckyFlow.com LuckyFlow.com

With a B.A. from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a cer tification in acupuncture from The China Academy of Chinese Medi cal Sciences in Beijing, Lucky Aaron Li received the teaching from China's leading acupunctur ist Dr. Hu Guang, the primary researcher of Tungs' Extraordinary Points: stress, allergies, sinus conges tion, depression, infertility, asthma, trouble sleep ing, irritable bowel, smoking cessation, fatigue, headaches, migraines, and chronic pains including, but not limited to, feelings of numbing, tingling, burning, cold, hallow, stingy in any skeletal-muscu lar area of body, and many more ailments. Imagine feeling lighter, energetic and motivated. Wake up refreshed, with a smile on your face and joy in your Heart! We help you become the best you possible with acupuncture! See ad on back cover.

ALICE HUANG’S NATURAL CHINESE THERAPIES 2939 1st St, Wyandotte 734-324-1168 1311 N. Main St, Clawson 248-278-6081 1890 Southfield, Birmingham 248-5828888

AliceHuangs.com

Alternative and holistic healing specializing in natural chinese therapies: acupuncture, massage, cupping, DDS therapy, colon hy drotherapy, foot detox and more. Multiple locations to better serve you. Make an appointment today. See ad, page 3.

BIOLOGICAL DENTIST

ANN ARBOR’S DENTIST

Dr. W. K. Dobracki, DDS 606 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, 48103 734-747-6400

DrDobracki@AnnArborsDentist.com AnnArborsDentist.com

Passionate about holistic care while utilizing Bio-Compatible materials and lasers. Our patients can elect to be free from fluoride, mercury and other harmful met als. Filling materials are tooth colored and both BPA & BisGMA free. We offer natural oral health products using fine essential oils, and free of gluten and pre servatives. See ad page 7.

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.

CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS

WELLNESS CENTER OF PLYMOUTH

Dr. Elizabeth Sisk, DC 1075 Ann Arbor Road W, Plymouth 734-454-5600

The Wellness Center of Plymouth provides a comprehensive, holis tic approach to health and well ness. The cornerstone of health is balanced body systems, and our 5 pillars – Chiropractic Care, Laser Therapy, Massage, Weight Loss and Nutrition – work together to bring your body into an optimal state of balance. Reclaim life and vitality by eliminating pain, disease and stress.

FUNCTIONAL DENTISTRY

DEXTER DENTAL STUDIO

7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd, Ste 300, Dexter 734-426-8360

DexterDentalStudio@gmail.com DexterDentalStudio.com

From the mo ment you walk through the door, you will experi ence a friendly and relaxed envi ronment where the focus is always on you and your overall well-being. Dentistry is about more than just filling teeth. We place great emphasis on inves tigating root causes, patient education, and provid ing a positive and helpful dental experience. See ad page 25.

HEALING WAYS

LUCKY FLOW ACUPUNCTURE

19244 Newburgh Rd, Livonia

Contact@LuckyFlow.com 734-266-8288

LuckyFlow.com

Lucky Flow Acupuncture has been serving the greater Detroit area for over 10 years, specializ ing in pain relief, fertility and so much more. See ad on back cover.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

DEDICATED SENIOR MEDICAL CENTER

Peter Johnson 313-498-5407

Peter.Johnson@Dedicated.Care www.Dedicated.Care

At Dedicated, we follow a unique model that has transformed the Senior healthcare experience, specializing in compassionate, coordinated care, allowing pa tients to lead longer, healthier lives. See ad page 19.

KOFANO AFRICAN NATURAL WELLNESS

Dr. Kofi Annorh 17372 Livernois, Detroit 248-636-8448

KofiAnnorh@gmail.com

Master herbalist, health and well ness coach, Dr. Kofi Annorh’s passion is to consult and help you on your unique healing journey. He is a fifth generation practi tioner of Ghanaian ancient knowledge. Dr. Kofi specializes in natural wellness and can help you with lifestyle changes, herbal teas, nutrition, herbal support, ener gy restoration, detoxification, weight loss, head aches, depression, sleep disorders and much more. Call, visit or email him today.

HEALTH FOOD

Vitamins,

HEALTHY RESTAURANTS

SILVIO’S TRATTORIA 225 S Canton Center Road. Canton, MI 48188

734-214-6666 SilviosTrattoria.com

If you’re look ing for Au thentic Italian food made with organic, locally sourced ingr dients in Can ton, Michi gan,

Silvio's Trattoria Pizzeria and enjoy

See ad page 13.

HEART ATTACK, STROKE, AND DEMENTIA PREVENTION

LESLIE I. BAUTISTA, RDH, BALE/DONEEN PRECEPTOR Dexter Dental Studio 7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd, Ste 300, Dexter 734-426-8360

Leslie@DexterDentalStudio.com

DexterDentalStudio.com

MOTHER BEAR SANCTUARY DAVE TUSCANY, CPC 586-907-6125

MotherBearSanctuary.com

Mother Bear Sanctuary’s mission is to remind people of their innate connections to their bodies, the Earth, all animals, and each other. Dave is a certified life coach spe cializing in shadow healing, men’s sexual empowerment, creating alignment in integrity, accountability. FIREWALK Empowerment events, “Thru The Eyes Of The Horse”Leadership & Sales Enhancement.

MERCURY-FREE / HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

TODARO DENTAL OF LIVONIA 248-477-7905

31395 W Seven Mile Rd, Livonia TodaroDental.com

Family owned general dental practice serving Livonia for 35 years. Gentle dentists and sis ters, Dr Terri and Cyn thia Todaro use a pre ventive approach with a holistic mindset and are celebrating 30 years of mercury free restorations. See ad page 17.

Here, at Dexter Dental Studio, we have a program to help individuals, “age backwards!”

Oral -Arterial Fit ness (OAF) is based on the Bale/Doneen Method of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia preven tion. Learn how to improve and protect your health with: carotid artery scanning, genetic testing, unique bloodwork, oral disease detection, food therapy, supportive supplementation and behavior strategies. Targeted and functional health outside your physi cian’s office! See ad page 25.

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 health care professionals to join our influencer program. See ad page 6.

MOLD TESTING & REMEDIATION

MOLDPRO

John Du Bois, CMI, CMR 247 W. Main Street, Milan 734-439-8800 • MoldProllc.com

MoldPro offers chemical-free mold remediation, independent certified mold testing, inspec tion and consultation services all over SE Michigan specializing in mold biotoxin illness clients.

MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

MADISON L. SCOTT, RDH, BSDH MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST

Dexter Dental Studio

7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd, Ste 300, Dexter 734-426-8360

Madison@DexterDentalStudio.com

DexterDentalStudio.com

To properly speak, breathe, and swal low, the muscles in our face, mouth, and throat need to be able to function together. Disharmony of those muscles can negatively impact breastfeeding, oral hygiene, facial growth and shape, stability of orthodontic treatment, TMJ movement, posture, digestion, sleep, and more. Madison’s therapeutic approach promotes proper tongue placement, breathing, speaking, chewing, and swallowing, which can have a huge impact on overall health and well-being. Learn more at DexterDentalStudio.com/myofunctional-therapy. See ad page 25.

NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS

SMIDGE® SMALL BATCH SUPPLEMENTS

Support@GetSmidge.com 1-888-524-6585

GetSmidge.com

Small-batch supple ments crafted with care and the clean est formulas. Probi otics, digestive en zymes, whole food vitamins and natu ral minerals made from honest, premium ingredients with critical nu trients. Gentle, no GMOs and no common allergens.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714

Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational pro grams offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one week end a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Indi vidual classes available. See ad page 5.

PAIN RELIEF

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY 973-715-9097 Info@AlbertasPainRelief.com AlbertasPainRelief.com

Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta's Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tis sues. All-natural ingredients!

PSYCHIC MEDICAL INTUITIVE HEALING

UNIVERSAL ENERGY HEALING & MASSAGE THERAPY FOR WOMEN

Christine Bridges 445 S Harvey St #23A, Plymouth ChristineBridges2@Comcast.net UniversalEnergyAndMassageTherapy.com 734-934-7271 By appointment only

Psychic medical intuitive healer with “X-ray vision hands”. Cli ents that may benefit from her work, includes anyone suffering from an “itis” (arthritis, colitis, etc.), old injuries, anxiety, depres sion, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADD, ADHD, autism, OCD, sleep con cerns, overly stressed, inability to conceive, or mis carriages, babies, unexplained weight gain or loss, inability to quit (smoking, drinking, abusing your self), chronic fatigue, energy maintenance for bal ance, chronic diseases, including cancer and auto immune disorders. See ad page 16.

RELIEF FROM TRAUMA, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

ACT

AbsoluteChoicesTherapy.com

Virtual Teletherapy for all ages. Immediate appointments avail able. Accepting most insur ance. Office in East Lansing. Change happens when you take responsibility to create thinking that supports ways to feel bet

REFLEXOLOGY

R3 REFLEXOLOGY (RELIEVE, RELEASE, RESTORE)

Kristi Holmes, Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist 689 N Mill St, Ste #103, Plymouth 248-872-3042 (Call or Text)

From head to toe, anxiety to verti go, reflexology can help. Reflexol ogy is a science, acknowledged by the National Institute of Health, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and the feet that correspond with every gland, organ and part of the body. I received my initial Certification in hands and feet from Branch Reflex ology Institute before going on to receive my Nation al Board Certification. I am privileged to work with a variety of clients—men, women and children of all ages—and the results I see from reflexology both personally and professionally continue to amaze me.

SCHOOL / EDUCATION

MOTHER BEAR SANCTUARY

BARBRA WHITE M.A, DI,HOM 734-796-6690

MotherBearSanctuary.com

Mother Bear Sanctuary’s mission is to remind people of their innate connections to their bodies, the Earth, all animals, and each other. Barbra specializes in transperson al therapy, horse retreats, trau ma-informed nature therapy, heal er training and leadership programs.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714

Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational pro grams offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one week end a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Indi vidual classes available. See ad page 5.

WHOLISTIC TRAINING INSTITUTE

Dr. Jesse Brown, ND 313-255-6155

WholisticTrainingInstitute.com

Discover a Healer in You. Make a Healthy Living and Better the Life of Others. State of Michi gan-licensed school offering pro fessional certifications for the following alternative health prac tices: naturopathy, homeopathy, herbology, reflexology, colon hydrotherapy, iridol ogy and many more. Find us on Facebook! Twitter: @WholisticGuru. See ad, page 15.